In the midst of an exhausting and sleepless New York Fashion Week, Tadashi Shoji’s SS 2018 collection was definitely a breath of fresh air. I’ve always known Tadashi Shoji for regal evening dresses meant for the red carpet but this time around, he treated the audience to a collection that can get one California dreamin’.
Influenced by the laid-back West Coast, Tadashi Shoji rolled out playful and delicate dresses made for the free-spirited gal. Frankly speaking, they look like dresses I would love to kick my work stilettos off for and slip into for a vacation. Maybe I would leave my desk for these dresses…who knows!
The flowy silhouettes are gorgeous, to say the least. They’re the kind of dresses that bring some swinging action down the street, if not a shoreline.
Gemstone and golden colors dominated the collection, painted across frocks in beach umbrella-inspired stripes, jacquard florals, and luxurious lace work. Living in Los Angeles, I have to say that Southern California’s colors and textures influence my wardrobe and bring it the life it needs. It’s never tiring to draw inspiration from So-Cal. Always vibrant, never drab.
For the show, I wore Tadashi Shoji’s Bazile Tea-Length Dress and it is as breathable and flowy as it looks—I may or may not have twirled in this dress a little too much. Love that it can go from the office to a night out, too. Styled with a coat, boots, bold pink clutch and sunnies and I was good to go.
West Coast Represent! And wearing Tadashi Shoji.
Some other details—Louis Vuitton envelope clutch and Durrah Jewelry “Spring” rings.
Another gorgeous Tadashi Shoji number is this Camila Tea-Length Dress, which I wore to the Bazaar Icons party. Love this. The lace trimmings and sheer fabric look like it’s a lot of work to wear but I was able to move and mingle around just comfortably—thanks to the jersey lining underneath.
Arriving at the #BazaarIcons party.
Put on red ankle-strap heels for an extra chic finish.
Glam rock chick essentials: Tadashi Shoji Camilla Tea-Length dress and snazzy electric guitars in the background.
Posing with Natalie Lim Suarez (of Natalie Off Duty) and Jessica Wang (Not Jess Fashion)
Jared Leto still managed to look better than me and my pretty get-up though, LOL.
Here’s to the next NYFW.
Living in Los Angeles has its rewards and challenges – and one of the more ‘fun challenges’ is the fact that it’s so casual and relaxed that apart from the toniest of red carpet events, it’s really easy to just go casual 24/7.
And so living in Los Angeles – one of the trends that I actually hope won’t go away anytime soon is the art of the casual chic. And one of the more iconic casual brands – Keds has joined the bandwagon of elevating their designs to include more sophisticated looks for women like me – who now would rather wear comfortable shoes on a daily basis.
I mean aren’t these shoes just adorable?
I love how classic American brands like Keds continue to evolve with the times – taking a classic design and making comfortable shoes that also look great so women like you and me can just go where we want to go without thinking about our feet.
So are you taking the plunge to get more comfortable soon? Because if you haven’t noticed more and more, I am over shoes I can’t walk in and looking forward to more shoes like these Keds
This blog post is created in partnership with Keds. However, all thoughts and opinion are my own (as always.)
Under to outer wear – why Wolford is the name to remember.
When top fashion designers such as Vivienne Westwood, Zac Posen and Karl Lagerfeld want to work with a brand, all fashionistas need to pay attention. Wolford – which is an Austrian company known for their high quality hosiery, is now also making more more “to be seen’ pieces with the same durable yet luxurious textiles.
When Wolford sent over some of their thights and their best-selling Fatal dress ( I already owned one but was happy to get another!) it was a no-brainer for me to write this article.
I am wearing Wolford’s multi-functional Fatal dress (as a skirt) and their tights.
Perfect for those of us who want to show a bit of leg without showing skin.
Closeup of one of Wolford’s beautiful tights.
Zooming in, you can see the high quality weaving that makes the Wolford tights durable.
Here’s why you should be checking out their high-end pieces at www.wolfordshop.com
or at a Wolford Boutique near you.
Because “underwear” is by literal definition worn-under, there is a tendency for inferior pieces to rub against the outer garment causing it to pill, snag, rip apart or wear out quickly. Wolford’s ultra soft but durable viscose blends last and maintain their integrity. It’s not worth it to purchase inexpensive undergarments that lose their shape or wear out quickly causing you to have to repurchase over and over. I have been wearing Wolford socks for years and can vouch for their superior materials. In fact Nina Garcia, the former Editor-in-Chief of Marie Claire magazine has stated that Wolford hosiery is the only brand worth going to.
