GO WITH THE TEE

So that T-shirt has been in your closet ever since you were in secondary school and you only wear it out for supper with friends (pairing it with high-cut FBTs) or a quick food run at a nearby coffee shop. There's actually more wearing life to your tee than that! I'm not talking about using them as rags to clean your windows but wearing them out for a lunch date, dinner with friends and even to work (on casual Fridays that is).

With a little love from our very own quirky homegrown T-shirt line, Roof Industries, let me show you how.

Anything high waisted is great to match with your T-shirts. Here, I paired it with a denim skirt my sister DIY-ed, chopping off the bottom to create a flattering shape to show off your legs - another great idea to breathe life into your unwanted denim skirts. If the denim jacket is a bit too hot (even if you have them hanging on your shoulders), opt to drop the jacket and roll up your sleeves instead (just like what you did to your PE shirts back in school. You have to agree with me, it used to be a hot hot trend and can still be hot now). Add a statement necklace to top it off. Feelin' inspired?

Here's the rundown: T-shirt (S size), Roof Industries; Denim Jacket, Et Boite from Rock & Blues; Denim Skirt, X-TM; Bracelets, first two (from right) from Cambodia and the other, Cruciani; Ring, Flea Market in London; Mary Janes, Miu Miu. 

Here comes your favourite part. Three T-shirts from Roof Industries are up for grabs! If you like my 'I <3 Singapore' tee (they are unisex too), you'll definitely love the other designs - all with a unique Singaporean touch. Check them out here.

Three steps to win a T-shirt of your choice:

1) Like Roof Industries' Facebook page here (You know the drill. Like my blog's page and of course, this post.)

2) Email me (at vw.vionawang@gmail.com) your favourite T-shirt design and why you love it so much

3) Pray hard I announce your name on my page or Twitter

Contest ends on 31st January 2359 for Singapore residents only, and winners will be revealed the next day. Just in time for CNY!

I'm gonna take on a red T-shirt next week. So stay tuned!

Nifty Picks, Wrist Takers & More.

Lugging a DSLR on my shoulder, which weighs roughly about 500g and walking for at least 30 mins is a workout routine for me as a street style photographer. When I got my hands on Canon EOS M camera (half the weight of my DSLR) naturally I went, "No way! It' can't be so light!" I'm not gonna brag about the camera but it has certainly made my street style feature for Clozette.co x Canon much easier.

So along Orchard Road I begun cruising with the Clozette.co team, in search of my stylish subjects and arm party-goers on a Saturday afternoon. From ION Orchard and the weekend flea at *Scape to The Cathay and Bugis Street, we eventually made our way to Haji Lane at the end of a 5-hour search. Yes, it was that far (and definitely, worth the calories burned).

I'm pretty amazed how I could cover a wider range of looks: ladies in jumpers, suspenders, high-waisted skirts and shorts, skirts of all lengths, denim, leggings and even one rocking her knee-length shorts with a colourful pair of heels - all in one day. And for the wrist takers: henna-clad bohemian style, pink goth, studs gathering, charm parties, customised dog-tag and more. And did I mention a 7-11 ring? Fancy that!

Grab a packet of Super Ring and enjoy clicking through my albums here. 

Casual Chic.

Sometimes, all you need is basic clothing and let your accessories do the talking. 

I'm totally in love with makeup artist, Cheryl's style. As simple as using a scarf to pull her hair back to her rocking arm party (don't get me started) and her shiny oxfords, I feel so inspired I need to embark on my very own arm party search and give my oxfords a good polish! 

Cheryl has not one but TWO Alexander McQueen skull bracelets (I want)! I love how she mixes her bracelet collections with oriental designs, random tribal ones and the badass McQueens. Her blue oriental beaded bracelet was given by her husband, renown bespoke tailor and womenswear designer, Kevin Seah, while the jade bangle right above the oriental one (it's 10 years old btw) is her first jade purchase.

Headscarf and top, Cotton On; Glasses, Andy Wolf; Belt and pants, Kevin Seah Bespoke; Bag, Ling Wu; Arm Candies, Alexander McQueen, Pandora Box, Amen and others; Shoes, Church's.

I have to admit, I have a thing for fashionable couples. 

Home Sweet Home.

Before I even get to the clothes, accessories and flagship store, designer Tory Burch has three kids already. Seriously? With experience at Ralph Lauren, Vera Wang and Narciso Rodriguez at Loewe, it's only a matter of time she becomes a successful owner of her namesake label, and eventually share her love on the shores of Singapore. 

