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As Valentine’s Day looms around the corner, it’s the perfect time to dress up and look pretty. Blair Waldorf made it cool to wear fascinators (Yes, those things are called fascinators. How fascinating right?), and since I’ve been dying to get one of my own, I decided that this was the best time to make one! A DIY gift for myself! Haha. This is also a great Valentine gift idea if you’re thinking of making something for your loved one.

Things you need
1. Feathers (any colour you like)
2. Small piece of cardboard
3. Red cloth approximately 4.5″ x 19.5″ or 12cm x 50cm
4. Red thread
5. Red hairband
6. Scissors
7. Needles

First, we will make the rose. Turn the cloth over and fold the width into half, making it about 2.5″ wide. This is the side that wont be exposed. Sew the edges down with small stitches. You dont have to be neat as we will be hiding this on the inside. Once you are done, turn the cloth inside out. The side that you want to show as the rose petals should be on the outside now.

Now we have to make the rose. You start by rolling the first edge of the cloth in for about an inch or so before folding the cloth outwards to make the “petals”.

Fold the long end of the cloth outwards to form a triangle. The triangle should be nearest to where the new “petal” will be (see visual). Wrap it around the rest of the “petals” you’ve made and hold securely at the base with the other hand.

Fold. Roll. Hold. Repeat.

When you’ve reached the end, sew the loose ends securely at the base/stalk of the rose with the needle and thread and admire your beautiful work. It might be a good idea to sew across the petals too. This helps to keep the shape of the rose. Make sure the sewing’s tight because we dont want the rose to come undone!

Now comes the easy part.

Glue stick the rose and feathers to the hairband at desired position with a glue stick.

To provide extra support for the rose on the hairband, we’ll use cardboard. Cut a circle from cardboard big enough to cover the base of the rose, but small enough to be hidden.

Cover it with the same red cloth you use for your rose so it camouflages.

Finally, attach the cardboard underneath the flower and feathers for stability.

VIOLA! Your new Valentine’s Day fascinator.

In case, you’re too lazy to try it out yourself, here’s a GIVEAWAY!

I honestly wasnt sure if I should give out this DIY item I personally made. I mean, I wanted to, but I really dont think it’s good enough. It’s definitely not store material of course. There’s a reason they call it DIY.

But since it’s Valentine’s Day and I’m in the spirit of giving (isnt that Christmas though?), leave your name and working email address in the comments section if you dont mind my brilliant (HAHA!) handiwork. One LUCKY commenter will receive this DIY fascinator in your mailbox!

Draw ends 11th of February 2010, 1200hr! So start commenting now.

All comments will be screened. Applicable to Singapore addresses only.

I love my blazers and jackets. In fact, I love layering. It adds instant pizazz and smartens any outfit in an instant! Of course not to mention it helps keeps us warm during these cold times. It’s never really been so cold here in Singapore. But who cares! Now that temperatures seem to have dipped, it’s a great excuse to put on that extra layer. In normal circumstances, you’d have to deal with the layer of perspiration that would form under all that layering. Heh.

Because I got all dressed up and had no where to go after Nuffnang’s exclusive screening of Couples Retreat on Friday, I decided to make good use of my outfit and post it up here. Haha.

I’m so loving this new pair of shoes that I got from Manila.

Outfit breakdown
Blazer: Hula&Co
Green tank top: Old Navy
High-waisted shorts: Cutesy Girl
Shoes: So Fab!
Accessories: Taiwan Shilin Night Market

Fun in the sun on Saturday with the babes at Sentosa Beach Resort early in the morning! We were due at 8.30 in the morning for a video shoot at Siloso Beach Resort. I was there super early cause Dad drove me to the Resort but the unfriendly car park attendant said that we were not allowed to park at the hotel since they were not informed of any Miss Earth event. Not a good start to the Saturday morning. Grrrr…..

After much haggling, checking and double-checking, we decided to concede defeat. We were about to walk out and head for Siloso beach itself when Cheryl herself drove up and confirmed that we did in fact have a function room reserved for us. HOOOORAHHH!

BUT! Even after that, he still REFUSED to let us park our cars there. Not even Cheryl’s! But thank goodness the guy who liaised with Cheryl got there after many calls, so we eventually got to leave the just TWO cars there.

