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!

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

NYFW SS14 | rodarte.

When asked to describe their impeccable Spring Summer 2014 Ready to Wear collection, the sisterly dream team Laura and Kate Mulleavy only had two words: Los Angeles. On first thought, perhaps that loose, vague "definition" strikes one as too brief or lacking precision. After viewing the collection, one realises that there really isn't a more succinct way to put it. Think Nasty Gal amped up thirteen notches, with provocative assymetrical hemlines, Cali-girl bra tops and the absolute best and boldest use of black and white this season has seen. Rodarte's darkly whimsical and unshakeable attention to artistic detail is given a facelift as the duo experiments with some of the most modern silhouettes their career has seen. Geometric clashes between spherical necklaces and grid-lined cropped sweaters add punch to an already bold statement, topped off with animal-print flat booties that nods to an existing albeit successful trend. Thick, metallic embellished belts hang loosely from slim waists, lending a slightly raunchy, "borrowed from the band-boys" look. And yet despite all the tassels and the vibrant prints and the surprisingly original silhouettes, some absolutely perfect classics can be witnessed; a simple white mink miniskirt and an equally pristine ivory blazer subtly interpose the loudness of Los Angeles.

If there was an award for how many different ways black and white could complement each other within the confines of each runway look, Rodarte would surely bag it. Mermaid-y assymmetrical hems flow organically beneath polished stripes, colorblocking, tiered texture, modern plaid, animal print, or a mix of all of the above. Triangular necklines become teardrops, which become pyramid-esque high necks which fall to drapey low v-necks. The combinations, and effortlessness with which they are exuded, are astounding. While I'm not a fan of the awkwardly sea-creature/lettuce resembling hems (I only said mermaid initially to be polite), the sharp precision of the patterns are executed without fault. With architectural design and print being this damn good, who even needs color?

 And now ring in the separates; namely the bustier which is naturally every Californian chica's dream. While the shape of these cropped pieces are inventive and refreshing, they lack wearability as the pointy cups distort the appearance of shoulders and thus make the rest of us who aren't model-thin look a tad wonky. Nevertheless, I am 100000% in favor of these no-nonsense pointy toed shoes. They're a little like Tavi Gevinson: they know they're weird and unconventional and a bit out-there, but they're proud of it and hold their heads high and werk it (I am still talking about shoes fyi). Points awarded for the 1st and 3rd bustiers for edgy sex appeal (from left to right), points deducted for that satiny nightdress worn by Lindsey Wixson that seems to be missing the rest of its sleeves and skirt (might be biased by the fact that Lindsey isn't my fave but oh well).

Noooooow we're talking. The fact that no one's thought of filling a skirt slit with sexy tassels before worries me, because that might just be the best new revolutionary fashion idea this season has graced us with so far. Teamed with a sultry mesh underlay, scorpion motifs and delicate earrings, that 1st look is ah-mazing. The lack of tottering stilettos helps round out this collection as one with athletic, casual potential and flexibility - the models aren't overly made-up in rainbow eyes a la Chanel, and the way they pull off beautiful clothing in simple, rather generic-looking shoes brings Rodarte's previously untouchable kingdom of elegance down to a sexy and accessible level.

As the show progressed, hemlines sneaked higher and higher into a final culmination of a marginally more sophisticated reworking of the traditional booty-exposing daisy duke short. Do they look amazing on the models? Definitely. Are the designs and embellishments with regards to these shorts successful? Sure. Do I like the fact that they're teamed with equally revealing bustiers? No. Are these at all wearable? Probably not. A style statement for sure - but one that is hard to translate into daily wear (unless you're Cara Delevigne, Liu Wen, or possess the legs and the swagger of a "model-off-duty"). Either way, I'm too caught up in those gorgeous blazers, which douse the collection in sexy, carefree masculinity. Few things are more effortlessly chic than soft blazers with pushed-up sleeves, but that sleeveless leopard and leather piece on the far right is a tiny notch above its sleeved counterparts. But blazers are delicious however they are consumed: sleeved, oversized, boxy, embellished, etc.