So there I was, stepping into the world of Tory Burch. Known for her unconventional store design, Burch transformed the entire interior into her own. From the furniture (I mean comfy sofas, coffee tables, mirrored walls and more) to the adorably-spotted dressing room (it's huge too!), the only thing missing is a 'Home Sweet Home!' door mat. Surprisingly, its coziness made me feel more relaxed.

Though big on bold prints and bright colours, I was more drawn to the accessories, and especially how she incorporates her iconic logo onto the designs. First up, the Logo Stud Leather Bracelet (first photo, SGD 195). Despite its similar design to that of the Cartier Love Bracelet, this design is more versatile and can easily match your fellow arm candies.

Next up is the Ruth Loafers (SGD 685). Spotted on Harper's Bazaar Singapore Fashion Director Kenneth Goh, this pair certainly looks great on both genders. I'm not a big fan of tassels and stripes but I like how quirky they look together. Let's just say, I'm sold!

Now take a closer look at this Georgiana Leather Tote (SGD 1,115). Can you spot the 'T's? I think it's such a clever design concept and everything else, the colour, gold hardware and stitching, just make it a perfect summer carry-all.

Lastly, I find the texture of the Raffia Zip Clutch with Crystals (SGD 805) rather interesting. A unique fabric choice indeed. It gives more volume and shape compared to that of leather fringe, while the crystals (thou not clear in the photo) make it suitable for your evening look. But be sure to being an extra comb to break the raffia frizz, well, just in case.

Oh and did I mention that the fashion label just started their Spring/Summer 2012 Collection Sales yesterday? Enjoy 40% off, including the accessories featured (except for the bracelet) and snag 'em while stocks last. I didn't post many photos of the store here, coz I think you ought to check it out. Its facade will be ready by end July. Don't forget to mark that for your second trip!

Tory Burch Singapore flagship store is located at Wisma Atria, #02-28. 

JOIE DE VIVRE

When I was still schooling, I used to head to high street outlets and flea markets to grab my latest bargains for accessories. But we have to admit that even if you've applied a layer of nail polish onto them, after awhile, these accessories (rings especially) will start to peel, rust and stain your fingers. Though, I still conduct my treasure hunt at flea markets once in a while, I've started to invest in accessories that last. They may be slightly costly but given their durability and unique design, it is worth the price.

One e-boutique to shop at is Jooix (joo-eeks), best known for a lineup of niche designer labels in fashion and lifestyle. Newly launched last year by Singaporean Angelina Seow, Jooix is derived from the french phrase 'joie de vivre' meaning joy of living. With jewellery from the US to France, stationery from Brazil, cushions from Africa and more, Jooix is a one-stop site for high quality exotic finds from all over the world.

VW.: What inspired you to set up Jooix?

AS: I have had a lifelong love affair with all things unique and cool since young. Even as a teenager, I envisaged myself sourcing for precious, pretty objects. But those were the times when society and family deemed that a degree and a corporate route were the ways to make a living. A decade or so later, armed with extensive corporate experience in global branding, a stint in jewellery designing, plus living and travelling across Europe and Asia Pacific, I knew it was high time to follow my heart.

Whatever that has fascinated me, especially those charming finds in the obscure boutiques and museums along the streets of Saint Germain, the MOMA in New York, and Daikanyama in Tokyo – I want to bring those experiences to everyone, regardless where they may be, at any time they desire. 

Tell us about the designers you have.
We carry niche, coveted labels with a dash of luxury and quirkiness. For jewellery, we have edgy, rock-chick label Noir which is coveted by the likes of Lady Gaga; fine jewellery with a fresh perspective from Nina Nguyen (three unique gemstone bracelets above) who is based in Florida and more. Most recently, we are proud to launch Notiz by Jooix (spot those cute owl rings above) and Nadka from Lyons. Notiz is Jooix’s debut and limited edition collection of fine jewellery that is luxurious and utterly unique. 

Nadka (necklaces below) resonates instantly with its luxury gypsy feel and play of skulls and ribbons. Think naughty and nice! Using a creative mix of skulls, agate, onyx and crystals, every piece is lovingly handcrafted in Lyons, France.  



How is Jooix different from other online stores?
Unlike mainstream online stores, Jooix offers highly curated accessories – we are big on design, uniqueness and quality. Browsing through Jooix’s website is akin to taking a trip down the boutiques and small streets of Paris and New York – fresh, inspiring and utterly unique. We offer a plethora of small pleasures, for yourself, your family and your home. 

