Serendipity2wenty2

China blue

2009-03-21T12:12:00.002+08:00

This chair gives off such a vintage vibe. The moroccan inspired prints are simply stunning. Simple, yet eclectic. And the little thoughts that go into completing the lines on this seater - matching the fabric prints at each corner.

leave it to the exotics...

2008-12-07T17:40:00.003+08:00

adding this to my wishlist. this foldover clutch simply screams 'me likey'. whilst its generally difficult to carry an exotic accessory, the circular horns embellishment softens the look.
better yet. it is just so understated.

Madge news bulletin..

2008-12-07T17:33:00.002+08:00

Madonna is yet again gracing the media headlines. This time, as the new face for luxury trunkmaker, Louis Vuitton's Spring/Summer fashion campaign.
This somehow evokes a "don't cry for me Argentina" scene....

wrist wonders

2008-12-02T09:30:00.004+08:00

you've seen how magazines feature spreads on steals, lusts and must-haves. so whilst going about my weekly indulge in fash clicks, i came across this all to familiar timepiece.
now, the brand's iconic piece has been sought after, aspirationally.

Only the original - titanium, black dlc.

And how can we forget, with some facets added...

And for the bargain hunter...

the early bird bags the winners....

2008-11-07T19:31:00.002+08:00

time to grab some good christmas bargains :)

Bejewelled landscape

2008-11-05T16:23:00.004+08:00

This has caught my fancy recently. Whilst my obsession has predominantly been more in collecting vintage trinkets - necklaces, rings - i've been exposed to the various brands that adorn our wrists. And therein lies this little discovered beauty.

This intricate network of jewels dotting the back case of this manual wind watch has made it to my wish list. No prizes for guessing why.

IMO, the art of assembly is simply stunning. And I can only imagine, this to be just the beginning of more obsessions to follow...

jam jars

2008-09-29T17:31:00.003+08:00

how's this for recycling that glass bottle of your favorite jam spread :)

chic in the city

2008-09-26T23:16:00.003+08:00

a lady will just never have enough bags, and there'll be reasons to look for the next sling along the arms. so my current obsession, is a nice chic shoulder tote, structured in form, yet soft on corners. this comes pretty close to my fancy...

fire engine red

2008-09-23T11:01:00.003+08:00

insanely harsh, yet this pair just sizzles up a dreamy architecture stance. from roger vivier.

flea n easy

2008-08-12T15:47:00.001+08:00

time to mark it in your calendars ladies and gentlemen :)

bitten rescued

2008-08-05T23:00:00.003+08:00

we've all heard rumors of troubled waters looming for Bitten's parent company, Steve & Barry's. The word is official. They've filed with US Bankruptcy Court this week. The good news? An investment firm has offered to save this celeb fashion giant. read more here.

dove gray

2008-08-04T21:31:00.002+08:00

i'm lusting after this bag. In warm tossed out gray, and best yet, slightly slouchy oversized. The knots coming along as part of the handle, reminds me of weeks back, when i made the bel'n'blu...

pretty in teal

2008-07-30T09:07:00.000+08:00

so pretty, in all 360 degrees worth of it....

button love

2008-07-29T13:03:00.005+08:00

i still think buttons have such a wonderful effect on what we wear. it could be on a purely solid hued fabric, yet when paired with the prettiest row of buttons, becomes simply transformed.
here's some raves.

copenhagen fashion weekend

simply splendid

ribbon it chic

new in store::vintage rings

2008-07-24T18:29:00.004+08:00

going about my usual clicks for some design ideas, it dawned on me that i could possibly start on some new category of accessories - rings! I've posted a couple of blogs formerly, about these finger adornments. i figured that for so much that i love these bold cocktail-like rings - minus the bling factor - it should call for some bespoke action.

taking a further step exploring the vintage trinkets universe, vintage buttons lit my path of fancy. i've long read somewhere that vintage clothing is so highly sought after, simply because of the quality handwork involved. i now understand what that means: some vintage buttons that are now sitting in my work stash, have amazing details that is often unparalled in today's commercial designs. And may i add, that slight imperfections due to the age do add to the beauty of a pre-loved treasure.

so here's two fresh out of the oven...and there's more to come :)

how it all started

2008-07-23T18:05:00.002+08:00

Inspired by a message from a customer, I figured that hey, I could blog about what got me started on jewelry and the how-tos of it all.

" Hi,I am really interested in jewelry making and would really like to learn how
to get started. I love your jewelry. I was hoping that you might be willing to
tell me how to get started making earrings and necklaces. I just honestly have
no clue where to begin, what supplies/tools I need, etc. Would you mind sharing
with me some tips? I would really appreciate it. Thank you!Stephanie "

Hi Stephanie, thanks for your message that makes this blog post possible. Making jewelry really was an extension of my wardrobe, since I tend to like to take things apart and make them a little off the cuff ( I take my clothes to the tailor to get them customized). So my initial pieces were actually crafted by the skilful hands from a jewelry shop. I'd have something in mind, and will explain the colors and gems involved. And then I figured, I could do all these myself. That, started this entire jewelry project.

::tools:: You'll probably soon find that the tools you'll need are almost similar to a what you see in a hardware/diy shop, except they're suitably smaller. The wire cutters, round nose pliers etc can mostly be found easily in any beadshop. Also handy will be those plastic containers with grid like separators where your stones can be stashed away, in full colorcoded style.

::supplies:: There's a huge universe out there - ebay, websites, etsy - for gemstone supplies. Depending on your design style (which you'll soon discover along the way), you can choose from natural gemstones, vintage trinkets to commercially available plastic or swarovski finds. As you've probably seen, I love working around vintage and unique gemstones. Googling 'vintage beads', or 'beadshop' will also get you around.

Essential supplies to put all these together (since you've already gotten the meat patty piece), will be headpins, jumprings, beadcaps, chains, ear wires, lobster clasps, non tarnish artistic wire...The very basic, but you'll soon explore further once you get the hang of these.

Here's some helpful places to get you started.

firemountain gems
house of gems
susie's beads
bead gallery
gems on display
beads etc

::lessons:: now that you've got the backbone, how do we get started. Again, very easily available are lessons that you can attend through bead shops(most shops i've come across here in Singapore offer classes). Alternatively, here and here offer online tips.

::inspiration:: There's so much information out there. Oftentimes, I love to flip through magazine spreads on what's current in the market. Not all trends will be spot on surely. Likewise for styling as well, you tend to pick out what catches your fancy and seek that inspiration out. Other areas will be interior design spreads. This, I find helps me a lot in color blocking.

