In addition to the series of Summer Trends posts, I will also be updating my blog with a series of Style posts, beginning with Rocker Chic.
While Trends come and go, Styles are here to stay. A fashionable woman ideally has a unique mix of trendy and stylish pieces in her wardrobe.
Celebrities Taylor Momsen and Kristen Stewart’s rocker chic ratings are over the tops this year.
Taylor Momsen Rock Chic 2012 image from knottycelebs.com
Taylor Momsen’s rise in fame came from her participation in Gossip Girl as Jenny but she has since left the show to pursue her music career with the rock band (I initially mis-spelt as rock bank, lol) which she fronts, “The Pretty Reckless”.
I was quite surprised when I heard her sing because it’s pretty good. 😛 If you haven’t heard before, check out “Make Me Wanna Die” by The Pretty Reckless.
Kristen Stewart Rock Chic 2012 image taken from bohomoth.com
Kristen Stewart carries the rocker chic look well with her stoic expressions.
One of my all time favourite Rocker Chic runway collection is from Balmain’s Spring 2009.
Balmain Spring 2009 images from Style.com
Meanwhile, Isabel Marant and Gareth Pugh features Rocker Chic in their Fall 2012 collections.
Isabel Marant Fall 2012 image from Style.comGareth Pugh Fall 2012 image from Style.com
Here are a few Rocker Chic pieces that can potentially knock people off their feet when worn or carried!
No Rocker Chic look is complete without smokey eyes make up! Get your look with Too Faced Smokey Eye collection. Plus, receive 2 free samples of a Too Faced best-seller with every order. 🙂
Luxury is in fashion and is now to be found in almost every retail, manufacturing and service sector. New terms like “mass-luxury,” “new luxury” and “hyper luxury” attempt to qualify luxury, causing confusion today about what really makes a luxury product, a luxury brand or a luxury company.
Luxury experts Jean-Noel Kapferer and Vincent Bastien provide the first rigorous blueprint for effectively managing luxury brands and companies at the highest level. The new edition of The Luxury Strategy includes more information about digital strategy, globalization, sustainable development and why luxury brands are resilient to recessions.
It analyzes in depth the essence of luxury, highlights its managerial implications and rationalizes the highly original methods – often very far from the usual marketing strategies – used to transform small family businesses such as Ferrari, BMW, Louis Vuitton, Cartier, Chanel, Armani or Ralph Lauren into worldwide successes.
The Luxury Strategy rationalizes those business models which have achieved profitability, while sustaining the luxury status of their brands, and sets out the counter-intuitive rules for successfully marketing luxury goods and services.
My review:
Published in the early 2009, this book attempts to piece together the strategies for luxury to survive in today’s cut throat economy.
I wanted to read the book because I’ve been studying about Fashion, high-end luxury fashion to be exact and I was very intrigued to know more about luxury.
I have to admit, I have not completed the book but I’ve read more than half of the book and I’ve gained a lot of insights. Each chapter is like a professionally written academic article about luxury. Interestingly, I’ve read another review on the book which I’ll link below and it says it’s supposed to be a manual for new luxury brand entrepreneurs but I think it’s more appropriate for it to be like a text-book for luxury brand marketers and managers, which is logical considering both authors are current professors in HEC.
The book begins with the history and philosophy of luxury, which is to live beyond death, think Pharaoh in Egypt and to create a legacy. And I must say, the book has clearly defined luxury and premium. Luxury is repeatedly stated as a dream, a desirable object that is created artistically while premium is the highest tier of a normal range product, with added function for value. Ferrari is luxury, but Lexus is premium. I won’t bother explaining in detail here because the authors did a splendid job in the book and I won’t be doing it justice at all by attempting.
There were several useful graphs in the book that helped to illustrate the various concepts of luxury or what makes a lucury brand which I thought were very insightful.
So in conclusion, I would strongly recommend this book for ALL marketing and brand owners because you will be able to learn how Luxury works and take a few tips for your own brand! Creating a desire and a dream is not a special privilege for the Luxury consumers. Mid-range brands that have identified this early in the game are already winning (Think Mr Bean Soya Bean Milk Franchaise in Singapore, or global brand H&M). Also it’s also a great read for all luxury lovers who wants to know more about luxury and be further educated on the topic. It would be terrible if you bought a luxury product and realize it’s actually a premium brand isn’t it? I’m kidding. 😛 You’d generally be safe if the press says/splashes on the news “LUXURY BRAND XXX”.
Jokes aside, The Luxury Book is a very information guide and it’s not for skimming. You’ve been warned, if you are going to borrow it from the local libracy like I did, then I’d say it’ll take a good 2 weeks to really complete each chapter a night. Think of it as a Luxury Strategy Bible! (;
I read the first few chapters and tried to skim the rest but I couldn’t because there were just too many new concepts and graphs to grasp so I hope to get my hands on the book again.
If you enjoyed my review, do check out a more daring and differing review on Forbes here.
Also I just found out that there’ll be NEW EDITION coming out in October and pre-orders are available! You can preorder on Amazon here:
The Luxury Strategy 2012 Edition
Book introduction on Amazon:
Luxury is in fashion and is now to be found in almost every retail, manufacturing and service sector. New terms like “mass-luxury,” “new luxury” and “hyper luxury” attempt to qualify luxury, causing confusion today about what really makes a luxury product, a luxury brand or a luxury company.
Luxury experts Jean-Noel Kapferer and Vincent Bastien provide the first rigorous blueprint for effectively managing luxury brands and companies at the highest level. The new edition of The Luxury Strategy includes more information about digital strategy, globalization, sustainable development and why luxury brands are resilient to recessions.
