Leanne Marshall for Simplicity

Leanne Marshall is the winner of Project Runway season 5, I was such a fan of her confection like designs that looked soo soft yet so complex to construct. Most of her clothes are bridal, if you are looking for something more everyday like I am, she has a series of paper patterns for Simplicity.

For Dress A, I decided on black as I have black georgette on hand. I managed to get delustered black satin that is thicker than ordinary satin and has that matte finish you don't often find in stores.

For Dress B, I finally get to use this sweet quilted print cotton. The white collar is made from Emily Matelasse white cotton.

Emmanuel Ungaro A/W 2015/16

Emmanuel Ungaro worked at Balenciaga and Courrèges before setting up his own label. So we can expect a certain aesthetic in his clothing.

This Autumn/Winter the style is more refined and masculine in classic black & white.

Alpen Promotion

3 month Fitness First Platinum Gym membership comes courtesy of Alpen Muesli Bars. I do love my energy bars and always keep a ready stock on hand. I've been a Fitness First member for many years and found it incredibly convenient (near work) and fun (classes, pools, outdoor workout areas). You can even spend the whole day here @ the lounge area. There are beverage stations, magazines, free wifi and couches. There used to be free DVD rental but not anymore.

Yankee Candle Holiday Scents

Instead of receiving sampler packs, members got to vote for their favorite holiday scent and a chance to win it. Early comers get to take home a votive candle "Winter Garden" that's really christmas-sy, smells like snow and winter berries. 

HockHua Tonic - Cooling Teas

Chinese herbal cooling teas are traditional medicine for heatiness fever, a common ailment in this part of the world. It's like drinking air-conditioning for your body even though it tastes horrible. 

Last time you have to brew the herbs yourself. Nowadays, HockHua Tonic and a few other TCM halls have started pre-packing these drinks for our convenience, prices range from $1.20 to $5. 

So if you are supposed to drink 1 bottle every 4 hours over the next 2 or 3 days, that's a $100 prescription right there. Nobody does that of course, people just buy 1 or 2 bottles and pop antibiotics.

2 Tunic Dresses

2 dresses of similar styles with differences in the middle part of the dress. The first tunic dress has an applique waistband and the other tunic dress has a sash made from the same fabric.

I sewed the first dress in light purple seersucker, using patches of other fabric with purple in it for applique.

First time sewing a partial side zip, its to open up the waist when dressing.

I sewed the second dress using butterfly velvet as the design is simpler so the fabric has to carry the dress. I am addicted to this butterfly velvet as it's soo amazing and not fussy like traditional velvet.

I intended for the lining to be made from the same velvet, but, that made the dress really warm to wear. So I sewed on a cotton lining instead, making 2 dresses instead of 1.

I usually sew the little bit on top together, but this time I made a hook & eye clasp. So the dress can be opened up for easy dressing or for nursing mothers (when worn backwards). I was thinking about everyday home clothes when I made these.

The 2 dresses when completed! Both have matching sashes. I dressed one with a sash and the other without so you can see how its worn both ways.

Alberta Ferretti A/W 2015/16

Alberta Ferretti is known for her sexy cocktail dresses.

This season she sets aside her usual lace and translucent fabrics.

To bring us medieval 2.0 clothes.

Ombre embroidery...*love*

She also designs Philosophy di Alberta Ferretti for younger women.

Philosophy this season is relatively more modern, early American period.

McDonald's Surprise Alarm

Downloaded this app on my phone and I can actually set the alarm clock to wake me up in the morning. 

Mon to Fri, the alarm will ring each morning with different music to set the tone for the day. This daily wakeup call also comes with offers, freebies or just words of encouragement.

Decleor Institut

I am always wary of spas and their free treatments as they pester you to buy more stuff once you are there. However, this time around my free facial @ Decleor Institut came with chinese herbal tea and 50% discounts on all products. 

Check out that drawer full of products. The therapists expertly apply products on your face and wipe it off. Like all other spa facials, there is a mud/latex mask infused with good stuff.

Being a member, I actually get invited to their events and obtain more freebies.

The most recent being the launch of Aurabsolu. There was a really yummy buffet, free manicure by OPI, free samples, contests and more discounts.

The OPI colours are from their Venice F/W 2015 collection. I chose Worth a Pretty Penne a shimmery rose gold for my nails and also bought a whole bottle @ discounted price $6 (ordinarily $16).

I wanted to get some epil cream but got stalled by the retail staff, busy day.

The freebies are free facial voucher, mandarin soothing oil serum, Aroma Confort body lotion, Aromessence Iris face serum, Aroma Lisse eye cream.

Mr Bean

Mr Bean used to sell soya beancurd (tau huay), soya bean milk, Japanese style pancakes and ice-cream. The new expanded menu now has iced beancurd desserts, savoury beancurd side dishes and even nasi lemak/porridge/fried beehoon.

Ramen Burgers, a result of ongoing fusion food craze.

Tried several of the items and the tofu is really soft and fresh. $3.50 a bowl of hot&spicy tofu.

3 Drop Waist Dresses

For a different look, I took some time to find a pattern for hip-base or low-waisted dresses.

Dress A using remaining pink ombre cotton. The fabric is soo delicate, I ripped a hole while sewing the seams.

Final dress! I omitted the zip so its slip-on ready.

Dress back view. I used pink cotton lining inside as this material is quite thin. The thinness actually lets it drape so well I think.

Dress B in black sequins & black Georgette. Black sequins always cost that much more than other colours and designs. It was also quite difficult to find, I searched a few places before getting this. Georgette on the other hand is easy to find but difficult to sew! I bought lots of extra material in case it ripped and used up lots of it. The seams are not perfect but are the best I can do for now.

Check out that glitter effect, I am a new convert to sequins.

Dress C in plain classic black cotton and georgette.

 The skirt looked a bit plain so I made a skirt overlay with leftover georgette and sewed a bubble hem. I have to say the look is modern, definitely not classic.