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26Mar

“How do I get dressed to a dinner party with a ‘pear’ shape body?”

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How do I get dressed to a dinner party with an Azorias outfit because my body is ‘pear’ shape? Can u help me?

-Juliawatty-

A ‘pear’ body shape is a body issue that many women struggle with. But it is easy to celebrate this sexy body shape, with one simple tip– fitted waist with a full skirt! This silhouette gives the illusion of a smaller waist, and the full skirt disguises a heavier bottom, and in fact, is suitable for most body types, even skinnier girls with a boyish figure, as it is one of the most feminine silhouettes out there.

For a dinner party, we chose our Baroque jacquard satin dress for a classic look, but we dressed it up with some fancy jewelry such as ornate earrings and cocktail rings. Instead of going for neutral heels, we added a little surprise to the outfit with a pair of bright red pumps– Dorothy, move aside. A clutch always look elegant for a dinner party, as opposed to satchels and carry-bags.


Featuring: Baroque jacquard satin dress

 What do you think of this look for a dinner party? Do you have any other dressing tips for pear-shaped bodies? Let us know in the comment box below!

Check out our Polyvore for more details.

Have a style query? Or do you have any style icons that you want us to recreate their looks for you? Hit us up at style@azorias.com!

18Mar

How to wear a button-up.

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We saw this genius illustration on Tumblr depicting our favorite ways to wear a buttoned-up shirt (best basic ever), and we couldn’t wait to share it with you girls!

 

We were so inspired by the illustration that we went ahead and created two style sets:

 

#1 Knotted with something highwaisted

Featuring:

Detachable diamante collar waist-tie shirt

Jewel and chainlink print swing skirt

What better way to show off this look than our Detachable diamante collar waist-tie shirt? We love that the bejeweled collar is detachable to reveal a mandarin collar– talk about versatility. The knotted waist adds a pin-up vintage flair to the outfit (not to mention, it emphasizes the waist too!), and the jewel/ chainlink print skirt in a unique shade of mint is the perfect complement to jazz up the whole look! Whether you are going with a pair of fierce heels or ballet flats, this look is for the fashion-loving style maven.

 

#2 The best kind of sweater set


Featuring:

Rosette-trimmed collared shirt,

Floral print chiffon sweater

Scallop-trimmed highwaist shorts

Before you go “Whoa, South-East Asia is too warm for sweaters”, just hear us out, because we have just the solution for you. A sheer chiffon sweater? How come we have never thought of that! Perfect as a top by itself, and lightweight enough to be layered over your outfits, we just can’t get enough of the Floral print chiffon sweater. To add more dimension to the outfit, we went with a rosette-trimmed collar, so that you have pretty details peeking out of the sweater. Too keep the look proportionate, we threw on a pair of shorts with scallop-trimmings (notice how it’s all in the finer details?), but a pair of cuffed jeans will look real preppy-chic with this sweater set as well.

We hope you are inspired by all these different ways to wear a buttoned-up, and if you have any other ideas, please share with us too!

12Mar

OCBC x Azorias: 20 RM1000 shopping vouchers up for grabs!

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We have something really exciting to announce! From now till 28 March, just apply for an OCBC Titanium card and you will stand a chance to win a RM1000 AZORIAS shopping voucher! That’s not all, we have 20 of these vouchers to give away!!

To participate, you only need to follow these easy steps:

1) Like OCBC Malaysia’s Facebook page

2) Share any item that you would really really like to own (via OCBC’s Snap, Apply and Win Facebook App)

3) Apply for the OCBC Titanium card (which opens you up to a world of benefits such as cash-back rewards etc.)

4) Invite your friends to join this fun wish-granting contest too!

Terms and conditions apply.

Have fun, and we wish you good luck in scoring these amazing shopping vouchers!

02Mar

Harian Metro Mix and Match feature.

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We were invited to style Harian Metro’s Mix and Match column recently– creating 5 looks with only one top. We said, challenge accepted!

We picked one of our favorite classic shirts, the Pearl-dotted collar shirt to form the foundation of 5 fab outfits.


Pearl-dotted collar shirt

 Featured in the Mix and Match column in Harian Metro.

 

 Look 1: Corporate chic

Worn with:Ruffled-back fitted skirt

Ruffled-back fitted skirt (SOLD OUT)

We went professional chic with the first outfit, going with a pencil skirt that features a little surprise to the back– a flouncy back-ruffle. It is acceptable to wear reds for work provided you match it with a neutral shade, and in this case, black. As the color of the skirt is already quite eye-catching, we kept accessorizing really simple– just a pair of black pumps.

 

Look 2: Casual Fun

Worn with: Ruffled bias hem sweater dress

Ruffled bias hem sweater dress (SOLD OUT)

The great thing about embellished collar shirts is that they look fabulous layered under dresses. For this more youthful and fun look, we layered a sweater dress over the Pearl-dotted collar shirt, and topped off with cute socks and loafers. The kitty hat adds a fun flair to the outfit!

 

Look 3: Romantic sophistication

Worn with Concave crochet lace hem shift dress.

Concave crochet lace hem shift dress

As we said earlier on, we love layering dresses over pretty collars, and by going monotone, you create the illusion of a one-piece! We like that the pearls on the Pearl-dotted collar shirt complements the intricate lace hem of the dress, adding a really soft and feminine vibe to the whole. Since the outfit is monotone, we added a pop of color via a pair of va-va-voom red heels. Instantly, you are ready for a hot date!

 

Look 4: Geeks Rule

Worn with: Hot pink tapered pants with leather cord belt and Fuchsia plaid blazer.

Fuchsia plaid blazer

Hot pink tapered pants with leather cord belt

Geek chic is so cool nowadays, we couldn’t wait to take our spin on it! Instantly, we decided that our Fuchsia plaid blazer is the perfect preppy add-on to the ensemble. Color-blocking is still one of our favorite trends, so we matched it with the hot pink pants, and tied the matching leather cord belt as a bow tie to the Pearl-dotted collar shirt. The result is preppy cool at its best, and this look will look so good prancing at the sidewalks during New York Fashion Week, we think!

 

Look 5: Uptown Girl

Worn with:  Striped zipper peplum jacket and Mustard fitted midi skirt with detachable straps (SOLD OUT).

Striped zipper peplum jacket

Mustard fitted midi skirt with detachable straps (SOLD OUT)

With our more conservative customers in mind, we created the final look, and also incorporated our favorite peplum trend into it! The Striped zipper peplum jacket is great as a top by itself or in this case, layered over to add some texture and prints to the ensemble. We love colors so the Mustard fitted midi skirt with detachable straps was a natural addition. Throw on a beret, and you are ready to tackle the Eiffel Tower!

 

We had so much fun at this mix-and-match shoot, but we are really curious to know, which look is your favorite?  Tell us in the comment box below!

19Feb

Lunar New Year – Work edition

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In our final instalment of the CNY-themed Style Advisor series, we are bringing the festive spirit into your daily workwear! One of the questions that we get the most often is “Can I wear bright colors for work?”, and the answer is YES! Let us show you how, specifically with the color RED.

Click for our CNY special series:

i) House-visiting – Part 1

ii) House-visiting – Part 2

iii) Valentine’s Day

Red is the color of passion and confidence, and is great to wear at the workplace as it projects a powerful image. The tip is to incorporate it into your outfit sparingly, i.e. with a lot of neutrals.

#1 Top

Featuring: Contrast pearl-trimmed collar shirt

Think a bright red blouse is too much for work? Well, not true, when it comes with a contrast white color. One of the precious tips we have picked up is that having the color white near your face (e.g. a white collar) oftens your whole look and make you appear more approachable. We love that this Contrast pearl-trimmed collar shirt is already adorned with pearls, which makes it very feminine, contrasting nicely with the bold color. To add on to this power woman image, we went with gray slacks but cleverly turning on the feminine charm again with some bow heels.

You can also match this blouse with a pencil skirt in neutral shades such as gray, black or navy.

#2 Bottom

Featuring: Highwaist skirt with waistsash (Wine) and Peterpan collar blouse with buttoned-up back

Is a red bottom an unthinkable for your workplace? Not really, when it comes in an understated burgundy shade. According to studies, burgundy is one of the best colors to wear for work as it conveys authority and sophistication. The trick is to, you got it right, pair it with neutrals. Here we went for the evergreen combination of black and white in the form of the Peterpan collar blouse with buttoned-up back (which can be worn two-ways, how is that for double the value?). Covered-toe shoes are always preferred in a corporate environment, and here we opted for a pair of slingbacks with subtle gold accents. Do add accessories to your workfit as it shows an attention to detail, but remember to do so sparingly!

