Fashionista
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What NOT to wear to the office when it’s hot
Here are a few tips on what you should NOT be wearing to work if you want to look professional and impress the boss, even though it’s almost always hot and sticky in Singapore …
Yes, yes, it’s always hot, and usually sticky, in Singapore so we should all pretty much know what to wear and how to keep cool, right? True; but there is a difference between what’s appropriate at the Kopitiam, and what’s not quite right for the corporate office.
So, here are some tips on clothing items you should keep for the weekend …
FLIP-FLOPS … Just no. Sandals, flat sandals, strappy sandals … all OK, just no flip-flops please.
SHORTS … Again, no in most cases. Short shorts are a definite NO for any major corporation or government office. Some of the more “creative” industries won’t have a problem with nicely tailored “city” shorts ie. shorts that come down to your knees; or capri pants or culottes. Just check to see what the rest of the team is wearing before trying them out. NOTE: If you work for a lawyer, all shorts are verbotten.
WRINKLED CLOTHES … Sure, linen is cool (apparently) but as soon as you step out the door – or even before you get there ‒ it looks like you just dragged it out of the laundry basket. Try a linen-rayon mix fabric.
SHORT SKIRTS … Really short skirts ‒ anything that’s above the knee is too short.
SPAGHETTI STRAP TANKS … Yes, I know, this is practically the national dress … but in the office it looks cheap; especially if you can see your bra straps (BTW … those “invisible” clear plastic bra straps are not invisible; they’re tacky). If you’re wearing the tank under a semi-sheer shirt or top, or you never, ever take your blazer off, then OK. Otherwise, at least wear a wide strap ie. sleeveless top.
CLEAVAGE … Again; just no. If you can look down and see your bra then you need a higher neckline.
For some fabulous, office-appropriate and fashionable outfits, check out our story on the 5 work dresses that every OL (office lady) needs … One of these should be perfect!
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Male Fashion Advice - How To Wear Color : http://trippadvice.com/how-to-wear-color
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Chanel bag prices lowered in Singapore
Chanel has confirmed that it would increase prices in Europe while slashing them in Asia to reduce the growing price difference between the stores in the two regions.
Chanel’s president of fashion, Bruno Pavlovsky said that worldwide prices will not fluctuate more than 10 per cent above or below the global benchmark, based on the Euro.
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Fashion Disasters : http://starfluff.com/fashion-diasters
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Tips on how to get the best value for money when wardrobe shopping
YOU SHOULD SAVE ON:
1. Frequent basics
2. Costume jewellery
3. Flat Sandals
YOU SHOULD SPEND ON:
1. Handbags
2. Lingerie
3. Shoes
WHY????
click here to read full article
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What does this dress code mean?
Black tie, black tie optional, cocktail, dressy casual. Ever wondered what do all the fancy dress code names really mean? We decode them here for you
As if figuring out what to wear on the average day weren’t hard enough, now you have got to decipher what looks ‘dressy casual’ for the big event that you just got invited to.
We have all been there - receiving an invitation with a dress code that left you more confused as to what to wear to the event than if the invitation had said nothing at all.
For those who are confused about appropriate party wear (who isn’t?) this one is for you. Here are 4 common dress codes decoded with suggested outfits.
1. Dress code: Black tie / Black tie optional
This is an easy one for men - wear a tuxedo. However, it is more complicated for us ladies, because we can technically wear anything from a long dress to formal cocktail dress or dressy separates.
Many believe that a full length gown is required, but this is not necessarily the case. One nifty trick to figure out what to wear is to take note of the time. If the event starts at 6’ o'clock with a cocktail hour, you can opt for a more formal cocktail dress (ensure the length of the dress only creeps up to just above the knee). If it starts after 8, I believe that a long dress is more appropriate.
As for black tie optional, it essentially means the same thing - formal wear. Think of it like this—you aren’t expected to go all out as if you were attending the Met gala, but this dress code still calls for formal attire.
Recommended outfits:
(From L-R) Carven cotton-blend textured-organza gown, $1,400, Marchesa strapless embroidered lace midi dress, $1600 both from Net-A-Porter2. Dress code: Creative Black Tie
This dress code leaves room for trendy interpretations of formal wear. Commonly seen in creative industries like advertising or fashion. Skip the modest gown in favour of something more fun and upbeat! You can keep the dress formal by selecting luxurious materials like satin or silk. This is also a great time to don on dressy separates.
Recommend outfits:
(From L-R) Proenza Schouler polyester pleated skater dress, $2,868, David Koma colour block fitted polyester dress, $1,792 both from Farfetch3. Dress code: Cocktail
Girls, get your party outfits ready. It’s time to show off your legs! You should wear a shorter dress with some frills, or put on the classic LBD (little black dress) and show off your personality with statement accessories.
