Melissa's Style Guide

Happy New Year!

2009-12-31T21:15:00.000-08:00

Here's a toast to my family, friends, readers and valued clients; may the New Year ring in abundant health, joy and peace into your lives. Focus your energy, time and money on things and people that matters. Life is already full of challenges; so do not take on more unnecessarily:-) On this note, I will like to say thank you so much for following my blog. Your support has spurred me on to continue blogging even when time does not permit or when I ran out of things to share. It has been a tremendous experience for me and I enjoyed it so much that I have begun another new blog in case some of you are unaware. My style inspirations will now be shared via my new blog at http://www.image-harmony.com/styleblog while this blog (melissastyleguide.blogspot.com) will have a more personal touch. I hope to have your continuous support throughout the new year and I wish everyone an awesome 2010! Cheers!

Puppy Love

2009-12-26T07:58:00.000-08:00

Are you a dog or a cat person? Obviously, I am the former although I love most pets in general. Interestingly, a study using the Myers-Briggs PersonalityType Inventory found that individuals who are the Intuitive and Feeling types have an affinity for animals. Perhaps there are also different traits between a dog and a cat lover. My beloved pooches, Max and Jag are exactly what makes dogs a man's best friend; loyal and loving. Max is a ruby colored Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and he is 9 years old! Jag, a sheltie is 13 but still going strong. Like humans going for online dating, I did an online quiz to find out which dog breed is best suited for my needs, personality and lifestyle. The result was a perfect match! It was PUPPY LOVE at first sight! So, I will encourage you to try one of those quizzes before you run out to get a dog for the new year (ah, it's human nature to want new things to kick start a brand new year!). . Do your research, check out adoption schemes, talk to other responsible dog owners and involve family in the decision-making. Owning a dog or a pet is huge responsibility. The joy and love they bring are unimaginable!:-)

"Whoever said you can't buy happiness forgot about puppies."

-- Gene Hill

Christmas is about turkey, presents...and FAMILY!

2009-12-25T20:28:00.000-08:00

Firstly, here's wishing all my readers a very MERRY CHRISTMAS, peace and joy onto you and your loved ones! Secondly, I wish to share an amazing story that happened on the day before Christmas eve. Well, we decided to get Jeff, my nephew an IPOD Touch when we heard that it was on his Christmas wish list. So my husband,TL was tasked to get the present since I am technically challenged besides having a thousand and one chores to do prior to Christmas dinner!! When he eventually had time to go to the store, it was the day before the Christmas eve. As he was feeling a bit hungry, he decided to have his dinner first. While waiting for his order, his phone rang and the caller was from a store which he had purchased something from months ago. It turned out that TL had won a lucky draw prize and it was an...you guessed it, IPOD Touch!!! If he had neglected his growling stomach and went to get the IPOD first...I will not have a wonderful Christmas story to share!:-) Happy Holidays!

Amanda 'forcing' her brother, Jeff to wear the feathered headband for our flapper inspired Xmas theme!

He obviously gave in!

Someone said "The gifts are not under the tree, but in the heart". Aww...

Jingle Bells Rock!

2009-12-18T08:22:00.000-08:00

It certainly was a festive and fun mood at the Asia Professional Speakers' Christmas dinner party last night. Gone were the protocols, savvy speak and upright postures; everyone was in their best element in dressing and humour. There was great entertainment too with stand-up jokes, christmas songs sing-along, demonstration on memory and even a hypnothism act! Nishant Kasibhatla, world record holder and grand master of memory showed us how he could memorized the sequence of 21 playing cards in less than a minute. Incredible feat! The highlight of the evening was when Santa dropped in unexpectedly and brought us presents, of course!

Part Four: Inspiring Moms

2009-12-18T06:52:00.000-08:00

This is our final interview segment with moms who inspire. Last but not least, is Nancy Lim who resigned from her training post and got promoted to "Stay At Home Mom"! Always the elegant dresser with her 'humble' collection of Chanel bags, Nancy is doting mom to 16 month-old Meredith. Being a first time mom has its challenges no doubt, but you need to look after yourself first and feel good so that you can channel your positive energy to your kid(s). Look good for your children's sakes, said Nancy.

Describe your sense of style: Practical (enough for the climate in Singapore) and elegant for work. Off work I’m totally casual. Bermudas, Capri pants and shirt blouse rule my style.

Beauty sacrifices you have to make after childbirth: Less makeup as I do not wish for Meredith to ‘pollute’ her porcelain face whenever I hug or kiss her.Reduced accessories, especially chunky ones, as babies have a tendency to yank them apart. Re-touching my grown hair roots. Going to the hair dressers for hours is something of the past. Manicured coloured nails are not something I can wear on a frequent basis.

How important it is for you to make time to pamper yourself? I want to feel refreshed with Meredith and look good for her sake as much as possible. So it is nothing short of necessary to pamper myself first. For the barest minimum, I will indulge myself with a bi-weekly body massage. Catching up on sleep as and when possible in the day. A soak in my bath tub once a while allows me some needed quiet moments.

How do you maintain your appearance despite your busy schedule? Getting hubby to watch over daughter whilst I try to get a quick fix of facial and scrub. Anti-aging skincare is indispensable. After all it does not take much time to apply. That said, I am guilty of lapping on the product creams without taking time to massage my face. I have learnt to wear natural makeup in a jiffy.

Share a beauty tip: Twirl my hair into a chignon at home so that when the hair is let down there will be make shift curls!

Inspiring message for moms: Look good for your children’s sake. They should feel proud of how their parents, especially their mothers look. There is no need to dig deep into our pockets for making ourselves look pretty. Just need to be savvy and keep ourselves in the know of where to get stuffs or services at affordable prices.