For more ideas on how to style a burgundy skirt, read our article here.

We hope you found this article useful, and we can’t wait to share more workfit tips with you! Leave a comment below on what you would like to see next!

13Feb

Lunar New Year – Valentine’s Day

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Continuing on our Chinese New Year series, we think there’s no reason why you can’t celebrate Valentine’s Day with a bit of festive spirit!

 

Featuring: Highneck floral appliqué pleated dress

If your boy is bringing you out for a fancy dinner on V-day, lucky you! Instead of the usual pinks and pastels, opt for a bright mustard dress in the spirit of the Lunar New Year. Yellow signifies wealth and prosperity, and you know what they say about the law of attraction. The elaborate floral appliqué at the neckline softens the bold color, and makes the dress more feminine and romantic. The flowy pleated body adds on an ethereal effect, and your boy won’t even know what hit him! Complete the look with some neutral accessories, and add on a spritz of your favorite perfume to keep him enticed.
Featuring: Lace body peplum hem shirt

On the other hand, flirty feminine dresses isn’t the only dress code for V-day. Boys adore girls in jeans, and hey, you get to look good and feel comfortable– win-win. To dress up your favorite jeans, we recommend a lace blouse, and we think this lace peplum shirt in a pale pink shade is perfect for just subtly nuanced on romance. Throw on a pair of flats and some classy jewelry, and wham, instant cuteness.

Which look do you prefer for this Valentine’s Day? And what will you be wearing? Share with us in the comment box below!

Check out our Polyvore for more details.

Have a style query? Or do you have any style icons that you want us to recreate their looks for you? Hit us up at style@azorias.com!

07Feb

Lunar New Year – House-visiting (Part 2)

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In this second installment of of Lunar New Year What-to-Wear series, we will continue on one of the most important veins of the Lunar New Year– house-visiting, i.e. a rekindling of relationships, friendships and kinship.

Featuring: Rosette-trimmed collared shirt and Floral crochet lace chain miniskirt 

The Chinese love blossoms, or rather, the meaning of blossoms. Blossoms signify prosperity, growth, renewal. As the Lunar New Year is also known as the Spring Festival, blossoms and flowers are very apt for Chinese New Year! Here, we paired a floral crochet lace skirt (in a brilliant shade of red, no less) with a sleeveless shirt that is adorned with rosettes.Go easy on the accessories, and let the details speak for themselves.

Very subtly, we have woven a whole lot of blossoms into your outfit! Not to mention you will have an endearing story behind your chosen outfit to share with your family and friends.

Featuring: Eyelet embroiderery peplum blouse and Hot pink tapered pants with leather cord belt

On the other hand, instead of the typical reds, why not opt for a punchy shade of pink for CNY? To go with these sleek pants, we highly recommend a peplum top that will give you the liberty to eat as much as you want! This outfit actually provides a blank canvas for us to do one of our favorite style activities– color-blocking! Go crazy with your bag, accessories and shoes– the happier, the better! What better way to start the new year than in happy colors?

Check out our Polyvore for more details.

Have a style query? Or do you have any style icons that you want us to recreate their looks for you? Hit us up at style@azorias.com!

29Jan

Lunar New Year – House-visiting

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With the Lunar New Year barely 2 weeks away, it doesn’t leave us with much time to shop for some brand new outfits, as the centuries-old Chinese traditions dictate (not that we need an excuse to shop for new clothes). Over the next few weeks, we will be providing you ideas and inspirations on the perfect festive outfit for different occasions.

For a start, we are giving focus to a prominent Chinese culture during the Lunar New Year season– house-visiting! You will be meeting a lot of relatives and friends during this period, some of them whom you probably haven’t seen in awhile, and you will want to make sure that you look your best, and yet, dressed appropriately, i.e. in auspicious colors and nothing too risqué. Here we focus our attention on a two classic pieces, a dress-shirt and a shift dress, both in classic red (your relatives and friends are going to love you for wearing red), and demonstrate how to transform them into different looks with the right accessories.

#1. Classic dress-shirt

Featuring: Sheer fishtail hem shirt

 

Whether you are a girlie girl, a preppy chick, or a funky fashionista, a classic dress shirt will be your greatest foundation to form a smashing outfit. We love our Sheer fishtail hem shirt not only because of its vibrant red hue (perfecto for CNY), but also because of its long sheer fishtail hem that looks so chic trailing behind you!

We have created 2 looks with this blouse, a more dressed-down version and another fancier look. Shorts will be perfect for house-visiting in the day, which is probably humid and tiring as it can often take an entire day, so you have to remain comfortable and cool. Whether you opt for printed shorts, denim cut-offs, lacey ones, fancy sequined ones, we can guarantee they look great with the Sheer fishtail hem shirt. Shop shorts here.

This shirt also pulls its weight in the fancy-dress department, looking sharp with a printed flare skirt (Shop skirts here). Go for a statement necklace because a buttoned-down shirt creates the perfect canvas for gorgeous accessories. And finally, whether you are dressing up or down, don’t forget a cute little bag to stuff all those red packets into!

#2 Classic shift dress

Featuring: Fitted embroidered shift dress

 As we have mentioned earlier on, you probably will get to meet many people whom you haven’t gotten to see in awhile. Well, leave them a great lasting impression with this classic shift dress crafted out of luxurious Thai-silk like material with all-over embroidery. The dress makes such a statement on its own, hence for the dressed-down look, we only went with sleek jelly sandals and a leather wrap bracelet. Easy, breezy, beautiful.

If you have somewhere nice to go in the night, not to worry, as this dress will come to your rescue too! Go with a statement necklace that further enhance the elaborate pattern on the dress, and put on your favorite heels, and you are done. Looking good is that simple.

Check out our Polyvore for more details.

Have a style query? Or do you have any style icons that you want us to recreate their looks for you? Hit us up at style@azorias.com!

17Jan

Style Advisor: To be Showered!

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I have got a Bridal Shower planned for me! I have no idea of the details, at all. I was only told to wear something nice. I am a laid back person, I don’t usually wear heels and dresses. I’m only a 5 footer. Much help needed!

- Shakina

Dear Shakina,

Congratulations on the bridal shower, and we are feeling excited for you! Aah, your friends are a mischievous bunch, they sound like they have something marvelous planned for you! That being said, it sure is tricky for you to plan your what-to-wear, without knowing the exact details of the bridal shower. But fret not, as we have come up with some tips and ideas for you.

Tip #1. When in doubt, overdress

Whenever you are unsure of the formality of the occasion/ venue, try to push the boundaries on dressing up– it is always better to be overdressed than under-dressed! Keep in mind that it is  much easier to ‘tone down’ after reaching the venue and observing what is the general dressing “culture” at the event, for example wiping away a bright lip, removing certain accessories, or even a change of shoes etc., as compared to trying to ‘dress-up’ after arriving at the destination and realized that you are too casually dressed. As you are the star of the bridal shower, it makes even more sense for you to doll up!

Featuring: Intricate lace skater dress

As your bridal shower is scheduled during tea-time, a high-tea is definitely on the books. Staying true to the reason of the bridal shower, a celebration of love and romance, we went with a romantic lace dress, our Intricate lace skater dress, in a beautiful shade of dusk pink. Keeping in mind that you are not a heels’ type of girl, a pair of pointy flats in a neutral shade will do the trick. In fact, a pair of flats will be perfect, considering that games may be played during the bridal shower.

To keep the look a little more casual, we went with a fun fabric tote instead of the usual clutches and bling-ed out bags. By doing this, the lace dress looks more fun and dressed-down, and they look so good with some fun bangles on the hand. A bonus function of the tote? To keep the gifts from your beloved girlfriends, of course. Finally, dress up your phone too, because it will be out the whole afternoon snapping pictures of what will surely be one of the most unforgettable days in your life!

