I can't resist walking by a Famous Amos outlet without purchasing some of those yummy cookies. The only reason I don't is because I already have a packet at home. Freshly baked and oh soo crumbly, my favourites are chocolate chip and oatmeal & raisins.
The grand daddy-O of fine jewellery, is what breathtaking high-end jewellery is all about. Legendary craftsmenship coupled with innovative design. The rich and famous regularly place orders for masterpieces from its workshops, so you'll be surprised at how many items are actually attainable to the rest of us.
* Foret ring
Van Cleef & Arpels' special mystery setting, a technique kept secret and only a master jeweller can create. It is a smooth surface of pave set gems, even on a curved brace. Recognized as a VC&A piece immediately.
*pivoine ring
But, my absolute favourites are these in-between fingers and open design rings, absolutely lovely and also signature designs.
*socrate ring and earrings
The most popular and affordable range is perhaps the classic vintage Alhambra that has been expanded to Magic Alhambra and Sweet Alhambra. Probably for younger girls who want the same thing as their mom and grandmas, with a twist.
*alhambra bracelet
Jewellers behind THE statement Zip bracelet that unfurls into a necklace. A hallmark creation that was originally created with just diamonds has now been expanded to cover almost every gemstone available.
Of course, this jewellery house also makes watches. More often than not with fantastical dials from precious materials.
If you want to get something VC&A but cannot afford these magical pieces introduced so far, there is a beautiful Feerie perfume more popularly known for its bottle than the candy sweet scents inside. Inspired by the Midsummer's Night collection.
I can't wrap up this post without mentioning that VC&A own the word "minaudiere" having made the fancy minaudieres that all society women carried in early 20th century. How about that.
I buy designer makeup palettes not only for the true colours that do not oxidise or melt during the day and require less touch-ups. I justify the expense with the fact that it lasts a really long time, especially eyeshadow palettes. If you are a heavy eyeshadow user, a palette will last you 2 years at least. Light users like me still have eyeshadow palettes from 5 years ago (see below). So sure am I of this that I challenge you to use up your eyeshadows before the 2 years are up.
As essential to us as a Bic pen back in school. Nothing brings happiness into your everyday life like a beautiful compact, especially when it is held in a sleek and glossy case. Back in the 30s, women had custom made powder and lipstick cases resembling jewellery. A pretty compact is the same for the women of today. Only we throw out the case once finished and get something new every few years. I believe every girl needs to carry something pretty in her purse for that afternoon touch-up, to see those lovely colours and light scents of perfume to really set our day right.
One of my favourite gifts for my female friends and family are beautiful designer compacts likes these YSL ones. Beautilicious.
I used to pack a bottle of mineral water into my school bag everyday. That way, I can ensure my body gets its minimum requirement of H2O. My favorite brand back then was Ice Mountain, Singapore's leading brand. $0.80 per 500ml bottle or $0.30 if you order by the carton.
As I got older and started working in enclosed areas, I find myself popping vitamin C tablets into my water bottle to keep healthy and bug-free. So I almost couldn't believe it when 50 cent the rapper announced his line of Vitamin Water - vitamin enriched fruit flavored water. In my opinion, all office workers need to order cases of this and stock up so they can have at least 1 bottle a day. Slightly more expensive at $1.70 a bottle, almost the same price as Evian. Shopping around the internet, I got my case of Ignite for $1.20 a bottle and the guarana extract keeps me cool during these hot summer days.
* prices from NTUC Fair Price, my carton of vitaminwater came from Qoo10.
The GSS sale brought me back to the site so soon after my first purchase. This time around delivery was made the very next day, the site does promise delivery within 48 hours on certain items.
I got a pair of gold & pearl slippers for $9.90. Perfect fit *whew* no need to exchange it.
Nail Rock packs, $13.60 after discount. Same price as sold at Selfridges in London. There are also Eye Rock and Lip Rock that are pretty out there so I didn't get those.
More breezy tops under $50, I needed new clothes for summer. Expecting 1 more package next week.
Priced at $15 a month or $165 a year (*1 month free), a box filled with at least 5 different items from mid to high-end beauty brands get sent to your home. The items may be full or sample sized. For example, February box offered a 50ml bottle of Oscar de la Renta parfum.
The perfect present for yourself or other females. Sorry, no guy box yet. I got myself a subscription because I adore trying out new things and this gets me happy small sized versions of different products to try. The randomness is good for any starter female just getting out into the world, any young woman can build her collection from here.
There are 2 other similar sites that ship to Singapore if you are interested. Glamabox subscriptions are $18 per month and emphasize HongKong based brands. Vanity Trove subscriptions are $25 per month and provide high-end brands like Lancome and SKII deluxe size samples. If you are buying for a friend overseas, check out these global sites Birchbox, Glossybox.
