BLUEPRINT 2013 | 4 Accessory Labels to Hunt Down
This year, the selection of exhibitors at BLUEPRINT (Singapore’s tradeshow & emporium) seems to be of a completely different breed, in a good way of course. One walk around and I could see more labels with strong design concepts and unquestionable craftsmanship. Now, the accessory labels were truly stunning pieces of art and that was probably why the accessories zone was consistently buzzing with excited gleams from buyers and media.
It was warranted attention for sure.
In my little time to walk about, I scouted 4 spine-tingling accessory labels and it’s no surprise that 2 of them are based in Thailand. Thailand designers have a peculiar eye for jewelry, you’ll see why in a bit. 
Thai label, Nitz Designs creates intricate pieces, which are subtle narratives of our social lives. From decadent luxuries to street culture, each collection is highly conceptual but grounded in a reality, or something akin, we can attach ourselves to.
Take a look at these two ram-headed pieces. They immediately hearken us to biblical metaphors and mythological experiences, the image and animal itself already indemnified as such.
These are earrings, yes earrings. To wear them, you’d have to split open the ram’s head (I’m sure there’s a story about this somewhere) to two & wear them in a way such that your ear is wedged in between each half of the ram’s head. Ingenious? Definitely.
The price points are on the higher range (in the hundreds) but for such hand crafted finesse, you know you’re getting your money’s worth.
The next Thai label, Mosstories, has a unique flair of creating statement pieces without it looking gaudy or over the top. Statement pieces are usually tricky to master - they need to be of the right proportion and stand out in a sea of people, without being clunky.
Inspired by the African tribal groups and their manner of attire, the latest collection by Mosstories is essentially a toned down interpretation, mostly making sense of the geometric shapes involved. Nonetheless, expect lots of brights and neons at their booth - bound to lure you in.
Earrings wil be going for about SGD$40-50 and necklaces will be SGD$100+. 
Now for some home pride. Singapore based accessory label, Setu is thoughtfully designed and has some elaborately handmade pieces. Each step in the process has been carefully calculated from treating the metal parts with a finishing to prolong its wear to digitalizing designs on sequins for a quaint touch.
A label that puts such immense thought into details has an immediate tick in my book and makes shopping for designer pieces that much different from a fast fashion brand. The line is clear. 
If I remember correctly, the above necklaces will be in the hundreds range. 
Just as every exhibitor was busy packing up for the day, I literally had to scurry down to Zone A and capture this beautiful Balinese label, Tulola. If you’re looking to only score some elegant cocktail rings, head down to their booth and you’ll be set.
More updates from BLUEPRINT will be up tomorrow night or just stay glued to Instagram!
BLUEPRINT Emporium
The Pit Building, Level 3
1 Republic Boulevard
Shuttle buses are available from ION Orchard
Featured on Links à la Mode: May 9th
Gift of Glamour
With all the dazzle of this week’s Met Gala and the upcoming excitement of the Great Gatsby, this summer is going to be all about glam. Between dressing up, dazzling flapper beading, maxi dresses, it’s a sure hit to doll it up during the most casual of months. This week’s roundup has just about everything you need to know about looking fabulous, how to find the best deals in most unexpected places and how to shop on the go (without even going into a store.) That’s just what we need to get some more outdoor time.
Shoes of Prey x Romance Was Born
The way to a man’s heart is through his stomach. The way to a woman’s heart? Feet. Or more specifically, shoes on feet. Drop dead gorgeous shoes - just to put everything into perspective.
I’ve seen how exquisite shoes have made even the most sensible woman weak in her knees. There’s just something about us wanting to have an exquisite article to walk in and catch a glimpse of as we huddle through a crowded bus or train. It adds a smile and a twinkle to an otherwise usually drab day.
It was a moment of revelry when Shoes of Prey, an Australian company launched, promoting the full customization of your dream pair of shoes. Pick different styles, throw in some materials, dribble colours and in a matter of minutes, you’ll have your very own signature shoes. Akin this to a personal shoe factory coming to life right before your eyes.
Also, free worldwide delivery just gives the entire concept a real good punch. Feel it yet? That itch to head to Shoes of Prey is mounting up pretty nicely, no? Well, reign it in for a bit. 
Shoes of Prey recently debuted their collaborations with Australian labels. One that I’ve come to love was the eclectic partnership with Australian label, Romance Was Born. Known for their psychedelic take on fashion and theatrical sets, their SS13/14 show was a journey into a young girl’s mind, where a wicked imagination takes centre stage. 
