While prints are all the hype this summer, there’s always one style which won’t go out of fashion. That is the plain basics.
Mixing and matching prints is certainly fun but sometimes they are not as versatile and can be hard to accessorize and pull off for people who are looking for style on the go. Something like interesting basics comes in handy as it can be dressed up or down, accessorized or left understated depending on the occasion and the person. They are definitely the easiest and most useful items any woman needs in her closet.
But plain doesn’t have to be boring especially not when you’re talking about Quainthood’s interesting cuts and twists on mundane items like a simple white shirt or an LBD.
Since its launch as one of the 18 labels under Parco next NEXT incubator program, Quainthood has picked up few more stockists and it is obvious why. The appeal of this label is in its easy-to-wear and stylish pieces which although come almost only in basic shades of back, grey, white and navy blue – have interesting details which won’t scare off the mainstream costumer and is easy enough for any fashionista to style up and make it her own.
And that’s just what I did! Last week I packed up a bag full of colourful accessories and shoes from my closet, made my way to Parco and styled up some looks from Quainthood which resonate with my individual personality and style. Colour of course was a big factor and it doesn’t have to be from head-to-toe but can be added here and there through accessories.
Here are some of the looks I came up with:
(Note: All photos are taken by up-and-coming streetstyle photographer John Tan from StreetPeek - Thank you!!!)
Look1: First let me tell you that this shirt is Quainthood's signature piece! with a great over-sized fit, a cutout and a pocket on the back, it is a fresh and more modern interpretation of a simple white shirt. I also loved the very light material which makes it great for summer despite being long sleeved. Here, I teamed it with spot-on-trend pastel green denim cutoffs and an oversized HOB clutch (also from Quainthood). I would wear this to go shopping, casual brunch or coffee with friends.
Look2: This is a more work-friendly or even smart casual look consisting of basics like this cream blouse with a back cutout (you can't see it in the pic!), and an interesting pleated skirt in red. both pieces are made of satin crepe which makes them dressy but not over the top. I teamed the look with a colourful statement necklace (made from recycled leather) from Singapore label ATGAB and mustard gladiators to bring the colours out and spice it up more!
Look3: This is the most fun of all looks and it's all due to that menswear-inspired shirt dress which is so versatile and interesting to style up! I teamed the black voile shirt with my bright orange skirt and turquoise necklace to break up the blackness but kept the edge by putting on some black ankle. i love the contrast of this look between colourful and edgy! Another way to wear this shirt is to clinch the waist with a statement belt and add volume at the bottom or even wear it with skinny jeans or leggings...
Look4: I love dresses and Quainthood has so many simple yet interesting ones which work so well for those looking for something understated or people like me who love working with them like a canvas and styling them up with accessories! This navy satin crepe dress was totally my style with an elegant cut, great shade and a twist in form of back cutout. I did some colour blocking in this one adding strong shades of fuchsia (pumps), clutch (yellow) and a sparkly necklace which completed the look and made it totally mine. I would wear this on a dinner night out or even a cocktail party.
Look5: Did you think that navy dress wasn't versatile enough? I took the same dress, this time in a nice shade of silvery grey and transformed it into a totally different look by adding some floral sheer leggings, nude shoes with metal tip and a pop of colour in the clutch. Even though the colours are minimal in this look, adding a printed leggings gives it just enough character to bring it out. Big statement earrings like these vintage-inspired ones work very well with the dress's colour and cowl neckline and are all the accessories you need in this case.
Look6: I'm not a big fan of black but no one can deny that a versatile LBD is a necessary item in any woman's closet. I picked up this asymmetrical dress from Quainthood which has a cool back zip and unfinished leather straps and kept that edge to it by teaming it with black ankle boots, an awesome HOB croc-effect clutch and a red coral necklace to add some colour. This is a perfectly-balanced look to attend a fashion event as it is stylish, bold but still chic and very comfortable.
Look7: This is definitely my favourite piece from Quainthood! an ankle length assymetrical dress with a really interesting cut and details (especially those leather straps) and a beautiful peachy finish which makes it almost velvety. You cannot go wrong with this dress and it really doesn't need much accessorizing or styling as it does speak for itself. In this look, I just tried to add some colour like the fuschia pumps, a sparkly bangle and my favourite Sarah's Bag clutch. i would wear this dress to a any event, dinner or night out without risking being too over-dressed (not that I care really as it seems I always am :-))
Quainthood is available at Parco next NEXT, Millenia Walk, in Singapore, ERIIN.com and Bazarro KL (61 Jalan Maroof) in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
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| With Joy, the designer behind Quainthood! |