#WILDFORJUICY

On the 24th October during my short trip home to Singapore, I was fortunate enough to attend Juicy Couture's newest store opening in Singapore in none other than the prestigious "Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands" on the Canal Level of the glitzy shoppe-ing mall. Occupying a luxurious 1,800 square feet of decadence, femininity and Los-Angeles cool, all media representatives and fashion enthusiasts at the event enjoyed delicious refreshments, catchy tunes by the one and only Linda Hao (owner of YESAH, half of DJ TWOFACE) and a preview of the sparkling store space. The interiors are characterized by a much more directional aesthetic, including highlights such as crystal chandeliers, herringbone floors and stunning decorative moldings which add a high-end touch of refined elegance to an otherwise youthful, spontaneous brand. Another focus of the event was Juicy Couture's latest fragrance, Viva La Juicy Noir. A more sensual, smoky and dark expression of the original sweet notes of Viva La Juicy, this fragrance is a definite must-have for those who express their iconic personal style loudly and proudly - it certainly ain't for the faint-hearted!
 

A spectacular event is never complete without an equally star-studded guest list, and leave it to Bless Inc Asia to bring along Singapore's biggest fashion icons such as Daniel Boey, Sheila Sim and Asia's Next Top Model runner-up Sofia Wakabayashi to the event. Hosted by an equally fabulous pair of MTV Asia VJs Alan Wong and Hanli Hoefer, there couldn't have been more excitement and charisma overflowing in any event - plus, they were all dressed to kill. My two girlfriends and accompaniments for the event were a little (or a lot!) smitten for Alan, and I hit it off really well with Hanli, who is just as sweet as she is beautiful. We went to the same school (each for ten years) so we had plenty to talk about! She also gave me some enlightening, professional advice about my modelling career, which I thoroughly appreciated and was honored to receive.

"Famous for ascending the pink tracksuit to its status as a casual luxury icon, Juicy Couture has grown today into a global hit, with an assortment of fashion apparel for women, girls and babies, including handbags, shoes, intimates, swimwear, fragrance, accessories, jewelry, sunglasses, and small leather goods. The brand continues to evolve, bringing the same confident and feminine attitude to everything it creates." - Bless Inc Asia

As well as mingling with all the famous names in fashion, I thoroughly enjoyed catching up with some dear friends I hold close to my heart, namely Sara-Ann K, Katherine of Bubbamama, Kara Bensley of WYLD Agencies, blogger Yovani Turner and more. I wore a geometric printed blazer courtesy of wholesale7.net, a white blouse courtesy of Threepurs, wedges from Primark, lucite clutch courtesy of style.in.kind and a blue skirt from Lace and Ebony.

The fun didn't stop at fashion celebrities, a directional new store and the clothes themselves - there were also a series of super fun games, activities and lucky draws for guests to enjoy! Whether you wanted your initials in rhinestones on a hot pink Juicy Couture badge, or you fancied taking a guess at the missing scent (sandalwood or cinnamon) from Viva la Juicy Noir in order to stand a chance to win a bottle of the delicious perfume, there was so much to do and we had so much fun doing all of it. My favorite aspect of the event was the insta-printer, which provided memorable little printouts of any Instagram pictures hashtagged #jcsingapore and #wildforjuicy. There was an Instagram competition run as well, and the lucky winners would each receive a Juicy Couture watch! I couldn't believe my luck when I found out that I was one of the lucky winners! 

What do you think of Juicy Couture? If you're in Singapore, make sure you stop by and check out the gorgeous new store at the Canal Level of The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands!

two weeks in the +65!

 After an amazing first 8 weeks (that absolutely flew by!) at boarding school in England, I couldn't be happier to come home to Asian food, warm weather, my family, friends and beloved bed. The heat is even more unbearable than when I left - I don't think I'll be wearing anything other than strappy tops and shorts in fear of perspiring to death in this horrific humidity! Life has been craaaazy busy and I literally hit the ground running (...to fashion week, that is); from hopping straight off my flight and dashing to catch the Frederick Lee and Julien Fournie for Love, Bonito shows at FIDe Fashion Week to being reunited with all my lovely friends and my boyfriend, it's all been non-stop since I flew in last week and I'm loving every second of it. Lunching with my dad at our favorite Tiong Bahru eatery "Open Door Policy," coffee dates with Emma, fun photoshoots and modelling jobs, study dates with Camilla, celebrating Zack and Ayush's birthday, gymming with my lovely brothers, attending exciting meetings and events, shooting outfit posts with my mom, going for evening strolls with my boyfriend and trying to get some of my holiday homework done are only a few highlights of the many things I've been up to in the span of 7 days. One week down and one more to go; livin' at full speed is the best way I know how. 

