Ethical/Eco-fashion is not about wearing recycled cans anymore!

Eco-fashion, sustainable sourcing, ethical manufacturing – we’ve heard these buzz words here and there more than before. Greenies have animal activists to thank for taking the lead in creating awareness to brands, manufacturers, and consumers that fashion and style should not be at the expense of furry creatures or scaly reptiles. Now this cause has extended beyond animals and is now closer to heart, threatening the survival of mankind.

The fashion world has learnt its lesson since. Designer brands have taken the lead to introduce and market organic and environmentally-friendly products as early as the mid-2000s. Unfortunately, it needed a lot more than just a social conscience to look past those baggy hemp trousers, shapeless sack dresses, and t-shirts that look torn out of an old jotter book.

Eco-fashion has come a long way, going beyond using recycled materials and coconut husks to much coveted designs that we find at boutiques (examples in picture below). Moreover, consumers are becoming increasingly aware of and engaged with social issues. We now hear 'green is the new black'. Green-themed fashion runways (recent London and New York Fashion Weeks), auctions , and parties are in. Celebrities, designers, and brands are lobbying for this ethical cause too. Emma Watson is not only the co-designer of Pure Threads (a collaboration with Alberta Ferretti), but also the creative advisor for fair-trade fashion pioneer, People Tree. This Spring, H&M has also launched an eco-friendly, all-white Conscious Collection.

So what does all these mean to us? Does supporting a 'green' brand alone make us ethical by default? What more can we do beyond buying green brands and products? Watch this space to find out how you can be part of this green wave too!

Breathe easy, sit back, and relax on your big day

‘Once in a lifetime’, ‘absolutely perfect’, ‘special’… We all want our weddings to be THE bestest, one-of-a-kind, flawless, and perfect (oops did I use that already?) occasion. The perfect gown, the perfect hair, the perfect location, the perfect flowers, the perfect band, the perfect songs, the perfect cake, the perfect ring…on your perfect man. We create so many expectations for ourselves, that now and then we should ask ourselves: Is this really necessary?

Well, I’m referring to the often self-imposed stress, rather than the wedding itself. I believe one’s wedding day should be a day of celebration, fun, and laughter. And tears should only be shed for joy, with precious memories to keep and treasure, yet not over-shadowing a lifetime ahead of happily ever after.

To take the spotlight off the actual wedding day, pre-wedding photography seems like the ideal way to capture the happiness and emotions of getting married.

It was not so long ago that my fiancé and I had decided to venture overseas for our pre-wedding photography shoot. We enjoyed nice cool Spring weather, warm friendly service from the crew, breathtaking scenery en-route, a fantastic album of delightful memories for keeps, and extended the trip into our little pre-wedding honeymoon!

Before you pack your bags and go, there are a few things to take note of:

1. ‘I want to be the most beautiful bride in the world...’ Where are your gowns and dresses coming from – do you source them from your home country, or will the overseas studio provide them? What types of bridal fashion styles are popular there and do they fit with what you are looking for? Imagine not being able to find something you like on the eve of the photoshoot… Korean and Taiwanese tend to go for more soft, romantic looks with chiffon and tulle, while Hong Kongers prefer dramatized outfits (think feathers and bold colours).

I was pleasantly surprised by the quality (excellent workmanship) and range of selection available overseas (including a ballroom gown that looks like my favourite Disney princess’, Cinderella), despite having to deal with some anxiety of not being able to find THE perfect gown before that!

2. ‘I wanted turquoise, not green…’ Communication can become a problem if you don’t speak the local language. Make sure you have a translator, otherwise it could be difficult trying to pin-point what you want exactly.

3. ‘Yes, we want to look like part of Marry Me, Mary…’ Different photographers have different styles and preferences. Some may prefer classic, artistic, or vintage styles, while others may embrace spontaneous, casual, or dynamic looks. Have a chat with your photographer before the shoot and get to know each other a little better. This connection helps to build trust and align expectations so you can set your mind at ease. More importantly, it allows him to draw out the best expressions from you and your fiancé during the shoot.

Apart of photography styles, think about what back-drops you would like to capture – city-scape vs. greenery; modern architecture vs. rustic cottages; sandy beaches vs. hilly mountains… Go with a vendor who can bring you to a location with these varied surroundings and you’ll be spoilt for choices!

4. ‘…but we want to make it personal too…’ Where did you have your first kiss? Where and how did he propose? Any favourite drama or movies you both like? Where are your frequent hang-out spots? Your dream honeymoon location? Anything that has a special meaning to your relationship such as pets, clothes, bicycles, toys, musical instruments etc.? Incorporate these elements into your wedding shoot to tell your love story and make it an even more memorable one.

5. ‘What does the weatherman say?’ Check out the season and weather, especially if the shoots are taking place outdoors. Bring a shawl along if it’s going to be chilly, or sunnies and sunblock lotion for sunny weather. Temperate countries with seasonal changes offer varied scenery – beautiful flowers blooming in Spring give a vibrant and lively feel vs. red maple leaves falling during Autumn offers a charming and enchanting mood. Make sure your wedding co-ordinator has an alternative wet weather plan too!

Now you’re all ready to head off! Just relax, enjoy being pampered, and immerse yourselves in the feeling of love!

Weekend therapy :)

Amidst my hectic travel, I'm glad that I was able to find time and indulge in one of my favourite rituals - a visit to the salon. The pampering, head massage, and overload of fashion magazines is simply therapeutic... Not to mention being able to have a fabulous hairdo right after - kudos to my hair stylist!