So there, a very brief list of how-to's. I hope this is useful, and my last tip, will be to practise, practise, practise.

wishlist

2008-07-15T10:46:00.001+08:00

vintage meets renaissance meets candy stripper....

these are in fact, all the combi i've been thinking up, to create that very wanted item into my wanted list. This piece, is just one step away, only needs some new upholstery in delish candy pink and it'll be almost perfect!

french manicure anyone

2008-07-14T09:20:00.001+08:00

these dangles are simply irresistible. for the price of a pedi and mani package, how about investing in a pair of one-of-a-kind ear accessory.

oktak

2008-07-11T09:10:00.001+08:00

no i didn't spell this incorrectly. not quite what you'd be inclined to think of first. coming across this name, the spicey notes of our local bbq essential comes to mind.

this orla kiely'ish discovery can be found right through none other than hand made haunt - etsy. From good old nyc, great prints and spritely colors adorn each page. i like how there're so many types of purse closures to choose from. Such a hard choice to make, i want them all....

the best part? each bag opens up to yet another surprise, a radically different swatch altogether. can i say i want once more ;)

birds of paradise

2008-07-10T09:42:00.000+08:00

i'm completely enamored with this exotic keeper that reeks of old world opulence. raw brushed gold surface, rich vibrant colors etched into a circle. vintage, like wine, comes at a premium though.

prison break pg.ii

2008-07-09T09:39:00.000+08:00

talented interior designer kelly laplante designed this suite for fairmont hotel in the bay area. a wonderful spin on the birdcage theme, and adds as a great pg 2. following my earlier blog. from {}

bon bons

2008-07-08T18:05:00.003+08:00

the flea markets have gone slightly quiet here in singapore, and i'm sure most are waiting with bated breath for the next good one to come along.

so in the search for some fun activities in the shop for a while, i decided to create a new section - 'item of the week'. everyone typically loves some good shopping clicks and bargains. injecting this spirit of happy consumerism (read: a 'flea' find), i decided to throw in some of my favorites into the pot. naturally, i'll probably start off with easy-wearing pieces. i dare you to find an outfit that doesn't match these.
so here goes, #1 on the basket this week. charming bon bons - like rounds of lychee candy jelly - in the hue of milky pink(color synonymous with rose quartz gemstones)

lindaE

2008-07-08T10:03:00.000+08:00

one of my favorite supermodels of all time, Linda Evangelista. She's recently been featured in vogue italy june 2008 edition. This spread, does have a splitting semblance to the one featuring sjp for satctm special in vogue.
She's simply stunning. Magnifique.

project 3d

2008-07-07T10:09:00.000+08:00

this recent addition to the list of etsy sellers blows me away.

roadside.

Such whimsical creations, and for a minute there, clicking through each image, you'd feel like alice in wonderland. It does have a drip of a surreal landscape - circus themes, the traveller...

happy weekend

2008-07-04T18:19:00.001+08:00

sunshine weekend ahead...

stealing magnolias

2008-07-04T09:38:00.002+08:00

indeed, that's what I'd very much like to do. Get on a super sonic jetplane to nyc, and make a beeline to this sinful dessert joint, the Magnolia Bakery.

My knees crumble when it comes to sweet endings, and particularly so for cheesecakes - a visit to the Cheesecake Factory is a must, I wish for a slice of that key lime - and tiramisu. So I'm probably late to check out the cupcake phenomenon. I must say, with quite a good chuckle, that wiki'g this Magnolia shoppe came as quite a read. Some brief synopsis:

There's actually a cupcake buy limit - sounds like the donut fad here in red dot island - of 12 for each customer
doors - and lines still forming - are still open at 11.30pm on fri and sat
featured in satc, prime and tdwp
there's even a write up on epinions

So there. I'm sure it's since became a tourist attraction now, though I do like the rustic exterior. I must add too, this comes at a pricey indulgent Carrie Bradshaw moment.

wishful pairing

2008-07-02T10:00:00.001+08:00

to think that an artist has worked up a lovely series centered around natural stones - agate being one of my favorite - is simply like having a platter of decadent desserts right up front. Imagine pairing print and baubles together.

I dig these papergoodies, be they in any form - journals, cardstock, tags, wrap....

color wheel

2008-07-01T10:06:00.003+08:00

lovely solid colors. An uncanny similarity of hues that I work with in my shop, all displayed side by side. This goes straight to my design journal, and it's definitely oh-so-handy!
The best part? They blend so perfectly with the grays that I'm still currently obsessed with.

matchy matchy

2008-06-30T09:33:00.003+08:00

Coming across this handsome prince from here reminds me of the lace collection from Prada.

wordpress

2008-06-27T09:19:00.003+08:00

Colorful pretty printed products. Even more amazing is how global the retail channels have grown to - America, Australia, Caribbean & Canada.

portraits

2008-06-26T22:39:00.008+08:00

Many thanks to sharon for featuring a first from serendipity2wenty2 - a design collaboration - project in her shop blog :)

immaculate

2008-06-26T10:51:00.003+08:00

I'm not sure if I will trot in this pair(altho the heels aren't exactly killer femme ones), but they do bear some good semblance to the viktor and rolf pairs I'd lushed and still do. from here

wearable art

2008-06-25T10:14:00.002+08:00

White and aged interiors always make for a pleasant surf. Came across this fantastic shop via another amazing site.

The cool earthy tones almost seem to shout Anthropologie, but look further and there's probably zilch comparison. Clicking through the clothing section, I like how the photo plot unveils. Placement of the product blends in superbly - colors, silhouette and all - into the shot.

Ahhh...and I truly wish I could step into a real store like this.

banner

2008-06-24T09:39:00.001+08:00

It's been about 3 months since my etsy shop has opened it's doors. Seems short, but then again, it is after all, a quarter of a year! Perhaps it could be a want for a change, or that the old banner seems a tad amateurish, but here's the revamped shopfront.

the old, paves way for...{{drumroll}}
the new!

And I love how the polka dots sing in tune with the product packaging...

sustainable environment

2008-06-23T09:46:00.000+08:00

I'd like to contribute back to our environment, yet, I can't seem to find the perfect source. These rings - made from the tagua seed - have joined my covet list now. Yummy! Now if I can only scout around on where to get them....

the carnival

2008-06-20T23:30:00.008+08:00

Chancing upon some lovely german vintage styled beads this week, they immediately became the object of desire for my jewelry projects. And having received them in the mail, fingering them simply brings back memories of adventures over a recent trip to Venice.
Venetian masks are a centuries-old tradition in Venice, Italy. Walking through the narrow cobble-stoned streets was by itself, captivating. The seeping cold and rain did not hamper our spirits, as there was so much rich history and sights to be unfolded ahead. Nestled in a haphazard manner, we came upon some quaint artisan mask shops. On first encounter, it did come tingly to my nerves, as if there were some mystic unseen strangers lurking in the dark lit corners. Yet very soon, we became too engrossed in the craftsmanship of this trade to be mindful of the scares. We did tog home a mask for keeps, and I must add, it was an amazing feat for the mask arrived home in one piece (bf and I were on a backpacking trip)!

So anyway, I digress. My project is now complete, and here are the goods :)

have a lovely weekend

2008-06-20T15:42:00.000+08:00

zesty Resort 09

2008-06-19T10:10:00.002+08:00

Gee..fashion does stream on fast, and now we're feasting on looks for Resort 09. Here's to some amazingly refreshing colors from Badgley Mischka.

White necklaces are a little tough to carry off, but when paired with this dress, it just goes...
Purple's not my friendly neighbour, but I dig this combi..
Obi belts are back...
Safari sings....
Wonderful silhouette, and in my favorite tone...

Such great inspirations here! Oh and did I forget to mention, the color schemes here are an amazing color wheel for my up and coming new project (to be revealed very soon!).

flower pots or sun spots

2008-06-18T09:42:00.003+08:00

Aren't these sensational. Pendant lamps, morphing about the ceiling in an almost organic structure. The soft hues and white curves make for a pleasing sight. Read more here.

bitten twice

2008-06-06T12:17:00.000+08:00

We all see Charlotte York as the Uptown pedigree princess, typically set in her pristine fashion ways - chic, elegant, consistent - that exudes a typical class. Her timeless romantic character evolves around girlish frills, florals, pastels and ruffly silhouettes.

tremendously girlish!

quite like Audrey Hepburn...

