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 

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10qq with denise.

Meet Denise Palladino: super mom and fashion entrepreneur extraordinaire/founder of ChicStash.com! An inspiration to women of all ages and living (and glamorous!) proof that being a full-time mom and running a business can be done while looking and feeling good, read on to find out what Denise has to say, as well as a little bit about her highly successful albeit newly launched Singapore based e-commerce platform: ChicStash! If you're keen to find out more about CS, stay tuned to Seven Inch Stilettos in the next coming months when a full advertorial post comes your way!

1. What inspired you to begin Chic Stash?
Resale/vintage stores have always existed in many cities around the world.  We’re now seeing re-commerce migrating online with much success in the US and Europe. We’re leading this pre-loved fashion revolution in Asia with a rapidly expanding community of buyers and sellers.

Right: Denise Palladino with Rana of Bonjour Singapore at ChicStash's recent launch event!

2. Three things you always keep with you:

Hairbands- I always keep a few hairbands and bobby pins in my purse. They’re especially handy when I find myself overheated, or want to quickly change my look. Notebook and pen- a small notebook always comes in handy to jot down inspiration. Lipstick- at any given moment, I have about 4 different lipsticks, lip glosses in my bag. In a pinch, I can go from casual to elegant with a few sweeps of my red…pink…coral, (see, I can never decide) lipstick.

3. A place you've always wanted to travel to:

The Greek Island of Hydra. Imagine no phone reception, no cars, beautiful beaches, and a truly intact local culture.  Friends have a beautiful house there, now I just need to make the time!

4. Describe the typical Chic Stash woman in a sentence:

The CS Shopper is fun and fearless in her approach to dressing; casual in the morning, rocknrolla at night. Life is an endless costume party; she writes her own rules for a distinct look and embodies the true soul of chic.  

5. What is your favorite thing to do on a Saturday night?

Date Night at Ying Yang rooftop bar on Club Street with my hubby is always special.  Met my husband there 2 ½ years ago so to be able to sit down (with no other distractions) and catch up after the usually busy week is amazing. 

6. What are some of your personal favorite pieces on chicstash.com as of late?

From our Concierge/Curated Section: Violet Sapphire Ring, Sequin Chanel tank Top, YSL cream tux suit, Chloe Burgundy bag, and blue satin Louboutin pumps.

From the Marketplace: Great Marrimekko sunflower yellow dress, Collette Dinnigan black skirt & top, and a sexy Banana Republic pink silk camisole.

7. What was your dream career as a child?

To be a Ballerina (not Black Swan).

8. How did the name "Chic Stash" come about?

‘Chic’ reflects our community of users; fab dressers, smart resellers, and Eco-Chic fashionistas. We know that women aren’t wearing 80% of their wardrobes, that’s the ‘Stash.’

9. A food you've always hated?

All fast food – what IS it?

10. A piece of wisdom/motto that you live by:

"Service to others is the rent you pay for your room here on Earth." -Muhammad Ali

join the fun @ chicstash.com!

style.in.kind.

Boasting a kick-ass range of contemporary, youthful pieces for every occasion possible, style.in.kind is the newest exciting online fashion destination for must-have pieces that won't break the bank. From blouses to statement necklaces, style.in.kind's drool-worthy collection of unique pieces are peppered in plenty of color, and of course, the timeless promise of eternal style. Not only do they have their own collection of wonderful apparels, style.in.kind also proudly carries curated items from emerging independent Malaysian designers and labels such as Mno.logie, Midnight in E Garden by Ade G (which lucky Singaporean residents can find in Far East Plaza!), Fortune by Kim Dulaney and many more to come.

As their colorful landing page suggests, style.in.kind is filled to the brim with chic separates that can be easily combined to create a medley of different ensembles to fit your every mood and occasion. The brand were kind enough to sponsor me a few pieces which I am SO excited about - you can check out the clutch and shirt they sponsored me in this blogpost! The perspex clutch has such great studded detail and has found a permanent place on my shelf amongst my fashion magazines and books; talk about interior design potential as well as sartorial functionality! The refreshing, orange chevron-print blouse is lightweight and relaxed - I've already worn it so many times as it seems to fit every occasion perfectly; from date nights to fashion events.

 These are a couple of pictures off my Instagram (@veenamccoole - thank you for 1.5K by the way!) of style.in.kind's pieces - as you can see in the centre picture it's become a part of my room now! I'm in love with the super pretty blue and orange bracelets they sent me too (I'm so terribly obsessed with that color combination as of late - cue a "blue and orange" outfit post, perhaps!).