I would love for my daughter to be proud of how her mummy looks. She may not know a thing about image pride now but I am sure when she is older she will pay attention to such details when looking at pictures of us taken together.

Part Three: Inspiring Moms

2009-12-15T17:59:00.000-08:00

Ivy Lee, 33, just knows how to liven up her day with sporty chic clothes and bright colours. And daughter, Man Ting who is 3 years old is following mommy's foot steps in the fashion department! Ivy has a bright and cheerful personality and she certainly knows how to project her beauty inside-out.

Describe your sense of style: Casual, colourful, ad hoc

Beauty sacrifices after childbirth: None so far...haha

How important it is for you to make time to pamper yourself? Quite important to upkeep my looks

How do you maintain your appearance despite your busy schedule? I use mask regularly at home every week and go to the spa once in a while.

Share a beauty tip: Plenty of rest and water.

Inspiring messages for moms: We're all beautiful inside, we need to love ourselves too.

Part Two: Inspiring Moms

2009-11-26T06:28:00.000-08:00

Whether you are a stay-at-home mom, working mom, single mom or mom-to-be, you need to make a conscious effort to maintain your appearance and health. These are the wise words from Charlotte Lim, our "Rock Chic" mom who is always bursting with energy and passion in what she says and does! Charlotte is in her 50s (can you believe it??) and has 2 adult children, Nigel, 26 and Kimberly, 22. She owns a fashion retail business called "Forget-Me-Not"(Anchor Point) which carries reasonably priced trendy items.

Describe your sense of style: Casual streetwear inspired style

Beauty sacrifices after childbirth: Manicures and Pedicures

How important it is for you to make time to pamper yourself? Pampering myself, even if its just enjoying a coffee and magazines/papers, or relaxing by the pool, is important as it refreshes and recharges me to face the day in a more positive way.

How do you maintain your appearance despite your busy schedule? Keeping an eye on a healthy diet of more water, fruits/vegetables and less sugar and salt; as well as setting aside ample time for regular outdoor/indoor exercises, makes me feel 'good' despite busy work and domestic schedule.

Share a beauty tip: Keeping a personal style that's no-fuss as well as flattering, helps to boost my confidence levels;

Inspiring message to moms: Firstly, its important to watch your daily diet intake and exercise regularly. And then, you have to WANT to make a conscious effort to maintain that presentable and healthy appearance. You have to be comfortable in your own skin.. work on finding your own style and investing in a wardrobe of versatile pieces. Looking good does not mean having to spend a bomb on the latest trends!

Part One: Inspiring Moms

2009-11-26T05:58:00.000-08:00

Motherhood can be the most challenging role yet it can be taken for granted most of the time. There are many moms out there who put everybody and everything else first before them and in doing so, neglect their own image, aspirations and identity. While these important values will be less priority when you become a mom, no doubt, I hope that all moms will try to squeeze in a bit of "ME time" into their schedules. If you care about yourself (please do not interpret this as being selfish!),you will be able to make hay while the sun shines as quoted by Dora Yip! I have the privilege of interviewing four fabulous mommies and I hope their stories will inspire YOU to start doing something for yourself TODAY!

Dora, 33, a Corporate Communications Manager with son, Jordan Ross Turner, 1

Describe your sense of style: Eclectic, practical, comfortable

Beauty sacrifices after childbirth: My regular facials have fallen by the wayside, as have regular manis and pedis. I even find that sometimes I just forget to put a mask on my face at nights! My beauty regime has now been completely pared down.

How important it is for you to make time to pamper yourself? Fairly important. I was never really into the traditional notion of "pampering myself" in my pre-Jordan days, although I did enjoy my regular facials and pedicures. Since having Jordan, I consider pampering myself not so much to be about the way I look, but more about a sense of holistic wellness. It's just as important for me to find time to read quietly, as it is for me to have a luxurious full-body massage!

How do you maintain your appearance despite your busy schedule? Well I'm not sure if I'm the best role-model in that respect! I try to squeeze in little pockets of "me time" whenever I can throughout the day. For example, if Jordan takes a nice, longish nap, I'll paint my toenails (pretty toenails never fail to cheer me up) and read my book while my toenails are drying! It's all about making hay while the sun shines!

Share a beauty tip: Dress to please yourself. Don't feel the need to subscribe to every fashion trend that comes along - skinny jeans may not be for everyone!

Inspiring message to moms: Take your time to regain your sense of self. Childbirth presents a seismic shift not only for your body, but also for your identity and lifestyle. Don't feel pressurised by the constant messages from the media about Hollywood stars and their pregancy weight-loss. They have an entourage of professionals to help them achieve their goals! For regular moms like us, nothing works better than a sensible diet, regular exercise, and lots of kisses and hugs from your kiddoes. And remember, even if our bodies look a bit different from before we had kids, we are all still yummy mummies in our children's eyes!