Tip #2 When in doubt, have fun

Featuring: Embossed polka-dot peplum blouse (with slip)
Houndstooth knit midi skirt

Since you have no idea of what is in store for you, then just have fun in getting ready! Here we have ingeniously clash two prints together– polka dots and houndstooth, but with a restrained hand of course, keeping to a black and white color palette. We chose a sheer polka-dot peplum top (comes with a slip), so that you can indulge in cupcakes and desserts with no worry as the fluncy peplum hem will do its job! Polka dots and the houndstooth print are possibly the most classic prints in the history of fashion, but together, they work so beautifully together too! And buying separates ensure that you will get a lot of wears from these pieces matched with other separates.

Since the foundation of the outfit is very classic and neutral, we went trigger-happy with pops of colors. Go with a bright-colored heel, and a statement necklace, and we assure you, you will be the most coveted girl on the block. Bright colors also put people in a cheerful mood, which is exactly what you would like to see at your bridal shower!

No  matter which outfit you put on at the end of the day, remember to savor the day and enjoy each moment!

Check out our Polyvore for more details.

Have a style query? Or do you have any style icons that you want us to recreate their looks for you? Hit us up at style@azorias.com!

22Dec

Style Inspiration: How do I dress to look younger (literally)?

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Today we are seeking inspiration from Alaia Rose Barbier, daughter of celebrity stylist, Monica Rose, who has styled celebs like the Kardashians, Giuliana Rancic etc. And you wonder, who is this new “IT-girl” in town.

Lo and behold… Little Alaia Rose.


Are you squealing already? Because we sure did! Filled with excitement and raging maternal instincts, we at AZORIAS HQ declare that Alaia Rose is definitely the chic-est baby in the world. Afro or top knot, she’s werkin’ it.

They say dressing up starts at the age of 5 and never really stops. Little Alaia starts when she’s only 2!

Well, we sure did titled this post real apt, no? We’re gonna bring you through lessons  shed 10 years off your biological age.

We would describe her style as classy with a hint of neck swag. Notice how in most of her outfits she’s wearing her momma’s gorgeous jewelry? And cute shoes too! We’ve created 2 style sets inspired by this little diva.

Beauty and Brains

Featuring:

Fuschia plaid blazer

Bejeweled diamante pearl collar

Hot pink tapered pants with leather cord belt

There is nothing more chic than pairing a structured blazer and tapered pants. We call it the beauty and brains combo as suit coordinates just scream SMART.

Inspired by little Alaia, we paired our fuschia plaid blazer with a simple white button-up shirt (similar here, here and here). And because little Alaia never leaves home without a little sparkle, we accessorize the neck with a little bejeweled diamante pearl collar. We suggest go simple with just one or two silver rings and go for a simple black pair of mary-janes. Add another hint of colour by matching your outfit with a bright messenger bag. Wearing pink may be cool, but you don’t wanna go overboard and become Miss Too-Pink Lady.

Miss Candy Cane

Featuring: Leopard print pleated skirt minidress

The secret to wear it like little Alaia is to layer the shirt underneath the dress! Like a pinafore. We picked a shirt of similar tones with our cute leopard print minidress so you won’t look like you just came out from the Pantone factory. The thing we love about our minidress is that the drop waist adds length to your torso, making you appear longer! And really, how can anyone resist some leopard loving?

We decided to do some layering on the necklaces as well, one can never have enough sparkles, really. So why wear one when you can wear two!? A big and bold shiny locket is what captures the little heart (no pun intended) of baby Alaia. Just like how we girls squeal when we see shiny pretty things too! Match this cute outfit with a small cross-over body bag (preferably with cute prints or happy preppy colours, if you want to go cute, go all the way!). Complete this preppy look with oxford brogues, go wild with the colours, you can even choose dull coloured brogues with neon heels, how cool would that be!? Dab on some pink lippy and you’re ready to roll!

You’re never too young or too old to dress up (think Iris Apfel, Suri Cruise and Alaia Rose). Find your own personal style, and stick with it through thick and thin, forever and always.

Check out our Polyvore for more details.

Have a style query? Or do you have any style icons that you want us to recreate their looks for you? Hit us up at style@azorias.com and you could be our lucky winner of a mystery gift!

26Nov

Street Style Favourite: Caroline Issa

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French, effortless chic is what she aspires to be, but half Lebanese-Iranian and half Chinese Caroline Issa still loves mixing and matching to her heart’s content to be on trend.

Executive fashion director of Tank, editor-in-chief of Because magazine, fashion director of the Tank Form consulting agency and part-time street style model for global street style blogs. We are pretty sure you have seen her face and her effortless tailored get-ups in the most read street style blogs.

She’s often seen in tailored suits and pants, partly due to her business background, but never fails to add in her own flair. Oh, and amazing shoes too.

So, today we are going to get you styling to look like Caroline Issa, if you wanna be the darling of all street style blogs!

Notice how her style is usually tapered pant/skirt, a blazer and a shirt. It is really that simple to put an outfit together and still look chic. Effortless, they call it.

Street Style Inspiration 1

featuring:

Contrast pussy bow leopard print shirt

Highwaist pencil skirt with waist sash

Fool proof styling: printed shirt and a well fitted skirt. Perfect for work and play! We love how minimalistic Miss Issa keeps it, she doesn’t even accessorize herself! So we play it simple by adding just one gold cuff. We think she has got one great accessory– her perfectly shaped brows. You know it’s really not that hard to play dress up when you’re equipped with a shirt with a little flare, tailored to fit your body. Plus, pencil skirts are always a staple in your work wardrobe, and you could even take it out to wear it out on a date! We cannot stress enough how a pair of good shoes can instantly enhance your outfit (and confidence, and probably a few inches taller!).

Street Style Inspiration 2

featuring:

Cat print detachable collar

Pleated tulip overlay long skirt

Pastel double pocket lace panel shirt

You would think that the fashion editor at large of Tank magazine would only dress in suits did you? You also didn’t know that she just incorporated a full spring colour palette into one outfit, did you? We love how she styled a plain shirt with pleated skirt and so we did the same! Paired with our gorgeous double pocket lace panel shirt, it’s versatility is limitless. You can wear it as a coverup during summer over a bikini or wear it as a top or even for layering for cooler climates. We matched it with another versatile pleated skirt that you can actually transform it into a tube dress for summer, and really, a long skirt during winter will just keep those pins warm and cosy (with tights of course). Add some contrast into this pale palette with a cat print detachable collar, it adds that extra funk into your outfit. Or maybe swallow print collar for a full-on pastel get-up? Finishing touches such as red lippy will complete the look. And remember, always, with great shoes.

Some little tippy from the lady who makes Karl Lagerfeld seem like a slacker:

#1 If you want to start on anything, just stick to your point of view and making sure whatever you put out has a very specific point of view. And that the people you work with really share that point of view.

#2 Put together outfits based on the kind of day you’re going to have. A dinner means an outfit that can work day-to-evening, a day of running around means comfortable (but fashionable) shoes, and so on.

#3 Probably it’s the business women in her, but DO invest in quality timeless pieces.

Check out our Polyvore for more details.

 

Write in to us today to receive a mystery gift from us for being featured in our Style Advisor column! To receive a special gift from us, just hit your style queries to style@azorias.com.

 

15Oct

Style Advisor: Wedding dress code woes!

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My only big sister is getting married and I’m absolutely happy for her. But when she told me that the dress code on her wedding morning would be SOMETHING RED I got totally freaked out. I have ZERO red colour in my closet and it’s nothing that I would usually buy because I am rather chubby and dark skinned so I don’t think red is my colour.

What am I supposed to wear? HELP!

- Reina

Dear Reina,

Being “chubby” should not be a reason to not wear “brighter” colours. We as girls may sometimes be insecure about how we look and fret over how certain colours wouldn’t suit our skin colour or body shape. But we at the AZORIAS headquarters believe that, all women are beautiful in every shape, size and colour!

But since you mentioned that you have zero red items in your closet, here is how we’ll do it!

 

Featuring: Ruffled-back fitted skirt

Instead of wearing a full red puffy dress with a matching red organza shawl over (OH MON DIEU!), why not try accents of red in your outfit?

Featuring our Ruffled-back fitted skirt, we paired this lovely number with a peplum top that flares out from the waist. This gives an illusion of a smaller waistline and an hourglass figure (that men love!). Did you notice the ruffled back? It’s an extra twist to an ordinary outfit! We think that the layering of the top above the ruffles of the skirt adds extra cuteness (and a perkier looking booty)

Why not add a little sparkle to your outfit while you’re at it? Put on a chunky jewel necklace over your top and match it with a shiny box clutch. Simple gold band: Optional. You don’t want to go overboard with colours on your sister’s special day, finish it off with nude pumps (adds about a mile long to your legs FYI), a set of french nails and a red lippy.

