#TrioThursday: Wicker

I’d like to think the world has finally reached its peak French Girl obsession with these bags of the moment. Straw, wicker, raffia – woven bags are officially everywhere! And they’re not just styled by the beach, you see! Have you seen a style influencer carry it with her winter wardrobe last season? Do you think they match? Probably not. But does it look cool? Hands down, yeah! :D

If you’re into anything vintage, by now you’d know that this is actually a seasonally-backward trend. French actress Jane Birkin was probably the inspiration for living this 24/7 fishing basket life. She styled it with everything (even with a cocktail dress at Cannes Film Festival mind you!). And I intend to do the same with my recently acquired basket bag from Mango. It has its advantages.

Everywhere I went, strangers from all walks of life, from the sales girl at the grocery, random people in the gym to the hotel receptionist in Jakarta, went out of their way to praise my basket bag. I honestly think it’s one of the reasons why those little girls donned in white telekung solat took a photo of me (as though I’m a celebrity lol) while passing through a mosque in Jakarta. Hehe.  

It’s that one bag I couldn’t pack away with my floppy or wide-brim hats as they go so well together as proven by the three looks below. Oh, and a floral dress. And you’re about to see more of it in my summer escapades. :D

Dress: Zaful (see here); Bag/ Hat/ Sandals: Mango

Dress: Rosegal (see post here); Bag/Hat: Mango

Dress/ Bag/ Hat: Mango

#TrioThursday: Sleeveless Trench

One of the transitional piece that always comes about during spring is the classic trench coat. Us here at Cakes and Styles will always be a proponent of this piece - especially the one in camel. See this post for reference. It's functional and can multi-task, taking from you from day to evening. But what about it's cousin - the sleeveless one? 

Well, as proven in three looks below for today's hashtag, the sleeveless option also offers the same versatility and polished effect but is so much better considering our weather here. Pair it with jumpsuit, floral pants or a printed dress..the possibility is endless. I'm pretty sure that this is just the first installment of this series. 

#TrioThursday: Florals Lately

Don't get me wrong. Floral will always be "in" for spring/ summer but I don't know. Lately, they just feel blah to me. Recently, I'm more into polka dots and plaid/ gingham prints. Which is also not bad patterns/ trends to invest in because of their timeless appeal as well. So I'll keep this post short and present to you my recent floral numbers for today's hashtag. Enjoy :)

#TrioThursday: Red OTK Boots

Sometimes you have an occasion and you get a dress pair of shoes. Other times, a pair of shoe finds you first. Hehe. 

Ok, admittedly I stole that line from one of the bloggers I'm following. Lol. Coz I feel the same way about these over-the-knee pointed booties that I've been eyeing on since I saw them on Fendi's A/W 17 runway last year - those lipstick-red versions in super-slick leather that's also spotted on many street style stars and influencers. In my mind I have already rearranged my wardrobe around them so when I found them in Gamiss' gamut of shoe styles around late last year, I did not pass up on the chance to style it. And did you also know that they have size up to 43? So awesome! Lol!

The thing is, I was ready to wear them in my HK trip, but there were some logistics issues encountered so they arrived only a little over last week. :-/ It may be a bit hard pulling 'em off now that summer season is so on but I'm optimistic though that this will be trendy by end of this year so I'm safekeeping it. For the meantime, while here in Jakarta, these are the ways I would style it. What do you guys think?

Stiletto Heel Pointed Toe Over the Knee Boots

Beret: Zaful; Dress: H&M; Bag: Mango

Beret: Zaful; Dress: Dorothy Perkins; Blazer: H&M

Shirt: J Crew; Coat: Zalora; Earrings: Mango

P.S. All styling are by yours truly. This post was made in collaboration with Gamiss. You may use GamissChen to have additional 10%-20% off. :)

#TrioThursday: Polka Dot

Not really celebrating Chinese New Year but from where I am right now (blogging from Kuala Lumpur, you guys!) where the festivities have begun, you can just simply tell that this playful dress from Zaful is the best featured dress for today's hashtag. (Red and polka dot, right?)

This is one of my favorite maxis of the moment. Here are the three ways I've accessorized it so far. 

Polka Dot Maxi Dress

#TrioThursday: Red Blazer

In continuation of all things red (the color of F/W 17), I'm compiling all un-posted looks using this blazer that you've probably seen here over and over again *roll eyes* Lol. And yes, I'm fully aware that I've just featured red trackies for last week's hashtag. :P

Red and Pink. Can't believe this was once considered a taboo combo when it's one of the prettiest and girliest combo ever! ;)

Blazer: Mango; Top: Topshop; Shoes: Miss Selfridge

Hot & Cold. I can't believe this look from early this year hasn't made its way yet here. A pale shade of blue and a bright red is one that's pleasing to the eyes, agree? Also, I can't believe that after obsessing with this trend, I'm finally ready to let go of off-shoulders for next year.

Blazer/ Trousers: Mango; Shoes: Zara

A little French. Worn a few days before my trip to Paris, this look couldn't get any more French chic with the breton stripes and the on-trend baker boy hat. *wink*

Blazer/ Shoes: Mango; Top/ Hat: H&M; Belt: Topshop