Black On Black

Credit: John Tan of Steetpeek

A quick post to share with you what I wore to Audi Fashion Festival and Blueprint 2013. For my overseas friends, AFF is deemed the official fashion week here in Singapore. Blueprint is somewhat like a trade show focused towards promoting local designers. I am pleased that Singapore is finally placing more emphasis on its budding fashion industry. I met my friend John, who is a renowned Singapore street fashion photographer and I have always admired his eye for details in photographs. His ability of making people look fantastic under any circumstances surprises me every time! For those who are wondering, I was actually busy chewing a Magnum ice-cream in this shot. 

Outfit breakdown:

Maxi dress - ASOS

Mesh vest - m)Phosis (similar here)

Tribal necklace - ZARA

Creepers - Underground

I'm going to be completely honest with you. I am extremely intimidated by social events of any sort, not to mention a fashion festival where hundreds of industry professionals are expected to be present. The age-old question of 'what do I wear' is mind boggling. My solution - A plain maxi dress that is figure flattering yet understated. Always works, I swear! Maxi dresses are my must-haves because they can be dressed up or down easily. I layered a long mesh vest to give extra texture and 'presence'. And since my hair is short, I really love all the attention that was directed towards my accessories. My trusty creeper wedges provided height and comfort to walk around all day. In a social event like the fashion show, the worst thing you could do is to wear an unfamiliar piece of clothing or shoes that'll probably leave you uncomfortable. Imagine having to adjust your mini skirt every three seconds...how awful!

Photos by Renee

Unfortunately, I couldn't find the link to the exact dress I'm wearing. Sorry guys :( I bought mine a year ago. However, I've found three maxi dresses under S$35 that comes in a body-con fit. A good thing to note is that ASOS dress tends to run long so let's say if you're a UK6 like me, a UK4 might fit you better.

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Oasis

Oasis Dress - c/o Dressabelle | Mesh vest - m)Phosis

Grey metallic boots - Esprit

 

Bug earrings - The Quiet Riot

   
   

Photos by Yun Jing

I have officially graduated from Ngee Ann Poly! Three years have flew past in a flash, leaving me with so much nostalgic memories. It's such a surreal feeling to know that you're ready for the work force. I'd be continuing in my studies though. Anyway, isn't this dress gorgeous? Yes, I'm aware it's originally H&M - which Beyoncé was seen in the recent campaign. I have always loved the idea of scenic graphics because it's like an art piece displayed on dress form. Same goes for my beloved Blackmilk pieces. This one reminds me of Jiu Zai Gou valley. Never been there before, but friends who have gone describe it as heaven on Earth. They say the water there is so clear you could see coral reefs beneath. I also heard that the the Pandora in movie Avatar was created based on the valley. Definitely one of my travel destinations in the future! 

  More bug earrings:

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Sailors For A Day: Navy Open House

 

 

I'm typing out this post with aching muscles and T-shirt tan lines but mostly, charged with excitement to share with you our adventure at the Changi Naval Base last weekend. The pictures speak for themselves! As the girlfriend of a boy who's enlisting into National Service soon, of course I was keen to see what exactly NS men do in camp, what they battle with and it didn't hurt to spot cute Navy soldiers everywhere. Okay, I know this only the tip of the iceberg but still, I was amazed by the magnificent battle ships and technology our Navy adopts. There were SO MANY people. By that, I mean a human line which extends over six EXPO halls. Probably more. We queued for three hours just to board the Navy shuttle bus and needless to say, the queues at the open house itself (to experience/ board different ship crafts) were countless. Nonetheless, we had no regrets and explored everything to our best ability. I love that Nigel and I were curious about everything so waiting wasn't that bad after all. The Navy Open house was interactive, well equipped (there were mobile water basins!) and thorough. Good job Navy, a big thank you for fulfilling our dreams of being sailors for the day!

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Sail Ahoy!

Silk maxi dress - Mom's vintage (similar here)

Ahoy matey! (apparently that's how pirates and sailors greet each other) Who's going for the Navy Open House this coming weekend? I am definitely going and it's going to be so fun! Since young, I have been fascinated with the military. As a sucker for effective marketing, I have to say the Singapore military forces have done a superb job promoting just how cool being a soldier is. Does anybody remember how awesome Rihanna was in movie Battle Ship?! Now coming to fashion, I was inspired by the nautical trend as well as my excitement for the Navy. I associate nautical/ maritime style with very lightweight fabrics and an overall ethereal vibe. Of course, anchors are a must if you want to look extra badass. ;-)  

 

 

Cora Sea Jewels Necklace - c/o O'ORO | Watch - Casio

  It saddens me that my mom's dress from over two decades ago must have been worn so much that holes seem to magically expand every time I wear it. It's made of 100% silk which makes it so breathable. I dressed up this basic dress with a statement necklace. It's gems, chains and oversized knots contrasts perfectly against the soft fabric beneath. I really think this necklace is such a beautiful piece, and the best part is it costs so much less than it looks!

 

 

 

Anchor wedges - c/o Charles & Keith

  Thanks to Charles & Keith, I was able to complete my nautical look. I notice that C&K always make their bags and shoes in a combination of different materials. It's rare to find a a style that's of one texture. Not that I'm complaining, because they're my favourite local shoe brand after all! While the navy fabric reminds me of a boat sail, the brown straps remind me of wooden decks. Yes, that's right, I look at my wedges as if it's a boat. Blame it on Pirates of The Caribbean for planting such imagination in me.

Photos by Nigel

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Gone With The Wind

Crochet tunic - Shanghai (similar here) | Denim shorts - F21 (similar here)

Lately I have been very inspired by bohemian fashion but having a pixie haircut only makes it extra challenging to pull off such a romantic, delicate style. So yup, like most Singaporean men serving the country, hats (a flower crown in my case) have become our ultimate companion. I think the crown goes really well with those see-through flowers on my blouse. 

Fringe boots - Taobao (similar here)

Bell sleeves are something that aren't worn enough in my opinion. I love how its exaggerated silhouette is really attention grabbing yet it's casual enough for everyday. Why can't people start embracing them instead of the usual skintight t-shirts?

 

Feather necklace - c/o O'ORO

A bohemian outfit isn't truly complete without feathers, a dream catcher or fringe. To finish it all of, I wore this feather necklace that's of warm hues and gold accents. Accessories are like the cherry-on-top; when worn right, it should highlight the essence of your style without being overpowering. 

Fashion blogger tip: Everything in my ensemble is flowy which is great for reflecting movement in pictures!

Flower crown - Bangkok

Fringe sling bag - Mango | Skull bracelet - Beadstreet

Not sure if those dark clouds were a blessing in disguise. If you too are a fashion blogger (a.k.a. part-time weather predictor), you'd know how frustrating it is to work with the erratic weather in Singapore. An hour before this shoot it was all nice and sunny then as I was finishing my makeup with a slick of lipgloss, I heard distant thunder signaling a storm. Are you kidding me? It's difficult on the photographer too because he'd have to constantly adjust the ISO and shutter speed. To me, the biggest challenges when shooting an outfit is finding the right location and lighting.

Photos by Nigel

What are your biggest challenges when shooting an outfit? Is it the awkward stares from people? Or is it a bad photographer who only takes unflattering photos from an downward angle? Share with me, I'd love to know!

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