tinytea giveaway!

You've seen it all over my Instagram and Twitter. You've heard all the fitness and health gurus rave about it. And now, it's time for you to try it!

YourTea, has, quite simply, been one of the biggest blessings of 2013 for me. I had no idea that the simple idea of drinking three cups of natural, organic and yummy­tasting tea for a couple of weeks would have such a great effect on my lifestyle. YourTea believes in the power of natural ingredients in their unique tea blends, that serve to enhance your lifestyle and physique. Derived from traditional Chinese medicine principles, YourTea boasts a wide range of tea blends to cater for everyone. Here are some short descriptions of the following teas they offer: (skip straight to the TinyTea summary if you're pressed for time!)

ManTea: For all the guys reading this: the ManTea teatox is designed to enhance muscle growth and promote a lean frame. This tea blend is free from sugar, chemicals and preservatives, and you may continue to consume supplements and exercise as you would normally, as the natural tea blend won't interfere with any of that. ManTea contains Green tea (to burn fat, increase metabolism and maintain muscle mass), antioxidants (to curb inflammation and allow for greater muscle growth), Camellia Senensis (helps muscle tone and increases energy levels) and Licorice Root (for harmonizing all herbs).

HerTea: For regular, everyday use ­ girls: if you're retaining a lot of fluid, feeling sluggish and energy deprived and looking to get rid of some excess fat, her tea will reduce fluid retention, heighten your mood, improve your skin, manage bloating issues and aid digestion. Contains Oolong tea, ginger, chrysanthemum, lyciumchinese (goji berries), and additional Chinese Medicine Herbal ingredients. 

Anti­C Tea: For anyone who feels that cellulite and toxins have set up camp on your booty and thighs, never fear… Anti­C tea is here! It contains Fu Ling, Camellia Sinensis, Dandelion root and additional Chinese Medicine Herbal ingredients to help you combat excess fats on your body for a leaner, meaner figure. 

Fertility Tea: For anyone planning to conceive, Fertility tea will become your new best friend. It optimizes your ability to become pregnant by nourishing your reproductive, digestive and emotional health. The Fertility Tea blend has been hand selected with precision by natural fertility specialist Natalie Kringoudis. It's safe and perfectly balanced to naturally support hormones and regulate your menstrual cycle to maximize fertility potential. It contains goji berries, peppermint tea, dandelion root, camellia sinesis, which each target a different body part to ensure the maintenance of a healthy reproductive system.

TinyTea: The most well­known of all YourTea's products, the famous TinyTeatox (14 and 28 day teatoxes available) is the one I've been drinking for the past month. It's for everyone who feels bloated, lethargic, and for those who want to make aesthetic changes to their body. It performs an intensive cleanse and nourishes your digestive system to assist with weight lost, fluid retention and toxin removal. Unlike other detoxes that contain laxative ingredients to momentarily flush out toxins, the herbal ingredients found in TinyTea gently and thoroughly cleanse your system. Your digestive system is the most important part of maintaining a healthy weight, and this tea supports that system for optimum aesthetic results. This tea dries phlegm, reduces waste and assists digestion. Drink TinyTea three times a day, half an hour before mealtimes for optimum results. Do note that upon initial consumption, TinyTea can cause slight stomach upsets, minor skin breakouts and cramps as it gets to work. However, these symptoms do disappear very shortly, and after a few days you should already be feeling the benefits of it! According to YourTea, you should see a reduction in body fat, fluid retention and cellulite, as well as clear skin and more natural energy. TinyTea contains Camellia Sinensis, Catsia, Lotus Leaf, Crataegus Pinnatifida and additional Chinese Medicine Herbal ingredients.

Check out these Instagram pictures from fellow TinyTea enthusiasts!

