2013 Fashion Trends Recap - Part II

High-waisted 

   The high-waisted pants style started in 1940’s when women were forced to work outside whilst their spouse was away in war in order to support their family and run the town. In order to keep their modesty, women wore their pants up to their belly button so while bending over and working in the field they were able to stay conservative.

   

   This year, the high-waisted trend made a huge comeback so much so that during the summer, it was almost impossible to walk down the streets of the city
 without spotting someone in high-waisted shorts. One of the most popular ways of pulling off the high-waisted trend was through shorts, as seen through the first image. These shorts match with anything and everything, ranging from muscles tanks to crop tops to even long sleeve shirts. Compared to regular shorts, high-waisted shortsgive outfit a bit of attitude and some characteristics – which I love! As autumn approached, many people starting switching their high-waisted shorts for high-waisted pants.  High-waisted pants gave outfits a more put-together look, adding class and simplicity. Like the shorts, these pants were very easy to style. For a classier look, one could add faux leather high-waisted to a long sleeved white top. High-waisted items shorten the chest area, elongating the legs. Overall, the high-waisted trend is one to stay, so keep your eyes open for this versatile trend in 2014. 

Image 1: Here  Image 2: Here

Denim

   In 2013, denim was a growing trend and was expressed through shirts and dresses.

   

  

    This year denim vests/tops made a comeback, as seen through the image on the right. Cara Delevingne sports a denim button-down top with crazy leopard bottoms during fashion week. This flipped look, having simple tops and crazy bottoms, was seen a lot in 2013.

   Another fun way denim was worn was through dresses. Thankfully, these dresses weren’t the clunky and structured dresses you would imagine, but were freer flowing.

   Unfortunately the denim skirts that most of us grew up wearing in 3^rd-5^th grade did not make a comeback, but would you have wanted it to? I’m not so sure if I could pull off the look, it’s definitely harder than denim dresses or shirts.

   Towards the end of the year, the denim trend started dying down and I feel like it won’t be able to make it over to 2014, but who really knows with fashion!

Image 1: Here Image 2: Here

Floral

   As the flowers started blooming during spring, so did the floral trend. It’s seems that every year the floral trend emerges right before the kickoff to summer, but  this year there was a twist to the floral trend.

  Thanks to the help of stores like Brandy Melville, a particular floral surfaced – the sunflower trend. Oh my, has this trend hit the fashion world hard! Especially among teens, the Brandy Melville sunflower design was very popular and was seen through crop tops, like the one shown on the left, and shorts.

   Pairing the two items together wouldn’t look so good, but pairing them with a simple top/bottom would further emphasize the sunflower pattern. Notice how the shorts one the right are also high-waisted, adding two trends to one clothing piece!

   Differing from the Brandy Melville design, short floral dresses were also commonly seen among teens, but I feel as if these show up every year. It like the sign signaling the arrival of spring; although in Singapore it’s just summer all year round. Spring is coming soon and so is the floral trend!

Image 1: Here Image 2: Here

Muscle Tanks

   Unlike other trends, this particular muscle trend was one I have never seen before. Instead of just males pulling off this look, females have learnt how to look best in muscle tanks. Muscle tanks are basically an enlarged version of boxed crop tops, worn baggy and loose. Low-cut arm holes are often paired with bright colored bandeaus, a fun way to spice up the look. Muscle tanks give a cool, laidback vibe – a staple piece for the summer time. 

  

 The model on the left paired her grey graphic muscle tank with simple black leggings, an easy outfit incorporating muscle tanks. Adding boots to this would add edge to the outfit whereas wearing plain flip flops would give a more relaxed look.

   

   By throwing on a denim vest and a brightly colored skater skirt, the model on the right glammed up her outfit, showing how muscles tanks can be dressed up or dressed down.

    

   This muscle tank trend is most probably going to continue during the summer next year for it is light weight and simple but still stylish. You can even make your own muscle tanks by cutting off the sleeves of an old graphic tee! 

Image 1: Here Image 2: Here

Kimono Cardigans

Towards the end of 2013, a sudden storm of kimono cardigans hit the fashion world by surprise. I don’t really know how these kimono cardigans suddenly blew up but it felt as if it happened over night – crazy how the fashion world works!

These cardigans were inspired by the Japanese traditional garments called kimonos, hence the name kimono cardigans. These beautiful garments contain intricate soft patterns of flowers. The attire hold so much detail that awes me with beauty.

Similar to the traditional kimonos, modern kimono cardigans are exquisitely designed with floral prints. Because of the complex pattern, these cardigans are best paired with basic tops, such as a simple white t-shirt.

Since these trend did come in late, I predict that they are going to continue in 2014 for a few more months, perhaps even to the end of summer. I have a feeling they are going to be a staple piece in the spring, especially since they are floral. 

Image 1: Here Image 2: Here

What did you guys think of the 2013 trends? Which one was your favorite?

