By The Way - Sleeping with the Merlion, Papaya Sisters and the LBD

There are lots of really fun cultural events taking place this month and beyond which caught our eyes. We picked out a few which qualify as must-go’s in our books!....

I’m all for local comedy theatre which has the undeniable ability to identify and connect with Singaporeans at our most fundamental, multiracial core, and appeals to our our inner (and fabulous) auntie. The “881 The Musical” by Toy Factory, which plays from 15 April - 1 May at the Esplanade Theatre, is a must go in our books. It takes audiences on an exhilarating journey through the lives of the Papaya Sisters who want to rule the ‘getai’ circuit with assistance from an intriguing celestial being. But their success is threatened by the entrance of the Angmoh Durian Sisters! Sung in Mandarin and unapologetically in Hokkien (with English subtitles), it promises great music, choreography and eye-popping costumes. The first time a local movie has been adapted for the stage, it features a strong cast that includes Joanna Dong, Judee Tan, Nat Ho, Sebastian Tan, Dennis and a creative team of Beatrice Chia-Richmond (In-theatre Director), Royston Tan (Creative Consultant), Elaine Chan (Musical Director and Conductor). Tix from $40.

www.sistic.com

Merlion Hotel

You know what they say about seeing an old familiar face from a different perspective?...So how about this? As part of the Singapore Biennale, Japanese artist Tatzu Nishi is turning the merlion into a luxury hotel suite as a one-of-a-kind installation piece! It will be open in the day for public viewing and in the evening for overnight stays. Crazy, huh? But that’s a new look at the merlion if ever there was one. Imagine waking up in the morning eye to eye with the merlion. Certainly beats buying a plastic merlion key chain!

The hotel is taking in reservations from now for one-night stays between 4 April and 5 May, for two adults at $150 nett. The hotel suite is fully furnished with a double-bed, bathroom, amenities, personalised room check-in, dedicated Merlion Hotel Butler as well as breakfast at The Fullerton Hotel Singapore! To spread the love and ensure no one hogs the fun, each person can only book a one night stay for two. Check in at 8.30pm and check out bright and early at 8.30am.

Merlion Hotel Reservations Tel: (+65) 6332 9870, between 10am – 5pm Mondays to Fridays. Reservations will only be confirmed on receipt of payment by the Singapore Art Museum.

LBD At The Museum

I didn’t know that the Little Black Dress has been around since the 1920s. Such an iconic wardrobe necessity, no wonder it’s become the stuff of museum exhibitions! If you want to see what fashionistas over the last century have been putting on for their cocktail parties, pop down to the National Museum in Singapore from 16 March – 13 June and see Beauty in Black, a showcase of 18 vintage LBDs from the 1950s to the 21st century. Designers include Balenciaga, Givenchy, Karl Lagerfeld and Thierry Mugler, as well as local designers Benny Ong and Thomas Wee. Comprising acquisitions and donations, these dresses explore the colour black in today’s fashion! What to wear to the exhibition? Your own little black dress, of course!

The Balcony, Level 2

National Museum of Singapore

93 Stamford Road

- Ee Waun

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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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Beauty - New Organic Skincare at Watsons!

I personally love Watsons' new range of Avalon Organics Haircare. Now a Organic Skincare range joins the fold of this best selling US brand stocked at Watsons. Reasonable pricing and great smells all at one go make this brand a winner. My personal favourite is the Peppermint Haircare range as I am the kind of gal that needs a strong wake up call each morning so nothing like a mint shower drenching your naked head and butt! LOL!

Two new ranges for Skin have hit the shelves to join the existing Haircare range and they are the Avalon Organics Lavender and Vitamin C Skincare Ranges. From only S$13 to $38.90 (in Singapore), thats a small price to pay to get some all natural radiance for your skin. Designed for sensitive skin and for the environmentally conscious, the formulations are inherently pure, safe and effective, free from parabens, artificial colours or fragrances.