It analyzes in depth the essence of luxury, highlights its managerial implications and rationalizes the highly original methods – often very far from the usual marketing strategies – used to transform small family businesses such as Ferrari, BMW, Louis Vuitton, Cartier, Chanel, Armani or Ralph Lauren into worldwide successes.
The Luxury Strategy rationalizes those business models which have achieved profitability, while sustaining the luxury status of their brands, and sets out the counter-intuitive rules for successfully marketing luxury goods and services.
I used to want to further my studies in Luxury Branding, it was my dream to take up Masters in Luxury Branding / Strategy in Europe, Paris. So it would have been my dream to have these authors as my professors. But I now have a different perspective in life. I don’t want to study to learn to be an excellent marketer or manager anymore. I want to be my own boss. I’d still want to continue studying, but I also want to be working and learn how to manage my own business at the same time. I’m not sure if I’ll continue my studies after my degree yet, I’ll start work first and see how it goes! (;
In the thick of summer, I’m glad to present the first of a series of Summer 2012 Trends, Printed Blazers! Printed Blazer is a trend that started late 2011 and it hasn’t caught on fire yet. But it’s certainly a trend that is still growing and I expect high street fashion labels to be producing and selling affordable printed blazers very soon!
Printed Blazers as seen on celebrities Blake Lively & Rihanna.
Blake Lively Printed Blazer image from http://girlstalkinsmack.com/18-celebrities-rocking-blazers/
I love Lively’s sophisticated and carefree sense of style. Not sure where she got this blazer that seems like a digital print of paint daubs but I found a high fashion label blazer that resembles this piece, see below!
Rihanna in Printed Tuxedo Blazer image from http://www.celebstyle.com/Rihanna-Print-Tuxedo-Blazer-22440034
Rihanna’s Printed Tuxedo Blazer is also amazing, on one hand it looks like a digital print inspired by peacocks and it also resembles Van Gogh’s starry starry night painting albeit in vibrant saturated colours. Love.
Luxury labels Celine and Balmain have led the trend with their beautiful prints in their Resort 2012 collection. Check these out.
Celine Resort 2012 image from Style.com
Although it’s a far cry, but this blazer does slightly resemble the colourful blazer that Lively wore. While Lively’s blazer is artistic, Celine’s prints are more tribal inspired.
Balmain Resort 2012 Printed Blazer image from Style.com
Designed by Olivier Rousteing, successor to Christophe Decarnin, Rousteing carries on Balmain’s super-luxe rocker chic aesthetics which garners hearts from girls all around the world, including my own. <3
Want a piece of summer’s best trend? Check out these links.
1. REISS LADY PRINTED SILK JACKET MID BLUE
Available here. As featured on NY Mag’s The Cut here.
Reiss Printed Blazer Summer 2012
2. TIBI CHEETAH PRINT STRETCH SATEEN BLAZER
Available here.
As featured on NY Mag’s The Cut here.
Tibi Cheetah Printed Blazer
3. NEEDSSUPPLYCO RISCH BLAZER
Available here.
As featured on NY Mag’s The Cut here.
NeedsSupplyCo Risch Printed Blazer
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Background image credits with thanks from JenniferKOliver here.
In December of 2010, official engagement photographs of future King and Queen, Prince William and Kate Middleton were released. Kate was pictured wearing the Nanette dress by Reiss, the British fashion label founded in 1971 by David Reiss. – http://www.fashionreview.co.uk/reiss-fashion/
Reiss has been dubbed as the high street clothing with Royal Approval. As such, I am excited to have them as one of the brands featured on my blog’s sidebar.
Reiss is having a sale starting June 19, save on all styles only at www.reissonline.com/us! In addition, you can still get FREE SHIPPING on all orders over $300!
I have picked out 12 items from Reiss website for my Reiss Sale Lust List.
I love princess sleeves and recently found a fondness for red cardigan, this piece has both and as seen on the model, looks great when paired with a striking blue skirt.
A unique tribal animal printed shorts that is great for summer. Similar prints are also seen on a sleeveless top and blazer in store. So you can grab them together to complete the look!
Chunky statement necklaces are all the rage at the moment, catch on the wave with this piece and pair it with a power suit for a chic updated business look.
With thanks to my tutor Yvonne, V and I went down to visit Blueprint Tradeshow.
BLUEPRINT is a one-stop fashion trade gateway for East-West exchange, created to present up-and-coming International and Asian designers. It uniquely specializes in launching Pre-Spring collections and curates fresh and forward menswear, womenswear and accessories including jewelry, shoes and bags from emerging designers destined for international markets. – Blueprint.sg
Here are a few interesting brands that caught my eye when we were there for a little while.
In no particular order (maybe except for how I collected the namecards for reference, haha!) :
Stands for All Things Green and Beautiful and lives true to its name.
ATGAB’s Booth at Blueprint TradeshowLoving ATGAB’s colourful necklaces and headbands.
I love the idea of ATGAB and I am very glad to know that the owner and local (Singaporean) designer of this green label, Elaine has been able to sustain the label since 2009.
And she has a huge mission: To preserve the environment we live in by starting a serious green business. Elaine collects pre-loved handbags, cuts them up, re-thinks the materials, and hand-makes them into the most unexpected accessories. Every product is made up of at least 50% – 80% upcycled materials. Elaine is very proud of the workmanship of all designs, and take even more pride in the big hearts of their Bag Goddesses. A percentage of all profits would also go towards non-profit organisations as their way of giving back to society. – allthingsgreenandbeautiful.com/
The website has a count of number of bags collected and reused for their products. Which is really cute.