Phew! So now that you've read about all the amazing benefits you're SUPPOSED to receive from consuming YourTea ­ TinyTea in particular, I'll now tell you a bit about my own experience with the teatox. I've received a countless number of questions about this and I'm sorry for not answering a lot of them; I only ignored them because I knew I'd be publishing a much more comprehensive review of my experience here for you all to read! Anyway, it's always nice to hear about someone's personal experience (and as a disclaimer, YourTea has not asked me to write anything in particular about their product, so this is all from the heart!), so here goes! After drinking TinyTea for 28 days (and I have to admit I wasn't strict enough with myself on the timings of my consumption; I ended up drinking 4 cups some days and 1 cup on other days!), I felt a lot better in many ways. I hadn't really changed my diet and exercise patterns from what they were like before, so the tea definitely had a slight slimming effect ­ nothing exceptionally noticeable, but my stomach did feel a little tighter as a result of less bloating. The tea did an excellent job of cutting out my bloating entirely, which both looked and felt great. One of my favorite benefits of the tea was the fact that it also gave me tons of energy. I'm someone who needs a LOT of sleep, and even when I get loads of sleep I'm still very drowsy and yawny in the late afternoon; my tiredness hits me like a train at around 3pm and I find it hard to stay focused towards the end of the school day. Tinytea provided me with plenty of amazing natural energy, and it's not even caffeinated! I felt so much more productive and awake and was better able to make the most of my day. Furthermore, it helped with my metabolism and food cravings a lot. I still wanted my chocolate, I'm not gonna lie, but it served as a moderate appetite suppressant and over time I began to feel less hungry. Because the teatox forced me to consume three to four additional cups of tea each day, I felt a lot more hydrated because of all the water I was drinking. By the end of the 28 days, the pattern of eating less and "expelling" more waste fell into place, and that slight imbalance of losing more than gaining (aka a slight net loss of food in the cycle of food consumption and waste production) was what made me feel so thoroughly cleansed out. Slight improvements in my skin were noticed too!

All in all, I didn't lose weight and my appearance didn't change that much, but I'm okay with that. I felt so much better on the inside, so much so that it began showing on the outside a little! This is not something you should consider if you're aiming for a dramatic difference in body shape and looking for something that will shed off your excess fat. Through making me less bloated, clearing my skin, cleansing my digestive system, suppressing my hunger/cravings and forcing me to consume more liquids and stay hydrated, I came out of the 28 day teatox feeling better than ever ­ and the fact that it showed on the outside a little was just a bonus! Please remember that this tea doesn't contain laxatives and is very gentle, so it won't violently drain the fat/weight out of you. It's nourishing, organic and a healthy addition to your existing lifestyle!

Check out the following snaps from @TinyTeaTox's Instagram!

What I want to also mention is that for the first week and a bit of drinking the tea, I made an extra effort to work out loads and eat healthy, and for the short time that I did, I saw some great results appear on my body. However, I am still human (and a human undertaking the IB, mind you), so unfortunately I had some slip­ups here and there and fell slightly out of this healthy lifestyle rhythm, but I'm okay with that! I'm no fitness junkie and health guru, and I'm still learning :) Therefore, the benefits I described above will probably apply more to those who maintain the same lifestyle while drinking the tea, but as I discovered in just a week of drinking tea and exercising, Tinytea is even more effective and excellent when paired with exercise and a healthy diet. The one complaint I have about the tea is the fact that it caused me some tummy pain and cramps on the first two days, but they disappeared quickly and were very minimal while they lasted.

Now, enough with the rambling. This Christmas, YourTea and I have paired up to bring this transformational Tinytea experience to YOU! I'm giving away TWO 14­day Tinyteatoxes for you to try, each worth USD$35! To enter the giveaway is super easy; each step is worth one entry, so the more steps you complete, the better chance you have of winning the tea!

­ STEP 1: Like "Seven Inch Stilettos" on Facebook

­ STEP 2: Comment on this picture the reason why you'd like to win a 14 ­day Tinyteatox.

­ STEP 3: Repost this picture on Instagram, tagging @yourtea,
@veenamccoole and #SISxTinyTea (worth 5 entries!)