So we have heard about the Bitten label SJP has started. For those of you who are looking to emulate Charlotte's style, Kristin Davis is looking to commence her own label as well, with Belk Inc. Her collection will cast a wide net across rtw, accessories and even a sports line. Prices? It does look to be accessible.

have a cup

2008-06-05T10:23:00.003+08:00

When McCafe first opened it's doors in our little red dot, I was mighty happy to take a slight detour from my normal walk to work and grab this piping hot pick-me-up.

Imagine, to my happiness, and to most of you who've experienced it, when the barista really "picked-me-up"! It was in the form of a happy smiley face atop the foam in my coffee bean charged beverage. I was tempted to tell the lady to leave the cup topless, as it'd be such a pity to hide this sunshine smiley in the morning rush. Now me likey this new service level from an f & b outlet.

Coffee has been introduced to me for when I was a teeny tod. Perhaps I come from a family who loves coffee, so my parents were probably not fuss about it around us children. I love the thick aroma that comes with, that decadent tinge of bittersweet notes sipping this substance. And during my travels overseas, I'd always be on the prowl to have a taste of coffee from a land afar. Probably my most recent taste paradise experience hails from Lyon, France's gourmet food capital. The cafe? A nondescript looking old cafe Au Jacobin, seated right at a cul-de-sac, with an island of a statuesque water fountain. Mind you, they had the best croissant I've tasted to date.

Here's some amazing coffee art clips. Isn't it so pretty.....

skin food

2008-06-04T09:47:00.002+08:00

For a fuss free beauty regiment seeker, I decided to check out this korean skincare label that boasts natural ingredients. Hey, it wouldn't hurt to thread outside of the trusty french brands right, particularly with recently renewed interest on non-mainstream products now.

So for a facial virgin like me, the road test begins with what is still lacking in my beauty regime. The weekly face mask. My skin care needs are rather basic: step 1, cleanse. step2, dab on the toner. step 3, peeper gel. step4. moisturize. So here comes step 5, face mask. At least this only needs to be done once if not twice weekly :)

Although Skin Food's best seller is really the Black sesame mask, I experimented with their Luster range - a natural yogurt mask made from kiwi. Yogurt's supposedly great if you're looking to get a squeaky clean, radiant face. The kiwi? It's meant to reduce the ever oily T-zone most of us suffer from. Ok, so the smell's already a winner for the purchase. But what got me converted to becoming a repeat buyer is that I actually saw some results from using this product. And did I forget to mention, the ease of use. Just slather it all over a clean palette and leave it on for a good 15 minutes for your skin to absorb all that green goodness. Then simply wash off. That's all there is! And for that brief "face quencher" effect, I've kept this jar in the refrigerator.

So far so good, and I'm now into my second jar of yogurt goodness :)

splash of color

2008-06-02T10:00:00.000+08:00

London born. Editor-in-chief of American Vogue. Anna Wintour.

She's a familiar fashion icon, sporting a bob cut that survived many seasons now. Despite her icy aloofness at work, I like how she always looks so put together in front of the glamour bulbs. And particularly so, in dandy prints and bright hues.

Sex and the City NYC premiere
Fall 08 Marni
le fille du regiment opening night

Spr07 Rodarte
Spr07 Miu Miu Spr07 Chanel

Spr04 Tuleh

satc tm plus one

2008-06-01T09:40:00.000+08:00

anagram key as promised :)

The anagrams, in order: get married, cold feet, no-show, ceremony, honeymoon, Mexican resort, disconsolate, sympathetic, problems, bedroom, unfaithful, leave him, adopted a girl, give birth, is pregnant, sexually, well-endowed, falling out, stay single, reconcile, New Year's Eve, happily, shopping, cosmopolitans.

satc tm

2008-05-31T10:34:00.002+08:00

Sex And The City... The Movie

Waiting with bated breath for many, many, many, many excruciating months now, the girls and I finally got together this week to catch satctm. I told myself not to indulge in any reviews prior, as it will kill all that suspense. So knowing the full plot post movie, I couldn't help but share this very fun review... here's some excerpts:

Carrie and Mr. Big have finally decided to migrate red, but he gets clef toed and is a how son at the my encore. Instead of her oh no money, Carrie spends time at a Mars excretion being consolidates in the company of her patchy timesfriends, who have their own lob sperm. Miranda has boredom issues with Steve, who is briefly a flu fun hit, provoking her to have lime. Charlotte, who has radiated glop but still hopes to vibe right, finds out that she angers pint. And Samantha gets axe sully distracted by the sight of a lewd lewd eon gent next door. Miranda and Carrie have a gainful lot because one of them told the beau of the other to seal stingy, but the two circle one on a weeny verse. At the end, all the stories are resolved la hippy, as our four femmes go nab a dingo by drinking tampon colossi.

I must say, this is oh so catchy! Now let me grab a tampon colossi as a night cap ;)

P.S anagram key on the line up for my next blog.....

prison break

2008-05-30T13:41:00.000+08:00

There's a quiet beauty that radiates out of a birdcage. No, I'm no birdkeeper and I doubt I'll ever be. But I do like the intricate webbed pattern on these antique flights of fancy.

They're definitely a wonderful addition as a home and decor piece, the other alternative decorative vase. Beware though, they do break the bank.

Then there're the more affordable pieces that are easily stored away :)

Mintd bird cage necklace
Topshop bird cage necklace
Chanel bird cage and pearl necklace

GSS part une

2008-05-29T22:40:00.000+08:00

After a good Sunday tea with the girls, we headed off to walk the town, on the excuse of walking off our satisfied sweets (read: it was really a good shop on during the GSS).
So into the final store - The Gap -, I was this close to shelling out for a very basic Summer cami. Thank goodness for girlfriends when you need them :) They always share with you the honest to goodness opinions! Petite me decided against the ill fitting top, even though they had the smallest size on the rack.

Now today, I couldn't resist popping in again as I couldn't stop thinking about it. And I walked out triumphant. No, cami wasn't in shopper, but a cardi was. In the prettiest rosey champagne that sets off the gold row of buttons. Just what I've been looking for!( I was writing about this button search in my earlier blog)
I'm already thinking about the many ways to wear this :)

girl crush: natalie portman

2008-05-28T11:21:00.001+08:00

From Queen Amidala in Star Wars to most recently, The Other Boleyn Girl.

Amazing grown up girlish beauty.

Wonderfully put together!
Those pom pom heels are just so fine....

Lyell

2008-05-27T08:31:00.000+08:00

Lyell by Emma Fletcher.

So pretty. So chic. So vintage.