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.

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!

QUESTION AND ANSWER: Coffee with Veena + Zack!

I'm so happy to announce that my second (and hopefully not last!) YouTube video in collaboration with my best friend Zack (you might know him as "zachwithak" on his social media channels and "zackhourihane" on YouTube) is live: "QUESTION AND ANSWER! Coffee with Veena + Zack" !!! It's always so much fun collaborating with my lovely and talented bestie, who is the Entertainment Editor of famous local news portal "Popspoken," as well as an achieved YouTube singer/songwriter. We filmed this fun video at a quirky concept space on McCallum Street called "SPRMRKT" (that's "supermarket" minus the vowels), which houses a delectable selection of home-cooked food and nibbles, assorted cooking utensils and keepsakes sourced from all over the world, and some insanely beautiful art pieces by emerging local visual artists. It's a cosy little hub of all things alternative and inspiring and is sure to redefine your dining/shopping experience by mixing them together at one perfect location! Oh, and my gorgeous black top was sponsored by Threepurs, who you might have read about in my previous advertorial post here! There isn't much else to say that isn't already said in the video, so if you're interested to hear everything from our career aspirations to what's on our iPhone lock screens and way more in-between, check out our video now! Leave your thoughts in the comments, give us a thumbs up if you enjoyed the video and share the link to share the love! We'll love you lots (even more than we already do!) for that :)

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!

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!

sogurt café + sogurtbash!

 A couple weeks ago I had the honor of hosting Sogurt's 3rd Anniversary Party at Zouk Singapore: #SOGURTBASH! I had a lot of fun with my co-host Luke Lee (yes - the one from ABTM!), blogger Georgina Poh and everyone else who came along to join in the fun. Thanks for coming you guys - you made the evening absolutely brilliant and I'm sure you had as great a time as I did! My hair was sponsored by Liese, makeup sponsored by Maybelline, stunning floral crown sponsored by Plume Insignia (an Etsy store started by two of my good friends!), and pretty ice-cream heels sponsored by Melissa (many thanks to Chrissa for helping to coordinate the shoe sponsorship!). My skirt is from webstore Lace and Ebony, my dress (worn as a top) is from Zara and my accessories are from Lovisa! The theme of the event was "Garden of Eden," so I decided to stick to the theme by wearing a floral top and crown. However, I also wanted to mix those florals with something edgier, and this electric blue skirt with peplum laser-cut details was begging to make its debut, so I opted for the skirt and a pair of delicious, sparkly ice-cream heels. The jelly heels were super easy to walk in and very comfortable/light, and while the ice-cream design didn't exactly comply to the dresscode, I thought it added a colorful, fun accent.

 Last but not least, I have Auum to thank for sponsoring my beautiful bio-sculpture nail extensions and manicure for the night. I love the electric-blue glittery tips they pampered me with! This great new "honest nail spa" at PasarBella @ the Grandstand specializes in happy, healthy nail treatments using products that are 3-free and 5-free; that is, without nasty additives and chemicals. As well as using products of the safest calibre, Auum maintains the highest standards of cleanliness and hygiene as well: they sanitize their tools using UV light and use disposable tools where possible. I highly recommend their friendly and healthy services!

 Okay, now onto the main part of the blogpost: the newly opened Sogurt Café at Bukit Timah! You've probably driven past it loads of times on Bukit Timah thanks to its convenient location, but I'm telling you: You need to go inside and try their food! While Sogurt has many branches dotted across the island, this is the first Sogurt Café, and I certainly hope it isn't the last. With light sweet treats and savory, healthy lunches, this delightful extension of our favorite froyo destination is equally delicious! The boyfriend and I were treated to a three course meal at the café, and our overall experience received nothing less than a massive two thumbs up.

 First Course: Turkey Ham, Brie Cheese and Cranberry Panini (served with a side of potato chips and salad) - SGD$10.50

We loved this! The toasted sandwich bread was deliciously healthy and the cranberry + cheese combination was an unlikely success. The portion of salad was served with a yummy light dressing and the potato chips were a fantastic way to top off this varied, healthy dish.