Recommended outfits:
(From L-R) Self Portrait Harmony Lace Cutwork Dress With Mesh Sleeves $475.84, Self Portrait Off Shoulder flare dress in textured fabric $412.83, both from ASOS3. Dress code: Festive
This dress code usually appears during the end of the year, around the holidays like Christmas and New Year. The expectations are similar to cocktail. Try adding a dose of shimmer into your outfit with sequins or go for a striking colour!
Recommended outfits:
(From L-R) Himandher demi neoprene dress $243, ASV polyester bustier dress $329.80, both from Zalora4. Dress code: Smart Casual
One of the most common dress codes for most events. Envision your casual look and elevate it with luxe materials and structure. Avoid denim, shorts and t-shirts. Opt for silk pants, dress pants, or a skirt with a dressy blouse.
Recommended outfits:
(From L-R) Wide Leg Trouser with D-ring $82.57, Oasis Mono Print Blouse $76.05, both from ASOS -
3 Tips to make your perfume last longer in Singapore!
TIP #1. This is an oldie but surprisingly underrated goodie: Simply smear a smidgen of petroleum jelly onto your pulse points – I like the nook of my elbows for this purpose – then spritz on your cologne of choice to seal in the scent.
Demand a sciencey explanation? The trick works because odour molecules move sluggishly through oils and liquids, stretching out the time it takes for your scent to diffuse into the air.
TIP #2. If you’re really, really partial to a particular perfume, consider splashing out on the oft-denigrated ancillary products from the same line. These scented shower gels, hand creams and what-not should never be treated as an afterthought – they’re excellent for extending the “essence” of a fragrance family.
TIP #3. Okay, now for storage. Short of squirrelling them away in an airtight armoury, how should you store your scents so that they don’t go off? The solution, as it turns out, is so very simple – protect your perfumes by chucking them in the fridge.
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10 things every stylish woman should own by age 35
1. A pair of classic pumps or flats
Whether you are a pump girl or more into a great flat, you should have a pair of high quality shoe that is well-designed, versatile and timeless. It should be able to carry you pretty much to everywhere, from work to cocktails.
2. A forever bag
A well-made classic bag can take your ensemble from zero to ten with just one shoulder toss. Invest in a high quality leather bag with a classic design that can withstand the test of time.
3. A set of well-fitted lingerie
In your teens, you probably never paid much attention to your lingerie and worn a good amount of distressed bras/panties that are ill-fitting. Then in your 20s you most likely went on a rampage and bought lots of lingerie to impress the guys in your life. Now, as you move into your 30s, it’s time to buy the perfect bra for yourself. Get a professional fitting so you know your exact size.
4. A go-to black tie gown
As you move on to the next stage in your life, you will definitely get lots of invitations to weddings and galas. Instead of always scrambling for an outfit at the eleventh hour, why not do some research in your free time to see what type of formal outfit you prefer? Take your time, buy a show stopping dress that makes you feel like a million dollars every time you put it on.
5. The perfect little black dress
This little black dress should be minimal with no frills, so that you can pair it with a smart jacket for a business meeting by day or dress it up with flashy accessories for evening.
6. A sharp power blazer
To ensure that the first impression you make on a potential employer/client during meetings and interviews is a good one, a well fitted blazer is essential. Get one in fail-safe colours like black or navy and it will take you miles.
7. A piece of fine jewellery
Fashion jewellery is great for style statements but every jewelry box deserves at least one precious piece. You might want to consider getting a piece of real jewellery as a reward for a big achievement in life.
8. A quality timepiece
As much as it pains me to say this, a great watch is probably the only luxury item that is considered as an investment. (I am sorry bags and shoes) Top of the line watches are the only “fashion” things that increase in value so it is worth eschewing all the trendy fashion items for a piece that will last you a lifetime.
9. A signature scent
Coco Chanel once said, “A woman who doesn’t wear perfume has no future.” Need I say more? The best fragrances work with your own body chemistry and give off a signature scent that lingers even when you are not in the room.
10. A go-to lipstick colour
A little colour on your lip can instantly brighten up your look, so find a shade that complements your skin tone. Consult the beauty advisors at cosmetics counters and take some promising hues for a test drive!
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so fifi got a lot of future?
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7 habits of truly stylish people
Anyone with a huge bank account can stroll into a store and and emerge looking undeniably “IT”, instantly earning them seats at the fashionistas’ table. But in six months, those items will be rendered passe and the need to shell out for another showstopping wardrobe begins. It is a terribly exhausting process, even if you have an unlimited credit limit. Don’t fall victim into this vicious cycle! That’s not how stylish people roll.
Purveyors of genuine style know how to take fairly basic pieces and jazz them up with high impact pieces and make their look covetable.
With these 7 habits, you can stay ahead of the style game, make your wardrobe enviable (possibly become the next Yoyo Cao) and save more money!
#1 They don’t create carbon copy looks
You probably visit plenty of personal style blogs or have an Instagram or Pinterest account where you constantly scroll through to check up on what your favourite street style stars are wearing right now and read herworldPLUS daily (of course!) to discover the latest fashion scoops, right? But does it seem like you can never translate this impeccable style into your own outfits?
