i.t preview party!

If you're ever in Wisma Atria, there is no excuse not to pop into i.t, a luxuriously spacious multi-label concept store that's landed on our shores with a boom and isn't leaving anytime soon. i.t is, quite simply, a breath of fresh air; boasting nine exciting labels previously unavailable in Singapore. i.t is the ultimate destination for younger fashionistas to discover distinctive new labels to inspire or expand their personal style, with everything from apparel, denim, basics, outerwear, footwear, accessories and bags - for both men and women. The bright, open interiors of the store provide a canvas for each of these eclectic labels to differentiate themselves in a style similar to a department store; each brand's section is either against a wall, on a free-standing platform, in various nooks and crannies of the store, or a combination of these. Seriously though, I've never been so unbelievably excited for a new store in a long time. With 9 labels worth of hidden gems to uncover, you can't possibly get bored in i.t!

 The opening event for i.t saw a multitude of celebrities from around Asia, as well as local bloggers and style influencers. Models strutted down the corridor runway flaunting the latest collections from i.t labels to the beat of Linda Hao's DJ expertise (DJ Twoface, that is!), cameras flashed, delicious finger food was served and the atmosphere was bursting with chatter and laughs. It was one of those great events where the perfect mix of people were invited, allowing you to catch up with old friends and identify old faces, as well as meet a crop of new people. Local Radio DJ Rozz hosted the event and spoke to Helen Khoo, the Executive Director of Wing Tai Retail, who said "our i.t store inspires the ideas of fashion trend and accessibility to address the fashion needs of today's shoppers." 

dress: tally weijl via fashfix

perspex clutch: mno.logie c/o style.in.kind

belt: c/o oasap

heels: (not pictured) mango

Dressing up for events is definitely one of my favorite parts of being a blogger; it's so exciting to put together new ensembles for press events/meetings! I love the color of this tiered dress which fits like a dream and is so comfortable. I accentuated the waistline with a statement gold belt from Oasap, and kept the rest of my outfit simple with nude heels and my favorite perspex clutch.

 

One of my favorite labels featured in i.t has got to be Tout A Coup. Established in 2007 to target young women, this nostalgic European-style label offers the best selection of smart casual wear with a feminine, eclectic twist. Their summer collection is based on the themes of "Transparent Tailoring" and "Neon Retro," so lightweight materials like lace, mesh and organza evoke the understated, sensual appeal of French women. Tailoring is taken to a new level with hexagon cut-outs, and slashed prints in summery pastel hues lend a burst of color to any ensemble. On the "Neon Retro" front, we're greeted with the most exciting juxtapositions of fluorescents and richer colors like violet and sapphire blue. Layering various semi-translucent fabrics of different colors add depth and dimension, and patchworks, high waisted and cape silhouettes reign supreme this season. What's not to love?

There was also a great badge-making station where custom-drawn designs by a small crew of talented doodlers were pressed into pin badges. Props to Jansen and his Word of Mouth Communications team for organizing and facilitating the smooth running of a very memorable event! 

(images courtesy of WOM Comm)

10qq with kriss&jules.

It's become increasingly hard to find elegant, simple pieces of wrist-candy in a modern accessories market that is totally obsessed with versatility, layering and excess. When I see Aimee Song's Instagram pictures, I can't help but wonder how uncomfortable she must be wearing at least a ring on each finger, not to mention the stacks of expensive gold bling that weigh down each of her wrists. They look beautiful in photographs and make her look a million bucks (although she always does, regardless of what she's wearing), but is wearing thousands of dollars of clinky-clanky bangles and jingly things realistic? Hardly. Cue Kriss&Jules, the most perfect option for those days when you're dressed to impress, but can't bring yourself to decorate yourself like a Christmas tree to complete your look. These down-to-earth bracelets have such simple charm, and serve neither to drastically enhance nor to outshine your look. They remind me so much of friendship bracelets; while they might not be the perfect match for an outfit, the timelessness and sentimentality of precious stones and streamlined design make for a great, understated addition to any low-key ensemble. Practical, simple and oh-so-beautiful, what more could you ask for? Read on to find out a bit about Christian and Julien, the brothers behind the label.

1) Best part of your job:
Julien: I love that I can work with my brother and mother. 
Christian: Other than what Julien mentioned, the fact that we meet very interesting and talented people from all over the world.

2) One thing you always have with you:
J: My iPod.
C: My peace bracelet.