Before we started with the shoot, we got complimentary breakfast at the….. cafe? I dont really know what it’s called because it isnt exactly a restaurant. We sat al fresco but keep in mind that because we’re at Sentosa, the cafe was just next to the road where the beach tram trawls. So whoever’s on the tram can see you being unglam stuffing food into your gaping wide mouth.

We didnt eat much but still the food helped wake us up and give us energy for the rest of the day.

Going for the shoot after getting a fat bloated tummy! Girls crammed in a lift in their bikinis.

We headed for the pool on the 5th floor and it LOOKS LIKE NIRVANA! Awesome waterfall in the background and the green grass/beach chair combination makes it look like you arent in Singapore anymore.

Time to strip change! Dont forget your sunblock girls.

Stella. Mira. Cindy.

We only had 9 present that day out of the usual 13 (or was it 12?). So here’s the unofficial line up for the day.

Because it was the day we had to do our video shoot cum “mini interviews”, we were broken up into groups of 4 and 5 for the interviews. I was grouped with Stella, Cindy and Michie.

Group photo: Stella, Cindy, myself and Michie.

The other group.

Mira, Ashley, Xuanhua, Suet and Deborah lounging on the beach chairs.

Horsing around with mah group. Lol.

Michie and I taking a break from our individual self introductions on camera to goof around.

Seriously when a camera is pointed at you, things like what your name is or how old you are slip through the cracks in your brain that you never thought were there. It was difficult because they only allowed each person 2 takes. Wtf. Extra pressure. And here you thought talking in front of a camera was easy.

Once we got that out of the way, we finally get into the pool!

But not quite. We had to sit at the edge of the pool and wave for like, what, 5 minutes?

THEN we finally get to splish splashing!

Im sure this is the part you’ve been waiting for.

We moved to the beautiful waterfall and posed with it for your customary photos.

Dont you agree that the waterfall makes an awesome backdrop to photograph at?!

It really looks like we’re somewhere else instead of home. Maybe this place should be labeled as one of the kept secrets in Singapore.

When that was over and done with, we FINALLY mucked around and GOT WET!

There was a slide at the pool area and we got to go down it despite it being reserved usually for kids. Haha.

Getting ready to go down the slide!

But that was not the end. The video shoot took longer than expected because we proceeded to the roof top to video each girl’s catwalk. Intimidating much?

Deb and Mich workin it!

That however didnt stop us from having fun because the view from there was spectacular! You look over Siloso Beach and had a clear view of the sea from there.

With such a picturesque scene, it’s not hard to want to take pictures in front of it.

That place looks over the pool too. Check out Mich dancing. Must be dancing with joy. Hahaha.

The shoot was over at about 12noon. We had lunch on site, catered specially by the resort. It was scheduled just before the redesigning workshop and we again ate el fresco – yummy kebab in pita bread. Slurp!

Deb and Ashley having lunch. Can you see the beach tram stop in the background?

The workshop was held in one of the many function rooms. They set up tables and chairs nicely for us and it was a cozy setting mimicking a group of friends getting together to trade old clothes.

Michie and I cam-whoring whilst discussing ideas about how best to redesign an outfit that we ACTUALLY have to wear on Coronation Night.

We have to make two outfits: one casual and one formal. So here’s half my casual outfit (the shorts) in the making.

Before AND after. Hurhur.

I got an old pair of denim 3/4 pants and decided to cut them. I used to wear them when I was in this whole baggy pants phase (partly due to me dancing so much also), but just decided one day they were TOO baggy for me. I think they’re actually men’s pants. So to jazz them up, I cut them short and made them hot!

The almost finished product. I’m still going to add some finishing touches to em.

And with the excess cloth from cutting the pants (shorts now?) I made this for a top that I hardly wear anymore. Most likely gonna match the top with the shorts.

Awesome much?

Now to crack my head over what to make for the formal outfit.

Yes!!!

is probably the easiest and most convenient answer to give. No, might stump you in your search for reasons later, while saying I don’t know is mainly reserved for the apathetic or those who can’t be bothered.

This question posed by Nuffnang certainly is a hard question to answer (Nuffnang why you give so hard one the question!) and it’s easy to pass quick judgement and crticise. But I will not put down people for crimes i have sometimes been guilty of.