Opaque should mean opaque. Don’t be taken by surprise again by purchasing hosiery or garments that you think aren’t see-through and then discover later you “overshared” when you’re walking in bright daylight or under the camera flash.
Visible pantylines (and other undergarments bumps) aren’t attractive. I love that they make everything magically seamless. I don’t know how they do it, but as long as they do I’ll keep buying.
Their Luxe 9 tights – one of the most sheerest tights in the market and it makes your legs look like airbrushed perfection.
Look how invisible Worlford’s Luxe 9 tights are. It makes your skin looks flawless and yet you need to peer really closely to see it. PS : I hardly wear my skirt this high but I needed to show how invisible the thights are.
They come in a variety of shades to fit a wide range of skin tones.
Accessories should add to your outfit. Hosiery can be more than merely functional. Wolford’s leggings and tights add detail to your look which makes them more than utilitarian. Picture the following (Noa tights) paired with an LBD or a sweater dress– You just went from ordinary to extraordinary!
I am wearing Wolford’s Fatal convertible tube dress (as a skirt) and their Noa tights.
Wolford’s modern Noa tights.
Of course sometimes underwear is worn as outerwear. Don’t think Madonna’s cone-bra or tacky bra-straps showing. Underwear as outerwear has never been done so well. The quality and elegance of Wolfords t-shirts and bodysuits make them stand-alone pieces if you want them to.
I am wearing the Fatal dress as a … well dress. I love how versatile this piece is. You can wear it as a pencil skirt, a tube tob, a mini skirt , a foundation slip or even a belt. The possibilities are endless.
Add a belt and a blazer to the Fatal dress and voila!
Multifunctioning wear is not limited here to just outer or underwear. At least not at Wolford where their Fatal dress can be worn in so many ways. It’s a dress, a mini skirt, a tube top, a pencil skirt! Perhaps they call it “fatal” because it’s to die for?
Bottom line, whatever you put closest to your skin should feel great. Wolford textiles are comfortable, lux, and breathable. They could rest on those laurels alone except they’ve taken it a step further and designed classic, elegant under and outerwear.
I’m certainly not going to argue with Wolford collaborator Vivienne Westwood who said:
“Buy less, choose well, make it last.”
Learn how this seasoned entrepreneur tackles everyday life while managing her two successful ventures.
On this week’s Success in Stilettos series, The Ambitionista features
Jenny Q. Ta, Founder & CEO of Sqeeqee.com, the
first-of-its-kind social networthing platform and the inventor of an
interactive multi-player game Squiggy Piggy, she is also the Co-Founder of
VCNetwork.Co with
Shinta Dhanuwardoyo, a virtual “Shark Tank” for startups that bridges the
gap between modern entrepreneurs and forward-thinking venture capitalists
worldwide.
What did you want to do when you grow up?
Change the world.
Which women do you admire in your life?
Margaret Thatcher.
Name one activity that you do every day without fail
Say my prayers.
How long is your working day?
How long is your working day? At least 12 to 15 hours, or even
more.
How much sleep do you get every night?
I try to get a minimum of five to six hours, but on average it’s
probably less.
If you really want to dress to impress, what do you do?
Depending on the occasion or event, but I would just visit a mall and
grab a new outfit to fit that occasion. This is always the case.
What are your favorite brands for workwear?
It depends, but I’d say Zara. It’s simple, modern and they have small
sizes.
What’s your favorite everyday beauty brands/products?
Chanel.
What was the biggest obstacle you have faced that in the end
helped you?
Failure.
How often do you check your emails?
After every meeting. Most of the time, my daily work schedule is
back-to-back meetings..
How do you stay sane and on top of it?
Have a few fun chats with good friends or run for hours on the
beach.
What do you carry with you all the time in your purse?
An iPhone and a Samsung phone.
How often do you check your emails?
After every meeting. Most of the time, my daily work schedule is back-to-back meetings.
What do you splurge on?
A bit of fashion and travel.
What does success mean to you?
Seeing more women leaders with equal pay and respect in the
workplace.
If you could meet a younger you from 10 years ago, what would
you have told her?
Keep on going and don’t ever stop.
