HIGH CONTRAST

My t-shirt frenzy is far from over, so is my obsession with purple hair. I'm a proud owner of a local designed t-shirt by illustrator Mojoko and of course, my gradual toned purple hair, see those bright purp ends? I think they look much better then dip dyed. It's more natural since my inner layer of hair is lighter instead of just my ends. Okay! Enough about those two. Here's something new: my shades, a.k.a the two tone SXUC Bruno Black 2023 from Australian e-tailer Sunglasses Shop. Black vs white = love. 

Mixing prints can really go haywire sometimes, you know, OOT. What I did here was matching a unique print (top) with a geometrical pattern (bottom), keeping a simple colour palette of black and white (see: sunnies) with a little purple, of course! You can go vice versa too but since the unique print looks heavier, I'd keep it at the top. Print vs pattern = love also! Finally, one must not left out my new Dr. Martens badass heels!

Here's the roundup: SXUC sunglasses, kult Unbreakable's Warrior Tee, Zalora skirt, Issey Miyake clutch and Dr Martens heels. 

The moment you've been waiting for, my virgin SHADES giveaway! Get ready to own this pair of extremely versatile SXUC Bruno Black 2023 (worth S$31) by:

1) Liking Sunglasses Shop here and
2) Leaving the comment, 'I <3 Sunglasses Shop! #VWgiveaway at www.vionawang.com'

This is as easy as it gets (coz you know, me loves you) so no excuses not to take part. Contest ends on 18th Apr and is open to all my readers. Yes, every single one of you no matter where you're reading this!

Stay tuned for my winner announcement on my Facebook Page. 'Like' if you haven't!

Psst! Sunglasses Shop sells designer brands like Ray-Ban, Prada Sport and loads more. :)

URBAN FIGHTER

You must be wondering what is this sad looking figurine with a beaten oversized box head and bandaged body. Say Hello! to Tau-Pok King. Tau-pok is the beancurd with a brown wrinkled skin that is commonly found in your favourite laksa but unlike the rest of the tau-poks out there, Tau-Pok King - Deep fried countless times, a True Survivor - is created by Mighty Jaxx and Daniel Yu exclusively for Kult's latest creative project, Unbreakable.

An extension of Kult Magazine's tenth issue (also themed unbreakable), Unbreakable is a range of streetwear, artworks and products (you can buy Tau-Pok King at S$50) created with designs in collaborations with local and international artists.

Kult's social message is clear: highlighting the youths of today, who are often 'depressed, demotivated, and generally confused about life and their future.'



'From the moment we are born, we are faced with pressures and challenges. It's an ongoing battle. Pressure is what moulds us and shapes us into the person we are. To get through it all - and to come out the other side - takes grit, backbone and determination.'

I'm grateful that our generation is spared the tragedy of world wars but in the modern times now, we are faced with a completely different set of problems. We are so sheltered we lose our confidence easily and some are deprived of the drive to achieve greatness. We need a wake up call (or more like 'You better wake up your idea!') for a change of attitude, to be able to dare to dream and fight for the change we want in our society. Big words and dreams indeed. But big things do start small, just like Unbreakable.



Be sure to look out for this larger than life Unbreakable hand sign (hard to miss!), part of their pop up shop, at multi-label boutique Blackmarket. This particular hand sign, drawn by Singaporean artist Russell Ong, was also featured the issue's front cover. I would have never imagine turning illustrations into life size work of art but it's such a dope idea. Don't you think it makes illustrations more alive with greater impact than their original 2D form?



To make limited edition wearable art is one thing (you've got three unisex tees, one dress and one top to choose from in Unbreakable's first collection. Be sure to keep a lookout for their second installment here) but making it unbearably desirable is another. I'm referring to the black aluminium case that comes together with every purchase. Its cover embossed with Kittozutto's 'wired' interpretation of the theme definitely makes it a collector's item. I shall leave it to you to find out!



One does not simply leave you awesome readers with nothing eh? Thanks to the awesome folks of Kult, I'm giving away three of my favourite t-shirt design from the collection - Warrior Tee by Mojoko (S$50)! I can get lost just by looking at all the different types of warriors featured in the black and white collage. That includes really random ones such as a cute unicorn and the main character of the classical Chinese epic novel, Journey to the West, Monkey God, a.k.a. 孙悟空 (Sun Wukong).