The Lavender line is good for skin renewal and vitality and ideal for all skin types even those with sensitive skin and reactive complexions. It combines the calming and balancing properties of Organic Lavender, with the powerful anti-oxidants contained in Organic White Tea and Grape Seed Polyphenols. In addition, certificated organic herbs, botanicals and lipid-rich vegetable oils provide weightless hydration. Great for irritated skin and trouble spots caused by inflammation, the range offers a Facial Cleansing Gel, Cleansing Milk (which is next to impossible to find in Hong Kong as alot of stores here stock washes that deep cleanse but don't (in my humble opinion) do a thorough job at cleansing). There is also a Moisture Plus Lotion with SPF 18 that contains Vitamin C and E to protect skin from harmful free radicals and UVA and UVB rays for day and a Ultimate Moisture Cream for night.

The Vitamin C line is good for those with normal to oily skin and delivers active protection against aging caused by sun exposure. The antioxidant agent Vitamin C also stimulates collagen production, while promoting cellular renewal and increased circulation.  Their formulation boasts an enhanced antioxidant ‘cocktail’ of Melatonin, Lemon bioflavonoids, Vitamin C and E and White Tea Extract to protect skin from UV damage. To effectively nourish and hydrate sun-exposed skin, Organic Lavender, Organic Borage, Flax and Sunflower Oils, Hyaluronic Acid, and Lipo-Filling Complex were also included to ensure a soft, even complexion with a healthy, youthful glow. The range comprises a Refreshing Cleansing Gel,a Hydrating Cleansing Milk, a Rejuvenating Oil-Free Moisturizer and a pampering Revitalizing Eye Cream that nourishes the delicate eye area to improve circulation and tone for smoother and younger looking eyes.

Available at Watsons' main stores in China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Macau, Singapore, Thailand, Malaysia, the Philippines, South Korea and Indonesia.


- Elaine

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Binge - Meet Nobu Masahisa in HK 17 to 19 March!

Forget about flying to New York. A flight to Hong Kong booked for 17th through to 19th March will do nicely if you want to meet Nobu Matsuhisa and his friend, Chef Yasajima Sasajima, Japan's best known 'Italian' Chef owner and Chef at the Il Ghiottone in Kyoto and Tokyo. Together they will serve and Italian-inspired Japanese menu at NOBU InterContinental in Hong Kong.

We recommend the 8 course Omakase menu available from 17 to 31 March. For Italian and Japanese inspired fusion try the Light Smoked Lobster and Potato Potage, Battarga or dried fish roe withPotato Cappuccino and Green Sauce, Fresh Salmon Confit, Asparagus and Ikura or Salmon Roe Salad, Japanese Wagyu Beef Tagliata, Chinese Kale, Daikon Cake, Tapanade and for dessert Matcha Tiramisu and Kuromame Catalanai.

From Master Chef Nobu himself, try Kue or seasonal Japanese Garoupa Sashimi, Blood Orange Caviar, Sateamed Local Garoupa in a new style, Clear soup with Bamboo Shoots and Sakura Ebi Shinjyo or seasonal small shrimp from Japan cooked in cherry blossoms followed by an assortment of Sushi. For dessert, try the Peanut Crumble, Nobu Beer Ice Cream and Jasmine Peach Soup.

If its ala carte you prefer then there is Uni and Bamboo Shoot Spaghetti, flavoured with kinome as well as Crab and Yellowtail Leek Carbonara, Spinach and Pidan Spaghetti, Prosciutto and Parmigiano and Minced pork, brussel sprouts and white azuki bean risotto flavoured with fennel.  A sake-pairing option is also available at HK$1,688 per person + 10% service charge showcasing 4 different sakes. Please click here for the special Nobu & Friends: Omakase menu and a la carte menu. NOBU InterContinental Hong Kong is on the 2nd floor of the InterContinental Hong Kong, 18 Salisbury Road, Kowloon, Hong Kong. Tel: (852) 2313-2323.

