I definitely do!
The air-conditioner in my room had been spoilt for about a week and it so happened that Singapore was experiencing one of the hottest week ever during that time.
I felt as if I was experiencing the heat in this Hong Kong movie -- Hot Summer Days.
Before the technicians came, I tried to get out of my house as much as possible to escape from the burning inferno. [Read disclaimer at the end of this post]
Dressing for a hot and humid summer is a little tricky especially when you do not want to look like you're a sloppy mess even though you feel like one. However, the heat and humidity during summer does not mean that you have to throw sophistication and trendiness out the window.
When temperatures soar and humidity rises, how do you keep your dressing casual chic yet stay cool at the same time?
Just remember some cool and chic rules:
1) shorts
2) summer dresses
3) breezy loose fit outfits
4) the right colours and fabrics
1) Shorts, shorts and more shorts
Shorts keep you cool and comfortable and if you've got a toned and shapely legs, flaunt them. Don't keep them hiding from the sun in jeans and maxi dresses.
Denim shorts should be a wardrobe staple for everyone. They are casual and could take you to beach in the day yet chic enough to hit the clubs when night falls.
Besides denim shorts, high waist flare shorts are a great alternative that can be dressed up with a nice top.
I don't know about you but such high waisted jappy shorts make my legs look stumpy. I should remove the "toned and shapely" phrase up there.
Nice legs or not, shorts are definitely a summer staple for trendy dressing coz who cares about how stumpy your legs are when you are cool?
2) Summer dresses
When people think of summer, flowery summer dresses immediately pop into mind.
Summer dresses are a great way to dressing trendy at picnics, barbecues, and even fancy restaurants. The right summer dress will look great in a variety of different locations which can take you through the day and into the night.
I'm not really a dress kinda gal. I usually save the dresses for special occasions like celebrations, dinners and clubs but ClubCouture alex silk chiffon dress in yellow looks so whimsical and dreamy on this page that I couldn't help getting one for myself.
The complete look:
♥ Clubcouture alex silk chiffon dress in yellow
♥ Spinel cork shoes with detachable flowers from another Spinel shoes
♥ Sheer Romance huge flower clip
If you're interested in the alex silk chiffon dress in yellow, you could click the picture below and purchase. ClubCouture offers all my readers a 15% discount storewide so remember, to key in the discount code JOLENE2011 (all in capz) during check out to enjoy the discount.
3) White as a summer colour, cotton as a summer fabric
White clothes allow you to keep yourself cool. Furthermore, it is less likely that you would be spotted with circular sweat spots under your pits on whites as opposed to coloured tops. Now, that certainly ups your chic factor, doesn't it?
I'm wearing a white cotton M)Phosis top with sheer puffed sleeves which was a gift from my cuz sushi. This detail certainly makes the top more elegant as compared to a regular white tee. I had ClubCouture sleeveless draped vest on for added chicness for chilling indoors in the cool air con comfort. The vest is made of a slinky and smooth cotton so it isn't warm when worn outdoors at all. Besides. you could remove the outer layer if it gets too hot.
Layering is not only for the colder seasons. It is in fact the key to formal summer occasions... coz you never know when someone would invite you to a club for a drink.
The complete look:
♥ M)Phosis white top
♥ Clubcouture sleeveless draped vest
♥ Coax denim shorts
♥ DMK grey mesh shoes
♥ Titus bracelet watch
♥ Fayfey heart tag and key necklace
If you're interested in the sleeveless draped vest, you could click the picture below and purchase. Remember to key in the discount code JOLENE2011 (all in capz) during check out to enjoy a 15% discount.
4) Breezy outfits
The last thing you want during summer is to have clothes sticking to your sweaty skin. It not only feels uncomfortable but looks unsightly too. Imagine looking at someone's outfit only to find patches of sweat stains... totally unglam!
Common sense as it sounds, loose woven shirt fabrics keep the air flowing about the body for a cooling effect. It also greatly minimizes any stench transferred onto clothes too.
For my god daughter, Charmaine's birthday celebrations over the weekend, we went to Universal Studios yet again. The weather was sweltering but I felt really dry and clean in a breezy regina crochet blouse from ClubCouture and a loose fit bubble hem shorts.
That's me with my godson Jase.
Pardon the phoenix on my face. My good friend cyn mommy, charmaine and I all had a phoenix each on our faces that day.
The complete look:
♥ ClubCouture regina crochet blouse
♥ No label dusty pink bubble hem shorts
♥ Pretty Fit embellished hooked on sandals
♥ No label faux leather vintage sling bag
On another occasion, I wore the same blouse in an off shoulder manner and tucked into my high waisted shorts on a night out in town. I also wore a yellow stringed bikini inside which recreates an entirely different look.
