september's lovely links!

1. Thought Catalog: 25 Wise, Philosophical Quotes From Disney Movies.
Sometimes we are far too absorbed in abstract, convoluted fragments of "wisdom" from ancient generations to look closely enough at more recent figures of influence for snippets to live life by. Not that this is always a bad thing because it isn't, but there's a lot of wisdom in more modern culture if we seek it. The best example of a fairly recent inspiration I can think of is Walt Disney, who shaped a lot of our childhoods and taught us the building blocks of loyalty, love and life. I was so excited to have stumbled across this Thought Catalog article, as it combines two of my favorite things: quotes and Disney movies! Check the article out here.
(image credit)

2. Jimmy Kimmel Live: Lie Witness News - NYFW 2013
This is seriously the biggest laugh of the (fashion) season; while we fashion people try and dodge the stereotypes of being superficial, materialistic and unintelligent (not everyone in fashion has those characteristics okay!), this is a hysterical example of the exceptions to that statement. Watch flamboyantly dressed wannabes elaborate enthusiastically about designers who don't even exist, believe that a designer sent a male model donning watermelon headgear down the runway and hop around in excitement over this season's "uniboot." Click through for big fashion laughs!

 3. ZDNet: Four Privacy Settings You Should Enable in iOS7 Immediately
A helpful link for all the excited and not-so-excited (I fit into the latter category) iOS7 converts to maintain their privacy on the iPhone's new software. Four easy steps that'll take you hardly any time at all and will save you further fuss in the future! I'm still not a fan of the Google-esque knockoff appearance of iOS7 though. I'm resisting the switch until it's absolutely necessary!

4. Blogilates.com
If you haven't ever shamelessly rolled out a yoga mat in your bedroom and worked out with the absolute goddess of a ball of energy that is Cassey Ho, I don't know where you've been. This powerhouse of a woman will become your free-of-charge personal trainer and will motivate you to work hard, stay strong, eat clean and get that dream body (I love her to death and I haven't ever met her). She's charismatic and a whole lot of fun, and the best part is that everyone has access to her amazing expertise for free! So go ahead and watch her YouTube videos, cook up some of her Cheap Clean Eats in the kitchen, download her app and print out her workouts - I promise you won't regret it!

5. The Quiet Place
There isn't much that needs to be said about this website, other than the fact that it's probably the most worthwhile website that has ever captured my attention and time. Take some time out of your busy day to give this website a shot, and I promise it will be the most wonderful, refreshing experience. 

+ In case you guys haven't heard, seven inch stilettos has a new bi-monthly segment, humbly entitled "lovely links," which does just that: provides you with five interesting, thought provoking and often amusing articles, videos and images from around the web (not necessarily related to fashion). Read July's segment here and stay tuned for November's lovely links!

saloni rathor AW13 | the passage.

 "Pinned from a fantasy, The Passage is a fragile, exotic and romantic collection filled with rich colours and elaborate prints of blemished butterfly motifs and shadows of the exotic Dutch dancer, the Mata Hari."

"A tale of romance, dreams, imperfections and hope."

Referencing the relatively expressive sartorial attitudes of the 1920's, The Passage's 21 highly successful ensembles introduce a multitude of fabrics with rich cultural significance and historical backgrounds to form a worldly, ornate collection infused with a "sense of travel and discovery." Incorporating statement silhouettes and clean lines, it adds an edgy modernity to the historic roots of classic feminine dressing without losing that authentic flavor that such old-turned-new collections tend to let slip away. Rich natural references, a favorite of Saloni's to explore in all her collections, materialize in the form of digital prints and abstract detailing. Blooming purple hues excite the "Wish Upon A Butterfly" dress, and an asymmetrical hemline poses the juxtaposition of organic imperfection and sleek modern geometry. A simple, effective, yet relatively unpopular design choice of tassels, as seen on the "Mystic Falls" dress, adds breathtaking movement, transient layering and an "elusive image" of Mata Hari. The Passage represents a journey; a rite of passage through the turbulence and beauty of human experience, emotion and memory. The Passage is elegance flavored with mystery, sophistication doused in wisdom, and an unshakeable coolness aided by flattering tailoring. Wanderlust compulsory.

10qq with islean.

