Skinfood : yummy food for skin x ZALORA

Tinyceci is now in the land of kimchi with her mom typing this in the hostel. It feels really good to be back here! My second home~^^ The weather is my favorite type of chilly: 5-15 degrees Celsius but my skin isn't really agreeing with my elation since the dry weather takes some getting used to.

Anyway, so I started (restarted) using some skin packs and masks to restore moisture balance to my skin, which broke out the day we arrived. There are some secret tips Koreans use to do this at home using food ingredients, but thankfully for those of us who find it hard to keep track and store food for skin mask packs, there's SKINFOOD Singapore! Now available online~ ^^

I swear by using raw egg whites for break outs and in Korea(learned from my Korean beautician), it's really easy to store the excess raw egg whites in the fridge but in tropical countries like Singapore or Philippines, that's really tough without risking the whites getting contaminated or turning bad, so I'm really happy to see SKINFOOD came up with these products.

Also, the black sugar wash off mask is a great exfoliator! It's also much more cheaper compared to another brand F****.

Here're some masks for troubled skin (I'm really surprised the prices are so reasonable!)^^ : 

Next up, I know pore brushes are really popular in Singapore now and SKINFOOD also has their own! I love how they have a string thingy at the end so it's easy to hang it up for drying. 

Next up, I've been going crazy with lip tints whilst shopping here. There are just SO MANY lip tints to choose from! And they are so soooo good and pretty! Lipsticks are passé. Tints with a touch of gloss make such pretty gradient lips and they last all day...

With Christmas coming, SKINFOOD offers really good options for gifts under $10. Check this out! They are all so cute!!! Just buy one of each and mass presents for coworkers =done.

Christmas is coming ~!^^ HOHOHO better start planning for Christmas pressies now~

We can now shop online for Topshop Singapore! ^^

Seriously, shopping online is becoming more and more convenient so rapidly in Singapore (I'm not complaining), it's a serious challenge to limit my expenditure on shopping! :D

I was first introduced to the UK brand TOPSHOP back in Victoria Junior College days. Shopping (mostly window shopping since we were all poor students living on allowances back then HAHA ^^) in Orchard was a weekly affair and I remember my first purchase from TOPSHOP to be an off-white Ivory woolen sweater for 60SGD. This was one of my favorite tops for chilly winters in Seoul years later.

I have to admit: living in Seoul for so many years have made me drift apart from Topshop since we didn't actually have Topshop in Seoul.

When I moved to Singapore, the habit of shopping online stuck, and I still rarely buy stuff in B&M stores. It's a really great thing to see Topshop Singapore on ZALORA! ^^

Instantly, I'm reminded of the subtle UK chic Je ne sais quoi quality that I was attracted to. The prices are still on the mid-high side, despite cheaper alternatives now widely available. But I guess it's still acceptable since my Topshop stuff seem to last really long! ^^

Here're some looks to channel your inner Kate Moss and Cara Delevingne!

First up, match a mini dress in a cute print with boyish boots with some edge. We love how the fringe details gives the heart details an unbridled free spiritedness that is so Cara Delevingne~! ^^

The second look that feels super TOPSHOP-y to me is the classic Kate Moss look consisting of a tunic dress with a fitted sleeve that cuts at the elbow with sexy heels. This look also works with pointy flats.

We simply love how this bag pops out and it's in such a refreshing color! ^^

For a more relaxed lazy Sunday look, try pairing a paisley or floral dress with little details like this one on the side for hints of sexiness without going over the top.

Let's channel our inner English Rose with Topshop!~ ^^ 

Keep Cool in Summer 2015 with Bohemia style x ZALORA

When I was still in college, people always seem to ask me where I got my inspiration for my eclectic dressing style which was laid back, chic and mysterious like the travelling gypsies from the 70s. To be honest, I just felt that it was an easy way to be comfortable and NOT boring, besides from the fact that I was in love with brown and turquoise shades.

Some people believe that bohemian = cheap, which isn't true entirely. While the costs of acquiring items may vary from dirt cheap to super extravagant prices, the key to carrying off this look is to make it look luxurious a la the Olsen Twins' and Nicole Richie style. 

