#WILDFORJUICY

On the 24th October during my short trip home to Singapore, I was fortunate enough to attend Juicy Couture's newest store opening in Singapore in none other than the prestigious "Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands" on the Canal Level of the glitzy shoppe-ing mall. Occupying a luxurious 1,800 square feet of decadence, femininity and Los-Angeles cool, all media representatives and fashion enthusiasts at the event enjoyed delicious refreshments, catchy tunes by the one and only Linda Hao (owner of YESAH, half of DJ TWOFACE) and a preview of the sparkling store space. The interiors are characterized by a much more directional aesthetic, including highlights such as crystal chandeliers, herringbone floors and stunning decorative moldings which add a high-end touch of refined elegance to an otherwise youthful, spontaneous brand. Another focus of the event was Juicy Couture's latest fragrance, Viva La Juicy Noir. A more sensual, smoky and dark expression of the original sweet notes of Viva La Juicy, this fragrance is a definite must-have for those who express their iconic personal style loudly and proudly - it certainly ain't for the faint-hearted!
 

A spectacular event is never complete without an equally star-studded guest list, and leave it to Bless Inc Asia to bring along Singapore's biggest fashion icons such as Daniel Boey, Sheila Sim and Asia's Next Top Model runner-up Sofia Wakabayashi to the event. Hosted by an equally fabulous pair of MTV Asia VJs Alan Wong and Hanli Hoefer, there couldn't have been more excitement and charisma overflowing in any event - plus, they were all dressed to kill. My two girlfriends and accompaniments for the event were a little (or a lot!) smitten for Alan, and I hit it off really well with Hanli, who is just as sweet as she is beautiful. We went to the same school (each for ten years) so we had plenty to talk about! She also gave me some enlightening, professional advice about my modelling career, which I thoroughly appreciated and was honored to receive.

"Famous for ascending the pink tracksuit to its status as a casual luxury icon, Juicy Couture has grown today into a global hit, with an assortment of fashion apparel for women, girls and babies, including handbags, shoes, intimates, swimwear, fragrance, accessories, jewelry, sunglasses, and small leather goods. The brand continues to evolve, bringing the same confident and feminine attitude to everything it creates." - Bless Inc Asia

As well as mingling with all the famous names in fashion, I thoroughly enjoyed catching up with some dear friends I hold close to my heart, namely Sara-Ann K, Katherine of Bubbamama, Kara Bensley of WYLD Agencies, blogger Yovani Turner and more. I wore a geometric printed blazer courtesy of wholesale7.net, a white blouse courtesy of Threepurs, wedges from Primark, lucite clutch courtesy of style.in.kind and a blue skirt from Lace and Ebony.

The fun didn't stop at fashion celebrities, a directional new store and the clothes themselves - there were also a series of super fun games, activities and lucky draws for guests to enjoy! Whether you wanted your initials in rhinestones on a hot pink Juicy Couture badge, or you fancied taking a guess at the missing scent (sandalwood or cinnamon) from Viva la Juicy Noir in order to stand a chance to win a bottle of the delicious perfume, there was so much to do and we had so much fun doing all of it. My favorite aspect of the event was the insta-printer, which provided memorable little printouts of any Instagram pictures hashtagged #jcsingapore and #wildforjuicy. There was an Instagram competition run as well, and the lucky winners would each receive a Juicy Couture watch! I couldn't believe my luck when I found out that I was one of the lucky winners! 

What do you think of Juicy Couture? If you're in Singapore, make sure you stop by and check out the gorgeous new store at the Canal Level of The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands!

10qq with yvette.

With a winning smile, looks to kill for and a bubbly personality and charm to match, it's no wonder Australian-Korean beauty Yvette King is taking Singapore's media and fashion industry by storm. Both a model under Cal-Carries and an event host under Beam Artistes, if there's any good fashion happening on the Little Red Dot, you can be sure Yvette King is right in the middle of all of it, either armed with a microphone as a host, or a camera as a blogger at tanjongbazaar.com. With a glamorous sense of style and the friendliest personality amidst her raging success, I sat down with Yvette and asked her some of my most itching questions. Read on to find out more about this host/model/blogger extraordinaire!

