Weekend want(s): HOT picks from Parco next NEXT's 18 new labels – launching tomorrow the 14th of April!

In some places I've lived, supporting local fashion is an act of charity, cheering for uninspired rich kids playing at being designer.
But make no mistake. The scene in Singapore is more like London than Dubai. These new kids on the block have got the talent by the bucket!
From funky streetwear to perfectly-tailored work attire, original prints, and glamorous sharp cut frocks, the third batch of new designers at Parco next NEXT have got it all covered in their maiden collections which launch officially tomorrow, Saturday.
Despite having seen – and shopped – some of the collections this week, I’m looking forward to the launch party which will be the second Parco launch I go to since moving to Singapore (see here my first launch review).

One of my first purchases from the new designers at Parco next NEXT
is this cute t-shirt dress from MASH UP. Totally my style, Love it!!!

Weekend Want: five picks from ERIIN.com to complement my wardrobe!

My weekend want for this Friday is not just one thing but five, all of which are from the new Singapore-based e-retailer ERIIN.com.

If you follow my blog then you probably know about the website which aims to introduce Singaporean and other Asian labels to the world by making them available to order overseas. And although I would have liked to see more colour and more variety, I think as a start up they’re doing well by keeping it simple – and not selling bottoms.

Imagine you ordering an emerald green dress and it turns out that the shade is nothing like what you saw on screen! Or that the trousers you thought would fit in medium were 2 sizes too small for you (erm, have you heard of Asian sizing?)

And between you and me, recently I’ve been finding it hard to mix and match my separates due to their very colourful nature so I think it’s just about time I invest in versatile pieces which can add me some edge and tone down my otherwise too eclectic wardrobe.

So with no further delay, here’s what I want this weekend:

Nikicio Leather Hem Sheer Shirt ($62.07)

Grunge and leather is not usually my style but I really like this sheer shirt from cool Indonesian label Nikicio which I would team with my red shiny trousers (yes I have those!) and OTT colour block/leopard print platform sandals which are always hard to match!

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Hanalie Nadia Sequins Dress($152.85)

I’ve been wanting a sequin dress since new year, remember? And this number from the Hong Kong-based brand Hanalie ticks all my boxes: sexy but not cheap looking since it’s covered up with sleeves, not black, and has a unique colour combination which is not common for this style of dress. I love the overall soft pastel feel which gives a feminine edge to this party-ready look. I would team it with my Alexander McQueen skull heels which are as dark as I can possibly get!

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Nipples Revolt Vermillion Necklace($121.04)
Ever since reading that ERIIN.com is stocking an Indonesian label called Nipples Revolt, I was dying to see what they do, and I have to say I am not disappointed!

This silver necklace with arrows all around is very unique yet understated so it’s time I owned something that versatile. Plus it goes with almost everything in my closet especially this plain black playsuit which needs something equally simple yet interesting. And you guessed it, this means I can go as colourful as I want with choice of shoes…

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Desti Saint GoatskinEnvelope Clutch ($190.10)
When it comes to handbags and clutches, I either go for plain or crazy, but nothing in between. Somehow this goatskin clutch manages to combine both by clever and distinctive detailing while keeping it plain white in colour. This arm candy from Singapore label Desti Saint is a must-have for someone who owns so many bright clothes like me so I won’t even start on what I can wear it with ...

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-          Nikicio Crop Top ($46.55)
Asymmetric jersey tops are all about adding an edge to an otherwise plain tee. But despite it being undeniably cool, I’ve always found it hard to stumble across the right one for me, mainly because with no definition, it would look like a shapeless sack bag with me inside it. Not really my look or flattering for that matter!

But this Nikicio top gets the fit right with more definition in the front, leaving the loose fabric falling mainly in the back. I also love the sexy sleeves and the asymmetric length that would show a little midriff (but no bellybutton) on one side if you wear it with a slightly high-waisted skirt like this mustard pleated midi. My red square toe pumps complete this look which is spot on trend in both colour and style!
www.ERIIN.com delivers worldwide for free and with full return policy, so get on board the Asian brand wagon!

Weekend Want: Mudan’s exquisite jade necklace

One of the most profound heartfelt moments of the last few years was when I was given a vintage jade necklace by my mother-in-law.

The more I explored Asian culture, the more I realised how precious this gift was, not least because my husband’s mother is Hong Kong Chinese and fully understands the deep traditional and symbolic value of such a gift. Jade in Chinese culture symbolizes beauty, nobility, perfection, constancy, power, and immortality and thus has always the stone of choice since ancient times.