The Art of Speaking

2009-11-24T08:11:00.000-08:00

I was invited by my image consultant friend, Li Kin to an Asia Professional Speakers Meeting recently. Interestingly, I noted that it was a male-dominated event... and I thought that women talk more! Two distinguished speakers, David Lim, acclaimed Mt Everest team leader and c.j.Ng, top sales advisor shared their nuggets of wisdom on how to make it big in speaking. One thing that struck me was how both speakers were so focused, articulate and clear about their life's vision and goals. David Lim has permanent disabilities in both legs as a result of a rare nerve disorder but made a dramatic comeback to climbing the world's great mountains. I believe his success in overcoming the obstacles are partly due to him having a plan for his life and the ability to keep his eyes on his goal which was to climb the highest peak. Whether you are aspiring to be the next Bill Gates or Singapore Idol or a fabulous mom, you need to have a plan for your life, your future, your career, your family etc... To quote the famous Sun Tzu, an ancient heroic general "If you fail to plan, you plan to fail!" As an image consultant, I will always ask my clients what are their goals/ outcomes they want to achieve from the consultation. It is important for me to know their vision, aspirations and goals so that I can help to make them shine from the inside to the outside in harmony with their vision and aspirations. So, ask yourself today "Do you have a PLAN?"

Melissa with David Lim

Melissa with c.j. Ng (left) and Joe Augustin (right), one of Singapore's best radio presenter

A.L.L For Love

2009-11-22T01:35:00.000-08:00

"Take Me Home" was written on the handkerchief which was tied around this handsome mutt, one of the several V.I.Ps (Very Important Pooches) who came and strut their stuff at the A.L.L (Animal Lovers League) fund-raising dinner on Saturday, 21 November Forrest @ Orchidville. The event was organised in hope of raising $80,000 that will pay for regular medical expenses, maintenance and upkeep of the facility, as well as A.L.L’s rehoming and sterilisation programme. A.L.L operates a no-kill sanctuary for some 300 dogs and 500 cats, and the numbers of abandoned and abused dogs are increasing by the day. For more information on A.L.L, please go to http://www.animalloversleague.com.

Do your part in saving these important lives!

Irene Low from Cherries Vintage (left) and Melissa

Paradise in Hong Kong

2009-11-21T10:41:00.000-08:00

As you all know, Hong Kong is a great holiday destination for shopping and feasting. And I certainly did just that on a recent trip there. The roads are always bustling with hawker fare, stalls and PEOPLE way till past midnight. Upon reaching our hotel about 3pm after a long long wait at the airport for our coach, we wasted no time except for a quick dash to the toilet, raiding the shops at Fa Yuen Market (which is quite similar to Petaling Street in Kuala Lumpur), Langham. Pedder Building and the last stop was Harbour City. By the time we settled down for dinner, it was late and we were famished, tired and thirsty! Dinner was at Super Star Seafood Restaurant at Harbour City (www.superstargroup.com.hk); we each had three cold crabs which were absolutely mouth-watering, cheap and SO GOOOOD!

The next day we had a dim sum breakfast at The Sweet Dynasty in Tsimshatsui. The food was passable but ambience was nice and cosy. I love the way it was decorated. With our batteries recharged after a good night's rest and a sumptuous breakfast, it was time to hit the malls again. We went to check out the branded outlets at Horizon Plaza. This industrial looking warehouse space tucked away in AP Lei Chau carries past season's unsold clothing and accessories from the JOYCE boutique, including other designer brands like Dolce & Gabana, Giorgio Armani, Max Mara etc...at more than 40% off. Stock is replenished daily. The only downside is there is only one small cafe which sells snacks and drinks! So make sure you have a hearty breakfast and bring your own water! I got a chunky bracelet and a super cute necklace with a bee pendant from MARNI. Clothing sizes are limited though. Citygate is also another great mall to visit. It is huge and you can find past season's collection of brands like GUESS, Timberland, Vivienne Tam, Espirit, DVF just to name a few. I bought a cute Kate Spade tote with spring flowers and two anteprima rings at 50 percent off!

Shopped till we drop...!!! H & M

The BEST roast goose I have tasted must surely be at Sham Tseng Yue Kee (9 Sham Hong Road). The restaurant was featured in The Sunday Times recently. The goose meat was so crispy on the outside and succulent on the inside. If you do go to Yue Kee, then you must not miss the famous mango and durian pancake dessert at Lucky Dessert (also featured in The Sunday Times) which is just a few minutes walk from Yue Kee restaurant.

Well, if you haven't been to Hong Kong, you SHOULD! The food is great, shopping is heavenly and the current exchange rate is excellent. Most importantly, go with GREAT company like I did!

Hong Kong Street Fashion

2009-11-14T08:11:00.000-08:00

There is no denying that Hong Kong women's fashion is as interesting and varied as its shopping offerings. They are bold in expressing their individual style, fashion forward looking and enjoy dressing up which I find rather refreshing. Perhaps if the weather here is a bit kinder, our Singaporean ladies may amp up their style to the next level. Perhaps, perhaps, perhaps! Sometimes a fedora or just a pop of colour in your footwear can make you look more confident than the rest. In the first place, you have to have some confidence to pull that off. Whether you look good in it or not, that is a separate issue which I will find time to expound in my future posts! I wished I had taken more photos to share with you but certainly, there will be more pictures next time as Hong Kong will be my regular shopping destination in the near future!

Melissa and Priscilla, a Hong Kong friend

Everyone wears boots in autumn!

Diva Kitty

2009-11-14T02:57:00.001-08:00

You do not have to be an animal lover to fall instantly in love with this cute flat faced and no mouth kitten. At 35, Hello Kitty still looks as cute and youthful as ever and adored by fans from little toddlers to octogenarians! I, too, could not resist holding her in my arms when i was shopping at the ANTEPRIMA boutique in Hong Kong recently.HELLO KITTY and ANTEPRIMA worked together to launch a series of Kitty collections which are now HOT!

Paris Hilton has one and so do I...or so I wished!