I was pleasantly surprised by uncovering a quaint and eclecticly decorated boutique - Lauren Jasmine. Its brightly lit and spacious store first caught my attention. Then as I walked in, I realized that every shelf, every cabinet, and every corner was really nicely decorated - antique violin, quaint weighing scale, vintage photos - reminded me of another of my favourite shop, WoodWould!

I wanted to pick up almost every item I could get my hands on. I was spoilt for choice! The very attentive and pleasant boutique assistant kindly helped me unload and preped them for me to try on. Happy with my selection, I headed to the fitting room - Wow! I want this in my room! (Truth is, I'm already very satisfied with my own walk-in wardrobe...) Pictures here don't do the fitting room justice - go visit the boutique and check it out yourself at Pacific Plaza Level 2! :D

On the road: What to wear for business travel?

3 flights in 4 days is about as crazy as my travel itinerary gets (come to think about it i've done 7 flights in 6 days including transits too)... i'm only excited about flying if (a) it brings me to an exotic location that I've never been before or (b) it's for vacation :) suddenly it doesn't matter that I'll be cramped up in a 50cm x 50cm space (better in newer planes like A380) for x hours, that food rarely taste yummy (SQ so far has been the most decent), and my tv screen shrinks and has absolutely horrible resolution (i need an iPad). But when it comes to travelling for business (on economy), all I wish is to have Hiro Nakamura's (in Heroes) teleportation power so I can skip this uncomfortable experience.

Sadly, no matter how hard I tried to focus, I still had no reason to exclaim 'Yatta' when I opened my eyes. So I guess I can only try my best to make the flight as comfortable as possible.

1. Breathe well. Select clothes which are fitting, but not too tight. Clothes are that are too tight may restrict movement, and we don't want to look frumpy wearing clothes that are too loose. I usually go for cotton or knits for tops and well-fitted pants for bottoms.

Tip: Knits may be the most comfy but it's also the most static-prone material. Usually it'll go away a while after you land... just don't rub your blankie too much against your knits!

2. Crisp look. Sometimes we have to just hop from airport to client meeting, and don't have much time in between to change. Take care not to crumple your shirt and blazer so you can still maintain your professional image. Flight attendants typically can help with storing of blazer in a closet. For shirts, opt for a wrinkle-free material such as Brooks Brothers non-iron shirts.

3. Accidents happen. I usually avoid whites or light-colours when I travel, in case a newbie flight attendant or clumsy passenger spills something on me. As I try to pack light when I travel, I may not have spares for such incidents. Fingers crossed, so far this has not happened to me yet...

4. Keep warm. A cardigan, pashmina scarf, sweater or jacket comes in handy to keep me warm for napping on the plane. Pick a fashionable-looking one, and it works great as a a chic accessory when you land too!

5. Walk well. I admire women who wear six-inch stilettos and are still able to tow their suitcases and laptop bags in style. I wish I can be one of them, unfortunately my bad knee can't take that much beating so I've taken to flats when I travel. Ballet pumps and loafers go with any outfit.

My fav pair of flats has to be this croc-skin JipiJapa pumps. They have braved through many airports and cities with me, and is looking battered now. :( I got them in Hong Kong and couldn't find the exact replacement when I went back recently...

Apart from dressing, there are other things to take note of as well:

6. Bed tresses? One of my pet peeves of flying is that my hair will look a mess - either so much static has gathered and my fly-ends can't be tamed, or a wrong sitting/sleeping position has led to what look likes a curling-thong misuse. Bring along some hair wax or serum in your hand carry (in allowable amounts), and if all else fails, I'll bun or tie my hair up in a pony tail. Babes with short hair could go for stylish hair clips or hair bands.

7. Moisturize, moisturize, moisturize. Can't emphasize this enough. Our body and skin thirsts for moisture when we're at 30,000 feet. Drink loads of water and slap on as much hand cream/moisturizer as possible. Spray mist also offer good relieve to travel fatigue.

8. What did the weatherman say? I once landed in 10 degrees only to have my summer jacket *gasp*. My lifeline was my gal-friend who generously lent me her trench coat and scarf for the week!

So before I master my teleportation skills, I have to make travelling as pleasant as possible. Sometimes it just takes looking out of the window and enjoying the amazing view of the horizon - priceless.

Let's pat ourselves on our backs on International Women's Day!

I made a rather amazing (but yet unproven) revelation today - that we could be surer of ourselves at 3 than we are 30. At 3, we were perfectly capable of walking, running, jumping, kicking, punching, dancing, and rolling. At 3, we were perfectly capable of forming full sentences, and had begun to question why the sky is blue and where did I come from. At 3, we were 100% certain of our life goal - to have as much fun as we can and that daddy and mummy loves us.

Well, at 30, we continue jumping and running only to make sure we don't go from a size M to L, and not to get a rude shock one day when we stand on the weighing scale. At 30, we question not how did I get here, but why am I here? At 30, we feel like our life goals are so unattainable and begin wondering if they are even worth pursuing...

So what did these 27 years do to us? What life-changing events could have taken place to create these self-existential questions?

We went to school, found new friends, made some enemies (and frienemies), fell in love, fell out of love, climbed the corporate ladder and probably slipped a few times. The world seems so much more complicated with ambitions, expectations, disappointments, misunderstandings, and jealousy. But is the world really as complicated as we make out of it?