 Powerful - Sexy - Sophisticated - Chic. If I had to sum up ARC's aesthetic in four words, those would be the four I'd choose. No one, I repeat NO ONE, knows power-dressing the way Islean Valath does, and that's why every woman needs an ARC piece in her wardrobe - for kick-ass, no-nonsense sophistication. In my mind, the ARC woman is the urban, polished CEO with the world at her manicured fingertips who wears heels as high as her achievements and champions a wardrobe of professional, understated elegance laced with bold sexiness. While we can't all be that CEO, we can sure as hell dress like her with price points of $150 for a skirt to $358 for a dress. ARC echoes the clean aesthetic of sparkling urban life, and achieves a unique sexiness while maintaining generally conservative cuts. With excellent quality and a design philosophy like no other, ARC stands out in the Singaporean design scene as the pioneer of modern, feminine dressing. Islean describes her brand vision as follows:

"A segment of a circle. A curve. The make-up of a woman's body. ARC is inspired by the curves that govern the female form, seeking to draw attention to that which should be, and to hold back what is best veiled... The juxtaposition of the hard-edged and soft curves echoes a balance that all modern women must find: somewhere between fragile and hard, strong and delicate."

1) What's your favorite way to spend a Friday night? Catching up with my best girlfriends over a good meal. I don't get to see them often enough due to our travel and work schedules, so it's always such a treat to meet up. We don't frequent clubs and bars at all, but prefer to chill over a good meal in Katong where we grew up together, or somewhere in the Little India/Bras Basah areas. Invariably we'll end up having a great time, laughing our heads off over something or other. Of course it's always a feast, ending with someone whipping out a box of cupcakes or local kueh they had bought along the way. We're all pretty consistent and passionate about yoga and gymming, so we never feel guilty going crazy with the desserts.

2) What are some of your daily online reads? I love the crisp sounds of a publication being flipped early in the morning. I do read online mags but there's nothing on the web that's a daily habit.

3) Name a celebrity you'd love to dress in your designs: Natalie Portman. She's the perfect combination - intelligent, grounded, doesn't take herself too seriously, amazing at her craft, wacky funny, and if all that isn't enough, she's got a flawless face and body.

4) What's a color you'd never wear? Cyan blue. It really doesn't work with my skin tone. Might be great on someone else, but just terrible on me.

5) What's something you always have with you? I hate to admit this, but its my iPhone. Yes I know, people are now completely glued to their handheld devices, causing big shifts and possibly detrimental effects on our social paradigms, not to mention really embarrassing facial expressions on the trains as we attempt to get to the next level of Candy Crush. I can't help it though, I'm addicted to my machine! I don't actually play any games at all. For me it's emails, whatsapp and googling - you see I just HAVE to find the answer to any question I have. Immediately.

6) Name a designer you look up to/are inspired by: There are so many, but for a long time now I've been a huge fan of Haider Ackermann. His work is just phenomenal and he's got such a strong, recognizable voice in his creations.

7) What's your least favorite food? I was forced to eat this 3 times a week when I was a kid: steamed whole fish with ginger & Chinese wine. The smell and slimy skin of the fish made want to puke, and the eyes of the fish staring at me from the plate freaked me out.  Kind of like the Mona Lisa eye-contact effect, except not very pleasant because it's a dead fish...

8) What are your thoughts on Singapore's fashion scene? There's definitely more and more interesting street fashion in Singapore that I've noticed in the past couple years. Every time I see someone, young or old wearing a great outfit styled in a unique, imaginative way, I think to myself, "How awesome, this is the next stage of our development in Asia: creative personal growth." Not merely in small alternative pockets of society, but throughout the mainstream, there is burgeoning recognition that personal expression / individuality are things that aren't to be feared and rejected.

9) Something you've never done but you'd like to try: Bit of a cliche, but for me it really is bungee jumping. I have family in New Zealand so it's long overdue; on my next trip I will have to make good on my self-promise to take the plunge, so to speak...

10) What are your dreams for the future? Being invited to show my line at one of the major cities' fashion weeks is a real dream.

What do you think of Islean's designs and ARC?

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.

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?

simplicity.

 A shapeless silhouette in a snowy hue, complete with a modest hemline and beautifully braided straps - this is just about as simple as it gets. A gift from my mother, this humble LWD has rooted itself firmly in the depths of my closet, and is definitely here to stay. With simplicity comes versatility, and I can only begin to imagine the infinite clothing combinations I could concoct with this hushed canvas of a dress. Although this isn't quite the ivory statement a la Alexander Wang SSRTW13, it's definitely a piece that can be easily manipulated to inspire a medley of looks. This time round, the dress spoke for itself in all its innocence, and was complemented with natural makeup, a refreshing lack of accessories and gloriously bare feet. As for the next time I decide to take this dress out for a not-so-voluminous spin, I'll definitely don a leather jacket, a pair of chunky boots and a skinny belt for good measure.

Many thanks to local freelance photographer Jess Gomes-Ng for the wonderful 

shoot - be sure to check out her facebook page!

~

What's your newest wardrobe staple? What do you think of LWDs?

summer inspiration.

