Tag Archives: singapore street style

25
Jul

Instagram is really like the fast food of travel photography. It is convenient, quick, and satisfying. It is by no means an adequate replacement for photos of course, but the little bites are easy to handle when you are on the go, not unlike a convenience store onigiri.

I got my iPhone literally hours before I was scheduled to leave for Japan – I think this haste is partially attributed to the beautiful photos Arissa took with hers whilst in Italy . And let’s be honest –  after being a BB user for over 2 years, I was ready to trash that brick.

Spent a week travelling around Hokkaido, Japan. While I love the tranquility of mountains and vast fields of the countryside, I found myself wishing for some of the big city bustle after a couple of days. Sapporo was a welcomed break with its busy nightlife and shopping!

P.S. Remember to follow us on Instagram for nibblets!
Dawn: @propatriamori
Arissa: @minicloud


16
Feb

I took photos for this hair tutorial a while ago, but I only got around to editing them recently. We are the worst when it comes to blogging on schedule, sorry!! :( I think it’s due to how easily distracted we are. Anyway, I’ve had a few people asking me how I usually do my hair, so this is a short (and hopefully concise) tutorial! I am inspired by Dita von Teese and Lana del Rey’s hair, and this tutorial seeks to emulate something similar to those retro hairstyles.

*I apologize in advance for the quality of the pictures. It isn’t easy taking pictures with just one hand!

Things you need:

  • Curling iron, preferably around 1″- 1.5″ in diameter.
  • Heat protectant spray
  • Strong hold hairspray. I use L’Oreal Elnett.
  • A comb or a brush
  • Clips or rollers for sectioning.

1. Start off by parting your hair directly above one eye. If you have a short fringe, you can consider either parting it, or curling it under.

2. Coat your hair lightly and evenly with a protecting spray. Hot hair tools can really damage your hair in the long run, and some sprays do contain chemicals which may help your curl hold their shapes better.

3. Section a portion of hair directly above your ear. It should be about 3″ wide.

4. Curl that section of hair in an outwards motion. I find that holding the iron for around 8-10 seconds gives a good result. Avoid clamping your hair for too long – you wouldn’t want to burn or damage it!

5. Repeat the same motion for the rest of your hair. Be mindful that they should all curl in the same direction.

6. Moving on to the other side of your head. I will be curling my fringe separately, and I find it easier to section it using a roller so that it doesn’t get in the way.

7. Curl the hair on the other side of your face. It should curl away from your face as well, not towards.

8. After curling the rest of your hair, move on to the fringe. Once again, curl it upwards and outwards away from your face.

9. Now comes a crucial step. Using a brush, gently comb through your curls. You should wait for your curls to cool before doing so.

10. Your curls should look softer and bigger at this point. Apply hairspray liberally.

11. On to the fringe again! If you have flat hair like mine, I find that backcombing is necessary in order to give my crown some volume.

12. Sweep your fringe to the side and secure it with hairspray.

This is how it should look like when you are done! It will probably look much better on people who doesn’t have a five head like me.

Thanks for reading this tutorial! I hope you find it helpful. As usual, don’t hesitate to give some pointers for improvement if you have any! x


15
Jul

Thank you Seventeen Magazine so much for featuring us (along with a handful of other singapore fashion blogs) on their August issue! It is always great to see local magazines giving some support to home grown bloggers. :)

I bought two copies because Arissa isn’t in Singapore right now, and I wanted each of us to both have one.

There are other interesting features in the magazine like street snaps too, so grab a copy if you are in Singapore!


30
May

After Arissa bought a cape/blazer hybrid the other day, I couldn’t resist getting it for myself when I saw a similar one online.

The cape on the left is by m)phosis (which I got on sale!), and the somewhat sturdier material would make it just nice for chillier weather in spring or autumn. I can’t wait to layer it over my outfits the next chance I leave this tropical hellhole.
The cape-blazer (Blape? Clazer?) from the Scarletroom on the other hand is really lightweight and probably won’t keep the chills out. It is still a great layering piece, though! I like that it deviates from the usual cardigans and blazers in my closet, and it looks smart without being too prim.

