style sense

Silk and cashmere

2007-11-23T12:40:00.000+08:00

I'm obsessing about owning a silk and cashmere cardigan after touching Zara's silk and cashmere sweater. It's soooo soft and warm. Unfortunately, the Zara sweater is a ugly pullover; not very enticing design.

A look at Victoria's Secret and I've found the ONE!

3G-213414
Silk & cashmere v-neck cardigan sweater
cobalt (J76) (29USD)

So pretty. The v-neck and the little puff at the sleeve is perfect!

another possibility (if I manage to find a pic of it) is:

W2-204004
Silk & cashmere long cardigan sweater
j09-regal blue (19USD)

Rainy day shoes

2007-11-21T23:52:00.000+08:00

The recent downpour has ruined at least one pair of shoes for me and another is going to die soon. I'm in dire need of shoes that can withstand the constant wetness and still be comfy to my poor feet.

Melissa jelly shoes (sold at Novo) seems to be a good choice. It's jelly, meaning it wouldn't be ruined by the rain (it's plastic), and forum reviews are relatively positive.

I'm eyeing:

severine (any colour, especially in lilac), ultragirl felt (in purple glitter) and lastly jb leslie in blue felt.

My top choice is severine but it's out of stock in Novo Marina Square =(
Will check out the Suntec branch soon in hope of finding it. Otherwise it's ultragirl or leslie, depending on which is in stock.

Update: Novo Suntec City still carries severine in size 5, but it cost S$39.90. Sigh. Must wait for sale, hopefully those 20% storewide sales, before I can afford to buy a pair.

La Senza sale

2007-11-21T10:46:00.001+08:00

La Senza is having its 50% sale (I saw 70% off at Tampines Mall as well).

I love the bras. I bought one for S$17.50 and another at S$11.70. They are so much cheaper than brands like Wacoal or Triumph. The fit also suits my body very well.

La Senza sales are value for money. Even though the website may have clearances and newer designs, nothing beats going instore for trying on the clothes or bras. After factoring shipping cost, shopping instore is cheaper as well.

That said, I'm wishing that La Senza would bring in their unwired bras (because I hate underwires):

La Senza ITEC^TM High Shine Unwired, LS Itec Printed No Wire

Maybe I'll try to look out if they stock La Senza So Free^TM Triangle Unwired on sale.
I'm also waiting for these to go on sale:

La Senza Precision Fit^TM Bra, 360° Convertible Strapless (not too sure if the strapless is still available instore.)

I'm tempted by these (not yet in Singapore) online offers:

La Senza Love^TM Senorita Lace Bra, Exquisite Lightly Lined Bra, Temptress Printed Bra

Update: La Senza So Free^TM Triangle Unwired is available at La Senza Suntec City. However it cost S$59 originally, even if it goes under the 50% discount, it is still a little out of reach for me. That said, it is really a comfortable everyday bra, if but a little plain (in nude).

Also, heard on the forums that they no longer bring in the strapless bra. =( How could they do such an evil thing to me? I guess I'll have to try the nipple tape route now.

Wants - Makeup

2007-11-14T12:20:00.000+08:00

2-way foundation:

Za #32
Maybelline Angelfit OC1
L'Oreal True Match Super-Blendable Powder

Foundation:

Revlon ColorStay
Clinique Perfectly Real
L’oreal True Match Foundation

Mineral Makeup:

Lumiere: Veena Velvet, Medium Warm, Medium Golden, Medium Beige
Cashmere,
Pearlfecting Powder
Pure Silk Powder, Ivory

Pressed Powder:

Silkygirl Lightening Pressed Powder, Natural ($10.90)

Concealer

The Body Shop Flawless Skin Concealer

Blusher:

Silkygirl Blusher, Nectar Blush, Dune Rose
L'oreal Blush Delice
Lumiere Silk Radiance, Island Sands
Benefit Benetint, Dandelion
NYX Blusher, Angel, Peach
Revlon Pinch Me Sheer Gel Blush
The Body Shop Shimmer Squares

Lips:

Silkygirl Juicy Fruity Brush-on Lip Gloss
L'Oreal Glam Juice
Lumiere Lumi Lips
Bourjois Paris's Eau De Gloss
Revlon Just Bitten Lip Stain
Blistex Lip Infusion Soothing Splash

