Fash-On: Come On, Get Happy
“Forget your troubles, come on get happy, you better chase all your cares away. Shout Hallelujah, come on get happy, get ready for the summer days.”— from the movie Summer Stock
There is something about the onset of warmer months and the rays of sunshine that hit my skin. they make me want to go explore, do some hiking and most importantly break into this song whenever I can! Of course it is time to get happy! Great weather is on the way (for a limited time, that is; why, oh why must the monsoon season hit?).
With inspiration from nature bursting into bloom, update your style this month. Why not try one of the super bright colors for the spring season that is also going to be huge for fall/winter: orange?
To start off, I would still err on the side of caution when it comes to carrying an extra layer, as it can become chilly unexpectedly. Also the rise in pollen and yellow dust that will soon arrive can send your immune system into a frenzy, so be careful. Invest in a versatile rainproof outer shell coat that will protect and also see you through summer and the latter chilly months. One of the essentials for the season is a vibrant, unmistakable statement piece: the all-weather Parka, which comes with a detachable lining to adjust to temperature fluctuations. It serves as a raincoat too.
With pollution and UV levels on the up, also invest in a pair of sunglasses. The Korean sun can be quite direct and punishing during these months and if you don’t wish to create any wrinkles by squinting – or damage your eyesight – the best option is to get some darkly tinted glasses that ooze effortless cool. I have gone for a retro pair with a royal blue trim to contrast the colors. Don’t forget to start stocking up on sunscreen too.
Complete your starter spring look by indulging in Nature’s palette, but turn the color volume way up. This article’s photo exemplifies what I’m talking with a lime-yellow cotton hooded top, another key investment item that will last you throughout the year. Wear it when it is a bit cooler in the mornings and night or just use it to exercise in. You can never go wrong with a hoody; it just depends if you dress it up or down.
Underneath the hoody, I went for a moss-green 100% cotton t-shirt that will help control heat and also bring a fresh edge to my look. It is all about keeping it simple and letting the colors radiate.
CLOTHING CARE:
Taking care of clothing is pretty easy during the spring months. If you are going to be washing clothing pieces with such high dye content as the ones featured in this article’s photo, you are most definitely going to need to separate them when washing.
Select a cold wash and wash similar colors or shades together, such as greens and yellows, reds and oranges, dark greys and blacks and so on. Take note, though, and do not mix darker shades like olive greens and bright oranges, unless you want to end up with a whole new shade of clothing or some variety of tie-dye. If lighter colored fabrics do change color in the wash you can usually rinse these under the tap and it should clear. Otherwise rewash the clothing on its own using cold water. Washing in hot water usually fixes the colors permanently. And please don’t even think about putting any whites or neutrals in with brights like these because you will end up ruining your clothing — unless you really love pastels. Avoid bleaching at all costs.
It is also wise to invest in a great fabric softener like Downy which comes with added Febreeze essence, which will make your clothes less grainy. It will also leave it smelling great for a longer period of time. Air drying is advised in the crisp weather so just open up a few windows in your apartment and let the air circulate to help prevent a musty ‘damp’ smell that occurs when clothing is not dried properly. Before packing your clothes away, make sure that they are completely dry or a ‘damp’ smell might still develop. Don’t forget to iron them if you have one.
Now that you are ready to explore and venture out into Korea, don’t forget to take as many pictures as you can, as the cherry blossoms are about to come into bloom. A spectacular sight for anyone.
CLOTHING:
Jacket – 8 seconds, downtown Gwangju
Hoodie – Uniqlo
Moss green T-shirt – H&M
Jeans shorts – Uniqlo
Leggings – Gmarket