The "Swarovski Raso Kitty" is one of only 80 limited edition pieces worldwide. Its body is decorated with beautiful Swarovski pink crystals. Measuring W42 x H70 x D30cm and costing SGD$4,999, the bag is already sold out in Singapore! ANTEPRIMA's famed wirebags are made and hand-knitted by skilled craftsmen using exclusive wire code from Italy. Blending techie and fashion, the quirky designs extravert its theme which is "FUN & JOY". Those who are more creative and feminine in style will find the bags most appealing. The bags generally go better with the romantic type of clothing like sundresses, flare skirts, floral prints or sporty looks like jeans and a tee. For work, you can choose the minimal designs in darker shades as the glittery effect of the wires will not be too loud. Rather than a plain canvas tote, invest in a bright coloured ANTEPRIMA classic tote this Christmas to add a little spark in your style!

Head Turners

2009-11-01T20:56:00.000-08:00

I was browsing through the shops in Far East Plaza when I caught sight of a halo of beautiful big curls. It instantly reminded me of "I Love Lucy" but with a modern twist. The proud owner of this vintage glam hairstyle is Xuan, a bubbly sales personnel. When asked what was the inspiration behind it, Xuan said she was attracted to Betty Grable's hairdo in the movie "How to Marry a Millionaire", which also starred Marilyn Monroe back in the 1950's.

To update this 50's-inspired style, Xuan has her sides cropped short and kept the curls big and loose as tighter curls will look matronly. The style also balances out her face and the curls relates to the softness of her facial lines. For a sexy look, she can grow out her fringe into a long side swept-fringe. This is an easy look to maintain as all you need is to diffuse-dry hair upside down to inject maximum volume and to create soft touchable ringlets! And curls will continue to be trendy, according to celebrity stylists. A note of thanks to Xuan, for letting me photograph her. You are a head turner!

Sure Bets for Work!

2009-10-25T07:14:00.000-07:00

It is always tricky to strike a balance between looking appropriately dressed for work and letting your personality shine through your clothes. Adding on to that challenge, a small budget and as a fresh young graduate in a fast-paced industry, Amanda was thrilled when I introduced her to Lush Women at Queensway Shopping Centre. Managed by Billy and his partner, Lush Women offers a pretty selection of dresses from Korea at affordable prices for the young executive. Prices range from $35 for a ruffled cotton dress to $59 for a modern black and white tuxedo dress. The young lady executive will want to look polished yet trendy without compromising on her style and personality. Lush Women offers the right mix of gravitas and glamour!

Eyes At Work

2009-10-24T10:44:00.000-07:00

Men's best accessory can be a pair of sunglasses. With such a wide array of designs, colour and brands to choose from, how do you know which style frame suits you best? Jeff, my hunky often being mistaken as a Korean nephew, put me to task to finding him the perfect pair of sunglasses! His one and only condition was that it must be aviators, and nothing else! I have no idea about his insistence on aviators. Perhaps it has something to do with his cool and collected mannerism or Tom Cruise in Top Gun! Jeff has an oblong or rectangle-shaped face; his forehead, cheeks and upper jaw are about the same width. As his face is longer than wider, I chose a style with deep frames to shorten his face length and that is wide enough for his face.

Doesn't he look COOL?!!

Jeff's new aviator!

The Eyes are the Mirror to the Soul

2009-10-23T21:01:00.000-07:00

"A person's thoughts can be ascertained by looking into his or her eyes."

Last evening, I was at the Shu Uemura's Beauty Art Make-Up Competition 2009 held at Vivo City to support my good pal, Amy Chow. Amy was one of the top eight finalists in the professional category competition. How nerve wrecking it must have been for the contestants to be given only 20 minutes to create their master piece! I was completely awed by each and every one of the think-out-of-the-box creations and the contestants' inspirations behind their splendid creations. The look is based on the theme, Mother Nature. The highlight of the event was when Mr Kakuyasu Uchiide, International Artistic Director of Shu Uemura conducted a live make-up demonstration on stage. Here are some of the highlights captured on film:

Amy and her muse

I observed that a lot of women here do not put on eye make-up. It takes effort and regular practices to be able to apply eye make-up beautifully for sure. I meet a lot of clients who shun away from eye make-up simply because they do not know how to apply eye shadow or they think it requires too much time. Well, there are lots of make-up courses available or you can always consult with the friendlier staff at the makeup counters like Bobbi Brown or MAC. Feel free to experiment with different products until you find one that suits your style and skincolour.

Let me share with you my own easy, quick tips on eye make-up:-

1) If you are rushing for time, simply line your eyes with a pencil eyeliner and curl your lashes and you are good to go. Curling your lashes will make your eyes pop instantly.

2) Sometimes I just use an eye base on my lid for some colour. Eye base is the secret to keeping your eyeshadow looking fresh and in place for hours. There is an array of neutral colours from Bobbi Brown. My favourite is "Burnished", a metallic copper.

3) To open up your eyes, use a white eyeliner on the inner corner of your eye and blend it softly with a black or brown eyeliner depending on the colour of your eyes.

4) If your eyes are set far apart, you can bring them closer by drawing a thick line on the inner corner of your eye and narrowing it towards the outer corner of the eye. Do the opposite if your eyes are set too closely i.e. start with a thinner line in the inner corner and thicken the line as you draw the outer corners of the eyes.

5) Look for eye pencils that are soft and smudgy to achieve a natural look.
Remember, the purpose of eye make-up is to enhance your eyes so that you can appear to be more expressive when communicating with others. After all, the eyes are the mirrors to your soul!

