Mesh It Up

I first fell in love with mesh when I saw A Pair and a Spare’s DIY Mesh Pencil Skirt and my obsession with a dress with a sheer midriff I saw on 24-Hour Catwalk that I initially mistook for mesh.

Curated from Lifetime.com (right) and A Pair and a Spare DIY (left)

So, when going through Neiman Marcus for clothing featuring mesh, safe to say, I was pretty disappointed. There weren’t many outfits that featured mesh in any daring or creative manner but there were a few hidden gems on Net-A-Porter (I’m tempted to stay off Neiman Marcus now). The mesh always seems rather discreet like in this Nanette Lapore Tahmira Mesh-Sleeve Ponte Dress where the mesh is just sleeves or in this Catherine Malandrino Mesh/Faux-Leather Fitted Dress where the mesh is literally hidden by the geometric leather pieces (although I do love how clean this dress is) but there are a few hidden gems like this M Missoni Space Dye & Mesh Dress although, upon closer look, it looks more knit than mesh.

Nanette Lapore (left) and Catherine Malandrino (center) And M Missoni (right), curated from Neiman Marcus

Although Net-A-Porter was slightly more promising with this MCQ Alexander McQueen Mesh-Paneled Stretch Leggings which is not only ingenious because I’ve never come across pants with mesh before (and the mesh is clearly visible and obvious here) and this Emillio Pucci Silk-Chiffon and Embellished Mesh Dress which is almost sporty but classy at the same time with a racerback but is made of silk-chiffon and mesh. I am in love.

Emilio Pucci (left) and MCQ for Alexander McQueen (right), curated from Net-A-Porter

Of course, what would a post be without shoes? Net-A-Porter’s selection of shoes when searched “Mesh” is, for lack of a better word, delightful and I’ve just discovered a new shoe designer addiction: Nicholas Kirkwood. I am obsessed. His shoes are just gorgeous and that ice-pick thin gold heel?! Catch me as I faint from excited fangirling! And of course, Jimmy Choo never fails to disappoint.

Clockwise from top left: Nicholas Kirkwood Lace-Mesh Pumps, Nicholas Kirkwood Embellished Suede and Mesh Ankle Boots, Bruno Magli Gelmer Swarovski Crystal-Embellished Mesh and Suede Pumps, Jimmy Choo Embellished Mesh and Suede Sandals, Jimmy Choo Amika Patent Leather-Trimmed Lace and Mesh Pumps, Nicholas Kirkwood Lace-Mesh and Leather Sandals, curated from Net-A-Porter.

A Google search of “Mesh Dress” turned quite a lot of results on ASOS and Forever 21. You’d think that it was one or two dresses but when I clicked on the links, it was literally hundreds of dresses in almost the same styles with little peeks of non-creative mesh. In a moment of limited fashion knowledge, I worshiped the ground that Forever 21 walked on but after a glimpse at this website, I’ll worship select pieces. And, after this glimpse which left me in somewhat horror, I understand why there is so little mesh used in wearable high fashion pieces.

This has got to be the pièce de résistance on my obsession with mesh and it rejuvenates my love for mesh after having been tortured with the generic mesh dresses on ASOS and Forever 21. If you are as obsessed with mesh as I am (and you have a tons of cash stashed away to spare), consider procuring Saint Laurent’s Swarovki Crystal-Embellished Stretch-Mesh Jumpsuit. There is nothing more quirky-classy than this jumpsuit and if you can pull if off as well as Kate Moss at Paris Fashion Week 2013, why not? If you’re daring, put on a black bra (preferable one with a scalloped edge or lace), a black leather mini-skirt, some combat boots and you’ll be a high fashion goth. 

Because I am so obsessed, the jumpsuit deserves four pictures: The jumpsuit (top right) and close-up (center), styling by Net-A-Porter (top right), on the runway (bottom-left), curated from Net-A-Porter and Kate Moss Paris Fashion Week 2013 (bottom right), curated from Handbag.com.

Yay or Nay on Mesh? Leave me a comment!

Seeing Double…Or Quadruple

Have you ever heard of the winged tote? If you have not, here’s what I mean:

Topshop Winged Tote. Curated from Nordstrom.