No aspect was left untainted of colour and expression, from make up to set design to styling. Resulting in every turn and step being a climatic juncture. The myriad of elements may be a tad overwhelming but each well thought intricate detail was deserving of every second of gaze by the sunglasses toting audience.
I wasn’t at the show and already my fingers are shivering with excitement as my eyes dart from corner to corner of each picture to grasp the wonderment at the venue.
The shoes were yet another treat where flouncy frills in a labyrinth of shades enveloped their feet on a cushiony mesh. A tutu for your feet if you’d fancy.
A word of caution though: thread carefully. You do not want to anger the likes of Suzy Menkes if she catches you parading in them and creating a spectacle as photographers swarm to capture the goodness on your feet.
Designers, Luke Sales and Anna Plunkett captured subtle Aussie sensibilities with exaggerated elements and delivered a visually stunning, kaleidoscopic experience.
All about having a bout of fun with these Aussies. Throw some confetti, bring in drinks, drop some beats and the audience could have their own after-party right on this set!
SALONI RATHOR re-construes Nature
To be honest, I’ve heard the nature inspiration countless times and each time you’d expect the collection to be laden with multitudes of green and blue hues, blossoming flowers and well, the occasional brown.
SALONI RATHOR on the other hand delved deeper and decamped from the age old nature inspiration with a collection that isn’t au naturale but rather on the metamorphosis of natural elements. It’s the elements we overlook with our sweeping eyes but think about how the surroundings transform when the seasons move from Winter to Spring, maybe not entirely apparent in Singapore but you’ll get the drift.
While inspiration may lay the ground of any good collection, the eventual execution is equally significant. With the current SS13 collection, Saloni has upped her game by introducing silks and higher grade polyesters, creating a more luxurious and yet wearable ambience.
The sheer riot of colours and comfortable lining, made of Shantung, makes for an ideal summer outfit, especially so in the beyond obviously humid Singapore (Pardon me as I continue to pick on Singapore’s weather in every post).
As the collection represents a rebirth of nature after a dreary Winter, the label’s direction has also taken a refreshed outlook of sorts. Moving forward, Saloni is determined to present bold and expressive designs without scrimping on quality.
The road ahead for Saloni may be arduous in Singapore’s small market but her zealous drive for fashion and design will indubitably keep her in check.
While our eyes are set on her. 
P.S. Saloni Rathor has popped up at Isetan Scotts, L2 till 2 May. Drop by to view some exclusive designs & receive a 10% discount.
Stay in touch with the label through Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
SALONI RATHOR
PARCO next NEXT, #P2-30i, Milennia Walk
Victoria Juomo, 9 & 47 Haji Lane
GNOSSEM
Elizabeth Arden Visible Whitening | Fairness or Radiance?
Let me lay some points out on the table before I begin this proper. I am in no way interested in being fairer or as white as a sheet or porcelain. Radiance? yes.
That’s that. Now, on to the good stuff. It’ll be a quickie but a goodie. 
Vanity Trove’s April box had a little range of Elizabeth Arden’s Visible Whitening products and boy was I a happy camper to pack these along for my little trip.
Open up the drawstring and you’ll find a smoothing cleanser, a BB cream and some night capsules, all from their Visible Whitening range. As a virgin to the Elizabeth Arden skincare range, this was a treat I couldn’t resist and had to get my manicured hands on ‘em. I say manicured but I really mean (diy)manicured.
Visible Whitening Smoothing Cleanser
Test drove this for a few weeks now & honestly, this has succeeded in giving my tired little face a much needed radiance boost. It’s the cleanser I’ll keep for days when I’m absolutely dreading school or work but somehow need to look refreshed or risk scaring the commuter next to me.
Still, I won’t be a convert to this cleanser, because let’s face it, I love trying out new cleansers. People might think I have severe commitment issues. Maybe.
Visible Whitening UV Shield BB Cream
Ever since, BB creams came out, I knew they weren’t meant for me or for the other brown-skinned girls. BB creams are just formulated in really really light shades, almost pale at times. We just don’t go together.
While, I wasn’t all bouncy to try EA’s BB Cream, I gave it a go anyway and may all mysteries be solved because this thing blended seamlessly into my skin tone. I’m not sure how, but it did not give me a ghost like layer and instead created a nice balanced complexion. Additionally, as most BB creams go, this one wasn’t oily or heavy on the skin & with SPF 30, it’s a good sunblock too. I’m truly awed. Will be finishing these up & might just invest in a full sized one. You’ve got me Elizabeth Arden!
