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!

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

optical illusion.

 bag - c/o jumpfrompaper

top - c/o part and parcel

skort - zara

shoes - dr. martens

Meet the most exciting, unreal addition to my wardrobe: Jumpfrompaper's Cheese bag! I was bouncing up and down when JFP contacted me and asked me to make one of the hardest decisions of ever: picking one bag from their colorful website. While I would be the happiest bunny to take home all of their eclectic, puzzlingly wonderful creations, the "Cheese" bag had to be my favorite. I love the girl-next-door satchel style and I don't own anything in this cheddar cheese color, making it an even more special, unique newbie to my closet. I love the confused stares and obvious double-takes I get when taking this bag out and I certainly don't expect anything less of passerbys; it's quite the statement bag with a very confusing aesthetic construction! Browsing the JFP website left me curious as to how these bags actually looked and felt in real life - "they look so fake and animated!" said a good friend of mine. I don't know how much sense this makes, but if I say that the bag looks exactly as how you're currently imagining it to be through these pictures, I hope that clarifies things for you. 

I love the casual, slouchy and breezy quality of this blue and white striped top gifted to me by local blogshop Part and Parcel. It has a wide, low neckline, making it perfect as a swimsuit throw-over too. The slanted breast pockets and aforementioned neckline create physical linear patterns, emphasized by the stripes, which I like to believe gives a nice slimming effect, as well as the linear cut of my trusty Zara skort. This skort is probably the most overexposed garment of 2013, and rightly so. I have yet to find a more comfortable, versatile option to carry me securely through the awkward gaps of dress codes that life presents me with. Fashion events, tuition, meetings, breakfasts, lunches, dinners, snacktimes, coffees... the list of instances where this skort is appropriate is truly infinite. The geometric nature of the "origami" skirt instantly adds an interesting angle to the simplest white-tee-and-flats combo, yet simultaneously serves to simplify an ensemble consisting of digital prints and kaleidoscopic sky-high heels. You want versatility, affordability, effortlessness and perfection, did you say? Get your a** to Zara and snap up one or four of these gems.

10qq with willabelle.

 

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

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

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

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

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

3) What's your guilty pleasure comfort food?

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

4) What's your least favorite activity?

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

5) What is your staple accessory?

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

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

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

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

To stop worrying so much!
 

8) What do you love about yourself?

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

9) Heels, booties, wedges or flats?

Heels... And wedges. 

10) Hopes and dreams for the future?

To travel the world!

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

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

contact high.

crop top: h&m fashion against aids

skater skirt: c/o ohmysmoothies

lace button down: forever 21

heels: topshop

bangle: dorothy perkins

wristlet: coach

Here's an outfit Sophie and I shot ages ago at Holland Village, right before attending Wyld Agencies Pop-Up store media party at Blackmarket @ Orchard Central. I wore this same lace top to AFF2012 but decided to experiment with wearing it as a piece of unbuttoned outerwear. I bought this crop top AGES ago when H&M's Fashion Against Aids line was out for a limited time in Singapore for it's versatility, interesting print, affordability and great festival-style potential, but never really wore it until I acquired what I now deem it's perfect match; the red skater skirt with youthful flare and spinnability (you know what I mean). I decided that since Rumi Neely wears loads of ankle-strap sandals, I should too (even though they visually shorten your legs), and what better motivation to buy something than Rumi Neely and a discount price tag you simply can't say no to? Thanks for the memories sales, Topshop. I also love the serious simplicity of this black Coach wristlet which makes it almost invisible; it's an anti-statement (but it still carries things!) to the point where I feel like it's not even there half the time - perfect for when a great outfit needs to take centre stage! Cue matching accessories, a great metallic smokey eye and we're good to go.

contact high - architecture in helsinki

rockefeller.

Fleece: Uniqlo

Coat: Zara

Bag: H&M

Jeans: Topshop

Boots: Dr. Martens

~

 One of the best weeks of my life was a few weeks ago in February when I spent a week in the States for my sixteenth birthday. We spent a couple days in Connecticut seeing family and friends, but the remainder of time was spent roaming around the chilly streets of Manhattan and exploring what might just be my future home one day. I thought I'd be able to prance around the streets in cute leather jackets and unzipped winter layers, but the botoxed weather-woman (?) wasn't kidding when she said it would be freezing so I whipped out the woolly hats and gloves instead - no shame because warmth is paramount! These pictures were taken during our Valentine's Day excursion to the Rockefeller Center, where we witnessed the most incredible views of the city from the Top of the Rock observation deck after making a two-hour detour to Banana Republic (yum) and Anthropologie (more yum). I'm such a sucker for this place.

