a coat for crispy weather.

I hardly ever do outfit posts, but I thought I might as well take advantage of the crisp-y weather and crispier leaves that Kent is abundantly scattered with during this glorious time of year and take some pictures in my new Topshop coat, which was literally my savior throughout my chilly week in the UK. I'm back home in Singapore now and until my next trip to somewhere cool, this coat is sadly of no use to me, but I love it so much I might even get it framed. This was actually the outfit I wore on the plane (minus the coat), so I wasn't exactly rocking the fresh-faced look; it was more of a 12-hour-flights-suck look. This Zara top is one of the few items of clothing I own which my dad has purchased for me (without my presence/immediate consent, that is) - he's not really one for fashion, but he definitely hit gold with this simple striped wonder. He even bought it in the right size! Paired with soft Topshop jeans and my trusty H&M satchel that never leaves my side (and is now sadly falling apart), this outfit was, in a word: easy. No frills or fuss; perfect for anything from long-haul flights to lazy afternoon tea coffee (jetlag must be overcome!) in a tiny British town. 

The first thing I did when I landed? Bought myself a packet of good old British crisps - Walkers, that is. If there's one thing I love about visiting Britain/Ireland, it's getting my hands on a pack of their traditional, timeless crisps. Not chips - crisps.  

burma | photo diary by sid.

 If there's one thing I love alongside my obvious obsessions with fashion and writing, it's definitely traveling. Seeing new places and breathing new air energizes me in a way I can't even describe. During my fifteen short years of life, I've been lucky enough to experience both coasts of the United States, ski down snow-carpeted mountains in Japan, bike alongside the tree-lined Lake Geneva, lounge on the golden beaches of Thailand, hike through untouched valleys in the Himalayas, dance in some of the best studios in London and drive a campervan across New Zealand's South Island. My parents share the belief that money is best spent on experiences as opposed to material things, as experiences can never be taken away from you and foster memories that'll last you a lifetime. While "experiences over material things" might not be the greatest thing for a clothing-obsessed girl to deal with, it's actually something I completely agree with. All the times I have been abroad have marked some of the happiest periods of my existence, for there's really nothing more refreshing than to break away from the daily routine you're trapped in and trust that your subsequent ventures will challenge your mind, sharpen your perspective and open your heart.

All these brilliant photographs were taken by my talented friend Sid during his recent trip to Burma. I've never been to the less-developed parts of Asia such as Burma, Cambodia and Vietnam, but my lack of experience in those places only fuels my thirst to visit them; to witness a medley of new cultures, taste their weird and wonderful delicacies, meet the faces and the souls that shape the country and hear the authentic beat of a new nation. In fact, looking at these photographic masterpieces brings my mind to a good place; I feel myself piecing together fragments of inspiration and forming a moodboard in my mind!

 ~

What do you think of these pictures? Have you ever been to Burma?

10QQ with meera.

With her sparkling, wide smile and a mane of dark, waist-length hair that would make any girl envious, it’s impossible to miss Meera. She’s one of the few bloggers who have stuck with me since the primitive, amateur and borderline embarrassing beginnings of Seven Inch Stilettos, and our similar outlook on fashion – as well as our closeness in age and location, have turned our generic blogger-friendship into a real life one. We try and meet up once every few months, and we usually end up just sitting around, delivering lengthy soliloquies to each other about our love for the fashion industry. She’s a walking example of how much blogging has impacted my life; never did I think I’d meet someone as like-minded as myself through the internet, let alone someone who happens to live 5 minutes down the road from me! Seven Inch Stilettos has provided me with various opportunities and fulfillments, and the solid friendship I’ve built with Meera is one I hold close to my heart. She’s the fabulous writer behind Moments with Meera, one of my daily reads and all-time favourites. Aaaaand as you’ve probably figured out by now, she’s the August 10QQ blogger!

1) Favourite Magazines: Vogue US/India, TeenVogue, Seventeen Singapore, Harper’s Bazaar UK.

2) Dream House: A penthouse apartment overlooking the heart of Central Park in Manhattan, NYC.

3) Must-have Beauty Item: Sephora Eyeliner. MAC lipgloss is really versatile and has a long-lasting finish, too.

