Vest & Blazer | Navy

Blue Blazer (size 32) | H&M
Vest (vintage) | Dolce & Gabbana 
Skirt (UK2) | ASOS Petite 
Ribbed vest (UK4) & boots | ASOS

I love a good layer once in a while (by that, I mean at least thrice a week)! Picked up this navy vintage vest a few years back and haven't worn it as a middle piece so far so I thought - why not? It went perfectly well with this navy blazer and I love how they look together. Kept the rest of the look simple with black and white. It can look really formal if paired with a white blouse, some tailored cigarette trousers and pointed heels (for times when I want to go all out) but since I'm such a huge fan of smart casual outfits, I went with a simple ribbed tank top, a mini ponte skirt and some ankle boots (which was my footwear companion during my recent trip to UK & Europe - just got back yesterday!). I always love how pointed boots manage to smarten up an outfit / keep an outfit really chic but still smart even though it has so much attitude to it. Pointed boots are probably my favourite footwear! They are (usually) easy to put on/take off and are so runnable in and I always wear boots for my dance performances because they can look so cool yet easy to move around in too.

In this outfit, I went with a simple pointed pair with buckles. I actually had another pair which were really similar (around the same shaft height, heel height, buckles and all) and they were one of my very first pair of boots from ASOS. The only part of that pair that made me decide to give it up is its rounded toe. One day while doing some online shopping, I came across this pair and decided that this was the perfect replacement. Although this pair has a way heavier block heel, the pointed toe was gorgeous and I absolutely love pairing this with almost everything - shorts, skirts, trousers, jeans, dresses - literally everything! All that's needed are a pair of socks that go higher than the boot shaft. Since then, I stopped shunning online shops when looking for good quality and reasonably priced genuine leather boots. Buying shoes online can be a huge risk, especially if the sites do not offer free return services. When purchasing shoes online, I always consider the country of origin of the brand, and also make sure I know my shoe size in different countries' measurements. Apart from always reading reviews (if available), I also tend to turn to brands I already own when shopping online so the chances of having a good fit are increased. Also, buying boots online is more forgiving (always size up if unsure) as socks can help to make the fit better and increase comfort!

Also, this modal blend singlet top is everything. It's so insanely soft and comfy (it's modal, of course!) and I couldn't resist getting it in several colours - black and grey too (if they are even considered 'colours'). And if that's not enough, I got them in petite versions too (in the exact same colours!) There are so many versions out there in different fabrics. Singlet / tank tops are often not allowed in offices where the dress codes are smart casual to formal. Having such tops in different fabrics actually change the 'feel' of the outfit more than we think they do. I can easily get away with wearing a silk singlet with trousers and boyfriend blazer for formal meetings (of course, the rest of the outfit plays a big part too - especially the blazer in this case!). The ultimate formal look would be to go for a blazer and a shirt but I don't usually go for that combination (unless it's a printed or sheer shirt) as it reminds me way too much of going to court. Also, singlets and tank tops are sleeveless, which work way better in keeping cool in this humid Singapore weather! 

xo
clara

Blue

Dress | ASOS Petite
Leather jacket | Mint Velvet via Robinsons
Shoes | Dolce & Gabbana (similar here and here)
Bag | Bally (newer season's version here)

Unintentionally matching w Ian! Had lunch with my family at Grand Pavilion at Esplanade, our favourite Cantonese restaurant in Sg.

This dress is 100% lyocell and superrrr comfortable. It's one the rare feminine/girly pieces in my wardrobe! To be honest, I was mildly attracted by the gorgeous crochet detail at the hem initially and when I realised that it was lyocell, that sealed the deal! I knew I could expect really soft and comfortable fabric, which is also biodegradable (unlike polyester). It looks a lot like denim, and I have several denim-looking shirts that are lyocell too. They can be washed to have an edgy look or kept looking well-seasoned like this blue dress. One downside about lyocell is that it creases easily. SO FREAKING EASILY (as you all can see from the photos above). Ohwell.

These shoes have became increasingly uncomfortable to walk in. Not sure if it's because the leather stretched out and it became slightly loose on me :( I got it from a Club 21 sale a few years ago at 90% off retail price! How awesome is that. Really wanted to pop by the Club 21 sale this year but I was in Turkey that very weekend and totally missed it (no regrets though!). I walked from Raffles City S.C. all the way to Esplanade this very day and by the time I finished lunch, my toes were hurting so bad I went to Charles & Keith in City Link Mall, got myself a pair of beige pointed heels (I keep them in the office now because they're quite comfortable and literally goes well with everything!) and starting wearing them immediately. My feet felt like it went from hell to heaven when I finally switched shoes.

xo
clara

Shot by Leona | Part C(assandra Bralet)

Photos by Leona aka OHNANAZ

Cassandra Bralet by Eberjey | Perk by Kate
Jeans | Zipia.net
Cardigan | Zara
Heels | Dolce & Gabbana
Lipstick | Chanel
Watch & necklace | Agnès b.

Here's the final look Leona shot for me (check out the first look and second look too)!

I've been wanting to style an outfit like this in a long while but have yet to meet any photographers whom I felt might be able to/appropriate to shoot such an outfit with. When Leona and I arranged to go out shooting something together, I thought, this is it. This outfit, to me, is all about laid-back sexiness. It's what I would want to wear all day (maybe not those sky high heels, though) on a weekend and laze around (with no pervs staring whatsoever). I'd say Leona's photography really did justice to the gorgeous bralet and still having the chill/casual/laidback ish vibe I was hoping to portray.

Let's talk about this AMAZING BRALET, shall we?
As soon as I saw it, I added it to cart and checked out right away. Thank god I did. Next time I checked, my size (I'm wearing xs) was sold out. It comes in 2 colours - Moonbeam and Mint Tint. I was so tempted to order both colours but decided to try out the size before getting both, and I had such a difficult time deciding which colour to get. In the end, I ordered Mint Tint. And after I tried it on, the first thing I did was to go on to the website to purchase it in Moonbeam too. BUT. It was sold out in my size, sigh. It fits me pretty well, other than the back being a little looser around the waist than I liked it to be but else, all's great and super comfy. Personally, I feel that longline bralets offer more support (and thus are more comfortable) than most normal bralets. This one might just be the prettiest piece of (non-black) lace in my closet.

And so I paired it with light coloured jeans (distressed, of course!) and my trusty (super old) thick knitted cardigan for this outfit, together with beige strappy heels (petite girls' best friend). This pair of heels might just be one of my highest pair (for now) but they're surprisingly easy to walk around on even ground. The last time I wore it out on the uneven road, I held on to Ian (still looking cool, I hoped) really tightly in case I fall (and I had to walk downslope backwards) LOL.

Loads of thanks to Leona for helping me shoot this look (and the previous two looks)!!

Disclaimer: All my looks were worn only for the photoshoot. I didn't go walking around Singapore wearing the outfits we photographed.

Thanks for reading!