ATGAB is stocked at Soon Lee
73 Haji Lane
Singapore 189266
Is a very interesting brand that collaborates with artists / graphic designers to create one of a kind canvas tote / messenger bags, each limited to only 7 in the world.
Urface Canvas BagUrface Canvas Bag
I feel that there is a lot of potential to their brand. They remind me of the T-shirt brand Threadless, inviting designers to design T-shirts which are then voted online and produced for buyers. Most of the information on their FB page is in Thai, hopefully they will translate to english for a wider audience in time to come.
Nicknamed KitKat by her friends, Penn, a Cancerian is into myths, legends and fairy tales of sorts. The nocturnally inspired artist devotes all her time to her passion for all kinds of handcrafted art, which include the recent handmade weave accessories. – http://www.kikiculte.com/
I was drawn to kiki culte’s designs because of the rocker chic series. An example here:
I love the colours, the studs and the texture of the bags.
They also feature a range of jewellery on their website.
Suecomma Bonnie
Is a shoe brand that has been likened to Louboutin’s in Korea.
Korean shoe designer Bo-hyun Lee has taken the craft of shoe designing to the highest level, with each piece looking like a coveted work of art. Suecomma Bonnie’s handmade shoes are made of the most luxurious materials imported from Europe. Known for feminine and sexy styles, the brand has been worn by many Korean celebrities and featured in almost every top fashion glossies in Korea including Vogue, Elle, Harper’s Bazaar and W Magazine. - http://www.futurefashionnow.com/index.php/main/designer/9
A few designs to tease your eyes on…
Suecomma Bonnie ShoeSuecomma Bonnie Shoe
Suecomma Bonnie Shoe
You can purchase the Suecomma bonnie Pre-spring 2013 collection on FutureFashionNow here. Limited sales period, till 19 June.
One last brand that is one of New York’s up and coming designer label by designer duo Timo Weiland and Alan Eckstein. I met them last year when I was helping backstage for their show in Blueprint 2011 and it was a wonderful coincidence to meet them again at the airport when I flew to Hong Kong.
Timo Weiland is the brainchild of New York’s dynamic IT duo Timo Weiland and Alan Eckstein. Known for quirky designs and colour palette, their collections are inspired by their mutual love of European history and travel. In July 2011, Timo Weiland was personally selected by Net-a-Porter’s Director as an inductee to the prestigious Council of Fashion Designers of America’s Fashion Incubator Program. – http://www.futurefashionnow.com/index.php/main/designer/5
Two of my favourite pieces from their Pre-Spring 2013 collection available for sale until June 19 here:
Timo Weiland Fossil Print Shirt Dress & Cut Out Tank
Timo Weiland Fossil Print Cutout Tank (Grey) available at USD 185.00 here.
Timo Weiland Fossil Print Shirt Dress available at USD USD 442.00 here.
Timo Weiland Shirt Dress w/ Lace Trim
Timo Weiland Shirt Dress w/ Lace Trim available at USD 450.00 here.
I love their quirky yet formal design sensibility. These pieces reminds me of what Blaire in Gossip Girl would wear.
I was excited to meet Timo again and so I took a picture with him. (:
There were of course a lot other clothing labels but alas, I didn’t have the time to venture and collect details. Nonetheless I hope you enjoyed my recap of Blueprint 2012. Support local and Asian talents! (:
This is an overdue post of the Chanel Spring Summer Runway show which Bini and I attended back in March. (:
Evidently inspired by the underwater world and creatures, Karl’s vision shone through as his pieces were reflective of sea animals and flora against a set of blown up and all-white seashells and corals.
As usual, the runway set and collection is a miniature version of what’s shown in Paris. Catch a glimpse of Karl’s vision of underwater inspired Chanel with Florence Welch arising like Botticelli’s Venus on the half shell singing “What the Water Gave Me.”
Coming back to Singapore, the show was held at Dempsey, a revamped old warehouse of sorts converted to Chanel’s runway for the night. Lounge area where tasty hors d’oeuvre are served.
And the show begins! I only posted the ones I like and weren’t too blurry.
The clothes reflected the colours and textures of fishes, corals and even seaweed. I thought this collection was a lot better than the one we saw last FW 2011.
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And for the door gifts… Chanel gave a set of their Spring Summer nail polish aptly named April, May & June! (;
Here’s to a great summer for all you lovely folks!
Hello! I’ve been back from the Philippines mission trip for about 2 weeks but been busy working at Expo selling biscuits… So, I’m happy to finally bring you the last installment of my Super Seoul Trip – Days 3 & 4!
Day 3//
We headed to Shinsegae to shop in the morning and that’s where I got my super tasty korean seaweed snacks and biscuits! I will dedicate a whole post on that later…
I’m certain I took a whole host of pictures at Shinsegae… But it’s been so long and I can’t locate where the pictures are now. :O But it’s okay… I’ve got one here, a classy store in the men’s department where B shopped for her dad’s suits. (;
We had lunch at Shinsegae, where B recommends their traditional meals, we had to queue about 15 minutes before getting in. A pity it was just 2 of us because they only cater servings for like 4 people so we had to eat so much of the Octopus and meat stew! LOL.
Watch the transition from raw ingredients to tasty stew!
The Saba (i think) fish was tasty!
Watching the Korean Ahjummas enjoying their get-together over lunch.
The wonderful Korean seaweed I bought in bags… You can’t find these tasty brands in Singapore! The ones that Shine department store in Singapore stocks aren’t as tasty as these.
We headed back to the hotel in the evening to put our grocery shopping down and called in Jajjangmyum for dinner! Apparently the hotel says we can’t but they let us do so this once. Haha!