4) All-time favorite author: I just discovered John Green, who’s novels are amazing. I’ve always loved Ann Brashares too!

5) Best Vacation Experience: One summer a few years back, I traveled to NYC, London and Paris all in one go, which was an experience I’ll never forget.

6) Something that scares you: I’m scared for the future after high school, but it’s terribly exciting at the same time.

7) Blogging goals: Reaching 600 followers on Google Friend Connect by the end of the year is one of them, and one of my biggest goals is coming true this August; I’ll be featured in Seventeen Singapore!

8) Bloggers you look up to: I love the bloggers behind stunning blogs such as Luella and June, Into the Gloss, Cupcakes and Cashmere, and The Style Bubble.

9) Food(s) you despise: Brussel sprouts and asparagus, probably.

10) Place(s) you’d love to visit: Venice and Prague!

~

What do you think of Meera's style and her blog, Moments with Meera?

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paris - part II

 With every passing hour spent in Paris, I fall more and more in love with the beautiful, stylish city. Not only is it brimming with unbelievably fashion-forward people who seem to treat style as a religion, it’s full of the most stunning architecture and colorful heritage which I’m eager to learn more about. Coming from a concrete jungle of buildings with sleek, modern façades and futuristic design, being surrounded by century-old splendor is a refreshing change I can’t express in words. 

As the pictures suggest, we visited our fair share of touristy places during our trip; Musee D'Orsay, the Louvre, the Eiffel Tower, Arc De Triomphe, check check check check. Hey, it was even Bastille Day during our visit! But even if we hadn't done all those things, I would have been perfectly happy to while away the days by simply roaming around the city, familiarizing myself with the tree-lined avenues, marveling at the overwhelming charm of Paris, and basking in the distinct French culture that the city is lathered in. While simultaneously munching on a crepe, or four. 

This summer was an exceptionally difficult one to pack for. After Paris, we’re due to go town-hopping in various parts of Bretagne for a few days, and then we’re off to Ireland for a week by the sea. I have one tiny suitcase and a weight allowance of 15kg, which I have to make do with for a whole month – including saving space to accommodate my potential overdose on retail therapy. I wanted to bring some stylish pieces to Paris, but I also wanted to dress for comfort and warmthat my other destinations. Therefore, I had to be prudent with what I packed and make sure that everything I brought could work wherever I go: be it on a boat, in a riverside caravan, at the beach, at a nice restaurant, or in one of the world’s capitals of fashion: Paris.

I kept my look simple with a lace top, a decorative necklace, my used-and-abused Longchamp bag which holds practically everything, a smart blazer to de-touristifymy look and help me blend in with the Parisians*, and a pair of simple black flats for all the walking we did.

* I swear to God everyone in Paris wears blazers – men included. I’m convinced they each own different blazers to fit every type of weather condition and occasion that could possibly come their way. Blazers are definitely part of the Parisian uniform!  

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seventeen singapore - again!

Benita and her lovely team of writers at Seventeen were lovely enough to have me in their issue for the second time in three months! The main story for Seventeen's July issue was "Be a Budget Babe," which was all about shopping smart during the annual GSS (Great Singapore Sale). For those of you who aren't local, GSS is basically when every single store has a massive sale, and everyone just shops and shops and shops! 

However, like I said in my little paragraph, it's important that the usual shopping rules still apply (even though price tags have been shredded into microscopic bits and you just want to buy everything in sight simply because you can). Buying a fully priced pair of shoes for $100 is going to make you happier than buying three damaged or ill-fitting shirts/accessories for $100. Exercise quality control, and be careful with impulsive buys; the choices you make when there are neon price tags and huge signs all around you, filling your head with the idea that everything within your reach is worth every dollar it costs... yeah, hate to be a party-pooper, but choices in those circumstances tend to be the ones you regret later.

~

Hope everyone's having a good summer!

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10qq with maggie.

Meet Maggie Pa, a multi-talented, 17 year old Chinese-American from California. An avid violinist, a graphic design/digital art student and a self confessed shoe addict, Maggie enjoys documenting her fashion and culinary experiences on her blog, Salt and Leather. 