I scooped up this gorgeous coat at a ridiculously marked-down price from Zara a few days before my trip, and I don't think I've ever made a wiser purchase (primarily because it looks like something Rumi Neely might wear). It's versatile yet very edgy, and is designed perfectly for winter; the A-line cut ("You look like a tent!" said Mom) means there's room for proper warm layers underneath, and the turtleneck-avec-buckle leaves room for a scarf. My biggest regret on the trip was not bringing a greater selection of bags, so unfortunately my trusty satchel had to suffice the whole time (Cue PS11, pretty please!). Anyhoo, I tried to create some kind of middle-ground between the black coat/boots and the brown bag/fleece by wearing a pair of muted khaki-colored jeans, which seemed to successfully bridge the gap. Until the day I can travel with an entourage of LV suitcases piled up as high as I please, dressing out of a suitcase will never be something I enjoy (I'm not sure whether I should point out my lack of accessories, or whether you've already noticed). 

More NYC photos coming soon!

xo 

lomography!

With a delicious potluck feast, walls lined with funky cameras and hipsters aplenty, Lomography Singapore's 20th Anniversary Party was the perfect way to kickstart my weekend with the ever-lovely Zack. Admittedly, such an event wasn't exactly a fashion blogger's stomping ground, and given my lack of proficiency with cameras/electronic devices in general, I felt a tad out of place, but I got up and did the macarena anyway and then I made friends and ate lots of cake. My knowledge about photography doesn't even exceed Instagram, but I can't deny my love for the lightweight, colorful cameras and the one-of-a-kind effects that they bestow on photographs of any kind. Meerly Wang, Managing Director of Lomography Singapore, was lovely enough to have a chat with Zack and I; she named the fish-eye lens as her all-time favorite and recommended the "La Sardina" camera for rookies like myself - so who knows, maybe I'll start my photography career with Lomography soon!

quiz | what's your fall style?

1. My favorite season is:

a) Winter

b) Fall

c) Summer

2. I would describe my style as:

a) Feminine - I love layering!

b) Geometric - I like playing with shapes and tailoring.

c) Celebrity inspired - I keep my outfits edgy and on-trend.

3. ______ matters most to me.

a) Being comfortable and warm

b) Looking classy and professional

c) Standing out

4. My favorite accessories are:

a) A wool-blend hat or soft scarves

b) A couple of versatile geometric, statement accessories

c) Every single bracelet/necklace/ring I own

5. My favorite color palette has to be:

a) neutral lights, such as cream, white, grey and tan.

b) muted hues, such as brick red, navy blue and forest green.

c) fluorescents and brights, with lots of neon and ombre.

6. My go-to piece in my wardrobe:

a) My woolly cardigan

b) My tailored blazer

c) My ripped jeans

If you chose mostly a's:

Silky soft layers in creamy hues are reminiscent of winter's powdery beds of snow and are perfect for those more inclined to pursue a "comfortable-chic" look. Muted tones like the ones pictured above don't leave much room for error, and can be easily layered to suit the temperature or your mood. A favorite of mine has got to be that aztec-printed woolly - the shapelessness of it would go so well with a pair of equally flattering skinny jeans!

If you chose mostly b's:

 Step up the edginess with architectural heels, fitted blazers, tailored shorts and studded loafers. While you're going crazy with dimension, shape and form, make sure you keep a good balance by skipping out on colors that are too extreme. Ditch the vermillion and opt for a brick red, and who needs electric blue jeans when you've got an effortless pair of acid-washed ones? Next time you're out for some retail therapy, opt for the accessories rack instead and pick up some statement bracelets/geometric necklaces!

If you chose mostly c's:

Your wardrobe is best defined as a disorderly explosion of color and eclectic finds, regardless of whether you picked them up from Fendi or a flea market. Sometimes the most unexpected color combinations wind up being the best, and you're definitely not afraid to take that risk! Get your hands on as many printed pieces as you can, stir things up with a colorful ombre top, and finish with white-hot Docs for a winning ensemble.