 


19
Nov

Labels such as Prada, Burberry, Louis Vuitton and Chanel all have one thing in common -  all of them have put forth a series of luxury iPad or iPhone cases this coming holiday season. I think these cases would make a really lovely Christmas or Birthday surprise. (if spending upwards of $500 is something you can afford to do of course.) I have listed a few of my favourites here!

  • Yves Saint Laurent iPad case, 795 USD.
  • I love how understated and elegant this case is. The design is reminiscent of their Chyc bag, with a singular golden “Y” logo clasp used as a closure. I also like how it is a “book” case as opposed to slip cases. These kind of covers provide so much more protection and having to hold on to your iPad and slip case at the same time can be so cumbersome. However, I can well afford to buy another iPad at $795 so this is definitely a “pass” for me.

    Verdict: Nice to look at and lovely to own, but I refuse to buy accessories that costs more than the item itself on principle.

  • Tod’s iPad cases, available in various covers and finish. Yours for the all time low price of $4900.
  • No, I did not add an extra zero when typing the price. It is indeed priced at a whopping $4900 USD. At this price, it’s literally in a league of its own. Tod’s is famous for their leather products and you can be sure than this iPad case can withstand the tests of time, if you have 5 grand to drop on an accessory.

    Verdict: It’s cheap. No, really, get it. It’s only 5 thousand dollars, what’s the big deal? That’s like, only the down payment for your annual rent.

  • Burberry London leather iPad cover, $450. Available HERE.
  • Made of granulated buffalo leather with the logo embossed in the front. I love granulated leather for my bags and wallets because it is “scratch-proof”. Scratches shows up easily on smooth leather but granulated leathers are more hard wearing, and this case is lined with soft suede to offer maximum protection for your beloved iPad.

    Verdict: I like it. The zipper closure is convenient and it ensures that your iPad is fully protected. Plus, I have a secret love for bright red accessories so this Burberry London leather case in Red is on my Christmas wishlist!

  • Dior Homme iPad case, Price unavailable.
  • Sleek, minimalistic and sexy. These are the 3 words I would use to describe this iPad case from Dior Homme. It comes in black tie leather and classic coated canvas. Unfortunately, it will only be released around December so the prices are not yet available.

    Verdict: My verdict will greatly depend on the price, but it gets a tentative “yes” from me because it looks like it belongs on the set of The Matrix. It happens to be one of my favourite movies of all time and I love, love the visuals in that movie.

  • Chanel iPad case, $1555.
  • As usual, things from Chanel doesn’t come cheap.$1555 would probably get you a nice bag from other labels. This iPad case from Chanel comes with its signature quilted leather and a logo charm, as well as an external pocket to store extra things. The handle on the side leads me to believe that it is meant to be carried as a bag as well.

    Verdict: It is certainly elegant and classy, but I am more of a fan of minimalistic designs. This bag/case is rich in visuals but falls short of what I want as a case. And at $1,555 it is waaay beyond what I’m willing to spend, even if it IS Chanel.

  • Louis Vuitton iPad case, available in classic monogram and Damier Graphite. $366
  • What can I say, I am really not a fan of monograms. I think it is tacky and loud, and I personally gravitate towards more understated items. I do like Damier Graphite however, but I wish it wasn’t a slip case. I find slip cases irritating and they don’t do anything to protect your iPad when you are using it.

    Verdict: It will probably make a great gift at the slightly more affordable price of $366. But as I have mentioned above, I do not like slip cases and will probably be giving this a miss. I will rather buy the matching iPhone/Blackberry cases in Damier Graphite.

Designer iPad cases certainly do have their appeal. They are beautifully designed and made of sturdy, durable material that will probably last you for a long time. However, unless I suddenly come into money, I probably wouldn’t spend more than a couple hundred dollars on a good case. The Yves Saint Laurent case and the Burberry case in red are definitely on my wishlist this Christmas though!

What do you think? Will you buy them? Or do you think they are way overpriced and overhyped?