Buys - Crocodile and Calf Leather are IN!

Quality leather continues to be IN this Spring/Summer 2011 and the look is all about supple calf leather and precious crocodile and python skins that play with colour. We caught up with the folks from Tods to ask what's new on their bag racks this season:

First up the Tod's Shirt Bag, great if you are traveling and want something light, easy, ruin-proof and folds easily. Crafted in ultra soft leather with a drawstring closure that gives the silhouette an appearance of lightness.

Their is also the new Tote bag that has an elegant and linear design. Also in calf leather or crocodile skin, it is timeless, stylish and practical. Available in three sizes, it is large and roomy for the daylight hours and available in a smaller version with a shoulder strap for the evening.

The iconic D Bag is presented this Spring in a new luxurious reversed sheepskin or croc, enriched with platinum-plated hardware.

If its a clutch that you prefer, the new Clutch bag with buckle is crafted in colourful python skin and makes a great cocktail bag, but is also suitable for the day thanks to its hidden shoulder strap.

Want a one of a kind design?.. then make your own!

Tods launches a new 'Custom-Made' corner in it's Singapore flagship boutique at Paragon for you to create your very own customised accessory from the Icons collection which includes custom making your own colours and materials for the D Bag and shoes like the Tod's Gommino and the Ballerina. The same service is also available in Paris and Hong Kong at the Tod's Landmark and Tod's Harbour City stores.

- Elaine

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Buys - Bringing Back the 70s!

Its officially back - a revival of the 70s - flair pants, flouncy sleeves, denims that don't quite look denim and stripes (heaven forbid), platform heels ..  but here they are in all the stores ... ok so you were not a fan of that 70s show (minus Ashton Kusher who admittedly only got cuter and noticed ... after he gained star status for marrying a Demi goddess in her 40s - all hail) but then again there are variations to the look that though campy, can still be charming so here goes, a glossary of the 70s that will walk past you at the MTR or MRT station, depending if you are in HK or SG. Outfits available at Top Shop , Karen Millen and Warehouse.

- Elaine

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Buys - Short Dresses this Season - Part 2

More 'Go-Short' options with these simplyfab numbers that redefine flirty! We also found these at Top Shop and Dorothy Perkins.

- Elaine

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Buys - Short Dresses this Season - Part 1

Weather getting warmer? Hemlines are also getting shorter. No more sober LBDs for 2011. This Spring, get ready for flounce, a bit of flair, brighter colours and the shirt dress which I see everywhere around me this year. Which only means that the thunder thighs that grew several inches thicker over the festive season have just got to go and soon! Here are some lovelies that we spotted at Warehouse and Karen Millen.

From Warehouse S/S 2011

From Karen Millen S/S 2011

- Elaine

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Buys - We're Blown Away By Asiatique

I’ve often driven past Asiatique Collections along Dempsey Road, and always wanted to pop in, but never got down to doing it until yesterday. And you know what? I asked myself why I didn’t do so earlier! Why? Such wonderful furniture and décor thiiiiings!! And not crazy expensive either.

What was happening there was a press introduction to the shop – it’s been around for some time, but only recently expanded to a 5000 square feet space – and the launch of our friend Carolyn Kan’s jewellery, Carrie K., which has found a permanent home there. In short, an afternoon of pretty things!

Such a discovery, Asiatique is full of lovely home accessories and furniture, all impeccably tasteful, lusciously unique yet practical, which its equally exotic owner Chin Chelliah Bottinelli, personally sources from her travels. She works with some select artisans and “influences’ the design of many pieces, and you can see she’s very thoughtful in her picks.

Contemporary and elegant, they blend east and west in a very stylish, elegant way. What stands out are the clean lines and interesting textures. Everything would fit into a modern Asian home – I would buy these things, and I can imagine them in my friend’s houses too. In other words, they are modern pieces nicely designed for a ‘real’ home – not a showhouse. Most of the pieces are in muted neutrals, too, so it’s easy for you to work it into your home’s existing pieces.

I love the armchairs, railroad wood coffee tables, leather dowry cupboards, and huge, elaborate mirrors framed in all sorts of material, and mirrored Istanbul inspired sideboards. If you’re looking for candle holders, lamps and artisan jewellery, this is also the place to go. There are lots of small accessories too like little cake stands and platters; art pieces, sculptures – love the oversized mangosteen! – and assorted tableware. I salivate over a silver, coral shaped candle holder; a Victorian inspired “mirrored mirror”, and a huge silver vase which would look great at my dining table. Horrors! I could buy half the things in the shop! Nothing is ridiculous; if I didn’t take to any of the pieces I saw, it was likely because it wasn’t my taste – not that they are intrinsically ugly.