­ STEP 4: Tweet the following (I can only see your tweets if your account is public!): "I've just entered the 1st #seveninchstilettos #xmas giveaway to win a #tinyteatox from @veenamccoole! Check it out: bit.ly/INm5gj

And there you go; four simple steps that'll score you up to 8 separate entries for the giveaway! Contest is open internationally and winners will be selected randomly. I will announce the winner via any of the social media platforms they have entered on (e.g. if you tweeted and instagrammed, I'll mention you on both platforms). Winners have 24 hours to respond/confirm before I randomly select other winners to take their place, so stay tuned to your Twitter/Facebook/Instagram on the 21st of December when I announce the two lucky winners!

Giveaway closes on Midnight (Singapore Time) of the 21st of December, so get entering ASAP!

watercolor textures.

 booties - zara

pants - h&m

clutch - c/o katja tamara

top - tout a coup c/o i.t.

watch - c/o juicy couture

I'll be back in Singapore next weekend and I couldn't be more excited to be greeted at the airport with a gust of humid, gloriously hot air, the smiling faces of my parents and the Christmas spirit in the air. I've never spent Christmas away from Asia, so I oddly associate Christmas a lot more with the heat than with the cold in which I now spend most of the year in! I picked up these watercolor-streaked pants for £5 (yes that is five pounds everyone) at H&M; they're probably the best bargain I've ever gotten at a high street store and I love them to death for their thigh-slimming properties and exciting colors. I paired them with a super soft knit top with gorgeous sheer detailing from Tout A Coup (available at i.t. concept store in Wisma Atria), which I raved about in this blogpost after attending the opening of i.t. and being gifted a generous $100 to spend in-store on the night of the event. My stunning Zara booties have finally gotten the chance to be featured on my blog; I love them so so so much even though they cause me a lot of pain. The sleek black heel, the silver zip, the nude suede and the magenta platform - what's not to love? Yet another texture is introduced into the picture in the form of a stunning python clutch, handmade in Bali, courtesy of Katja Tamara. It's luxurious and raw to the touch with a soft, flexible shape, a discreet magnetic closure and a size that is just perfect. Last but probably most important of all is my new favorite piece of wrist-candy: the Juicy Couture watch I won in the lucky draw at their opening event at MBS! I've never won a lucky draw (or anything of the sort) so I was particularly chuffed to walk away with the Swarovski-encrusted gold beauty on my wrist! 

So there you have it: gold stainless steel, python skin, suede, knit and denim. Textural mash-ups have never been so fun!

10qq with love bonito | JF x LB.

I didn't think I'd ever live to see the day when an international Haute Couture designer collaborated with an immensely successful online retailer, but it happened this Fashion Season and I'm sure as hell happy it did. Love, Bonito is the mother of all fashion e-retailers in Singapore and in Asia; the site which dresses thousands of women and has inspired hundreds to begin their own online fashion retail ventures. Easily Singapore's most established "blogshop," (I don't even think the term "blogshop" fits it anymore) Love, Bonito has an impressive reputation of happy customers, helpful customer service, quality apparels and more. Julien Fournie, on the other hand, worked in several of fashion's greatest design houses (Celine, Givenchy and Dior, anyone?) before opening his eponymous Haute Couture label in the summer of 2009. A FIDé favorite, Fournie has sent a total of three collections down Singapore runways, including his latest collaborative venture with Love, Bonito. So, what happens when young, fast-fashion savvy business trio Viola, Rachel and Velda join forces with a French Haute Couture designer? Nothing less than a match made in heaven. We chat with Viola and Rachel about music, previous career dreams and Love, Bonito's smashing latest collaboration.

1. Where is the first place you look for design inspiration?

Viola: My source of inspiration comes from my travels.

Rachel: I gain inspiration from fashion magazines like Vogue and Elle UK.