With the right accessories, anything can look bohemian.

Image credits: play4movie

Image credits: sharetheglam

There's an ongoing crazy sale right now on my favorite site ZALORA!!! ^^ Just look at the prices. Some pieces are going for more than 50% off~

Let's see how the Bohemian Fashion collection from ZALORA can transform and merge laid back-ness with luxurious materials such as suede and point accessories such as tassels and aviators.

First look: Bohemian Luxe OL

Who says work attire has to be all prim and proper (and all doom and gloom)? Pair a simple white tassel dress like below (hides tummy after a heavy lunch^^) with cowboy boots (Both from ZALORA) for just that hint of rebellious style and tie in the look with a chic brown work bag like this one from Tocco Tenero that plays with different textures, and you're set for work! 

Second Look: Summer Boho Chic

Rule number one in boho dressing: Keep a paisley flower dress. Pair this ditsy dress from Mango (Yes, Mango is on ZALORA ^^) with suede inner bootie wedges from EDGE, Ray Bans and a long layered necklace from Tagg for instant Olsen twin points. 

You can also pair this look with a brown hat or a brown leather jacket to tone down the girlishness. ^^

Third look: Understated Boho Rock Chic 

We really love this bodycon dress from ZALORA which is so versatile! The play on prints is nicely energized by the tassel detail slanting across the dress which has a slimming effect. 

Think it's too safe and OL looking? Here's where the black biker jacket comes in handy to jazz up the look. If jackets are too uncomfortable to wear in hot summers for you (tinyceci personally only wears jackets in non summer seasons ^^), then try matching the dress with a cool bracelet like this one below from Something Borrowed or a nice chunky statement necklace. 

Before you think this is all too black and white monochrome, we're finishing up the look with a shiny maroon pointy flats with ankle cuffs from EDGE. (I must say, EDGE has some really nice shoes which is also affordable)

Last Look: Flaming Red Boho

Are you the social butterfly, the center of attraction? Channel your inner Nicole Richie by pairing this red hot lacy playsuit from ZALORA with a comfortable yet classy pair of wedged loafers in Taupe from House of Avenues. The kimono sleeves hide that extra bit of meat on arms and is airy, thus keeping cool easily in Sunny SG!

I'd love to either wear dangly large gold earrings (like this one from Salt - Korea) or a statement golden head piece and some fishtail braids. As for bags, an oversized golden clutch would do the trick to tone the look down and make it look more laidback yet offer enough space to contain all the usual stuffs like makeup, cellphone, cards.

Like I said, frankly speaking, anything can look bohemian chic, but to make it seem luxurious, the secret is to throw in a high value and top quality item which ties in the whole look without being all too over the top. Keep tassels to one single item, but pile on the accessories! ^^ That's all for today, see y'all!~ 

Lovely Korean Style is now available on ZALORA!

One of tinyceci's biggest peeves moving to Singapore is the lack of quality clothes which aren't drabby and over pricey. In the past, tiny only shopped exclusively online in Korea, where the delivery service offers next day to door delivery and the delivery guy ALWAYS calls beforehand to make sure there won't be wasted trips. What Koreans do is window shop in the streets of Hongdae, Edae, and Gangnam and then surf the net for similar/same dresses or outfits online, which usually automatically knocks 20-50% off the quoted price tags in the streets.

Since Qoo10sg is still nowhere as developed as GMarket Korea, the supply of quality Korean style clothes is still relatively low. Just when we were all wondering if we should make yet another trip down to kimchiland le Seoul to restock on the latest Korean styles, ZALORA launches a Korean Fashion Page!

Featuring brands like Seoul In Love, ShopsFashion and Kirsten-K, there's a wide range of OL friendly clothes to choose from, some of them with really unique designs which differentiates one from those run off the mill dresses which makes one look like the cheaper cousin of K-style, PRC-style. For ladies located in Sunny SG, wearing sandals and slippers doesn't have to be sloppy!