Watching Chinese drama while eating… LOL.
Then we headed down to Myung Dong, night market street with lots and lots of skin care boutiques. I was looking for The Face Shop to buy some on YL’s behalf as well as to get some of the famed facial masks. My sister got us some the last time she was in Korea and it’s good so I also got some back. (: Umm but I didn’t take any pictures of the stores or boutiques. And I even got 10% off for buying like 100k won and above! I think that’s about S$120. You have to ask them for the discount if not they won’t give. HAHA. I’m such a #smartshopper. 😛
No idea how the Korean girls and ahjummas keep up with their high end labels? Here’s how! HAHA. Just kidding. But lots of pirated branded stuff on the streets! Hermes, LV and Chanel scarves above and Chanel accessories below.
LV bags… at a steal! HAHA.
A pretty lame store name, I thought they sold stationaries but it’s a beauty store.
You’d think we ended the day 3 at Myung Dong… But we didn’t! HAHA. We went back to the hotel and decided to head out to Doota again for midnight shopping because it closes at 5am anyway. We were mainly looking for a suitable luggage for B to store all her stuff on the flight back. LOL. So we survived the night till about 2am before going back for the night. And because we were too late to claim the refunds, we planned to go back again the next morning to claim the refunds (#firstworldproblems) before heading back to Samchungdong for lunch, as we did on the first day!
With a few hours to spare after check out, we had post lunch tea… Mine’s green tea latte and B’s Americano. HAHA.
On our chartered ride to the airport. ^^,
At Incheon Airport…
We didn’t think check-in would take so long so we had to runnnn all the way for our flight and made it in with 5 min before the gate closed. #phew. Oh btw check out my pair of shoes from Myung Dong’s market. Only about S$30 and has been my go-to shoes since I got back. Been wearing it to death!
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But thankfully we were rewarded with…
LOTS of empty seats HAHA. So we got to hog 3 seats per person. Awesome max. 😀
Hope you guys enjoyed my Super Seoul posts as much as I did experiencing & writing them!
For our Super Seoul escapade day 2, we headed out to Lotte department store to shop and lunch!
Check out all the pretty displays at Lotte department store!
Love this pair of shoe, got a pair of black sneaker wedges similar to this from Myung Dong!
There was a lot of attendants at this store, featuring local designer wears.
We had traditional korean food for lunch at level 11!
If you don’t like Korean food, it’s only because you have not tried the authentic korean food in Korea. Dae bak! (The best!)
Reminds me of Rei Kawakubo’s Lumps and Bumps Dress collection:
Love their window display! So artistic and bold.Korea’s Project Runway contestant designs on display~Had sandwich for tea while B was trimming and dyeing/inking her eyebrows!At dinner! We had meat stew for dinner at Hong Dae! We didn’t know how to order and had to trouble B’s friend to speak to the restaurant ahjumma over the phone. HAHA. Lots of Soju! Bought one back to the hotel and it’s bland. So didn’t finish it. LOL.This meat stew was too much for two of us!At an indie store with a very friendly couple/owners. We told them we came from Singapore and they told us they visited Singapore before, with a $10 bill as proof on their desk. HAHA cute.
The store features some vintage branded clothes as well as some new designer clothes. Quite an eclectic selection. Basically most of the Hong Dae boutiques have their own individual, personalized style yet it’s not different enough to really stand out.
It was a Wednesday night and the lines outside the clubs were INSANE. INSANELY LONG.Never-ending.Then we tumbled across this gothic building. Think it’s a pub of sorts, we didn’t venture in as we were headed back to the hotel for the night!
Here’s one pic of me to end the post, nice? (:Will have the last installment of Super Korea Day 3 + 4 combined when I’m back from the Phillippines! Will be away for a week, on mission trip with my church friends! Do covet your prayers, please pray for our safety and good health while we are there!
If you don’t already know, I am a huge fan of korean drama and what better post is there than combining two of my life’s greatest interest, korean drama and fashion together?! ^^
I am an avid korean drama recap reader. LOL. I loyally follow Dramabeans, Koalasplayground and Soulsrebel websites for their Kdrama and TWdrama updates. But due to my busy schedule, I tend to only read recaps unless the drama is really good, or it’s my holidays than I will spend the time to watch the drama online.
There are currently two fantastic korean dramas showing, the first a sageuk (period drama) titled “The Moon Embracing the Sun” and the second “Shut Up Flower Boys Band”. I’d admit they are lousy titles, but I love what they wear! The first for their beautiful, elaborate, vibrant-coloured, silk royal garb and the second for their too cool for school rocker looks and preppy uniforms. <3
The Moon Embracing the Sun Poster.
I especially love the intricate details on the shoulders of the King and the Queen (left two). Cultural heritage makes great fashion.
I love the vibrant yellows, pinks, purple and blue colours.
The hanbok in lovely pink/purple and green/purple combination. Might be too much if paired in this combination today but totally possible to pull off for a daring, stylish fashionista.
As seen in contemporary fashion, here in Alexander McQueen’s FW 2010, the last collection designed by himself, presented post-humously. He was inspired by the western culture and details here, but I can totally imagine if a chinese/korean designer adapts the Oriental designs for modern wear! But of course, the designs would be more suitable for haute couture, or more formal attire.
Bright cheery emerald green dress by Victoria Beckham selling on Net-a-porter here. Definitely a great colour to herald the Spring… (:
Metallic encasing gem YSL rings are all the rage in the fashion world. Retailing at $390 in-stores in Singapore now. Gems come in many lovely colours and metal ring in gold or silver. The big, bold and royal is definitely in vogue!