Such a precious gift was made even greater because she was given the necklace by her own mother. I’m not joking when I tell you I sometimes well up thinking about it.

My weekend want for CNY is this gorgeous coral and black jade
Red Flourish necklace from HK-based jeweller Mudan

Weekend Want: Max Tan’s geometric genius

I think it is clear by now that I’m not a fan of baggy clothes or monochrome ones. However, I just can’t seem to resist max.tan designs which are all both baggy and monochrome at the same time.

Looking through the latest collection lookbook of one of the most respected Singaporean labels (max.tan was the first Asian-based label to be invited to showcase at Modefabriek in Amsterdam in 2010), I cannot help but swoon over the flawless edgy garments which combine soft geometry and bold cuts to create beautiful shapes and an ethereal feel to every piece.

Although this dress is too floaty, the shoulder and sleeves design
would make it wearable and even flattering!

Weekend Want: Olympic-inspired dress by Singaporean label ‘Two of Us’

I think I speak for almost everyone when I say that we have started getting excited for the upcoming London2012 Olympics.

The perfect balance: Cool and comfy Two of Us dress

It is no surprise then to see that big fashion designers have been inspired by ‘sportswear’ this season. Who would have thought that the likes of Vera Wang and Victoria Beckham, who are known for creating mostly very feminine and ultra-sophisticated frocks, would include in their New York runway shows some sports-inspired features especially athletic necklines, fabrics and cuts.

It was indeed a perfect combination for a high fashion elegant/sporty look, a relatively new concept in fashion.

Some looks from Vera Wang Summer 2012 collection featuring some
sports inspiration in neckline and fabric

At New York Fashion week even designers who favor elegant looks like Victoria
Beckham have adopted some athletic necklines for Summer 2012 collection

But while designers showing at New York Fashion Week kept the Olympic inspiration to subtle details, the local Singaporean label ‘Two of Us’ has taken the trend to another level, mainly using the dry-fit fabric common in sportswear to create ultra-light and stylish frocks.

These dresses, which I spotted at a cool boutique, called Hide and Seek , walking down Tayok Ayer street are definitely attention-grabbing and for all the right reasons.

I especially love this yellow sleeveless short dress, which clings in the right places and looks oh-so-comfy and stylish at the same time. It reminds me of the Vera Wang maxi version which turned heads at the New York Fashion Week last September.

This might just be the perfect answer to Singapore’s all-year-round humid weather. It is definitely a piece I would invest in and maybe hotpants-clad ladies should try. With this, they won’t have any more excuses to sacrifice style over comfort.

More dry-fit dresses from 'Two of Us' Olympic Goddess collection.

The mixture of bright colour (acid yellow is one of this season’s hottest shades) and an interesting yet comfortable cut make this number suitable to wear all day especially when spending time outdoors.

No more sweating in the sun eh? :-)

‘Two of Us’ is stocked at Hide andSeek boutique on 176 Telok Ayer street, tel +65 62222825.

Dazzled by a gem in Tiong Bahru

OK. I think I have a new obsession now. This time it’s jewellery!

Not the ‘real’ jewellery but the ones on Natalie B Coleman’s dresses!

The moment I set my eyes on this gorgeous print while walking down the trendy Tiong Bahru, I fell in love with it. And this dress in particular.

Literally Drenched in Gems: A perfect addition to my already
over-crowded wardrobe

Why? It’s simple. Think about when you were a little girl looking in your mother’s drawers and admiring her jewellery like I always did, you literally get to wear them all at once. Hence the name of the print ‘All the Jewellery I Never Got’ (Although I recently did get mine :-) Thanks mom!)

Just looking at the picture of the dress again has my heart aflutter. The photo really does do this unique conversation-starting dress a disservice, as it doesn’t come close to catching the sense of fun contained in this special silk number.

The obvious beauty is in the print which the UK-based designer illustrates and executes herself, but the subtle slim cut with a slightly edgy sleeves and back gives the vintage style of the print a more Avant-garde appeal which creates a beautiful contrast while staying understated.

I would wear it for a semi-dressy evening out, to a cocktail party, gallery opening and even at home with my favourite heels if I feel like it :-) But for SG$650, I think I will need a big occasion (and a well-paid job!) to justify buying it.

Another creation from Natalie B Coleman's 'All the Jewels
I Never Got' collection

Where to find it: In Singapore, Natalie B Coleman is exclusively stocked at nana & bird, in Tiong Bahru (a cool boutique I’ll be featuring in a later post.)