Take a Cue from the Kids

My students have some super cute style. I'm sure they pick whatever without much though, or their parents help (they definitely help when the girls have cute bows tied around their necks with their scarves). Anyways, a lot of my kids like to wear their skirts or dresses over jeggings or jeans. And maybe a sweater over the dress. We're getting to that magical four layers I need to stay warm, now aren't we? Hey, when inspiration hits, take note. Even if you are looking at six-year olds for fashion inspiration.

Back when I was in high school, I loved "Korean fashion." They were pros at layering (yesstyle.com even had a guide on how to layer like a Korean girl), and all I wanted was to be able to layer more than a tee and cardigan. I didn't really understand the concept of oversized or boyfriend-sized back then and I aimed to fit into extra-small everything. No wonder layers didn't look that cool on me. This time, I decided to do a 180. Oversized everything. Why? Because Christmas happened.

I took these right after Christmas, and to be honest, I normally wear this sweater and dress combo with skinny jeans. However... Christmas Eve cake with the school happened. And then Christmas dinner happened. Now, you might think oh, cake with the rest of the staff isn't that bad. One slice a person and all that. No. There were four or five cakes, and maybe 15 staff for the day. And we're talking 10-15 piece cakes. And I had to try every flavour. I have no self control. Fast forward to Christmas dinner. We ordered Korean fried chicken and pizza. Four flavours of chicken, and three pizzas. And don't forget, Korean pizza is weird. Some have kimchi, some have corn, some have potatoes. So once again, I had to try all the flavours of chicken and pizza. And then there was the bake-fest for dessert, and a tub of six flavour ice cream from Baskin Robbins.... I don't know how I'm not fat yet, but needless to say, I did wake up with major carb/booze face (as you might be able to tell from these pictures). Oh, and we get to do it all over again on New Years! Yay!

So, what I'm saying is, skinny jeans weren't exactly an option for me Boxing Day. So boyfriend jeans it was for these photos. And you know the food baby is bad when your boyfriend jeans are fitting a little snug. A higher heel would have looked awesome with this outfit, but unfortunately my shoe wardrobe in Korea is quite pitiful.

Finally, the blog's url will be changing as of January 1st, so make note! It'll be "casualncouture.blogspot.ca"

Sweater: Top Ten (similar here)

Dress: Zara (similar here)

Boyfriend Jeans: Gap

Boots: Sam Edelman (similar here)
Purse: Botkier (similar here)

Cozy Cuddles

Photos by Joseph Wood

I am an infinitely lazy person. Weekends are do nothing days for me. I lounge around, and if I really feel energetic, I go for brunch at the local cafe (honey, camembert and olive paninis are amazing) to get some social interaction and hopefully get some reading and work done. Normally, I also make my friends take the blog photos after, so I have a reason to get dressed (it's cold, and getting out of my fuzzy pajamas isn't exactly high on my list on priorities).

Now, being the lazy person I am, and having most of my brunch crew out of town, last weekend, I decided the best thing to do was change out of my pajamas, into some not quite pajamas. 

I wasn't planning on taking photos this week and decided comfort and warmth were my main brunch priorities. While this week has been exceedingly nice weather wise (yay, 5-10 degree days!), I'm starting to think I have Raynaud's disease, and have been taking extra measures to stay cozy. Suddenly having a toe turn white is not the most comforting thing in the world to see, so what better way to stay warm than to cuddle up in a fuzzy sweater and my favourite joggers?

Sweater: Forever21
Joggers: Greylin
Shoes: Charles Philip Shanghai (similar here)
Necklace: DIY (similar here)

Layer up

I've discovered the secret to keeping warm in Korea. 

Layer up, and layer lots (more than you think!). Seriously though, I end up wearing four layers (not including a jacket) if I really want to stay warm (bonus, four layers means I don't even really need a jacket). Light layers is the way to go so that nothing is bulky - everything underneath my sweater is super thin cotton or viscose. Looser clothing also works better at retaining the heat. A cotton tank, viscose blouse, long vest and a sweater to top it all off. On colder days, tights or leggings underneath jeans is a must as well. 

While, I've had to wear leggings under jeans before in Canada, I've never really used more than two layers on my upper body. I recently had an open class though, and in the midst of  my "I need to dress professionally but my school is an icebox" dilemma at 6 am, I decided to freeze and throw on my go-to business outfit with a tank underneath, as the blouse is a bit low-cut for Korean standards. Given the 0 degree mornings, I decided a could easily throw on my favourite sweater and just take it off when the time came for open class. At least I'd be a little warmer. And you know what, I wasn't a little warmer. I was a lot warmer. Like, no jacket needed in the icebox warm.