Eyeshadow:

Silkygirl Duo Eye Shadow: 18 Marine Apricot, 19 Lemon Mint
Fyrinnae: Arcane Magic: Dragonmagic,
Arcane Magic: Faerie Glamour,
Professional Colours: Shrouded In Gold,
Professional Colours: Macabre,
Digital Faerie Loose Eye Shadow,
Dragon's Wing Loose Eye Shadow,
Elven Dagger Loose Eye Shadow,
Mermen Loose Eye Shadow,
Rapunzel Had Extensions Loose Eye Shadow,
Wicked Loose Eye Shadow,
Neo Universe Loose Eye Shadow,
Lousy Tip Loose Eye Shadow,
Equality Loose Eye Shadow
Steampunk Loose Eye Shadow
Maybelline's Dream Mousse Eyecolors, Fabulous Turquoise

Eyeliner:

Silkygirl Funky Eye Lights

Others:

Silken Eye Shadow Base: Light
Jojoba Oil

Wants - Skincare

2007-11-14T12:05:00.000+08:00

Sunscreen:

Olay White Radiance Lotion SPF 19 (bought! $6.90 @ Pink Beauty AMK)
Za True White Day Protector $12.90
Eucerin Hydro-protect SPF 15 ($24)

Moisturiser:

St Ives Cucumber Elastin Stress Gel (current)
Olay Total Effects for Blemish-prone Skin Moisturiser ($23.80)
Cetaphil Moisturising cream
TDF Ultra Light Hydrator ($20)
ZA True White Night Cream ($22.90)

Anti-aging (for mum):

Olay Total Effects ($23.90)
L'Oreal Revitalift ($22.90)
Olay Daily Renewal Cream ($11.90)
L'Oreal Relightening Night Cream ($11.90)
L'Oreal Relightening Double Essence ($21.90)

Eye Gels?:

Olay Age Defying Eye Gel ($12.90)
Cinelle Eye Bright ($29.90)

boot envy

2007-10-30T11:11:00.000+08:00

I'm having boot envy... dreaming of a pair of knee-high comfortable boot (in leather, not suede).

From Aerosoles:

ASSEMBLE (USD 169.99)
Tall shafted boot with an unmistakable rock 'n roll edge. Supple leather upper detailed with a round toe, leather tie and antiqued brass ring. Full length side zipper plus a shorter gusseted zipper for a flexible fit. Extra cushioned footbed and breathable lining on a 2" covered heel. Brown or black leather.

TINT CESS (USD 99.99)
A classual classic done up with curvy lines and bold antiqued buckle. Full length side zipper plus a shorter gusseted zipper for a flexible fit. Extra cushioned footbed with breathable leather in sole on a 1½" heel and flexible rubber sole. Brown or black leather.

I like the look of Assemble a lot more than Tint cess; it's classier and more glam. However, Tint cess looks more comfortable and rugged (with a lower heel).
Wonder if the Aerosoles in Singapore stocks them?

For some non-boot options that look quite presentable and comfortable (afterall, I need comfortable shoes.):

VICE CUBE (USD 49.99)
This ultra-ladylike mary jane in soft, supple suede offers a feminine counterpart to fall's hottest tailored looks. Shapely 2¾" crepe wedge heel. Antiqued brass buckle. Sueded lining on an extra cushioned footbed adds breathability and comfort. Gray, black or brown suede.

This is one of the sweetest mary janes I've seen. The suede just makes it look so soft and cushy.

Victoria's Secret lust II

2007-10-22T21:44:00.000+08:00

part 2 of my Victoria's Secret wishlist, the bras and panties.

Let's start from the basics.

The wireless bras (because wireless is just more comfortable):

Victoria's Secret PINK® Wireless padded bra

Body By Victoria® IPEX® wireless bra

this has more colour options. I'm thinking of getting candy stars (shown), vivid loops or miami stripes.

Cheaper option would be to get

VS Cotton™ Padded wireless bra or

VS Cotton™Wireless triangle bra for everyday bras (in nude or black).