Don't forget to accessorize! I got this necklace with ribbon, rose, penny and beads charm from ClubCouture. It stands out against the cream coloured top.
The complete look:
♥ ClubCouture regina crochet blouse
♥ ClubCouture summer long necklace
♥ No label turquoise big bow shorts
♥ No label crochet lace booties
If you're interested in my regina crochet blouse and summer long necklace, you could click on the pictures below and purchase. Once again remember, to key in the discount code JOLENE2011 (all in capz) during check out to enjoy a 15% discount.
These are some of the guidelines which worked for me and I hope that this sharing has helped you to learn how to keep cool while dressing up.
For more summer inspiration, you can check out ClubCouture's latest collection -- She dreams of the country as well as their lookbook.
As mentioned, all my readers will get a 15% discount as long as you key in JOLENE2011 (all in capz) during check out. Also, ClubCouture offers free shipping for all orders with no minimum purchase required. Get shopping this summer now!
[picture credit: googlygooeys]
Disclaimer:
I must emphasize that I'm not one of those spoilt brats who cannot live without cool air-conditioning comfort. In fact, back in my parents' home, I often opened the windows wide and enjoy the natural breeze that fanned in. It is only after moving in with my hubby that we switch on the air con in our room for almost the whole day whenever we are at home. The windows of our room are closed at all times due to nasty roaches, crickets and other creepy crawlies and flyee flawies bursting in. In the day, our room is like an oven and by night the heat continues to linger. Hence, you could imagine how thankful I was when the technicians finally came to fix the air con.
Cool post! Love the shorts by the way :)
ReplyDeletei love the flare/high waisted shorts. they almost look like a skirt, but with the comfort of a pair of shorts. i'm rather self conscious in skirts in fear i'd flash someone my wah hoo lol
ReplyDeleteAh I also live in a 24/7 ac-ed apt but I actually dont like it as much as having natural breeze. We use the ac to block all the outside noises though haha. All ur outfits are so cute and feminine and I love the color the most. All cream colors, I like :)
ReplyDeletei luv wearing shorts for summer...but i have a different obsession every summer...this year is shorts...last year was v-neck Tees...the year b4 that was skirts...then the the year b4 that was dresses...lol but i luv a simple or fancy top with shorts and flip-flops for summer....i really like the blue shorts shown in the post....very nice details, and the colour is fantastic(ive being in a blue colour phase lately)...lol
ReplyDeleteJessy
I live in a cold and wet country. Every two days of sunshine are followed by a week of continuous rainfall T_T Which means I've never been in a house with air con. Here, a house without central heating would be a disaster!
ReplyDeleteI love your outfits. I'm in desperate need for shorts, they're so comfortable and easy! And you have such nice legs! You should wear shorts and skirts all the time! ^_^
Oh and that picture with you and your godson on the street? Such a beautiful country you live in! That's what I imagine when I think of a holiday in a sunny country.
lol at the disclaimer. No one's going to judge you for using the ac full-time la :P I'm sure anyone who has felt the heat and humidity will understand. Besides, I really do think it's been getting hotter and hotter the past few years (in Malaysi at least).
ReplyDeleteLike you, my parents and I only ever used the ac as a treat and even so, we'd wake up in the middle of the night to switch it off. But now, they have even installed the ac in the living room because it's unbearable! The months around CNY are the worst apparently. My relatives used to sit outside and chit chat or play mahjong, but now everyone just runs inside to their respective houses for the ac :(
Jo, I want to say I really envy your body. Hope that didn't sound weird haha. No seriously though, you've got fantastic legs! You look lovely in all the outfits above :)
You have so much stuff from Club Couture! I'll definitely try to take advantage of your code... it's just that the shipping is annoying to the US.
ReplyDeleteseven-percentsolution.blogspot.com
you are so pretty jo! :) i wish i had legs like yours. mine are ugly LOL! x) anyway, i love this post! you are such a fantastic dresser and i love all your outfits and the tips you shared. ;)
ReplyDeleteIs that you sitting on the long bench--the one in front of the tile steps? I don't recognize you from that angle. I would walk right past you if I was there.
ReplyDeleteI know it's different with guys, but when it's hot, I don't care how my legs look in shorts. If they look bad, that's everyone else's problem because I have to wear shorts when it's hot. But according to my wife, my legs are okay. Shw says women would kill to have legs like mine. LOL, I never know if that's a compliment or not. ;P
Woooo nice legs Jolene! ;)
ReplyDeleteHehe thanks for sharing all the great tips! I love all your outfits - especially the super cute flared shorts and the pair with the bow detailing. I'm actually a very big fan of dresses in the summer - they're breezy and lightweight, and they're super easy to throw on when you're feeling uninspired. It's too bad you're not much of a dress girl because you look so pretty in them!