I have been obsessed ever since I saw River Island’s take on it. Recently, I was on Net-A-Porter (of course) and I wanted to stab my screen with a coloured sharpie. So, far I have seen four brands release the same exact design. I am not talking about an exact copy but a repetitive template. Okay, fine, one may be quilted and another is made of pure crocodile skin (I’m kidding) but it’s essentially the same thing. It’s the same cream/white body with black wings. (I’ve even encountered the colours vice versa.) I may not be a designer or be very knowledgeable about the industry but to regular people like me, it looks like this:

[The following scenario is high exaggerated.]

Brand A: I heard that Brand B is putting that winged tote on the market! Quick! We can’t let them beat us. We’ve been working on this for months! Tell Jenna to hurry on up! People will definitely buy ours! We’re an international fashion house with a big following! Our sales will definitely be the best!

Brand C: I hear Brand A is releasing some winged tote. It will definitely become a trend. But how am I to be different? I know! I’ll add some really expensive material to it like Kobe cow leather and some crocodile skin (again, I kid). We’re the most famous brand. We will definitely get the most sales.

Brand B: Let’s make it white and black. The simple contrast goes well with anything!

Brand A and C: Let’s not change the colours! Black and white is so classic and chic.

Honestly, why would anyone want to buy essentially the same bag more than once?

Chloé “The Alison Leather Tote”, curated from Net-A-Porter

Description:

Chloé’s cream, black and white ‘Alison’ tote is a sleek update of the brand’s popular ‘Alice’ style. We love the uncomplicated, clean-lined design and minimal hardware. This spacious carryall is unlined for a cool, relaxed finish – team yours with neutral tones to channel the label’s feminine spirit.

Michael Kors “Miranda Two-Tone Leather Tote”, Curated from Net-A-Porter

Description:

Michael Kors’ spacious ‘Miranda’ tote is ideal for everyday use. In a timeless combination of white and quilted black leather, this bag will hold everything from your tablet to makeup case. Carry it against a polished monochrome outfit.

River Island Cream Quilted Panelled Tote, Curated from Zalora.my

Description: Unavailable

Fiorelli Kay Francis  Winged Tote Bag, Curated from ASOS

Description: Unavailable

Despite everything, I’d still end up buying the River Island one. It was love at first sight.

A Walk In The Park

Sophie Printed Dress at Forever New 
Jessica Simpson “Catcher” Bootie at Nordstrom
Tote Bag at Etsy
Bangle at GUESSByMarciano (link unavailable)
Bowler Hat at Ark
Matthew Williamson Opulent Necklace in Teal at Forward by Elyse Walker

 

Five Feet Two and Jeans

You know how you always have that pair of jeans that is always too long and ends up scooping up mud and dirt where ever you go? Or that pair of jeans where you have to fold the bottom into cuffs but end up looking like bell jar pants? 

I’ve been suffering from that predicament my entire life. Not only am I only five feet two, I have short legs. How I wish I had long legs. Now, the logical decision would be to wear heels with my jeans or go with that trend of having your jeans drape entirely over your shoes. Here are some examples of what I mean:

Curated from Erin McDermott (left) and Washingtonian (right).

In both styles, I’d have to wear heels (since I don’t have the longest legs in the world) and there are just those days where I want to slob around and wear flats or sandals. I have a very raggedy pair of Charles and Keith flats that are just too comfortable to give up.  

So, after much deliberation, I decided that I would try hemming my jeans. A while back, I found this great three step tutorial for hemming jeans. It was great because it boasted that it would be easy for beginner seamstresses (that’s me!) and it was absolutely amazing. It was so simple and easy and was ultimately foolproof. Because of how you are sewing on the fold (that will remain hidden), you can barely see a seam unless you look very, very closely.

My first try was with my favourite pair of Levi’s (from a thrift store) and it turned out exactly as I had wanted to. Although, it was slightly longer than I wanted it to be (because I wasn’t careful when holding the fold in place during sewing), it would no longer help the road cleaners sweep up the dirt. And I didn’t have to bother with cuffs any more! 

I wish I had pictures but it totally slipped my mind. Now that I know this hemming is successful, I’ll take pictures on the next pair of jeans I hem to show you how it’s done. I can’t wait to hem all of my pants/jeans!