Showing posts with label fashion. Show all posts
Showing posts with label fashion. Show all posts

Saturday, January 24, 2015

Ullu Snapon iPhone Case


As iPhone users go, I'm one of the purists. I much prefer going caseless to retain the integrity of the design, and since I'm quite careful with my belongings, I'm not too worried about damage to my phone. That said, I do want my phone to last over two years before having to shell out for another, and a little voice in my head tells me that's not possible unless I cover it up.

The challenge then was to find something that's functional yet aesthetically pleasing. What always surprises me is how incredibly challenging that is (think shopping for heels. Ugh). Existing iPhone cases either look clunky (Otterbox being the perennial favorite) or basic (the $5 variety on Amazon), so I was glad when I finally found something I liked – believe me, it was a journey.


Ullu products are hand stitched and hand finished, and come in a variety of leathers and delectable hues. I was sorely tempted by the ostrich leather material but couldn't justify the spend ($225!). Instead, I opted for the Grain Leather Snapon Case in Sun Ray ($55), a bright yellow to brighten up the currently moody winter.

I knew I made the right choice when the case arrived in the mail. The grainy texture of the leather is pleasing to the touch and lends the case an air of sophistication. It is as sleek as an iPhone case can be, adding such little bulk to the phone that it only took me a day to get used to the widened grip. The case is fitted very well to the phone and is pretty hard to remove once it's on, which is a good thing in my books. One of my pet peeves with cases is flimsiness and it doesn't look like this will become loose over time.

Overall, highly recommended. Visit ullushop.com for more.

Saturday, January 10, 2015

Fingers in the Cold


It is a happy coincidence that I took a picture of myself holding this bottle of Nails Inc Porchester Square a few months ago in my DKNY Cashmere Pop Top Gloves, because at this point of time I wouldn't be caught dead outside without those tops fully closed. Sometimes, it's hard to stomach the price of cashmere (these gloves are $95), but I've experienced enough winters that I can't deny its efficacy. That and Uniqlo Heattech are my two saving graces this frigid season.

But we were talking about protecting the fingers of those who are untenable toward the cold, so consider this a PSA to get these gloves. It keeps you warm while enabling you to show off your manicure (if you so wish) and use a smart phone with minimal exposure. I'm kind of jealous that it's now on sale at dkny.com.

As for the polish, it's now in a bigger, heavier bottle with the same ol' stuff inside. Porchester Square is a beige mauve shade that would serve as a great nude for most.

Tuesday, November 26, 2013

Winter Mix

I never knew (fine, I never admitted to myself) that the majority of my wardrobe consisted of gray and black pieces. I suppose after having lived in New York City for over a year, that shouldn't be a surprise. It's not like I don't like neutral colors, but sometimes staring at a wardrobe made of neutrals can get a little bland.

I've never really done an outfit post on Messy Wands, not so much due to lack of interest, but simply because the lens I bought for my camera wasn't suitable for full body shots. That said, here are my fall/winter wardrobe staples. I've been wearing these constantly over the last month and don't see the items (nor color scheme) changing any time soon. A detailed rundown:

The Reformation Rawr Sweater and Gem Skirt – Why I like this brand and this particular sweater was elaborated in this post. Let's just say I haven't gotten over it since the acquisition two months ago.

DKNY Cashmere Pop-Top Gloves – Is it preposterous that they charge $85 for a pair of gloves? Yes, yes it is. But In my defense, these are made of oh-so-warm cashmere and they have a slit on the thumb that come in serious handy for iPhone users (like me). I bought a pair last year that had holes by the end of winter from frequent use, so to me it's a very worthy and needed repurchase.

Yves Solomon Scarf – Another past winter acquisition. It's a good gray and black ombre, which as you can see, fits neatly with the rest of my wardrobe. On really cold days, it keeps me really warm.

Burberry Boots – These are my favorite ankle boots ever. They're super comfortable and I've never failed to get compliments when I wear them. The leather is curiously matte, so I haven't figured out how to maintain it (like, people shine regular leather shoes, but what should I do when it's matte leather?). Luckily, it has held up well against the elements and I don't seem to have to do that... yet.

Oliver Peoples Sunglasses – Worn here. Still my favorite hide-from-the-sun shades.

Uniqlo Heattech Tights – ABSOLUTE NECESSITY. If you are prone to cold and don't know what Heattech is, get thyself to a Uniqlo store, stat!

Burberry Coat – I bought this particular coat 3-4 years ago because I wanted a peacoat and I wanted it to last me through many many winters. The price was probably ridiculous, but I've survived a few winters in it since, and many more to come. (In case you were wondering, this is how I justify all my ridiculous purchases.) I also feel as slick as Sherlock Holmes (as played by Benedict Cumberbatch) when I wear it, so no regrets whatsoever.

Burberry Earmuffs – In case there was any doubt what my favorite brand was... ha. These earmuffs save my life every. winter. Sigh, I am such a wuss when it comes to cold weather.

Proenza Schouler PS1 – A few years ago I made the conscious choice to start investing in my wardrobe. Quality over quantity! was the war cry. That was when I splurged on the PS1. This bag has been with me through daily life, travel, interviews, functions, you name it, it's probably been there. I've thrown it around, ran with it through pouring rain, and subjected it to much distress, and still it stands sturdy. For a small-looking bag, it holds a surprising amount of stuff too. Best investment I've made in a bag.

Here's a photo of me frolicking in Northwestern University's campus, wearing most of the items in the photo. Yes, I was very happy to have disturbed the peace of that neatly gathered pile of leaves.



This post is written to celebrate the new ShopStyle.

Monday, February 13, 2012

Fashion Picks: NYFW Fall 2012 (so far)

We interrupt our regularly scheduled program with an obligatory Fashion Week post! But since I'm sure you're absolutely bombarded with these everywhere else, there will be no beauty recreations (yet!) or trend watching here. Instead, let's just have a little fun with fashion.

I picked these based on immediate impulse, so the only looks that surprised me were the DVF and Derek Lam ones (all red leather? Really, Xiao?). There is definitely a pattern here: Peter Pan collars (I have such a need for these), long flowy dresses, sharp cuts, and just well-tailored things in general.

All photos from style.com.

Carolina Herrera Look #10 - for my Morticia Adams fix

Carolina Herrera Look #19 - for the days I want to look like I chicly got out of bed

DKNY Look #2

Diane von Furstenberg Look #32

Derek Lam Look #9

Donna Karan Look #33

Donna Karan Look #8

Ohne Titel Look #2 - because my boyfriend said he wanted to retire in Alaska (uh, no thanks)

3.1 Phillip Lim Look #27

Victoria Beckham Look #17

Victoria Beckham Look #22