Anyway, the facade of the museum is just beautiful. If you are heading to London, I strongly urge you to pay the natural history museum a visit! Entrance is free but do leave a donation or buy a small token from the museum shop.

• Coat: Zara
• Top: ASOS
• Cardigan: All Saints
• Skirt: ASOS
• Boots: H&M
• Bag: Mulberry
• Accessories: Tiffany, Miu Miu

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Outfit breakdown:

• Coat: Zara
• Dress (worn as top): H&M
• Skirt: All Saints
• Leather jacket: All Saints
• Bag: Mulberry
• Shoes: Taobao
• Accessories: Miu Miu, Tiffany

Headed to Liberty for tea afterwards. Have I mentioned that I love scones? I love scones. Nothing else matters.

I think Pierre Hermé has spoiled me. Other macarons (even Ladurée) doesn’t really measure up now.

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Silver collar necklace is a cheap find from H&M. I love how affordable their accessories are.

I love my recent taobao/Peeka loot which included these garter stockings and the replica Alexander Wang Kristen satchel. It’s pretty decently made as opposed to the other stuff I saw on taobao which are all PU leather.

Barely survived the day with these Theyskens Theory replica. Dawn was on the receiving end of my grumpiness and I ended up buying a new pair of shoes which regrettably made my feet hurt too.

Black Outfit Breakdown:

• Blazer:  Zara
• White shirt: Uniqlo
• Black leatherette skirt:  The Scarlet room
• Stockings: taobao
• Bag: Alexander Wang Kristen satchel replica from taobao
• Shoes: Theyskens Theory replica from taobao
• Neck collar: H&M

I wonder if anyone would be interested in a white shirt series. Anyone? Anyone?

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I bought these Zara leather and suede wedges in London – I did a price comparison with some of their items recently, and the markup in Singapore is really ridiculous.

Envelope clutch from Far East Plaza. So very late to the trend, but I foresee that it will come in useful when I run out for a short lesson or a quick meal. It’s the perfect size for storing an iPad as well.

How is everyone celebrating this festive season? I will probably be holed up writing an essay, but here’s to hoping that you have something much more interesting lined up.

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I know I haven’t really been posting the last month, aside from making the costume from scratch and trying to source for fabrics, I had to juggle work as well. Not a cool feat.

Onward to the haul!

Bunch of outers that I got lately since winter is approaching.

From left to right:

• Topshop Blazer
• Sheer chiffon vest from taobao
• Draped contrast jacket from taobao

The contrast jacket has got to be one of my favorite purchase (clothing-wise anyway) from taobao thus far. I am feeling generous today so I will include the taobao link to the jacket.

An array of bottoms I got because I seem to be wearing the same old jeans. All of them are from H&M except for the chiffon skirt looming at the back. It’s not exactly something I can put on during winter but I guess it’s still sensible to buy some clothes that I can actually wear in Singapore. There is a favoritism towards leather detailing these days.

And here’s my favorite part. SHOES!

Someone on Formspring asked if I’ve considered the androgynous look. Truth be told, with my short hair now, I look more like an adolescent boy but menswear-inspired shoes can be so much more comfortable than my heels. These are from a local brand called “Depression”. The straps make for an awesome detail when worn cause they wrap around the ankles. I dropped by their newly opened store in Cineleisure. Do visit it, they have menswear as well.

Adding on to this new-found love for menswear-inspired shoes, I also got this pair of Alexander Wang replicas from taobao. I was surprised at how well-made this pair of shoes are. The leather (no idea if it’s real leather) is buttery to touch and it doesn’t cut. I would definitely recommend buying it. Don’t quote me on the other products they have though, I only bought one item from them.

Next up is this pair of Theysken Theory replica. They look almost like the real deal except if you look closely, the insoles are from Jeffrey Campbell. That bit amuses me greatly. However, the first night I wore it, I got 6 blisters and the back loop which holds the straps down at the back broke on me. The only merit? They look awesome.

Regular readers of this blog would find these familiar. I had actually bought a pair of these dsquared replica in my last taobao order. I broke them when I was in Moscow, it could be the way I packed it or the lousy quality of the shoes itself. Long story short, I needed it in my life and I had to get a replacement. I don’t remember the last one’s link so I searched for another seller instead and prepared myself for the similar blotched quality. When it finally arrived, I was pleasantly surprised, they were definitely built better than the last one and there was no bubbly paintjob to be seen on the heels.

Lovely bag! Only draw is that the shoulder straps are thin and to support its weight and all the stuff that going to be inside is going to be a huge strain on my shoulders.

I laid my eyes on this envelope clutch when I was at the H&M showroom earlier this year. They’re versatile and simple enough to match with any outfit.