I found myself flipping over price tags, and was pleasantly surprised. It’s not Ikea, but it’s a very fair premium you pay for these unique pieces – not once did I feel that anything was overpriced and out to fleece you. I can imagine just getting one or two dramatic items to revive the look of any one of my rooms. Then there’s a section of bold artisan jewellery too by up and coming designers, of which Carrie K is the latest. Definitely a place to find fab gifts for a close friend.

We declare this shop ‘Simply Fabulicious!’

14A Dempsey Road

Tel: 6471 3146

11am – 7pm daily

- Ee Waun

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Buys – Watch The Rabbit

How can we not feature such a cute must-have? It may not be luxe, but this bunny watch by Fossil, launched to herald in the Year of the Rabbit, tops our list of fun breakfast bling! All red and sparkly with a Chinese paper cutting style rabbit, it also sports the Chinese character ‘Fu’ for prosperity and costs just S$175. Listed under the ‘sports’ category, methinks it'll make such a whimsical statement at the gym! We definitely want! The guy’s version in black is priced at $215…but it’s just not so fun, is it?

www.fossilsingapore.com.sg

- Ee Waun

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Buys - Have bag will travel ...

I am compelled to buy a bag each time I travel. Don’t ask me why. There is no logical explanation.

So imagine my delight to find this handy S$348 buy at Fossil which I always thought sells watches only but apparently  - bags are also their big thing. Called the Modern Cargo Convertible Tote, pick one up in Fossil stores or online at www.fossilsingapore.com.sg. Straps detachable and adjustable.

Joey from Friends did much to reinstate the status of the Man bag but thats of course many years after the Uncles, Bookies, Japanese, Korean and ROC men over 40, did much to ruin the reputation of the man clutch. There is no shame stepping out these days with a male designed carry all and Tod’s calf leather Pashmy Stripe starting at HK$8000, where you can customise the colour of the stripe is both fun and functional.

Whilst at Tod’s take a look at the new colour palette of wallets and accessories that have just come in – in time for Spring!

- Elaine

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Buys – Great Shades for Asian Faces

We were sooo taken by some of the sexy shades at Safilo’s Spring/Summer 2011 preview not long ago, and had a field day trying them out. The second largest manufacturer of shades worldwide, this Italian company was showing off their latest models for Gucci, Balenciaga, Marc Jacobs, Armani, YSL, Dior….

So many to lust after! But the problem was, most of these are constructed for higher western bridges and sat unceremoniously and fatly on our cheeks. So not sexy. I can already feel them sliding off the sebum on my cheeks on a hot, humid day. So what’s a simplyfab girl to do? We asked no less than Safilo Singapore’s Managing Director Gable Merrick on how to pick the shades for Asian faces.

Our favourite pick - these ab fab cat eye shades!

Gucci GG3146

SimplyFab: Most sunglasses are made for Caucasian noses, and end up sitting flatly on our Asian cheeks. So how do we get a good fit?

Dior Striking 63DSF

Merrick: For a good fit, it is firstly important to acknowledge the shape of your face. Many Asians have higher cheekbones and lower nose bridges---their hunt for the right eyewear can be a frustrating and tiresome experience. It will be good to look out for the following components that will address the common needs of Asian features:

•Less front curvatures

•Narrower distance between the lenses

•Extra long pad arms for the metal models so one can easily adjust the desired distance and height of the nose pads

•Extra high and pronounced nose pads in all plastic models so the frames can sit properly on the bridge and will not slide down or sit on the cheeks.

SimplyFab: What sort of shades is best suited to people with the following Asian face shapes:

Balenciaga 0102

S$620

• Round face

Merrick: Frames should make the face appear longer and thinner. In general, look for frames equal to, or slightly wider than the broadest part of your face. Minimise the curves and add definition with wider frames, soft, angular, rectangular styles or double brow styles.

Max and Co 102/S. S$180 

• Square face

Merrick: This face shape consists of a strong jawline, a broad forehead and wide cheekbones. Reduce the angles with soft, curvy styles that will give the face some definition, such as cat-eye or classic ovals....Think aviators over any square styles.

