Weekend picks from Shopbop

 

Love this piece, very Burberry, but you can get it for a much more reasonable price on Shopbop! Click on the images for more details.

This DVF dress has a definite Monday feel. Make you Mondays more fun and wear it with some leggings or thick black tight to make it appropriate for the office.

I love stripes! Don’t you?

Fun shaped clutch that is super easy to match is a dream come true. On sale now!

This one is more edgy and of course it has that wonderful Anya Hindmarch tassle. 

If you are attending a chic event this piece is irreplaceable. It will add instant elegance to any hairstyle and will be a definite conversation starter.

Having an active weekend? Inject some style!

I absolutely love this piece, and it is finally available 🙂

No need to mix and match with this, just add some trainers or slip ons and off you go.

L O V E this backpack, its oosing with chic, truly exceptional piece. 

So glam and comfy, will give you a few inches of added height too!

Sexy and chic this top will pair up perfectly with a skirt for a more feminine look. Brave it with a pencil skirt for extra oomph.

Have a wonderful weekend!

Skirting the Issue

I always fall in love with basic pieces that have a little bit of a twist to it. We all love stripes, and we all have it in our closets. It’s easy to mix and match with other items, and it isn’t too plain to be considered boring. I particularly love the interesting cut and bat wing sleeves of this striped casual top. Not to mention, its eye-catching cabochon crystal brooch-like embellishment. It’s such a vintage inspired detail! How can I not fall in love? It’s like it was calling out my name!

This outfit is part one of my styling series. Watch out for my next post, I’ll show you a totally different way to style this striped top.

For now, let me tell you why midi skirts should be your next wardrobe investment.

When in doubt, skirt the issue. Skirts are an easy pick for me during those days when it’s too balmy out, but I still want to look ladylike and well put together. Breezy and flowing skirts are the answers to your summer sartorial problems. If you’re tired of wearing denims, then consider midi skirts your new best friend for the spring/summer season. What’s even better is that midi skirts are on-trend, and when styled appropriately can be worn to more formal functions as well due to its conservative length.

A bright red cross body bag is a match made for a black and white striped top. It is a nod to the nautical feel of stripes, and gives it a more graphic pop. This handbag also matches perfectly with the color of the heeled sandals.

Notice the tortoiseshell on the platform and heel of my sandals? Isn’t that such a great little detail? It adds an earthiness to this look and contrasts it with the girliness of the textured blush pink midi.

The key to this unexpectedly chic color story? The rule of three. The three major pieces in my look, my skirt, shoes, and handbag, all belong to the same rosy pink hued color family, which allows the black and white stripes to stand out even further.

The dark red lip is a great contrast to all the rosy tints, don’t you think? I enjoy making a statement with my lip color. It really does make a big difference. Another outfit element worth noting is the cinched waist, emphasizing your curves and your shape is always best.

What did you think of this outfit? Where would you wear it to?

 

Top 3 Runway Trends

Here I am again, giving you the cure to your Singapore Fashion Week hangover. If you’re on the lookout for new pieces to refresh your wardrobe and put some more pizzazz into your personal style, look no further than the runways of the recently concluded, wildly successful Singapore Fashion Week 2015. This year’s crop of designers was brimming with so much talent and we have definitely taken notice of their designs and their inspirations as well. There was so much creativity and great ideas on the runway this season, we’ve definitely got more than enough to last us until the next fashion week.

Trendspotting during Singapore Fashion Week was so much fun! It was an amazing experience to see how different minds translated and interpreted the trends of our time. Here’s my quick rundown of the top 3 trends on the Singapore Fashion Week runway:

1. Bohemian with an Edge

Can I really do a trend roundup without including Thakoon? This international design superstar definitely lives up to his stellar reputation with his collection. The 70s bohemian fashion movement has certainly been a major trend player lately, and Thakoon presented his own take on the boho style and spirit.

Knee-high gogo-inspired boots in bright red, lightweight mock turtlenecks, and vintage frame bags sashayed down the catwalk. With an earthy color palette of burnt orange, navy blue, brown, and beige, Thakoon stayed true to the decade but put his own twist, of course. Embellishments, flowing pleated skirts, and athletic stripes were modern details that elevated his 70s look.