MCQ Alexander McQueen Kingsland Vinyl Tote retailing here.
Assad Mounser Shiprock gold plated multichain retailing here. I am loving the multi chain, summer coloured accessory. Tres chic.
For a similar look that is more accessible locally, check out Bimba & Lola at Orchard ION. Their necklaces have this very candy, seemingly DIY quality to it that is very attention grabbing.
Bimba & Lola necklace… I got this off the website, but the ones in store are different, just to illustrate the uniqueness of their necklaces.
Going on to Kdrama number 2… Shut Up Flower Boys Band.
Boys looking cute in their rocker band look. I dig this look… a lot. Haha. Style notes: silver multi chain necklace and rings, best in cross and skulls motifs, layered look with leather jackets and scarfs (unfortunately so not possible in all year summer Singapore, sobs), skinny jeans.
Just needed to post a picture of this rookie newbie in the show, Jo Bo-ah, age is not found online. She is so pretty.
The preppy school look is a classic look…
Burberry Pre-Fall 2012.
More boyish looks from Balenciaga’s Spring 2012 Menswear.
Rock the look with…
Alexander Wang bags
I hope I’ve inspired you to 1. Watch the korean dramas 2. Gain some fashion tips for your Spring Summer 2012. 3. Realize that you can pick up fashion tips from korean drama… or any well styled drama! 😉
I am a fan of Ms Glitzy’s beauty and fashion website and it is always a delight to take part in the giveaway she organizes. 🙂
This time round, together with my-wardrobe.com, she is offering her readers a chance to win $1000 shopping voucher on my-wardrobe.com which offers branded fashion products.
Check out the competition here and it’s still ongoing till 19th Dec 12 midnight, so submit your entry if it’s not too late! 🙂
Here’s my entry:
1. EUGENIA KIM BROWN HONEY VELOUR HAT
http://www.my-wardrobe.com/eugenia-kim/brown-honey-velour-hat-208636
3. D&G BLACK SILK CHIFFON TIERED LACE HEM DRESS
http://www.my-wardrobe.com/d-g/black-silk-crinkle-chiffon-ruffle-tiered-lace-hem-100184
4. ANTIK BATIK BURGUNDY CORALIE JACKET
http://www.my-wardrobe.com/antik-batik/burgundy-coralie-jacket-895303
5. KORS MICHAEL KORS IRVING PLATFORM SHOE BOOT
http://www.my-wardrobe.com/kors-michael-kors/irving-platform-shoe-boot-751225
Floppy hats are a popular and lovely fall winter trend which I have noted from various brands such as Rosebullet, F21 and New Look. Although a little boring to chose black for a party dress, the D&G laced dress is hard to resist. I love the burgundy reds on the Mulberry oversize postmans locked clutch and Michael Kor boots. And the Antik Batik fur coat is a great style item to snuggle up to in, especially if going to a snowy place abroad. I have chosen a darker, muted and rich black, burgundy and dark chocolate brown colour palette which is in part inspired from the ICB styling event I attended.
Christmas is a time to dress up, party and eat in style! I hope you have party plans in store!
Back in November, my classmate invited a few girls and I to her 21st party and it was a blast! 🙂 It was really great catching up with the girls after 3 weeks of internship! Finally some bonding with girls our age and think alike. Haha. 🙂
Ser Li prepared some very awesome props and we definitely goof-ed around in it!
Here’s with Christabelle!
Christa, Rach, Shella, Bev, Clara and Ser Li!
Twist~!
With Rach!
And the birthday girl!
The girls in red… Like all prepared for CNY 2012! Haha. 😉
Ser Li’s awesome pretty pink icing on the outside lemon flavoured cake! Very sweet and sinful. 🙂
And the sexy birthday girl with the card I made for her! I am glad it goes very well with her sexy red and black baroque theme. The heart shapes motifs were a winning guess! 🙂
Turning 21st is a milestone and it can get pretty mundane after attending several in the year.. But when it has a good theme and great company, it’s always a joy to attend!
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My week has been a daunting and stressful one – somehow there were a lot of technical work difficulties at work for me and my colleagues. I am praying and hoping for a stress-free three more week to the end of my internship and the end of the year!
I am also busy preparing and planning for church cell group activities and Trans. Lab collaborative project with Gilda. I am praying hard that these will go smoothly!
It will be a crazy three weeks to the end of the year and I know the crazy will not end until February next week – Trans. Lab Exhibition! It’s all very exciting, adrenaline rushing and frightful at the same time.
Two Saturdays ago, I invited my friend Xue Li to attend ICB Styling event. I was invited by Heat Branding which I took up the offer just to see what it’ll be like. I’m certainly glad I attended as it was an enjoyable experience. More than a fashion show, it was a more personal experience hosted by acclaimed stylist Jerome Awasthi as he spoke about how he styled the girls and why and explained in greater detail about the products, about the materials and design. It definitely made fashion come alive and interesting even for Xue Li, a more science-inclined student who felt she learnt a lot more about fashion. 🙂
The store at Wisma Isetan, level 2.
The hanger full of clothes before the event started.
The lookbook in-store.
There was a free-flow of tasty punch and finger food like tarts and chocs! I should have taken photos of them. Lol.
Jerome starts with the first model and shares how the first look can be casual but with a slight change, she can look different. So he sends her away to transform…
Out comes the second model and he dons on her a fur stole which is a beautiful winter item although totally not suitable for Singapore. I still love it. Haha.Model one is back in the same top but now in a girl pleated skirt and leather jacket which makes her appear formal yet feminine at the same time!
Model 2 appears again, in a trench coat which Jerome demonstrates different ways of tie-ing the belt.