While it’s true that life is not always a bed of roses, I believe there’s some truth in the half-full vs. half-empty glass saying. Many times it's about the perspectives we choose to take, the facts we choose to see, and the realities we choose to believe it. Rather than focusing on the thorns, why not look at the beautiful roses we have in front of us? Rather than looking at what we could have done, why not think about all the things we have done?

Women often don’t give ourselves enough credit for all the roles we play in this day and age. We’re the filial daughter, generous sister, supportive friend, diligent student, responsible employee, loving girlfriend, inspiring leader, thoughtful wife, and amazing mother… We've done so much in our lives that we deserve a peace of mind, be assured of who we are, and embrace ourselves for everything we stand for. The purpose of life is then, simply, to have as much fun as we can...and that daddy and mummy loves us.

So let's prance around like that 3-year old again, applaud ourselves for all our achievements (yes, every single one of them!), and start putting more faith in ourselves. Let the world see your confidence and optimism and fabulo-ism that exudes from within…which will bring the best out of any personal fashion style!

Interview with stylish blogger Pepper Min~: What to wear on your first day of work?

I had the privilege of speaking to one of the most stylish blogger I know - pretty preppy Pepper Min! Let's see what she's wearing for her first day of work tomorrow!

First and foremost, CONGRATULATIONS on landing yourself a new job! The whole process of job search, resume writing, interviewing, and finally nailing it must be quite time consuming and stressful (well, at least I felt so when I went through it)! So how are you feeling before your first day of work?

Thanks!
I'm feeling all positive about it, though a little nervous. Honestly, I can't wait to start work as it would be something very different from what I had been doing all this while. It's more of a mid-life career switch! haha..

I know you're keeping your new role a secret...but I'm sure your readers are all curious to find out! Without revealing too much details, can you tell me a little bit about it?

Okay, I'm quite sure I won't be revealing that much, hee.. but it's an industry new to me, and at the same time, one which i have been aspiring to be part of! I will be meeting a lot of people daily and the working environment should be relatively comfortable, as compared to what I had in my previous job as a teacher- noisy, stuffy non air-conditioned classrooms! And I doubt there would be much walking around also!

I love how you look so fabulous in almost everything you wear - seems like you can pull off any outfit. *envious* So what ensemble have you prepared for your first day at work?

Thank you, I'm flattered! However stylish you may think it will be, my outfit for the first day of work would be very conservative!! haha.. The last thing I'd want to happen is, reaching the office and finding myself wearing something not appropriate!

A business suit should be the safest bet! A crisp, white collared blouse and a black skirt. I would bring along a blazer just in case!

Wow, you really look professional! Power dressing indeed! Where did you buy these items?

To be honest, I'm clueless when it comes to formal wear. So i got my first set of business wear from G2000, haha.. However, I would make sure the blouse and skirt chosen do not scream "Fresh grad!!!" I like the material of the shirt and its design at the front buttons. It has pinstripes that look a little shiny under sunlight :) I brought the blouse to a tailor to alter it so that it is fitting enough.

Skirt wise, preferably something not too short. It's sometimes very tempting to sport a sexy mini but in order not to send the wrong signal to male colleagues, and worse still, make enemies of jealous female colleagues, it is better to tone down a little... especially on the first day of work. I wouldn't want tongues wagging even before I prove my worth at work! (there are other more subtle ways to flirt! *wink)

Shoes will be quite standard. I would pair it with black stilettos. Definitely not flat shoes / wedges!

How about make up and hair-do? Will you be using your falsies or curling thongs?

As I would be representing my company (in a way), it is important to look professional before my customers/clients. Make-up would be subtle and fresh-looking. The key is looking clean and polished. Strong colours, glittery eyeshadow will be avoided, i don't want to look garnish. A light blush will make me look refreshed.

I would choose a pair of falsies that are so natural that people wouldn't know I'm actually wearing one, haha.. I think if your eyelashes aren't as sparse as mine, mascara will do a better job :) Black Gothic eye make-up is definitely a No-No!

As for my hair, I may consider letting it down because tying it up in a bun and me in a business suit may look a little too intimidating for my customers, ahha. I want to look professional yet approachable too. The fringe will be tamed with a little wax and the rest of my hair tucked behind the ears. As long as the flyaways are taken care of (whether by anti-fizz serum / flat iron), I think hair let down might just work nicely :) A simple hairband is okay to keep hair in place, but no loud, gaudy hair accessories like flowers etc.

What image do you hope project with this outfit?

Oh, I think I just answered this question up there! haha.. maybe I've ranted too much!
Erm, Clean, professional and not trying-too-hard?

UBS recently issued a 43-page dress code for all their employees, while couple of weeks back Microsoft Taiwan fired an employee because her skirt was too short. Do you think these companies' tactics are too tough and stifling on budding fashionistas?

I think it's important for employees to wear appropriately as they represent their company. Anyway, I'm quite sure that employee who was fired had gotten a few warning letters before her company came to that decision.

However, it's easier to comment when I'm not in that situation, haha.. cos I remember myself complaining in school too when my principal said all teachers must tie up their hair / cannot wear sleeveless tops etc.. oh well *shrugs

We always hear this saying, "First impressions count" - unfortunately for both good and bad! Sounds like you're already taking that into consideration by not wanting to send the wrong signal or anger jealous female colleagues! But no matter how hard we try, sometimes we can't help naysayers from speaking ill about others... What do you think is the best way to handle office politics?