Photos: Singapore Fashion Week

2. Japanese Inspired

Inspired by one of the ancient cultures of Asia, there were lots of Japanese inspiration on the runway. Textiles from the region and obi belts abound. Ong Shunmugam’s cruise collection featured intricate Japanese textiles beside menswear-inspired pinstripes. Styled with super trendy white sneaks, the juxtaposition of the stripes with Japanese prints and patterns is the new go-to print on print for stylish it girls. This is definitely an ensemble that you should cop, it’ll make for a double tap worthy #OOTD.

Silvia Teh, the winner of the Harper’s Bazaar New Gen Design Award, also took a cue from Japanese culture and fashion. Teh also used stripes, but in a different way. Graphic, solid and thick stripes adorned her creations with girly schoolgirl skirts and elegant satin fabric finishes.

Ong Shunmugam

Photos: Harper’s Bazaar

Silvia Teh

Photo: Singapore Fashion Week 

3. Tailored Minimalism

The minimalist trend has been going strong for years now. Two designers made standout collections featuring this trend, Dion Lee and Velda Tan’s Collate The Label.

Dion Lee’s ultra chic and slightly futuristic netting details beautifully offset his stark and forward thinking designs. With a neutral palette accented with jewel tones, Dion Lee showed off his incredible tailoring skills with an array of curved sleeve cuffs, structured shoulders, and strategic cut-outs.

Velda Tan’s Collate The Label cemented her place in the Singaporean fashion scene with her collection of sporty yet luxe wear. I loved her black, white, and pastel color palette. It was so on-trend, and it is so perfect for dressing stylishly in the tropics. The curves and sharp angles interspersed within each of her pieces is a beautiful sight to behold.

Dion Lee

Photos: Singapore Fashion Week 

Collate The Label

 Photos: Singapore Fashion Week

What other trends did you spot on the runway? Which trends are you thinking of snapping up for your wardrobe? I got my heart set on these 3 trends! It’s definitely going to make shopping for the next season easier when I know which trends to integrate into my look.

Best of Singapore Fashion Week 2015

Singapore Fashion Week may be over, but there’s still a lot of inspiration we can draw from it. There were so many exceptional shows and I met so many amazing people. You’ve probably seen a lot of runway reviews by now, but here are the best of the best. It’s quite a tough task given all the talented designers and stunning shows we witnessed. Read on for my picks for the best shows during this year’s Singapore Fashion Week.

Best New Designer: Collate The Label by Velda Tan

What’s great about Singapore Fashion Week is getting to know new labels and seeing the great work of up-and-coming designers. Velda Tan, the creative and innovative mind behind Collate The Label, certainly distinguished herself during Singapore Fashion Week with her modern, minimalistic, and luxurious approach to women’s wear. The Collate The Label runway show generated a lot of well-deserved buzz and earned itself a loyal fashion fan following. Here are some snaps from the show:

The amazing crowd turnout during Collate The Label’s Pre-Fall 2015 show.

Velda Tan (pictured in the center), founder and head designer of Collate The label, poses backstage with two of her runway models. She wears a piece from her own collection. This jumpsuit with a mock turtleneck and sheer panels is the picture of modern sophistication and chicness.

Billowy wide leg pants, and matching coats in neutral tones were a hit on the runway. Structured dresses with feminine details like peplum and pastel colors were also key trends.

Photos from Collate The Label Facebook Page

Best Atmosphere: Harper’s Bazaar Asia New Generation Show

I love young talent! There’s just a different energy and an elevated sense of excitement when young talent showcase their distinctive aesthetic on the runway. Harper’s Bazaar certainly provided these designers a great platform to make their creative visions come to life. Fashion designers from all over Asia were represented. Indonesia, Vietnam, Thailand, Malaysia, and Singapore all had representatives who showed their designs on the Singapore Fashion Week runway. I absolutely loved everything about Silvia Teh’s designs. She is such a hardworking talent and it is always a pleasure to see such amazing people win. 