Very Sexy® Secret Embrace™ push-up bra is cool because of the contrast lining. It's a snow leopard print inside. Rawwrrrr....

Angels by Victoria's Secret® Secret Embrace™ invisible lace push-up bra is a nice lacy bra. I want the black/cherry pink one!

Very Sexy® NEW! 100-way strapless convertible bra with lace is too lovely for words.
I want! I want! Beautiful, plus convertible! Drool-worthy!

Very Sexy® NEW! Infinity Edge™ extreme plunge embellished push-up is pretty too. I like the pattern. Sparkly!

Cotton panties:

Victoria's Secret PINK® Classic double-string v-string (backseat blue, backseat white, whimsical stars, over the top pink)

VS Cotton™ NEW! Girl boxer (starry stripe, superstar)

VS Cotton™ Low-rise boyshort (silver snow, snowflakes, starstruck)

Victoria's Secret PINK® Extreme low rider boy brief (spider dog, ice cream scoop, cosmo dog, pups, heather love song)

Others:

Sexy Little Things™ Lace-trim hiphugger (hot spot pink, hot spot black)

Very Sexy® Scalloped sleek thong (black galaxy, pink star bright)

Pout™ NEW! Embroidered thong (black cupcake, pink candy, red candy)

Victoria's Secret lust I

2007-10-22T20:17:00.000+08:00

I took a look at the Victoria's Secret website today at a whim and I'm in love with some of their stuff. Too bad Singapore does not have a Victoria's Secret store, I'm sure if the whole store layout would be really intimate and seductive...

Wishlist

This Silk georgette halter babydoll (black/white) won't look out of place in a club or dressed down with jeans.

The Georgette halter babydoll comes in Violet, my favourite colour!

For more comfort, here's the nice, cushy robes (with hoodies! how cool is that!) they have:

Victoria's Secret PINK® Terry hoodie robe (white)

Victoria's Secret PINK® French terry hoodie robe (grey or pink)

I'm leaning more toward the white one.

These pants look good too! I'm lacking in bottoms so these comfy pants will just fit in my wardrobe.

Victoria's Secret PINK® Knit PJ pant

Victoria's Secret PINK® The Lounger sweats

I like white but they get dirty so fast. I'm thinking of the Lounger sweats in grey.

The Whispery georgette pleated babydoll (pink/blue/white) just look so sweet...

Boyshort pajama
Why don't we have pajamas like this??? I want!!!

Knit eyelet-trim chemise is like a longer version of the Boyshort pajama (to mid-thigh). It's equally cute and wearable

For something more racy...

Pleated babydoll

Point d'esprit babydoll

I want!

colourful shirt dress

2007-07-18T15:42:00.000+08:00

from River Island

Perfect Tees

2007-07-18T14:39:00.000+08:00

The perfect complement to jeans is a perfect, form-fitting tee.

Here's some picks from Topshop:

Music Notes Vest (£16.00), Petite Tree Applique Vest (£16.00), Petite Hummingbird T-Shirt (£20.00), Butterfly Print Skirt Tee (£20.00), Garden Scene Applique Tee (£18.00), Retro Boats Crew Tee (£20.00) --- The long tees with skirt detail can also be worn as a standalone dress. Casual and pretty.

Topshop sale

2007-07-18T14:29:00.000+08:00

Bow Neck Pleat Dress (£10.00), Striped Strappy Dress (£5.00), Asymmetrical Waist Short (£15.00), Numbers Hoop Earrings (£2.00)

The dresses are casual and comfortable enough for everyday (I've got a similar green dress from Esprit and its really soft and comfy). The shorts look cool and a little different from the norm. Add on the earrings for some geeky math cool.

topshop-ping

2007-03-17T23:58:00.000+08:00

some of the lovely items I saw today while shopping.

from Topshop:

Star and Stripe Tee (£18), Foil Print Skirt Tee (£20), Puff Sleeve Tie Back Top (£18), Cherub Frill Sleeved Top (£20), Ribbed Pocket Hotpant (£6/S$19)

The Puff Sleeve Tie Back Top and Cherub Frill Sleeved Top are from the Realitees collection and I saw a few others in store that I quite liked as well. Topshop is fast becoming one of my favourite stores to window-shop in. If I had the money, I would get all of the above in an instant.