I think the best way is to offer a sincere and dazzling smile to anyone in the office! From superiors to even the cleaning aunty! The trick is, to smile genuinely from the heart and nod slightly to acknowledge the person. I don't know how to explain this clearly, haha. but you get the drift.

If being true to others doesn't work, then it's best to ignore the person. Best not to get involved in gossips /grapevines and openly declare it, hee.. Stay neutral?

And what about office romance? Haha, not whether you'll get into it - we know you're happily attached :) What are your thoughts about it, i.e. if you have couple colleagues - approve or no?

I think it's not up to me to approve or not, haha! I would give them my blessings! As long as they don't openly display their affection (PDA), cos it would be so awkward!! And of cos, you can't really help it when ur boss promotes his gf instead just because of their relationship!

What / who inspires your fashion style? Where do you get your fashion inspiration from? How will you infuse this style into your work wardrobe as well?

I am usually inspired by the fashion from Taiwan / Japan. However, for formal wear, it's quite standard.. can't really do much? The only way I can make it better is by tailoring my clothes to flatter my body shape, accessorising with a fashionable bag, bangles or styling my hair differently?

Indeed! The right fit is really one of the key things to any great outfit, and that's what I try to emphasize in my blogs as well! Bags, accessories, and hair are also important aspects to create a professional image. There are many other aspects we can play with too, such as colours, patterns, fabrics, layering etc, to spice up our work wardrobe. Have fun stocking up with new items!

Want to know more about Pepper Min? Check out her blog at http://peppermin.blogspot.com!

Woah is Natalie Portman having the time of her life or what!!

So happy and excited for Natalie Portman for winning the Best Actress award! She's indeed the epitome of success, having everything going for her right now! Incredibly gorgeous and beautiful, brilliantly talented, blissful mummy-to-be, and now an Oscar - all these and she's barely 30... oh, did I mention she holds a Psychology Degree from Harvard University?

Natalie Portman glowing in her plum, off-shoulder Rodarte dress

Natalie Portman won an Oscar. But Anne Hathaway swept the fashion awards hands down! She stole the limelight with seven different stunning dresses (plus 1 Lanvin tuxedo with Swarovski-crystal laden heels)... Our Princess Diaries girl has finally grown up to become the Devil of Prada!

My favourite look is her in this red hot Valentino dress - her porcelain skin brings the best out of this colour... And I'm undecided about her high-necked, long-sleeved, sequined Tom Ford gown.. What do you think?

Here are the full results from 83rd Academy Awards - if you still haven't heard by now...

TGIF!!! :D

Friday: What to wear for work-date Friday?

It's finally Friday, and we can't wait to hit the bar, catch a movie, or just spend some time with that special someone...

What if you're going on a date, and have not enough time to go home and pretty-up yourself after work? Simply throw on a cardigan to look more 'proper' at work, and voila you can transform yourself into a stunning and gorgeous date that he's definitely gonna be proud of.

Short post - shan't hold you back from that date now can I? :)

Have a great weekend!

Booze & schmooze

Thursday: What to wear to a corporate cocktail / networking function?

Has it really been....2 weeks?! Hectic work and crazy travel schedules have gotten the better of me, and I'm glad to be back now! These busy times really call for life-saving work dresses, which saves me time with no need to select and match my outfit, so I can extend my beauty sleep :)

And with that we're almost at the end of this Work Dresses Wardrobe Classic series.

It's Thursday, and I can almost hear people cracking up with the clinking of wine glasses and beer mugs. But wait, before we kick our shoes off, let our hair down, and have too much to drink, do you know who you're clinking your glass with - is it your colleague, boss, business contact, or potential employer?

Making an impression during networking involves how we carry ourselves, what we say, how we say it, and how we look. "First impressions count", we've heard this a thousand times. And it's true, we have to admit that most of us form impressions of others within a split second. While impressions may sometimes be changeable, why not make a good first impression at the onset rather than work to improve others' perception thereafter?

A corporate cocktail dress has to look professional and proper, yet interesting enough so we don't look too standoffish.

Tips:

1. Colour. An easy choice would be the LBD - but I'm sure we can do better than that! Experiment with colours - go for something bright if you're not afraid to be the centre of attraction. I'd usually opt for something darker to mask possible food or ink stains I might have accumulated over the day.

2. Necklines. It's afterall a semi-professional setting, and I'm sure you don't want to draw attention for the wrong reasons. In my view, cleavage-bearing tops are distracting for men (and some envious women too), and could send wrong signals.

3. Accessorize. Wearing a silver belt rather than the default purple one is a very subtle way of making this outfit look more interesting. Some networking experts recommend wearing very prominent and almost controversial accessories, such as feather hats or flower brooches. These are sure conversation topic-starters, and reduces the barrier for people to approach you.

4. Bag. Finally, bring along a small bag just enough for your lip gloss for touching up, credit cards for paying, name cards for networking, and mobile phone for dialing a cab. Leave your laptops at home - you have a drink in hand, you need shake people's hands, then hand out your business cards...laptop bags are too much of a hassle to handle during a cocktail session...

Now we've seen the Corporate LBD, power dress, shift dress, 'you' dress... Convinced of the versatility of dresses? Can't wait to hit the malls and stock up your wardrobe? Don't forget to check out the final instalment of this series to complete your collection!

Beat that mid-week syndrome with a 'YOU' dress!

Wednesday: What to wear on a mid-week?

The alarm clock rings. You hit the snooze button. Minutes later, it rings again. You're feeling lethargic. Even though Monday seems far away, shades of blue still linger on. Friday is a bit of a stretch away for you to shout out TGIF convincingly.