I love how the photographer captures each season's looks :) Seemingly put together, yet, has a certain candidness about it.

the other christian siriano

2008-05-26T12:10:00.003+08:00

Found these amazing diy lamps, bearing an uncanny resemblance to PR's christian siriano's lovely ruffly collections.

make it simple

2008-05-26T09:01:00.000+08:00

Are celebrities one of the best endorsements for brands? Whether they are, or not, I'm getting some clips on what they're wearing.
So here goes on some simple necklace finds:

Rachel Bilson, simple tiered style does it.
Kate Moss, in a long locket necklace.
Paris Hilton, with a tiny cameo piece.
Nicole Richie, in a simple tag charm and braided hair. Might just be that initial piece that's the current trend now.
Kirsten Dunst, in a simple piece.

go get it tiger

2008-05-25T20:37:00.002+08:00

Thanks to SoonLee, here's to everyone:

Paul Coelho says in The Alchemist:

When you want something,
all the universe conspires in helping you to achieve it.
Whatever you can do, or dream you can,
begin it - boldness has genius, power and magic in it.

SATC

2008-05-25T10:31:00.000+08:00

can't help but share this!

Old Navy's headed to the Clubs

2008-05-25T10:12:00.002+08:00

We all know this label under the Gap Inc. family, as one to provide scores of great casual pieces to our wardrobe without breaking the bank. And particularly so, if you hit their bargain season.

So get this, they'll be embarking on a new collection. And I mean NEW.

The 'Spotlight' collection - tonnes of sequin embedded togs, satin sheens. Read more here.

Frilly, Flirty, Feminine, Fun

2008-05-24T21:48:00.001+08:00

She's one of those rags to famous stories, Alannah Hill.

On a trip to Melbourne last year, I finally did take a tour of her shop, and a step in sure feels like you've walked into her virtual site. Plush (and huge!) lounge seats, luxurious drapes, warm lighting. It simply gets you to linger longer :)

Her site is just fun and interactive. I like that "loading" screen where a pout of a lip appears and shortly, gets painted a nice fire-engine red. Like a Lulu Guinness one (I sure know one of my gf's adores this piece, and it's her avatar :>)

This one remains one of my favorites, does scream OTT, but I simply love a dashing of pearl madness.

Random Objects

2008-05-23T09:21:00.000+08:00

Birdcages, Silhouettes, simple pretty objects :)

Anne Boleyn

2008-05-22T08:24:00.000+08:00

Following my other post on the Boleyn girls, imagine the grin on my face when I came upon this necklace. Probably set off by the recent trend on wearing initials - celebrity Nicole Richie wears that of her new little tod -, instead of nameplate necklaces.

I'd much prefer this in gold though. But you can get this piece here.

How young is young?

2008-05-21T10:38:00.000+08:00

Kira Plastinina. Adolescent. 15 year old. Fashion designer?

Yes, you're reading this right. This Russian American youngling has a lot on her pink plate, aside from attending lessons in school. By far and large, she's probably the youngest entrepreneur I've come across. By virtue of this, she's got some handsome support from her father - a wealthy Russian businessman, Sergei Plastinin. He is the co-founder of Wimm-Bill-Dann, Russia’s largest dairy and juice produce.

She sure is blessed. But this could also work against her.

While I'm not entirely a fan of her collections, I'm pretty impressed by the two digits that are almost her byline.

Carsten Holler

2008-05-20T00:39:00.000+08:00

Came across this german artist, who very interestingly has a background in biology.

Upside down mushroom Room

Isn't this surreal. You'd very much feel like you're Alice in Wonderland. It figures, coming from a biologist.

Kommunehaus

How's this for being a Cinderella, glass slippers and running along. Somehow, I can't help but again, get excited with all that SATC fever. I know I know, it sounds far fetched, yet this brings to mind the last season, when Carrie met Petrovsky in the art gallery.

Hand me downs

2008-05-19T09:50:00.000+08:00

Recently on a prowl for belts, I'd decidedly started shopping at a place closer to home: my mom's closet :)
So before heading over to the gently used stores out there, hey, if I can find more mileage to mom's wardrobe, then why not? After all, my first raid started with her jewel box, and boy did I land myself some wonderful pieces (naturally they're all gold accented).
So here's some nice belts that came out of it.

The red belt came out nice, in a bright almost vermillion red, minus some scuff marks due to wear. But as I always preach, these scratches provide loving character to leather accessories. Short of being matchy matchy, doesn't this belt provide a great duo to the red flatties mentioned in my earlier post :)
This has an amazing deep wine brown, and pretty zig zag stitching that provides added detail. The color is a little tough to match but I'm sure I'll find some use for it. Now one of my favorites will be the colorful braided belt in the most summery of colors - emerald, egg yolk, camel, sun kissed orange. Definitely a first to take for a day out, but sadly, all is not that smooth. As with most truly vintage belts, they sure come in mini sizes (gosh, women do have the tiniest of waists then). So this belt will look slightly odd on me (read: down to the last belt hole).

I'm already thinking of outfits to play with....:)

The bold Gladiator & dainty Bejeweled

2008-05-18T19:51:00.001+08:00

As they say, how many pairs of shoes does a girl need? Well, we all know the answer to that :)
I've been adding a good collection of ballerinas to an already brimming shoe cabinet, so now it's time to show those pretty toes with flatties.
The question is, to go for more jewelled ones or those gladiators that are all the rage now. As I ponder over the my next shopping trip, here's some that me likey. All available at Piperlime. A huge bummer that they do not accept international orders :( but it's all good just to lust at the pictures.

I'm really digging this red sandal....

Reflections

2008-05-13T22:22:00.000+08:00

Being a self taught bauble designer for a while now, I've soon realised that running a business, albeit a tiny one online, can become quite a handful. It does make me marvel at enterprising young ones, who hold down two jobs - their full time workhorse, and their secret closet business, be it a cart or shop - and still have bountiful energy.
Before Serendipity2wenty2 was born, creating jewellery designs came on a whim. I get inspired by random things, and out comes a creation. Fast forward to now? I'd say I fully understand what a writer's - in this case, designer's - block is now. There are times when I'd be running on empty. On such instances, the final pieces just come out so wrong. The shapes do not match up, or the colors just don't complement each other. You name it, I'd find some fault with it. Then there are the moments when the creative juices run aplenty. And a series of pieces adds to a bright smile and my mood skips along with that smile.
In running this accessories business, I've come to the realisation that there too, needs to be a certain design direction to call home to. It hit me hard. With the cash registers ringing more now (I'd like to imagine there's a point of sale ;>), that means more new styles needed to merchandise the shop. And very soon, I find myself lugging along my trusty notepad: all those colorful muji pens can come out to play on my doodles :) And yes, thank goodness for my penchant for bigger bags. They certainly come in handy as I can throw in my now increased daily load where ever I'm about town.
So my design direction? I guess for now, I'll stick to my passion for pretty gemstones and anything that we call the color Gold. I've loved this color for ages now, to some, Aunty'ish, but I love it all the same. Just that inner spark in me that goes against the grain of the norm. Perhaps by coincidence, it's very much now en vogue :)

Minus The Label

2008-05-12T23:06:00.000+08:00

Each time I walk into Ngee Ann City through the entrance right next to the french luxury trunk maker, I'm always amazed at the patience of shoppers waiting in a queue to enter this flagship store. I'd be too highly strung to be in waiting.
Owning bags from luxury labels comes across as an indulgence. Yet, I do come across as quite a boring bag person. My first piece was from Coach - the wonderful tann leather won me over, even more beautiful with age and wear - and shortly after, another piece, this time, a limited edition (yes, another marketing tactic for brands).
Working for luxury brands do come at a price. With employee sales and perks, my knee buckled under and I do contribute a part of my salary back into the company. So my next purchase came from Prada. No, not the satiny ones synonymous with the brand but a plain light sandy colored shoulder bag. Bags after Prada, still plain Jane designs.
I love how the bags do not scream their labels. So imagine my happiness when I came across this darling Parisian bag crafter Ilemi. (her site is rather photo heavy, so be patient)