Here is Singaporean talent and New Gen Award winner for 2015, Silvia Teh, with the Singapore Fashion Week and Harper’s Bazaar Asia team. Congratulations! Isn’t Silvia Teh so chic? Love that electric blue vest!

One of Silvia Teh’s beautiful origami inspired designs, her collection was filled with obi belts inspired by Japanese and Javanese culture.

Another noteworthy collection was from designer Siripim from Thailand. I really liked her voluminous silhouettes and her use of colorful artistic painterly prints.

Designer Audrey from Indonesia showed off her own take on sporty dressing with a definite haute couture twist.

Photos from Harper’s Bazaar

Best Clothes: Victoria Beckham

Among all the stellar shows, one stands head and shoulders above the rest, and that is the finale Singapore Fashion Week show by Victoria Beckham. The certified style icon and bona fide fashion mogul flew in to Singapore as part of her Asia tour, and her collection definitely didn’t disappoint. Fashion fans got the understated elegance and modern glamour that they were expecting from Posh’s namesake label. Victoria Beckham’s collection showed off beautiful tailoring with impeccable detailing like intricate folding patterns and men’s suiting details. It was to say the least, nothing short of perfection, the ultimate collection for the modern woman who loves and lives fashion.

One of the standout pieces from the show, a structured gray frock with origami-like waist detailing and large buttons and a tailored silhouette.

I love how she integrated a bit of playful prints into the predominantly somber autumnal color palette of the collection.

The designer herself clad in her signature black look. A simple silhouette with more volume on the bottom, this dress is proof of her sartorial prowess.

Who will be there instead of Victoria Beckham next year? Only time will tell…

Top 10 things to do in Singapore

Try chilli crab

An absolute must-do if you are in Singapore. Spicy, crazy, saucy chilli crab is a favourite of many and will not leave you dissatisfied. It’s very filling and so much fun to eat! On my 0-10 scale of spiciness it’s a solid 7. It will blow your mind.

Warning: if you can’t eat spicy foods for medical reasons do not even attempt to try.

This is my personal favourite:

Shop local designers

Singapore might not be a large country but it sure does have talent. Best place to go for some quirky local stores is Orchard Central (Somerset MRT). You are probably going to Orchard area anyway, might as well pop down to Orchard Central, walk around and see what you think! Prices are reasonable, clothes and accessories – unique, so chances are you won’t leave empty-handed.

Some of the most famous names can also be found in Tangs and Robinsons in Orchard and in Keepers store.

 Try hipster coffee

Singapore seems stuffed with hipster coffee places!! It’s so hard to choose!!

If you want true hipster style try Haji lane. You will enjoy the atmosphere there.

Or if you prefer a clean and modern feel try Lady M for delicious coffee and crepe cakes!

 
Go around on the upper deck of a bus

Taking a bus is a convenient and cheap way to see all the sights in Singapore. Just choose any place you want to see and take a bus there!

You can find all the bus routes here.

If you can’t be bothered to look these two routes are pretty awesome: 30, 502.

Get your nails done

Gel nails have been around for long, but what if i say you can have any color you want created right in front of you with any decor you can wish for? Here is some magic done by Natsumi from @kiyonelim:

Walk around MBS

Marina Bay Sands is one of the largest shopping malls on the island and is a lovely place to spend time. With it’s very own river and boats you can get your shopping done and have a boat ride all in one day. It’s mostly designer stores here, with few exceptions, some of the best restaurants and cafes.

Warning: avoid if you are gambler… MBS is home to a huge casino.

Spend time in the gardens by the bay:

Ahh..

Talk to your taxi driver
Taxi driver is the first local you will meet and he has no choice but to talk to you! You are a paying client so make the most of it! Ask away! My favourite questions are: what is it like to be Singaporean? Whats your favourite thing about Singapore? And if you wanna be amused ask how much it costs to buy a car in Singapore 🙂

This was a fun ride:    

Try to speak Singlish

Its fun and easy. Just add-on “lah” to the end of all your sentences and “kan” to the end of all the questions! To answer affirmatively say “kan lah” and  instead of “no” – “kannot lah”.