Marc Jacobs 349/S. S$340

• Slim, narrow face
Merrick: A slim, narrow face means it is longer than it is wide. So the goal for balance is to make your face appear shorter and a little wider. You’ll want fames that have top-to-bottom depth. Best bet is to stay away from the long and narrow rectangular glasses, and select glasses with low triangular shapes and strong horizontal lines. For the best look, flaunt a long face with large square shades or add width to a slender face with oversized round frames.


 

Max Mara

• Heart shaped face

Merrick: For women with heart-shaped faces (a narrow chin and wider forehead), look for frames with rounded upper corners which draw attention away from the forehead; rounded frames to soften features or, to accentuate them, the straight-edged 1980s-reminiscent frames.

Max and Co 105/S. S$180

SimplyFab: What shades should a simply fab girl get to look great for 2011? What are the trends that are best suited for us?

Merrick: A pair of cat-eyed sunglasses! With the warmer weather comes the need to update your sunglasses collection with a new and on-trend style. For Spring 2011, the best accompaniment to a vintage-inspired look is a shape that screams '50s/'60s glamour. Very sophisticated!

Marc by Marc Jacobs 194/S. S$230

SimplyFab: What is the sexiest ‘must-have’ shape for this season?

Merrick: Choose the special and exaggerated designed glasses, super big or round lens are popular. Colorful or translucent frame are the popular choice as they make you look more energetic and lovely this fall winter.

These shades are available from January 2011, at shops like Optical 88 and Capitol Outlets. For a start to a great new year? Get those shades, girls, cos the future looks so bright!

- Ee Waun

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Buys - Jeffrey Campbell shoes NOW in Singapore!

Its all about the Clog this year! And if it were not Winter here in Hong Kong, I am sure that everyone would be rushing out to get some. If you are in South East Asia, particularly sunny Singapore where the sun shines mercilessly all year round, look out for Jeffrey Campbell. He makes his debut to the island nation at Actually in Seah Street and Purvis Street.  

Believe it or not? Jeffrey Campbell started his career at Nordstrum as a shoe salesman till he started his own line in L.A about ten years ago. He became funky shoe designer extraordinaire only in the last 5 years when he made clogs funky along with wedgies and straps. They evolved into gladiators with an attitude and there you have it - the shoes that Imelda might lust for if she was still collecting. Go see along with their new Dr Denim Winter collection, now in store. 

- Elaine

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Buys – Presents Perfect for The Teenage Girl

The great thing about Christmas is that we can all indulge in deep vein retail therapy without guilt. After all, the season is all about gifting…which means the perfect reason to shop! With a pre-teen in my life, I realise gifts for her (on significant occasions) can either take the form of a transient thing that will give her some fun for the moment, or a prezzie that's a little more meaningful and grown up which she can use or even take with her into adulthood, as a keepsake. After all, we all know that girls grow up to appreciate their moms lots more when they’re adults too...like we did! So here's what caught my eye recently....

If your daughter is the sweet girlie sort, this pretty butterfly necklace is just the thing – she can carry it off, but goodness knows I can’t! 18K Rose and White Gold Diamond necklace with Pink Sapphires (S$598). If she’s an easy going chickadee, how about this pretty 18K White Gold Diamond flower pendant (above, S$238)? And if there's a boho baby in the making, these quirky bracelets (top) – An 18K White Gold Diamond Flower bracelet (S$258) and 18K Rose Gold Diamond butterfly bracelet (S$298)- may just be the finishing touch for her. From Tianpo shops in Singapore.

If you couldn't come up with excuse earlier, now's the time to buy something from Tiffany! The ever-so-chic store is holding its ‘Blue Bird Fairy Tale’ Christmas charity drive from now until Christmas Day. Buy something from the store, and pick up a specially designed Blue Bird gift tag at $10 to raise funds for the Straits Times Pocket Money Fund. What to get? How about these funky, lustworthy ‘Return to Tiffany’ diamond heart tag bracelets or pendants engraved on 18 karat white, yellow or rose gold are irresistibly clever – not just for its edgy style but it’s less-than-subtle marketing ploy, suggesting that people should return to Tiffany for wickedly tasty bling! Not cheap at $1400, but they are undeniably gorgeous. We want one oursleves, and for the teenybopper in your life, it'll definitely blast her out of her acne-filled angst for the season! 

Photo Credit: © Tiffany and Co.