I'm glad to hear that the tech fixed your AC because humidity and heat can get really unbearable sometimes. Not to mention you could also pass out from heat stroke or something >.<
great tips! This year I'm very more of a shorts person lol. it's really hot in Japan also right now! You have lovely legs!!
ReplyDeleteRinz,
ReplyDeleteThank you!
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a,
I agree about the comfort of shorts but they’re pretty flared too so I dunno if they’re exactly safe. I laughed at your “flash someone my wa hoo” expression.
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Winnie,
Is it really very noisy at your side? You live near the city? I know that many people use air con to block the insects, especially in Australia.
Ah, thank you babe. I love all the neutral shades too.
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Jessy,
Haha... you’re like a chameleon – very changeable and versatile. You mean the turquoise one? I love the bow on that shorts too. I’ve got another pair in brown.
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Bibi,
The grass is always greener on the other side. I wished for cold weather at times. But 2 days of sunshine definitely isn’t enough! Does this happen even in summer?
Oh haha... I wished Singapore streets were this beautiful but no. It was taken in Universal Studios Singapore where the Hollywood Walk connecting to Madagascar is. The picture looks beautiful but it was sweltering.
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Joey,
It seems like all the SEA countries are getting hotter! The world is changing!
Oh hahaha... no worries, you don’t sound weird. Thanx for your compliments, dear. My legs are really getting stumpier but angles and heels help a GREAT DEAL.
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aki,
Please feel free to use the code! ClubCouture ships free of charge. Why is shipping a problem in US? Is there some strike going on like what happened in Canada a while back?
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sugar sugar,
Thanx for the compliments, dear. Like what I said above to joey, my legs are really getting stumpier but angles and heels help a GREAT DEAL. No! Your legs are so not ugly!
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Rick,
Yes, guys won’t care about how their legs look at all. You must have very nice shapely and hairless legs! Oh... you’re clouding my mind with that face similar to your profile pic together with nice shapely legs. I really can’t imagine how you look like!
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Rinny,
Haha... it’s the angle!
Yes, you really look like the summer dress kinda gal. I think I can get quite unfeminine at times and will feel quite conscious in dress. I can’t really do big actions and act crazy like I always do. Hence, my dresses are limited to work dresses and special occasion dresses.
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Nic Nic,
Thanx, like what I told the rest, it’s the angle. I thought it was all Southeast Asian countries that are hot, even East Asia is hot? Hot is alright for me as long as it isn’t too humid.
In reply to your comment:
ReplyDeleteOh, I'm certainly liking Disqus so far! I like it that I can reply to comments neatly and conveniently. Also, if the other person also has a Disqus account, he/she can just see all replies on their account (a bit like Twitter) without having to come back to my blog. I know most people don't come back to see replies.
The silhouette thing annoyed me last time, but then I signed up (way before I even installed in on my blog) and whenever I reply on someone's blog who's using Disqus, it automatically detects I am me haha It's really very convenient once you've signed up.
Besides, so many bloggers I know have switched, so I thought I might as well to make it easier.
xx
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteJoey,
ReplyDeleteOh! I’m one of those who would click back to read replies. If the blog owners take too long to reply, I may click for the 1st few days and forget about it next time.
Thank you for sharing with me your views on disqus. I can get too cautious at times and read lots of reviews about disqus. I recognise all the good of it but the bad of it really scares me. I think I’ll be holding on to the traditional blogger comments for now. I agree with you that the replying part can get so messy on blogger.
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Rick,
Why did you remove your comment? I was about to reply it and realised they had been removed. No worries, you didn’t sound creepy or anything. Lol... How could you be creepy?
yes in fact i do love cats :3 are you a cat lover too? x3
ReplyDeletethank you so much for your lovely comment, thank god i don't look nervous on the photoshoot, it was my first time doing a bikini one though! xP
i'm really glad i got to talk to you, you're really sweet! n.n
xoxo Monstros no Armário
those are really pretty shorts! the bow makes such a kawaii addition :D
ReplyDeleteThank you, that's what I think too!!! LOL
ReplyDeleteSkinny Love,
ReplyDeleteYes I am! I used to own a cat called Simba coz she looked like a little lion. She passed away in 2007 and we never got a cat after that.
Aww... thanx. Hope to see you around more!
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Pop Champagne,
Indeed!
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Rick,
Hahaha...