Lastly, there’s this beautiful lambskin totebag which I also got from taobao. They’re a tad pricey (for taobao standard) cause it’s real leather. I think they’re a replica of the totebag from Celine but who cares?? It’s a simple design but I’m quite afraid of putting heavy stuff inside cause lambskin isn’t as tough as calf leather. It took the longest to arrive at Peeka‘s China receiving centre though.

Pretty long list of stuff that I have here but then again, I haven’t blogged in ages. Sorry about that but now that we are approaching the end of the year, I hope that I can finally find time to blog regularly once more. Thank you all for reading!

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These are the items I’ve purchased ever since coming to London. It seems like I’ve shopped a lot, but these are purchases accumulated over the past couple months! It’s turning chillier these days, and I’ve sadly underpacked.

First up are the outers.. Clockwise from top: H&M double breasted jacket. It’s nowhere heavy enough for winter or even later this month, but it’s just about right for now. Zara blazer with zipper accents. I was eyeing it in store, but once I found out that Arissa bought the same one I couldn’t resist getting it. It’s heavier than it looks, and it keeps me warm on mild days. Topshop oversized top. It’s perfect to lounge around the room in. American Apparel unisex cardigan in camel I got from the sale at Brick Lane a couple weeks ago. I’ve started to branch out into neutrals and camel is one of my favourite shades! H&M knit jumper. I’ve realized how warm these things keep me. They are perfect when I am running late for classes and don’t want to wear anything too fussy as well! H&M leather belt. 99% of store bought belts simply don’t fit me, and I bought this simply because it does. I can’t wait to wear this over high waisted skirts!

Now for bottoms. To be honest I really hate wearing jeans, so I am that crazy person you see walking around always wearing a skirt no matter how frigid it is. L-R American Apparel interlock pencil skirt in red. I really love the cut of the interlock pencil skirt, but American Apparel is just so pricey here. The gloomy weather here makes wearing all black a little too dreary even for me, so a little colour paired with an all black ensemble adds a bit of cheer. Topshop pencil skirt. I’ve always wanted a nude skirt, and I am excited to pair this with black tights! H&M knee length flare skirt. This is made out of a magical material that simply doesn’t crease. I can’t express how excited this makes me. I hate pressing clothes. H&M pencil skirt. One of my favourite items in my closet right now! It fits really nicely and makes everything look dressier, even if I am wearing a ratty tank top.

Party dresses simply because you’ve got to be prepared for all occasions. Society gatherings, clubs with strict dress codes, etc. L-R H&M chiffon bustier dress. I have no idea where I can wear this yet as it is rather frilly, but hopefully an occasion will arise! All Saints ”jagger” draped cardigan. One of my splurges when I wanted to congratulate myself on finishing my assignments It’s the perfect layering piece. TNFC London dress I purchased from Topshop consignment. I think this label is available on ASOS as well! It came in black as well, but I figured that I had too many black dresses in my closet already… Topshop back seam tights for layering under skirts and dresses.

I have linked to all the items above online whenever I can find them.

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Landed in Christchurch a few days back. It seemed like a mini retreat, with the city centre closed there wasn’t really much to do except snapping some photos and cooking. I went nuts in the supermarket.

It was still a little chilly despite moving into summer. I can never get used to the timezone here. It felt like I was isolated from the rest of the world and I have trouble getting to sleep.

Circle scarves are so 2009 but they do a good job of keeping me warm.

Black outfit breakdown:

• Blazer: Zara
• Circle scarf: Seoul, Korea
• Boots: Ann Demeulemeester
• Jeans: Forever21

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First, you have to determine your body type. Are you bottom heavy? Curvy? Stick skinny? Apple shaped? A flattering dress should downplay your problematic areas and emphasize on your attributes.

• Top Heavy / Busty
  

If you are top heavy (large chest and small hips), you can opt for dresses with voluminous  skirts to balance out your figure. Keep the bust area clean of frills and decorations, and choose a dress that cinches in right underneath your bustline or at the waist. This creates an illusion of a larger bottom and a small waist.



Left: Sequin Skirted dress by Wal G, Topshop.
Right: Turron Dress by All Saints

Things to avoid: Empire waist dresses, which cinches under the bust and falls in a straight line down to the hem. It will only emphasize the size of your bust and make your hips look narrow and unbalanced. Also steer clear from dresses with has rows of frills and sequins on the bust area or are more voluminous on the top. Turtle neck tops create an illusion of larger chests as well.

Additional tips: I cannot emphasize how important it is to get a well-fitting bra. Get fitted by a bra specialist, and remember to keep your back straight! Many women hunch their backs to hide a large chest, but remember that there is nothing to be ashamed of.

• Bottom Heavy / Pear shaped

Pear-shaped bodies have a narrow chest and wide hips / thighs. Once again, balance is the key. You may wear dresses with frills and decorations on the top and cinches in at the waist. Opt for a dress that falls in a straight, natural fashion from the waist.