 Follow style.in.kind on Facebook and Instagram - and check out their website here!

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shopbop's new designers!

The rapid rise of the digital age in the context of fashion doesn't stop at simply promoting accessibility, breaking down barriers of exclusivity and giving online influencers a place among the stars in the front-row of fashion; one of the most striking facets of our technology-powered industry is the fact that one no longer needs to doll-up and head into town in order to snap up some sale pieces from their favorite designer. For someone who likes doing absolutely nothing at home, the idea of shopping from the comfort of my bed is EXTREMELY appealing - and what better place to shop online than Shopbop?

The cream of the crop in the world of e-retail, Shopbop was launched in 2000 and has since been successfully in sustaining their vision of catering to the "chic, modern woman" of today. Shopbop provides a personalized shopping experience to its customers and is recognized by the Wall Street Journal as having "the best customer service." A champion of emerging design talent (they feature limited edition pieces from top designers exclusively available on their site) and the first "magazine-meets-boutique" approach to e-commerce, Shopbop is arguably the best store of its kind - it's certainly made its way to my list of "Top Hits" lately! For a self-confessed newbie to the world of online shopping, Shopbop is definitely my top destination for future "e-splurges" on pieces from my favorite designers!

Here are my 5 picks from some of Shopbop's newest designers - let me know what you think of them!

1. One Teaspoon: Pretty Daggers Top
This homegrown Sydney label specializes in edgy yet wearable designs that bridge the gap between sexy rock-n-roll and laid-back surf culture, and is a great place to snap up deconstructed/reinvented wardrobe essentials in bold colors that transcend fast-fashion trends. I especially love this gorgeous caged top, it's basically the definition of Aussie Tumblr-style and can be worn in so many daring ways.

2. Vera Wang: Sleeveless Corseted Dress
Designed by the ever-reigning queen of the most important dress you'll ever wear (your wedding dress!), Vera Wang's aesthetic of elegance at every age is translated perfectly into this flattering white number. It's sophisticated but not dull and conservative but not granny-esque; while other designers struggle to walk the fine line between appropriateness and boredom, Vera Wang seems to skip along it and breeze right by. With simple pleating and an origami feel to the nipped in waist and medium-bodied skirt, this dress flatters the female form from every angle and promises to exude understated glamour.

3. Monika Chiang: Domina Chain Cuff Sandal
I've recently fallen very much in love with ankle-strap shoes; even though they provide the illusion of shorter, stumpier legs, I just love that they're a nice change from the generic pump-design of most heels. This head-turning design by Monika Chiang is a boundary-pushing, inspired take on classic athletic silhouettes - what I love is the range of textures, materials and color combined tastefully into one shoe that makes it the perfect focal point of a basic outfit. Monika Chiang's other designs feature the likes of mesh platforms and spiked wedge sneakers, making her name synonymous with all things sexy, grungy and athletic.

4. Liebeskind: Lioba Stainy Studs Bag
If there's one color that everyone needs to own more of, it's stone grey. Or rather, every single shade/tone (I forget which is the accurate artistic term!) between the extremes of black and white. Grey is such a beautifully understated addition to any outfit, it has a unique, offbeat appeal and is versatile beyond belief. This studded grey bag from Berlin-based brand Liebeskind (translation: "love child") is so wonderfully carefree, with a distinct charm that reflects the urban vibe of Berlin. Be it leather shorts, skinny jeans, a maxi dress or denim cutoffs, this bag might just be able to accompany every single outfit of yours out the door and onto the street.

5. ace&jig: Rolled Tee Blouse
If there's something I literally cannot ever have enough of, it's slouchy tees. This particular one comes with a great history as well as interesting details - the yarn-dyed striped fabric is made in collaboration with specialists in India on ancient hand looms. It adds the perfect touch of color, texture and a wonderful snippet of historical context to anything from a ripped pair of boyfriend jeans to a flowy maxi skirt.

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kristine's collection.

 Founded in 2009, Kristine's Collection has quickly expanded to be one of the most established go-to online stores for women in Singapore seeking fresh, fun and functional dresses (and occasionally separates) for work and leisure. With conservative cuts and feminine prints, Kristine's Collection offers weekly launches of clothing - all using the highest quality fabrics. Unlike many online stores in Singapore which source their apparels from wholesalers, every piece in Kristine's Collection is designed with love by husband-and-wife duo Kristine and Jason. Furthermore, every launch is accompanied by a limited number of bags and accessories - so fret not, if you're looking to complete your outfit, Kristine's got you covered!