2. What motivates you to continue maintaining Love, Bonito as one of the country's most successful online stores? 

It is definitely the affirmation from our customers and seeing them wear our pieces on the streets. That is our constant motivation to work hard to deliver exceptional apparels and excellent customer service.

 

3. What are your favorite trends as of late?

Viola: I am a big fan of Mary Katrantzou’s prints. I also think red lips is timeless and classic, it instantly brightens the face and can make any woman feel more confident.

Rachel: Cropped tops, landscape prints and skirts with slits.

4. What were your career aspirations when you were a teenager?

Viola: I have always wanted to be a lawyer or a novel writer.

Rachel: A teacher or a tour guide because I love interacting with people!

5. If you had to wear one thing for the rest of your life, what would it be?

Viola: Without a doubt, confidence. 

Rachel: A printed mini skirt. It is so versatile, you can glam it up with high heels for a girls’ night out or pair it with sneakers for a casual look.  

6. Tell us a little more about your collaboration with Julien Fournie.

We attended Julien’s show last year at FIDe Fashion Weeks and we were intrigued and astonished by his work and style. We casually spoke to Dr Frank Cintamani, Chairman of FIDe Fashion Weeks, about the idea of Love, Bonito collaborating with a haute couturier, specifically Julien Fournié. He believed in our brand, heard our wishes and linked us up with Julien. The magic of haute couture meets fast fashion happened. We owe it to Dr Frank for making this beautiful partnership happen. 

7. What's the best thing about your job? 

Viola: Affirmation from our customers and meeting like-minded people who believe in us and are supportive of what we do, they give us the strength to do even better.

Rachel: I get to decide the designs Love, Bonito will launch; down to the colours, fabrics, textures and embellishments!

8. What three foods can't you stand? 

Viola: Parsley, garlic and onions

Rachel: Kimchi, clams and ginger

 

9. Current favorite singer/music artist:

Viola: Coldplay

Rachel: Coldplay and Justin Timberlake

10. Plans for the future of Love, Bonito:

We are very honoured to be the first online retailer in Asia to showcase a marriage of haute couture and fast fashion. Our doors are now open for future collaborations like this to come. With this partnership, Love, Bonito will work towards penetrating into the international fashion market online.

Check out this awesome video for a further peek into the foundations of this collaboration!

What do you think of the Julien Fournie for Love, Bonito collaboration?

xmas wishlist.

One of my favorite things about Christmas is putting together a list of delectables I've acquired an affection for over the year and sending it off to Santa with crossed fingers and high hopes. This year my wish list is as varied (and as long!) as usual, spanning from tech gadgets to sunnies and everything in between. I thoroughly enjoyed putting together this collage on Polyvore, and if you have either a spare moment or an excess of creative juice, I recommend checking out Polyvore.com and having a go at creating your own set of items. It's surprisingly fun and addictive, and it doesn't feel like a mindless waste of time because it's creative! Read on to find out what I'm lusting after this festive season.

1. iPhone-related stuff.

I love my iPhone, and while I might want an iPhone 5S, I know the lifespan of my current iPhone 5S will last me long enough till at least next Christmas (that's if I don't drop it enough times by then...). I've been dying for a Mophie battery power pack, a sleek iPhone case with a built in charger for up to 100% extra battery juice for long days out and about and away from power sockets. Readily available battery life is essential for a blogger who's always on Instagram and social media patrol! I'm also in love with iPhone cases - they are such a fun way to accessorize without much fuss! To me, a vivid phone case and a statement manicure speaks successful street style like nothing else. My favorites are Tory Burch's cute and colorful designs. Living in a boarding house means music on the iPhone's built in speaker is never loud enough, so wireless portable speakers for mid-week dance parties and impromptu raves would be an absolute dream!