My Favourite Shops

2009-10-23T06:15:00.000-07:00

If you are looking for individualism in style and design, MU apparel is the answer. Its design is a fusion of East and West, combining unconventional constructed designs with interesting silhouettes. Although the clothes are more suited for the creative and entertainment environment, working executives will be able to find some basic pieces with interesting silhouettes like asymmetrical hemlines or shirred sleeves to go with their corporate wardrobe. You can also wear their interesting modern pieces on dress down Fridays instead of the typical cotton blouse and cropped pants combo. Moms who do not have the luxury of time to coordinate their clothes and who always need practical clothings will find comfort and style in MU's oversized tunics and cropped pants. What I really like about MU apparels are their effortless style, soft cotton material and asymmetrical cuts which can camouflage a thousand flaws! Prices range from $39 for basic tops to $200 for long dresses. You can expect new arrivals every week. MU apparel is the brainchild of Alfie Leong, a local prize-winning designer. So head on to MU today and support Singapore's local designers!

MU is located at #01-48/49, Bugis Junction and #04-08B/C, The Heeren

Simple Pleasures in Life

2009-10-18T23:32:00.000-07:00

A recent trip back to my hometown, Batu Pahat (BP) brought the simple pleasures of life back into my life! No matter what, nothing beats the taste of mom's cooking, the fresh air, the spaciousness and the laid back lifetsyle in BP. Though I was only there for the weekend, it was a fun-filled stay. There's always new hawker food fares to try, interesting signages to note like a cardboard cut-out with the words 'Need a Personal Loan? Call Tel:XXX" (i.e. loan sharks, no kidding!) tied around the lamp posts at the residential areas, playing with family dogs Samson and Lucky and admiring mom's beautiful garden blooms. We also went with my sister to visit her Indian colleagues who celebrated Deepavali and we enjoyed a feast of curry chicken, mutton, putumayam and tosei!

Well, of course the shopping queen in me always find time to squeeze in some shopping amidst the flurry of activities! It's interesting shopping in BP because you never know what surprise 'gems' you may find in the oddest looking places. You have to be patient to rummage through the disorganised racks of clothes in some outlets but you will be pleasantly surprised by what you may find.

For instance, this sweet floral cotton dress with lovely lace trimmings (SGD$60) - perfect for a weekend outing with friends or afternoon tea.

Another precious find - a long brown cream coloured dress with crocheted neckline which you can wear to a church wedding or romantic dinner for just SGD$70.

Then there is the hippy style top which you can wear with tights, jeans or shorts for just SGD$20.

My favourite is this bright spring blue tee with the cutest looking doll face for only SGD$12!!!

Ah, the simple pleasures of life in Batu Pahat!

For more information on Batu Pahat, please log on to: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Batu_Pahat

It's A Colourful World!

2009-10-12T04:18:00.000-07:00

Colour coordination is tricky business. If you don't get it right, you may look like a clash of the seasons or worse, some disney character! I once knew a lady in the corporate world who would dress from head to toe (literally!) in the same shade of colour. Once, she was dressed all in pink; pink hair clip, pink pearl necklace, pink ring, pink pant suit, pink handbag and of course, pink shoes!!! No kidding. And the Boss called her the Pink Panther. Another time, she came dressed head to toe in green. And the Boss called her Kermit. Just yesterday I saw someone wearing a bright orange bandana, orange earrings, orange T-shirt... trick-or-treat, Halloween's coming! I bet if she could find a pair of orange pants, she would have worn it! Hence, I felt compelled to give my two cents worth of advice on colour coordination less more fashion crimes are being committed.

Here are 4 simple rules:

1. Monochromatic Colour Scheme

Choose a monochromatic colour scheme and you will be safe. Monochromatic colour refers to different tones of a single colour. As it lacks in contrast, it projects a calming and soothing mood. To avoid looking dull, play with different textures and prints.

2. Colour Intensity

Colours of the same intensity will look harmonious when combined. Intensity refers to the brightness or dullness of a colour. For example combine pastel pink and blue, cobalt blue and canary yellow, dove grey and daffodil yellow.

Pastels

3. Two-Colour Combination

For a business look, wear only two colour families e.g. navy suit with white shirt and red tie or teal skirt suit with red inner blouse. One of the two colours should be dominant and the other colour would be subordinate.

4. Colour Contrast

Strive for colour contrast to create an authoritative and outstanding look. Combine two colours that are opposite of one another on the colour wheel e.g. green and red, yellow and purple, orange and blue.

Upsize Your Accessories

2009-10-10T19:33:00.000-07:00

Hey Ladies! Get ready to upsize your accessories because BIG is in! From sunglasses to hair bands to necklaces, chunky items are the latest runway trends for Spring/Summer 2010. Make a bold style statement today!

Trendy Hairbands

They are great for perking up your outfit anytime. Just put on one of these gorgeous Bethanie hairbands and you will look super chic instantly. You can wear it with jeans and a tee for a casual yet stylish look or wear it with your hair sleeked back and a LBD (little black dress) for instant glam.

Funky hairbands from Quintessential ($39 - $59).

Statement Necklaces

From big coloured gems to multi-layered chain necklaces, they make great fashion statements. The chunkier, the better. However, if you are heavy chested, avoid chunky necklaces that hang over your boobs. Stick to styles that are shorter and lie flat. Again, pair statement necklaces with simple, classic styles like the LBD or with jeans, T-shirt and a blazer for a rock chic image!

Multi-layered copper chain necklace from Quintessential (From $389 onwards)

Chunky Bracelets

All you need is one big chunky accessory and you are good to go. If the statement necklaces are not your thing, try investing in one accessory item like a chunky bracelet or a statement ring. If your body is curved, choose designs with curved lines and scaled to your body size and bone structure. Vice versa for angular body types.