1. Favourite beauty product right now: Any kind of moisturizer - my skin just drinks it up! Right now I'm using Nars but I also love Premier Dead Sea.

2. Best piece of advice given to you by your parents: Be free and explore.

3. If you could have one designer item absolutely free right now (it could be anything!), what would you pick? Chanel 2.55 in Caviar. Or a Hermes Kelly... If you're reading this, Chanel or Hermes: Help a girl out!

4. One of your favorite bloggers: Shine By Three.



5. Two things you always have with you: My smile and my phone.

6. Another big interest of yours besides fashion: Surprisingly, football (as in soccer). Fashion and football - what a combination!

7. Your least favorite part about your job: The fact that it's fickle. It's a rollercoaster - one minute you have your dream gig, but it sometimes feels like a fleeting second. Then you need to hustle and get to your next one - and repeat!

8. A movie you'd be happy to watch over and over again: Love Actually!

9. Your culinary vice: Carbs!

10. Your favorite places in Singapore: Club Street or Duxton Hill. I love that the old shophouses are converted into restaurants, cafes and hole-in-the-wall bars.

What do you think of Yvette King's gorgeous sense of style? Check out her website, blog, Twitter and Instagram!

black bag crazy.

I don't know if this is a nonchalant fashion craze I'll grow out of or if black bags will be my weakness for life, but at this point it doesn't really matter; what matters is that I can no longer look to any other sartorial staple to complete an outfit. Be it a satchel, crossbody purse, clutch, carryall tote or backpack, black is back and it's the easiest and sharpest way to pull together any outfit. Above I've collaged some of my current faves (but there are loads more); basically anything predominantly black with a metallic embellishment that isn't too bling but is enough to add interest and detail. Usually such adornments come in the form of gold logos, which I generally don't permit unless it's Tory Burch, Marc Jacobs, Chanel, and in the case of bags and bags only, Michael Kors (please no obnoxious Juicy Couture crests or Gucci - eurgh). I've rambled enough about my ultra-perfect MBMJ Classic Q Karlie bag, but there are plenty of other gorgeous crossbody options such as Lulu Guinness and Proenza which are equally yum (I will never fall out of love with the PS11 and that's a promise for life). Fringe details, studs, geometric zips and quilted leather are perfectly executed on neutral black, which serves to spotlight tactile detail and texture. 

Are you equally in love with black bags? Which are your favorites?

nicole miller SS14 | versailles rebel.

From dainty to daring and flapper to fantabulous, elegant and exuberant and sultry to shimmering, I'm tempted to write a 5th grade style acrostic poem as an attempt to list all the relevant adjectives that sum up one of the best, most wearable collections I have seen in a long time. Nicole Miller mightn't be a household name, but I know I'm not the only one completely enchanted by her cohesive collection of some of Spring's most timeless themes. While Miranda Priestley is (in)famous for sarcastically commenting on the groundbreaking nature of florals for spring, I'm far too taken with Miller's futuristic interpretations of fashion's most beloved "S/S" motifs to care about recycling trends that I actually really love. So what if designers do stripes and florals every Spring Summer season? There's a reason for such fond favorites to continuously reoccur - because we love them very very much. After all, the best way to reinvent your style for SS14 is to do it the Nicole Miller way: wear stripes, florals and tons of summery color all in one explosive, seamless ensemble. Here's to revisiting and reinventing favorites!

Some of the most stellar pieces in the collection made use of a simple black and white palette, spotlighting the intricate detail and workmanship of the pieces by toning down color. Geometry reigns supreme with a modern, glamorously fitted top and a pencil skirt with inverted color placement (centre left) - perfect for creating a sleek silhouette on any shape or size. A black leather crop is balanced out neatly with a flowy white knee-length skirt; another universally sensuous match made in monochrome heaven. Speaking of contrast, few things are more strikingly delicate than the white sheath skirt in the centre right image - statement making with a graceful, feminine touch has never been easier.