Unfortunately, I’ve yet to try the capsules but will give them a whirl soon and update this.
Can I just say, Vanity Trove has opened up a whole treasure box of beauty brands for me and I’m basically going nuts trying them all. It’s a maze, I’ll probably not get out of. Or don’t want to. Heh.
Time is Everything & then Nothing | Moment Watches
It’s time to put it out there - I’m quite the fan of horoscopes, true or not, I enjoy reading them and finding ‘coincidences’ with the happenings in my life. As an Aquarius (water bearer), it has been said countless times that we love our sleep and we do like the occasional sit-on-the-couch-and-laze-around days. I’ll vouch for that anytime. It’s just that we think too much and if I could dissect my mind for you, I’m pretty sure it’ll be a tangled mess of thoughts whizzing around every second.
Then came a moment where I was bogged down by time, straddling too many hats at a time but Moment Watches came into the picture at the perfect timing. Even my sentences are conquered by time. I clearly needed help.
Moment Watches have a story to be told, an experience to be relished by the wearer. They celebrate the idea of holding such experiences dear, instead of forgetting them in the midst of the chaos of today’s highly time-constrained world. If you notice, everywhere you go, people are connected to their earphones and handphones, hardly looking up to see the world go by. The sheer volume of information available has made us highly plugged in to the world behind screens - whatever happend to experiencing the physical surroundings, noticing what and who is around you?
It’s time things changed.
The whimsical watch gifted to me represents my life perfectly. Whenever I’m running a couple of minutes late, I don’t see what’s the huge fuss so I’m always telling myself, it’s fine, it’s normal, no biggie, you get the drift. To others, 5 minutes late is an unforgivable sin. I. don’t. get. it.
Sure, tardiness is awful but 5 minutes late because I stopped and smelt the roses isn’t. In life, anyone may be late and it’s perfectly fine. As long as it doens’t become a habit or the level of tardiness doesn’t increase exponentially, it’s fine. Seriously, calm down, folks. 
Spare a little time to enjoy your journey to work and the next time you’re waiting for a late friend (or me?), look down at this watch and smile, or burst into a fit of giggles, whichever soothes the anger.
Now, instead of bearing water, I come bearing gifts! I’m giving away 2 of these watches to 2 lucky readers!
To enter:
1. Like Moment Watches on Facebook
2. Like Fashstash on Facebook
3. Leave a comment here telling me how you would spend the time waiting for someone who’s running late.
4. Leave your Name & Email Address in the comment as well.
Giveaway ends Monday (22nd April), 11.59 PM. Giveaway open to anyone living in Singapore only.
To everyone else, there’s a 5% discount if you quote the code, W9ST when shopping online.
AND, if you’re a fan on Moment Watches on Facebook, send them a message directly and you’ll be entitled to 30% off the watches.
You can find me on Facebook, Twitter & Instagram (@tarandip).
Trendy Chic | Hotels.com
Unfortunately, I did not get to publicize (for lack of better words) this look because of a little trip out of Singapore last week and relatively weak internet connection. Week 3 of Hotels.com styling gig was on all things trendy and chic. With trends being such a huge part of the fashion industry, this is still relevant, styling gig or not.
Loving a good pair of printed or coloured pants, naturally, I gravitated towards the section in my wardrobe with a stack of printed pants (mostly floral prints). You may fathom that I own a huge wardrobe, what with sections and all but in all honesty, it’s puny.
Moving on.
The calming blue skies with the dense and fluffy clouds are what I look forward to in Bali. It’s where you can let your mind loose in the vastness of the skies. Hence, with the sky as my palette, I incorporated printed pants which are the current rage and balanced it with a white top to allow the pants to speak volumes. Complete the trendy look with a pair of sky-high heels and black sling for a stylish day out on the streets of Bali.
If you’ve been on the Internet daily and been subjugated to varied flashes of fashion weeks in your newsfeed or social media, you would have also seen this trend taking over everyone’s lean legs. You either love it or hate it, your call. 
Still, do not fear these outrageously bold prints plastering your legs but if you do then go for more subtle embossed prints - it might appear illusory but you can bet your eyes they’re there and will not fail to make a statement.
Be wary to stay away from bright, wacky prints and keep the remaining palette relatively neutral for a toned down look you could take anywhere. 
G2000 Top/ ASOS Pants/ New Look Bag/ Aldo Heels/ ASOS Bracelet
Finally. Amidst all the other synonyms, tired is one perfect adjective to describe 3 weeks of styling looks but having Bali as inspiration has got me itching for a beach holiday right this instant. The sun, sand, water and wind - bliss.
