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Thursday 31 July 2014

Feature: The Lady General

Thursday 31 July 2014
Cheongsam: The Lady General* // Sandals: Topshop

Hello everyone! If you've been following my Instagram, you'd have noticed I received this fabulous dress from Elaine over at The Lady General a few weeks ago. For the benefit of any international readers, The Lady General specialises in 'fine modern cheongsams', or qipao, which are known for their body-skimming fit and high mandarin collars. They're a staple piece usually donned for the Chinese New Year celebrations and are so retro/vintage, since they were made famous in the 1920s.

The Lady General, though, reinvents the classic design with a modern twist, and I totally applaud them for it! Cheongsams are not the most flattering of dresses with their bodycon fit, and can be uncomfortable with their high necks. The piece I'm wearing, Ling (now on sale!), retains the mandarin collar but incorporates a skater-style skirt, which I personally found really comfy. The ivory band accentuates the waist, while the polka dot print pays homage to sixties fashion while remaining totally relevant in 2014. It's a great addition to my wardrobe, being both professional but pretty.

I wore this piece to work the other day, and it fit beautifully in a workplace despite making such a statement. (I actually received a few compliments!) The dress is also satin-lined, so it's smooth and cool on the skin (need it in this Singapore weather!). I've been eyeing their other dresses (I love Qing, which is crepe-lined) and have been fortunate enough to view a few pieces from the next collection - there are a few beauties there!

I would genuinely recommend The Lady General to anyone looking for that special retro piece versatile enough to wear to work, dinner or even a normal day out. The price may be a little on the steep side when viewed in SGD, but ladies often shell out a lot more for regular, off-the-rack dresses from high street brands. The quality also speaks for itself - you truly are getting your money's worth for a wonderful, lasting piece.

What do you think of The Lady General and their take on the cheongsam? Do comment below to let me know!


Monday 28 July 2014

OOTD: Palazzo Pants

Monday 28 July 2014
Necklace: here & there // Top: Asos // Pants: The Tinsel Rack // Heels: The Editor's Market

Hello all! I've been photographing a slew of work-appropriate outfits which can double up for a less formal day out, and this is one of them.

I'm studying to be a lawyer, who are well known for their 'uniform' of white shirt and black bottoms. Here, I did the exact opposite, opting for draped fabric which remain professional because of the quality of the material. I also added a bit of bling, recently bought from the Public Garden Flea, to avoid making the outfit look too boring.

While I'm a big fan of the palazzo pants cut, I was disappointed with the pair I'm wearing in the photos. The rise and length of the pants were obviously made with shorter and smaller girls in mind, definitely not those with a tush like me! Really need to find some local blogshops which aren't size-ist! 

Friday 25 July 2014

OOTD: Pumped Up Kicks

Friday 25 July 2014
Dress: Primark // Shoes: Nike // Sunglasses: Asos

I have a little confession to make - I actually wore the dress for work, but changed out of boring black flats into something a little more sassy! I've been seeing loads of bloggers pairing dresses with trainers and wanted to give it a go as well. My old Nikes are perfect for injecting some colour into an otherwise 'safe' ensemble, I think, and take my dress from formal to casual instantly! Another idea would be to layer the look with a duster coat if I were somewhere chillier (need to get my hands on one, stat!).

Also, apologies for the lack of updates as I've been working. :x

How would you style the dress/trainer trend?

Monday 21 July 2014

OOTD: Jungle Fever

Monday 21 July 2014
Dress: Dorothy Perkins // Heels: The Editor's Market // Blazer: Asos

I recently discovered that F3 Singapore (which offers promotions in relation to certain high-street brands) has recently launched W.O.W. - What's on Wednesdays. Essentially, Topshop, Dorothy Perkins, Miss Selfridge and Topman have amazing deals every Wednesday!

You can imagine how pleased I was with snapping up this luxe dress at 30% off last week. It's a huge discount and makes keeping up with the latest styles so much more pocket-friendly. This tropical dress is also totally quality, so you know you're definitely getting bang for your buck!

Check out F3 Singapore's website for more information on further W.O.W.s!


Friday 18 July 2014

OOTD: Daisy

Friday 18 July 2014

Top: Cotton On // Shorts: Primark // Shoes: eBay 

OK, the star of my outfit here has got to be the little daisy bag I picked up from a children's store wayyyy back. I've never used it, though, and only dug it out because they (coincidentally) totally go with my Primark runner shorts! 

For those of you who wear FBTs (actual runner shorts), you know how comfortable they can be. I've always found them a little sloppy, but the prints on mine, paired with proper shoes and a crisp white top, can actually turn them kind of classy!

I've been feeling a little ill for a couple of days, maybe it's all that sinful food getting to me! I've been going out so much lately that it's time for a break, especially since I start my internship next week (ahhhh). 

Do keep an eye out for tips on work-appropriate outfits - I've been saving a few pieces!


Monday 14 July 2014

OOTD: Out for a Spin

Monday 14 July 2014
Top: New Look // Skirt: Thread Theory // Bag: Asos // Shoes: The Editor's Market

I seem to have every single pastel colour that exists, but they're such great complements to otherwise stark hues. I'm wearing this fabulous midi skirt with a top I've worn before - it's got lovely pleats and is made of a heavier material, great for swinging round the city! I also like the organza detail at the hem, so gorgeous I had to buy 2 of them (in different colours of course).


Wednesday 9 July 2014

OOTD: Fondant Fancy

Wednesday 9 July 2014
Top: Primark // Skirt: Missguided // Bag: Ted Baker at Selfridges // Necklace: H&M // Shoes: Toms

What better way to brighten up an otherwise grey day with some spring pastels? Surprisingly, this outfit lasted an entire day, at totally different places - a hawker centre (one of the most unglamorous places ever!), a shopping mall, and a posh restaurant. I could also easily swap out the Toms for a pair of heels to take the look from day to night.

The only real gripe I have is that the Missguided skirt is made of very thin fabric (scuba?), so you'd have to get some seamless underwear to avoid the dreaded VPL. 

I know that perhaps the season has passed, but I don't think I'll ever get enough of these ice-cream hues! What are your opinions? x

Sunday 6 July 2014

OOTD: The Editor's Market

Sunday 6 July 2014
Top, Pants and Shoes: The Editor's Market

Yup, all 3 pieces are from my latest haul at The Editor's Market shop over at Cineleisure Orchard in Singapore! They have an attractive deal where the more pieces you buy, the less each individual item costs, so ofc I grabbed this whole bunch.

I was originally looking for some black culottes, but realised the longer version (known as palazzo pants) can be doubled up as workwear. Plus how cute is that swingy crop, not tight-fitting at all like the other ones I own. The heels, though, are probably my best buy - they're so comfy and I love how they keep my feet nice and cool without compromising on the style factor. Love the huge cuff at my ankle!

Let me know in the comments what you think of this get-up xx


Thursday 3 July 2014

OOTD: India Stoker

Thursday 3 July 2014
Top: H&M // Skirt: Asos // Shoes: ebay

Does anyone remember the movie Stoker? I remember watching it on the plane before beginning my second year in uni, and I was absolutely captivated by two things: the cinematography and India Stoker's feminine-dowdy threads. 

Her costumes were a lot more dour and severe in the movie, which isn't really my thing, so I opted for a brighter, more girly look instead. I tried to keep the essentials, though - the shapeless silhouette, flowy materials and, of course, her saddle shoes (an important feature in the film). 

What do you think of my movie-inspired look? Let me know in the comments! x 

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