(Left) Geometric bracelet from Quintessential

Quintessential is at 9 Scotts Road, #02-01 Pacific Plaza.

Tips and Toes

2009-10-05T09:54:00.000-07:00

A pair of strappy heels on non pedicured feet is a definite turn-off. It doesn't matter how great your shoes look or how expensive they cost. If you don't take good care of your nails, not only will your nails suffer, but so will your image! In a hot climate like Singapore, most women wear strappy heels, opened-toe shoes, thongs and sandals. This means our feet and nails are constantly exposed to heat, cold and pollution, not to forget the danger of kicking into something or being stepped on! With the latest trend of opened-toe booties and gladiator flats, we should maintain our feet well and have our nails polished or buffed to show off our gorgeous footwear.

Here are some nail care quick tips from the experts at "Prettie Nails" salon:

1) Apply cuticle oil around the fingernail edges and gently massage into and around the entire cuticle. Do this daily and it will make your nails look healthy and shiny.

2) Always apply a base coat before your nail polish to protect your nail from the colour pigment and from dryness.

3) For brittle and weak nails, soak your nails into a handful of chopped fresh garlic every day for about 30 minutes each time. You will see results within 2 weeks.

4) Keep nail polish bottles in a container and store it away in the refrigerator to prevent nail colour from thickening.

Visit Prettie Nails at #02-53, Orchard Plaza (Tel: 6836 0388)

Something Old, Something New

2009-10-03T09:05:00.000-07:00

If you want to look special, unique and stand out from the crowd, wear vintage. Some may squirm at the idea of wearing pre=owned clothes; especially when you don't know where it came from and the history behind it. I have no reservations about wearing vintage clothes so long as it is clean and in mint condition. In fact, I love vintage and I have amassed quite a collection of clothes, handbags and jewellery. Making vintage a part of your wardrobe can be challenging though. Here are some style tips on making vintage work for you and your wardrobe:

Wearing vintage from head to toe may look too costume-like or dated. Mix the old with new e.g. pair a vintage denim jacket with a tee and skinny jeans or a long vintage skirt with trendy tops.

Start small if you are new to this territory. Experiment with a vintage bag, scarf, hat, belt or accessory.

Let your vintage item stand out. If you are wearing a pair of vintage earrings, keep the rest of your jewellery understated so that the earrings will be the talking point. That is the whole idea of wearing vintage!

Vintage sizes do not correlate to modern ones. A size 8 during the 1960s may be equivalent to today's size 12, for example. So you have to try it on to be sure it fits you.

Melissa in a 1960's shift dress from Cherries Vintage

http://www.image-harmony.com

Top 10 Image Breakers

2009-10-02T09:58:00.000-07:00

The list of beauty faux pas is endless! After much deliberation, I finally came up with 10 most notable beauty/fashion mistakes in Singapore.

1) Chipped Nail Polish
Girlfriend, it doesn't take you more than 10 minutes to remove old nail colour and re-varnish your nails! According to a survey, chipped nail polish was cited by men as one of those things which destroys their first impression of a woman.

2) Peekaboo Bra
I just don't get it; bra straps hanging out everywhere. There are so many types of bras for different clothing styles - halter, racer back, tube etc... Invest in a good functional bra. Also, please wear a skin coloured bra under a white blouse or tee. Black or other coloured bra under white shirts are tacky!

3) Bushy Eyebrows
Get your eyebrows groomed regularly to maintain a neat, clean and polished image. A pair of well defined eyebrows will make the eyes pop beautifully.

4) Wrong Foundation
The worst mistake women make when it comes to foundation is choosing the wrong shade for their skin tone. You don't want to go round looking like you are wearing a mask! The key to choosing the right shade is to TEST the colour on your face, not your wrist. Ensure your face is fresh, clean and bare. Put a few drops of each colour along your jaw line and blend, blend, blend all the way to your neck. Let the colour set in after a few minutes, then stand near a window to see which foundation looks best in natural light. The right shade is the one that blends so well into your skin that you can't see it. If it remains patchy, then that is the wrong shade for your skin tone.

5) Grown Out Roots
Grown out roots may be hot right now in LA and New York, but we are not in LA and New York, so yours will likely be frowned upon as a beauty faux pas! If your roots have grown out about 3 cm or more, it's time to re-touch your roots.

6) Length of Pants
I have seen too many women wearing the wrong length of pants with their high heels. It's either too short that it seems like your pants have shrunk or it's too long that your heels get stuck in the hem. This creates a sloppy image! The appropriate length for pants is the hem should graze the instep in the height heel you intend to wear with them and slide over the heel at the back. (Instep is the arched upper surface of the foot between the toes and the ankle)

7) Two Sizes Smaller
Excuse me, are you in denial of your true size? Wearing clothes 2 sizes smaller is NOT going to make you appear optically tinier! By the way, size doesn't matter, it's all about fit!

8) Black Tights With White Shoes
Unless you are Gwen Stefani, don't even attempt to try this combination! Black and white are highly contrasting colours and you really need to know how to work it without becoming a fashion victim. Instead of stark white, try an off-white or pastel gray to soften the contrast.

9) Drip, Drip, Drip: Wet Hair In Public
Oh, this is definitely one of my biggest beauty pet peeve. There have been occasions where I got slapped across the face by long hair on the bus or crowded trains, so can you imagine if the hair is dripping wet! A CEO once asked me to address this wet hair issue with her staff during an image training workshop. She felt it projected a tardy impression of the staff. So, please blow dry your hair before going to work as you never know your boss may be watching you!