Having done a handful of shoots with Kristine and Jason over the past month, we've grown to become good friends as well as business partners (bakkwa and cookies between outfit changes - yes please!). Although I haven't been working with them for long, I've already been dressed in a MASSIVE range of styles and colors over a mere few collections, showing the huge variety and diversity offered by this lovely homegrown label. I've also had the privilege of taking home a couple of courtesy pieces from their brand, and I've honestly worn most of those pieces far too many times to count - I love them!

For behind-the-scenes snaps from photoshoots, discount codes, sneak peeks and other updates, follow Kristine's Instagram, Facebook, Website, and Twitter!

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shop ohmysmoothies!

 Enclosed are some of my favorite pictures/pieces from my recent shoots with OMS. Check out OhMySmoothies' affordable collections on their website and facebook page - new stuff is launched weekly and nothing is over SGD$15!

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wisteria.

 With an adorable collar and a romantic lace overlay, this feminine piece is sure to make you feel princess-y!

 The super-versatile Kelly dress is simple and has such cute shoulder detailing, definitely not to miss!

 This adorable number in a summery, pastel hue is a must-have in any girl's wardrobe!

Lace and peplum are definitely a match made in heaven, and I'm such a sucker for that beautiful royal blue color!

Dress up in style with Wisteria!

Wisteria’s eclectic series of affordable and quality apparels are perfect for everything, really: work, school and play. With a new collection launched every week, there are plenty of colors and designs to choose from! Wisteria's versatile designs also allow you to take the same piece from day to night with just a simple change of accessories. It's always tough to strike a balance between quantity and quality; we all want LOADS of clothes that wear well, yet often times our wallets only allow for either a) one or two high quality pieces, or b) a huge handful of not-so-lasting apparels. With Wisteria, you don't have to worry about making that choice: their low prices ensure you can shop for good-quality clothing to your heart's content without a trace of guilt! Look fabulous, fashion-forward, and still have some cash left over... to shop Wisteria's next collection, of course! My favorite pieces in this collection have got to be the Vera dress, Anne dress and Belle dress. Click through on each of the names to see more pictures! 

 
Stay updated with the latest news and promotions by joining Wisteria's mailing list (follow them on Instagram at @shopwisteria as well!) and visit their Facebook page for a chance to win some Wisteria shopping vouchers too!  

And here's a treat just for my lovely readers: use the discount code "VEENA5%" at the Wisteria checkout for an exclusive 5% discount off your entire purchase!

So what are you waiting for?! Shop Wisteria now! 

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lace & ebony.

Founded in December 2011, Lace and Ebony has quickly become one of Singapore's most prominent destinations for online shopping - and with such beautiful designs for the fashion-conscious individual as well as a wallet-friendly price range of $25-$35 apiece, it's no surprise the brand has taken the fancy of thousands of women. The brand strikes a successful balance between quality and affordability, and this collection, entitled "Casual Fallacy," consists of staple separates which add a fashion-forward flavor to any wardrobe. High-waisted shorts with a lacy overlay, feathery-light blazers in electric hues, galaxy print dresses and the snuggliest shirts you could imagine... you name it and Lace and Ebony will most probably have it. Seriously. Selling everything from office-worthy apparel to floor-length dresses, owner Angela describes Lace and Ebony clothing as "feminine with an edge." As well as being able to shop directly from their website, Lace and Ebony has expanded to sell at local boutique FirstDay (Plaza Singapura B1-19).

I had the privilege of modelling Lace and Ebony's newest collection, which I honestly could not have fallen more in love with (call it a clothes crush, IT HAPPENS OKAY). I can recall previous shoots where my departure was met with a twinge of sadness in my heart as I thought of all the beautiful clothes I'd worn - and then had to walk away from, but that frivolous materialistic heartache was amplified a thousand times after shooting this collection. I honestly loved every single piece to the desperate extent that I immediately spent the money I'd earned from modelling on two of my favorite pieces (I had to narrow down from 15 pieces to 2, sigh).

~

So what are you guys waiting for? Head over to laceandebony.com at 10pm (Singapore time!) tomorrow night (18th October) to catch the launch of Casual Fallacy, and treat yourself to some retail therapy without breaking the bank! Check out Lace and Ebony on FACEBOOK, INSTAGRAM and TWITTER as well (@laceandebony)

What do you think of Lace and Ebony's new collection "Casual Fallacy," and what's your favorite piece from the photos above?

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