It’s easy to walk about in flip flops; they’re so comfortable and convenient to put on!

But unfortunately or maybe fortunately, they don’t look good with everything.

So here are some simple tips to protect yourself against fashion crimes.

Tip #1 Slippers should be reserved for the beach or going to the market. If walking about in heels the whole day isn’t your cup of tea, choose sneakers or pretty pumps for your casual daily wear.

You never see high fashion models wear slippers in their editorial shoots right?

Another charge I have against fashion crimes is how unadventurous majority of the population is with colour. Colours have a psychological effect on your mood and can thus do some good to enhance your well-being.

Tip #2 Black may be THE colour but it’s summer! Since we live in Singapore where it’s summer perpetually, why not try experimenting with some colour?

Singapore’s no fashion capital but still I do however have to lament on the lack of thought put into dressing. Sad to say, a quick glance around reveals the mindset Singaporeans have towards dressing: they dress for the sake of getting dressed; not because they want to look fashionable or stylish.

I’ll hazard a guess and say that we dress with convenience in mind. As long as a top is covering our body and we have a bottom on, who cares whether they match or not.

Okay okay. I’ve done that myself too, especially on lazy days. Regardless I still make it a point to look somewhat presentable and polished. Here’s how you can do it too.

Tip #3 Playing with layers doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll get heatstroke or have to buy two wardrobes. Layering with accessories, such as necklaces, works too!

Vests are my newest obsession.

The hugest crime one can commit in the name of fashion is to step out in your pajamas.

Regardless of how pretty your PJs are, the sexy little things for the bedroom strictly be kept behind closed doors, if you get what I mean. *winks*

However, I sleep mainly in baggy pants and a comfy tee shirt as most of you would.

But if you REALLY wanna step out in your PJs, here’s how you should do it.

Get a big BLING and a trucker cap, and you’re ready to go! Hahahaha!

The one thing that is never missing from the Chinese New Year festivities is the wonderful splash of colours. During the New Year, red is considered one of the luckiest colours to don during the 15 days of visiting. But as much as people try as best to wear red clothes, I dont think they really want too much red on their faces, save for the classic red lips of course.

For the first two days of visiting I played with different colours according to my outfits. Though not red, they were still bright, gorgeous and lucky! Haha.

Day 1 colours was more attuned to the browns and golds. I bought me a new Paint Pot recently from M.A.C and Day 1 of the CNY was the best time to break it out.

Base colour: M.A.C Paint Pot in Rubenesque
Inner and Outer colour: Colour palette from Beauty Buffet
Gel Eyeliner by Kate in Black
Too Faced Lash Injection Mascara

The full look – a very subtle, fresh faced look.

Day 2’s outfit had a little more funky colours – fuchsia pink and teal green. Pssst! Isnt my maxi dress awesome! I got it at a steal for just 25 dollars!

But since we were kinda busy being super spies and in a rush to our next secret mission location, I didnt have time to go wild with my eye colours. I did, however, manage to find the seeeekrit formula for perfectly splayed out lashes.

Magnificent curl, beautifully separated and awesomely long lashes, owing to the combined power of Too Face Lash Injection Mascara and Blinc Kiss-me Mascara with its special tubing formula. I love how the Blinc Mascara really enhances your lash length! It also separates your lashes when it dries eventually. I love it! Plus, on top of it all, it’s so fun when you can just “pluck” the mascara tubes off at the end of the day with just a little soap and water. Their tag line is, “Stop painting your lashes. Tube them!” How cute. Bottom lashes are coated with Maybelline XXL volume+length microfibre mascara.

I realise I dont have that many groovy colours in my eyeshadow stash. I stick with the basics of golds, browns, pinks, greens and blues. But there is one NEW collection coming out this March that I would like to get my hands on. Check out the eyeshadow palette with the colours that match exactly to my dress! Wheeee!

Too Dolly Eyeshadows by M.A.C:
TOO DOLLY Frosty Midtone Mint
STATELY BLACK Rich Blue with Silver Sparkle
YOGURT Soft Pale Pink
ROMPING Rich Magenta with Pink Pearl

The pigments on the right look faaaab too! I’ve been meaning to get some because they are just the best things ever and now they’ve got these great colours. I want MILK (a frosty pale silvery pink) and DEEP BLUE GREEN (a rich, deep bluish green). Greens just go so well with Asian skin. So purty!