Her designs do speak to some basic silhouettes we see on luxury brands, yet, there's an invisible pull to her pieces. Even lovelier are the colors. And it sure doesn't help that I'm now on a lookout for both a casual sling and hobo, a all-in-one kind of bag, in a dusty grey tone. * I'm crazy about grey these days *
So yes, she's now been added to my favorites :)

Feeling inspired - The Other Boleyn Girl

2008-04-21T13:14:00.000+08:00

The movie finally opened here last week, and for a whole 2 hours, I was happily absorbed, and fully inspired!
Relegated to a small but cosy theatre, the movie was littered with many lines of wit from Natalie Portman and bewitchment, yet shows the endearing folds of sisterly affection from Scarlet Johannson.
I was immediately drawn to the costume set up and loved the accessories that the Boleyn girls wore. So I couldn't help but feel the need to blog about it here :

Photos courtesy of ign

What's red and creamy....

2008-04-17T18:40:00.000+08:00

This fruit is reputed to contain the least calories (4 to be exact!) and yet has an abundance of anti-oxidants for that health run you need. Amazing, isn't it, for that intsy pint-sized little red pop into your mouth.
For all the health properties that it's worth, strawberries have also become darlings of fashion. Strawberry shortcake (sure wish I hadn't thrown away that PJ I had as a kid) comes to mind with so many endearing memories. I'm not sure if it's because we're all adults now, but the many toy products in the kid's department sure doesn't come quite close to how I remember this popular greeting card character!
I found a couple more great illustrations associated with this red and creamy yum pop.
I can't remember where I'd found this, as I was too happy and too quick with my clicks. But isn't this quirky yet remind you of the topic?
And of course, a Mischa Barton'ish necklace.
Then there's that ever familiar movie scene of Julia Robert's inner girlish charm biting into strawberries and champagne in Pretty Woman :)

From Greece to Rome with Love

2008-04-16T13:01:00.000+08:00

Over last year, whilst on a business trip to Florence, my colleague and I came upon a popular street lined with goldsmith shops. Think Little India, thronged with tourists and townsfolk, yet all very intrigueing as this street is actually a very old bridge over a river! It took us a long time to make our way over to the other end, even though it was a short walk, we found ourselves mesmerised by the multitude of Cameo carvings set in around different wears.

This one shows a shell carving of "Three Graces" - Greek mythological figures Agilia (Splendor), Euphrosyne (Mirth), and Thalia (Good Cheer). That explains why we saw many of these of different colors being sold. For all that buzz on cocktail rings, I give thumbs up for this circa 1960s ring. Such a different take from typical large cocktail rings, I like this particularly for the bold detailed mesh goldwork.
Here's one that I've yet to come across. Yes, every girl's favorite - Pearls! They're so pretty, so refined. But I think this will look a tad auntyish at this moment, since cameos are already by itself a relic to wear well :) In any case, this vintage 1890s/1900s piece doesn't come cheap. At $4500, it'll be one to think hard many times over.
Now for this pair of ivory german glass cameo earring, it might be in the running with a pair of classic pearlies! I like the ivory creamy color on this, as it comes away from the typical two tone setting of cameos.

I heart Etsy...and I'm not alone

2008-04-15T15:38:00.000+08:00

Running around my daily research on more inspiration for jewelry collections ahead, I plodded on to some local blog sites ( thanks to Smitten mag for having a feature on wondrous blog communities) as a breather from work.
Lo and behold, a gem find amidst a great site Fash-Eccentric! There was a small write up on Etsy, and it was only natural that I clicked on it like an eager beaver.
Etsy-Love bloomed also, by a fellow Etsonian, who writes about all great finds in the community. This really helps for us shoppers out there, as Etsy can get quite heady with the large depth of sellers and vast universe of uniquely handmade items.

Here's a sampling of today's post. Doesn't this remind you of times growing up? Sipping Miranda Orange soda or Kickapoo from it sounds just so old school :) ...or perhaps those in generation 7 series ie. to those born in 1970s, will find this simply heartwarming.
It doesn't matter whether I'm a seller or a buyer, but I sure heart Etsy. Do you.....

Hello my little sidekick

2008-04-15T00:32:00.000+08:00

The blog posting has been running on dry for the past couple of weeks. Well, my fingers were simply still being worked, not on the keyboard, but instead creating a stash of jewelry designs :)
With much encouragement from my support network of friends around, a box in my goal list got ticked once more - starting my little business. And I truly mean little, since this is purely a web based store. What came as a hobby years ago, creating and taking designs apart, now has become commercial, to appeal to the masses. So with the biggest hurdle crossed (the sole decision of starting a shop), I now have a little proud sidekick on Etsy, the handmade community for both shoppers and artists.
I came across Etsy by chance. Initially through browsing at Paraphernalia - very unique necklace pieces that calls for much attention - and later whilst googling around for jewelry supplies
Lucky me. Now I have a portal to paddle my homemade wares! I'd thought it would all come as a breeze, setting up the shop, since it would be simply posting of pictures and pricing it. But no. Little did I know what I was in store for. I'd already had a good inventory of pieces to set up the shop, but very soon, the tricky part I soon found is really think out the business plan from start to end, and place myself in the shoes of a consumer. Sourcing around for supplies very soon came as an obstacle, as oftentimes, it would be hard to purchase in small lots. Fortunately, lady luck is on me once again. I found what I mostly needed with fellow Etsonians :)
The shop was a little work in progress for a good 2 months, but now I have a happy skip in my steps. The most delightful moment was to have a very first sale soon after! You can be assured, that the package was wrapped very gingerly and shipped out quickly. *note aside: the lady at the post office was probably so curious why I had the biggest grin that morning.
So here, I present thee, my little proud moment:
www.serendipity2wenty2.etsy.com

A French Love Story

2008-03-24T22:36:00.000+08:00

The French have made a name for themselves for being a fashion pacemaker. You name it, most labels out there with a lineage to boast, are french.
I've once read that it's in their blood to dress up, even for a short spurt to the grocer's around the block. Now, probably the use of the word spurt would not be apt, as they'll be sashaying in their finest pair of feet covers! Just imagine, Carrie's more often than not found in her Louboutin's...
So here's a great find in the NYTimes. Enjoy.

http://www.nytimes.com/packages/html/fashion/20080322_STREET_FEATURE/index.html

Gap Design Edition

2008-03-18T13:01:00.000+08:00

There's a strange phenomenon of late, that designers are fast jumping onto the bandwagon of 'mastige' brands. That, or they have been approached for a collaborative project for the masses. Either way, shopaholics will be lapping it up as this will mean more affordable luxe rags and more pieces for our wardrobes :)
We often hear screams of the mad rush for any designer label projects with H & M stores. Little known is the Gap Design Editions. Last year, brand additions they've signed up with were Doo.Ri , Rodarte, and Thakoon.
Hot news off the press, is that 3.1 Phillip Lim will be arriving instores in mid April. Some spritely clips from his SS08 lines shows what fun will probably be ahead. I absolutely adore the combinations of colors, achieving a perfect balance of acid brights to earth palettes.