If in any doubt though, get a watch. Not too expensive, always useful. Love the latest Casio SHEEN range, with their whimsical star-shaped ornaments and rhinestones for a bit of teenage bling. The SHN-5510, in stainless steel (S$327) or red leather band (S$277), features a decorative face design inlayed with rhinestones in star-shaped patterns, and a tiny star inside a small window shaped like the trail of a falling star. So it's not something that'll last forever, but it's very practical, and a bit of gorgeousness on a budget.

- Ee Waun

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Buys - Top 10 Christmas Gift Ideas!

A ton of press releases on gift ideas have come our way, from practical to just plain frivolous. It has been a near impossible task trying to categorise them by price and function so instead I picked my top 10 favourites. If you have not thought of something that you want for yourself, loved one, close friend or boss then hopefully this list gives you some nice ideas: 


WHAT'S IN YOUR STOCKING? ...

GIFT #1 - Tickets to Perth, Western Australia for the family. Available at: Singapore Airlines Family Playtime or visit the Best of Perth Travel Deals. It may be somewhat of a warm weather welcome with Winter in reverse seasons in Australia but you can't deny the charms of this laid back city with its great outlying countryside, good wine, great food and just a lovely atmosphere that makes a retreat there so much more relaxing than spending it in bustling built up Hong Kong (at least for me). Highlight events include the East Perth Picnic in the Park, IGA Christmas Carol Pageant and the Christmas Nativity Event at Forrest Place in the City. Check event listings and dates out here.

GIFT #2 - You really do not want a gift that you can't use so I thought the 'Ta Da' Gift  was a pretty good idea. The TA DA Gift (available only in Hong Kong) is essentially a gift experience that is pegged to how much you want to spend - think HK$500 onwards. Beautifully packaged in a high quality glossy gift box, it has a gift card with a phone number to a concierge service where you can arrange to redeem the gift. 

Select from 6 different categories  of gifts for eg. a Zen gift is all about the spa, pampering and relaxation, a Life gift includes gifts like a Thai boxing class or Horseback riding experience,  a Delicious gift is all about gourmet goodies, an Excite gift spells kayaking, war games and the likes, an Escape gift lets the lucky recipient take a break from the norm, and gain a whole new perspective on Hong Kong via an outdoor camping trip or a sailing trip to an off shore island. And of course if budget is no issue, the Ultimate gift offers the crème de la crème of experiences and can go up to HK$15,000. All in all, there are over 200 different choices of activities and things to do, give and receive. See: The Ta Da List!

GIFT #3 - Holidays are the time for catching up on beauty sleep and my bedroom could use this cool gadget called the i.relax ZEN Aroma Diffuser available at all Oregon Scientific stores, SOGO and SEIBU in Hong Kong. You simply plug in your ipod or mp3 player and you get soothing music, mood effects via a a soft glowing night light and a diffuser that gives off different light fragrances, all coming together for a good night's sleep. Product details here! 

GIFT #4 - As an Apple advocate, I have to say I would not mind unwrapping this one from under the tree. We hear that iLife '11 is out as its the new OSX Lion! 


iLife '11 gives Mac users even better ways to create and share photos, movies and music. There are more slideshow templates, a chance for you to make Hollywood style movie trailers, a faster and better People Finder to locate your cast for your photo and video projects along with new templates for you to custom make your own books and cards. Available at HK$488 as an upgrade for existing users. See: Apple Store


If you liked the Snow Leopard OSX then the Lion promises to be mighty and will give you a better and louder roar. Inspired by many of the iPad's software innovations such as offering new ways to discover, install and automatically update desktop apps. It also introduces Launchpad, a new home for all of your Mac apps; system-wide support for full screen apps; and Mission Control, which unifies Exposé®, Dashboard, Spaces® and full screen apps into an innovative new view of everything running on your Mac, and allows you to instantly navigate anywhere.  Shipping next Summer, start getting into the queue! 

GIFT #5 - In the market for a phone? Vertu and BlackBerry have both launched new ones. The newest BlackBerry Bold 9780 smartphone is the first  smartphone to come with the new BlackBerry 6 operating system, that has a rich new user interface, a fast and powerful WebKit-based browser, broadly improved communications plus multimedia capabilities, and an incredibly useful Universal Search feature. It is also equipped with a high quality 5MP camera with 512 MB Flash memory and an expandable memory card slot that supports up to 32 GB of additional storage. Additional features of BlackBerry 6 include expanded messaging capabilities, a dedicated YouTube app, simplification of the management of social networking and RSS feeds (Social Feeds), and integrated access to BBM (BlackBerry Messenger), Facebook, Twitter and MySpace. 