10) Excess Baggage
Ah, I know we, women, can be fickle-minded sometimes over what to wear but to carry a handbag, a briefcase and recycling bags all at the same time is excessive! I have seen women carrying 2 large handbags, one on each arm. Keep to a small purse and a briefcase or invest in a good quality leather tote bag. And leave the recycling bag for grocery trips!

http://www.image-harmony.com

My Favourite Shops

2009-10-02T00:06:00.000-07:00

Growing up, I remember classmates who would hide their notes in case you want to borrow them. In university, I came across peers who would hide precious library books under their beds in case you want to borrow them. Even now, I know of female friends who would subtly evade your question: "Where did you get your pretty dress from?" The standard reply would be "Oh...I can't remember. It's been so long!" Well, maybe they are a forgetful bunch, maybe it was really a long time ago or maybe they just don't want to share the good things with others!

So I will be spreading some sisterly love here by sharing with you some of my favourite shops. They are on my favourite list because the merchandise is of high quality, is wearable and unique and most importantly, the staff is knowledgeable about the products, friendly and gives excellent service.

OKA at #03-70A, Far East Plaza is owned by Ms Carmen Wong, who is also the designer behind the label. OKA specialises in cotton and linen clothing which are both great to wear in a hot and humid climate like Singapore. The style is casual, relaxed, natural, unstructured and creative. It's no wonder people from the dance and arts fields flock to OKA. Although its clothes are designed for women, there are male customers who would come to buy the oh-so-comfy pants (as shown in photo below). Needless to say, OKA will attract those who are looking for a more casual look yet unique and creative. The clothes are more suitable for those working in the creative field e.g. advertising, arts and beauty and less formal office environment. Although OKA is more for the sporty and creative, you can mix and match them with your own pieces to create your preferred style be it minimalist, feminine, bohemian or dramatic (see photos below). Prices start from $59 for cotton T-shirts, $89 for blouses, pants, skirts and dresses. Look for Joyce, the sales in-charge; she's super nice!

Plaid is so "IN" now. Pair cotton plaid skirt with tank top or ruffled blouse (above left)
for Spring/Summer 2010. Wear plaid dress with laced hem (above right) with opaque
tights and ballet flats for a gamine look.

Minimalist ensembles Unisex pants

http://www.image-harmony.com

Excuse Me, Are You A Shopaholic?

2009-09-30T07:21:00.000-07:00

I sure am! The dictionary definition is: Someone who shops compulsively or frequently. Well, for the record, I shop frequently but I don't buy on impulse. Shopping is my passion; it is also my job! Being a stylist, I need to keep pulse of the latest designs and trends so as to save my clients the embarrassment of looking like history! And I always check out the local stores for good value for money items and sniff out what's new and unique in the market so that when a client needs something, I know where to find them instantly. Before I go on overseas trip, I will google for the best shopping places. So yes, I am a shopaholic but for good reasons!

Outside Betsey Johnson boutique, Washington DC (top)

At a vintage shop in Brooklyn, New York (bottom)

Shopping is great therapy for some but for others, it can be more painful than a trip to the dentist! From my consultation experience, women do want to shop but they are either overwhelmed by too many choices and not knowing what looks good on them OR they have tried everything but nothing fits. Hence, the frustration and disappointment set in and they just do not enjoy shopping thereafter. Does that sound familiar to you?

If you are easily overwhelmed by stuff, then keep your focus by planning a shopping list. Re-organise your closet by colour, style and occasion (e.g. work, party, weekends) so that you can see what you have, what works together and what's missing. Put down the missing items onto your shopping list. This way you will be more focused on what you NEED and not what you want. Do not be tempted even by those great sale items. If you must, bring along a trusted friend or family member for support!

Knowing what fits your body shape and body proportions is important so that you will select clothes that suit you best, that flatter you and generate compliments. Are you well-endowed or have small hips? Is your body line straight or curvy? Do you have a longer torso or longer legs? All these and more play an important role in determining the best fit, shape and style for your body. A certified image consultant will be able to diagnose your body shape and prescribe the best clothing for you.

http://www.image-harmony.com

Festival of Lights

2009-09-26T09:37:00.000-07:00

Shake your booty time!

As Hindus worldwide are gearing up for this colourful and important festival called Deepavali, our Association of Image Consultants decided to join in the excitement by organising a bollywood theme event named "Jai Ho", which means victory in Hindi. The event was a blast! It was held at an Indian restaurant at Clarke Quay (somehow I have forgotten the name!). The buffet spread was great, the private room had a cosy ambience and the entertainment was fantastic. We had performances by belly dancers and we learnt about Indian dining etiquette and how to wear a sari and not trip in it! Do you know there are several sari styles such as the air hostess style, Gujerati style, ulta palla etc... Most common style is the ulta palla.

When it comes to Indian dining etiquette, it is considered rude to eat with your left hand. You should always use your right hand even if you are left-handed. However, it is perfectly fine if you prefer to eat using a fork and a spoon. It is good etiquette to wash your hands before eating. Use a serving spoon which is provided to transfer food to your plate. Never use your fingers or own spoon to touch the communal dish.

(L-R) Gloria, Melissa and Genny

Sari styles (L-R) Gujerati, Palla & Air Hostess styles

Your Signature Style

2009-09-26T07:15:00.000-07:00

Walk down Orchard Road and you will see lots of black, lots of leggings and lots of gladiator booties! There is fashion on the streets indeed but where is the INDIVIDUAL STYLE? The style which I am referring to is YOU - who you are, your talents, your personality, your aspirations, your mannerism, your hobbies etc... It is important to know your personal style so that you can express yourself through your clothes. Style is about self-expression, not attempting to be stylish and fall into the fashion trap. Your clothes should be a natural extension of you. Hence, there needs to be a harmony between your clothes and the natural line, scale and colour of your body. Line refers to your silhouette and outer line of your outfit. Scale or size should be in proportion with the size of your body to produce visually pleasing effects. As for colour, it should always complement your skin tone, hair and eye colour.