There are really plenty of ways to incorporate “red” in your outfit. Go for the “Old Hollywood” look with a bold red lip colour and cat eyes, or even red nails! You can even put on your favourite little black dress and style up your hair with a red corsage or even a red statement necklace.

By the way, here are some wedding guest DOs and DON’Ts

#1 DON’T wear white (or even shades of ivory), you won’t want to steal the limelight from the bride!

#2 DO RSVP. Pay attention to the deadline on the invitation. In fact, if you know your reply, pop it in the mail as soon as possible.

#3 DON’T assume you can bring a date. Unless it says “and guest” on the invitation, only you should be attending. And no, DON’T call the bride and ask if you can bring a date, either. If it were in their budget, the bride and groom would’ve extended the extra invitation.

#4 As much we hate to break the rules, DO pay attention to the dress code. You don’t want to be underdressed for the wedding. Even if it’s casual, always wear a dress, skirt or suit. Dress for the venue, but follow instructions from the bride and groom.

Check out our Polyvore for more details.

 

Reina wins a mystery gift from us for being featured in our Style Advisor column! To receive a special gift from us, just hit your style queries to style@azorias.com.
27Sep

Style Advisor: How to look like a supermom (with style)?

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I’m a busy mother of 2 baby girls and jeans, tees, and flats are my staple for practical reasons when I’m out and about with my girls. I’ve been experimenting and trying to get my style sense up a notch by mixing and matching, but I still can’t get out of the jeans and flats box! Help! Any advice on how to dress to kill everyday but still able to save the world (well, at least my daughters’!)? Thanks!
Leishia

Hi Leishia, we love how you’re such a dedicated mama yet trying to balance the life of being a busy mother and also looking stylish! It’s no easy job we know! Waking up in the middle of deep sleep to dirty diapers and teary eyes of the little ones. Today we’re gonna help you conquer the world by styling up  some basic items in your wardrobe so that you can dress to kill.

We love celeb moms like Miranda Kerr (like really, can she be any more perfect?) and Gwen Stefani (Role model mama!). They dress in the simplest of just shirt and jeans but still looking so stylish even off screens.

 

 

We’ve came up with a few style sets to get your inspirations up and going– still with just shirts, jeans and flats, but definitely chic mama material.

 

Style Set 1: Park Stroller Chic
This outfit is perfect for a family day out, where you can put push your little one in the sleek stroller you got from your baby shower. Here we feature a buttoned-up top because we know some mothers are still breastfeeding and we know how it is a pain to pull up your shirt to feed the hungry little monster. Thus, buttoned-ups are THE to-go-for shirts. Our floral print georgette shirt is made from the lightest of material, and will definitely be a great piece to wear to the outdoors and even to shopping malls. Accessorize with some rings and an updo. Hide those tired eyes with a pair of frames from lack of rest (Thank God for the nerdy glasses trend!)
Style Set 2: Stepford Wives gathering
featuring:
T-shirt and jeans are the most practical combinations for you to be able to move around with your kid comfortably. But it is actually very easy to up the style notch on this combination! All you need to do is to replace your jeans with a pair of tailored pants (tapered pants are our favorites).  Brighten your day with bright colours, like our hot pink tapered pants. Tees are welcomed too, but choose tees with a slight twist, such as our simple tee with a bias peplum  hem. Tada, you are still dressed in a tee and pants, but suddenly you are the most stylish mom on the block. Instead of lugging a diaper bag, why not carry a large tote to fit your baby essentials i.e. milk bottle, bib, diapers and maybe a toy for the little one to play with while you’re munching on dainty cupcakes and sipping on chamomile tea. You’d want to go easy on the chunky necklaces and bangles because really, we don’t know when the little monster will start pulling onto your dangly earrings or gold chains around your neck. So we suggest a fancy stud or a simple pearl stud would suffice. Keep the entire look breezy and fuss-free with flat sandals.
There are plenty of ways to style up daily outfits with a twist without compensating comfort. It can be an oversized tee or even a maxi dress. All you need to do is to find basics with a twist or inject colors! Accessories are awesome too.
Don’t forget to take part in our Mother’s Day “I Got It From My Momma” contest! :) For more information, please check out our Facebook page or Twitter.
Check out our Polyvore for more details.

And because it’s Mother’s Day this weekend, Leshia wins a mystery gift from us for being featured in our Style Advisor column! To receive a special gift from us, just hit your style queries to style@azorias.com.

21Jul

Summer Trend Resolutions

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Spring has come and gone. If you’re confused with what pieces that you can bring forward into your summer wardrobe, here is how– 5 Summer Trend Resolutions to guide you from work to play this summer!

Trend to keep #1: Neon

 

featuring: Neon belted bias hem fitted skirt

What’s summer without bright colours? Tis’ the season to be bright, bold and beautiful. Looking like a highlighter is the new colour-blocking. Pairing our neon bias hem skirt with a floral print bustier top, your summer can’t be any hotter. Imagine the asymmetrical hem of your skirt swaying along with the summer breeze. Perfect get-up to the beach or even a lunch date! Colourful and sparkly nails are mandatory by the way.

Trend to keep #2: Pencil Skirt

Featuring: Cut-away pleated peplum skirt

The tighter the better. Be it for work or play, our cut-away pleated peplum skirt is perfect for any occasion! Slits on skirts are so passe. Try cut-aways instead to flaunt those sexy pins! Black pointy toes are a must too. Wear it with a simple top for the day or a glitzy sequin blouse for night. Accessorize your outfit with a studded pochette and a simple choker, you don’t want anything else to steal those limelights away from the skirt and those long legs.

Trend to keep #3: Sporty short

Featuring: Contrast polo dress with ruffled hem

Summer is probably the only season to be flaunting your new tan you got from your recent trip to the beach. All things short this summer, and hey, the sports-chic trend is here to stay for 2012. Your cupcake diet may make you seem less like an athlete but at least you’re dressing the part! Play with splashes of colours with this sporty look by pairing our polo dress with ruffled hem (we think it’s so Anna Kournikova chic, tennis player style) with floral printed pumps. Go simple with the accessories, you’re half an “athlete” remember?

Trend to keep #4: Peplum

Featuring: Contrast-trimmed peplum dress with waistsash

You know how everyone say that the LBD is THE must have item in your wardrobe? We have to disagree because a good fitted dress is all you need! Who care if it’s ebony or ivory as long as your dress is living in harmony with you? We love this peplum dress with waistsash as the flair of the peplum gives an illusion of a super trimmed waistline. A classic silhouette with a twist at the hips, you may style it up with chunky accessories like how we did, go gold and go bold this summer if you’re wearing pale colours. Incorporate colours in the form of a bright lip colour. With all those chunky jewels going on, we suggest a pair of kitten heels. You don’t want to intimidate the gentlemen with sky rocket killer heels and arm weaponry.

Trend to keep #5: Scarlet

Featuring: Scarlet crochet shoulder overlay dress

Summer is all about bright colours like what we just said. This summer, scarlet seems to be THE in thing (be it it’s the Scarlett from the Avengers with the fuming hair or the red orange hue). Featuring our scarlet crochet shoulder overlay dress, we think that all men will fall head over heels for you, as it’s the combination of sweet and sexy. Gorgeous crochet details at the neckline and the perfect skater dress cut will flatter every body type. We love the whole whimsy fairytale like assemble and hence we incorporated a flower crown in this style set. If you don’t want to look overly “hippie” with the whole flower crown and sandals combi, we suggest braiding your hair or wear a pair of espadrilles for that added height advantage.

Summer tips:

#1 Crazy hot sun = burnt skin. Stay moisturized at all times and apply sunscreen at every interval of 2-3 hours!

#2 Stay hydrated. If you don’t guzzle down enough H2O, La Mer might be your only cure to save your skin!

#3 Apply a little bronzer on the hollow of your cheekbones and nose bridge for that sunkissed glow. No Cheetos or Snooki allowed.

#4 Because the temperatures tend to go up really high, your pores will enlarge hence trapping more dirt leading to clogged pores. Deep cleanse your face daily and exfoliate 1-2 times weekly for that healthy glow.