However I did not see these instore. Maybe it has yet to reach Singapore shores.

Cloud Print Vest (£16), Music Notes Tee (£14)

back to basics

2007-03-15T06:30:00.000+08:00

i find it is difficult for myself to buy pants. Most of the time, they just don't attract my attention. whenever i enter a store, it is the tops, skirts and dresses that jump to greet me. Yet pants are still an essential in my wardrobe, especially for days when I'm cooped up in the frigid cold environment of the library or attending morning lectures. Pants keep my legs warm (I'm just not a tights/leggings person)

Very often, when we shop for clothes, we tend to neglect the basic items that we need but are not flashy enough to catch our eye. We need to put more effort in looking out for these items. For me, it is pants and plain tops.

One way to avoid this trap is to look for basics but with a twist. For example, pants with an interesting contrast trim at the waistband and/or pockets, more luxurious fabrics for camisoles, plain tops with ruching.

Just a small amount of detail will make shopping for basics more fun and add some zest to your outfit.

caution: make sure that the detail does not overwhelm the main purpose of the item: a basic that can be worn with many of your other wardrobe pieces.
Keep the details small and the overall line of the item simple.

tip: Fit is the most important criteria for a basic. Make sure that it is exactly the correct size and cut for your body shape.

the journey

2006-12-06T17:47:00.000+08:00

Here's memo of the steps I took on my journey to find my personal style.

1. Observe.
This is the most important starting step. Open your eyes to what people are wearing and when you see a looker (someone who makes you think: Wow, s/he looks great!), try and see what sets her apart from everyone else.
Is it the hair, the accessories, the clothes, the shoes, the bag or the interesting way that the outfit is put together.

2. Read.
Magazines, fashion blogs, street-style sites and sites like StyleDiary offer lots of ideas about how to pull an outfit together. Trends are identified and simplified for you in mags and fashion sites/blogs. Browse through street-style sites and StyleDiary for looks that strike your fancy, save and collate them in one place.

3. Review.
After a period of time (your personal preference; 2 weeks should suffice), you should have a sizeable collection of pics/looks that you prefer. Now go through your own wardrobe and pick out your favourite clothes, the one that you are most comfortable in and the one that get you the most compliments. (This would be a good time to do a wardrobe clean-out.)

Use your own clothes gauge your own comfort level and what type of clothing suits your body type. Pay attention to details like hemlines and cuts. Using this knowledge sieve through your looks collection (don't be too thorough at this stage; leave some for more experimental inspiration, they can be discarded later on)

4. Experiment.
Using your narrowed down collection of pics, try and see if you can effect a similar look with your existing clothes. Try out new ways of layering or accessorising. This should garner you a few different outfit combinations.

After you adjust to new ways of wearing your existing clothes, slowly add new pieces to add freshness to your wardrobe. Use these new pieces to achieve your desired looks. It would be best if these pieces can be combined in many ways with your existing wardrobe, instead of a single stand-alone piece. An easy way would be to start with accessories like a new belt and then moving on to items like coats or blazers. Alternatively, a new coat or a blazer could add instant panache to your look if you chose carefully. (I would suggest a longer period of deliberation before purchase, in case you tire of the look after a while)

5. Advice.
Take pictures of your new looks and evaluate them on your own. Listen out for compliments or criticisms and seek out other's opinions with your new look. (If those around you are totally disinterested, which I doubt, the internet has many avenues for you to solicit opinions. Try StyleDiary.

Note: I'm not advertising for StyleDiary. I just think it is a novel concept and invaluable if you trying to define your personal style.

2006-11-28T15:34:00.000+08:00

All these photos (including the previous post) are from Japanese Street Fashion Site

I like her outfit. The blazer gives a very tuxedo effect. Masculine yet still feminine cos of the fit.

I like her long cardigan. And those legs... her short skirt underneath really shows off her legs and the long socks keeps her warm and her outfit from exposing too much skin. Sexy.

