Surprisingly, living in the tropics has always pushed and encouraged me to live vicariously through others in terms of fashion-- and by that, I mean usually loving things that aren't climate or colour-appropriate under the 37-degree heat. I look on to other fashion bloggers like Karla and Jane who just love piling up the layers and loving the black tones and the neutrals.. just like I have, well, whenever I can get away with it. I go for the tweeds and the wools and the pleathers whenever allowed.. crazy, I know, but it fits who I am personally.
Stereotypically, people foreign to the tropics would expect to see the locals always decked out in huge gaudy florals and those overrated smock dresses (not that there's really anything wrong with the latter). I'm ALWAYS insulted when i see foreign men in long socks with loud and kitschy flower shirts. ALWAYS! just coz' you're in the tropics does not equate to getting away with that faux pas. That said, my wardrobe doesn't necessarily need to be abreast with the stereotypes of heat, thank you very much.
And then i did an SS redux and re-encountered Esteban Cortezar for Ungaro... and I was floored, did a double-take. It was the tropics done absolutely right-- short flouncy dresses, the right bursts of jewel tones, loose but flattering silhouttes, sexy caftans and maxis... I know, I know, it's all been done before, but he does it SO WELL. Takes me right back to Antonio Carlos Jobim's "Girl from Ipanema"... that said, I will definitely be more flexible with my tropical wardrobe this time around.:)
p.s. still awaiting for my camera's diagnostic. X_X. will keep you posted.
photos courtesy of Style.com
