The Courier Shirt

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Hello, it’s me. Utilita State, back on the blogging horse. For those who don’t know, I’ve officially packed my things and moved across the Atlantic to cute little Belgium (hence the short interruption in post programming). After living in both the US and Singapore for good chunks of my life, I figure it’s time I try out the old western world of Europe. Plus, my photographer slash “love of my life” is over here so yaknow, it’s really just practical. Anyhoo, a few things I’ve noticed about this country so far: Everyone cycles and nobody wears helmets Skinny heels in cobbled…

The T-Shirt Dress

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Dress code: business casual. Am I the only one who gets slightly anxious when seeing those words on an invite? Do they want me to show up in blazer? Is a pencil skirt too much? Perhaps I could get away with wearing black skinnies… Girl-code dictates it’s always better to be overdressed than under-dressed. But let’s be honest, nobody wants to be the only stiff girl standing in a matching suit and pant (unless you’re wearing it à la the 1970’s YSL x Helmut Newton’s Le Smoking suit – in which case, let me catch my breathe because I LOVE YOU)….

The Striped Top

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I’ve always admired the French, with their sophistication and savoir-faire. They have a way of being impossibly cool and effortlessly chic, served with a side of nonchalance (also known as, don’t-give-a-f*ck). So when I’m feeling inspired and wanna look Parisian, there’s only one piece that comes to mind. Nothing says French more than a simple striped shirt. THE UTILITY: La marinière (also known as the Breton Top) originated in the early 19th century with the French navy – the striped uniform was designed to help distinguish overboard sailors from the waves of the sea. I wonder if maybe a color…