Deeper than turquoise, bluer than aqua yet still oddly green… I have no idea what that captivating color is but it's delicious and seems rather fit for the season. It's fresh but not adolescent, sophisticated minus the stiffness. It's an organic cross between stained-glass and the interior of a kaleidoscope, and the flecks of magenta and sky blue make this print utterly magnificent and easily translated onto a number of ensembles. I'm loving the shapely punctuation offered by the thick black panel stitching in the two dresses on the right; I wouldn't mind a strapless minidress in that print! While I'm not as much of a fan of the seemingly magnified print as seen on the top on the far left and skirt on the centre left, I'm so head over heels with that deep, luscious color that it hardly bothers me at all.

And now onto the outerwear, possibly the hardest aspect of a collection for designers to strike a balance between artistic, statement-making and wearable. Nicole Miller seems to have no issues with making her designs down-to-earth enough to be worn by actual human women (let's hope her price tags echo that strength!), and these jackets are testament to her "wearability is key" philosophy (she didn't actually say that quote, I just decided three seconds ago that her brand's philosophy should be wearability yep). A bit punk, a lot embellished, but slightly verging on too topshoppy, these are very cute. Very cute indeed.

True glamour always contains a concealed edge, and in Miller's world, this takes the form of beautiful stained-glass shards positioned in an angular, geometric explosion on various tops, skirts and dresses. Pristinely defined, perfectly contemporary and another universally flattering success, these ensembles help jagged color and classic silhouettes balance out beautifully. I'm totally in favor of the sporty, cut-in necklines (far right) and casual, cropped lengths which show a hint of midriff. If these pieces can't be worn to the office, out at night, to fashion week or anything in between, then what can?

 Fashionista.com describes this collection as being inspired by "the aftermath of a gang of rebel girls storming the castle," and it couldn't have been better put. This gloriously colorful, decadent juxtaposition of grunge-chic rebels and elegant femininity culminate dramatically in the seven looks above. By infusing bold monochrome stripes with watercolor florals, throwing a raw white leather vest over a fitted power dress and punctuating a striped pencil skirt with bursts of blooms, the result is no less than pinstripe perfection with a springtime-appropriate dose of bright florals. Top marks for reinvention, wearability and sex appeal.

 Towards the end of the show, a shift in focus to a less "teenage rebel" and more "refined princess" look can be noted through the evolution of colorful florals to gold baroque embellishments and modern white base hues to sheer pearl ones. Black becomes increasingly dominant as necklines reach a sexy, all time low in deep Vs decorated with ornate gold detailing. Tasseled jewelry becomes a permanent fixture, adding an ornate finish to pared-down, floor sweeping gowns with a sexy, linear finish. Nicole Miller's astounding ability to manipulate simple lines of color and fabric to construct the aesthetic framework of her pieces continues to boast success throughout the collection, adding dimension and shape to her expertly crafted pieces. Sequined floral motifs epically clash with baby pink twirly skirts, decadent glimmering accents glint with movement and bold, cloudy prints add lustrous mystique. Perfection.

So, what do you think of Nicole Miller's gorgeous Spring/Summer 2014 collection?

threepurs.

 Once upon a time, there were three lovely sisters, each with a unique yet equally vibrant enthusiasm for getting dressed up. To cut the long (and wonderful!) story short, "Threepurs" (pronounced "triples") is Singapore's newest online store run by these three ladies who I absolutely adored working with during the shooting of their debut campaign. Scroll down for some of the Images shot and edited by my darling Amanda (visit her blog here!).

 Threepurs conscientiously caters for fashion lovers through a holistic online buying experience, and offering unparalleled service and excellent quality apparels are at the top of their list of priorities. Threepurs strives to be a hallmark of fashion, creating and providing a wide selection of fashionable and trendsetting apparels as well as accessories for everyday wear. From fashion news, hot styles to the sisters' own editorial picks, Threepurs hopes that every shopper will be able to realize their own individual style through their online store.