-SB

2013 Fashion Trends Recap - Part I

Circle Skirts 

Circle skirts were a staple item during the summer considering the fact that it can be worn to any occasion depending on how you style it. With the tight waist line cascading and flaring out to a flowy border, this piece is an easy to wear clothing item, this is sure to flatter all body types. This piece is also worn by most teenagers as it is easy to style. It can be dressed up by pairing it with a simple top, a statement necklace, chunky boots, sheer tights and a leather jacket (if it gets chilly) or can be dressed down by pairing it with a light weight top, converse and a knit cardigan. It's all up to how you want it to look keeping in mind the material and pattern used in the skirt to enhance the style you're going for. 

Crop Tops

These have been an obsession for teenagers (especially during the summer) and is definitely a clothing item that is here to stay. It has been a starting point for many other fashion pieces and will continue to be in the future. This fashion item started in the mid 1980s with Madonna and has recently made a comeback using inspiration from the Spice girls. It has also attracted attention with the help of Tumblr. The look pulled off by the Spice girls has become more wearable and accepted in public thanks to stores such as Brandy Melville and PacSun. Crop tops now exist in many forms such as halters, tanks, tubes, bustiers, t-shirts, turtle necks and even the authentic choli (a clothing piece worn in India). Moreover, nowadays even sequinned crop tops are made, making it even easier to style it for formal occasions. Crop tops can be worn to suit many styles- edgy, trashy, sophisticated, girly, etcetera. The key is to pair it with the right things to make it appropriate for the style you are looking for. Usually, crop tops are worn with high-waisted pants, shorts or skirts to elongate the legs. 

Flannel 

Flannels are a special item from this entire list. One reason it is special is because it is the only thing that has to have a pattern. A flannel without its checkered pattern would be a plain shirt. The second reason why it is so special is because it is the only unisex clothing item. The origin of flannels can be traced back to places in Europe such as Wales, France and Germany in the 17th-18th century. Back then flannels were mostly made from wool and worn during the winter but nowadays, we use flannels as a light summer item because it is made of cotton. The lighter shades were achieved by using sulphur dioxide in order to get this pattern. The use of these plaid shirts were at its peak when major bands such as Nirvana and Pearl Jam started to use it in the 1990s. These give a very casual outlook when paired with a simple pair of jeans. They are very easy to wear and most importantly, are very comfortable.

Lace/Crochet 

This trend was most worn in the beginning of the year and sadly began to tone down. This spring item started out most commonly worn as dresses but later branched out to be worn for almost anything - tops, shorts, skirts and even socks. Lace clothes not only have to have the lace detailing all over the item but can also have lace in a certain part of the dress. The newest way to wear lace dresses is to have the lace detailing only on the waist. This item is easier worn in a girly approach, by accessorizing with dark, rich colours and studs and spikes, this piece of clothing can be transformed into an edgier look. This may be a hard task due to the delicate and elaborate details in the lace and how it gives the piece of clothing a more feminine look. Even though lace is almost completely out of fashion, it will remain a classic and can always be pulled off during sophisticated occasions. Different colours of lace give different looks suited for different times - the soft colours for the outdoors and the rich warm colours for the indoors (that's how I would classify it though there are many other ways). The uprising of crochets will stay for a long time even though it wasn't as popular as lace and will never be.

Cut Out Dresses 

Cut out dresses, although not given as much credit as they deserve, are slowly taking over clothing racks in all major stores without much notice! These edgy clothes can be worn for any occasion but ,unlike most clothing items, where you wear the dress mostly depends on where the cut outs are in the dress (although the material, colour, pattern and fitting of the dress plays a role too). Usually, clothing items with cut outs at or very near obscene parts tend to bend towards clothes to wear for formal occasions. Cut outs which are located at the arms, waist, neck or legs are fine to be worn for informal occasions. These dresses are perfect for adding a bit of edge to your look.

Maxi Skirts/Dresses 

Something that is considered a night out item definitely caught my eye this year. Although not loved by most, my obsession for anything maxi is growing. This clothing item started becoming popular in spring 2013 but is sadly starting to go downhill. The Bohemian vibe given off adds character to the piece. People can easily convert such a sophisticated piece into a casual daytime piece by brightening the colour of the maxi, adding a top with delicate details such as lace or a scalloped crop top, and wearing some braided sandals. Where I am from, maxi dresses or skirts are not commonly worn in the night let alone in the day. If you are someone who lives in an area like this, it is definitely going to make you stand out and is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Maxi skirts give off a very breezy yet sophisticated look to a person. It makes a person look short but also makes them look skinny and mature which is great for tall people and just as great for short people provided they wear heels. Just make sure that the ends of the skirt do not sweep the floor or do not end at the ankle. This will give off a very sloppy and icky look.

Check out Part 2 to see five other popular trends that took 2013 by storm. 

-SS

What Is "Happiness"?

As teenagers, all we want is to be happy, but what does it really mean to be happy?