Unique to this bonding is to re-ink the classic white shirt as a staple. Wear it to work, wear it on weekends with shorts, or jeans. Wear it with jeans and blazer, smart yet crisply chic. Such versatility and now best with more designs to pick from.
Pictures yet to be out, but it sure is affordable quietness at under USD100!

SATC - on location for Vogue

2008-03-13T17:03:00.000+08:00

Excitement has been stirring since news of the movie came about some time late last year. And the countdown has already begun.
Here's some sneaks on location for Vogue, by famed Annie Leibowitz:

In central park, NY
In central park, NY
In Brooklyn, NY
In Brooklyn, NY

For all SATC fans.. ;)

Milly

2008-03-13T14:59:00.000+08:00

The opening page oozes some appeal already, as it lends some familiarity to the coming SATC movie trailer.
The brainchild behind this label is Michelle Smith, who started out in art illustration(which you can read from my earlier blog, this seems the path where talents start from) and who gradually honed her skills in famous European labels.

Wave Print Shift Dress: The candy pink prints has nice black trims that creates a subtle contrast.
Hibiscus Print Dress: Citrus green for a good summer shift. Cover up with a cardi and it'll carry you through the day.
The combination of clashing turquoise and green works, and toned down with a fresh white blazer. Note to thyself: I've been looking around for this!

Her clothes seem to speak to the gal-about-town, and border on the playful. Yet the prints do have a vintage edge. Silhouettes are always easy and you'll find it hard to go wrong on a piece from her collections =)

A peak into her fall '08 collection shows a step into deeper fall colors. But her use of colors and bold prints still lie strong. I adore the salmon pinks and sharp tailoring in collection. You can check out her video at her website. Enjoy!

Button Me Up

2008-03-11T17:14:00.000+08:00

Button : a small disk, knob, or the like for sewing or otherwise attaching to an article, as of clothing, serving as a fastening when passed through a buttonhole or loop.

Most of us come across them almost everyday, as there’s a high chance to see them on our clothes. They can be found on tops, bottoms, jackets; you name it, highly likely you’ll be spot on. I’ve been spotting a couple of lovely blouses on the streets lately with clean details, and yet what struck me was the nice detailing of a tiny sliver of buttons running down the front, tiny ones that make the look oh-so-intricate but not over the top cluttered. So while I go about shopping for that lovely buttony blouse, I thought I’d write about this piece of accessory that most often gets overlooked J

It comes in so many different constructions – At the front, at the top, on the side, in pairs, alone, as a threesome – doesn’t it sound like they sure don’t want to be missed ;)

Ivory Cardigan by Charlotte Rhonson: Holds our cardigans together
Sleeveless Button Top By Banana Republic: Wonderful details in rich royal blue palette. Connects us with seamlessly to Fall.
In-The-Thicket Corset by Anthropologie: There’s always something special about this
Lofty Emb. Blouse Juicy Couture: Buttons on the side
Piper Dress Swirl: on a dress

It comes in different cuts too – shells, all wrapped up, super size me…..(and in my previous blog, cherry shaped, Yum!) In checking out a random button trader, there’s an amazing array of buttons, so plentiful that it did shock me.

Now I’ll probably become a more observant shopper as I try on a piece of itemJ

I Love Cherries

2008-03-07T13:41:00.000+08:00

What's so great about cherries, one might ask. When I see them, they remind me of sunny days with crisp lemonade in hand, sunkissed toddlers in their gingham eyelet outfits; all quintessentially young at heart.
A fruit that lies amongst the top of my list(though I do detest those picked ones in the jars), I'm still on that eternal hunt for a cutesy cherry gingham bustier top. It's just something to own in the closet, for those lazy hot days.
Heartbreaker Fashion Black Cherry Print A Line Skirt: although this looks really good to own, with a plain top, I'm not giving up on the hunt yet....
Gabriella Rocha Cherry Boots: good old paddingtons, for unpredictable rainy days in Singapore. I did spot a girl wearing yellow ones, that I wish I had taken a sneak pic of her!
Shellys Cherry Print Flats: not a bad find, though I do much prefer this one without the ankle straps ;P
Pump and Circumstance Ballet Flats: Ooooh, me likey!
St. Louis Woman’s Exchange: This one with the peter pan collar, I absolutely adore! Imagine, on it's own, such purist yet a playful young soul in it. Note: this is a kiddie garment.

Looks like the search unearthed some good takeaways. I do really like the dress, alas, much to my chagrin, it is a toddler item. But hey, nothing's to stop me from making it bespoke ;)

Are Curls the new bob?

2008-03-06T14:46:00.000+08:00

Marilyn Monroe's luscious blonde locks seem back in season, as seen on both Katherine Heigl recently at the Oscars and on Charlize Theron.
But now it looks like the pob(Victoria Beckham's much copied updo) has gone 'kinky'. Female mag's spread this month has a great feature on Katie Holmes but we're starting to see her come away with a new look, a curled up bob.
More to see, as spotted on Christina Ricci, and I love this look! Easy to snaz up with a clip here or a band over the top. Which certainly reminds me of the little 'Chanel' girl in The Fashion Nation Girls blog.
Alas, my last appointment with a curl job left me up in arms with taking too much time teasing the hair. So I'll probably be content with hassle free, chemical free hair for now. My obsession with curls still continue though...:)

Who owns what in the beauty business

2008-03-05T01:36:00.000+08:00

1. Which corporation owns CoverGirl?
Procter & Gamble owns CoverGirl, along with many other personal-care companies. It acquired CoverGirl in 1989 by purchasing the beauty brand's former parent company, Noxell — the makers of Noxzema

2. Who owns Clé de Peau?
Clé de Peau Beauté is owned by Shiseido

3. Which company bought Nars in 2000?
François Nars sold his company to Shiseido in 2000, but he retains creative control.

4. Stila's parent company also owns which restaurant chain?
Stila is owned by Sun Capital Partners, which also counts Boston Market in its portfolio. The corporation's investments also include Big 10 Tire Company, Hickory Farms, the Limited, Mervyn's, and Chevys.

5. Neutrogena and Clean & Clear both belong to the same corporate parent. Who is it?
Both brands belong to Johnson & Johnson.

Fashion Illustration

2008-03-05T01:07:00.000+08:00

I still remember as a kid, I had one of those jotter books ( you know, the old school ones with yellowish thin paper), I'd randomly be doodling etchings of models in a youngling's version of fashion then. What probably started those free hand pencil prints on paper was probably an art scrapbook project that went from scrapbook to jotter book :) Now I do wish I'd held onto those books! It'd bring back many giggles surely...
Oftentimes, I do wonder, it does take a lot to be a fashion designer or at least you'd need to learn how to draw somewhat decently. And yet, there's so many different styles that fashion illustrators arrive at.