All you have to do is to follow these steps:

1) Head down to the Unbreakable pop up shop at Blackmarket (hint: Orchard Central Level 2)

2) Put together an outfit, wearing one of the Unbreakable tees (be sure to bring along your own stash of skirt, pants or shorts coz there ain't many in stores)

3) Take a selfie in the dressing room and make sure your entire outfit from head to toe can be seen like what I did below:



Lastly, 4) Share it on Instagram with tags @unbreakablesg and #VWlovesKult by 7pm on 31st March. (which is also the last day of Unbreakable pop up shop!)

Three winners with the best looks will be announced by Kult two days after. Size request subject to availability. Only 50 tees are produced so hurry down to Blackmarket now!

Here's the roundup: Frill dress (worn as skirt) by blackheart, iPending necklace, thirtyfour clutch and Design&Play crimson tanned leather oxford - all available at Blackmarket.

WILLY WONKA

I would very much love to receive my Golden Ticket to Willy Wonka's chocolate factory. But given that only five can be found out of a million chocolate bars distributed worldwide, (looking down at fat tummy) to receive one from ZALORA is as good as a dream come true especially for some RETAIL THERAPY!

Turning one is awesome for e-tailer ZALORA but even better for us, shoppers. All you need to do is spend SGD50 and above (they offer free shipping so every cent spent is entirely on shopping) and you'll receive a Golden Ticket together with your purchase. Apart from buying 4D or Toto with the 10-digit Golden Ticket Code, key it in here to find out what you've won. I'm talking about gift cards up to SGD1,000 (I won two zeros short, SGD10. Argh!), limited edition Havaianas Tote Bags, ZALORA limited edition collateral and up to SGD20,000 worth of prizes!

Here's your chance to receive a Golden Ticket from yours truly. Tell me when ZALORA's birthday is (hint: four days ago) and send your - answer, name, mailing address and mobile number - to me at vw.vionawang@gmail.com.

I'll be announcing the winner via Facebook next Monday, 11th March. So like my page if you haven't! Of course, you got to be residing in Singapore to qualify.

Time to do the math!

YOUR CUP OF TEE

I'm sure you'll agree me: T-shirts are amongst the most comfortable garments ever created. Unisex, easy to put on and with so many designs to choose from, t-shirts have been and will always be part of my life - more than 30 of them. A continuation from Go With The Tee, I like to share with you how you can actually wear your old or new T-shirts out (instead of using them as your PJs or camping throw-aways or rags) and look great in it. We've covered pairing tees with high waisted bottoms, denim jackets and statement earrings for a more formal occasion, while with sleeves rolled up for a more casual take if the weather gets too hot. This may sound a bit too ambitious and weather inappropriate, but shall we give layering a go?

To begin, choose a shirt that is either sheer (above) or thin cotton material. The thing about adding a shirt is that its collar and sleeves create a more formal and preppy look. Depending on your personal preference, you can button all the way up and fold your sleeves over the tee (for me, the sleeves of my neon shirt is rather short and loose so I decided to tie and hide it). If this look isn't preppy enough, feel free to add a funky bow tie or to add some glamour, a statement necklace. Colour blocking fans out there, it's time to play matchy-matchy (the higher the contrast, the better!). Otherwise, going monochromatic and wear two different shades of the same hue is also a great idea.

Here's the rundown: T shirt (S size), Roof Industries; Neon shirt, Necessary Clothing; Pants, Uniqlo; The Beatles Clutch, Studio Manhattan; Cuff (middle), FELDER FELDER; Bracelets (first and third), from Cambodia; Sneakers, Converse via NET-A-PORTER.

I'm giving away three T-shirts from Roof Industries! If you like my 'Singlish* Scrabble' tee, 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. Take your pick now!

*According to Wiki, Singlish is also known as Colloquial Singaporean English, an English-based creole language spoken in Singapore.

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!

THE HEARTBREAKS LIVE

I don't usually post about music but for this, I must! If you're in love with indie rock band as much as I am, you would have heard of or know about the Brit rock band, The Heartbreaks. They ain't a typically school mates get together band but in fact, according to Wiki, they first started out as a seaside resort band playing in the suburbs of England and before breaking into the UK music scene. Dubbed as the next big thing to watch, The Heartbreaks has recently released their debut album, Funtimes, and here's my fav track from the album:



Well.. I'm just thrilled that Dr. Martens is bringing the four-man band onto our shores for a live performance in four days! Happening this Friday, 11th Jan at Zouk, The Heartbreaks will be the first band to be featured this year and hopefully more to come. Dr. Martens fans, you're in for a treat. Be the first 300 to adorn your outfit with your fav Dr. Martens and get free entry! If you are a big Dr. Martens fan but have yet to own a pair, I've got your back! Hop on over to my Facebook page for a VIP-giveaway (by VIP, I meant free music and free booze so you better hurry). See you on Friday!