#5 Take advantage of this glorious season and feast on summer fruits like berries, watermelon, cherries, grapes etc. They’re healthy, cheap during the summer and yummy!

Check out our Polyvore for more details.

 

Write in to us today to receive a mystery gift from us for being featured in our Style Advisor column! To receive a special gift from us, just hit your style queries to style@azorias.com.

14Jun

AZORIAS turns 1!

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We turn 1 this June!

Taking a step back in time to the very origins of the name AZORIAS — it came from the word Zoria or Zaria, which in Slavic mythology, referred to the Goddess of Beauty. A goddess associated with the dawn, she was seen as “the brightest maiden, pure, sublime, honorable”. This word also meant ‘dawn’ in Russian. It is the essence of what we want the AZORIAS woman to be — a star in her own right, who works hard plays hard and is not afraid to chase her dreams.

From our most humble beginnings to what we are today, our first year has seen many milestones!

We had our very first featured publication with Seventeen Magazine in November 2011, and it was indeed a proud moment for us to be featured in Lucky Magazine, the award-winning shopping mag about shopping and style from the United States.

More magazine features came our way, and soon we found ourselves on a number of publications such as Jasmine magazine, Hello, Women Weekly etc.

We also had our very first pop-up store during the Malaysian Online Fashion Entreprenuer’s Week (MOFEW) — our first offline event where customers got to admire, feel and try on our items, and we were more than glad to see so many of our lovely fans who popped by our booth. At the end of the 3-day event, we were even awarded with the ‘Best Booth’ award.

We were also the one of the official wardrobe sponsors for the Vochelle online webisode, “Khabar Cinta”, and we even found on the packaging of Vochelle chocolates found in hypermarkets throughout the nation!

Determined to not just be  two-dimensional online retailer, we embarked on our very first corporate social responsibility project in collaboration with Breast Cancer Wellness Association (BCWA) for the entire month of October 2011, in efforts to raise breast cancer awareness among young women. In conjunction with the Pink October campaign, BCWA merchandise were put up for sale, and AZORIAS had donated 10% of sale proceeds of all pink items sold in store to BCWA.

At AZORIAS, we are not merely selling products, we are selling a lifestyle. Hence, we want to lend a helping hand to our girls in the stylish aspects of their lifestyle! Thus, it is no surprise that our Style Advisor column has been really popular with our customers, and style queries have been pouring in! Have a burning question to ask? C’mon over and ask our Style Advisor! From easy styling tips, to holiday outfits, to dressing a supermom — these are the few feature sets which you may find in our column.

How do I look sophisticated without trying too hard?

How to look like a Supermom with stye?

One of the milestones of our Style Advisor column being  invited byMonash University to speak about Professional Dressing and business etiquette during their Professionalism Week.

From the first hundreds to the thousands of fans and followers on our Facebook and Twitter to date, we are constantly looking for ner ways to stay connected with our fans. One of our recent endeavors was joining Instagram (@azorias), where we share the behind the scenes of our world, including sneak peeks into the office and our off-days, as well as how we style our own AZORIAS goodies! We have also recently joined Pinterest, where we get caught up in a whirlwind of beautiful inspirations.

We have also launched our new pretty packaging boxes earlier in the year, and with a brand new packaging coming up in the pipeline, we’re off to a kicking year ahead with all of you!

****************************************************

We’re glad to have come this far and we wouldn’t have been what we are without the support from all our fans and members. We couldn’t thank you more for all the love and support, and we’d like each and every one of you to be part of our 1st Anniversary celebration. To mark the occasion, we’ll be giving one detachable collar a day for the entire month of June. Yes, you’ve got it right – that’s 30 lovely collars for 30 lucky winners!

List of daily winners:

1 June: Kate Phang

2 June: Ketty Lee

3 June: Abby Chin (Twitter handle @abcchin)

4 June: Low Jiayi

5 June: Peiyi Loh

6 June: @ch3rylling (Instagram)

7 June: Eelynn Ng

8 June: Fiona Tong

9 June: Wendy Boo

10 June: Immi Yap (Twitter handle @immiyap)

11 June: Karen Christie

12 June: Ying Ying Kor

13 June: Rachel Desiree Felix

14 June: Eva Goh

15 June: Jessica Lim Jia Yin

16 June: Sara Mohd

17 June: krystal_low23 (Instagram)

18 June: Arlisya Law

19 June: Mabel Lee

20 June: Nurul Jannah

21 June: Janet Tiong

22 June: Joyce Heng

23 June: Yoyyoy Yoy

24 June: Diyana Rose (@diayanarosekamal)

25 June: Noorul Jasmin

26 June: @madeline_csl

27 June: Auricca Shea Lee

28 June: Jylinn Moo Mun Yoke

29 June: Hui Jing

30 June: Sheryl Chan

All winners kindly email us at customerservice@azorias.com before 31 July 2012 to claim your prizes.

Now, what you’re waiting for? Pop by our Facebook, Twitter and Instagram and join us as we celebrate our 1st year milestone!

31May

Monash University Professional Grooming Workshop – April 2012

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“You will never have a second chance at a first impression.”

Last month in April, we were invited by Monash University to speak on a topic very close to our hearts– Dressing up! Specifically, professional dressing. In conjunction of Monash University’s Professionalism Week, we were to conduct a 2-hour Professional Grooming workshop, advising soon-to-be freshgraduates on  how one should dress when entering the corporate world and the professional etiquette they should possess.

Based on some of the research that we did, 74% of interviewers judge a potential candidate within 4 minutes by the way he/she looks. So you can bet we were eager to share with our workshop participants some nifty tips to look stylish and presentable!


Our Creative Director stressing the importance of ‘dress to impress’.

 


Entertained and engrossed workshop participants taking down some tips.

 

Audrey Ooi of Fourfeetnine was there to present some tips on looking bright and fresh when attending an interview.

 


Audrey was wearing AZORIAS top.

 

The key is to look natural and fresh, but not overdone.

 


We had some student models who demonstrated what we call ‘image destroyers’– think holey socks, excessive jewelry, indecent hemlines etc. First impressions count.

 


Audrey is amazed at the height disparity between her and our student model!

 

Our student models and emcee, all clad in AZORIAS workwear.

 


Group picture with some of the student organizers and Audrey.

For those of you who missed out on the Professional Grooming workshop, we are sharing some pointers on professional dressing here:

  • Keep yourself looking polished by trimming your hair regularly and smelling nice (but don’t go overboard with the perfume/cologne that it suffocates your colleagues)
  • Classic and quality pieces. You’d want to invest in quality pieces, in this special case, quality > quantity.
  • Common sense: No jeans, slippers, crazy hair colour/piercings/tattoos
  • Tip: Your shoes should never be lighter than the hem of you dress or pants. Bet you didn’t know that, did you?
  • Keep your plunging neckline tops and mini skirts for the weekend. The sexy secretary role only applies in movies.
  • For the men: Always show one half inch of your shirt cuffs below your jacket sleeves! And your jacket sleeves should never go past your wrists. It’s simple math really, your shirt sleeves should always end at your wrists and your jacket half an inch above.
  • Men in short sleeve shirts? Leave that for the K-pop boys really.
  • Did you know that your socks should always be darker than the colour of your suit?? Oh you’re the funny guy in the office? Sure your Stewie Griffin socks will impress the girls, but definitely not your manager.

 

Have a look at your outfit today, how many “professional wardrobe crimes” have you committed?

Well, fret not, if you have any questions, just email us at style@azorias.com, and our Style Advisor will have you looking sharp and stylish in no time!

 

11May

Style Advisor: How to look like a supermom (with style)?

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I’m a busy mother of 2 baby girls and jeans, tees, and flats are my staple for practical reasons when I’m out and about with my girls. I’ve been experimenting and trying to get my style sense up a notch by mixing and matching, but I still can’t get out of the jeans and flats box! Help! Any advice on how to dress to kill everyday but still able to save the world (well, at least my daughters’!)? Thanks!

Leishia

Hi Leishia, we love how you’re such a dedicated mama yet trying to balance the life of being a busy mother and also looking stylish! It’s no easy job we know! Waking up in the middle of deep sleep to dirty diapers and teary eyes of the little ones. Today we’re gonna help you conquer the world by styling up  some basic items in your wardrobe so that you can dress to kill.

We love celeb moms like Miranda Kerr (like really, can she be any more perfect?) and Gwen Stefani (Role model mama!). They dress in the simplest of just shirt and jeans but still looking so stylish even off screens.