Leesa Leva ( for whom looks like Kirsten Dunst)
Seiko Ohmuri (yep, I do like victorian'ish styles)

Many of these artists have illustrious backgrounds to boast; fashion designer, illustrator and fine artist. I can already imagine wonderful thoughts in my head with these designs.
1. a great wall mural
2. postcards
3. fashion magazine spread
4. fridge magnets
5. website designs
6. journal covers
and so many more which I can go on listing :)

Grayson Perry, Chanel 2005

Grayson Perry, Valentino 2005

Tanya Ling, Lanvin SS08

Tanya Ling, Bottega Venetta SS08
David Downton, Chanel SS08

Girl Crush 2

2008-03-04T15:23:00.000+08:00

First sighting, Grey's Anatomy, Izzy Stevens. You'd probably wonder why not McDreamy...but that, and more recent sightings - 27 dresses - and with following the recent red carpet blur of scarlet fever at the Oscar's, Katherine Heigl sure is one more to add to my list.

27 dresses - Paris Photocall
LA Premiere - 27 Dresses
On the street in NYC, the metallic grey and like tones work.

Jovovich Hawk... for Target

2008-03-04T14:36:00.000+08:00

Her name often comes as a tongue check for me but news of her foray into fashion came about through one of the Lucky Mag issues.

My favorite so far...the details look so good and color too!

This LA based creation comes together with her and Carmen Hawk, friend for over a decade. I couldn't quite decide what to make of their designs, except that it does look a tad of a playful romantic, boho chic, eclectic vintage, contemporary earthy and borderline edgy. I'm not sure if her designs flatter petite portions of me and Asians alike, but it does look yummy for some creations. No doubt they always look good in models(that suggests endless legs), this will only give me more reason for joining shopaholics anonymous - addiction to shoes ;P

Thought this looked pretty, very victorian

Sure can imagine SJP in this outfit

I can imagine me and my safe blue jeans plain top combo...

Now with the departure of Isaac Mizrahi for Target, more designers have been signed up in arms with this major store - a haven for the budget conscious -, myself included when I was in college. I'm not utterly impressed with the collection but hey, if it means breeze of driving a short 10 min to a Target store for some budget grabs, it might just be worth a shot.

Contemporary Designer Yoana Baraschi

2008-03-03T14:26:00.000+08:00

A lady will never tire in her search for dresses :) In the midst of online clicking, this Paris trained designer caught my attention...
Initially grabbed by her work on contrasting cuts above, I explored further, and my fingers clicked earnestly to more and more pages.
She manages to create such fun out of colors ( yes, me a typically boring white top blue jeans = safe outfit person), and the important bit? It looks like wearing her collections is truly a way to beat those "I feel fat and bloated" days!
Yet another plus factor? The easy switch between work then after hours makes our wardrobe equally bang for the buck :p

Emanual Ungaro F/W08

2008-02-29T19:24:00.000+08:00

You'll probably find recent blogs runway obsessed. Indeed, it is, but with paris fashion week, I find it hard to suppress excitement to share whenever a good show passes by.
EU is hardly found amidst the design vocabulary, but yet somehow, designer Esteban Cortazar - astonishingly young at 23 y/o - did quite an impressive showing.
The draping of silhouettes seems to be the focus of the collection. Aside from the polar take on pastels for the fashion house, what I like was the quietly achieved balance between structured yet draping silhouettes; it can be a fitted pencil skirt with textures to a soft silk dress held together with a thick belt.

** I love love love the look of that lean thick belt holding achieving the pencil skirt , blouse look.

Source: nytimes online

Fashion Tags

2008-02-25T20:23:00.000+08:00

Returning from a recent spree at Puma, a surprise was in store when I started to take off the tags to build a look for the day out.

Aren't the icons adorable? ;)
These are truly subtle marketing that strikes me really unique! Rarely do we see major clotheshorses place emphasis on educating consumers about their brands, and even if we do see great tags, they typically place emphasis on the usage of expensive materials (I've come across suede, linen and even metal tags!!!) or visuals/graphics. What I absolutely love about these tags was the simplicity of the message.
My favorite? The one below :p They've absolutely made it a fun purchase to come home to...It sure feels like hanging advertisement to me!

Spring 08 Ad Campaign

2008-02-22T19:25:00.000+08:00

Perhaps I've been really behind but little did I know that the face behind Miu Miu's current ad campaign is indeed Kirsten Dunst! I must say the entire theatrics have been done up very well.
The rich palette of reds, purples does lend an air of mystery to the composition. I do wonder then, if she's the subject or are the bags/luxe fabrics? Colors are surprisingly bold, as compared pastels in the boutique now.

Girl Crush 1

2008-02-22T16:31:00.000+08:00

Rachel Weisz has struck me like the character Charlotte in Sex and the City. I liked her in Burberry fragrance campaign she did some years back, and needless to say, a couple of films she'd done.
Here's a couple of sneaks:
The 79th Annual Academy Awards

"Definitely, Maybe" New York Premiere
Shopping at A.P.C. - nice bag, looks very familiar.
*** I must check this out....
Premiere of "Fred Claus"
Live Earth New York - BackStage. She does it so simple, yet dressy with heels.
The Cinema Society & Donna Karan Host the NY Premiere of "Evening"

In search for leggings

2008-02-22T01:32:00.000+08:00

The trend for leggings has been ongoing for a couple of seasons now, and the late bloomer in me ( typical of me to knit pick on safe trends, which I'd thought leggings were not in that category until now....) finally set out to look for one. Alas, most stores stock leggings that are ankle length and not to your calfs - the length that looks most pleasant on mini me!
So when a salesgirl remarked that the trend now is to opt for long leggings, I took a sneak peak at a/w08's runway. Truth be told, long is not only the word for the season but bold colors mark our legs now.

White is my favorite color to carry, but defintely a tough cookie to wear for the legs. Yet I find it does look chic when modeled below.

Needless to say, I'll probably still stick out with leggings fit for petite me for now... Should anyone know of a good place to grab a pair, do drop me a shout :)

Pop Colors cont' from Spring

2008-02-22T01:31:00.000+08:00

It looks like pop colors will continue to be a mainstay for next season, judging from the runway looks in a/w08. That might just be good news for the searching fashionista in us, as we can recycle some of these into the year :)
Also, some recent celeb pics that look candy delish...so enjoy!

Viktor & Rolf

2008-02-21T14:37:00.000+08:00

This cult duo usually impresses me with their clean yet ecentric (I'm not sure if these words are typically used together!) collections. Came across them many years back when a pair of cool aviator shades at a handsomely tagged price on a shelf caught my fancy. Lest to say, it probably sits on someone else's bridge now. When I was in Europe recently, I had the privilege to step into their store in Milan. Why the yearn to you might think. Their store has been designed upside down. So all 5ft 3 of me had to reach up just to open the door handle to the boutique. Although small, it still had a cosy quirky feel.

The boutique tour lasted all of 3 mins as the unceasing rain in Milan had already dampened my shopping energy.
Here's some posts from their SS08 collections. Love the shoes and adore the pink lean simple silhouette with the skinny belt - classics.

Marc Jacobs or LuLu G

2008-02-20T20:37:00.000+08:00

Whilst plugging around for fashion notes, I chanced upon Marc Jacob's Mesh Lace Robert Bag on Bags. Interestingly enough, it bears an uncanny semblance to Lulu Guiness' Tallulah Bag, one that has been on my "wanted" list for a while now.
I'm not sure if I do like MJ's recent dive into lace - a trend that has been popping up on SS08 runways - and shine. Perhaps he could have done without the metallic B biting the lace frence purse.
A combination of structured, classic and eclecticism? Or an extra appendage?