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1) Favourite magazine of all time: Nylon or W.
2) A celebrity you hate: I don't really hate any... I'm not interested in celebrities at all.
3) Two of your style icons: Sen Mitsuji and the Olsen twins, although I prefer street style to specific people.
4) If you were on the red carpet for a day, who's designs would you wear? McQueen or Vivienne Westwood.
5) All-time favourite accessory: My Forever21 plated necklace.
6) First song that plays on your iTunes shuffle: "Back to Tomorrow" by DBSK.
7) 3 things you keep beside your bed: My lamp, a small sketchbook and pen for late night ideas, and an alarm clock.
8) Favourite food: This is tough... But I'd have to say Taiwanese Oyster Pancakes.
9) A place you'd like to visit before you die: Tokyo, Japan.
10) What you want to be when you're older: Advertising/Marketing and Graphic design.

What do you think of Maggie's style and her blog, Salt and Leather?

#AFF2012 part 2 - zac posen.

"Asia as a whole is so important to my design, to my business, to my personal aesthetic and culture."

Elaborate floor-grazing gowns of every delicious hue accompanied by office-chic power suits for the modern contemporary woman, Zac Posen delivered a lip-smacking, saliva-inducing double collection (Pre-Fall and Fall/Winter 2012!) on the penultimate night of Singapore's Audi Fashion Festival 2012. His runway preview, as well as the pre-show excitement buzzing in the Tent@Orchard, was nothing short of a wondrous affair, with socialites, editors, style enthusiasts and local celebrities dotted around on the red carpet, clutching glistening flutes of champagne and mingling with the stars... And, of course, maintaining perfect composure under the merciless flash-photography attacks of the paparazzi.

 (I'm proud to say that I, too, was subjected to the utter "torture" of having my picture taken by the paps. Sigh, life's tough.)

I hate to start my review with a piece of criticism, but I do think this is worth sharing: Although the individual pieces were absolutely stunning, I do think that a little more time, effort and resources could be put into expanding the existing collection(s) even further by exploring a wider range of stylistic techniques and fabrics, and drawing inspiration from a larger scope of sources. I purposely decided to include the 4 pictures above in a collage together because I think they collectively represent the essence of Posen's collections (I probably should've thrown in a fiery hued dress for oriental measure, too...): Evening dresses, power suits and the occasional textured separate. I know that sounds harsh and abrupt, but throughout the whole show, I felt like I was waiting for something that would really strike a chord and bring the audience to their feet. The power suits brought a smile to my face, as did the genius idea of layering a luxury fur pullover on top of a voluptuous tailed skirt, so I can't help but wish I saw more ingenuity and uniqueness. I felt that Posen played it safe by playing up his signature strengths (in the form of evening gowns), even though he had the potential to impress his audience equally as much by taking bolder risks.

  And with that short complaint over - I'm pleased to begin the next phase of this lengthy post, which will be flowing with nothing short of the highest praise for Posen's glittering creations. Promise.

~

 In an interview with BBC, Zac Posen spoke of the increasing influence that Asia possesses over his designs and his aesthetic. He certainly isn't just full of talk; the evidence of Asian inspiration was profoundly significant, and pulsated through the entire collection. As intense Adele violin instrumentals blared, the show kicked off with understated LBD's (Long Black Dresses, that is), and graduated into the first dose of saturated red gowns, reminiscent of Chinese prints and oriental motifs. Both the atmosphere and the music both cooled down a few notches as a series of tailored ensembles in sub-zero hues unfolded onto the runway. Taffeta silk tails blazed the trail the entire night, with unique silhouettes and inventive collar-cuts following close behind. Icy chandelier earrings embellished each and every million-dollar look by adding a few more zeroes to their price tags, as well as leaving remnants of tiny, sparkling reveries for the audience to devour. Although the venue remained understated and simple, the high-octane glamour was enough to leave the entire room tent ablaze with explosions of fluorescent fabric and dazzling diamonds.

 

 Posen's authentic showcase was the first proper "Fashion Week" show that I have ever attended, and judging by the hyperventilating, giggly state I returned home in, it certainly wasn't going to be the last. I am proud to say that I returned to that very same tent with even more juvenile enthusiasm the following night for the grand finale that bid farewell to AFF2012 - Roland Mouret. A post on that is coming soon!

photo credits to audi fashion festival singapore

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the 411.

