SAWADEE KAP!!! For the second outfit post in my South East Asian trip, I came to Chiang Mai, the largest city in Nothern Thailand.

In here, I spent a few days inside the walled city and a couple more trekking up in the mountains where I stayed with the hill tribes… which was quite an experience, probably one I will never repeat but definitely something I will always remember.

 

Near the hotel where I was staying, I spotted this beautiful prop Mercedes-Benz looking oh so full of 1960’s, colonialistic style and figured it would serve as a fabulous background for my next shoot… so I set out to match its glory and put together this outfit with what I had in my suitcase. Let me know if I achieved that…

Shirt: Topman | Tee: H&M | Skinnies: Topman | Loafers: Hudson | Bracelet: Chiang Mai local boutique

Because the background was relatively dark, I wanted more of the outfit to come through in the pictures, so I centred the look on this Topman floral print shirt with a light colour base, the perfect piece not just for this shoot but also for the hot day that it was. Even though the temperature was ever rising, I played with layers here with a simple plain white v-neck tee from H&M. To emphasise on this concept, I rolled the short sleeves up to show the double shades of white of the two tops.

I know I don’t accessorise enough, which is why on this occasion I decided to be more adventurous (by my own standards) with the little extras considering I was on an exotic voyage.

This exquisite handmade bracelet with rusty brass bells and faux tusk details was found in one of the many adorable boutiques in town. I thought the materials were great representations of where I was as elephants are such iconic symbols to the kingdom.

 

Chiang Mai is perhaps one of my favourite South East Asian cities. It’s got a very chilled vibe that I particularly enjoyed. In terms of the locals, let’s just say they were much much more welcoming and genuine than most of their friends down in the capital. There are tons of great little independent shops where you can find stunning handmade (on the premises) goods from clothes and accessories to stationery and plenty of bits and pieces you can and cannot think of… so lots of surprises! For example, at the indoor night bazaar, I met this lovely Thai-Chinese man who made some gorgeous unisex jewellery so I bought one off him for myself and then some as souvenirs for the fam. I also walked pass a shop owned by a famous local graffiti artist x t-shirt designer, with whom I secured a collaboration. For the moment, I can reveal that it will include an outfit post for when I return to the UK, plus some giveaway goodies so keep your eyes peeled, guys!! It was so sad saying goodbye to Chiang Mai but I know it won’t be long until I return again and spend even more time there because there was just too much that I missed… If you have the chance, make sure you give this cultural gem a try!!

 

Until the next post, it’s cheerio from me!!

 

Love, Oliver

Let me know what you think of my outfit!