Caught between a strong mind, and a fragile heart.” – UNKNOWN
I have always hated multi-step fussiness when it comes to skincare.
So when the good folks at La Prairie recently sent me some products to try and told me that its a multi-functional wonder I got excited. Introducing the the La Prairie Cellular Swiss Ice Crystal Transforming Cream SPF 30, which is an Awesome 3-in-1 Product:
It’s an oil-free product that has SPF 30 sun protection, moisturizes and brightens. It comes with an adorable brush that helps you put it on easily (although I have to say I’ve always liked using my fingers and find that using my digits gives the same result.)
The product comes in a very luxurious bottle and feels absolutely great on my face. And best of all I save so much time – all I need to do is put on some mascara, blusher and lipstick and I’m ready for the door!
If you find that your skin is a bit on the oily side like mine, brushing on some powder before heading out the door and throughout the door would help get the shine monster at bay.
I am wearing the La Prairie Transforming 3-in-1 tinted moisturizer on my face.
My dress is by Worth New York.
Get to know what goes behind the scenes in the life of a seasoned serial tech entrepreneur.
The Ambitionista is proud to feature Shinta Dhanuwardoyo. Based in Jakarta, Indonesia, she is the CEO and Founder of Bubu.com (Indonesia’s prominent digital advertising agency), an Angel Investor (co-founder of Angel eQ Network), and Co-Founder of VCNetwork.Co with Jenny Q. Ta, a virtual “Shark Tank” for startups that bridges the gap between modern entrepreneurs and forward-thinking venture capitalists worldwide.
What did you want to do when you grow up?
When I was young, I always told people I wanted to become a doctor, but at the end of the day, I just want to contribute and help human kind in the biggest possible way through technology.
Which women do you admire in your life?
My mom definitely, my grandma, Supeni. Supeni was one of Indonesia’s legendary women politicians. Her career was built from being Indonesia’s traveling ambassador during the 1960’s under Soekarno’s era (Indonesia’s first President). My grandma led a delegation of 19 men at the United Nation’s conference in New York in 1962. For that era, it was extraordinary. Of course, one day, I would love to sit down and hang out with Oprah Winfrey.
Name one activity that you do every day without fail
I always make sure that I learn something new every day.
If you are not working you would be … ?
Hanging out with my two daughters and husband. Head to the mall for some retail therapy with my daughters, or I would be shopping online 🙂
What’s your favorite vacation spot?
Bali, Indonesia (heaven on earth).
If you really want to dress to impress, what do you do?
I put on my Batik outfit. Batik is a traditional textile, which is done intricately through a resistant wax dyeing process. It’s one of the highest forms of art that can be found in Indonesia. (Here is my blog:
What’s your favorite everyday beauty brands/products?
Nothing in particular, but I love Guerlain, Armani, Chanel, and Dior.
What was the biggest obstacle you have faced that in the end helped you?
Failures that I went through in a number of my business ventures.
How often do you check your emails?
After every meeting. Most of the time, my daily work schedule is back-to-back meetings..
How do you stay sane and on top of it?
I think of my two beautiful daughters.
How do you get energized?
I feel energized after a glass of fresh squeezed orange mixed with strawberry juice.
Do you exercise? If yes, what type and how often?
I just do planks and squats daily for 10 minutes. Then on weekends, I hit the gym.
What do you splurge on?
I splurge on gorgeous Indonesian Batik cloths (yes, the best ones cost thousands and thousands of dollars) and the best pair of stiletto heels like Valentino’s rock studs and Louboutins.
What does success mean to you?
Success to me is having a balance in life between work, family, social and spiritual life and to be useful for human kind.
If you could meet a younger you from 10 years ago, what would you have told her?
Don’t be afraid to stand out and think bigger than ever.
“Done is better than perfect” – SHERYL SANDBERG
If there’s one fashion item that I’d have to invest on, it would be delectable Italian-leather made bags. A popular guilty pleasure but you know it’s worth every penny. Aside from shoes, it’s the one thing that could make or break an outfit or better yet, exist on its own as a fashion statement. Ladies, you’ve got to agree, everyone’s been a bagaholic once in they’re life! On this week’s IT LIST, see my must have bag list!
Go ahead, cop one of your own– it will be our little secret! 🙂
See more on how I styled my recent favorite studded bag in
white is from Thomas Wylde on this post!