2. Clothes, shoes, and accessories!

(Contrary to popular belief, gift vouchers work just as well). My UK wardrobe, tailored to the chilly weather, would certainly welcome chunky-knit slim-fit Abercrombie V necks for winter layering. This simple, structured coat by Alexander Wang is the perfect understatement and is exactly the type of look I want to be rocking until it's warm enough to stop rocking a coat altogether. Simple black ankle boots with a low heel are all over the London streets, and for good reason: they go with pretty much anything and have enough chic-factor to spice up a simple coat and jeans ensemble. A cute beanie with a statement slogan reminiscent of Cara Delevigne's off-duty style is a daring accessory I'd love to try, combined with a simple gold chain necklace. Zoe of Fashiononymous has inspired me to widen my range of accessory cravings to include a functional, boyish Casio, and in the shoe department, I'd love a pair of nude Tory Burch flats, chocolate brown Ugg boots for the cold and a pair of minimalist white chucks.

3. Beauty products.

I finally live in a place where hand cream is an essential as opposed to a luxury, and what better hand cream is there than L'Occitane? Staying fresh throughout the day requires frequent doses of light body splash scents as opposed to heavy perfumes, and any luscious scent by Victoria's Secret fits the bill. Lastly, I've finally jumped on the bandwagon of mascara addicts (I never used to wear mascara but now it's an essential!) and am keen to try Benefit's popular "Bad Gal Lash" mascara to see if what the critics say really is true!

What are you eyeing this Christmas season? Let me know in the comments below!

isabel marant x h&m.

No, it's not the second coming of Christ, it's Isabel Marant x H&M. Everyone hold your horses. 

H&M's newest designer collaboration with a favorite of the French fashion scene, Isabel Marant, hit stores with a bang earlier this month. Queues were the longest that H&M has ever seen, with people live-blogging their overnight camping experiences in front of all major H&M stores in London, published by The Guardian. Like every other collaboration with H&M, the mutually beneficial collection allows H&M all the consumer hype (and cash) that fuels high-end design houses, and it allows the designer collaborating with H&M a fair amount of exposure. According to popular belief, Isabel Marant was the least well-known designer to have collaborated with H&M; names like Maison Martin Margiela, Karl Lagerfeld, Stella McCartney and Comme des Garcons were much more widely known to begin with. If you'd like an idea of just how much exposure H&M directs to its collaboration designers; the number of Google searches for "Isabel Marant" tripled during the month the collaboration was announced. 

I was actually supposed to go to a private press preview of the collection while I was back in Singapore, but instead I decided to make rice-a-roni and have a sweatpants-and-movie-marathon day with my boyfriend. This wasn't because I was firmly opposed to the collection and wanted to make a statement, but the whole idea of H&M's countless collaborations seem the furthest thing from exciting anymore. Daniel Kulle, president of H&M North America, firmly declared to Fashionista.com that "Isabel will sell out in less than a week." And he was right - the pieces sold like hotcakes, because everyone wants to own something with Isabel Marant's (legitimate) name on it. People will do anything to hop on the fast-fashion bandwagon that instantly becomes old news as soon as you've paid up and got your hands on the bloody things. But after reading this article by Fashionista.com journalist Alyssa Vingan, my eyes were opened to the true nature and adverse effects of these designer collaborations. Imagine saving up your first few paychecks to finally be able to splurge on the bag of your dreams from your favorite designer, only to find that in a few months, a dangerously similar knock-off of your authentic bag will be reproduced in low-cost materials to the masses at a fraction of the price you paid, but nonetheless with that designer's name smacked on it (next to H&M). Don't cheap replicas churned out in thousands only serve to devalue the image of a designer and dilute the magic of authentic, timeless visions and ideals that are synonymous with such revered designers? Marc Beckman, CEO of Designers Management Agency, put it perfectly: "There's nothing wrong with selling for the masses, but the design should be original." Leather pant knock-offs from Marant's Fall 2010 collection, fringed booties from Summer 2010, the list goes on. We know Marant has the artistic capability to create inventive new designs for any collaboration that comes her way; heck, we've seen 9 years worth of her collections already. So why was the easy road of replicating existing designs taken?