3) Your newest celebrity crush:
J: Easy, Scarlett Johansson.
C: Izabel Goulart is my personal favorite, I hope she reads this!

4) One of your favorite weekend pastimes:
J: I spend most of my time drawing.
C: Discovering new restaurants in town! Recommendations welcome.

5) Favorite sport:
J: Definitely football, it's a huge passion of mine.
C: I'm a huge fan of skiing, sadly Singapore isn't perfect for that but I love spending time on the slopes when I'm back in Europe.

6) Favorite gemstone to use in your designs and why:
J: Onyx, it symbolises strength and is really interesting to work with!
C: Jade is my favorite, not only because green is my favorite color but the power and strength behind the stone is astonishing.

7) Goals for the future of the Kriss&Jules label:
J: I would love for Kriss&Jules to broaden its horizons and become the brand it's meant to be.
C: To be able to embellish new beautiful wrists throughout Asia!

8) Childhood career aspiration:
J: I always wanted to become a painter!
C: I wanted to explore space by becoming an astronaut.

9) One thing not many people know about you:
J: My hands-down favorite movie is The Notebook.
C: I love classical music when I'm under pressure, it's so relaxing!

10) Something you can always go to for inspiration:
J: Music!
C: The beach or the mountains.

What do you think of Kriss&Jules' gorgeous designs?

Check out their Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Website.

10qq with katja tamara.

I have a seriously incurable obsession with statement clutches; for a student on a sartorial budget, statement clutches are the perfect way to spice up a classic, re-wearable outfit - namely a light colored chiffon blouse and denim jeans. They can add a splash of color, texture or pattern to any simple ensemble, and in the case of Katja Tamara's python clutches, they add all three. Possibly my favorite thing about these gorgeous accessories (although seriously, what ISN'T to like about those beauties) is the fact that they exemplify the perfect marriage of color, print and texture through the distinct python-skin print they all boast. If there's such thing as the perfect, all-encompassing statement bag, these clutches might be just that. With a medley of color schemes on offer as well as variations such as python-skin tote bags and carryalls, Katja Tamara's fantabulous designs are definitely a staple for any fashion-forward woman (or man!). Drawing inspiration from Bali where all her designs are exclusively manufactured, Katja has expanded her label to include beautiful tasseled necklaces each with unique bead patterns and Buddha pendants. I'm so over the cheap fad of gothic Christian-cross designs, so I welcomed one of these gorgeous Buddha necklaces (in black) into my accessories collection with open arms a few weeks ago at the ilovedesigner.com event! 

Check out Katja's 10 Quick Questions below:

1) Favorite thing to do on a Saturday night: Dinner with friends, listening to music, dancing and late-night lounging, or having Apple TV movie nights (and popcorn!) with my husband and kids. 

2) Your current beauty must-have: An 8 hour night of sleep and Tom Ford’s Eye Color Quad in Titanium Smoke, which is suitable for day or night.

3) Your favorite vacation destination: Does it have to be narrowed down to 1 place? I love to travel! My favorites are Bali during Spring, Hawaii in the Summer, New York City in the Fall and Zermatt during Winter. 

4) Something not a lot of people know about you: Both of my parents are European, but I grew up in California. They wanted to give me a name that could be pronounced in Norwegian, German and English easily, but unknowingly they gave me a name that was quite unique in the USA. When I was younger I was tortured with nicknames! Now I can embrace my name and I love it. 

5) Something that inspires your designs: As cliché as this is, I genuinely have Wanderlust. Whenever I travel, I take snapshots in my mind of the natural beauty of animals. 

6) An artist you've currently been listening to: Coldplay; although they have been around for a while, I always come back to them. 

7) A pet peeve: People who brag. 

8) The best part of the design process: Sourcing different textures, patterns and colors, as this inspires my creations. 

9) A language you wish you could speak: German, my father is from Germany. I used to have to go to German Saturday School in California, but I rebelled and refused to speak it! Now I wish I was more fluent. 

10) Future dreams and goals for the Katja Tamara label: My obsession is for people to own versatile pieces in their wardrobe and not to take themselves too seriously. I think a lot of the rules of fashion have been broken and it's not about recreating the wheel but reinterpreting it. I would love for my label to be carried by influential people on a world stage and by moms out on a Saturday night.  

~

What do you think of Katja Tamara's gorgeous clutches? Shop her designs on ilovedesigner.com!