Interesting way of wearing shorts... is it long socks or boots? I think it's long socks... anyway, they show off her nice legs as well

jap style

2006-11-26T23:14:00.000+08:00

Something about her just looks good to me. The hair, the clothes, the smile. Very pretty and stylish. I like!

dressing & relationship

2006-11-02T17:42:00.000+08:00

Maybe it's because I'm currently in a relationship right now, maybe its just a coincidence that this change happened when I'm in a relationship, all along this change was waiting to happen. Anyway, I've realised that my way of dressing has changed eversince I started to date my bf.

I've become more daring in my dress sense, I dare to show some skin and wear things that I've never thought I would wear or would have covered up, things like halter tops, camisoles, short skirts, shorts. I've tried out more interesting ways to layer my clothers like, boatneck or scoopnecks over halters and spag straps, shirts over tees (very preppy), short-sleeved tees over long-sleeved tees.

Now, I'm wondering what brought this change. Is it because of him? If it is then to what extent is this change his changing me, or my own change? I dont want to lose my individuality, my sense of self. Am I dressing for him or myself? Am i repressing my own sense of style to cater to his? Or is it a amalgamation of both?

I think he is catalyst for this change. Definitely, he has influenced my way of dressing. He likes me to flaunt my assets, to pretty up. He likes me in halters and short skirts. Yet, there is something that he brings up in me. He makes me more body-confident. He makes me want to dress up.

I want to look good because there is someone to look good for. From him, I learn how to dress to flatter my figure. I learn the importance of looks and how to enhance it. (Heh, I'm fortunate to have bf that encourages me fashion/style-wise.) Yet, there are also my own touches to the changes.

In a way, the change was just waiting to happen. This is the year when I'm more conscious of dressing up. I've been reading fashion blogs and mags and these help shape my fashion sense. The layering are all my own ideas and my like of the preppy look is distinct from him (which is more beach/surf style). So I think I can safely say that my bf has catalysed this change, but the change comes from myself and my current style is somewhat an amalgamation of both of us, I take what suggestions of his that I like and make it mine.

2006-10-30T22:48:00.002+08:00

Just a note that I've added back some of the old posts that I had. School's a little crazy now, so no real chance to update.

dilemma

2006-10-30T22:48:00.001+08:00

I have a love/hate relationship with fashion or even style.

Dressing well seems like such a chore after years of living in school uniforms (even in kindergarden or nursery school) and oversized t-shirts and jeans. Yet, to be able to dress as what I wish, rather than what is dicated, is also a freedom and I want to grasp and take advantage of said freedom.

Restrains bog me down. An extremely limited budget where clothes are a neglected category, overridden by more pressing needs/wants: food, transport, books. It's almost an indulgence that is guilt-inducing. You know you cant have it, yet the more you want it because it is denied.

Magazines are so expensive and almost shallow and frivolous (in my opinion), when I compare them to books. Especially, my fave fantasy fiction. Besides books have a higher re-read value than magazines. Yet mags are important in the sense that they educate me about styling and trends, which leads me to the next point: I need to dress my age!

For whatever obsure or obvious reasons, I tend towards the conservative in my dress sense. I'm not very adventurous or should I say, have yet to try out anything new. Boring, old, work, stiff, drab are some adjectives that can be used to describe my dress sense. I guess if I'm feeling positive, classic is
another word that can be used. But classic when you're 19 is not exactly the best thing in the world, it'll be too easy to degenerate to boring, stuffy, lacklustre when I'm older.

I want to inject more life, more youth in the way I dress. I want to dress my age! Yet I dont want to come across as brash, uncouth youngster, or a vain bimbo. There's a thin line between adventurous and plain trashy.

out, out, out! wardrobe clean-out

2006-10-30T22:47:00.001+08:00

As part of my revamp, I started from the source and chaos of my wardrobe. Its quite an achievement.
Credit: Fashion Cents' article on cleaning your wardrobe was the spark that galvanised me into actually tackling the mess of my wardrobe

Here's how I did it
1. Dump everything anywhere except your closet.
I mean really everything,
from the dressy gown down to the raggedy t-shirt and dont forget the lingerie and socks. I dumped mine on partially on the bed and on a blanket placed on the floor.