    Oxford dictionary defines the adjective "happy" to be "feeling or showing pleasure or contentment" and I feel like most of us will agree with this definition. When your happy you feeling like you're walking on clouds and nothing can get in your way. All your worries and fears just vanish for that time period and you just feel unstoppable. Happiness is easy to find. It can be waiting for you in between the pages of your favorite book, sitting between you and your best friend on the couch as you watch your favorite tv show, or even laughing along when your having a hysterical conversations with your parents. As human beings, we show happiness through smiles and laughter. Isn't it amazing how one month old babies already know how to laugh when they don't even know what you're saying? Everyone loves smiling and filling their ears with laughter, but sometimes it's hard to be "happy" - especially as a teenager. 

    Teenage years are most commonly described as "the years when you find out who you are" and as much as we hate hearing over and over again, it is true. We are trying to figure out which corner of high school we fit into and who we really are - I promise you I am not heading towards a cliché definition - but sometimes along the way we fall into wells, which vary in depth. Some fall into deep deep wells that seem to be never ending while others feel like they are falling for only a few seconds. However different these two wells sound, they both contain lucky coins scattered on the floor with a rope beside it to pull ourselves up. I know that sometimes your arm muscles get tired from all that pulling and trying to fix things, but never let go. Why? Because you can do it!. You - the person reading this article - are strong, you are brave and you can do it. Soon enough you will reach the top of the well, just imagine yourself in that situation, standing on top while your cape floats behind you in the wind.

    Now is the second hardest part, how do you stay on top and make sure you don't fall into another well? You learn from your mistakes! Why else is there an eraser that is attached to every pencil. As hard as it may be, sometimes you have got to learn to let go of certain things. Haven't we all had that friend who was fun to be around but you know that you are only hurting yourself by having them around? Maybe it's time to let go of him/her. It's hard, trust me I know, but when you finally walk the other direction you will feel sense of relief, a sense of happiness. Sometimes it isn't the friend that hold you back, sometimes it's yourself - like a bad habit. Those are hard as well, but with the help of a plan you can accomplish anything and finally be happy. The most important thing is that YOU are happy.

Happiness:
A feeling or showing of pleasure or contentment.

-SB

Photo credits here

Introduction - SS

Howdy y’all (I’m the wild one out of the two of us),

My name is SS (not really though) and I am from sunny Singapore! I’m a new addition to the fourteen year olds family and have survived in Singapore for virtually my entire life. My qualities include being indecisive, inquisitive, pessimistic and fabulous. English happens to be my favorite subject in school, which explains why I developed a passion for the literary world at an extremely young age. Other interests of mine include photography, art, fashion and beauty, sports, baking and so on so forth (I am a person of numerous talents). My mood swings tend to annoy most and I don’t have a favorite color because in my opinion that is pure discrimination.

I have known SB for a sorrowful thirteen years. Our friendship has grown just like global warming – at a very fast rate with new changes everyday and violent side kicks twenty four seven. We grew up being best friends and hopefully continue to be as we eventually surface adulthood and ultimately become old people playing bingo. SB is the most-thoughtful and kindest person I have ever encountered. Her advice is ace and I am the luckiest person in the world to have become best friends with her. She is also wicked smart so it’s a plus to have a highly intellectual best friend.

Overall I think I have a lot to share with the world and will be able to do so with this blog. Firstly, I have been through a lot (just like every other teenager) and have an opinion on everything and anything. I am also a major introvert (depending on my mood) and spend a lot of my time in deep thought. A lot of people don’t know me well because if they were to hear the eminent and strong views I have unlike many, they might have a completely different perception of me. Hopefully you will stick by SB and me through our journey in becoming successful first time bloggers and maybe someday journalists or authors (it’s been a secret dream of mine to publish a book). Thank you for your support. And my sincere apologies for my abysmal English – it’s been a long Christmas day and I am lifeless right now.

SS

Introduction - SB

Hello,

My name is "SB" and I am a regular freshman living in Singapore. Singapore - what a beautiful place. I've lived all my 14 years in this tiny island, and I am so grateful for the environment in which I have grown up and am still growing in. Boy is Singapore exciting! Originating as a shipping port, Singapore has grown to be one of the leading countries with a booming fashion and beauty industry, advancing architecture (let's take a minute to appreciate the Marina Bay Sands shall we), and a wide diversity of food and cultures! What more could you want? My life isn't as exciting as Kate Middleton's, but I still live an eventful life. I am very good observer. I like to read people and see how life is like being them , which many people don't know. Perhaps that's why I am often described as "the quiet one", haha. 

I am a crazy dreamer, I love to imagine how I would be like 10 years - and sometimes it scares me! However, I dream crazily with my best friend, SS. I have known SS for as long as I can recall, and now she is like my left arm. We have done anything and everything together, ranging from awkwardly dancing in public to wrestling on the floor. I honestly have no idea what I would do without her!

We created this blog to just write. SS is an amazing writer who has a way with words ,and we both have strong opinions and/or questions about certain topics that need answers. Also, why not create a blog? But in honest opinion, let's see how long this blog actually lasts for.

That's a good introduction, right? What else do you write in an introduction? :/

Till next time,

SB