It's mid-week - Wednesday.

It's the hardest day to pin down what style to wear. You need not be too formal, since all the important meetings are over. Yet, it's not quite the end of the week, so you can't dress too casual.

But it's also the most interesting day of the week, since we get to exhibit our individuality and be more like ourselves (unless you're a seriously workaholic power dresser by default!). Look at the different styles of dresses we have to choose from!

Tips:

1. Be cautious not to go too wild, even though you may be tempted to unleash the inner you. The level of acceptance for mid-week dressing differs drastically from workplace to workplace,and usually depends on:

-- industry (e.g. media folks tend to have more poetic licences vs. techies who prefer to play it down)

-- function (e.g. marketing team tends to soak up all the creative juices in the company vs. customer service needs to be proper and presentable to customers)

-- job level (Dress your part. Will you be taken seriously in this dress? Will I stand out from my colleagues...in a bad way? How will my reports, coworkers, bosses, and clients see me?)

2. Play with styles, details, colours, fabrics, and accessories.

-- Styles (e.g. wrap dress [1], a-line dresses [3, 4/5, 6, 7, 10])

--Details (e.g. bow [2], trimmings [3], buttons [10])

-- Colours (e.g red, green, yellow, blue...and multi-coloured!)

-- Fabrics (e.g. tweed [3], satin sheen [7])

-- Accessories (e.g. necklaces and shoes [4/5])

3. Gradually let loose if you're new in the company/team. When venturing into new territories, you don't want to be the talk of the town - for the wrong reasons. I'll always don my 'safer' pieces first before decking out the more striking ones (e.g. sticking to muted colours such as beige rather than going for yellow)...until I build rapport with everyone, and get a hold on the workplace fashion boundaries!

See Wednesdays aren't that bad after all right? Go on, show off your inner-self today! :)

Do you know you are (most probably) underpaid?

Tuesday: What to wear when asking for a promotion or pay raise?

Do you know we're earning 37%* lesser than men? Yes, this is based on MOM's most recent 2009 statistics. Some industries, such as financial services, seem to be more biased towards our male counterparts (with them earning 53% more than us!); while others, such as administrative services, still show a 12% gap.

(*Considering an annual income of SGD30k, 37% translates to a whopping 11k! Read: that's almost 1 pair of Manolos per month for a year!!!)

So what causes this gender-income divide in this day and age? Does this indicate that we're lagging far behind workforce gender equality? Before concluding that fleeing to another less biased city is my best bet to grow my wealth, I decided to delve a little deeper on this topic. I was astonished to find that this is true even in the 'land of the free' - narrower gap of 23%, but a gap nonetheless.

One of the key reasons, it seems, is this - women don't negotiate enough. Studies have shown that we typically don't negotiate our starting pay - at all. And for the brave ones amongst us who do, we don't negotiate hard enough. In fact, a whole book has been written on this topic (Women Don't Ask, by Linda Babcock & Sara Laschever).

Negotiating for a pay raise or promotion can be daunting indeed. But that doesn't mean that we should shun away from it! Can you imagine what a huge boost to your self-esteem it would be when you succeed at this quest? :)

Apart from preparing a list of your accomplishments (with specific examples), strengths (including soft skills such as people management), and aspirations for your team/organization, you need to add a visual punch with your outfit. This outfit must scream unstoppable, yet not come across as OTT or too pushy.

A shift dress is the perfect choice. It's not too over-bearing like a crisp, long-sleeved shirt or suit, nor will you get mistaken for looking too casual or not assertive enough.

I particularly love this one cos of its squarish-round neckline with thin pink trimmings (trimmings not extremely visible here), which softens the otherwise stark black dress. Sewn-on pink ribbons double up as a belt to give a sharp, sleek silhouette.

Tips:

1. Pairing this with black pumps is a safe bet, but why not try nude pumps? I personally find that nude pumps have a leg-lengthening effect :)

2. Depending on industries and seniority levels, you might like to put on a jacket to up the serious quotient.

Looking right is half the battle won, girls. Psyche yourself up by collecting your thoughts, stand up straight, steel your shoulders, and believe that you deserve this. Take a deep breath and success will be on your side! ;)

Good luck, girls!

Wanna feel confident? Wear it and believe in it!

Monday: What to wear for that important meeting or presentation?

Public speaking can an unnerving experience. You want (and need) your audience to listen to what you're saying, understand what you're saying, and be impressed with what you're saying. It doesn't matter if the 'public' or 'audience' is a room full of VIPs, your boss, or just your colleagues. The outcome could be the difference between clinching that million-dollar deal, or gaining the respect of your coworkers. This is an occasion where we need and want to feel confident, and the rest of the world to believe we are intelligent, capable, and professional. How do we exude confidence, even when we're incredibly nervous?

This calls for the Power Dress. This outfit must look sharp and sophisticated, as well as scream poise and self-assurance!

Two essential features of a Power Dress - collar + straight-cut. Why? Because they can easily become part of a formal ensemble once you put on a well-fitted blazer/jacket, and you'll all set for that CxO presentation. Pair this with comfortable pump heels to give you that confident posture, and you're sure to wow the audience the minute you step into the boardroom!

Tips:

1. Remove the jacket and your power dress transforms into an everyday corporate dress.

2. Add a belt to give it a special touch.

3. Select dresses with ruffles (in this case) or lace to spice up your outfit, but be careful not to have too many and/or complex details such that it takes the attention away from your impactful presentation!