Where are you heading to this Summer?
You can find me on Facebook, Twitter & Instagram (@tarandip).
Beach Beautiful | Hotels.com
If there is one thing I love, it’s getting into any body of water and which body of water is better than the vast and limitless sea or ocean?
This week for the Hotels.com Styling Campaign, we were tasked to style a look with the theme, Beach Beautiful. Since, I’m no bikini-bod person, I’ve got other tricks up my sleeve to style it up on a beach in Bali. It works just fine, trust me. 
Since Bali exudes an effortless cool vibe, an outfit for the beach runs in the same vein. Taking inspiration from the lush green of palm trees and the icy blues of the waves, I paired colourful paisley shorts with a loose fitting bohemian top for a comfortable time on Bali’s sunny shores. Lastly, create a picture perfect look with sandals or flats, shades and a nude lip. Now, sit back and let the win tousle your hair.
As with all contests go, there’s an aspect on public votes. Please do me the kind favour of hovering your mouse/ cursor over the links below, pressing down and entering an itsy vote for yours truly.
Vote for me here: http://bit.ly/hotels10plus1lookbook
& if you are on mobile, click here:http://bit.ly/mobilelookbook
Voters also receive a 10% discount code to be used on Hotels.com properties!
The voting period is on till 25th March 2013.
P.S. More cool giveaways coming up on the site, so keep a lookout!
Fox-Out Top/ Montegobay Club Sandals/ ASOS Paisley Shorts/ F21 Shades and Cuff
You can find me on Facebook, Twitter & Instagram (@tarandip).
ZALORA TURNS ONE!
Whoever came up with the expression, time flies, sure knew what they were talking about. My age is definitely going up in a jiffy!
Anyway, a year came and went for the giant e-tailer, ZALORA and they’re having a giant birthday celebration. Spend a minimum of SGD$50 and you’ll receive a very special Golden Ticket. Now, now, it may not be cast from gold but it sure feels as luxurious and the ticket will lead you to a mystery gift. Who doesn’t love a good surprise (anyone remember Kinder Surprises)?
All you have to do is key in the 10-digit code on your ticket here and await your gift, it could be $1,000 gift cards, Haivainas Tote Bags or other equally awesome thingamajigs.
Since, I have an extra Golden Ticket courtesy of ZALORA, it’ll go into the hands of one of you lucky people. Comment on this post and tell me one item you’re yearning to purchase from ZALORA. Remember to leave your email address as well.
Giveaway ends this Sunday, 17th March (Open to anyone residing in Singapore).
Start scouring!
Hotels.com Blogger Styling Campaign
When the prize is an all-expense-paid overseas trip, I’m sold. I’ll do anything, any-thing, to get myself on an airplane and leave the drudgery for a bit. Just a bit.
Like a perfect 4 clover leaf, hotels.com came at the perfect timing and graciously invited me to take part in their blogger styling campaign - I couldn’t resist. Hence, from International Women’s Day, last friday and for the next two weeks, my looks will be up on hotels.com. Though all three looks are inspired by Bali, Indonesia, each look carries a different theme.
This week, it’s glitzy glam and instead of going full on in your face bling, I turned the notch down a little with a mint sequined skirt, after all, we are in Bali not Vegas.
Inspired by the sultry sunsets of Bali and their blue waters, my outfit features a subtle sequined skirt in mint and a loose fitting purple top to go with the calm breeze of the beach. Comfortable heels coupled with accessories are the essential polish on top for a memorable night out.
Now, this is where you come in and what you’ll have to do is to vote for my looks on the Facebook page and that’ll keep me in the running for a trip. It is that simple and it will mean so much (cheesy e-hug coming your way)! Voters will also receive a 10% discount code to be used on any hotels.com properties.
While I love travelling, it’s unfortunate that I’ve yet to make my way down to Bali. Since hotels.com is offering this amazing opportunity to visit the land of intensely sultry sunsets and heaven-on-earth like beaches, winning this would be a dream, a dream I wouldn’t want to wake up from.
Bali, I’m chasing after you now. Friends of the internet, do your bit and help me chase Bali.
The voting period for this look is from March 13 - March 18 2013. 
H&M Top/ ASOS Sequined Skirt/ ASOS Bejeweled Cuff & Bangles from Jaipur, India, Thrifted Necklace/ Heels from Germany
Photos by Pavandeep Singh
You can find me on Facebook, Twitter & Instagram (@tarandip).
