I ran away and joined a harem

Remember when I asked just over a year ago, "To harem or not to harem"? Some of you, like my friend Taline, said yes.

I found these low slung harem hipsters in Hong Kong. As soon as I put them on, I never looked back. They are incredibly comfortable and amazingly, the accentuated hip was not as unflattering as I expected. I've been rolling them into cuffs and wearing them with all sorts of crazy platforms and high heels. Like these Betsey Johnson platforms from my uni days that I completely forgot about.

My sheer rose blouse is made in Japan, but like the engine-red tuxedo jacket, it was scooped up in Hong Kong. I think my bag looks something like from Grandma's attic (nevermind that my Gran never lived in a house with an attic); it was a basement bargain for $2 at the York House School Fair. Easily my cheapest hangbag of all time.

Happy May long weekend for all my Canadian readers! Anyone have any exciting plans? I'm looking forward to some good cold surf, fresh BBQ seafood, and key lime pie.

Wearing:
Black harem pants by Ambient
Sheer rose blouse by Atmosphere
Red tuxedo jacket, from boutique in Hong Kong
Red wooden platforms, Betsey Johnson
Three individual strands of pearls
Bronze cuff, Morocco
Silver cuff, custom
Grandma bag, thrifted York House find
Clubmaster sunnies by Rayban

HK Hist List 3: One Leg at a Time

Hi loves!! I've arrived in Hong Kong so wanted to squeeze in a quickie before heading out. The weather here is crappy but I'm hoping it turns around soon because I'm taking a riding lesson tomorrow at the Clearwater Bay Equestrian Centre! I'm sooo pumped - it's one of the few private barns on Hong Kong (most of the others are run by the Jockey Club) and it's supposed to be fancy. My niece is just starting to ride so we'll be heading out together. I also hit up a few stores yesterday - including Burberry (badly wanted one of the trenches from Spring 2010 but no small sizes left), agnes b (sorry I'm missing the accent aigu) and Anna Sui.

Hit List 3 comes a little late since I already started checking it off the list within my 24 hours of arriving. Because I'm short, I have a hard time finding great fitting pants. Now that I'm back amongst a population where everyone else is my size, I need to shop for pants!

I'm loving anything that's tapered and slightly baggier around the waist. Khaki pants haven't been on my list for a while but it's back big time this spring with military/safari inspired looks. And a grey pair of tapered pants will go with just about anything in my closet.

Below: Elie Tahari khaki pants and Kimchi Blue grey trousers from Urban Outfitters

On the casual side, I'm keeping my eyes open for slouchy, cropped sweats.

Below: T by Alexander Wang grey sweats and Elizabeth and James City Slicker pants

I love to maximize mileage with clothes that go from weekday to weekend. With the right tops and accessories, I can dress these twill cargos and skinny leggings up or down.

Below: Juicy Couture twill cargo pants and Urban Outfitters black leggings.

Have a wonderful rest of your weekend! Heading out now for some old school dim sum.

How She Harems

Taline, Communications Student at Concordia University, is our lovely style hottie of the week. I once posed the question of to harem or not to harem, and in Taline's case, the answer is a resounding YES. Paired with exotic market sandals and stacks of silver jewelry, she epitomizes global boho chic.

Who influences your style? What inspires you?
I try to incorporate my love for the beach and the lifestyle that it entails, when I am dressing. I want my clothes to embody my mantra,"Just Living the Dream". I mix together a lot of different patterns, materials and styles. My ultimate style goal is to exude lightness, freshness and freedom through my clothes. I really like the "exotic, hippie, bohemian" look. I love Nicole Richie's style and she has been someone who I have kept my eye on and has definitely inspired my style choices.

Most-Wanted item for the Summer?
My most wanted item for summer are those long dresses that go down to your ankles (A Beautiful Life says, kind of like one of these?). A flowy earth coloured one, preferably a tube top.

Heels or Flats?
Flats during the day, heels at night, for my style and lifestyle, I feel as though heels are too fancy/uncomfortable during the daytime.

Essential items for your summer trip to Lebanon?
Bathing suit, a few summer dresses

Best style advice for my readers?
Wear what makes you feel comfortable and sexy. Follow your instincts and you'll find a style which makes you feel great;therefore, you will look great.

Taline is wearing:
Tube Top, American Apparel dress converted into top
Harem pants, True Value Vintage
Sunglasses, Ray-Bans
Jewelry, Native ring (by Native designer, name unknown); Silver Bangles from an African jewelry store in Montreal; Silver Charm bracelet, grad present from my high school
Sandles, Miss Sixty from Browns

To harem or not to harem?

It's been a hot topic amongst some of you, and overwhelmingly, the question is "WHY?" Why on Earth are those dreaded MC Hammer pants back? Along with peaked shoulders and cropped tops (next trend subject to be discussed), will we regret this?

I haven't ventured into harem territory yet but I am very, very intrigued. Balmain's Fall 2009 collection showed me where the harem pant could go, but I was still cautious. My mom, who is more adventurous than I am, already picked up a casual navy pair, and they are both comfy and stylish.

The harem shape is quite versatile. Go casual by tucking the pant legs into flat boots, as demonstrated by Bottines Kookai (above pic).

Another one of the hottest looks I've seen is from Karla's Closet. Striped harem pants, tucked into a simple tank with wedged heel sneaks, create a more punk-inspired look.

Or go girly and play up the curves with soft, loose layers and pointed toes.


What do the fashionistas out there think of the harem pant? Are you wearing them, and if so, how?