Here are some pictures I've gathered off Tumblr which pretty much sum up the meaning of summer to me - a time of glorious relaxation and exciting adventures; of lazy mornings, sun-drenched afternoons and adrenaline-fueled nights, of endless adventure and exciting exploration. It's a well-deserved hiatus from the monotonous routines of school/work which we are subjected to for the remainder of the year. Summer is such a brilliant time in so many ways, but I definitely think the best thing about summer is the fact that it's yours. It's a huge chunk of time for you to use in whatever way you want, and time is always of the essence when you're living in a city and there's barely enough of it to breathe. 

Some spend their summers attending camps, doing internships and enriching their knowledge and experience. Others unplug themselves from the world and embark on extensive adventures to the most remote places on our planet - without contact to the outside world for weeks. Some spend their days and nights by the ocean; and come home with flushed cheeks, stringy hair and sandy toes. The season of summer is so infinite: it's filled with such a vast variety of possibilities and opportunities, and this summer has flown by all too quickly.

Because I live in such a tropical climate, spending summer somewhere a little more chilly is never an issue. Our annual return to Ireland demands a host of jeans, sweaters and layers, because we see grey skies and windy storms far more often than we see the sun shining here. Although that's certainly a reason to grumble for most, I quite enjoy the refreshing change in weather - it's an excuse to utilize some of my favourite wardrobe pieces: wool blazers, fur hoodies and printed scarves. I'm in Ireland right now, and this year we've been lucky with quite a bit of sunshine!

Hope everyone's enjoying the last few weeks of this glorious season C:

xx v.

follow seven inch stilettos on facebook/twitter/bloglovin'

floaty florals.

all pictures from tumblr

The arrival of Spring, and more importantly, the debut of those S/S'12 collections in stores, seems to always hold such mild, ladylike connotations in my mind. I gathered a bunch of my favourite pictures on Tumblr of anything cream-colored, lacy, pastel pink, anything with frocks, ribbons, washed out florals or rusty gold ornamental jewelry, sleepy mornings, sunshine, lots and lots of pretty pretty flowers, sunny afternoons, Miss Dior Cherie (God, I drown myself in that stuff every morning) and ladylike hats (which I think should totally come back into fashion, like seriously). Spring is a time of awakening, the arrival of warm weather, the unfolding of opulent flowers and the long-anticipated farewell to winter for a whole year, and what better way to welcome the season than to pack up all those thermals and bulky coats, and step out in a girly ensemble consisting of luxuriously light hues and decadent fabrics? 


Veena's tips to Spring-ify your life: (Especially if you live in a country where seasons don't exist (Like Singapore! Yay Singapore!) and you're in exceptional need of some seasonal reassurance)

1. Let your hair down (yes, I mean literally), and if you're feeling like a mega-cutie then stick a flower in your hair or something (but don't, like, start headbanging to Radiohead if you've put flowers in your hair; if you dress like one of dem sophisticated bitchez, then at least try to act like one). 
2. Make yourself some tea and put it in an elegant, gold-edged teacup with a matching saucer and everything (empty Vitamin Water bottles suffice perfectly, in my case), and then sip it and stick your pinky out for maximum effect. And oh yeah, sit back and bathe in the knowledge that you're drinking tea because you CAN, and not because you're freezing your ass off and you need to drink it to defrost your lips.
3. Just empty your closet of wintry influences. THAT SEASON IS OVER. Clear out any stray wintry things in your room; scarves, leg warmers, stray snowflakes and shit, the usual. It's Spring now, a new season with new possibilities, so throw petals in the air and embrace the crispness of the fresh season. 

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

And I know this seems like ages ago, but I'm finally announcing the winner of my first ever giveaway! Anna Pitto of Followpix is the lucky girl, who'll find a parcel full of various goodies waiting in her mailbox sometime within the next few weeks! (depending on the speed of which I get off my ass and walk to the post office, and the subsequent speed of the postman on her side of the world).

.

Thank you to everyone who entered; I got far more entries than I expected, so yeah. You guys are awesome.

.

follow seven inch stilettos on facebook/twitter/bloglovin'/tumblr

chilly mornings, ragged androgyny and pumpkin soup.

I'm too lazy to credit these pictures, they're all from tumblr and therefore are the intellectual property of all hipsters present on the aforementioned site.

As I watch temperatures across the globe slowly creep down the thermostat, the rest of the world seems to be drifting into a dormant, chilled state. I feel so restless here in Singapore; it's monsoon (rainy) season and as the days drag on it's getting harder and harder to pretend like the rain slamming down on my roof is snow (or something equivalent to that exciting extent).

So, to compensate for my uncontrollable wanderlust which is only aggravated by this upcoming festive season, I have handpicked a few pictures off tumblr which best describe my awkward craving for freezing weather, woolly layers, ugg boots that bulge with fluff and steaming mugs of hot chocolate. Enjoy, my darlings.

twitter/facebook/bloglovin