The combination only seems to work with the added blazer - I don't stay warm with just a blouse and sweater. The great thing is, the blazer just peaks out of my sweater to give a nice bit of colour. Longer vests or even chiffon trenches are also great to layer underneath sweaters as I'm finding out. They look great, and go with the loose, flowing aesthetic I seem to love so much. Now, to pick some up in every colour.

Sweater: Zara (similar here)

Vest: Forever21

Boyfriend Jeans: Gap

Purse: Botkier

Shoes: Enzo Angiolini (old, similar here)

Modern Retro

This fall we've seen the return of 70's style. Suede (everything), a-line skirts (in suede, of course!), flared jeans and wide legged culottes, and all boots, whether they be just above the ankle or over the knees. I must admit, while I'm not a fan of mod, I am loving this retro revival. Paired with a classic turtle neck and Burberry trench, retro can easily be made modern.

Soft fabrics and a-line silhouettes are my absolute favourite, so these retro suede skirts are a no brainer for me. I've had to stop myself from buying one in every colour! Wine red?! Of course I want it. Forest green? You bet! Unfortunately, my wallet doesn't allow for a suede skirt in every colour, but when I saw this gorgeous rust red at Zara, well, I had to have it (it was a hit at Seoul Fashion Week, so obviously I chose well). 

Speaking about budgeting, I'm at a crossroads. To celebrate lasting a year abroad on my own, I thought I'd buy myself an expensive gift. You know, designer expensive. So, I'm at a crossroads. I can't decide between a new purse (possibly a Chloe Faye?) or some Stuart Weitzman over the knees. Or, if I want to be practical and not fight with my camera all the time, possibly a Nikon D750? Decisions, decisions.

Jacket: Burberry (similar here)

Top: 3.3 Field Trip (similar here)

Skirt: Zara (similar here)

Boots: Asos

Autumnal Nude

Photos by Mike Masulli and Joseph Wood

As my surroundings gain more and more colour, I seem to be losing it. With winter fast approaching, I'm drawn to lighter neutrals, stocking up on beiges, creams and blush. I suppose it's one way to deny the colder, greyer weather.

Layering is a must in the fall, especially in rural Korea! I swear, indoors is actually colder than the outdoors somedays. Buildings here don't seem to be well insulated (or at the very least, my apartment and schools aren't), and it's almost a daily occurrence for me to leave the school during lunch and marvel at the warmth of the sun. No need for a sweater outdoors. Indoors though? Give me five!

This oversized sweater from Zara is a fast favourite of mine (seriously, I'm thinking of buying both a grey one, and another in this cozy beige). The boxy, slightly asymmetric silhouette makes it great for layering over dresses, jeans, and shirts, and perfect for ondol-less rooms.

Sweater: Zara (similar here)

Dress: Urban Outfitters (similar here)

Shoes: Design Lab x Lord & Taylor (black version here) 

Clutch: Coach (similar here)

Cozy in Lace

Photos by Becca Ann

 Hello from Gongju! 

It's freezing here. I'm from Canada, and I thought I could deal with the Korean winters. Turns out I can't, because they're a lot wetter. The cold just clings to you and never seems to leave. As a result, I have a newfound love of knitwear – something I usually skipped in favour of a good wool coat back in Calgary. 

Seriously, I'm super into hobo fashion thanks to the cold. But not really. Ultimately, I'm still a girly girl and I need a bit of femininity in my life. My bulky, oversized knits can easily be made feminine pulled over the shoulders, or in a soft, fuzzy knit. I love this Forever 21 sweater. It's a super soft, warm eyelash knit, that's reversible. I can have a v-neck or a boatneck sweater (and they both drape off the shoulders so nicely)! If you're in a more conservative work environment, opt for a round boatneck that's not quite off the shoulders to achieve a similar look. Paired with a bit of lace, and you have an ultra cozy, feminine look.

Finally, there will be some blog changes in the coming month(s). I'll be focusing a bit more on travel, and there will be design and name and url changes. I'll make sure to keep you updated. =]

Top: Forever21 (Korea only) (similar here and here)

Skirt: Astr (similar here)

Shoes: Design Lab x Lord and Taylor

Seoul Fashion Week Runway Review – Andy & Debb

Designers Kim Seok Won and Yoon Won Jung designed an entire collection around golfwear. Golf. Seriously. And it worked. I liked it (I hate sports, and sportswear so this is a plus one in my books). 

The collection started with classic golfwear with bold geometric prints and bright, sparkling collars. A multitude of textiles modernized the theme and prevented any boredom. Matte sequins, flowing chiffon, mesh, and leather, all provided an eyeful of stunning detail. Halfway through black mesh circle skirts and sweater dresses with metallic prints created a smooth transition into sports inspired 20's loungewear. Drop waist hems, art deco prints, and flowing robes with wide legged pants would please any aspiring Jordan Baker.

Golfing made chic.