 

We’ve came up with a few style sets to get your inspirations up and going– still with just shirts, jeans and flats, but definitely chic mama material.

 

Style Set 1: Park Stroller Chic

featuring: Multicolor floral print georgette shirt

 

This outfit is perfect for a family day out, where you can put push your little one in the sleek stroller you got from your baby shower. Here we feature a buttoned-up top because we know some mothers are still breastfeeding and we know how it is a pain to pull up your shirt to feed the hungry little monster. Thus, buttoned-ups are THE to-go-for shirts. Our floral print georgette shirt is made from the lightest of material, and will definitely be a great piece to wear to the outdoors and even to shopping malls. Accessorize with some rings and an updo. Hide those tired eyes with a pair of frames from lack of rest (Thank God for the nerdy glasses trend!)

 

Style Set 2: Stepford Wives gathering

featuring:

Bias hem tee with leather cord belt

Hot pink tapered pants with leather cord belt

 

T-shirt and jeans are the most practical combinations for you to be able to move around with your kid comfortably. But it is actually very easy to up the style notch on this combination! All you need to do is to replace your jeans with a pair of tailored pants (tapered pants are our favorites).  Brighten your day with bright colours, like our hot pink tapered pants. Tees are welcomed too, but choose tees with a slight twist, such as our simple tee with a bias peplum  hem. Tada, you are still dressed in a tee and pants, but suddenly you are the most stylish mom on the block. Instead of lugging a diaper bag, why not carry a large tote to fit your baby essentials i.e. milk bottle, bib, diapers and maybe a toy for the little one to play with while you’re munching on dainty cupcakes and sipping on chamomile tea. You’d want to go easy on the chunky necklaces and bangles because really, we don’t know when the little monster will start pulling onto your dangly earrings or gold chains around your neck. So we suggest a fancy stud or a simple pearl stud would suffice. Keep the entire look breezy and fuss-free with flat sandals.

There are plenty of ways to style up daily outfits with a twist without compensating comfort. It can be an oversized tee or even a maxi dress. All you need to do is to find basics with a twist or inject colors! Accessories are awesome too.

Don’t forget to take part in our Mother’s Day “I Got It From My Momma” contest! For more information, please check out our Facebook page or Twitter.

 

Check out our Polyvore for more details.

 

And because it’s Mother’s Day this weekend, Leshia wins a mystery gift from us for being featured in our Style Advisor column! To receive a special gift from us, just hit your style queries to style@azorias.com.

08May

I Got it from My Momma!

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This Mother’s day, tell us what you share with Mom (from shoes to bags to that special quirk, or even a treasured moment) — in the most creative photo– and stand a chance to win a RM200 shopping voucher!

A mom yourself? Share with us what you have in common with your cute little ones!

Contest rules:
1. Take a  creative photo of what you share with your mom/ kid(s) (give us a fun description!), and share it on either/all of the following channels:

i) AZORIAS Facebook page
ii) Twitter (kindly tag @azorias in your tweet)
iii) Instagram (kindly tag @azorias in your photo)

2.For each of the channel:
i) AZORIAS Facebook page – get as many Facebook likes as you can!
ii)  Twitter (kindly tag @azorias in your tweet) – Get as many retweets (RTs) as you can!
iii) Instagram (kindly tag @azorias in your photo) – - get as many ‘hearts’ (likes) as you can!

3. Two winners will be chosen:
i) The most creative entry chosen by AZORIAS
ii) The entry with the most likes/ retweets (applies for entries via Facebook/ Twitter/Instagram)

*Terms & Conditions:
1. Multiple entries (photos) are welcomed. Each entry can be shared on any or all of the social media channels listed above.
2. ‘Phantom likes’ will not be entertained. AZORIAS reserves the right to investigate each entry to ensure that it is bona fide.
3. A shopping voucher worth RM200 will be given to each winner.
4. All decisions by the judges of AZORIAS are final and conclusive.
5. All prizes are not returnable or exchangeable for any item in kind, nor redeemable for cash or store credits.
6. AZORIAS reserves the right to amend the Terms & Conditions at any time without prior notification.

Contest ends at 00:00 14 May 2012.

 Good luck, and we can’t wait to see your fabulous photos! Mom would be so proud.

02May

Style Advisor: How do I look more sophisticated without trying to hard?

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I’m turning 20 this year, and I want to have a more sophisticated look. How do I pull off the look without looking like I’m trying to hard? I feel like being 20 is a very important year to change your style. People around you will definitely judge you by the way you dress. So, I want to make a change. At this age, people tell me that I still look like a teenager, and I want that to end. I want to look more sophisticated without looking like a teenager trying too hard to look like an adult. I’m turning twenty! How do I overcome this situation?

Aliza Sara

Hi Aliza, firstly we’d like to thank you for your submission! We do agree with you that turning 20 is a big transformation as this is when people will finally take you as a WOMAN, not the little girl from next door.

The AZORIAS team has been cracking our heads thinking how we can resolve your dilemma– you don’t want to look like you’re trying too hard to look like an adult, but you don’t wanna look too mature for your age either. Chicken and egg situation we’re having here. We’re certain that there are many young girls out there who’re facing the same dilemma as you do. Today, we’re going to play fashion world’s Dr. Phil in solving your dilemma.

We love the fact that you’re determined to make a change in style at the age of 20, to become a more sophisticated version of you, and here are a few tips on how you can do this.

1. It’s about discovering your personal style.

You’re right about how people judge by the way you dress or appear. But it is also very important to have your very own sense of personal style that determines your personality. If braiding your hair is your thing, we say “Go ahead! Braid all you want!” because that is what you are. Having a “style block”? Flip through magazines and seek inspirations from celebrities and editorials, get inspired by different ways of styling up a simple outfit, adding in your personal flair. It’s more about embracing yourself and put on something that is you.

 

2. Embrace your youth.

Heard of the phrase “You only live once”? You only turn 20 once. You have a life long to experience and play around with style, while you’re at it, have some fun too! You don’t want to look like you’re 30 when you’re only turning 20! Play around with styles that are age appropriate for yourself. We personally love young celeb fashionistas such as Chloe Moretz, Elle Fanning, Jennifer Lawrence and Elizabeth Olsen. All of them have their very own style on and off screens, exuding different charms donning clothes from high street brands to designer labels.

Chloe Moretz

Elizabeth Olsen

Elle Fanning

Jennifer Lawrence

 

 3. Add some quirks!

Brought forward from point No. 2, while you’re at it have some fun! There are different ways of styling up an outfit. You can go for classy, sweet or edgy. Your call. Be it a splash of colour on your nails or lips, or maybe a statement making necklace, print mixing, colour blocking, monominimalist etc., add in your flair! .We’ve came up with several style sets inspired by these young stars.

1. Less is More

featuring: Teardrop cut-out dress with scallop hem

Some say “more is always more”, but seriously wearing 20 statement necklaces will hold you back (pun intended) with a medical fee for possible neck fracture. Pairing this classy number with a simple gold choker and a splash of colour on your heels. Black and gold will never go out of style. Carry your personal belongings in a sleek black clutch (gold cuffs optional but tis’ the season to be cuffin’ so we say it’s mandatory!)

2. Spring Blush

featuring: Contrast shoulder flap peplum blouse

Pastel tones, check. Lace, check. Peplum, check. This spring is THE season to go all pastel crazy and peplums are running wild this year! Featuring this gorgeous peplum blouse from our Spring collection,  we’ve paired it with a delicate pair of lace shorts and a little gold jewelry to spark up the outfit. Don’t be afraid to add in some colours to your daily outfits! And oh, don’t forget that flushed cheeks to match that youthful glee of yours.

3. Print Edge

featuring: Checkered origami fold skirt

Sherbet tones are always a big hit when it comes to Spring/Summer. We love the delicate folds of this gorgeous origami skirt, and its strategically placed folds will only make your legs appear longer! You don’t want to overpower your outfit with too much prints so we suggest a simple plain top (something like our bias hem tee with leather cord belt). Pucker up with some bright lippy before you leave your house!

4. A little eyeliner goes a long way.

You know how when we were little, playing dress-up and putting on mummy’s makeup (and panic when you accidentally snapped her favourite Dior lipstick off) make you seem all grown up? Too make yourself seem a little less like a little kid, put on a little blusher or mascara, you’d be surprise how different you’ll look with just minor enhancements. Remember, less is always more! You don’t want to look like you’re going on stage with too much makeup caked on your skin.

