Refined Elegance & Talking Namecards

Raffles Hotel is still one of my favorite spots within the city in Singapore. Set amidst all the high rises, it is a piece of history after having been converted from an old colonial house. I thought it was very befitting to wear this little black dress from Cmeo that I would like to call The Tulip thanks to its petal-like folds.

Paired with this soft leather handbag from Mango.

Black, White and Everything Else Boardroom Look

Wearing Pleat Collar Top from Toki Choi, Pleat Sequin Skirt from Sandro Paris, Long black vest from Motifs Official and Stacked block heels from Aldo

When in doubt, I always go in black and white as they are neutral colors that never fails, especially in the office. I try to add some details in my outfits either through accessories, or through subtle detailing such as pleating, sequins, fabric and texture variations.

I topped this look off with stacked block heels from Aldo - block heels are my secret weapon as they are so much more comfortable than stilettos/pumps as they offer your feet with more support, but not comprising on style and height.



Shot this at the National Museum and I was pleasantly surprised to discover this circular window feature in one of the private galleries. It's really rare to find such architecture in Singapore's buildings, so this one was a nice change.

You can shop Toki Choi at Qoo10 or Zalora.

This post is brought to you with Toki Choi.

How to Dress for Summer

It's that time of the year again where it gets unbearably hot in Singapore. Usually people complain that the weather is the one that deters people from dressing up, but I beg to differ.

Summer is the time when you can get to show more skin and be creative in what you wear! Hemlines get shorter and shoulders get bared. This off-shoulder dress from Toki Choi perfectly fits the summer theme - it's lightweight and offers style while not compromising on comfort.

Dress down with some leather sandals and a straw fedora hat, or dress up with some heels for the night.
 
Wearing blue kimono top from Toki Choi, blue denim shorts and leather sandals from Zalora.

Second tip I would give is a summer shirt or cami + simple shorts/mini skirt combination - it never fails. This blue kimono top is great for summer since it's loose-fitting - Usually I try to go for loose-fitting sleeved tops or just silk camis or 100% cottons. Fabric is actually really important in ensuring that your skin breathes - try to go for pure threads instead of polyester blends as that will only trap the heat more.

Hope these tips helps you in picking out your next outfit for blazing hot weather!

You can shop the above outfits at Q10 or Zalora.

Post sponsored by Toki Choi.

Exploring National Gallery Singapore

Since the opening of National Gallery, I’ve probably flocked to it several times, and not always for the paintings that hang within it but more for its stunning architecture. The National Gallery was formerly the Supreme Court of Singapore and is a monumental building that houses a large portion of Singapore’s history even before its independence. The new revamp kept the original architecture but features added beams and a rooftop terrace that allows light to stream in during the day.

Wearing Cameo crop top and Mango wide leg pants

The Cameo top is one of my favorite crop tops for its circular bustline and bareback design – it’s perfect for the hot Singapore climate! As it’s 30-32C year-round in Singapore, I always opt for camisoles or bareback tops, or light 100% cotton shirts to keep the heat out. It’s important to be discerning towards the fabric of the clothes you wear – polyester blends are popular now as it is cheaper but it actually makes you sweat easier since the heat is easily trapped within the synthetic fibers.

What are your takes on selecting fabrics? Or do you not look out for it at all in purchasing clothes?

French Style Dressing Tips

People always ask what makes French women chic. The truth, I think, is very simple – 

1. They stick to a few really well cut basics with added details instead of compromising their style and chasing after trends. They know what works and what doesn’t, so the overall look and style is always consistent and timeless. Frankly, all you need to have are just a few hardworking basics of really good fabrics and cut, and you can keep rewearing them for years. 
2. They dress for themselves and not for other people’s eyes, which is why hemlines and sleeves are usually longer, instead of short skirts and camisoles. I guess this gives them the je ne sais quoi, effortless quality to their outfits.

I recently got this A-line flare skirt from Sandro Paris and really like the subtle knit texture of it and really love this look when paired together with this ribbon-tie shirt. Wearing this pair of suede leather sandals from Raye the Label, available from Revolve – I really like it for its comfort since the heel is really sturdy to walk in and also the fact that it pretty much goes with everything. 

For the month of May, Revolve is offering up to 25% off everything from 10 - 12 May! Use code REVOLVEME.

SPEND $250 → TAKE 15% OFF 

SPEND $500 → TAKE 20% OFF 

SPEND $750 → TAKE 25% OFF

I'd take this chance to update my summer wardrobe. BRB.

The French Way in Palais Royal

I think a lot of people have seen photos of the art installation - black and white columns - in this courtyard but has never figured out where it is. Well, that's Palais Royal and it's a small, quiet garden house within this majestic building which now mostly houses luxury boutiques and art galleries. Oh and bonus - you can now find a Maison Kitsune cafe there too!

Wearing L'Academie The Military Blouse, Sandro Paris Sequin Pleat Skirt, Zara Highcut Boots

Shot by Haleigh from Making Magique

It wasn't planned but somehow my L'Academie blouse from Revolve Clothing matched perfectly with the black and white candy striped columns at Palais Royal. More commonly known as the Colonnes de Buren, after the artist Daniel Buren, the columns were installed as art installations and have remained there since 1986.

I absolutely love this installation and have been meaning to shop there for ages and finally got the chance to! This military blouse comes with a sexy deep V neck, which draws down to four button accents on the front. L'Academie also has this beautiful blouse with neck-tie which I have been coveting as well.

Revolve is now having a Spring Sale exclusively for customers in Singapore, Japan and S Korea till 31 March midnight! You can enjoy 20% off most of their brands - I would recommend Tularosa, Lovers & Friends, Privacy Please, Stone Cold Fox for some boho, summery outfits. If you are looking for something more dressy, go for NBD and Cmeo. For reliable basics, go for Equipment and Cami NYC - their silk blouses are a dream! And yes, all your fav Australian labels are on there too - Shop Cmeo, The Fifth Collective, Keepsake and more all on Revolve.

Shipping takes just a week to get to Singapore - no reason not to indulge in some online retail therapy *winks*

Alternative Ways of BF Shirt

I suppose the boyfriend shirt is one of those items that doesn't look like it should belong in a girl's wardrobe but yet feels so right. Loose fitting, comfortable, and just skims the butt - you can let loose a few buttons, roll up the sleeves and it would feel like second skin.

I especially like this reconstructed one from MLM Label which reinterprets the bf shirt as a tube top, complete with sleeves as a tie at the waist. Wore this together with culottes for a visit to the cute and colorful beach houses at Brighton Beach in Melbourne.

Photography by Madeleine Gill

Wearing Bustier Strapless Top from MLM Label and Chiffon Culottes

And for those who are worried since Revolve ships from US, I can tell you that I usually receive their packages within 2.5 weeks max, or even shorter. Also, there's extra benefits, so if you are still doubtful I think the below would be enough to satisfy:

1. FREE INTERNATIONAL SHIPPING - DHL Express shipping offered for all orders above $100 USD.
2. 30 DAYS RETURN & 60 DAYS EXCHANGE POLICY
3. PRICE MATCH - Revolve will match any online competitor's non-clearance price within 30 days of purchase
4. 10% OFF FOR NEW CUSTOMERS - If you subscribe to their mailing list.

Some of my fav labels just to get you started - Tularosa, Cmeo, Alice McCall and For Love & Lemons. Happy shopping!