Then she undresses the trench to reveal what she’s wearing within!
A casual knitted dress. Which was shapeless till Jerome skinny belted it! 🙂
I like this oxford wedges!
Next up a series of transformation with the same versatile scarf. Wrapped around!
Or like a hanging top.
Or like a vest!
My favourite look is the one on the left! With matching burgundy/maroon red stockings, bag and top! It’s beautiful for this Christmas! And very Blair from gossip girl. 🙂
Hope you enjoyed this post as I did for the styling event! 🙂
Stay beautiful, inside and out!
xx
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I actually have a few more photos to upload from the event but alas, wordpress uploading is quite a hassle and I’m already tired… I will blog soon! 🙂 Please leave comments for me! 🙂 <3
Sharing my recent buys – The Face Shop masks, PaperMarket Christmas scrapbook sets – & my views on Harpers Bazaar Dec 2011 magazine and fashion advertisements!
As I always say, I am very blessed. My lovely (and sometimes crazy) friends in class asked me out with them for Halloween and I gamely agreed but it wasn’t till the last hour that I took action… so my ‘dress’ for Halloween was very ‘mehhh’.
I called Shi Hui like 1 hour before we were supposed to meet up and I told her I have no idea what to dress up as. Then I told her likely a leopard dress and Ser Li was with her and she said she’ll bring a Fox mask for me. Yay! But if you think about it… Leopard dress and Fox mask? = No link but one happy Jia En. HAHAHA. Anyways.
What is Halloween without dressing up, drinking, getting high, looking silly and having FUN? 😀
Traditionally Halloween is a day to celebrate the dead, before All Saint’s Day, a day to celebrate the Saints and all the deceased members of the church. But now it has evolved to an event that youths and young-at-heart a like can dress up and celebrate with their friends. 🙂
It was my very first halloween celebration and I was very fascinated (to say the least) by everyone’s enthusiasm for the event and their courage in dressing up. There was flintstones, anime characters, goth girls, boys in CHIJ girls uniform… and even NAZI soldiers. Haha. When it comes to creativity, the sky’s the limit eh! With my super lovely classmates Serli, Shi Hui and Shella. <3 <3 <3 one <3 for each of them! Ser li as a kitten, and Shi and Shell as bunnies, all tres sexy ! 🙂
Rach and friend popped by a bit before they left for some drinks!
Kat and friends! Kat as a witch and her friends as like… death clowns! x)
Anyways as a *ahem* responsible blogger I shall stress that if you drink but don’t get drunk and if you are a girl then all the more be guarded when you’re out partying alright! 🙂 Nowadays girls can be quite scary too so boys also must be guarded and wary ok! 😛
Shella with claw fingers… wait isn’t Ser li supposed to be the kitten?! Ser li: MEOWZ~!
I am so excited with bunny Shi Hui! 🙂
First signs of red faces and high kisses! o’-‘o
Group shot in the club! Us girls and Shi’s friend, Rayson! The very ‘lucky’ Rayson with 4 dates for Halloween!
Posing with boys in diapers! HAHA.
I secretly would like to kiss Ser li very much… just kidding! 😛
Ending off Halloween 2011 with 3 scary clowns! How was your Halloween? If you celebrated, drop me a comment, tweet or email with links to your photos, I wanna see! 🙂
<3
xx
Some pics are mine, but most photo credits to Mayshella! 🙂
Thanks to HEAT Branding, through a competition held on Insing.com , I won tickets to visit Onward Kashiyama Fall/Winter 2011 Fashion Showcase @ Avalon. The original price of the ticket which includes access and one drink was $35 and I won tickets for a guest and myself! There were many Japanese that paid to watch the show that night, I am so blessed! 🙂
If you read my last article, you would know that I invited Gilda of Revasseur to attend the show with me.
That night, Onward Kashiyama Japanese fashion house introduced three retail concepts in a high-energy creative presentation. Invited guests and media were shown a premier showcase of the ICB, Rosebullet and DipDrops Autumn/Winter collections. 😀
I’ll let the photos do the talking~ Credits to Gilda for the sharp images and no credits to me for the blurry ones. 😛
ICB features grown up, office lady looks.
Before DipDrops came on, there was a live hair show by Shunji Matsuo featuring Malaysian blogger Cheesie of Cheeserland as model! 😀
Second in line, DipDrops FW 2011 collection had a distinctive British influence to it.
Lastly, Rosebullet showed a mixed collection of urban and laidback country floral styles. Before the models came strutting in, there seemed like a group of ‘normal’ girls prancing on the stage and then they settled in a corner of the stage, drinking champagne. We had no idea who they were and what they were doing but they did bring some entertainment. Perhaps Rosebullet was trying to convey that the ‘everyday’ girl can look equally charming, cute and attractive as the professional models. 🙂
To end off, a cute albeit blurry photo taken with Gilda and Kenneth and Andrew, designers of Depression! 🙂
They gave out really nice canvas tote bag with vouchers as door gifts! Sorry I won’t be posting photos of them cause I gave the vouchers away! 🙂 If you fancy the clothes, do visit Dip Drops at 313@Somerset (#03-09/10) or at the Rosebullet boutique located at Marina Bay Sands (B2-116, Canal Level)! 😉
Can’t get enough? Check out FeverAvenue’s more thorough coverage of the show here. 😉
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School’s out and internship’s (sadly not holiday :/) in! I received positive news last Friday that I was given an internship placement with French Chambre of Commerce Singapore (FCCS). I am glad and I hope to put my limited French to good use and pick up a lot more in my 2 months there!