"So... What is up? What's the 411? What has everybody been up to? What's the hot gossip? Tell me everything..."

~

I'm sorry, but who couldn't love this quote. And who couldn't love humble, mocktail-making Mrs. George and her laughable efforts at fitting in with her daughter's social life. And who couldn't love this movie. God, I could watch this again and again and never get bored; Mean Girls will forever be a classic.

Anyway, I have a valid reason for posting this quote- because it's sort of how I've been feeling lately. I've been so shamefully detached from the perpetual buzz of the fashion blogosphere, due to unreasonable demands from all sorts of extra-curricular activities, school subjects and snotty teachers. This weekend, I've resolved to lock myself in my room and visit every single blog I can, so I can get "the 411" on what's been going on in the fashion world. And I promise I'll be back soon, after I finish my mountains of homework.

And here I'll attempt to give you guys "the 411" on my tragically hectic life, and provide some feeble excuses to validate my absence.

Stuff that's been going on in my life right now:

• I've been accepted into the school's bi-monthly newspaper, Inprint, and today I received approval for my request to write an article about students who stay stylish in uniform.
• I'm in the midst of some seriously intense rehearsals for our school's next drama production: "Picnic at Hanging Rock." I'm definitely going to do a separate post on it soon.
• I've applied for our school's arts blog, Epiphany, as an events manager. Fingers crossed I make it!
• I'll be contributing to Fashion Blog Love soon, more details to follow.
• I'll be helping out with the lighting design and programming of the next drama production at school; "The Jungle Book."
•  My overly-enthusiastic recount of Foster the People's explosive gig here in Singapore landed on SeatGeek's Soundboard music blog!
• I've made it onto our school's Radio team as a sub-editor! Our school is opening a private radio station that will be aired around the campus in a few months time, and I'm thrilled to be a part of the management committee for this exciting new development.

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a little mcqueen for thought.

“Alexander’s vision of fashion relentlessly questioned the requisites of clothing.”

Alexander McQueen couldn’t be a better representative of how I feel towards fashion. He designs with favor to his highly developed visual palette, he doesn’t design for practicality. He doesn’t design to appeal to the mediocre, he designs to fuel the extraordinary. He doesn’t design for money, he designs to satisfy his immense craving for beauty. He is a perfect example of someone who truly can grasp and fulfill the meaning and purpose of fashion, a craft itself that many never hone.

Razor Clam Shell dress by Alexander McQueen – Voss, S/S 2001.

Take this beautiful, contoured dress for instance. It’s created using real razor clam shells found on a beach. How much simpler does it get than that? Lee didn’t use miles of rare, expensive fabrics. He utilized the beauty and gifts of Mother Nature, who was one of the many sources of inspiration for him, and who should be a huge inspiration to any designer. He created pieces that became legendary based on his miraculous artistic abilities, not on the material he used; and that is something that's truly commendable.

"I have always loved the mechanics of nature and to a greater or lesser extent my work is always informed by that."

Another thing that's so beautiful about McQueen's stunning work aesthetic is that he has such an open, free mind that draws inspiration from everything he sees. His perpetually wandering mind is what leads him to the production of his extraordinary creations, and that is evident through each and every season. This quote (above) really inspired me because I always assumed that designers only drew inspiration from significant occurrences such as wars, time periods, stereotypes and weather, to name a few. To know that one of Alexander McQueen's sources of inspiration is sitting on a telephone pole outside my window, basking in the morning Dublin sun is a confirmation that there are so many little fragments of beauty scattered around us which we don't notice; but all it takes is for us to slow down our lives a little and tilt our heads in the direction of the stars.

 One of my favorite parts of the exhibition was the section that featured pieces from “Highland Rape,” a Fall collection from 2006. (Also categorized as “Romantic Nationalism.”) I was captivated by this entire section, and the as the haunting tune of “God Save The Queen” whistled in my ears, I could almost feel the biting Scottish wind snaking down my spine. I loved the recurring, patriotic appearance of red plaid; I think it placed each outfit into context. Because the outfits were so vastly different from each other, the print was one of the only elements that anchored each ensemble to a clear, common ground and a shared identity.