In some ways, it's hard to tell if these replicas/knockoffs are a good thing or a bad thing. On the one hand, the reason people fall in love with Marant is because of what they've seen on the runway, so do they love her existing pieces or her design aesthetic itself? The former calls for the easy job of producing thousands of identical runway pieces using cheap fabrics and low-cost production techniques (without so much input from Marant as signing a document allowing H&M to replicate her existing designs), but the latter calls for just a little more of Marant's authentic magic and undeniable skill in fashion design, in order to produce an exciting NEW collection for those of us who don't have the luxury of enjoying pieces from her own label. It's only when a comparison is made between copying and creating do we realize that perhaps something entirely fresh, new and from the chic depths of Marant's heart would've been a better choice to serve the hundreds of thousands of us who call the high-street price bracket our (only) sartorial home. 

What do you think of Isabel Marant x H&M?

four ways for fall.

Crispy leaves, cooler temperatures and the most breathtaking colors mark fashion's favorite season to experiment with: Fall. And why, you ask? Well, for a start, autumnal leaves in a variety of toasty hues provide the perfect backdrop to enhance just about any outfit (yes, fashion bloggers do take such things into consideration!), but moreover, the season is cool enough to layer up, but warm enough to actually enjoy flaunting those layers by leaving coats and cardies unbuttoned (and to forget worrying about the wool content of each layer till wintertime!). Basically, layers are great, but only if people actually get to see them, which doesn't really happen in the winter when zips are up and buttons are suffocating you all the way to your neck. Living out of Singapore for the first time has allowed me the privilege of experiencing this sumptuous season for the first time, and I've checked off almost everything on my "to-do during Fall" list (jumping in crunchy leaves included) besides shopping for some new seasonal additions to my wardrobe. I've categorized my numerous fall wishlists into four key themes: Fur, Leather, Army Green and Houndstooth. If you've got a few pieces from each, you're set for a stylish season! Read on to find out more about my specific picks.

(disclaimer: faux leather and faux fur are the ways to go! You can be environmentally conscious AND dress chic). For someone who used to be violently opposed to anything excessively furry/hairy/reminiscent of a fur couch throw, I've grown pretty smitten for these cuddly wardrobe additions. They're beautifully soft, super warm and comfy, and bring brilliant textural diversity to any outfit. Hats, scarves, vests/gilets and coats with fur accents are, in my opinion, the best ways to introduce a little cuddly lovin' into fall outfit ensembles. Try and select fur pieces in neutral or organic hues to make them look more expensive and effortless (no one likes a lime green fur coat, let's be real), after all - layering up is about nailing that breezy, supermodel-off-duty attitude. These options comprise some of Fall's more daring pieces, so keep the rest of your outfit simple and let the spotlight shine on the fur! Throwing on a pair of jeans should never be accompanied by the dreaded question of "how do I make this look more interesting?!" because now you have your answer; a statement fur separate, for maximum style points and toasty insulation! 

Another big must-have for this season is faux leather, which adds another exciting layering possibility to your wardrobe! While boxy leather jackets might seem like a no-brainer for the season, I'm growing more and more inclined towards purchasing a luxurious, soft hobo bag like the Juicy Couture one above in a glorious shade of oxblood. Teeny satchels may fly for summer, but carryalls are a big must for this season. If I've learned anything from living in England, it's to always keep an extra layer with you for warmth (usually in the form of a folded up pashmina/shawl), and another extra layer for the rain (no, not a poncho, an umbrella). Select leather pieces in luxurious, rustic, deep shades of maroon, red, oxblood, chocolate brown, camel and rust (but not black - save the harshness for winter) to avoid the overly "biker" look that leather often suggests. Oh yeah, and leather boots are not an option so much as they are a staple for the season. Find your perfect pair now and hold those babies tight.