Interestingly, Jooix occupies a special place, somewhere between luxury and indie. Here is where you will discover niche, coveted labels from around the world. 

Tell us an interesting sourcing experience you have had.

In January this year, I was in a trade show in Paris. The way the various brands’ booth were spectacularly done up, complete with mini coffee bars and a magical ambience within each booth; it just took my breath away. It was a feast for the eyes, truly, not to mention the huge array of stunning products. I admire the incredible effort the European brands take in presenting themselves. Such pride, such inspiration.  

Here are the five facts about Angelina, exclusively for VW.:

1) Angelina did tandem hang-gliding, horse-riding in a valley, as well as flew in a Tiger Moth plane in South Island, New Zealand. Totally memorable!

2) She has medical allergies to alcohol and cannot drink one bit, seriously.

3) Before founding Jooix, she used to head corporate branding globally for private firms and MNCs. This partly explains why she has been to some 30 cities across Europe, the U.S. and Asia Pacific, in the last six years.

4) Foie gras, artisan scents and gorgeous bling blings are her greatest weaknesses! She sustain her indulgences by working loads, often even into the weekends.

5) The one and only time she hitch-hiked was in Aoyama, Japan. A Japanese lad who had no inkling of English picked her up. As they struggled communicating via sign language, they didn’t realise they had over-shot the destination, and had to turn around. 

For the first time (after two years of closet blogging), VW. is collaborating with Jooix for an exclusive by-invite-only shopping event! Not only can you score great deals for Jooix accessories, designer clothing from British labels Handwritten and Bolongaro Trevor, Italian label Cut It Out and more, dress your very best and get spotted by me to win Jooix shopping vouchers. Come on down!

Here's how to win:
1) Like Jooix's Facebook page here

2) On the Jooix + VW. event image, leave a comment on your favourite Jooix product and why
3) Email me your name and email address at vw.vionawang@gmail.com

4) 2 readers will win $30 Jooix vouchers and a pair of preview invites (30 mins earlier) each while 10 readers will win a pair of invites.

*Winners will be contacted via email. 

**Contest will end on 2nd May, 8:00 p.m. (GMT+8). Open to Singapore Residents only. 

All the best and I look forward to meeting you!

Beneath Those Sleeves.

Em's outfit may be entirely from the Swiss house, Bally (love his loafers btw!) but he makes it his own with his quirky glasses and, not one but two stashes of arm candies. From leather cuffs to old school friendship bands, rubber bangle, silver bracelets and more, he layers them perfectly according to their colours. Neat!

Perfect Canvas.

Plain coloured clothes serve as the ideal backdrop to show off your statement accessories. Joanna does it so effortlessly with a white shirt and black jeans. She's wearing a multi-texture necklace from Hong Kong designer label, Venna accompanied by a gang of arm candies, both available at curatededitions.

Treasure Trove.

One can never have enough stash of accessories. This is especially so when it comes to somebody like me, who loses one or two whenever I travel. I have officially passed on the ownership of several rings, earrings and even bracelets to some Mary, Linda or Patricia (top ten most common female names). It's hard to let them go but what to do? Let bygones be bygones. Then again, I wouldn't have room for more exciting and interesting finds right? 

That brings me to curatededitions, an online accessories boutique set up by Angie Lai with one simple idea - sharing the love for fashion. Arm candies fanatics, this is your time to pile on more! 

Angie's quirky and edgy sense of style is seen in her collection of statement pieces, often with a burst of bold colours (like red, pink and turquoise) and mix of various metals. The wide range of necklaces (I'm eyeing the leather chain necklaces), chokers, cuffs (mostly made of neatly crafted leather), bracelets, collars and 1970s vintage sunglasses (collected by Angie's uncle) are carefully curated from her travels all over the world. The  Palermo Leather Bracelet Set, comes in groups of three in amazing colour combinations, are made of pure leather (two thicker ones have a metal bar screwed onto it - creating sleek clean lines, and one thinner strap for the final touch up).

Asian labels including Hong Kong's Venna (below) known for super luxe signature necklaces, interesting collar designs from Fave by Kenny Li , and Malaysia's bag label, KLutched are the first few to be showcased, with more coming up real soon (hopefully more from Asia!). 

Shop curatededitions now.

Spike it!

Ring by Riot Loco.