Here're some looks that tinyceci is really diggin'^^ (and nothing's over SGD40 with a sale on! 아싸~):

The latest trend in kimchiland right now is this casual preppy look, Shirts with fake collars. The usual way to wear this look is to layer a vest over a white shirt, but that's just way too hot for Spring/Summer transition isn't it? So they came up with this genius idea to make this look as a one shirt item. The boyish look/ boxy shape is still very much in style this season. Pair this with a pair of shoelaced white flats and khaki/white tapered pants for just a touch of feminine charm. Tassels on bags are still very much on trend. We look how this look is comfortable and yet still professional looking for work. ^^

The next look that tinyceci recommends is the jumpsuit look with sandals for a casual date out or a day at the beach. Skip the necklaces and earrings and go for some chunky arm/wrist candy like this bangle over here. Generally, Koreans visiting tropical countries love this look because it's laid back but still shows off details with intricate prints or interesting fabrics, and yes, they are not shy to don on a large summer straw hat just to complete the look. (It shields the face and shoulders from harsh sun rays too)

Grey is a color which is underutilized in Singapore. It's chic, and also more sun friendly compared to black. Pair the cotton flare dress with a string belt, a simple long necklace and laced up leather heels for instant glam street style. For a sharper, more work friendly look, try this bodycon maxi with the same heels and throw on a jacket/ cardi-shawl.

White tops never go out of style, but Kimchi style white tops always offer a little something more without going over the top. tinyceci loves the subtle details like a bit of chiffon or ribbons on unusual spots like the neckline, waist and shoulders which makes exudes classy sex appeal without excessive nudity. Point to note is for S/S 2015, the likes of Iven Blouse is really popular! A classic deep V that is somewhat like an off shoulder boat neck cut reminiscent of the Japanese school girl blouse for winter. Pair these tops with the Kirii sling bag for a slick, sophisticated look. We love how the bag is so versatile and matches any white, black or grey outfit. ^^

Actually there're still so many cute stuff on the ZALORA site but tinyceci has to run off. Till next time!

Embrace Lovely Spring: Dip Drops x ZALORA

A while ago, I attended the Dip Drops x Rosebullet fashion showcase at Clarke Quay and was blown away by how beautiful, slim and leggy the models were. Despite being Japanese brands, the models featured were mostly non-Asians, but somehow they managed to pull of the whole Japanese-y Shibuya/Harakuju feel. 

It was love at first sight with the shoes they wore.

So, I tried to pop by the stores located in town to check the actual products and prices, but was bugged by the sales people who spoke garish ching-chong-Singlish/Manglish? and it felt stifling to have someone breathing down my neck as I browsed through the items. Never went back again. ㅠㅠ

Joyce dropped me an email sharing with me some great news! ^^ 

Dip Drops is now on ZALORA!

My shopping mode of choice has always been online, and I present to you the cool finds for this season from Dip Drops:

Now that Spring is right at our doorsteps, the collection mainly features Spring items. 옷이 보니 딱 봄이 오는 모양이네. ^^ The keywords for this collection: Ruffles and Ribbons.

This quirky shade of blue
and ultra soft texture
exudes regal classiness while
 ruffles keep it flirty and casual! ^^ 

Pair the shorts with neutrals
like white, sand and ochre,
and a "point" like this star cardigan
or sling on a bright colored bag
for extra chic points.

The basic long khaki pants with a twist.
Rolled up to capri length and
paired with matching heels
(instant Japanese-y style),
we love how the
ruched trimmings at the waist
give an elegant touch to girly ruffles.

Rule number 1 in J-fashion.
Leopard print it = kawaii ^^
Wear this with any basics! 

We love the ribbon-as-ruffles
on this drape-y shorts in mint!
Refreshing color for Spring.
This design was super popular in Seoul
a few years back, and has been a favorite
to wear in Spring since then.

Ribbons on the back of knit wear
are just too pretty~

Star Buy~ You get the feminine knit top
with the flirty polka dot skirt
for the price of one!
Tip: Layer the knitted top on top of a caged bralet
to accommodate SG's  humid weather.

Yea, the prices are still a little pricey. But if you can make it in time for ZALORA's 3rd Bday sale, still a pretty good haul!

Before I forget,

Happy 3rd Birthday ZALORA! ^^ 생일 축하 드립니다!

Hope they can continue to bring in more brands from abroad with discountsssssssssss. ^^