Shopperholic

Dress: Shein | Shoes: New Look (Similar here) | Ring Jessica Buurman (Similar here)

Once again, a huge thanks to Samson aka @braidstrong (instagram) | braidstrong (website) who takes lovely photos.

Hello!

So I've been trying to save money by avoiding online shopping but it's been pretty disastrous. But I've managed to get some really awesome not too expensive things from Aliexpress which is basically like the version of Taobao that caters to people who can't speak/read Chinese but still want cheap stuff. I love Aliexpress but shopping on the site requires patience because there's a lot to take in and go through. Plus you have to read the reviews and because there are multiple vendors selling the same things, you have to make tough decisions with which vendor to buy from. Overall I've had mostly pleasant experiences, although I've had cheap phone covers not get delivered before. But overall I'd say the percentage for that happening is pretty low. 

Anyhoodle, I just wanted to share some of the cool stuff I've bought recently, bearing in mind though, that it's actually not that recent since it takes bloody forever to ship. But that's just one of the drawbacks if you want cheap stuff. 

So you know how I've really been into these Fitness Blender workouts yeah? So I usually put the video up on my iPad, and for the longest time I'd borrow my mom's tablet stand. Well I decided it was time to be a big girl so I got my own. And I think it's awesome because not only did I buy it for US$2.49 with FREE shipping, I also think it's perfect for travel since it's so compact. I am mighty pleased with myself. 

On top of that, you might have noticed that little white thing in the last picture above, that's an audio amp which is just like a little plastic shell that you can attach to your iPad to amplify the sound. I didn't get this from Aliexpress, but rather, from Amazon. I had originally seen a product like it called Sound Bender that was featured in the TV show Shark Tank and I needed it because my iPad 2 speakers are really bad. I wanted to buy the Sound Bender cos of the cool name and the inventor but I needed it to be shipped pronto so I signed up for the Amazon Prime membership free trial and found that Audio Amp was eligible for the fast shipping, but not the Sound Bender. I had it shipped to my godma in the US who then brought it to Singapore to me as she flew in a few days after the delivery was made. Thanks godma, love you. Thanks Amazon, I love you also. Although you don't really always ship to Singapore (Boo) and your stuff can be pricier (double boo). 

The boo tried using the audio amp on his iPad (which is maybe a 3 or 4) but it's a bit too slender so it slides off. Anyway, his iPad speakers are better than mine so he doesn't really need it. I like it because it's so portable and it really does amplify the sound quite substantially. Don't expect THX movie quality sound obviously but sound that's loud enough to be heard over my panting as I exercise.

Moving on... Because I'm an action packed woman, I decided to be extra action and buy these weighted glove from Aliexpress. I'd been looking through Amazon but couldn't find the right weight (and also the look that I liked) that would ship to Singapore. I managed to find these babies which are awesome because they only cost US$5.30 but I've just realised I paid like $17.54 in shipping but ok it still comes to only $22.84 which is cheaper than the ones sold in stores here so I guess it's still a win. They each weigh about 0.5kg which seems little but I'm pretty sure I'm going to be aching after using them. Get ready to see my big guns BANGBANG!

Lastly, I decided to replace my existing lunch bag (yes, I'm a kid who brings a children's lunch bag to the office) because I wanted a lunch bag that I could sling over my shoulder (I often carry a lot of things to work so I need this extra convenience). My existing one was getting kinda mucky and only has a top strap. I also wanted one with a zip because I felt that the one I had often opened up because the velcro wouldn't hold. I ordered this on Aliexpress and have zero complaints because it's SO CUTE and it's exactly what I wanted - insulation material within, shoulder strap for easy carrying, cute pattern, right size to carry breakfast and my afternoon snack. Anyway, this purchase drove me a bit mental because there were SO many options and I really had so much trouble deciding. Multiple vendors were selling variations of this bag with different patterns and styles and also slightly different prices but I just went with the one that made me go 'aww' the most.

I'm so happy, you guys. But now I'm basically back to being addicted to shopping and as I type this I have Aliexpress open and ready to make another purchase - a makeup brush holder (I NEED THIS OKAY?)

Thanks for reading!

Summer greens

Dress: Diane Von Furstenberg (Similar here) | Shoes: Red Valentino (Similar here) | Bag: Y-3 (Similar here) 

Earrings: Lovisa (Similar here) | Bangle: Kate Spade (Similar here) 

It's summer all year long in Singapore so I guess The Summer Kit from Net-a-Porter is perfect for me! I've just gotten my grubby paws on it but I'm really pleased so far.

Fancy package is fancy

SURPRISES INSIDE!

All the goodies inside smell so good, I am sure I will smell like a mixture of baked chocolate cookies, fields of lilacs and a warm summer breeze.

Good thing there's a manual.

They're all sampler size so I can test out the products and figure out what I want to phase into my daily regular routine.

I want you and you and you and you and you

They are great for bringing on vacation. I know a lot of people take the toiletries from the hotels they visit but since I don't stay at fancypants hotels, I often find the toiletries at my disposal a bit abrasive and not very luxurious. I will totally bring these and go full spa service on myself. If vacation time is not the time to be pampered, then I don't know when is.

Moooooooooooooore!!!

I hope you're having a fantastically pampering summer, thanks for reading!

Skin part 2

Dress: FCUK (Similar here)

Not pregnant. Just a shift dress.

Ring: Vintage (Similar here) | Bag: Prada (Similar here)

Shoes: Koumi Koumi

Sunglasses: Coach (Similar here)

Told you I love snakeskin right?