Playing dress up starts at the age of 5 and never truly ends. We cannot agree enough with this statement. At the end of the day, just have fun with it!

Check out our Polyvore for more details.

Aliza wins a mystery gift from us for being featured in our Style Advisor column! To receive a special gift from us, just hit your style queries to style@azorias.com.

13Mar

Style Advisor: How to still be fashionable on a winter holiday?

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I will be going for a holiday soon. It will still be winter (towards the end) but still very cold I would presume. Can you give me tips on how to still be fashionable despite the layers of clothes I will have to put on? Thank you.

Eileen

Ahh, holidays are always a great idea until the packing and unpacking comes. Often times when we make a checklist of “Things to Bring”, the list will end up longer than your life story. Toiletries, make-up, comb, underwear, umbrella, socks, shoes, medication, scarf etc. We’ve all been through that but fret not! We’re here to the rescue on how you can pack a lot lighter, but still look like your holiday wardrobe is just as big as Carrie Bradshaw’s wardrobe!

 

Featuring:

Houndstooth Woven Jacket

Classic Double Breasted Trench Jacket

Sequin Collar Georgette Shirt

Velvet Bow Belt Flared Dress

Black Embellished Diamante Collar

 

Listen soldier, our priority is to pack as light as we can so when we’re on a holiday you’ll have less to carry around, and more space to bring back some new clothes and some new shoes back home!

Here are some things you’ll need:

Trench Coat

Preferably in a colour that’s easy to match with the rest of your outfits, you don’t want to be bringing 5 different jackets for a 5 day trip. Here we recommend the Classic Double Breasted Trench Jacket as it reminds us of the classic Audrey Hepburn trench that she wore in Breakfast at Tiffany’s.

 

Breton Stripe Top

There’s nothing so simple yet chic to wear like a simple Breton shirt. It’s light to carry and long sleeves also equal to warmth.

 

Little Black Dress

The classic LBD. Bring one that would flatter any occasion. Who knows you might bump into a local cutie who’s gonna bring you to a date? In addition to that, you can always layer a top over and voila, you get a skirt!

 

Sweater

Preferably made from wool or cashmere to keep yourself warm. And really, there are so many possibilities to wear a sweater with! Layer on collared shirts for a preppy chic look or just a lovely intricate collar to dazzle up your outfit.

 

Jeans

We can NOT stress enough the contributions of Jacob Davis and Levi Strauss (they should be handed the Nobel prize in the fashion industry). All you need is a good pair of jeans (whichever cut that flatters your body, straight, bootcut, skinny etc),  and we reckon you’re good to go roaming around in a foreign land. It keeps you warm and let’s admit it, we don’t wash our jeans for at least a week of wearing (because you just don’t! You do that to maintain the colour of the denim and we all know how freshly laundered jeans are a pain to put on)

 

Tights

To keep those pins warm when you’re in shorts or skirts. We’d recommend just a plain black pair, but if you want to, get a pair of polka dot ones, they look good with almost everything too!

 

Thermal wear

Essential for cold weathers, thermal (or known as Long Johns) no longer resemble your grandma’s pyjamas with horrendous lace trimmings on the neckline. We recommend Heattech by Uniqlo, a new technology which transforms bod moisture into heat to keep yourself warm. The best thing? The material is as thin as normal cotton tee! If you’re afraid that one layer is not enough, put on 2-3 layers, it’s THAT thin of a layer.

 

Now that we have our essentials down to pat, let’s begin our mix and match game!

 

Day 1:

Featuring:

Classic Double Breasted Trench Jacket

Sequin Collar Georgette Shirt

Here we’ve paired the Sequin Collar Georgette Shirt with a pair of jeans. Have the shirt tucked in to look less sloppy. Combat the dreary winter weather by painting your outfit with  colorful accessories! A pink beret (or maybe a red beanie?) and bright coloured shoes. As for your outerwear, the classic trench will never go wrong. We’ve chosen the Classic Double Breasted Trench Jacket to keep you warm today.

 

Day 2:

Featuring:

Houndstooth Woven Jacket

Black Embellished Diamante Collar

On Day 2 or depending on the weather conditions, pair your cozy sweater with a pair of bright colored shorts  (or skirt, or even over a dress). Too plain? We’re not finished yet! Dazzle up the outfit with a delicate collar like our Black Embellished Diamante Collar. Did we mention that collars keep your neck warm too? Keep the scarf back in your hotel room. Put on a fitted jacket to make you look shapely (even though there are a couple of layers underneath), here we’ve picked the Houndstooth Woven Jacket because houndstooth never goes out of style.

Day 3:

Featuring:

Classic Double Breasted Trench Jacket

The classic French women ensemble, Breton stripe top and jeans (roll it up if your ankles can bear the cold) with a classic trench like our Classic Double Breasted Trench Jacket. We know winter is all about dull colours but we say spice things up with a splash of neon like an orange belt or bright coloured shoes or even a scarf. Imagine yourself sitting in a quaint cafe sipping down a skinny latte in this outfit, it’s a scene straight out of a movie.

 

Day 4:

Featuring:

Houndstooth Woven Jacket

Sequin Collar Georgette Shirt

Velvet Bow Belt Flared Dress

A little fancy today. Save this outfit for the day you’ll be taking the most pictures because we all want to look our best in our pictures from our holidays don’t we? Use your dress as a pinafore by layering a pretty shirt underneath. We chosen the Sequin Collar Georgette Shirt and Velvet Bow Belt Flared Dress ensemble. Keep yourself warm with a scarf if you’re planning to stay out late. Don’t forget a chic outerwear like our Houndstooth Woven Jacket.

There are actually endless possibilities to style up your traveling wardrobe with just a few simple key pieces. Breton top with shorts or maybe the shirt underneath a sweater. These are just a few examples that we’ve came up with. Play around like you played dressing up when you were young!

Also, you can watch the following video for more layering inspiration!

Other travel tips:

#1 Buy insoles for your shoes. You will thank Scholl after your trip because you will be doing more than just walking, there will also be running to catch the last trains, standing in lines for good food and shopping.

#2 A warm cup of coffee or hot chocolate will really warm you up on an extra cold day. Hug the cup and sip on it.

#3 LAYERS LAYERS LAYERS. Don’t be afraid to mix with prints too! Because haven’t you heard? Print mixing is the new colour blocking. Besides layering keeps you warm!

#4 Bandaid. Because this tiny little wonder will save you from blisters on your little toe or just little cuts from here and there.

#5 Bring extra batteries for your camera, and an extra memory card. You want every single moment of the trip to be captured like a perfect Kodak moment.

#6 Bring your perfect smile and open mind. Accept and respect the local cultures.

#7 Always keep yourself hydrated. We know how cold weather makes your skin dry, nothing would work unless you keep yourself hydrated on the inside. Guzzle down those H2o.

#8 Lipbalm. For kissable lips.

#9 Bring a mini notebook to jot down your itinerary, or the fun things you did through out your trip.

#10 Just savour the moment, forget your worries and enjoy your holiday.

 

Check out our Polyvore for more details.

 

Eileen wins a mystery gift from us for being featured in our Style Advisor column! To receive a special gift from us, just hit your style queries to style@azorias.com.

21Feb

Hearts All Over

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February is all about celebrating love.Valentine’s may have came and gone, but nothing should stop us from celebrating love all around us! We’ve handpicked several lovely pieces (pun intended!):

1. Heart Print Flared Dress with Contrast Bib

Think heart prints are too childish? We think not, with this preppy retro-inspired dress that has miniature heart prints scattered nonchalantly it. Throw on a pair of oversized sunnies and your favorite platform pumps or ankle boots, and you will be giving Alexa Chung a run for her money.

2. Heart Pocket Tee

Throw out the ordinary plain white tee and embrace quirky heart-shaped pockets on your casual basic. Wear it with shorts, jeans, yiur favorite full skirt… Somehow it adds the right girlie ‘oomph. “Two hearts are beating together, I’m in LOVE!” sings Kylie Minogue, and we cannot agree further.

3. Lip Print Pleated Skirt with Leather Waist

Love is all about the XOXOs, so don’t think we have forgotten about those kissy lips of yous. A million pleats and a million kisses, all in just one skirt. With a little leather accent at the waist to bring out that trimmed waist of yours, we like how it’s edgy with a sense of humor.