4.Think about what you'd like to communicate before selecting the colour of your Power Dress - Black/white/pinstripes for extremely formal; Steel gray for sober austerity; Peach/Camel/Tweed for instructive authority.

5. Don't think you'll ever need such a Power Dress? Think again! You never know when you'd have to attend a formal function meeting important people. It's definitely one of the Wardrobe Classics we shouldn't scrimp on!

Armed with this impressive Power Dress, it's hard to not believe that you are the best! That's half the battle won!

LBD...for work - my best friend!

We all dress a certain way because of how we're feeling at a particular time, how we would like to feel after dressing up, or how we would like others around us to feel when they see us. Ever woke up feeling like today is a sundress day or denim skirt day or black pants day? Do most of your colleagues wear blue on Mondays? Your best friend revamped her wardrobe right after her break-up?

What we wear is an extension of what we feel, want to feel, and want to communicate to the rest of the world.

Isn't this especially so in the unforgiving corporate world, where first impressions could be lasting, and people do judge by covers (sadly so, but this is human nature). I remember going through an internal struggle when I first started work - on one hand, I feel complied to power dress and compensate for my youngish, (then) fresh grad looks; on the other hand, I can't bear to let go of my inner girlish self for boring work clothes. Over time through quite a few experiments (some failed!), I've realised that dresses are the best compromise to look formal and feminine at the same time. Dresses are also extremely versatile, allowing us to achieve various looks with a different jacket, accessory, or pair of shoes. If that still doesn't convince you, dresses are the ultimate fuss-free choice since you don't have to worry about mis-matching colours/styles of skirts and blouses!

I'll start with the Corporate LBD - a must have in wardrobe (one of the most handy Wardrobe Classics I must say!) and real life-saver on fashion-rut days!

Tips:

1. A plain, simple, and well-fitted black dress will do the trick (main picture).

2. Go for well-structured materials (avoid cotton) so that it hangs well on you.

3. Look out for good lining as it makes the dress less clingy to our bodies, and less likely to bunch-up, hence creating a smooth exterior finish. (Tips 2 & 3 apply to other Work Dresses too!)

4. Pair it with pumps or peep-toe heels, rather than open-toe sandals to complete the polished look

5. Add a special touch to the Corporate LBD with accessories such as a string of pearls (left picture) or belt (right picture).

See how the First Ladies wear the Corporate LBD in style!

Special touches - pearls and purple clutch

If even Michelle Obama and Carla Bruni-Sarkozy are exploiting the versatility of dresses, we can't be too far wrong. I truly believe there's one Work Dress for everyday, for every occasion, and even every walk of life... to look chic, feminine, and sophisticated all at the same time!

What to wear on a wet Monday?

Let's take advantage of this unusual weather and deck out our cardigans, sweaters, jackets, ponchos, capelets, turtlenecks, scarves, boots, brollies that's been sitting in our wardrobes and waiting to be worn! This incessant rain can't dampen our spirits cos it lets us play with our wardrobe...and cuddle up with our loved ones! :)

Luuurves shopping surprises....

I love surprises! Came across this boutique yesterday specializing in work dresses while looking to replace my black pencil skirt from my recent wardrobe clearance :) At first glance, MICO seemed like a lesser-cousin of Blum - with its narrow aisles, lack of full-length mirrors, and some matronly-looking pieces fit for my grand-aunt. *eeks* Fortunately, my 'good finds'-radar got the better of me, and I ended up browsing through its collection - and was pleasantly surprised!

It was a good place to shop cos:

~there's lots of styles to choose from! - whether you're looking for something simple (e.g. The Corporate LBD), something more unique (if, like me, you have loads of work dresses already), or something more versatile which could transition into a cocktail dress after work... it caters to everyone.

~dresses are of good quality - fabric does not bunch up or cling; lining included

~it guarantees fit - MICO has a range of sizes to choose from, and if the fit is not perfect, they alter to suit you. Don't work to fit into your clothes, but make sure they are worked to fit you!

I'm so excited to bring on my three new additions - the two new work dresses from MICO, and my next post! For now, I'll have to continue the search for the perfect black pencil skirt... Till then!

Where to find MICO:

Centrepoint #02-17

Great World City #01-10 (that's where I stumbled upon them)

Goodies Galore! There's currently a sale up to 50% discount! OCBC card holders get 15% off regular-priced items too. Hurry!

fretting over fashion fads?

“All straight men can’t appreciate haute couture,” my girlfriend laments. “A part of my wardrobe is dedicated to normal *look of disdain* clothes, just so I have something to wear on dates. Otherwise, all I get is envious looks from gay men.”

This is my friend who pays close attention to the latest Spring/Summer 2011 pieces paraded along the runway by renowned designers such as Balenciaga, Christian Lacroix, Alexander McQueen, Dolce & Gabbana, Jason Wu etc. She’s all about fashion fads and trends – never mind that those Balmain-inspired shoulder pads could risk looking like she just popped out of an 80s movie; or that Marc Jacobs maxi-dress might get her mistaken for a gunny sack relay participant.