Image from here.

Take selfies everywhere

Everyone is used to selfies here and I speak for most when I say Singaporeans love selfies (or at least are neutral towards them)!!

        

Singapore Fashion Week: Victoria Beckham

This year’s closing show was Victoria Beckham AW15, with her favourite refined silhouettes, amazing fabrics and modern feel.  

I am sure everyone already knows all this so I am going to let the video I took speak for itself. 

Victoria Beckham show inside the Tent@Orchard:

And for those who were expecting VB to take a few steps on the runway:

https://instagram.com/p/2ycJIFBIbf/?taken-by=cosmo_singapore

Singapore Fashion Week: Bazaar Asia New Gen Award

For the last few years Harpers Bazaar has been sponsoring a competition for talented young designers. I have to admit I arrived to the see the last years show with little enthusiasm, was not sure what the whole thing was about and with my expectations low. I was very wrong of course and I am very glad to admit it. The show was fantastic, innovative, well put together and the atmosphere was fresh and inviting. The pieces from the young talents were unique, diverse and beautiful. You can see the photos from last year here.

This year was all that times 10. I was super excited from the beginning and by the time the show started I was soooo ready 🙂

Few shots for a start with gorgeous @thetrenddealer

Below is my video featuring all the looks from the show. Enjoy!

Singapore Fashion Week: Lace-Up Heels

Today is the first day of Singapore Fashion Week and I decided to make a little prediction on what the street stylers and trend setters are going to choose when it comes to shoes.

We shall see if I am right by the end of the week! In the mean time…Ta-da!

Yes, as you have probably guessed, it is Lace Up Heels.

There is always a footwear trend every season that prove to be the fast favorite among the fashion crowd. This year, lace-up heels seems to be the reigning shoe of the moment. From the platforms to the mules, lace-up heels are definitely the more glamorous and more feminine of other shoe trends. Delicate straps accentuate and flatter your legs and the sleek design is easy to coordinate with looks. Lace-up heels have just enough detail to be interesting, but since the details are more on the subtle side, it doesn’t overwhelm your #OOTD.  Lace-up heels make the right statement, and investing in a pair is the right move this season for any fashionista.

Fashionistas all over the globe have been spotted by street style photographer lens in lace-up heels. Here’s my rundown of street style looks that should inspire your lace-up heel style this year:

Take your eyes off Olivia Palermo’s flawless print on print ensemble for a second, and avert your gaze onto her rich forest green lace-up heels. I love how the romantic feel of the jewel toned lace up heel contrasts against the graphic black and white separates.

Another modern style icon, Alexa Chung, lends downtown cool to the conventional evening feel of lace-up heels. With her trademark mini, vintage framed bag, and tomboyish sweater, she lends a definite mod vibe to this look.

Anna Kendrick shows off her style smarts, since the delicate details of lace-up heels are perfect for girls with petite frames. These snakeskin lace-up heels match perfectly with her black dress and white blazer. I love that pop of orange too!

A fringe skirt makes a major splash, but these white lace-up heels look just as good with it. It continues the movement in the look and coordinates with the summery vibe of this look.

Consider these nude lace-up heels your best friend for the summer. More than being leg-lengthening, these nude sandals are versatile. It looks stunning with this midi skirt, and is sure to look just as great with your summery rompers or denim shorts.

Although commonly associated with boho style, brown lace-up sandals can also go with more graphic pieces, just like these striped trousers.

Blogger Aimee Song of Song of Style is so good at mixing trends with more dressed up pieces. She does so quite brilliantly when she mixes trendy blue lace-up heels with a dove gray and white structured set.

Actress and style blogger Jamie Chung adds a flashy flair to her casual daytime style. Her tasseled and lace up sandals uplift her cropped top and joggers ensemble. I especially love the black footwear with the earthy tones of the look.In fashion, sometimes opposites do attract. A very sporty top juxtaposed with the sophistication and sexiness of lace-up heels is an ingenious way to set yourself apart from your run-of-the-mill aspiring fashionista.

