The classic blazer gets an update
KUALA LUMPUR, June 3 — Whenever my mom pulled her classic black blazer with shoulder pads out of the closet, I knew there was going to be an important meeting in her office. It was as if the blazer gave her the professional “I-mean-business” look. And it did.
Today, the classic blazer is no longer just confined to the colours black and navy. It has become much more bold and comes in coral pink, beige, emerald green and other lovely spring colours. What’s great about these new blazers are that the sleeves can be folded to show a snazzy “twist” like leopard print, polka dots or a contrasting colour.
Even better, these bold snazzy blazers can easily transition into the evening so you can head straight out to the clubs after work without looking like an OL (Office Lady).
Companies are now much more lenient when it comes to fashionable work wear and why not use this freedom to our advantage? Bangsar Baru is a fantastic place to start off your funky blazer hunt and we’re delighted to share with you some of our finds.
Le Travela
Opened last September, Le Travela is a little boutique with clothes that give you the “feeling of easy travelling.” You will spot the latest dip hem skirts, pastel spring colours, one-of-a-kind accessories and even funky stationery.
Le Travela is owned by Jennifer Yong, a fashion merchandiser for international brands who took the natural route of opening her own boutique after gaining experience in the fashion industry. The hip and versatile clothes are sourced from different parts of Asia where Yong personally handpicks the pieces herself.
When you walk into Le Travela, it feels like you are a traveller in another country with D-I-Y paintings of signboards on the walls and a hodgepodge of the latest trends from abroad.
Look 1:
Classy
Add girlish elements to your work outfit by wearing this tuxedo-cut blazer with lace sleeves. The blazer adds femininity to the acid yellow and black pencil skirt, giving a ladylike feel to an otherwise basic ensemble.
Blazer: RM69
Top: RM55
Skirt: RM49
Classy (left), Bold (right)
Look 2:
Bold
Dare to wear loud colours to brighten up your day with this bright emerald green blazer with foldable polka dot cuffs. It gives an edge to the classic black and white dress and the nude belt gives you a nice silhouette.
Blazer: RM72
Dress: RM55
Belt: RM25
Quirky Brown Cow
Blog shoppers would be familiar with the name Quirky Brown Cow — the brand has been around on the Internet since 2009. Co-owners Juliah Tan and Azlini Azhar decided to open their own retail boutique in Bangsar last August much to the delight of their regular blog shop customers.
Described as “vintage chic”, the outfits at Quirky Brown Cow are brought in from all over Asia but there are plans for a designer label of their own. The whimsical designs of the clothes are not too niche and cater to a wide variety of fashionistas.
Quirky Brown Cow’s boutique is a cosy space with retro furnishing, telephone box-shaped dressing rooms and a piano at the entrance, evoking a sense of nostalgia. Surprisingly, there are even customers in their fifties who buy clothes at Quirky Brown Cow because it brings them down memory lane.
Look 1:
Neutral
Mix a hint of leopard print into a neutral outfit with this elegant boyfriend blazer paired with a white romper. The light-coloured belt softens the overall look and a chic necklace adds character to this neutral outfit.
Blazer: RM109
Romper: RM99
Belt: RM39
Necklace: RM49
Neutral (left), Hip (right)
Look 2:
Hip
Stop traffic in this bold coral pink blazer paired with a cobalt blue midi pencil skirt. It’s time to add colour to your office wardrobe and this look is versatile enough for high tea with the girls on weekends too. Complete the look with a colour pop necklace and basic tank and you’re good to go!
Blazer: RM129
Skirt: RM99
Tank top: RM29
Necklace: RM55
Blueberry
Sisters Joe and Ashley Chan decided to open a boutique in Bangsar back in 2007. Years later, the boutique still garners a busy crowd on weekends and I can see why.
Beautiful, exclusive pieces handpicked by the sisters make up the store — be it girly, chic, vintage or elegant, Blueberry has it all. And the best part is that the clothes are affordable and trendy.
Joe has a background in fashion and Ashley wanted to open a business, thus the chance to launch a boutique was fated for the Chan sisters. Most of their outfits are classic looks that will never go out of fashion and they also have accessories like bags and jewellery to complete the perfect outfit.
Look 1:
Vintage
Wear a neutral asymmetrical blazer over a vintage dress to give it a modern twist. Pair it with a trendy hat to keep the glaring sun off your face. This look is perfect for work, play or even more dainty pursuits like drinking tea and eating macarons. Going retro never gets outdated and this ensemble is timeless.
Blazer: RM89
Dress: RM65
Hat: RM39
Vintage (left), Casual (right)
Look 2:
Casual
Who says blazers are not casual wear? Match this cool mint blazer with torn denim and a classy top. Add snazz to the ensemble with a feather necklace and a classic black leather bag. Perfect for casual Fridays or drinks in the evening.
Blazer: RM89
Top: RM59
Jeggings: RM69
Necklace: RM39
Bag: RM55
Blurry Boutique
Fashion is Jeremy Wong, co-owner of Blurry Boutique’s, passion. The mass communications major has an eye for fashion and he has a good mix of trendy pieces for the young and hip.
From biased hem skirts to spring dresses to pastel scalloped tops, Blurry Boutique has them all. What’s best about Blurry Boutique is that it also stocks men’s fashion so that your guy friends can tag along when you shop here.
Wong constantly updates his boutique with chic looks from all over the world. Blurry Boutique’s wide collection of fashionable clothes and accessories will keep you busy at the boutique. If you think men don’t know a thing about fashion, you obviously haven’t checked out Blurry Boutique.
Look 1:
Stylish
Colour block your outfit with this bright blue blazer with contrasting green cuffs. The vermilion top makes the whole outfit pop while the hounds tooth pencil skirt offsets the vivid colours well.
Blazer: RM159
Top: RM75
Skirt: RM89.90
Stylish (left), Red-Hot (right)
Look 2:
Red-Hot
Ladies in red are always alluring and what better way to embrace this classic colour than with an asymmetrical skirt and a black blazer with red accents. Pair it with a demure polka-dot pastel top to soften the look and a trendy belt to show off your curves.
Blazer: RM159
Top: RM49.90
Belt: RM19
Skirt: RM89.90
Where to buy?
Le Travela Boutique
10A, First Floor,
Jalan Telawi 4,
Bangsar Baru,
59100 Kuala Lumpur
011-16271984
Quirky Brown Cow
Lot 23-1 (1st Floor), Jalan Telawi 2,
Bangsar Baru,
59100 Kuala Lumpur
03-22010212
Blueberry Boutique
8, Jalan Telawi 4,
Bangsar Baru,
59100 Kuala Lumpur
03-22831663
Blurry Sdn Bhd
No. 6-1, Jalan Telawi 2,
Bangsar Baru,
59100 Kuala Lumpur
03-22016113