I’ll admit, I am not as diligent (and wealthy – yes, I believe one needs deep pockets to invest in high-fashion) to keep abreast of these latest trends. Well, yeah, I know this season is about bright, bold, neon colours, and maxi has been taken to a next level from dresses to jumpsuits and pants. But I’m not about to revamp my wardrobe…

…because not everything in-fashion is suitable for me. Consider (1) skin tone (giant walking highlighter alert! Neon-yellow clashes with my sandy complexion), (2) body shape including height (maxi-dresses make my vertically-challenged frame look frumpy), figure, and other physical assets you might be hiding for being enslaved to ‘fashion’. For example, I know that gladiator sandals will hide my shapely legs... And there's a difference between unnecessarily critical about ourselves, and being self-aware – it doesn't matter if we have physical imperfections, we just need to know how to play up and flaunt our assets!

…because not everything in fashion is ‘practical’. Practicality takes into account our occupation (think: will your boss see you differently? fashion/media/art executives tend to have a reason to dress more avant-garde), occasion (is your magenta eye-shadow too loud for a meet-the-parents session?), roles in life, lifestyle, climate etc.

…because I’m comfortable with my personal style! Of course, we shouldn't let our personal preferences be ruled by others’ opinions. In fact, I give my haute couture-chasing friend utmost respect because she is confident enough to carry off whatever she likes. She’s knows what she wants to communicate to the rest of the world, and does it with style. This, in my opinion, is the reason why she looks so fabulous, rather than the fashion fad per se.

Fashion fads, when selected appropriately, do add a little fun and spice to our wardrobes. We just need to choose the right ones according to our personal preferences, complement ourselves, and suit the occasion we're wearing them to!I'm going to take advantage of this season's collection to pick up a few cobalt-blue, emerald-green, and my favourite pastel-pink outfits! What about you?

Wardrobe Classics for Work #1: White Shirt

As we inch towards the end of the second work week in 2011, are we beginning to feel like our wardrobes are shrinking? Somehow after being used to dressing down (or up for that countdown party that we attended), we increasingly feel dreary to pick out what to wear every morning, and that we have "nothing to wear"!

Here's a sure bet, especially for a Monday morning:

A crisp, white, cotton, collared, long-sleeve well-fitted shirt impresses during a job interview, aces that CxO presentation, and brings gravity at an important client meeting. The minute you put it on, you feel like you've got everything under control, you feel good, you feel confident.

My style has always been to add a little personal touch to my dressing, especially the White Shirt, which can sometimes look rather plain. I love wearing cuff-links cos that's such an easy way to accessorize - and personalize - a white shirt without being overtly flamboyant. Another subtle way is to embroider your name, initials, or a special date on one of the cuff.

I rambled off several descriptives earlier - "crisp, white, cotton, collared, long-sleeve well-fitted". Indeed, if we change any of these variables, the White Shirt communicates a different feel altogether. Short-sleeves gives a less formal look; silk projects elegance and softens your overall appearance; ruffles and ribbons exude feminity and playfulness. And because of these slight nuances, I'd categorize these as variations to the White Shirt, and hence not really a timeless Wardrobe Classic. Although there's no stopping us from getting these variations too! I myself have 5 of these, and I love them cos they are so easy to pair!

Where to get nice shirts? Raoul is my favourite boutique for shirts. Raoul's European fabric shirts are really sharp and smart looking. Their friendly and helpful staff will also assist your selection, and most importantly, its free alteration service ensures that your chosen piece fits you to a T. (If there's something you can't compromise about a shirt, it's the fit. ) What's more, Raoul knows that shirts are meant for men. So they sew an 'inner button' (buttons from the interior of your shirt) between the 2nd and 3rd buttons from the collar, and this tiny but amazing little knob flattens the fabric around the chest area, preventing any peek-a-boo situations!

The Tourist

Breathtaking scenery, beautiful leads, and Paul Bettany's charming - and genuine - British accent... Despite bad reviews from critics and movie go-ers, I actually enjoyed the movie! Venice has always been one of my favourite European cities. While I didn't travel around in style like Elise (Angelina Jolie's character), watching the Rialto, fruit market by the river, and the crazy pigeons at St Mark's Square come alive definitely brought back many fond memories of my own adventures there!

Apart from immersing in Venice's romantic charm, I couldn't help but notice, admire, and envy how Elise looked in every scene. Ok, of course, she's Angelina Jolie, and Angelina Jolie looks perfect - anyhow. Before dismissing the possibility that we'll ever be able to look like that, I thought - well, actually we can. Yes, I agree that it's unrealistic to not have a single strand of hair out of place in a boat chase, or to be able to sashay through cobbled-stone streets in those killer heels... but here's what I thought are some ways to achieve her look without an entourage of make-up artists and stylists in tow :)

SOLID COLOURS are easy to wear

I love solid colours. They're easy to wear and pair. They're also easy to create different looks with - elegant classic black, chic royal blue, pretty pastel pink, or pristine ivory white. Boring you say? Not if we look out for solid-coloured pieces with the following:

1. Fabric - Little Black Dresses are our safest bets whenever we need to attend a party or formal function. The gown Elise wore to a gala dinner (see bottom left picture) gave a whole new meaning to THE LBD. Despite being all black, layers of silk tulle and net created a soft/feminine feel, while the satin bodice gave a regal look and structure to the gown.

2. Special touches - We can also look out for little touches that can stylize an otherwise typical outfit. How? When we see black suits, we think corporate and boardrooms. Take the black suit (see top right picture) as an example - funnel collar gives a feminine look, 3/4 sleeves makes it slightly less formal, big buttons provide an anchor for overall the outfit.. matched with a string of pearl necklace and black pumps (which are both Essential Accessories) to complete the look.

