Forget about buttons for the duration it takes you to read this. Let's instead focus on zips and how 2 simple zips can make a sleek, cool difference to an everyday piece. 

This fleece cardigan has a double breasted look courtesy of the two said zips. The loose feel makes this perfect for weekends and the wonderful thing about this is how it can be used to jazz up an ordinary work outfit. 

The zips add punch and stand-out factor; without even needing to try hard. Now that's the kind of detail I dig. 

Get this Ian Black Double Breasted Zip Cardigan for US$198 at Oak. 

Until I came across this. I can and will change my stand on white shoes for this stunner. Technically, it's not all white, it's a half-bred. The white leather cap toe, trims and laces provide an excellent contrast to the navy canvas. A navy shade that is flattering and great for all year round wear. 

The Dior Homme logo is subtly and stylishly displayed on a lower lace. Quiet, cool and collected. Its got the same qualities you would want in a man/chick. Except that this doesn't fart...

Get this Dior Homme Canvas And Leather Trainers for US$493.88 at Browns.  

When I was young, a hole in my shirt or pants meant that I could no longer wear it anymore. So something new was bought to replace the torn piece. Fast forward to today and instead of throwing torn pieces out, we pay money to actually have our clothes torn, shredded and cut. From jeans to shorts to sweaters. 

I like it when clothes don't look too pristine or proper. So I actually welcome torn, destroyed pieces. Done, of course, with restrain and a trained eye. I tried making my own destroyed jeans with a couple of spare G-Star jeans that I had lying around and let's just say, that it's harder than it looks. Instead of cool frayed seams, I ended up with stencil-shaped holes. It was the end of my DIY phase. 

I digress. This grey cut out sweater with its destroyed and frayed holes not only look cool, they look deliberate and detailed. Which in itself is a fantastic amalgamation. Wear this with jeans for a downtown chic look or dress it up with pants and polished shoes for an unexpected play on texture and contrast. And of course, loads of individual attitude. 

Get this Ann-Sofie Back For Cheap Monday Grey Cut Out Sweater for US$68 at Oak. 

With the weather warming up (if it hasn't already), it's time to look forward to lighter clothing, sandals, shorts and frozen margaritas. Lighter clothing like this jersey piece. 

This light henley gives off a totally relaxed vibe. The kind that Summer brings along. The heathered blue and white stripes has a literal coolness about it that makes it awesome insouciantly tucked into jeans or a pair of tailored shorts. 

The strip of detail - button and snap placket with orange buttonhole further adds to the freshness while the grey twill tape compliments everything else wonderfully. The big loose pocket at the left end of this piece provides both form and function - throw a credit card and some cash for the quick trip to the store. Someone always need to do an ice-run...

Get this Yigal Azrouel Stripe Jersey Shirt for US$242 at Ssense. 

I've always thought bikers were cool. The real, authentic ones not the poser pseudo-tough variety. It's the amalgamation of leather, tattoos, attitude by the buckets that make me one to be a part of one. But mostly, it's because they always seem to have kick-ass jackets. I want to go to there.  

This dark brown leather piece has all the trappings of a biker jacket with a refinement that won't go unnoticed. The simpleness of it - the double snap detail at the shoulder and collar, the side zip and the tone-on-tone stitching; makes this a piece you'll wear for years. 

Never out of style and always relevant, this will go even further than a bike if proper care is given. And that is the kind of quality that speaks for itself. 

Get this Maison Martin Margiela Biker Jacket for US$2200 at Ssense. 

 

The Adidas Samba sneakers are a classic staple that get spun every season and this suede version syncs wonderfully with the suede incline of last and this season. 

The grey on black is a solid, refined contrast that looks party sporty and part dressy. Which makes this kinda wonderful worn with a suit. 

Get this Adidas Black Samba Suede for US$70 at Urban Outfitters. 

Color-blocking is an easy, fail-safe way to add contrast that when done right, pretty much makes it tough to resist. Especially if it looks like this fantastic tee. 

I am so tired of the humidity and the heat here in Singapore and what better way to be comfortable than to throw on an arresting tee. Seriously, I need a tee made that says 'Al Gore Was Right!'. It's heating up everywhere and it's really getting to me. I digress. 

We're talking about this tee and the diagonal color blocking is fresh and current making this perfect to wear with jeans or dressed up with a pair of tailored pants. Simple and modern - I just can't stop looking at it for some reason (the dark slate grey is especially appealing). Which only means one thing - buy. 

Get this Shades Of Greige Grey/White Color Block Tee for US$42 at Oak.