All Images from WhoWhatWear

I’ve got my eye on the footwear Singapore!! Lets see some lace-up heels this week at the Tent! Follow me on IG @stylewithkate to see all the photos from #SGFW 2015. 

Style Icon: Victoria Beckham

Victoria Beckham, known to 90s lovers as Posh Spice, has truly made a name for herself in the fashion industry. Her early affinity for designer labels, Gucci in particular, and little black dresses shot her to fame–not counting her membership in mega girl group Spice Girls, of course. She may be out of the entertainment industry now, but she has managed to plant her foot firmly into the fashion and retail industry. Her namesake fashion line, Victoria Beckham, has been staging one stunning season after another, and the handbags from her line are quickly reaching cult status with fashion industry insiders. She is more than just an ex-Spice Girl and she is definitely more than one half of “Posh and Becks,” she has made herself into a style icon and fashion mogul.

Victoria is coming over to Singapore to close Singapore Fashion Week 2015 this Sunday. With all the tickets to her show sold out way before all the rest it is obvious there is no hotter celebrity right now. To those hoping David is going to join his sweetheart at her show: I’m with you people!!!

Here are my picks of Victoria Beckham’s best looks ever:

Is there anything more classy and luxurious than a camel colored look? Victoria Beckham proves its timeless appeal. With details like a cap toe heel, leopard print handbag and a ribboned belt, she elevates the innate elegance of this camel trousers and trench pairing.

Red is such a powerful color. Wearing it from top to toe is a testament to one’s confidence and fashion savvy. A neat ponytail and classic sunnies finish off this sophisticated fiery red look. Note that embellished waist detail and conservative yet fetching dress slit.

Covered up for the fall and still sexy, Victoria Beckham is indeed the master of looking glam at any time of day. Clad in a comfy white turtleneck and a knit skirt, Becks truly wows with the ultimate autumn outfit accent, a sexy pair of tall suede burgundy boots.

Airport style is another fashion arena where Victoria Beckham shines. Her jet set lifestyle as a fashion designer, mom, and wife to a soccer star, takes her to many places and she always makes sure that she looks amazing at every destination. A blue oxford button down with a floral pencil skirt is laid back and simple, yet amazingly put together too.

Victoria Beckham has always been a fan of fashion luxury. Her fur shrug and Hermes Birkin proves her love. Worn with skin tight skinnies and black ultra high platforms, she still gains a fashion edge and avoids that brand victim trap.

Pencil skirts are key to Victoria Beckham’s signature personal style. A classic 50s combo of sweater and pencil skirt gets upgraded with a scarf, to add a certain Parisian flair. Becks is certainly one woman that oozes that “je ne sais quoi.”

An ultra girly and adorable mod inspired frock takes centerstage in this ensemble. Balanced with rock n’ roll ankle booties, Victoria Beckham surely defines style with an edge in this look. I just love the scalloped detailing in this look.

This look is a bit of a throwback from Victoria’s fashion archives, which is precisely why it cements her style icon status. Even during her youth, she already knows what works for her sartorially. Chic and simple, her former trademark angled bob perfectly accents her cream colored flouncy tiered ruffle dress.

Fur makes another appearance in this list, and this definitely showcases her British spunk. Neatly pulled back hair, an oversized envelope clutch, plus a one-two punch of opaque tights and ankle booties, Victoria Beckham’s style is overflowing with so much pizzazz and undone glamour.

Images from WhoWhatWear and Harper’s Bazaar

I am so in love with Victoria Beckham’s style! This post is definitely full of wardrobe inspiration. Which look will you be copying this week?

Top 10 Beauty Bloggers

Beauty bloggers are taking the world by storm. From books, TV show, makeup lines, and brand collaborations, beauty bloggers are showing up in the industry in a big way. The appeal of beauty bloggers is so unique because most of the time, their videos and online platforms are so approachable and friendly. Most of them look and act like your best friend. Another thing that makes beauty bloggers so in demand? They are knowledgeable about a vast number of makeup products and have an almost encyclopedic wealth of information about beauty brands and all their product lines. More than their DIY tutorials, make-up how-to’s and beauty and makeup “haul” posts, these bloggers are business savvy and even more, they are so great at what they do so much so that their niche in the industry is established. We count on them to tell us which products are great and which are not. I simply love watching their videos!