There is no doubt that you can't afford to lose a Vertu and their new Constellation Quest smartphone offers unparalleled luxury services and business tools with prices starting at S$9,900 onwards for the Brushed Stainless Steel with Black Leather (available early 2011) to the Yellow Gold, Sapphire keys version with Black leather at S$35,000. With the price tag comes a 24/7 Concierge service and an exclusive vertu.me email account. 

GIFT #6 - For that home party, present the host with a special collectible. Two  come to mind - the first is Mumm on Ice a.k.a G.H.Mumm Cordon Rouge, a special edition champagne launched for the holiday season that comes with a carrier tote that transforms into an ice bucket. Available in Hong Kong on 1 December at Wellcome and Jason's Market Place at HK$348. 

The next is Jacob Creek's new Sparkling Rose Moscato. I am a huge fan of muscat grapes and sweet wines, especially white. Yes, call me a peasant but I say that there is nothing lovelier than to sip icy cold moscato when you are chillin'. This one makes a good girlfriend gift not only because of looks but also quality and it has won a host of awards at the Australian wine shows. A value for money gift, available mid December from only HK$99 to HK$109 at selected outlets and retailers. Both drinks also available at selected outlets in Singapore, Beijing and Shanghai in the same period.  

GIFT #7 - I am tired of my boring old black luggage. So this release caught my eye. You are guaranteed to see your bright and bold coloured luggage come down that conveyor belt at the airport if you get any of these eye catching buys from  American Tourister this season. 

Two models, soft case Westlake (in 7 colours) and hard case F'Lite are being launched. Fully tested, these babies have passed the Drop, Jerk, Lock, Wheel and Tumble Test so whats there not to like? 

GIFT #8 - Impress that client or the boss with a trusty hamper. For lavish think H One and Sevva in Hong Kong, Cova in both Singapore and HK and The Link Home in Singapore. They have mastered the art of wowing the Taipan. 


At HK$988, this Appagamento hamper basket from H One comprising Pear Balsamic Vinegar, Black Truffle with Cheese Fonaue, Aged Parma Ham, homemade goodies including Chocolate Truffles, Cookies and Christmas Stollen, amongst others and a bottle of Prosecco, Zeta di Zardetto 2007  is not as expensive as I would have expected. Hampers go up to HK$8,888. Orders at (852) 2805 0638.  H one is at Shop 4008, Podium Level 4, ifc mall, 8 Finance Street, Central, Hong Kong.

At Cova in Singapore and Hong Kong, look out for 3 new cake designs, the Dolce Penguino (S$52 for 1 kg), the Chocolate and Cherries Logcake (S$48 for 1 kg) and the delightful Santa's Car (S$58 for 1kg) made from chocolate sponge mixed with butterscotch and gianduia cream.  Hampers abound at Cova where you can choose from 4 different prepacked designs or custom make your own. Prices start at only S$98. Call +65 6733 0777. 

7 beautifully packaged Hampers await at Sevva, mainly tableware gifts including French handcrafted silver and gold cutlery, napkin rings, exotic sugars, teas and honeys. Call +852 2537 1388 or go to Sevva. 

At The Link Home in Singapore, get your lovely ornaments custom packed into an elegant gift or choose from any of their exquisitely packaged hampers and gifts. 

GIFT #9 is the trusty Coffret Set. The prettiest by far this year are the ones from Crabtree and Evelyn. My favourites were the Vanity Cases (From S$85) and Hat Boxes (from S$95). The queues in Hong Kong rival the ones in LV and Chanel - just for a chance to get a whiff of the lovely smells coming from inside the store. 

GIFT #10 - And finally ... If you have not already bought the all in one latest Nespresso Latissima that we earlier recommended then this is definitely THE time! And to top it off three new limited edition flavours join the ever growing cache of gourmet tastes. Gift a few tubes of Vanilla Variation with its rich and velvety aromas of vanilla and the mellow flavour of the Livanto Grand Cru,  Caramel Variation, that evokes the creaminess of soft toffee and Almond Variation, a melt-in-the-mouth blend that evokes the mellow taste of Amaretti biscuits.


- Elaine

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