Blogging really takes time, hopefully I will be able to keep up and have more interesting stuff to blog about! 😛 I have so many stuff to blog about… My recent occupation with end of year’s presentations and submissions have resulted in blogging ‘back log’ :/ For a long ‘preview’, next up will be the 100 Friends Exhibition and I will combine that with a night out with Jacq and Char where we went for a very uneventful magazine bash but followed by a very interesting beer celebration… Next next will probably be a short one on my first halloween ‘party’ experience! 😉
That’s all for now, wishing all of you the best of health and a blessed week ahead! <3
Just some quick updates about my personal life, which I have not done so for quite some time now, as I have been mostly updating on the fashionable events I’ve attend.
I am very thankful to God for completing and successfully submitting Finance assessment paper this morning. Am actually suffering from the fatigue of staying up late and waking up early to complete the assignment due to bad time management and ill-discipline from being distracted by internet (sigh)…
I have just completed 2 months worth of french elementary 1 course, held every tuesday and thursday nights! In a quick recap, I am now able to pronounce in french A-Z, 1-100, introduce myself, mastered a limited but increasing list of vocabulary such as countries, occupations and subjects. I am struggling with remembering feminine prefix – la and masculine prefix – le. I hope to be more acquainted with the french culture to inspire and motivate my learning. I also hope that I will soon be able to speak and think comfortably in french! A faraway dream as of now, but definitely a great ambition!
School work is piling up like a huge mountain as submissions and presentations are all nearing. Scheduling really helps put things in perspective and helps with prioritization. Was initially quite worried last weekend about not being to finish work but after scheduling, there was actually sufficient time. But turns out, our tutors have postponed 1 submission and 1 presentation. I feel sad that our misery is prolonged (not actually sure if we will put in more effort, but now there is no reason not to do better.) but on the bright side, I am relieved and should be happy for the extra time to do things even better, more time for details. 😉
Time is really flying by like crazy all of a sudden. It’s October and soon the year will be over. @-@ I am grateful because I’ve been superbly (and happy to be) busy with many activities with friends and communities. Other than school, church, attending events with lovely friends and learning French, I am also involved with Transmission Lab 2011-2012 hosted by Phunk Studio.
A week ago I attended a fashion show showcasing Japanese brands Rosebullet, ICB by Onward fashion group. I won the tickets and I asked Gilda, fashion designer and genius behind the homegrown(but with American design background and Japanese quirky sensibilities) label Revasseur to attend with me. I will do a proper introduction about Gilda and Revasseur in a future post. I am super happy and honoured that she agreed to collaborate with me to create an artwork under Trans. Lab program. I am very excited to discuss more with her about our collaboration once school’s out. 🙂
And last night saw the opening of 100 Friends 100 Artists 100 Inspiration exhibition held at TCC @ Clarke Quay (near Raffles Place Mrt). The exhibition is managed by Art-management. It’s a celebration of Phunk Studio as they invite 100 friends to create 100 artworks – each piece representing something, someone that inspires them. Subject varies from animals to families, lovers, artists and for myself, a Singaporean fashion visionary Tjin Lee. 🙂
Each artwork will be sold at $199 per piece. $99 will go to funding Transmission Lab 2012 exhibition which will be held next February, showcasing the artworks of up and coming creative Singapore talents (including Gilda and myself). I am beyond honoured and often catch myself smiling silly (and feeling inadequate) to know that I am in such talented company. I am very humbled and I do hope to make a positive contribution and positive impact to the local arts and design community. 🙂
As this is a short recap, I will update more photos for Onward fashion show and 100 Friends exhibition another time, soon. So look out for updates. 😉
Lastly I am going for my first internship interview tomorrow and I really hope all things go well and that I get the position. Will update more about it if I get it. *Excited*
Last Thursday, my girlfriends Bini, Kat and I attended VIP Launch of Women’s Fashion Week Haute Couture Exhibition, thanks to Senatus, the online magazine that’s bringing us all these fashion goodness. 🙂
We had classes in the day, so we proceeded to Bini’s pad to watch half a movie (Drag Me to Hell which was too much for me to bear, so I pleaded / took the remote and shut it :P) before we freshen up and change for the night’s event! We also took the opportunity to spam some photos. ^^V
I really like my new bangs with a new coat of purple dye! ^^
Here’s a picture of us posted on Senatus website. 🙂
A selection of dresses by the 8 french hautes couturiers were on exhibition. Here are just a few that were presented!
This dress is designed by Eymeric Francois.
This is by Gustavo Lins. I like the warrior-like buckle elements of the dress.I forgot to note who designed this purple dress, but it’s one of the most striking coloured dress exhibited. *Update* This dress is designed by Maxime Simoens! 🙂The reason why I post about this dress is because…Blair from Gossip Girl wore it! She is wearing a dress by Maxime Simoens. Note a funny looking Serena standing behind her. 😛 Chairman of WFW 2011 was there to greet the press and VIPs. He says it will be the first time 8 french haute couturiers will be showing outside of Paris! It is such a landmark fashion event, happening in Singapore. 🙂A short preview collection by Alexis Mabille! He says this is a teaser of what he will be showcasing, all of the dresses are white because during his actual runway collection he will showcase his coloured dresses. The models look like fairies in these dresses. There is an ethereal feel and they remind me of how the female immortals dress like in old chinese dramas! Guess where we went after the event?
MBS Cold Storage Specialty store! HAHA.
I thought it’d be funny to take photos with the food and stock. So here are a few goofy shots of us!