 

Here is my personal rundown of the Top 10 Beauty Bloggers in the industry:

 

1. Michelle Phan

Can you really make a list like this without including beauty blogger powerhouse Michelle Phan? Not really. A pioneer in beauty blogging and a definite trendsetter, you can always count on Michelle Phan to show you a fool proof way to get the make-up look you’ve been coveting. Her Youtube channel has over a billion views, which has led to a published book, her own cosmetic line, and even an e-commerce venture, that is now worth $84 million. She defines “Girl Boss” to a T.

2. Into the Gloss

Into the Gloss pretty much invented the “shelfie,” which is now a bona fide social media phenomenon. A shelfie is a photo of someone’s makeup, or maybe even bookshelf. This snapshot says so much about a person’s taste and lifestyle. Into the Gloss is an online magazine that is most known for invading the shelves and makeup kits of fashion and beauty industry insiders and allowing readers to take a peek and gain a tip or two from their beauty routine.

 

3. The Beauty Department

Lauren Conrad of “The Hills” fame is now a certified mogul. The Beauty Department is one of her highly successful ventures, a beauty blog filled with doable DIY skincare, easy to follow makeup tips and tutorials, cute nail art how-to’s  as well as an inspiration page filled with what LC is loving at the moment. Keep an eye out for their extraordinary hair tutorials and blogs, it just might be your ticket to having locks as healthy and lustrous as Lauren Conrad’s.

 

4. Essie Button

Essie Button a.k.a. Estee Lalonde is a Canadian, now based in the U.K. Her fresh faced beauty and weekly video tutorials is enough reason to add her to your feed. She is super adorable and her beauty product reviews are very helpful. She has a quirky personality that goes with her quirky and cute blog. Watch out for her lifestyle blogs and videos too, they are worth a watch.

5. Patricia Bright

U.K. based beauty blogger, Patricia Bright, is famous for her stunning long and shiny locks. What makes her even more compelling is her killer sense of style. She truly is the full blogger package. Her outfits can be your constant source of wardrobe inspiration, while her product reviews and makeup looks can definitely uplift your beauty game.

6. Cult of Pretty

The Cult of Pretty isn’t just your average beauty site. Founder Ann Colville Somma is all about getting to the nitty gritty of each product. For her it isn’t about the hype, it’s about analyzing the effectivity of the product and its ingredients. This should be your go-to blog for finding beauty items that most of your friends haven’t even heard of.

7. Barefoot Blonde

Amber Clark of Barefoot Blonde specializes in braids. Her stunning braided hairstyles are nothing short of amazing, and she seems like a professional when it comes to braiding. She definitely is up there when it comes to hair inspiration, you simply can’t go wrong with her unique and cool plethora of hairstyles. She is also an organic beauty aficionado, and you would do well to try her natural beauty boosts.

 

8. La La Mer

Marianna Hewitt is an L.A. based beauty host and bloggers that is considered to be an expert in on-the-go beauty. She can’t be beat when it comes to quick makeup fixes and getting covetable Hollywood beauty looks. She also regularly posts recipes that keep your insides in tip-top shape too, her antioxidant smoothies are a must-try!

9. Tanya Burr

Makeup artist turned video blogger Tanya Burr is a refreshing presence in beauty blogging. Her product reviews and descriptions are always honest, and she is amazing in transforming herself. Her makeup application is flawless, and she ca rock a nude lip like no other.

 

10. Miss Maven

Teni Panosian of Miss Maven is so good at makeup, she is often asked where she is trained. Truth is, Panosian describes herself as a consumer who is really in love with makeup. If practice makes perfect, then Panosian has definitely reached perfection. All her looks are flawless, and her blog will inspire you to get out of your beauty rut and try something new.

 

 

So who is your fave? Each one has their own style and each blogger has their own unique look, right? It’s hard to pick just one! Bookmarking them all would be your best bet.

 

Happy weekend ladies!