"Less is more" is the strategy of choice where important figures are concerned - the essential 3Rs of environmental conservation, for one, or the number of RBR-assigned readings per module (and we wonder why people are reluctant to bid for Literature courses?). Every little bit goes a mighty long way, but scaling down always constitutes a big step for those who are accustomed to supersizing everything from their Big Macs to their monthly credit statements.
Most unfortunately for fad-ODing fashion slaves, dressing to overkill is now a practice observed only by the real rehab connoisseurs (see below). This year, making the cut engenders precisely this - decisive downsizing and clever trend adaptations aimed at paving the way for more functional (and economical) wardrobe moderations. HOOKED shows you how.
LAYERING
GIRLS
Evidently it will take nothing short of a governmental decree to bring the waistcoat fad to its knees. In fact, for many girls, the vest has become as novel a wardrobe mainstay as days-of-the-week panties. Unfortunately, it seems that they are beginning to take this underwear analogy a little literally - by pairing their cropped vests with virtually everything they own.
While we aren't about to dispute the popularity of this beloved accessory by discussing how the halter-necked versions only serve to make the belles of your Sociology lecture group look like a bunch of androgynous penguins (sad, but true), it must be noted that piling on the layers makes for highly impractical and somewhat unsanitary (just ask your sweat ducts) school attire.
Lightweight blouses or tank tops are often-overlooked foolproof matches for your waistcoat - such basics are available for a dime a dozen from the likes of chain stores such as La Senza or GAP.
Also worth a look is UK-based label Belle and Dean, which boasts a quirky array of organic animal-printed crewnecks and tank tops.
Alternatively, invest in vests or wraps which are made from light cotton or jersey instead of stiffer, heavier fabrics like tweed.
Travel lightly, as demonstrated by Alexander Wang's Spring 2008 collection.
GUYS
Behold the towering mass of ponchos and fringed mujahidin scarves which appears intent on rolling down the corridors and ensnaring hapless students in its herringbone pockets a la The Blob.
A closer inspection will probably disclose the appearance of your former NS bunkmate. Yessiree, it seems that the boys, too, are catching onto such masochism. We are constantly assailed by the sight of vests heaped with (black) sweaters and scarves which, while fulfilling just about every sartorial criteria of the emo subculture, hardly do any justice to our climate and the Tiananmen-like walkways of the university.
Take a cue from the urban hippie instead and work your layers around your favourite worn-in staples. Nothing offsets an eclectic scarf better than a plain white T-shirt or preppy basics such as Bermuda shorts or well-cut blue jeans - anything more will make you look uncharacteristically tubby and risk politically incorrect run-ins, particularly in light of today's terrorism-racked world.
Take a sartorial cue from Dries Van Noten, but trade your patterned top for a stock-colored one to tame a bold scarf for daywear.
MAKEUP
GIRLS
You can't get any less underground than an Investment Analysis module, but this clearly has not hindered various "scenesters" from walking around looking as though they had just teleported from Home Club (about as "scene" as we can all ever get) into an institution of higher learning.
Looking like you've just been sucker-punched may earn you props from fellow wannabes, but the last thing you need (and your already-mounting workload will testify this) is to spend an hour over the sink every night trying to scrub your indelible smudge-proof eyeliner off. Also, think twice before entering the vicious cycle of artfully sweeping strands of gelled hair over your forehead and eyes - this is probably why you had to slap on all that concealer to begin with.
Obviously Avril Lavigne had NOT been paying attention when the world mandated that the crazed insomniac look only works on Christian Bale.
A throwback to the black-only philosophy of the moody scenesters are those who are accustomed to waltzing into class decked out for an NDP number in makeup colours that will make even a drag queen despair.
A swab of tinted moisturizer will suffice as a means of evening out skin tone (or to double-up as a light concealer) and to keep the face hydrated throughout the day.
Recommended formulas include Shu Uemura's Deepsea Moisturizing Emulsion or Clarins Hydracare Tinted Moisturizer (both available at all leading departmental stores and beauty counters), which are known to be especially ideal for Asian skin.
Chalk-white foundation and false lashes may form the plot basis of most Taiwanese dramas, but it's time to face the facts - the odds of re-enacting celluloid romance in this place are way less than nil.
Take a moment to digest this. Cry, sniff some cedar oil, form a Facebook support circle. Then move on.
GUYS
Let's not even go there.
JEWELLERY
When lecturers encourage us to show up for classes with bells on, it's best to take it with a pinch of salt.
An intra-HOOKED poll has revealed that at least half of us are guilty of donning more than 3 types of accessories at any given time, and that even more are prone to showing up for lectures and tutorials at least 10 minutes late. These findings have more in common than you think - there's nothing more grating than making a belated entrance all the more conspicuous by sounding like a herd of cattle.
A girl friend recently admitted to having sported so many linglinglonglongs on her arm during an examination that it hindered her ability to write properly, and so yanked them off in frustration only to have assorted bangles and baubles roll off her desk and circle the seats of bemused classmates.
Many swear by the age-old tactic of putting on four pieces of jewellery and then removing one just before you leave the house. As a rule of thumb, work with a quantity which is inversely proportional to details in your clothing - the more elaborate your outfit is, the more muted your accessories ought to be.
David Yurman cable cuff.
Those who are hell-bent on piling on the bling, however, can bend the rule with understated pieces, such as the cult strand necklace by David Yurman or celebrity favourite Kenneth Jay Lane's burnished cuffs and cocktail rings. Those with less cash to flash can look to more inexpensive local alternatives such as CC Skye (available at Retail Therapy, 03-13 Wheelock Place), or Woon Hung (available at Déjà vu Vintage, 01-18 The Cathay). HOOKED
Images courtesy of -
www.style.com
www.overstockjeweler.com
www.MTV.com
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