 As I mentioned earlier, I had a total blast shooting this campaign. With a great makeup artist, my favorite photographer and the prettiest shoes and clothes I've been lucky enough to wear in a long time, it was a sweltering hot afternoon of lots of giggles and fun in the sun. The two looks you've seen in the pictures above are both uniquely glamorous in their own way. The ruched floral dress is perfect with beachy sandals for a sunny vacation, or paired with a cropped blazer and heels for a sparkling night out. As for the slinky black top and fitted white skirt, Sherlyn couldn't have chosen a better footwear option to match this ensemble than good ol' Jeffrey Campbells! Who says you need a crazy color palette to nail a killer outfit? (P.S. Never try walking on an uneven rock surface in heels, it's not nearly as glam as these pictures suggest. It took us more than a few goes to nail these snaps without me toppling over!)

 After an exhausting but exciting day shooting at various locations dotted around East Coast Park (see the goofy behind-the-scenes pictures above!), I went straight to shoot a video with Zack (bottom left image) and was so chuffed to be able to take home this gorgeous black off-shoulder blouse and wear it to my video shoot. It's such a comfortable, versatile piece that shows just the right amount of skin - instantly a staple in my wardrobe!

ALSO, be sure to follow the three simple steps above to stand a chance to win an iPad Mini in celebration of the launch of Threepurs! Make sure you encourage all your friends to take part too, as the contest is only running if they hit 3,333 likes before September 30th. Stay tuned to all the exciting Threepurs action by following their social media platforms here; you'll have a bigger chance of winning the iPad Mini if you follow them on Twitter and Instagram too!

Facebook / Twitter / Instagram

threepurs.com

This is a sponsored advertorial.

10qq with willabelle.

 

One of Singapore's biggest names in fashion, blogger/model Willabelle Ong has conquered Asia's fashion scene and far beyond at the tender age of 18 (who knows what she'll accomplish next!). Her blog, www.paledivision.com, has garnered the attention of thousands of global fashionistas, young and old, and continues to grow at a commendable rate. From her candy-colored hair tendencies to her equally bold sartorial ones, Willabelle's youthful yet sophisticated taste remains close to the hearts of many of her dedicated readers and followers. Read on to learn a bit more about this successful fashionista's life!

1) How did you get started with blogging? Was it a long-time dream of yours?

The Pale Division blog was founded shortly after my Lookbook account was created as I wanted to document my personal style in greater detail. It was also a space for me to post inspiration, daily visuals and unnecessary word vomit. I don't think blogging was ever a long-time dream of mine, it simply happened.  

2) What's the nicest thing a fan has ever done for you?

I'm flattered enough whenever a reader refers himself/herself as a 'fan'. Everything has been really nice - the long, encouraging emails, the wonderful illustrations, the shout-outs, etc.

3) What's your guilty pleasure comfort food?

Chocolate! Or ice-cream. I've been having too much ice-cream recently, even though we're currently experiencing winter...

4) What's your least favorite activity?

I dread any form of exercise but running has to be the worst. My stamina is hopeless.

5) What is your staple accessory?

Probably fine rings and a good pair of shoes. I like how a pair of kicks can make or break an outfit. Outerwear is always a favourite too! Light-weight pieces can be layered in summer while I'm all about faux-fur and woollen coats in winter.

6) What is the most important thing to remember about blogging and fashion in general?

Ignore the negative criticism and focus on the constructive ones instead. People will always have something to say behind your back. Just remember that's where they belong, right behind you.

7) If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?

To stop worrying so much!
 

8) What do you love about yourself?

I don't know... I love how I'm surrounded by positive and encouraging people. Does that count?

9) Heels, booties, wedges or flats?

Heels... And wedges. 

10) Hopes and dreams for the future?

To travel the world!

What do you think of Willabelle's blog and her eclectic sense of style?

+ Singer/Songwriter/YouTuber/Popspoken Entertainment Editor Zack Hourihane and I will be doing a Q&A video this coming week, so please tweet/email/tumblr ask me any questions you have for either of us that you'd like us to answer!

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)