I have always been fascinated with “Asian fashion”. And for those not so familiar with the term, it is used to describe the pop culture fashion in Japan, Taiwan, Korean, Hong Kong and China.

Obviously I’m intrigued because I am ethnically Chinese. But also because I live in Australia, where there is little access to “Asian Fashion” images, and almost no places to browse and buy.

In my limited knowledge of Asian fashion, I know it can be very “out there” and generally… the more fashionable women are known for their fabulous styling, layering and accessorising.

I also know that Asian Fashion can be very wallet friendly, with some styles direct from the catwalk, but in materials that are not designed to last the next season!

So my forage into Asian Fashion began with an email from YesStyle, an online shop specialising in an amazing collection of fashion from Korea, Japan and Taiwan.

They wanted to send me a few bits and pieces for a review… and all I had to do was choose a few items as gifts. Lots of things on the site looked really good, but I had no idea where to start!

Firstly I chose this very cool Double-Breasted Military Coat, which cost US$77.

A fashion coat is a difficult garment purchase for me, because it usually costs around $300 – $500, and after you’ve worn it for one winter, it might look out-dated next winter! So I always end up buying something classic, which leaves me with a wardrobe full of classic styled jackets that all cost heaps and look the same!

I also know a few friends from Singapore, who, when they go to visit a cold country, are unwilling to spend lots of money on a warm coat, believing that a few extra jumpers will block out the cold. Here’s a tip – jumpers don’t keep you warm when it snows!

Anyway, so I wanted to test out the issue of quality versus cost, and I’m happy to say that my coat was actually better than I expected.

Next I wanted to test out the issue of sizing, particularly because I’m used to Australian, US and UK sizing. How will be able to work out the sizing and get clothes that actually fit me?

Well, I’m wearing some Studded Wool Shorts (pictured above, which are out of stock on the website) and they fit like a dream. Shorts hardly ever fit me like a dream!

Usually when I buy “small” sizes over the internet, particularly from Australian, US and UK online shops, they arrive much bigger around the waist. But YesStyle have all their measurements listed on each garment page, so you just have to get hold of a measuring tape and make sure you don’t get tangled!

And lastly, I found a very cool looking Long Stripe Singlet, that I immediately wore everywhere!

I actually picked up a few more items from the online shop, but I’m going to style the items in some of my Daily Outfit Posts over the next few weeks.

The YesStyle site is pretty big, and I was a bit boggled as to how and where to start.

So here’s my tip – try searching by these brands that caught my eye!

Melissa: Elegant, feminine and classic styles.

FoxCity: Edgy and trendy styles, funky prints, all very rock chick looking.

Prischu Essentials: Basics with a touch of trend.

Star Mimi: Very cool and casual style in a subdued palette. Great for basics and layering.

YUMI: Very cute winter layering

Dizzy Darling: For the younger crowd. Very funky, trendy, sexy styles!

Cherry Story: Lots of cute, mix and match girly pieces.

Happy Shopping!!

…

Check out more of my favourite online shops in my Online Fashion Shopping Directory.