Vamastyle | Tangerine Minimalism
After months, ok years of wanting to drape myself in blazers, jackets/ cardigans over tops and drowning in accessories, I’ve come to a point where I prefer the bare minimum. The bare minimum being one level higher than a birthday suit of course. Now that my daily mantra to dressing up has become, ‘take the path of least resistance’, Australia has become the ideal inspiration. They have clearly mastered this inexplicable manner of dressing down and yet dressing up. Do I make sense? The heat might be getting to me but this irony works.
Vamastyle, an Australian label is an ideal example of easy, effortless dressing without compromising quality - right up my alley. Designed by Kaitie Manani, Vamastyle celebrates the resplendent punctuations of saturated colours and prints in your wardrobe. All of which is in a bid to appeal to an all round Summer loving lifestyle. Personally, I can only come to terms with a Summer that has low humidity, otherwise I’d rather hibernate in the cold all year round - to each their own huh. 
From first glance, the dress might appear to be constructed out of the typical jersey we see so often in fast fashion. Conversely, this has been enhanced a level further by incorporating a blend of bamboo jersey - possibly why it glides with the body’s movement and is markedly luxurious to touch. While we’re at touch, the silhouette is faultless as well.
A block of tangerine highlighted with a cyan belt could be minimal and yet compellingly adequate, which is a testament to Kaitie’s dexterity. As with makeup, achieving a natural and minimal look demands for more effort and deftness.
And hence, the ironies of life never end. 
Vamastyle Dress/ F21 Heels/ ASOS Cuff/ Vintage Hollywood Necklace/ A. J. Morgan Sunglasses
You can find me on Facebook, Twitter & Instagram (@tarandip).
Shared on IFB.
FURLA Candybrissima Show Tour | 24 - 25 May
As an ode to the indubitable relationship between art and fashion, FURLA will have an intricate design laboratory set up for 2 days to celebrate and encourage creativity amongst everyone. Grab a Candy bag and experiment with various materials and hardware provided to reinvent your vision of FURLA. Switch up the colour, add a gold buckle or drape it with cloth - it’s your call.
The entire pop up will be open to the public and it’s your chance to go wild with a FURLA Candy bag. It’s then or never.
Swinging Sixties | SAFILO S/S 13
Have you noticed that both summer & fashion season share a common factor? - elusive sunglasses to stay cool (literally & figuratively). Since Singapore has summer all year round & fashion season dawned upon us with Audi Fashion Festival, it’s about time your glasses went for a spin.
The fashion industry has this rather amusing manner of traversing in a cycle where designers either look to the far future for inspiration or take several steps backwards to relive the past. For now, trends are moving in reverse with varying retro and mod ideals of the 50s & 60s. As with sunglasses, big, chunky, round and coloured frames will be dominating the scene this season. It’s all about channeling your inner Twiggy or James Dean with dribbles of 80s flamboyance.
Marc Jacobs has quite possibly designed the most ardent ode to the 60s. While the chunky frames and fluorescent hues may be too much to handle, they do add a certain whimsical flair to any outfit.
Bigger frames are essentially practical for Singapore’s weather, what with the recent scorching & nearly scalding weather. You do not want to walk out of your home during this period without a good pair of (big) sunglasses shading your eyes.
Carrera, Safilo’s house brand did an adorable pair of shades reminiscent of those worn by James Dean & if you’re a fan of Mad Men you might have seen Pete Campbell sporting something similar. Donning this pair will create an inquisitive aura and without question, you’d be a genius to many. 
If there was one pair of sunglasses I could take on a trip with me, hands down I’ll grab a cat eye because of their sublime way of drawing an illusion of a slimmer face. These frames were hugely favoured among the purported fashionable women of the 50s & 60s from the likes of Audrey Hepburn, Marilyn Monroe and Barbara Windsor.
Not a coincidence there!
The 60s were one heck of a time for eyewear experimentation. They had futuristic thingamajigs that you wouldn’t want to have on your face today to oddly enough a whole lot of butterfly-inspired frames. Fortunately, Marc Jacob’s re-interpretation of those frames are more wearable and dramatically less ostentatious.
With eyewear and sunglasses, choosing the right frame might get a little tricky but with a little trial and error, you’ll find the right fit. As a guide, round faces should go for more angular shapes while V-shaped and square faces could go for rounded frames - always fall back on creating a balance between lines.
Now, arm yourself with a favourite pair and release your 60s persona as you groove to the tunes of Twist and Shout by The Beatles!
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).