Whilst you are at the Intercontinental, you may like to sign up for the various cooking classes that cover from classic to specialty cooking techniques that they have. Each class includes lunch from the dishes in the class plus wine pairing and tasting and an apron and certificate:

Click here for profiles of the chefs. Classes are on Saturdays from 10:30am- 2:30pm  at HK$1,288 per person. 

Click here for the 2011 Cooking Class Schedule or call the Restaurant Reservations Hot Line at (852) 2313 2323.

- Elaine

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Body - A Tip to curb those Sweet Cravings!

Chinese New Year’s over and Valentine’s Day is done. You have landed back on the ground on two feet with a belly heavier than it was before. But the sugar cravings are still there. A friend of Simplyfab, and practicing Naturopath Jean Luc Bun shares a secret to keeping the sugar fairy at bay.

His advice: “Head to the pharmacy and get yourself a bottle of Gymnema. Gymnema Sylvetre is a plant supplement that helps the body stabilize blood sugar levels as well as decrease sugar cravings.

To get full benefits, you need to taste the herb. That means either getting a liquid extract or you having to chew the tablets that they come in. The taste is fairly unpleasant, as are most herbs, but the effects discourage eating sweet foods.

A friend once described eating a piece of chocolate after having a spoonful of gymnema extract ‘like eating a squishy warm piece of fat’. Taken properly as a supplement, gymnema can help you wean off sugary foods and stay on track to a heathier waistline.”

Nothing to lose except the calories, so I say go try!

JL Bun (B.Sc., Advanced Diploma Naturopathy, Diploma Homeopathy, Diploma Botanical Medicine, Diploma Nutrition, Diploma Remedial Medicine, Diploma Beauty Therapy, Diploma Natural Beauty Therapy, CIDESCO*)

Meet Jean-Luc Bun, a Singaporean who lives in Vancouver, Canada and is a qualified clinical therapist, naturopathic physician and Spa Consultant.

He has worked in a wide range of roles in the science, healthcare, beauty and wellness industry and for international brands like Aveda, Décleor, Dr. Hauschka, Guerlain and EIG in raising their product and brand-awareness.

A consultant for international spa and wellness developments, in Australia, China, Philippines, Hong Kong, Malaysia and Singapore, he has sat on the panel of judges for the prestigious Asia Spa Awards.

His first degree was surprisingly in molecular biology. But his personal passion for growing herbs and an interest in medicinal plants and alternative medicine led him to pursue a second degree in naturopathic healthcare.

What’s that? Naturopathy, or naturopathic medicine, is a medical system that focuses on the body’s ability to heal and maintain itself, minimizing the need for measures like surgery and unnecessary drugs to keep you on an even keel!

Have a question for Jean Luc? Email us at simplyfabulicious@gmail.com or leave your questions in our comments box below.

- 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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Girls Only Getaways!

Oh my! Aren’t we are just aflush with lurvely getaways galore! Time to round up your best friends, lay down the ‘to-do’ list for the hubby and kids, and run off for a well deserved holiday. We have a few tempting options…..

Mid-Air Spa

First and nearest is Indigo Pearl, a delicious luxury resort in Phuket, Thailand and one of the most stylish resorts in the world. There’s one great reason to go: Coqoon Spa. Just opened, it’s a cutting edge designer spa. What’s so special? How about a suspended treetop treatment room for mid-air pampering? Designed by internationally renowned designer, Bill Bensley, it’s set amid lush tropical rainforest and uses a banyan tree as the hanger for its signature treatment room! It’s piece de resistance, The Nest (top), is a luxurious spa suite suspended midair and accessed by a flying bridge. Beyond that, Coqoon Spa features six deluxe treatment rooms and an exclusive ‘Coqoon Suite’ complete with private pool, rain shower, steam room, sauna and Vichy shower available for private hire for up to 3-days, and even a spa butler!

 

Treatments here are steeped in Thai tradition, offering Andaman elixirs and Thai herbal spices for in-the-culture rejuvenation, detoxification and total zen out sessions. What’s more, you can avail yourself to custom-designed ‘D-Buk’ spa suites, where spa executives can design individual treatment programmes for you, incorporating diet, exercise, activity, and spa treatments!