And if that’s not enough, they even have glitter eyeliners! *swoon*

HER GLITZ (blackened gold with multi-dimensional glitter) and GIRL GROOVE (clear/white teal reflects and multi-dimensional glitter) sound yummylicious!

Wondering what’s the deal with the Hello Kitty designs on the cases? That’s because it’s a collaboration between our favourite M.A.C and Hello Kitty! Wo0o0ot! And here I thought the colours would be too sweet and cutesy for my liking. Instead, it’s turning out rather funky, edgy and girly all at the same time. I cant wait to see the awesome stuff!

These are so simple to make!

Things you need:
- leather straps (at least 3)
- your fingers

How to:
1) Get 3 straps and tie them together at the top.
2) Braid them till the very end.
3) Tie a knot to seal the deal!

If you make them long, these are multi-purposed. You can use them as a hippie head band, a choker or wrap them around your wrist as multi-layered wrist band!

Feel like this most of the time? You have a whole load of clothes but NEVER know what to wear? As far as I know, and have checked the gazillion times whenever I look in the mirror, I am still very much female.

Females – a species very much obsessed interested with bags, shoes, makeup and of course, CLOTHES.

As a female, I can never get enough of clothes. I’m constantly on the look out for new items! But dont know where to find good bargains? I now have the answer to your worrisome clothe woes!

Introducing TheBlackSequin!

For reasonable prices, you get a good mix of girly dresses or casual tops; everything that should have a place in your wardrobe.

Something pretty, something sweet or something chic, you can be sure you’ll get it at TheBlackSequin. Oh wait, see something awesome you like but was in past collectives? Well, then get it through backordering for the more popular items! Hardly do you get offered a backordering service on other blogshops but TheBlackSequin has it! No fear about not getting that gorgeous dress you have your eye on!

So for that extra glint in your eye, get shining with TheBlackSequin! Check out the newest collection out already!!

Putting random bits and pieces of jewelry parts together on a Saturday afternoon.

Photographer: me

It’s really hard to resist the luxurious. I mean seriously! The thick and the chunky is more than just big, bold and beautiful. It practically screams attention and GLAMOROUS.

Unfortunately, I do not have a pay packet that warrants the possession of the REAL thing. I thus, went ahead and hand-made some inspired pieces I can be quite proud of.

I am a DIY girl.

I love online shopping. Honestly, what’s there not to like about it!

You just sit in your favourite comfy chair, surf around and then click a couple of buttons and viola! You have a whole new wardrobe delivered straight to your house! Absolutely convenient! I dont have to set a single foot out of my house or even out of my room! Haha! Great for people who have jam-packed schedules like me. But blog shops are a dime a dozen these days and you can get almost anything online, but how do you know when a blog shop is reliable? It’s so hard to choose!

Tracyeinny is one that I completely trust and absolutely love! Even when Im not buying, I like to browse their website and click to see the various collection of clothings. EVERYTHING IS SO PRETTY! I remember it was back in school, during lecture *cough* when my friend and I were surfing their website. HAHAHA. I love their clothes because they have a wide range of everything! From casual tops, work tops, to maxi dresses, to bracelets, and sandals, every type of clothing a girl could need is there! Florals, lace, funky and even vintaged typed clothing is available in their range. I can get anything that I fancy!

But really, you need to take a look at their pictures to see for yourself.
Click to enlarge.

And you know what? You know the clothes are REALLY great when THEY ARE SNAPPED UP SO QUICKLY! PLUS! They have snappy and frequent uploads! YAYYY!

I like so many of their pieces! But they gave me 2 complimentary pieces! YAY! I love those girls. It was so hard to decide cause I WANTED EVERYTHING! But they were so patient with me. Eventually, I decided on something functional for work.

Blue top by Tracyeinny. Isnt the lace so pretty!
And I look like a mannequin. HAHAHA!

And the other piece I picked was this! A grey knitted kinda vest!

I absolutely adore it cause I’ve been looking for something like that for yonks! And I can practically wear it ANYWHERE with ANY style. Wo0o0ot! I’ve worn it to work so many times already cause I LOVE IT!

YAY for Tracyeinny!