1 Dress, 3 ways

"Basics are the foundation of your closet, because they can practically be worn with anything. Look at basics as a blank canvas that we can create our masterpiece from."

- Chriselle Lim, Fashion Stylist

I cannot agree enough with this statement. I spend hours shopping for all the trendiest outfits but why do I end up with almost nothing to wear for school?

Because I have not stocked up enough on basics. 

As strange as it may sound, my favourite pieces from my wardrobe are my old blue jeans, my Vans sneakers and that black cotton tee. They are my go-tos when I'm running late, they are the ones that match anything and everything and leaves me comfortable at the end of the day. They aren't attractive nor fancy, but there's something about basics that I never ever get bored of.

Bias-cut Tux dress by Dressabelle

Dressabelle's asymmetrical dress was the perfect choice for me. It features a button down collar that is flattering for all but what makes it not-so-basic is that slanted hem. It's flowy without being overly drapey. And don't worry ladies, it comes with a inner slip! (Dressabelle is really considerate when it comes to dressing modestly I promise.)

The Bias-cut Tux dress looks stunning on its own. But I'm going to show you 3 looks that I dressed myself up with using other basic pieces that most people already own.


Look 1: Accessorize

Hey, don't tell me you don't have accessories? Personally, I love black and silver jewelry in metallic finish. That's just my preference.

I wore my some bangles, put on a studded belt and a collar necklace for an interesting neckline. And of course, a hot pink lipstick (MAC Cremesheen lipstick in Speak Louder) really helped brighten up my dark assemble.

Thin silver bangle - FEP, $7 / Beads - Shanghai / Gem bangle - Diva, gifted

Collar necklace - City Plaza, $16

Look 2: Wear a dress as a skirt

Who says dresses are not versatile? All I did to make my dress a skirt was adding a plain sweater. Then, I accentuated my waistline with a thin belt and there you have it - an asymmetrical skirt! The white sweater made my outfit look neat and classy. Besides, it kept me warm and cozy against the cool breeze.

Knit sweater - G2000, second hand

Look 3: Feeling festive

Convert the knee-length dress to a maxi by layering another skirt beneath! The greatest thing about chiffon is its sheer texture that allows other colours/prints to show through.

I chose a pleated velvet full skirt in red that added a dash of colour to my black dress.

Pleated velvet skirt - City Plaza, $30

So which was your favourite look?

If you love the Bias-cut Tux dress, get it soon before it's sold out! Remember, make use of what you already have and with some creativity, you'll be able to recycle your outfits over and over like I do!

Great thanks to my very sweet photographer for the day, Joanne! Thank you <3

Weekend visuals - Wanderlust

We fell in love, deep in space

Bath bomb from Lush

Enjoyed oranges under a blanket of stars

Juice Market's swimwear in Noir Maillot

Have yourself a merry little Christmas :)

Boarding the 'Titanic' as actual passengers in the past

<3

Nigel and I finally spent a well deserved vacation together, to celebrate our year together as a couple, to pamper ourselves with the humble amount of savings we have accumulated. I think it's really important we allocate quality time since we're so busy with school and various commitments.

Our mini getaway was well spent in a boutique hotel Wanderlust. It appears as an average looking Peranakan style house but don't underestimate what it has to offer. We were well taken of to every minor detail; the room was well equipped with everything despite limited spaces. I especially loved the instant coffee machine - perfect for a coffee addict like me.

We also visited the 100th anniversary Titanic exhibition. One of our favourite things to do is visiting museums/ exhibitions! And let me tell you, it's a MUST. If you watched Titanic as a child, you'll definitely be able to relate better to Titanic. The exhibition was really informative and emotional. It tells a complete story, unlike the movie, it puts you in the shoes of many victims who lost their lives. As cheesy as it may sound, I even teared at this quote that was displayed in the exhibition:

"We have lived together for many years. Wherever my husband goes, I go." 

- A lady who refused to get on a life boat

That is love.

Anyway, if you happen to be interested, the Titanic exhibition is at MBS Arts and Science Museum, opens daily from 10am to 10pm. Tickets are priced at $24 but OCBC card holders get a 20% off.

Let me just end off with my favourite Christmas song of all time. She sings beautifully. Brought me so much peace and joy. Hope it does for you too!

A little flare

Lace flare pants - Forever 21, silk blouse - mom's, chiffon blouse - gifted from Yuting, platfroms - Jeffrey Campbell, necklace - Hong Kong

I'm never a boot-cut girl but I guess I made an exception just yesterday while casually shopping in Forever 21. I'm normally in my skinnies but these pants, my goodness! 

Note: There's 10% discount for all OCBC credit/debit card holders at Forever 21!

It's flowly, comfortable and made really long so it's meant to go with high platforms. I'm so in love with its exaggerated bell-bottom that surprisingly seems to make my legs look thinner than usual. 

Reversible blazer from Dressabelle

The weather was cool enough to allow layers, so I wore a blazer that's more geometrically cut. It's longer on the front and short at the back - allowing my girly chiffon top to flow perfectly.

I'm sure you girls have seen reversible dresses, tops and scarfs. Now blazer comes in reversible form too! You can now acquire 2 blazers in the price of one!