 Second Course: Waffles with Froyo and a Strawberry - SGD$6.50

If there's one thing that beats froyo by itself, it's definitely froyo served with a sweet, fluffy waffle drenched in chocolate sauce! I've always loved waffles and ice-cream, but honestly speaking, waffles with froyo was ten times better. It's a small portion that's big enough to satisfy a sugary craving or a light snack, but small enough to leave a little room in your tummy and prevent a food coma/food baby.

 Third Course: Toasties with Strawberries and Chocolate Sauce (served with fresh fruit) - SGD$7.50

Sliced strawberries and chocolate sauce sandwiched between warm toast and covered in even more chocolate sauce; yes please! This is the ultimate sugar fix for those of you guilty of possessing a sweet tooth (me included!) and is a great way to finish up a meal. The only thing that could make this delicious dish better? If it was served with froyo! Oh well, it's not that hard to grab a cup and swirl your own froyo to have alongside your chocolatey toasties (my mouth is seriously watering right now). Toasties are also available with nutella and bananas instead!

 Before we knew it, all our food was gone!

We had a wonderful experience taste-testing the new surprises at Sogurt Café Bukit Timah, and it definitely deserves all the rave reviews it gets. Make sure you head on down to Sogurt Café for a healthy quick fix of either sweet or savory (or both!) and let me know what you think!

This is a sponsored advertorial.

i.t preview party!

If you're ever in Wisma Atria, there is no excuse not to pop into i.t, a luxuriously spacious multi-label concept store that's landed on our shores with a boom and isn't leaving anytime soon. i.t is, quite simply, a breath of fresh air; boasting nine exciting labels previously unavailable in Singapore. i.t is the ultimate destination for younger fashionistas to discover distinctive new labels to inspire or expand their personal style, with everything from apparel, denim, basics, outerwear, footwear, accessories and bags - for both men and women. The bright, open interiors of the store provide a canvas for each of these eclectic labels to differentiate themselves in a style similar to a department store; each brand's section is either against a wall, on a free-standing platform, in various nooks and crannies of the store, or a combination of these. Seriously though, I've never been so unbelievably excited for a new store in a long time. With 9 labels worth of hidden gems to uncover, you can't possibly get bored in i.t!

 The opening event for i.t saw a multitude of celebrities from around Asia, as well as local bloggers and style influencers. Models strutted down the corridor runway flaunting the latest collections from i.t labels to the beat of Linda Hao's DJ expertise (DJ Twoface, that is!), cameras flashed, delicious finger food was served and the atmosphere was bursting with chatter and laughs. It was one of those great events where the perfect mix of people were invited, allowing you to catch up with old friends and identify old faces, as well as meet a crop of new people. Local Radio DJ Rozz hosted the event and spoke to Helen Khoo, the Executive Director of Wing Tai Retail, who said "our i.t store inspires the ideas of fashion trend and accessibility to address the fashion needs of today's shoppers." 

dress: tally weijl via fashfix

perspex clutch: mno.logie c/o style.in.kind

belt: c/o oasap

heels: (not pictured) mango

Dressing up for events is definitely one of my favorite parts of being a blogger; it's so exciting to put together new ensembles for press events/meetings! I love the color of this tiered dress which fits like a dream and is so comfortable. I accentuated the waistline with a statement gold belt from Oasap, and kept the rest of my outfit simple with nude heels and my favorite perspex clutch.

 

One of my favorite labels featured in i.t has got to be Tout A Coup. Established in 2007 to target young women, this nostalgic European-style label offers the best selection of smart casual wear with a feminine, eclectic twist. Their summer collection is based on the themes of "Transparent Tailoring" and "Neon Retro," so lightweight materials like lace, mesh and organza evoke the understated, sensual appeal of French women. Tailoring is taken to a new level with hexagon cut-outs, and slashed prints in summery pastel hues lend a burst of color to any ensemble. On the "Neon Retro" front, we're greeted with the most exciting juxtapositions of fluorescents and richer colors like violet and sapphire blue. Layering various semi-translucent fabrics of different colors add depth and dimension, and patchworks, high waisted and cape silhouettes reign supreme this season. What's not to love?

There was also a great badge-making station where custom-drawn designs by a small crew of talented doodlers were pressed into pin badges. Props to Jansen and his Word of Mouth Communications team for organizing and facilitating the smooth running of a very memorable event! 

(images courtesy of WOM Comm)