With Andy Warhol’s favourite and approved Campbell Soup Can. One shot of the Queen of Poses! I meant to head home after the event because I was lugging a big bag but my girlfriends Bel and Jacq convinced me to head out to Overeasy to meet new friends and some drinks. After some drinks our new friends brought us to Avalon as they got us on their friend’s list for the night. So there I was, back at MBS for the second time that night. Haha. The night was uneventful for me, but I can’t say the same for the other girls. 😛 In anycase, here’s the beautiful scenery just outside the club.
Back in those days, Nanyang (as Singapore was then known) was the stuff of dreams. Now in the 21st century, it still is the stuff of dreams and many more to come. 😀
Wishing you a blessed week ahead! Wish me all the best in finding and securing a wonderful internship! I need your prayers!
Sometime during September, I was invited to Robinsons x Mio TV Prime Time Fall Fashion. Clara of Nom-media (Nuffnang, Churp Churp) called me to confirm my invitation. Clara also invited Eileen, my friend and ex-colleague as they are very close friends. Do check out Eileen’s blog Sylelyn, which I’ve also linked by the side bar! I was very glad Eileen also attended the event and that we got to catch up after a longgg time! x)
Amanda, Clara, Eileen and myself 😉
It was very disappointing that the event started very late. We were invited to arrive at 7.30pm but the show only started at 9.40pm. I was particularly sad that I missed my French class from 7-9pm. I could have attend my French class and still made it for the show. 🙁
Thankfully though, that the fashion show itself was great, it combined both aspects of Robinson’s fashion labels and Mio TV’s upcoming season shows very well. Videos of the shows that inspired the Fall fashion would play before the models came down the runway. 🙂
Unfortunately for me, I forgot to bring my camera. o.O This kind of shows that I’m not really clue-d into the whole blogger identity yet. Oops! So the pictures are taken by pretty Elizabeth, a friend of Eileen and Clara whom I met at the event! 🙂 Do check out her blog here. 🙂
A preview of the shows that Singtel Mio TV has to offer this Fall:
Some of the brands that were showcased includes Eryn Brinie and Rebecca Minkoff. Most bloggers probably don’t post the gift-bags that the sponsors give away but I like to do so anyway! I mean, who’s not interested to know what the give away includes? 😛
Each gift bag includes a Mio TV tissue box, samples from Kiehl’s and a press release folder. 🙂Here’s what’s inside the Kiehl’s sample set. My friend gave me no.4 blemish clearing control. I’ve been using it and I feel that it’s very mild but it does work. It also has a medicated scent which I find oddly nice. I would like to use their lip balm someday! We were also given hair-conditioner sample (has to be redeemed at the store).That’s all for the event! Next up, Women’s Fashion Week 2011 VIP Reception and Press Announcement at Marina Bay Sands! 🙂
Not too long ago, Bini invited me to attend another fashion event, Chanel Fall Winter 2011 Fashion Runway in Singapore. It was held at Red Dot Museum.
Individual portraits of Bini and I after the show on the ‘runway’.
Doors open for the event at 7.30pm but the event didn’t start until 8.15pm. So there was a holding area with hors d’oeuvres and champagnes served for guest. Then Chanel also entertained guests with two musicians, one playing a modern looking violin and another playing a saxophone, with music blasting. It was pretty interesting as they were trying to interact with the audience (while some scoot away cause they were pretty intimidating). Sorry, no photos of them to show you!
“The world is a dark place,” is what the brilliant Karl Lagerfeld said about the inspiration of Chanel Fall/Winter 2011RTW show. Placed in the midst of the fog-shrouded forest, with black sand, volcanic rocks and images of burned trees, the show had a sense of apocalyptic grandeur accentuated by Michel Gaubert’s orchestral interpretation of the Cure’s classic “A Forest”. Colored in black and ashy tones, the collection blended perfectly with the show’s gloomy setting. The collection abounded with brilliant pieces such as wool jackets,pleated tanks,loose pants and tweed jumpsuits whose men size proportions and the unfinished , distressed hems added a final touch to Karl’s dark vision for this season. What we liked the most about it, is the sense of ease and non-challance, complemented by the ‘gothic meets grunge’ feeling.
Take a look at the video of the Chanel Fall Winter 2011 and listen to the music. The experience I had in Singapore was a pared down, miniature version of the actual set that you’ll see in the video. But the clothes and the music are the same.
Some of the images Bini and I captured during the show.
Personally the collection wasn’t too my liking because in my opinion, cuffed trousers with boots, it was simply too bo-ho for Chanel.
But here are a few designs that I think are lovely. Images are taken from FashionOdor.
I like the heeled boots and the delicate and elegant decorations such as buttons, brooch on the jackets and dress. They represent and showcase the heritage and sophistication of Chanel. 🙂
Chanel also gave away goodie bags for guests. The big black paperbag contained the smaller white bag with cosmetics, the Fall Winter look-book and brochure for their J-12 Chromatic watch.
The look book stars female model Freja Beha Erichsen and male model Baptiste Giabiconi.
Some of the images within the look-book! 🙂
A photo of the J 12 Chromatic within the brochure:And Chanel’s gift for guests, a nail polish in Graphite colour and eyeshadow pot in Ombre. 🙂Another sweet gift from Chanel. They printed the photo that was taken upon entrance and passed it to us in a card-like hard paper frame. 🙂All in all the Chanel Fall Winter 2011 runway experience was a very enjoyable one for me. Even though the guests who were invited were mostly late 20s onwards and quite a few foreigners (so we didn’t quite feel comfortable interacting with them), I think viewing the collection in person was really a treat. Many thanks again to Bini who invited me along as her plus one! 🙂
Coming up next, my experience at Robinson X Singtel Mio TV Prime Time Fall Fashion show at Avalon.