Wearing my blazer in camel

Kittens on my JC Lana Fab

My photographer for today :)

Wore Revlon's Matte lipstick in Wine Not.

Neutral Eyes

My first makeup tutorial showing you how to do your eye makeup with natural colours. I specially recorded this video to answer some of the questions I get often:

- What eyeshadow colour suits me?
- How do you apply eyeshadow?
- Can I apply my eyeshadow without a brush?
- I have single eyelid, what should I do?

I may not have gone into too much of details as it will take really long, so please excuse me! I truly hope you guys will find it useful and try dolling yourself up this Christmas okay? :)

Remember, there are always exceptions! You don't have to use the exact products I use. Use whatever you have. The most important thing you should grasp is the placement of eyeshadow.

However, if you're interested, here is what I have on:

Urban Decay Primer Potion
Maybelline eyeshadow in Gold (base colour)
MAC eyeshadow in Cork (eye socket), Satin Taupe (outer 'V')
Shades Beverly Hills eyeshadow in Nude (brow bones)
Loreal Super Liner in Black
Maybelline Lash Stilettos mascara
Daiso brow pencil
Maybelline Eye Studio brow powder in Dark Brown
MAC cremesheen Lipstick in Creme D Nude

Do comment if you would have any questions or requests (e.g foundation tutorial) and I will definitely get back to you. Anonymous comments allowed for this blog.

Thank you for watching :)

Tartan Tales + Layering Basics

Dressabelle is a local online boutique that carries stylish, comfortable pieces at really good prices. The first thing I noticed about Dressabelle's apparel was their quality and details. I am very fussy when shopping online because I know how deceiving pictures can be as compared to the real deal. What looks stunning on the model may not look as good on me.

I noticed that most Dressabelle dresses are of appropriate length for work. Did you know that the most flattering length of your skirt is about a inch above your knees? Dressabelle did it! I love how most of their dresses are perfect on their own, unlike other dresses that require a slip or exposed your undies so what's the point right?

Dressabelle got me to pick out two pieces from their collections, one of which is a tartan dress! To me, tartan usually comes in the form of mini skirts that I instantly associate with Scotland or Japanese school girl. But this one, don't you think it's so modern? The traditional tartan print now goes on a classic shift dress, giving that flattering, silhouette for all body types. This dress also comes with a matching belt to clinch my waist to create more curves.

A humble corner of my room just turned into a very UN-professional studio backdrop...

Close-up at its material - somewhere between cotton and thick flannel shirts.

I will be showing you my own way of wearing this tartan dress by...

Layering

How to layer? Singapore may seem too hot to layer almost anything but trust me, it's not when you layer on the right stuff! Especially during this rainy season, the more we girls should take full advantage. You know those few dresses in your wardrobe that doesn't look attractive anymore? They are perfect for this purpose!

I'm nowhere near pro to teach you but if you have the time, watch the video below by Chriselle, a fashion stylist teaching you how to wear the exact 7 pieces for 14 different looks simply by layering. Amazing?


Let me summarize some key points for you:

• When layering, always focus on proportion, contrast and material - to create visual interest and depth.
• Always layer from thin to thick materials as you proceed.
• Use a neutral piece of accessory (e.g. brown belt) to create curves or tone down (e.g. nude shoes) a colourful outfit.
• Neutral colours may be nude/ black/ ivory or even grey.
• Lastly, my own input - tie hair into a bun because I can't stand the heat!

1. I layered a super light weight chiffon blouse (mom's) above my dress. I chose a blue blouse because the shade matches with the navy blue blocks on my dress.

2. I love my studded leather jacket to death and wear it way too often in pictures. One of my favourite ways to wear leather is with chiffon because the texture compliments each other perfectly. 

3. Lastly, shoes and accessories! Put on my leather combat boots (which coincidentally has tartan printed inside) and studded cuff.

Done!

What do you think?

Hope you enjoyed reading. I urge you to start layering!

Shop dressabelle.livejournal.com

For weekly collections, good quality apparel and lots of giveaways every week! 

Dressabelle's FB page for more details on giveaways

(They're giving away a dress to a lucky lady 15 Dec noon, which is tomorrow so hurry!)

Dressabelle

Woke up to open a parcel kindly sent to me from Dressabelle! (Thank you!) Christmas came early for me. Expect to see two outfit posts coming your way. Yep finally! I know I know, have been really busy preparing for common tests. I promise more outfit posts during my Christmas break.

Sneak preview

Laters!

Dulcecandy's Office/ Closet tour

I love seeing people's interiors and nosing into their possessions. I love to see the kind of environment people live in day-to-day.

Dulce Candy (yes, her real name) is one of the first few people I followed on YouTube in attempt to learn makeup. She used to be a female soldier who fought for Iraq! Three years have passed, she's now happily married, a mother of one, studying as a fashion student, a freelance makeup artist, fashion blogger and designer. Makes me wonder how does she even have the time and energy to film and record videos for her loyal audiences. The most amazing part is, she's only in her early 20s and has laid out her life in such perfect manner. She constantly mentions in her videos that she doesn't let her height (4 ft 9") get in the way at all when she dresses up.

What an inspiration. <3