And the winner goes to Foo Jielong! I'll email you with the instructions to collect your passes. For the rest of you, thank you for your supports and please don't hate me. I have T-shirts giveaway coming real soon!

RED ON FIRE

My first take at the peekaboo lingerie look is a good mix of casual and country. I've decide to go bold this time with a sexy red Eberjey bralet to spice it up. I ain't a big fan of office wear (white shirts and black pencil skirts, boooring!) but with a touch of neon to brighten things up, this formal look with that punch of red lipstick will definitely promise you a promotion. Only if your boss is a dude, of course!

Here's the roundup: sheer neon shirt from Necessary Clothing; lace red bralet, Eberjey from perk, pants from Sweden; cuff from FELDER FELDER, necklaces from FCUK (guitar pick) and DIY (bird), ring from Forever 21 and oxford shoes from Tuleste Market.

If you haven't read my previous post, here goes: You lucky readers get to enjoy 10% off every purchase from Singapore-based lingerie e-tailer, perk. All you have to do is to key in the promocode: vwlovesperk upon checking out. Promo ends on 31st August. See how much we love you? Shower perk with some Facebook love here then!
The winner of my first giveaway goes to Tessa! Congrats, babe. You can now show off those pretty tats of yours in style, wearing Ingrid Triangle Bralette. 

One of you (the last one!) will also get to win a free bralet sponsored by perk! Here's how:

1) Like this post and if you haven't, my Facebook page too! :)
2) Choose your favourite bralet from perk's website
3) Tell me how you would wear it (any photo taken by iPhone whatsoever will be great!)
4) Email your name, NRIC, mobile number and the above info (2 & 3) to vw.vionawang@gmail.com

And the most creative answer wins! Submit your entries by 31st August and the winner will be announced the following day. 

DARE TO BARE

You've seen my purple hair, now it's all gone except for the part not exposed to the sun. Bad news I know, purple dye fades fast and our Asian black hair roots ain't gonna make it slower. But various shades of brown is good for a change too, until my next hair makeover that is!

"When your dyed hair is wet, don't wear white." That's the advice from my hairdresser, Jason. Since, my hair doesn't dry until mid-day at work, I had to stay away from everything white. Good news? It's time to bring white back to my life. This time with sheer white! I got the white shirt from American Apparel (a random giveaway while I was shopping there), vest from Cotton On and shorts from Bangkok.

With all the innerwear as outerwear fashion trends these days, I would very much love to wear my Eberjey bralet (bra without wire and padding. It's super comfy!) as outerwear this time but that will drive all the attention away from my overall outfit, won't it?

I decided to go country with the all-white ensemble adding my beaded necklaces which sadly, I forgot where I got 'em from (you can find lots of variety of them here). My bangle is from Forever 21, spade ring from a flea market at Dempsey Hill few years back and Mary Jane flats from P.O.A.

Underneath it all is the Orianna Bralet by Eberjey. I'm totally in love with the colours, the lace fabric and of course how comfortable it is. It may not give you the full round shape of the normal padded bras, but personally, I don't care much since the artificial round padding gives an unnatural shape to your boobies anyway.  

It's the time of the year again! You lucky readers get to enjoy a 10% off every purchase from Singapore-based lingerie e-tailer, perk. All you have to do is to key in the promocode: vwlovesperk upon checking out. Promo ends on 31st August. See how much we love you? Shower perk with some Facebook love here then!

One of you will also get to win a free bralet sponsored by perk! Here's how:

1) Like this post and if you haven't, my Facebook page! :)
2) Choose your favourite bralet from perk's website
3) Tell me how you would wear it (any photo taken by iPhone whatsoever will be great!)
4) Email your name, NRIC, mobile number and the above info (2 & 3) to vw.vionawang@gmail.com

And the most creative answer wins! Submit your entries by 14th August and the winner will be announced the following day. I will be offering a second giveaway after my second perk featured post, so stay tuned!

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!