One of the big sartorial cliches of the season is the military-chic look, which I always have and always will proudly jump on the bandwagon for. There's something about a muted olive green that exudes the most nonchalant, mysteriously captivating air. It's sophisticated but not unfriendly, trendy but exclusive, and undeniably perfect for the season. Don't limit yourself to typical army-style cargo skinny jeans and parkas/trenchcoats; why not try a cute suede ankle boot or scarf in olive green?

I am a self-confessed monochrome addict. Black and white is perfect, it's effortless, it's timelessly chic, it's universally suitable - it's basically everything except for suitable for fall, in my opinion. The harsh lines and geometric presence that black and white carries with it is too heavy and dismal for the hovering autumn temperatures. Leave the statement black-and-white till the warmer months, or even winter, but just not now. If you're still desperate to keep a bit of this two-toned glamour in your fall wardrobe, look no further than houndstooth. A sumptuously sophisticated, highly iconic and widely recognizable staple, this print is exciting enough to add a burst of detail to an outfit without that overdone, youthful, fluorescent "pop," characterized by most black and white prints. Houndstooth is mature, understated and very elegant, but should not be mistaken for granny-clothing. When worn correctly, it looks absolutely amazing! Like each of the "four ways" for fall, the key is to flaunt them in moderation. Houndstooth coats are beautiful, as are houndstooth skirts, but just not when they're worn together.

What do you think of these "Four Ways for Fall?" Let me know what your Fall wardrobe staples are in the comments below!

royals.

 Bag c/o wholesale7.net
Top + shorts set c/o Dahlia

Earrings c/o Lovisa

Studded Bracelet from Urban Outfitters
Studded booties c/o ClubCouture

I've never really experimented with athletic playsuits-which-are-actually-just-matching-separates, but when I visited Dahlia's flagship store in London to select some of my favorite pieces from their new collection courtesy of their generous management (more about my exciting visit to Dahlia coming soon!), I fell in love with the silhouettes, the patterns and the versatility of this two-piece dream. The top is cut to a slouchy fit, which adds a touch of tomboy appeal and balances out the rather teeny athletic-inspired matching shorts. While the detailed design in varying shades of blue is luxurious enough to be teamed with sophisticated additions such as blazers and heels, the astonishing level of comfort tempts me to wear these pieces while lounging around the house on a lazy weekend morning. Sunday lie-ins have never looked this good! Initially I was inclined to shoot these separates with non-matching tops/bottoms and add complexity to the ensemble with bold accessories, but, being someone who rarely plays the matching game while getting dressed, I figured these pieces would be the perfect place to start being a little more cohesive with my dressing. It's hard to even tell that they're actually separates - they look so seamlessly perfect for one another!

Black is the boldest of all statements in my opinion; it floats airily above any fluorescent color combination you could ever concoct with the firm knowledge that, through its silence and apparent understatement, it reigns supreme. I am head over spiky black heels in LOVE with my gift from wholesale7.net - a black crossbody carryall. With lovely gold accents interspersed between all the perfect leathery slouch, this bag can hold my hopes and dreams and look effortless the whole time. Definitely a new staple of mine, considering I've been looking far and wide for my Prince Charming that takes the form of a slouchy black bag for quite a while now.

And of course, who can forget these shoes. With plenty of spikes and studs to ward off annoying unwanted people (please don't quote me on that), they add that extra edge that black leather alone lacks. They are also astonishingly comfy; they feel just like an elevated pair of Converse I swear. Snap these up on ClubCouture.cc! I wore these babies to the ONE day of FIDe Fashion Week I was able to attend - I literally hopped off the plane from London and into makeup and heels to catch the last couple shows of this year's fashion week. Is it crazy that I feel a bit like Chiara Ferragni, jetsetting from London to Singapore (albeit in an economy class seat and minus paparazzi) in time for fashion week? With this easy breezy playsuit, no-fuss bag and the comfiest pair of heels I own, traveling in the style of the world's top bloggers has never felt more within reach.

 current tune: royals // lorde