*Tip: If you love solids like me, take note that types of fabric and special touches communicate a certain look and feel. We can all look good with minimal efforts by playing with fabrics (see top left picture of Elise's simple white silk dress) or selecting pieces which comes with special touches such as puffy sleeves, frills, lace, ribbons etc. Look out for these things the next time you go shopping to save you headache from thinking about how to spice up your wardrobe!

ACCESSORIES are like cherries on a cake

The diamond choker, camel cashmere wrap, crimson scarf, nude elbow gloves/clutch/pumps... Without these items, the outfits could look a little bare, but still passable. Accessories complete the look. They are what differentiates an A+ from an A.

*Tip: If you don't have the habit of wearing accessories, you might find it a chore to have to think of how to match them. Have some of these Essential Accessories on hand to glam up any look: a string of pearl necklace, and pearl studs or short dangling earrings to go with; statement-piece diamond pendant with diamond studs (opt for crystals for budget purposes); black pumps and clutch (have a set of nude too to match lighter colours); silk shawl.

POISE wins the day

I thought that Elise got more attention than she deserved in the film. For some reason, the director had heads turning to look at Elise as she enters in almost every scene. That being said, I can't help feeling that she not only looks good in whatever she wears, she knows she does. Her confidence exudes in her poise and posture.

Or maybe she made us believe that she's confident. Poise can come naturally inside out, yet it can also be trained in a rather technical way. While the nose in the air thing is a bit too much for me, we can learn from her straight back, squared shoulders, chin up, and a deliberate walk.

*Tip: I believe that how we look communicates who we are, how we feel, and what we think of ourselves to the rest of the world. No matter how well-dressed one is, if she is not comfortable and confident of herself, it will show. Love yourself, believe in yourself, and the rest of the world will do the same!

See, it's not that difficult to get Angelina Jolie's look is it? We just need unique solid-coloured pieces, accessories, and to embrace our own style!

New Year Resolutions

It’s that time of the year again for new year resolutions. Some of us would detail a specific plan with action steps, milestones, and end goal in place – “I will lose x kg in 6 months, and I will achieve this by hitting the gym twice a week. I’ve signed up for a gym membership and made appointments with a personal trainer for the next 6 months.” Wow. I think most of us would probably belong in this second category, where we have some idea of what we'd like to achieve in the coming year. It could be finding a new job, getting more work-life balance, settling down, saving up, losing weight, shopping less, or shrinking your wardrobe. But the question is how are you going to ___ (fill in your new year resolution)? No really, what baby steps are you going to take to get there? Or maybe let’s take a step back – Are you even setting a realistic and achievable “resolution" for yourself?

Many times, we start off with this ambitious resolution on 1^st Jan – “I will not shop for the rest of the year.” Now, is that really possible? What happens if we see a really good buy that fits to a T, the style is practical and versatile, it’s a wardrobe classic and it’ll never go out of style, and we can't resist it? Two likely outcomes may happen: (a) we buy it and we feel guilty, or (b) we walk away but there goes that perfect-fitting dress. And we all know how hard a well-fitted piece comes by.

I unknowingly ‘resolved’ one of my many unfulfilled new year resolutions when I shifted house three months ago – I cleared my wardrobe. And I don’t mean simply downgrading two pieces of old, tattered t-shirts to rags. I took out every single piece of item I had in my wardrobe, and went through this process:

LOOK
Is the item still fit for wearing? With time, fabrics fade just as photographs do. If the item is faded, we have to let it go, no matter how much we like it, how we will 'definitely wear it'. Look on the bright side, I now have a legitimate shopping excuse because I have to replace my faded, Wardrobe Classic, black pencil skirt!
*Tip: 'Faded' and 'comfortable' are NOT fashion synonyms! Fading is about the colour intensity and fabric quality. Comfort is about fit, cut, and type of fabric.
*Tip: Replace the faded item if it's a Wardrobe Classic

TRY
Does it fit me well? Time for reality check. This requires a full-length mirror, good lighting, and perhaps an honest friend. Let's face it, our waistlines do change. And when it happens, that sexy body-hugging dress which earned us turned heads and dropped jaws couple of years back might still have that same effect - but for the wrong reasons now. Not all that doesn't fit needs to thrown away. While packing, I'd also created a pile of clothes which would go under the 'knife' (well, maybe just a scissors and some thread). So, does that mean I get to keep the rest? :D
*Tip: "I'll lose 5 kg to fit into this". Oops, that's another new year resolution! Why give yourself pressure to try and fit something that you have grown out of? Love yourself for who you are, and find another piece that complements your body shape/size!

REFLECT
Does it fit into my current lifestyle and my roles in life? Our daily outfits change at different phases of our lives - uniforms in school, jeans & t-shirts in college, suits/shirts/pencil skirts for work, sun dresses/shorts/tank-tops for play. I kept my work clothes (since I'll continue working for a while), most of my play clothes, and threw away most of those college t-shirts which I'd not worn for years. I think generally if an item has not been worn in 2 years, it's gotta go (I'm sentimental, so make that 1 for you).
*Tip: "Oh, I could wear that to a costume party!" does not count as an excuse to keep it. If you really have to, put them away in a box to save space and unclutter your wardrobe.

So with that, my wardrobe shrunk by almost 20% (and did some good by donating them to charity organizations)! Something I've been wanting to do for years! Of course, I had a little nudge to drive me out of that inertia, but the main success factor to make it happen, is to break down any new year resolution, goal, or task into bite-sized actionable steps.

I'm off to do the same now for my other 2011 resolutions! So should you!