One of my earliest struggles when I was still in my teens and early 20s is finding who I want to be.
When I was younger, I pretty much tried every 90s trend there is: the platform shoes, the plaid skirts, the fisherman’s hat and even rode on the grunge (flannel shirt-tied-around-my-waist) trend. I figured myself as stylish while still in university but I always, always cringe whenever I see old photos of myself from back in the day.
Then I started working and moved on to my next fashion fascination: a cross between a Harajuku reject and a Gothic Lolita. All my clothes are black, I tried wearing thick Gothic boots (with skull imprints) to work and subsisted on black tights and nail polish. Again, what was I thinking?
When I reached my 30s, I began to settle on a look that I am most comfortable and a look that I definitely wanted. Right now, I associate more on clothes offered by Harlan + Holden and would have purchased directly to the store if only the clothes wasn’t priced beyond what I can afford. Consider the simplicity and beauty of these pieces:
(all photos are from the Harlan + Holden site)


Like the right pair of shoes, a well put-together outfit brings out the best in its wearer. I ,for one, becomes more confident when I know that I am wearing a really kick-ass outfit for the day. It’s like, nothing can go wrong.
That is why it’s pleasant to learn that “How Do I Look?” one of the US-based reality shows I always make it a point to watch in cable is now in Asia.
(from the press material)
“How Do I Look? Asia hosted by Sazzy Falak is a testament to DIVA’s position as the leading women’s entertainment channel in Asia. We are confident that this ground-breaking local production, like its original franchise, will strongly resonate with our core female audiences across the region,” said Christine Fellowes, Managing Director, Asia Pacific, NBCUniversal International Networks. “Using the insights from various in-depth research initiatives on Asian women that NBCUniversal has conducted and developed over the recent years, How Do I Look? Asia features many of the elements that we found women loved: fabulous and fun makeovers, the hottest fashion trends tailored to Asian sensibilities, inspiring and heart-warming personal stories, and a positive underlying message that encourages every woman to be her best self.”
The transformations featured on the series transcend fashion and style. Viewers will also get to witness the complex and emotional backstories of the victims, whose glamorous new looks, and freshly developed sense of style, act as a catalyst for them to adopt a more positive and confident outlook on life.
The second episode features blogger and digital marketing specialist Apple Allison, a 26 year old whose addiction to onesies is hindering her ability to be taken seriously at work. But her fashion sense stems from her inner struggles and pains – a result of being bullied for her size in school. How Do I Look? Asia will teach her that the “packaging” is just as important as the package.
Fashion in five words according to Apple: Fun, colourful, flexible, over-accessorized and crazy