So there you have it! What do you think of Rodarte's Spring Summer 2014 collection?

NYFW SS14 | raoul.

Striking the most perfect balance between retro-glam and futuristic flavors, Raoul electrified NYFW with another absolutely flawless Spring Summer collection. Comprised of unusual geometry, glorious architecture and a lightness that makes me miss the warmer months even more, modern silhouettes are redone with even cleaner lines and infused with a coherent palette of vermillion orange, black, white, stony gray and pops of blue. Razor-thin ankle straps, pointy stiletto heels and laser cut oval details add precision and sharpness to the boxy androgynous silhouettes which distort the female form. Transparency is manipulated to great acclaim; be it through perforated fabric, angular mesh inserts or transparent detailing on footwear. Organic monochrome swirls help soften the several bold sartorial statements, yet still attribute structure and form to a collection that appears rigid, but upon closer inspection, reveals itself as a wearable revival of some of fashion's oldest concepts. On a beauty note, the cleanliness and sterility of the ensembles are reinforced with matte complexions, a nude lip, chalky eyeshadow, Twiggy-esque lower lashes and a defined sweep of liquid liner placed above the crease for a look that delicately walks the line between daily makeup wear and theatrical stage makeup. Sophistication fused with streetwear, history minus the ornate fuss, simple yet impactful detailing and absolutely no room for nonsense.

#LFWEnd

Organized by London Fashion Week's title sponsor Vodafone, Vodafone London Fashion Weekend was such a perfect way to end the massively successful LFW. The idea: to allow all fashion enthusiasts a glimpse of the priceless atmosphere, actual location and fashionable feel of the ultra-exclusive London Fashion Week itself. With amazing talks held all weekend long by some of the greatest names in fashion, hourly runway shows hosted by the charismatic (and Irish!) Angela Scanlon showcasing this season's freshest trends and so much more, LFWEnd was a weekend to remember. Somerset House is unbelievably beautiful in real life, and the buzzing (and slightly overcrowded) fashion-ness made it that much more alluring. The event was brimming with some of the most fashion-forward, well-dressed Londoners I have ever seen, and whether guests were browsing the carefully curated London designers' booths or enjoying a latté in the pop-up coffee shop, the opportunities for Instagram enjoyment (aren't they the same thing?!) were endless. 

One of the highlights of the sprawling shopping opportunities at LFWEnd was London's own Blake LDN - a deliciously fresh, modern knitwear line by a Central Saint Martin's graduate (and an ex-assistant knitwear designer at Rag&Bone!) Alice Ashby. With ultra-soft, wearable and simple pieces perfect for Britain's nippy weather, a cosy sweater or winter hat from Blake LDN is definitely on my winter wardrobe wishlist! These cuddly separates stick to the lovely European tradition of fine knitwear, but ditch the granny connotations for a breezy, urban vibe that any girl can adapt into her personal style. I just checked; there's nothing in this world that is cuter than a baby blue beanie by Blake LDN.

 Another insta-worthy display was that of Sophia Webster's. She is, quite simply, fashion's favorite new shoe designer, boasting a quirky imagination that knows no bounds. Her shoes are absolutely to die for - they're just the type of thing that would contribute to an amazing street style photograph by the likes of Tommy Ton or Scott Schuman outside the Lincoln Center or Somerset House. Sophia showed her latest collection at LFW this year as well; entitled "A Bug's Life," her latest designs can also be described as the product of "an insect sleepover" (she's talented AND she's funny!). "To top it all off, her designs were also showcased alongside J Crew's SS14 collection shown during NYFW. Talk about colorful multitasking! Rich, loud graphic themes and kaleidoscopic color compulsory.