Seriously, this whole growing old thing sucks butt big time. Another awesome perk of aging has been the fact that my skin is now prone to rashes. Because I'm lame, I break into rashes when it's hot (which is all the fricking time since I live in the tropics) or when I'm stressed (which is almost all the fricking time because I'm easily stressed. My legs are covered in scars because I tend to scratch a lot and not realise until it's too late.

I thought that perhaps I had eczema, so I decided to try using some organic body wash which smelled super nice but was really expensive (and didn't do much to be honest). I'm now back to non-soap body wash like shokubutsu which smells really nice and isn't so expensive, and is really easy to find at most grocery stores and pharmacies.

ohmagerd you smell good

But I try to moisturise at night using Aveeno lotion which is super thick and gloopy (that's how you know it means business)

Eczema therapy because I've self-diagnosed a mild case of eczema

And I'm mad liberal with the H-cort which is basically hydrocortisone cream that you get from the doctor when you have skin inflammations and bites (I'm prone to the worst sandfly bites because my skin is a joke)

You got an itchy you need to scratchy? Use this.

Anyway, this is what I consider the holy grail of care for sensitive rash prone skin. I hope you found this helpful! Thanks for reading!

Fancy pillowcase

Dress: Jil Sander (Similar here) | Belt: GG5 (Similar here)

I have a raging case of resting bitch face

But I'm actually not that horrid, please be my friend.

Clutch: DKNY (Almost same here) | Ring: Gift (It's a 3D printed ring! Get yours here) | Bracelet: Popup Showroom

Shoes: Robinsons (Similar here)

Earrings: Diva (Similar-ish here)

Today was one of those days where I just wanted to curl up into a ball, lie in bed and hide under the sheets. Between the rain and the incidence of frustrating circumstances, I had to gather all my strength not to go into fetal position. Thankfully, I was basically wearing a fancy pillowcase so I kind of had that comforting bed vibe going for me.

I dressed up the pillow case with a belt and high heels ok? Can't say I've totally given up because if I had, I would literally be in my PJs. Oh wait... Dammit. I am officially a slob.

Thanks for reading, zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz.

On a totally unrelated non-fashion note, my dog got attacked by another dog and I was so traumatised I cried. I just wanted to show you my soft side in case you thought my resting bitch face was actually real bitch face. 

Of Cos

Dress: Cos (Similar here)

Shoes: BCBGeneration (Similar here)

Clutch: Warehouse and a gift from Wens (Similar here) | Ring: Gift from Cyn (Similar here)

Earrings: Diva (Similar here) | Necklace: Twentyeight Lane

COS is a label that has unfortunately not come to Singapore yet but I suppose its appeal lies in its stark and edgy cool clothes. I suppose if everyone on this sunny island was wearing it, it might be less edgy cool? I don't know. Anyway, I love the designs and this particular dress is perfect for work because even with the long sleeves, it's very thin so quite cooling. Functional and fashionable. The dream exists!

Short post because I have to stop my dog from attacking his own paw now.

Thanks for reading, I hope your dog/lover/friend isn't attacking his or her own hand. Le sigh.

* Edit: My friend Tiff has just told me that COS is actually in Singapore and has an outlet in Ion. OMG. Guess where I'll be this weekend???

Slouchy

Dress: Commuun | Shoes: Charles & Keith

Bag: Y-3

Necklace: Far East Plaza | Bracelets: Got these over 10 years ago and my memory has failed me so let's pretend I made them

Looking at the shoes again because I love them but don't expect an up-close shot, my feet are nasty, so it's for your benefit.

NooooooooooooOOOOOOOOOOOoooooooooooooo!!!! It can't be Monday again can it?!?! I wasn't ready for anything stiff and constrictive since the weekend debauchery included nuggets and french fries (mmm) so today's look is what I think my sister would call 'lesbian art gallery owner'. If I had to use one word to explain that, it would be 'slouchy; but I assure you it is a good thing. Because I'm really good at disturbing people while they work, I decided to poll some of my friends' on some descriptions of their looks:w

1. L said 'casual made-for-cafe' - Some people clearly don't need to work. 
2. N said 'depressed chic drug addict - Flashdance meets Trainspotting I think.
3. S said 'Batman when he's not fighting crime' - So, Bruce Wayne...? Trying to say he's a baller. 
4. D said 'wage slave' - Probably works much harder than L
5. N said 'Casual urban tropical' - Hawaiian print shirt and pants maybe?
6. A said 'nudist' - this is why we are friends *perv time!*

That's about all the friends I have so that's where the poll ended.

Thanks for reading! How would you describe your look?

A shifty girl

Dress: ASOS

Bag: Gracious Aires

Necklace: Twentyeight Lane

Watch: Swatch | Ring: Gift from Cyn

Shoes: Charles & Keith

Aren't shift dresses just the best? I mean, I like the cinched waist look too but not so much after lunch because OMNOMNOMIEATEVERYTHING = I can't breathe, guys. My food baby is a food toddler. Some people might suggest a babydoll dress since it has the cinched bit while also allowing its wearer to breathe regularly and not sit ramrod straight but I avoid those because it's too confusing for people - pregnant or just chubby?? You're welcome, strangers. 

Of course sometimes shift dresses can look like you're wearing a sack, especially if you're short like me so I dress it up with bling bling accessories with gold accents so at least I look like a shiny fancy sack.

Thanks for reading, I'm not pregnant by the way.