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. 

The time has come. Style Flavors' makeover is almost complete and the new, improved site will be live this week. I know, I know. I've been talking about changes/makeovers for months now but it is finally happening.

I'm not going to make any promises but I am pretty darn sure that the new Style Flavors would satiate your appetites for products, fashion pieces, shoes, accessories and everything in-between to a much greater extent. 

So thank you for sticking around and for your patience. I would buy you all a drink and a lap-dance if I could. If you happen to visit/live in Singapore (where I am currently based) and want to take me up on my offer for drinks and lap dances, contact me. I am serious. I don't fuck around when it comes to alcohol and cheap thrills. 

And if you're wondering why Nicolas Ghesquiere's picture is on this post, well, in Style Flavors' world - you can never get too much of Nicolas Ghesquiere. So there.   

Part of what I do here for Style Flavors is go through pieces after pieces, products after products to feature. Ones that are kick-ass, provide ample mileage and ones that are worth your time and money. That also means going through sale sections which is perhaps my favorite part of the process. Who doesn't love a good bargain? 

These awesome buckle boots are on sale and are available in both suede and leather. The suede version is in a dark brown shade while the leather version is in black. Both look fantastic so at the end of the day, it boils down to individual preference. 

What caught my eye is the stunning multiple buckle belt strap detail. Part kick-ass and all cool, this is the kind of detail that doesn't go unnoticed. The toe cap and visible tonal stitching  are details that further induce the growing blip of desire. Wear with lots of attitude. 

Get the Schmoove Charlie Buckle Boots (Brown Suede) for US$250 US$175 and the Schmoove Charlie Buckle Boots (Black Leather) for US$287 US$201 at Ssense.  

So I am in the midst of a wardrobe overhaul. I am giving clothes away and getting new ones. Tees are an essential for me and with the weather warming up so rapidly, they make the most comfortable sense. 

Black tees are great to have - they go with everything and can be dressed up or down. Plus, they are klutz-resistant - stains don't show like they do on white, for example. Basics aside, you want your tees to do double duty - provide comfort/lightness while making a statement. 

The white raindrop print provides a contrast that instantly distinguishes this tee. Simple and yet arresting, this is one to rock with jeans or tailored pants. Either way, it's a much more convenient way to experience rain. Not to mention, better looking. 

Get this Rogan Downpour T-Shirt for US$67 at Ssense. 

I've been on a hunt for leather jackets. That's the next big thing I'm buying. Leather jackets don't come cheap but when treated right, they can last you for life. So really, they are a great investment. Needless to say, when you are plunking down what could be a month (or a couple of months) rent for a single piece; it better be worth it. 

This stunner caught my eye and I haven't been able to stop thinking about it. The leather in dark ink shade makes this a stand-out in the sea of jackets with 4-figure price-tags. The gorgeous dark ink shade gives this piece an instant hit of cool that is so important in a leather jacket. 

That's not all - I am digging the multiple details that make this piece a must-have for me. The quilt stitch detail at the collar and at the back waist is unexpected and appealing on so many levels. You get texture and detail at the same time. The creased leather adds a sliver of delicate, purposeful nonchalance.  

The diagonal zip closure seals the deal for me - rocking and so desirable. This is definitely going down on my to-buy list. Get this Yigal Azrouel India Ink Jacket for US$1386 at Ssense.

This silk piece caught my eye with its belt - the simplicity of it and its strength in captivating anyone who cares to notice is desirable on so many levels. The beauty of this piece is in its 2 fabric - pinstripes in the front and a navy/red printed silk print at the back. It provides contrast and yet looks perfectly coherent. 

I would wear this sans jacket. With a crisp white shirt underneath. Something this special needs to be shown for all to admire. 

Get this Dries Van Noten Silk Patterned Waistcoat for US$404.22 at Browns. 

I have been trying very hard to reverse the damage done by reckless sun-bathing during my uninformed youth. Discolorations, fine lines and every other sign you don't on your face. I've been using this serum for more than a month now and it has helped speed up the repairing process. 

This herb-scented serum smells green - organic. The lightweight texture of this serum makes this wonderful for all skin types and for humid weather conditions. It goes on easily to reveal a fresher, smoother complexion. 

With daily use, my fine lines softened while the overall tone of my skin improved. Its firming properties is another appreciated factor - with age, collagen decreases and this helps to promote collagen growth, which in turns leads to firmer, younger-looking skin. Who doesn't want that? 

Get this Origins Youthtopia Age-Correcting Serum with Rhodiola 30ml/1oz for US$52 at Strawberrynet.com

Suede is a fabric that instantly adds an old school charm when used on shoes. It's also a fabric that requires care which further points to the time where men believed in shining their shoes till they gleamed. These days, you simply need to buy a fabric protector and spray it on your beloved suede pieces and you're good to go. 

Coming back to charming pieces, this pair of ankle boots has that in every step. From the sturdy exterior that shows off the slightly aged suede fabric beautifully. The laces are covered by a 3-poppers flap and it is this particular part of the boots that draws the most attention. In a cool way, of course. 

Wear this with jeans or shorts for a chilled weekend vibe or with tailored pants and dress shirt to make a statement that won't be forgotten easily. 

Get this Adam Kimmel Suede Ankle Boots for US$429.49 at Browns.  

The devil's in the details and one (of the many) reasons why I adore Nicolas Ghesquiere and his vision/work for Balenciaga is as such. This fantastic tee is a perfect example of that statement. 

This black tee looks like an ordinary black tee but if you look closely, you'll see that it's so much more than just an ordinary tee! The two button fastening detail is a hit of cool - wear it exposed to further show off the contrast and the quiet, refined detail. 

The micro-dots sewn into the white contrast fabric is a detail that one might miss but for those in the know - it's a thrilling representation of the genius of Nicolas Ghesquiere. 

The simplicity of this coupled with the intimate detail makes this a must-have. I am so sold. Get this Balenciaga Button Detail T-Shirt for US$358.07 at Browns.