2. Give your closet a wipe-down.
Disinfect it if you wish and let it air out for a while. I just got a wet rag and gave every surface a quick wipe. The closet had plenty of time to air out while I sorted through the mess of clothes

3. Sort your clothes.
I separated them into 2 piles first: Keep and Rags. Throw the Rags!
Of those to keep, put those that you'll wear immediately (ie your favorites) back into the closet. Take out those that need mending into another pile. Separate those old sentimental favourites that for one reason or another you just cant throw into another pile. Sort those that you think may need in the future but are irrelevant with your current lifestyle into yet another pile.

In summary, these are the categories:
Favourites: Things that you cant do without. (ie they define your style.)
Fit and relevant: these are clothes that will fit into your daily life. Something like your wardrobe staples.
Mending: Things that need some mending/alteration. Potential reconstructions also belong here
Useful (maybe useful in the future): Clothes that fit but are not very relevant to your current lifestyle. (ie, office wear for a college student, formal wear)
Sentimental: Things that bring back memories, regardless of their wearability.
Rags. Things that you no longer want, no longer fit, or are just rags

4. Organise your clothes.
Favourites: Back into your closet asap
Fit and relevant: Closet
Mending: Next to your sewing machine or a bag for the tailor
Useful: store in closet only if there is extra space, otherwise store somewhere that is still accessible but out of immediate reach (ie, under the bed, attic, basement)
Sentimental: keep them out of the closet, period. Suggestions include under the bed, attic, basement. A creative solution is perhaps to display them like art
Rags: Thrift shops/consignment shops if they are in a good condition. If not, shred them for rags

5. Rearrange.
Now that you got a handle of whats going back into your closet. Think if there is another way to arrange your clothes other than your old method. For myself, I realised that I had a lot of tees that could be folded instead of taking up hanger space, so I went down to IKEA to buy
this:
and arranged my tees by the different styles (ie off-shoulder, long/short sleeves) using the different shelves. Now my closet is more spacious
and neater, making it alot easier to find the clothes I want.

Taadaa. And we're done! I had a very self-satisfied smile when I was done. :)

Heels

2006-10-30T22:44:00.000+08:00

I'm the kind of girl who hasnt learnt to walk in anything with heels. Anything more than 1" is high to me and 2" is the highest heel I possess (a pretty thing which I only wear to wedding dinners or some special occasion). That's pretty much pathetic in the eyes of most women. In fact one of my ex-colleagues said that to be woman, a girl has to wear heels or learn to wear them.

This didnt really bother me until recently. (after all, I spent most of my time in canvas or sport shoes in school) However, now that I've graduated from junior college and worked in temp positions, I've realised the prevalence of high heels among women/girls. It seems that to be feminine, high heels is an compulsory part of the formula.

It doesnt help that most pretty/cute/girly/elegant shoes are high-heeled. As I become more conscious of my dressing, I can't help salivating that those ridiculously high and so pretty shoes. I'm in awe of women who can walk in stilettoes. Somehow, flats are all so dowdy and "aunty", almost something that grandmothers wear.

Though ballerina flats are now in the rage, I find that sometimes they are still problematic as they dont stay on my feet, they just slip out. I almost injured something
when I was running after my bus in my flats. It is so irritating.

To add salt to my wounds, I'm short! Actually I'm quite ok with my height but hey, heels means added height and who doesnt want that sometimes. So far, wedges/platforms are my best bet, as they are more stable and give some height (of coures, I only go for the ones with ankle straps), but platforms are harder to find.

One of my guy friends recently told me that I should wear heels, he says that girls look good in heels. Argh, I know he didnt mean anything sexist but I'm just vexed that we should suffer just to look good for guys (yes, I think wearing heels is a suffering). Anyway, I told him that I wont sacrifice my comfort just for him (aww, I think I hurt his feelings. Too bad =P)

Anyway, my search for affordable and comfortable yet pretty shoes continues.

heya!

2006-10-26T14:52:00.000+08:00

Hmm... I'm not too sure if there's any readers here but just a note that I've shifted manually to Blogger Beta, meaning previous posts and comments are lost.

Seeing that I was rather lax in keeping my blog updated, I hope this will be a fresh start.

This is hopefully what my blog will feature:

Updates on my style journey (hopefully with pics)
Growing interest in look books and street styles.
Budget-conscious shopping
Interesting picks