 One of the most entertaining aspects of shopping at LFWEnd was scouting out blogger-extraordinaire Susie Lau's "edits" of the season; Britain's favorite fashion blogger did her rounds of the brands available for purchase at LFWEnd and assigned a Style Bubble tag to her favorite pieces! I'm proud to say that while we mightn't share the same level of eccentricity, I would've chosen almost everything that she did! Meeting her would've been the absolute icing on the cake, but I did meet someone else very worthy of note...

I was super lucky to nab a front row seat at Hilary Alexander's mindblowingly brilliant talk on the Fashion Journalism industry. To be up close and personal with one of the greatest, most achieved women in an industry I hope to be a part of was unforgettable, and hearing her inspirational words on her experiences travelling the world as a journalist opened me up to how multifaceted and holistic a career in fashion journalism is. It isn't about wearing expensive clothes and jet-setting to Milan, New York and back again, it's about "climbing Machu Picchu at the crack of dawn wearing the couture dresses we were going to try and shoot at the peak, with all the shoes and accessories jingle-jangling in our pockets." Yes, in an attempt to avoid paying a ridiculous amount to the authorities just to shoot a couture spread up on Machu Picchu, the 4-man team of model, stylist, photographer and Hilary each wore a Vivienne Westwood dress, concealed it with coats and sprinted up the mountain and managed to get a few good shots before scrambling back down again to avoid being caught. She spoke about technology's impact on fashion, the influence of bloggers, the importance of belief in yourself, fearlessness, and the non-quantifiable worth of hard work, and I was so utterly engrossed in this tiny woman and all the big things she had achieved (and has yet to achieve!). The ultimate queen of hilarious anecdotes and a wise woman of infinite substance and style (and absolutely NO snobbery or diva attitude whatsoever), it's safe to say that Hilary Alexander is my absolute idol.

The event sponsors also had many exciting things to share, including a complimentary manicure service for Vodafone customers, a Maybelline hair and makeup booth and a label.m hair salon for free styling services! Canon set up an amazing 360 degree camera booth which you stood in the middle of while various futuristic rotating screens and cameras engulfed you for a few moments in order to produce a true, all-encapsulating OOTD picture of you (I didn't try this out, so my description hails merely from my imagination). The event spaces were absolutely buzzing with people making full use of all the fun opportunities available at the event other than retail therapy - it was a lot of fun sharing the LFW experience with other bloggers and fashion enthusiasts alike.

Until next time, LFWEnd!

Check out my Instagram video to see snippets of the runway presentation!

chicstash.

 models at the chic stash launch event dressed in chic stash items

Keen on wearing the big names but only paying for small price tags? Think secondhand designer style is the ultimate eco-chic statement? Have a soft spot for giving back to your favorite international charities while looking fabulous? ChicStash is your ultimate e-commerce destination for uniquely personalized, high end delights to spruce up your wardrobe without breaking the bank (tons of items are massively discounted!), and trust me when I say that this site is definitely worth a visit for everything fashion-forward and wallet-friendly. Everything that is sold goes through rigorous quality checks by the dedicated (and super lovely!) ChicStash team who do a great job making sure you only receive items of the highest quality. This website is literally my newest addiction and I'm so happy to say that I was interviewed and featured in their latest newsletter, which you can sign up for when you create your ChicStash account. It's super easy to make a ChicStash account to start selling your pre-loved "stash," and you can either earn money for yourself from your sales or donate them to a charity of your choice. Looking good and doing good at the same time has never been easier!

ChicStash is fundamentally inspired by the quirky unexpectedness that is found in resale/vintage stores around the world, though mostly prevalent in Europe and the US. With the whole world migrating online to one extent or another, ChicStash decided to embrace that shift and bring high-end resale to Asia through an accessible and fun online portal. Inspired by women who are fashionably responsible and give back to the community while looking good, ChicStash aims to introduce that great habit to all its online users. In an attempt to create a friendly, fun marketplace of buyers and sellers who know each other and are therefore comfortable with buying from each other, being a part of the ChicStash community opens you up to new friends, new fashion and lots of fun (did I mention making those additional bucks yet?).