Left: Teal Cut-out detail Grecian Dress, Topshop
Right: Cape Maxi Dress, Topshop

Things to avoid: Clingy fabrics. Herve Leger inspired bandage dresses may be all the rage these days, but they are not flattering on ladies with a larger bottom. Tapered pants draws the eye up to the hips as well, so avoid wearing them. The usual rules of fashion applies: dark colours makes you look skinnier, and sequins will bloat. So while sequinned hotpants may be a quirky addition to your wardrobe, it is probably not the best if you have wide hips.

Additional Tips: A-lined skirts which flares out from the waist can disguise larger hips/thighs as well. You can also wear dark coloured stockings and tights which can make your legs look skinnier. High heels make your legs look miles long and create narrower hips.

• Apple shaped / Thick waist
  

Some of us have thicker/more muscular waists, and this can be one of the trickiest body type to dress. But that doesn’t mean you can give up and just wear a moomoo. V-neck and wrap tops are flattering on figures with broad shoulders / large chests.  Choose a dress with a belted midsection for a slimmer illusion.



Left: Dolman Wrap Dress, Nasty Gal
Right: Anais Trench Dress, All Saints

Things to avoid: Drop-waisted dress probably wouldn’t be your best bet. It makes your body look tubular, and the same goes for tent dresses as well. Avoid dresses with loud prints at the stomach area, as well as clingy dresses.

Additional Tips: Thick straps will flatter broader shoulders more than thin spaghetti straps. Boleros will also create an illusion of narrower shoulders. Use statement accessories such as earrings and bangles to draw the focus away from your midsection.

• Rectangular shaped / Skinny figure

Rectangular bodies (small bust and hips) is probably the “ideal” body shape, as apparent on runway models, so this isn’t as much about hiding problematic areas as it is about creating curves if you want to appear to have larger chests or hips. You can wear just about anything, so don’t be afraid to approach dresses with exaggerated shapes. Go for dresses with flared skirts to create the illusion of curves.



Left: American Sleeve dress with flared skirt, Zara.
Right: Tulip Skirt dress, Zara

Things to avoid: Try to steer away from wrap dresses. They do not flatter smaller chests. If you want to wear a bustier dress, make sure that the chest area fits properly. The last thing you want is to have a dress that gapes!

Additional Tips: Contrary to popular beliefs, smaller chests DO need good fitting bras. Get a bra properly fitted by a professional! Turtle necks and mock turtle necks makes your busts look larger.

• Personal preferences: This is by no means a be-all-end-all guide to choosing your dress, but I would like to include a few personal tips anyway. I prefer dresses made of Matte Fabrics. I detest satin with a passion – they remind me of gaudy and tacky prom and pageant dresses. Shiny fabrics like satin hi-lights bulging areas, and even microscopic wrinkles could be seen if you wear a dress made with cheap satin. They wrinkle easily and highlight flaws, whereas matte fabrics like wool and cotton disguises both well. Plus, matte fabrics photographs better anyway. Another tip I have is to always wear heels whenever possible. Heels elongate your legs and make you look slimmer. A pair of heels can make a plain dress look dressy, and keep your posture straight.

We hope that this guide has been helpful to those of you who are looking for dresses for upcoming Christmas and New Year’s party! Should you want to ask us any questions, please do not hesitate to drop us a question on FormSpring.

Additionally, our Guides to Christmas Gifts for Travellers and Gadget geeks may also prove helpful if you need gift ideas!

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Paired with a Topshop dress/slip. I can only wear it as a top because the bottom is so sheer that it leaves nothing to the imagination. I am really stumped as to how to coordinate it otherwise.

The rows of vertical pintucks on the bustier of this dress reminds me somewhat of vintage nightgowns.

Without the jacket. I have not figured out how to wear the jacket yet. The lapels are asymmetrical and draped and I do believe that there is more than one way to wear it.

I think paired with a pair of warm stockings, this skirt will make a warm Fall coordinate.

Outfit Breakdown:

• Jacket: Zara, London
• Dress (worn as top): Topshop
• Skirt: FemmeX
• Shoes: Sonia Rykiel for H&M

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Was playing around with lighting equipment again at Dawn’s place. I love how lighting actually makes your skin look more flawless than it really is.

Wearing this pair of painful shoes makes me glad that I’m not shopping in them.

Chouster looks displeased, but she’s really just like that all the time.

See what I mean about the lighting? I love how my skin looks!

Black Outfit Breakdown:

• Tank top: H&M
• Skirt: Zara
• Socks: Topshop
• Shoes: Forever 21
• Gloves: m)phosis
• Necklace: Far East Plaza

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