I remember standing in the doorway to the gift shop at the end of the exhibition, refusing to step out of Savage Beauty in fear of never returning. I spent lots of time in the exhibition taking misspelt notes on my iPod Touch, trying to condense everything in those magical rooms into words. I took a few sneaky pictures and in turn, developed an unwritten suspicion with the security guards who patrolled the vast rooms. Even after all that, I didn’t know how I could relive that hour I spent in there. As soon as I laid eyes on the Savage Beauty book, I knew I was willing to spend $45 on something that would help me relive my very own Alexander McQueen experience, over and over again. My perpetual concern of an overweight luggage kicked in, and I coolly brushed it off. This is Alexander McQueen we’re talking about, guys.

All Quotes taken from the Savage Beauty exhibition and the Savage Beauty book.

Images from the MetMuseum Blog, Google images, Style.com, and my own camera.

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interview with grace from moda de la mode.

This is my first ever interview with a fellow teenage blogger, so I hope you guys enjoy it! This post features 17-year-old Grace from the UK, the author of 'Moda De La Mode' and 'One Girl's Wanderlust.'

What does fashion mean to you?

Fashion is all about self expression. Everyone has their own sense of style which is reflected in the clothes they wear and the places that they shop. Designers are expressing their personalities through the clothes that they create. Some brands sell a lifestyle that people buy into by wearing their clothes. Fashion offers an escape, a chance for people to recreate who they want to be. For me, fashion is fun, a chance to experiment and create new ways of wearing a garment but most of all fashion is beauty and the glorification of garments.

How long have you been interested in fashion?

I have always been interested in clothes, when I was younger I used to dress up in my mum's evening dresses and her jewellery hoping one day I would fit into them. I bought my first Vogue magazine in 2006 and after that have become a dedicated follower, there was no going back, i was captivated by the glossy pages and the glamorous models. Now I just want to live and breathe fashion.

Favourite Accessory?

My favourite accessory at the moment has to be the faux fur stole worn with a brooch both of which I inherited from my nanny when she died. I love it not just because of the family history linked to it but because it is super stylish as well as being practicle and warm in the snowy winters we have been experiencing lately. I plan to do a post about the stole soon because I feel it is such an underrated accessory and needs some credit.

Favourite High Fashion Designer?

My favourite high fashion designer has to be Manolo Blahnik. I love his fashion drawings, they are an art in themselves, his attention to detail and his eye for timeless style really appeals to me. His shoes are so glamorous and I love how each collection tells a story. I believe he is a really talented designer not just technically but also artistically. I would love a pair of his knee length yetti boots this winter haha.

Most stylish celebrity?

I love Olivia Palermo's sense of style. She has a timelessness about her which many other celebrities lack. Her style is refined, feminine but with a sense of power and confidence. I loved her recent shoot with Vogue España, they captured her sense of beauty well and even managed to capture her smiling.

How has fashion affected your life?

Fashion has really had an impact on my life. It has given me a sense of direction and made me realise that one day I have to work in fashion. I feel comfortable when talking about fashion and it has given me confidence to try anything. It was what inspired me to start a blog in the first place.

If you had a fashion label what would it be called?

I have always wanted my own fashion label named after my initials GEM. However, I also love the names Diamond, Sparkle or Joy.

What item of clothing do you wish people wore more often?

I really wish people wore bright coloured tights more often. I think it shows confidence and makes you stand out from the crowd. They look lovely under a pair of lacy tights or just on their own. Far too many people just stick to black. I think 2011 should be a colour revolution-everyone should at least try wearing a pair of coloured tights!

Why do you like blogging and what makes you post?

I love blogging because it gives me an outlet for all my ideas and the chance to be creative. I really want to put together layouts or something similar for a fashion magazine and at the moment this is as close I can get. I post on whatever inspires me but mostly I try and keep to the topic of global fashion which is what my blog is initially about. I love to do global street style posts of my friends from all over the world as it gives people an insight into the current fashion trends worn by ordinary people across the globe.

Describe yourself in one word!

Unique!

Grace also interviewed me, and you can read it here.

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