Furthermore, ChicStash offers a great service called Concierge Closet, which is for the busy fashionista who might not have time to manage their ChicStash account on their own. Leave it to the NYC-trained stylists behind ChicStash to run your account for you and help you snap up some extra cash - according to CEO Denise Palladino, "we know you're not wearing 80% of what's in your closet, so why not make some extra money?"

singapore blogger rana from bonjour singapore checking out the latest steals on sale at the event!

On top of that, raiding the closets of the most fashionable people in Singapore, Asia and beyond has never been easier. Check out the VIP section for an all-access pass to the most coveted wardrobes in the world - without a restraining order! My favorite VIP closets have got to be Julia Blank's and Claudia Krogmeier's. From models and DJs to stylists and businesswomen, shopping VIP  If you think you've got what it takes to be a VIP on ChicStash, apply here. Spaces are limited!

 So there you have it. For those of you who haven't explored Singapore's most up-and-coming secondhand online portal yet - please take five minutes (which will most likely become fifteen minutes, then an hour, then more...) to check it out here and be sure to follow ChicStash on their social media platforms: Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and Weibo!

chicstash.com 

This is a sponsored advertorial.

why perfume is the best thing ever.

Those of you who know me well will know that I have an uncontrollable obsession with perfume. Last year, my best friend in the UK mailed me a box filled with miniature perfumes (and appropriately lined with bubblewrap) that she used to collect/use, most of which were at least half full. On the rare occasion Mother Dearest is on a plane and in a good mood (those two things rarely occur simultaneously), she might purchase a small bottle of perfume for me from Singapore Airline's well-stocked KrisShop catalogue. My lovely boyfriend got me a set of 5 Jo Malone miniatures for Christmas, and another close family friend treated me to Bvlgari's Omnia Amethyst. I am a huge perfume junkie, because there are so many reasons to love perfume.

some of my all-time faves!

Perfume has the power to make or break your outfit and your impression. Scent is a powerful thing; too much, too little, or the wrong scent altogether can have surprisingly adverse effects. I once sat next to someone at a fashion show who was conservatively dressed, well-mannered and had beautiful, understated eye makeup - and reeked of cheap Playboy cologne. Enough said. Selecting a scent is similar to selecting an outfit - it reflects who you are and should communicate what you wish to portray yourself to the world as.

some more of my favorite fragrances!

It makes SUCH a great gift for a close girlfriend or someone you know well. It's so much fun to stroll through the perfume section of any department store to sniff out the best concoction for someone you care about - especially if you're familiar with their scent preferences! Think of it as identifying the perfume equivalent of your friend... Is she flowery and light or intense and dark? Best results when a different girlfriend accompanies you on this excitable quest for the perfect fragrance.

Images sourced from here, here and here

Perfume bottles are among the most beautiful things in this world. I never throw away empty perfume bottles because I believe they are so well-crafted and ornate enough to double as lovely-smelling decorations (I love to sandwich pink/gold perfume bottles in between my coffee table books on a shelf in my room for aesthetic effect), especially the ones with carefully laser-cut finishes that reflect light.

Images sourced from here, here, here and here

Lastly, as shallow as this may sound, perfume is an easy way to own something from your favorite designer. While a teenage girl like me can't exactly get her hands on Dior's runway pieces, she can probably save up for a bottle of Miss Dior Cherie. To be perfectly honest, I'm very rarely label-conscious when it comes to dressing; I'm not embarrassed to wear Forever 21/thrift because I don't believe that price tags dictate style. That being said, it's nice to have a small "token" item from the same designer who's runway presentations you gawk at - be it makeup, phone/laptop cases, or in this case, perfume. Considering I spend hours poring over backstage videos, makeup tutorials, livestreams, reviews and articles of the latest Chanel show, it's certainly a lovely feeling to be able to squirt a little (yet equally legit) delicious-smelling Chanel 'magic' into the air while I live out my fashion dreams behind a computer screen. I might be thousands of miles away from the action, but I'll be holding a bottle of it in my hand. It's nice to feel like a part of something you care about. 