4. Blush Heart-pocket Georgette Shirt

If wearing a tee may be too casual, why not wear a preppy flowy shirt with heart pockets? Add a little colour block to your outfit with this coral blush shirt, just like how we blush when we see Ryan Gosling’s sexy abs a little girl’s blushing cheeks. Pair it with the 5. Tan Circle Skirt with Leather Trimmings, because nothing screams flirty better than a little circle skirt. Imagine yourself twirling around with a skirt that swings so nicely as you walk down 5th Avenue. Sky high heels: Mandatory.

6. Heart Pocket Fitted Skirt

Bring on the spring fever! Dress in pastel colours this Spring in a baby pink fitted skirt, innocently highlighted with adorable heart pockets. Just the way we heart it, oops, we meant love it.

14Feb

Stupid Cupid.

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Featuring:

Multicolour floral print georgette shirt

Organza origami fitted skirt

Dress to kill this Valentine’s Day, irregardless of your relationship status on Facebook ! We’ve chosen the multicolour floral print georgette shirt paired with an organza origami fitted skirt as the perfect Valentine’s outfit. Nothing like a fitted skirt that accentuates the feminine shape (point: driving them men crazy). Add a pop of colour to the neutral palette with a mint green clutch (or any other neon shades for that matter, for an extra oomph to your outfit). Layer your favourite watch over some bracelets and bangles ’cause you don’t want to be late for your V-day date! Don’t go overboard with colours for your shoes because you don’t want to look like a Christmas gift, hence our choice of a pair of nude platform slingbacks, just the perfect touch for longer and leaner looking legs. Glowing skin with rosy cheeks are vital, because really, who can resist a girl with flushing skin when she smiles?

As for single girls, you are not spared! Dress to impress on a fabulous night out with your crazy girlfriends. And who knows, you might just meet someone special on Valentine’s Day. And in case of doubt, over-dress. :P

Here at AZORIAS, we wish you a very Happy Valentine’s Day and Happy Single Awareness Day! Because love, is all you need. :)

Disclaimer: Love; not limited to pretty dresses, leather pumps or designer handbags.

 

Check out our Polyvore for more details.

03Feb

Fashion Equation

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As the clock struck 8 a.m. sharp, I woke up with a big grin. It’s the 69th Golden Globe Awards!!

I have this tradition of dressing up to watch the awards, just to feel like I’m one of them. Hair tied back in a sleek pony-tail, some YSL Creme de Blush in Velvety Peach, I slipped on a coral number, cap-sleeves, tight at the right places, ends right above my knees, something I got from this mass-produced fashion label named Zara. I would go the extra effort to put on some Jimmy Choos, but they are currently sitting in Net-a-Porter’s warehouse located somewhere in London.

Crumpets smothered in peanut butter and a cup of instant coffee on the coffee table,I turned the TV on. And the most awaited moment arrived. No. I’m not talking about the winner for best female actress nor the best tv show of the year, I’m talking about the Red Carpet. The sole reason (oh pun intended, remember my Jimmy Choos? haha) I dragged myself out of bed and dress the part is for the red carpet, where celebrities flaunt their overpriced gowns, made from the most gorgeous of all fabrics, diamonds, bow ties and a little Brad Pitt *sigh*

As I see the celebrities stroll down the red carpet in their perfect hair and makeup, perfect physique, and OH is that Angelina Jolie in a dress what looks like a used tampon!? Oopsies pardon my french! I thought to myself, since I’m already “part of” the Golden Globe Awards (ignore the 5000 miles difference) why not do some Maths while I’m at it. Not just simple plus minus subtract divide, but Fashematics.

 

So here are some of my favourites:

Claire Danes in J. Mendel.

I personally love the open-back and who would have thought that black and white chess could be a kind of inspiration for a gorgeous sleek open-back dress.

Sofia Vergara in Vera Wang.

She looks like a real-life mermaid in that Vera Wang dress. If I were Jay (her husband in Modern family? Hello? Keep up!!) I wouldn’t let this Sirena out of my house!

Angelina Jolie in Atelier Versace.

She looks hot. Yes. But all I know is the dress looks like something Dracula’s female cousin would wear, ‘cept painted in white.

Emma Stone in Lanvin.

One of my personal favourites! Tulle and a little Xena and you get Alber Elbaz’s brain child in the form of a gorgeous gown. From the flow of the dress to the eagle-like waist belt, absolute divine.

So, what do you think? Or do you have better fashion equations? Share with us!

Disclaimer: Ladies, please don’t take this too seriously. Fashion should be fun, risky and adventurous. It’s about creating your personal style and while you’re at it, put in some fun and joy!

 

credits: Google images for all the photos used in this post.

 

23Dec

Style Advisor: What do I wear to show my cheerful and amiable personality at an interview?

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I have an important job interview with an insurance company coming up soon and I have no idea what to wear. I don’t want to appear all businesslike, I want something that can show my cheerful and amiable personality, at the same time appear responsible and passionate about the job. What should I wear? Help please.

Suzi Mellisa

 

First of all, congratulations on scoring the interview! Indeed, the conventional point of view is that we have to go all black and white for an interview. Whilst it is safe,  it is also boring. And you don’t want to be just another face amongst a sea of candidates that your interviewer has to go through. But cleverly injecting some colors into your interview outfit can not only leave a striking impression on your interviewer, but also showcase your personality. Let us show you how.

 

Style set 1

Featuring:
Burgundy fitted skirt with leather buckle belt

It’s quite typical to reach for a colored top to go with a standard black skirt when we think of incorporating colors into our interview outfit. But what about going for a colored bottom instead? To still look professional and polished, choose a color that is subtle yet rich, like burgundy. Our Burgundy fitted skirt with leather buckle belt is perfect for the job on hand. Burgundy, having a component of the primary color, red, will have you looking subtly in control and confident… Your interviewer won’t even know what hit him!

As it is the first time you are meeting a potential employer, it is best to match your colored bottom with a neutral-toned top. Here we went with classic white, a crisp, collared sleeveless shirt that is dressy, yet not trying too hard. Bearing in mind that it might be chilly in the office (cold clammy hands for that first handshake is a no-no!), we ditched the boring black blazer for a white collarless jacket with black trimmings, maintaining the modern, chic feel of the outfit. To tie in perfectly with the jacket’s black trimmings, go for classic black pumps and a large black tote (to keep a copy of your resume, certificates, a spare pen etc.).

We are almost done now.. The final touch would be a statement-making necklace to pull together the entire look. Now the entire outfit is professional yet young, and the quiet injection of color reveals a confidence– something that always impresses employers.

Style set 2

Featuring:
Printed ruffled panel dress

Depending on the organization culture of the company you are interviewing at, you can actually be a little more adventurous with your interview outfit. Instead of settling for the classic shirt + bottom combo, go for a dress instead! In a vibrant color, no less. Immediately, our Printed ruffled panel dress comes to mind. Mustard is always a good color to throw into a work outfit, because it is what we call a ‘bright neutral’. Stay away from pastel colors like pinks and baby blues, because they are too riff raff to make a professional impression; and strong colors like red would probably be too overpowering for a first meeting. But bright(er) hues like mustard, burnt orange, forest green make powerful visual impact, that is still appropriate for the corporate environment.

Again, we steered far away from the boring black blazer, and instead have our eyes on a nude, slim-cut blazer that complements the mustard hue nicely without actually dampening the color. Also, the deep-V cut of the jacket perfectly flaunts the ruffled V-panel on the dress– it’s all in the details!

As the dress has a busy neckline, we suggest to do away with any neckwear– go for a pair of earrings instead. Pulled-up hair always look good for an interview– a loose, flyaway mane is not attractive! Accessories are a great way to demonstrate an attention to detail, so do strategically accessorize. To show off a fun, amicable side, opt for a pair of bright-colored pumps! (Tip: always wear close-toed shoes for interviews) Again, we emphasize the importance of a large tote to fit in your survival kit for the interview.

Finally, there is an accessory that you must not forget for your interview.. A BIG SMILE! And a firm handshake. We wish you luck in bedazzling your interviewer!

 

Suzi Mellisa wins a mystery gift from us for being featured in our Style Advisor column! To receive a special gift from us, just hit your style queries to style@azorias.com.