Well, you’re not alone. I faced this problem all the time — until I carefully analysed this mind boggling situation. While I embrace these media platforms because they are great sources of inspiration, I have learnt that style is extremely individual, so trying to copy a look head to toe definitely isn’t going to work. Truly stylish ladies take outfit inspiration from everywhere and own the look by putting their own individual spin on it.
#2 They are not dripping in labels
Stylish people don’t pigeonhole themselves to only luxury labels. When you come across images ofChiara Ferragni or Nicole Warne draped in Céline or Chanel, you must remember that these style stars get sent designer items for free from the brands, with the intention to entice us (mere mortals with a humble bank account) to lust over and then buy them.
Take a leaf out of style icon Olivia Palermo’s book. “I go with what looks good on me — no matter who makes it.” This streetstyle darling has always been spotted in immaculate outfits, and famed for effortlessly mixing high-street pieces with designer labels.
#3 They understand what works for them
It might seem like a very cliched point to make, but trust me, knowing what style (i.e. girly, boho, edgy) fits and best works for your body type and skin tone is a fundamental step for someone who aspires to be stylish.
You can then take inspiration from what’s trending on the runway and find pieces that flatter your body and are aligned to your own sense of style. Remember: You must feel confident in what you are wearing.
#4 They don’t follow trends blindly
If you trawl through enough fashion blogs and Instagram accounts, it’s really tempting to buy into every trend that every blogger under the sun is wearing. You feel like you need to own the exact, if not similar piece to be part of the game. Don’t feel pressured into buying trending items if you feel uncomfortable wearing them. Real stylish ladies bypass trends and stay loyal to styles and colours that look best on them. (Refer to #3)
If you fancy the current trends, don’t copy the looks wholesale. Try subtly adopting some trending key points so that it works for your body — e.g. if you can’t pull off the bell bottoms style that is super hot right now due to your body shape, you can opt for a flattering denim skirt instead.
#5 They have a ‘thing’ that sets them apart from the rest
All stylish people have a special ‘something’ that they are known for. I have a friend who only wears black and white, and it has become something that I identify her with. It doesn’t have to always be something dramatic, it could be as simple as always donning chilli red polish on your nails or wearing a colourful hair band.
#6 They don’t try too hard
This point might be a little abstract and subjective. But what I am trying to drive at here is, it’s better to look underdressed than overdressed. Stylish people always look a little less done than everyone else at any occasion. This might mean showing up at a party in a pair of sneakers when everyone else is trying to impress with skyscraper heels or wearing a chic jumpsuit instead of a figure hugging frock.
One useful tip for nailing the ‘Oh I casually picked up the first thing I saw in my wardrobe’ look even though you spent the whole day trying to style this outfit is to lose a piece from your initial outfit. It could be removing a piece of jewellery or swapping your heels for a pair of flats.
#7 They are very observant and resourceful
Apart from keeping themselves up to date with the latest fashion news, highly stylish ladies also venture outside of their comfort zone and look for inspiration in art, culture and on the streets. They have a great eye for detail and can translate these ideas into their personal style.
They are also resourceful, because they need to know where to hunt down special pieces that can set them apart from the rest. They can find unexpected treasures almost anywhere.
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5 ways to wear sweater dresses in Singapore
Image: Robert Przybysz/123rf
Why you should wear it: Sweater dresses were spotted on the Fall 2015 runways, with minimalist styles at Celine and colourful, cartoon-printed ones at Moschino.
With the ongoing monsoon season, higher-than-usual rainfall and frigid air-conditioned offices, it is finally cool enough to wear the sweater dress.
How you should wear it: For casual days, wear one with a turtleneck and long sleeves that you can snuggle up in. Pair it with sneakers.
For the office and more formal occasions, choose slim-fitting styles in plain colours and wear them with a pair of heeled boots.
There are many styles of sweater dresses to suit all body shapes, from waisted styles to roomier and flowy cuts.
Dress up with statement earrings or bracelets and rings if accessorising, so that you will still look on trend and stylish.
Here are The Straits Times' picks:
1. Maroon dress with polyester and spandex outer layer and cotton terry inner layer, $179, from 5cm
The thick material of this dress will keep you warm and, best of all, it has pockets.
2. Green striped sweater dress $79.90, from H&M
The mock turtleneck on this dress will help frame your face. Pull your hair back and wear with earrings to highlight a slim face shape.
3. Double-layered dress, $59.90, from Zara
The layered look and loose fit of this dress flatters most figures.
4. Striped organic cotton long- sleeved dress, $59, from Muji
You can never go wrong with classic stripes. Pair this with sneakers for a preppy look.
5. Grey wool flannel dress with pleated skirt detail, $250, from Cos
This versatile dress can be worn for work and play and looks great with sneakers or wedge sandals.
A version of this story was originally published in The Straits Times on December 17, 2015.