Anima Sana In Corpore Sano

2008-01-11T01:08:00.000+08:00

A sound mind in a sound body - ASICS
I never knew the origins of this popular running shoe brand until recently. Yes, Onitsuka Tiger has been in fashion threads for some time now, and I've been secretly yearning to own a pair. Now, that yearn has ballooned once more.
So whilst I become a popular patron of Star Three Sixty and Limited Edition, I decidedly dug deeper.
Some short notes:
Origins: Japan
Year: 1949
Inspiration: Basketball shoes in the 1960s
Blisters: further developed shoes for marathon runners

Mad about Audrey

2007-11-27T14:48:00.000+08:00

She's such an amazing legend, epitomises the word Classic. What I love most is that clean capture in any clip, be they in color or even better in black and white. Here's some googlies, my favorite, the last picture with her pearls and wayfarer.

More on Prada

2007-10-24T21:24:00.000+08:00

Ever since Miuccia Prada made a finely-woven nylon handbag a luxe status symbol, the fashion pack knew they had stumbled upon a genius. In 1978, with no design training, but a PhD in political science, Miuccia took over her grandfather's luggage company. By the mid-'80s, Prada had become a household name. Then, in 1993, she created Miu Miu and the cutting-edge sister label was an instant hit. Miu Miu is feminine without being overly girly, chic but also hip. By mixing masculine with feminine, the ordinary with the extraordinary, Miuccia creates a look that is instantly recognizable yet never predictable.

Lust

2007-10-24T21:17:00.000+08:00

I caved into temptation and sauntered into the Miu Miu store, knowing full well, I'll fall in love with the structured bag. From magazine to seeing it in cradled on my arms, ah, touching the leather is good satisfaction enough. It sure doesn't help that the aged red leather is simply gorgeous!

Dreams

2007-03-04T16:42:00.000+08:00

"look for booth 13" said the girl over the counter as we got our limousine bus from Narita to Shinagawa, Tokyo.
As the doors open, the crisp cold air plucked my tired eyes open, and here I was in Japan. Tomorrow, will be my first experience buying on the job! From childhood etches and rips of fashion jotterbooks to the realisation of actually being in a room, with planary view of the next season's designer collections within reach - it was a wildchild trip I must say.
True, from afar, fashion buys sound extremely glamorous. The real thing was in fact very exhausting but yet again, it was like living a dream, being in a time capsule. Before long, half a day had passed and we zipped in and out of the hotel in a slice of 15 minutes, off into the ride to the airport once more.
Tiring, Yes.
But it was well worth losing shut eye over. Now I can't wait to see the Twistinos arrive instore!!!

The color Tiffany

2007-02-07T15:22:00.000+08:00

We were at the Chocolate Factory yesterday, one of the latest chocolatiers to raid the town at Robertson Quay. What strikes is the painstakingly familiar packaging in the citrus blue green that brings to mind the jeweller Tiffany. Now I'm no girl who gushes over the label, but do I dare say that there's a little whimper within that somehow screamed out last night when Shoon, Jas and I saw the little "handbag" that contains the chocolate decadent devils.
So is there a Tiffany instinct within most girls? Why's it that we exclaim aloud "that Tiffany blue"?
Now...excuse me, whilst I savor the chocolates in this little bag of blue ;p

Amur

2006-11-09T20:46:00.000+08:00

I caved in to my weakness. Size 7.5, nero, peeptoe, slingbacks...sliding my feet into this handsomely coveted shoe maker.
Some quotes to share from his lineage.
"..I discovered that the weight of the body when standing drops vertically on the arches of the feet..."
"First you must have the feeling of support the arch: that is paramount, fundamental, all-important. Next your toes should be free.."

Red

2006-10-29T18:22:00.000+08:00

Risque. Ruby. Rose. Blush. Scarlet. Amber.
Why is the color red as simply described as above. It is so demurely clean - a primary color we all know - yet creates an aura so provocative and in many ways, belies an urgency.
It makes us stop(no pun intended) in our tracks when we see this hint of chili stain in our window of view. Men swoon over the lure of red lips, the sheer sight of red lace in its many guises.
It is the stamp of our flags to us Singaporeans. A dizzying call for help for Red Cross. A marathon for bargain hunters with the % sign. A sweet decadent contrast on top of a cocoa indulgence. The painted tips of our Sarong Ambassadors.

The Simple Life

2006-10-04T00:39:00.000+08:00

What is the Simple Life I wondered whilst over a dinner tete a tete one day?
In the local context, some of us may be contented with a comfortable HDB pad, with all accesses to Kopitiams and neighborly NTUC hubs. Whilst for others, it will be that relentless pursuit of living it up - GCBs or a nice condo in the big "O" zone, 3 car lifestyle, dinners in the restricted zone of restaurants only - don't be surprised but this is the reality dream for some!
Or, might the Simple Life be a nice early retirement in a farm Down Under? Imagine, it could be a nice vineyard with ribena red wine as a night cap ritual... a galaxy of stars at your disposal ... a cacophony of nature sounds instead of traffic music ...

Running

2006-10-02T00:17:00.000+08:00

Whilst I've been living in my new abode for a couple of months now, I've taken to evening runs in the hood. A mild improvement mind you, as I've yet to hit the gym for many moons.
Running to me is like discovering a new calm and sanctity. An inner peace. With or without Ipod in tow (you can always listen to the mild cacophony of traffic and nature), nothing beats killing some angst by burning some rubber on the roads.
And now, I'm happy to say, I'm back to being a gym rat. It sure does help that the gym is just but 5 bus stops away... With the prevalance of pills and spas boasting swelte figures in a short span of time, I'd still rather sweat it out for a healthier lifestyle.
To say insane or not, I've just walked home with a spanking pair of top of the line running shoes - Asics Gel Nimbus. Yes, for those close to me, its perhaps by far the most expensive pair of shoes I've ever owned. And may I fess up, that the price tags on those tottering pretty things I own do not match up to these rubber darlings ;)

The IT shoe

2006-09-27T15:46:00.000+08:00

We've all heard, read, and seen the "It" bag. So what maketh the "It" shoe you'd scream to wonder? It will most probably be to own a pair of Christian Louboutins. What other means to lend an ID through the screaming red stain on its sole!
With the bandwagon of celebrity names to boast - SJP, Madonna, Diane Von Furstenberg - this all brings to mind the powers of celebrity marketing. It's so simple. Have a celebrity endorse your brand with a nice brand name gift. Think Kate Moss with her Balenciaga bag, think Stella Tennant with Burberry's Manor Bag. Get spotted and you're well on your way to "ITdom".
For now, my It shoe will be to own a pair of Patent Vara Pumps from Ferragamo.

When I grow up

2006-09-03T17:06:00.000+08:00

Salvatore Ferragamo knew he'd wanted to become a shoe-maker since the age of 9. He decidedly went on to pursue disciplines in Biology to study our human anatomy.
So I wondered, in our busy Singapore rat race, how often do we truly get to pursue our dreams, our passion. I remember as a child, I used to doodle models and dressed them up in make belief fashionable clothes. Such dreams persist in some alternative form, but through the luxe names I see everyday through my job.
Do we listen to our inner voice to forge a pursuit or do we get into our comfort zone....