Meredith, my adorable niece has a penchant for hats, as you can see! Hats signify her youth, artistry and to a certain extent a sense of quirkiness. Her choice of hats also relates well to her curved face shape, size and warm skin tone. So discover today what is your signature look, one that you can call your own and is a natural extension of YOU!

Tweed-le dee and Tweed-le dum

2009-09-25T22:13:00.000-07:00

Fall fashion is here and this is the best time for you to invest in a tweed jacket, if you have yet to own a piece. Some may frown upon trends and fads, but I think it is important to keep yourself updated not just in your skills but also your appearance! The key is knowing what suits your body, personality and style and not follow fashion blindly. So I am going to share some style tips on how to make tweed work for your body and ..... our weather! Whilst not many of us can afford the gorgeous Chanel boucle (pronounced "boo-clay) jacket, there are many versions of the iconic jacket at a fraction of the high couture price. Mango, Zara, Warehouse - these are some of the shops where you can get high street fashion at low prices. Vintage shops like Granny's Day-Out and Deja Vu Vintage are also great places to hunt for something classic and 80's and one of a kind piece. So go check them out.

Look for tweed jackets in lightweight wool fabric which will be nice for cooler days and an air-conditioned environment. For those who are petite (1.57m and below), avoid heavy texture style as it will overpower you due to the extreme contrast in size and weight. And for the well-endowed, too much texture will only add more bulk at the wrong places. Fabric texture also relates directly to facial skin texture. For example, the rough-textured tweed will emphasise a rough skin or any imperfections on the face. A better choice will be a smoother texture.

Tweed jackets are classy, simple, elegant and versatile. You don't need a lot of accessories as the jacket itself already has a lot of details like edges trimmed in braid, ribbon, satin or even fur, ornate buttons and pockets. Avoid wearing tweed from top to bottom as you make look matronly or boring. Contrast in textures is more interesting and appealing. For example, pair your tweed jacket (rough/dull) with a silk (smooth/shiny) pleated skirt and classic ballerina flats for that romantic look. When worn with jeans, the look is young and hip. For a quirky image, pair tweed with cargos or tailored shorts and opened-toe booties. To take you from work to play, just throw on a sexy silky camisole underneath the jacket or pair it with velvet pants.

WIth all the tips given above, I hope you will be inspired to get a tweed jacket and experiment with different ways of wearing it.

“A girl should be two things: classy and fabulous.” (Coco Chanel quote)

What's Office-Appropriate?

2009-09-22T08:59:00.000-07:00

It seems that some women can't differentiate their work clothes from their party or weekend clothes. Big dangly earrings, sexy tops, leggings, low-cuts, high slits, over 4 inch stilettos...all these are no-nos for a corporate environment. Unless you are in the entertainment or creative field, it is wiser to be more modern classic in your dressing when it comes to work wear. Invest in smart basic pieces like cotton tees, knitted tops, tailored shirts, well-cut pants and skirts in pin-stripes or solid neutral colours. For a start, build up a business wardrobe consisting 2 well-tailored suits (either skirt or pant suit depending on your preference), 2 pairs of trousers or skirts, 3 to 5 blouses and knitted tops, 1 cardigan or twin-set and 1 or 2 work dresses. You can add on 2 skirts and pants in prints and colours that will work well with your suit jackets. Keep the sexy look for after 6 as you would not want your boss to be impressed by your cleavage rather than your ideas!

Chipped Nails are NOT Cool and Everybody Notices!

2009-09-21T09:13:00.000-07:00

Recently I have been noticing a new pedicure "fad" or should I say major nail faux pas! Women, both young and mature with only one or two toe nails (usually the big toes) still left with the chipped polish. They walk around in their open-toe sandals, heels or flip-flops on busy Orchard Road; nonchalant about their lack of basic grooming. My nail therapist shared that some women would leave their nail polish on for more than 6 months and when the colour chipped, they would just paint a new colour over the old one. Or they would wait till all the colour has chipped before they decide to do something about it! As a result, their underlying nails got damaged. Ladies, your nails are one of the first thing that people will notice! A pair of well manicured hands or pedicured feet will boost your image and make you look polished and attractive. On the contrary, chipped nails project a "I don't care" or "I am just plain lazy" persona. If you really don't have the luxury of time, there are simple quick ways to ensure good looking nails. Keep your nails short and paint them with a clear varnish or light nail colour for longer wear and easy maintenance. Alternatively, you can buy those nail polish which peels off easily without having to use nail remover, thus saving time. And make sure your nails are clean at all times. If you are unsure about how to groom your nails, go to your nearest nail salon and ask if they conduct sessions on nail care or just google!

Dress Code Singapore Style

2009-09-19T20:28:00.002-07:00

Hello! What a lovely Sunday morning until I surfed the news and saw a major fashion crime -pot belly and cellulite all exposed at a Japanese restaurant (ref: SoShiok.Com dated Sat, 19 Sept 09). Diners were irked and losing appetite over the sight of this skimpily dressed woman. Now ladies, whatever fashion dictates, we must know our bodies well enough to know what style will boost and what style will destroy our image. Remember, your clothes speak volumes about you! So what is the message that you want to send out to others?