More good news: to mark the launch of the new spa. Indigo Pearl is offering the “Coqoon Revival” package available at THB 22,500 (S$935 or HK$75,2300) net until 15 April 2011. You get a 120-minute Detox Body Treatment for two people per stay, two-night accommodation in a D-Buk Suite, and special in-room breakfast, complimentary airport transfer, 30 percent discount on additional treatments and a 30 percent discount on additional nights in a D-Buk Suite.

Email reservations@indigo-pearl.com

Tel: +66 (0)76 327 006

Lara Crofting in Luxury

Our next option: get in touch with your inner Lara Croft! Check in to the Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor Siem Reap and drink in the world famous Angkor Wat, with the ‘Girlfriends Getaway’ package, a luscious 3-night escapade for four girlfriends. It includes spa treatments, gourmet meals, escorted shopping (oh my heaving bosom!) and temple outings at US$1,955 (S$2,490 or HK$15,236) per night.

Picture this: after your leave the respective hubbies and kids at home, you and your friends arrive in Siem Riep and are “whisked from the airport in style by stretch limousine to your private two-bedroom villa at the refined French-colonial retreat where Raffles Butlers offer round-the-clock assistance to ensure the delivery of Raffles’ hallmark style of attentive and heartfelt service”!

On your itinerary are daily Champagne breakfasts, a private cocktail party, two gourmet dinners, including a ‘Royal Khmer’ tasting-menu of imperial cuisine at the hotel’s fine dining restaurant Le Grand, and a private culinary class led by a Raffles chef. Is there more? Can we survive the decadence?! Assault us further with in-villa manicure and pedicures, facial and reflexology treatments, a meditation session and aromatherapy or traditional Khmer massage, a private guide and driver to explore the ancient Angkor Wat, and a day and a night customized shopping tour! And if you are reluctant to go home – who wouldn’t? – take heart that you have a late check out at 3pm.

The ‘Girlfriends Getaway’ requires a minimum three-night stay for four ladies, with a 25 percent discount for subsequent extensions.

For more information, visit www.raffles.com/siemreap

London Laboutin

If you prefer something a little more fast paced, wing off to London and live it up with your gal pals at the Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park in Knightsbridge with its Paint the Town Red’ package. This is put together with Christian Laboutin which means there are shoes on the horizon!

Let’s walk you through it: after check in, you get a mani/pedi nail paint and polish treat by their spa team. Then once you’re ready, hop into a cab for a ride to Christian Louboutin’s flagship London store in Mayfair. Imbibe in complimentary champagne and nibbles while you shop in the private ‘Library Room’ in the heart of the boutique, designed to be invisible to other shoppers through a series of mirrors and Perspex alcoves!

Continue with drinky-poos in the evening with specially-created ‘Paint the Town Red’ cocktails at Mandarin Bar, and get treated to brunch the next morning at Bar Boulud, London (yes, of Daniel Boulud fame)with a bottle of wine thrown in!

The ‘Paint the Town Red’ package starts from £495++ based on twin sharing, and is available until Dec 2011.

Call +44 (0) 207 235 2000 or log onto www.mandarinoriental.com

- Ee Waun

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Binge - HK$10 Sunday Brunch Deal

Here's a deal for the cheap and hungry (with gourmet inclinations for 100% New Zealand grass-fed beef). If you are in Lan Kwai Fong for Sunday brunch then get in queue at the Gourmet Burger Union there. Newly launched this is probably Hong Kong's best value offer - aUnbelievable HK$10 Sunday Sale on their  signature GBU Kick Ass Burger which basically is a good-sized BLT (regular price HK$48). OK so there is a catch to it (isn't there always?) - you have to be the first 100 customers to visit their store each Sunday. Opens at 12pm and offer valid till 3pm. 

Gourmet Burger Union LKF is located at The Plaza, 19 Wing Wah Lane, Lan Kwai Fong. Tel: + 852 2147 2866

- 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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