Do you love perfume as much as I do? Let me know what your favorite fragrances are in the comments below!

10qq with drea.

Meet Andrea Chong, a 21 year old fashion blogger/model/extraordinaire from Singapore - aka one of the most GORGEOUS people I know; inside and out. She is in her third year of university studying Literature as an undergraduate at Nanyang Technological University as well as the host of online fashion TV show, "That F Word" on clicknetwork.tv. Andrea loves to spend her time at traveling (she recently came back from a trip to Paris, where most of the images below were shot), reading, cooking, and trying to get her nonchalant cat to love her. I'm a huge fan of her distinctive personal style, outgoing, bubbly presence and stunning modelling pictures! 

1. Something most people don't know about you:
I'm such a "housewife". I love cooking, and cleaning the house gives me so much satisfaction. Going to the household section in departmental stores actually makes me more happy than shopping. 

2. How you started modelling and blogging:

I started modeling with online clothing store, Tracyeinny, in 2010. I guess other online shops took notice of me then and I've been modeling ever since! I started blogging in September 2012. The producer for my fashion show "That F Word" encouraged me to set up a blog so that I will have an increased online presence - I was a real social media noob back then, I had no blog, no instagram, and no twitter account. The blog also served as a good way for my readers to get to know me and my style a little better!

3. Your favorite pastime:

I would say I love to sleep and just surf tumblr or pinterest all day long, but who doesn't?! I guess I love food-hunting. My boyfriend and I are always finding new places to eat, and it's always fun trying new food with him! I love hiking and trekking as well - it has always been a favourite family activity since I was young. 

4. Someone who always gives you a lot of support:

Definitely my parents and my boyfriend. They are always supportive of what I do, and are always there to give sound and rational advice, and emotional support. I don't know what I'd do without them!
 

5. Your least favorite food:

Hmmm, I don't like steak, is that weird?! There's just too much meat and I can never finish any steak if I tried! 

6. A place you'd love to visit:

I'd love to spend a month traveling around Switzerland and visiting all their famous nature spots. I'm a sucker for nature-focused travel destinations! 

7. A beauty product/tip you swear by:

Benefit Cosmetics' Hello Flawless Foundation for it gives my skin such a natural finish. But I swear by my Bosch 2-in-1 Hair Curler/ Straigtener the most, it is hands down the best hair curler and straightener I have used, and I don't think I can use any other brand. I am contemplating buying 5 of them just in case Bosch decides to discontinue the product. :/ 

8. How you stay in such trim shape:

I gym once a week, and I eat everything in moderation. I love my snacks and ice cream as much as the next person, but I will always ration them out over a few days. My meals are generally not very oily, and I must always have a balanced meal of carbohydrates, protein, and fibre (a.k.a rice, meat and vegetables). I try to avoid eating after 11pm as well as the body stops breaking down carbohydrates during the night. 
 

9. Your favorite designer label and why:

I'm not really into designer labels, but I've seen a couple of Elie Saab gowns on celebrities which I really love! There is this Elie Saab lilac lace chiffon dress Mila Kunis wore to the 2011 Oscars which I cannot stop stop obsessing over. I would love to have it as my wedding dress! 

10. Name something about yourself that you are constantly striving to improve:
I guess I would have to say everything? I'm always striving to be a better blogger, model, student, daughter, sister, girlfriend. I think if you start being contented and stop wanting to improve, something is definitely wrong. I believe in hard work and improvement - by wanting to better yourself, you bring in fresh ideas, stay on the competitive edge, love and give more, and be the best person you can be (: 

Check out Drea's blog here!