Crabtree & Evelyn are known for their toiletries that make frequent appearances during birthdays and christmas. But, did you know this English brand also carries all the ingredients required for a proper English tea; tea leaves, jam, biscuits. I always get a tube of their cookies $15, for the office gift exchange. The discreet cookies that look so plain on the outside is filled with incredible flavour, and you will know this when you open the tube and get a whiff of that summertime scent. Winning itself new found fans of the brand.
Rolex is synonymous with luxury; flawless design, excellent craftsmanship, recognizable branding. If you want to get a dress watch it has to be a Rolex, if you have a watch collection there will most certainly be a Rolex in it. Pretentious people shun it for its Big Boss associations but you know someone has given them a Rolex before in their life. My only Rolex is from my dad, a ladies Datejust with diamonds.
The great thing about this established brand is the variety of designs available. There are straps, dials, numbering, diamond settings and models to choose from and each combination made in limited quantities so everyone can have their own signature style. The latest introduction to the mix is Everose Gold or everlasting pink tone gold.
Their newest horology model is the Sky-Dweller for the frequent traveler. Featuring 2 time zones, annual calendar and easy adjusting to reset time & date.
New gem-set dial in the ladies New Datejust, zebra print. I think I saw a leopard print dial in matte & shiny yellow gold at their boutique before.
And colour! Not often that watch-makers introduce rainbow colours into 1 watch, the new Rolex Cosmograph Daytona with sapphires the colour of the rainbow.
I got these Dior pony hair eyelashes from the airport. It's a limited edition kit with a pair of lashes, mascara and eyeliner that I have used up already. Not many occasions to wear falsies so this one stayed in the box til now. A freshly opened pair is usually sticky enough to last one outing without glue. But, if you want it to be fixed securely to your eyelids, that additional layer of glue is advised. Each pair of falsies can be reused 2 or 3 times, which would explain why regular users stock up jumbo boxes of them.
I always felt crystal minaudieres were for older ladies, the matching price tags said so too. Until I saw this one in a shop window. About $1,000 from Princesa @ Far East Plaza. Or if you can afford it, the real thing from Judith Leiber, sold at The Link Bag Bar.
If you are looking for a cheap crystal purse in a plain colour or generic design, try Crystal Purse Shop for items priced between USD $150 to $300, add USD $10 for shipping to Singapore. Currently, there is a $20 discount offer at the website.
Sally Hansen has a range of nail stickers called Salon Effects. The design I used is <laced up> that is sort of beige and black that goes with my outfit for the church wedding. Almost half a week now and it is still on my nails. $16.90 or $17.90 a box. Unlike other brands, the extra nail polish strips dry out once exposed to air, and can not be used to "mend" the manicure.
New online fashion shopping site that is local and ships free locally! It's a mix of international brands (Sass & Bide, MOR, Havianas) and a couple of newer, I presume house affiliated brands. Prices of items sold here range from $20 to $300, targeted at the mid-market. I usually like to buy clothes from stores so I can try it on first, but, this site offers a 30 day fuss-free returns policy that works just as well.
There is even a plus size section for bigger girls and since UOB cards had a $20 discount for me, I bought this classic black top for work *soo boring*.
The next discount I get, I will be buying that Nail Rock Box, a starter kit with 3 designs.
Weddings last the entire day in Singapore. I hear in some cultures the celebrations continue on for days. I got up early for the church ceremony and solemnization. Followed by the tea ceremony, photography session and food.
Dinner at the same place as his sis, Four Seasons Hotel, the banquet rooms have a cosy setup.
Peking duck for h'orderves. No complaints from everyone when the dinner started late *as usual*.
There were 5 different films and montages to keep guests entertained the entire night. That and the roving photographer taking our pictures for free.
Bride wore some really lovely tulle wedding gowns, she changed into a short red tulle dress later in the evening.
A nice romantic dinner for the whole family by candlelight and roses. I always like the red rose theme for weddings. My sis had it for hers too.
Everything sold at Old Chang Kee is delicious. What started as a snack stall selling curry puffs has expanded it's menu to include whole meals, snacks and desserts.
My favourites are the extra crispy chicken wings, fried sotong balls and sardine puffs that knock out the competition. If you have time for takeaway, must try the bread bowl curry. For dessert, get the pineapple pie, similar to MacDonald's apple pie.
I only use intense, rich & heavy facial moisturizers when overseas during winter months. It's not compatible to my combination skin in this tropical weather, that in a way is good for my budget as light moisturizers are also cheaper.
So when I only have these stronger moisturizers left, I usually get the cheapest facial wash that would also be the harshest, stripping away dirt and natural oils from the skin leaving it extra dry so the intense moisturizer balances its effects. What I love about this beauty regime is that your skin usually glows afterwards as your pores are totally clear to absorb the wholesome effects of these pricier moisturizers. When using this particular brand <mandom> that costs $2 to $3, I don't even need to use a makeup cleanser, my makeup just washes off, quick and simple.
*updated on 16 Mar 2003: Only thing is it stings the eyes so not recommended for babies.
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