Sailors For A Day: Navy Open House

 

 

I'm typing out this post with aching muscles and T-shirt tan lines but mostly, charged with excitement to share with you our adventure at the Changi Naval Base last weekend. The pictures speak for themselves! As the girlfriend of a boy who's enlisting into National Service soon, of course I was keen to see what exactly NS men do in camp, what they battle with and it didn't hurt to spot cute Navy soldiers everywhere. Okay, I know this only the tip of the iceberg but still, I was amazed by the magnificent battle ships and technology our Navy adopts. There were SO MANY people. By that, I mean a human line which extends over six EXPO halls. Probably more. We queued for three hours just to board the Navy shuttle bus and needless to say, the queues at the open house itself (to experience/ board different ship crafts) were countless. Nonetheless, we had no regrets and explored everything to our best ability. I love that Nigel and I were curious about everything so waiting wasn't that bad after all. The Navy Open house was interactive, well equipped (there were mobile water basins!) and thorough. Good job Navy, a big thank you for fulfilling our dreams of being sailors for the day!

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Work Uniform

Colour panel pencil dress - c/o Dressabelle

I consider myself lucky because I normally have the freedom to wear whatever I want. Although there's no need to conform to the dress code of a corporate office, I love office wear anyway. Just because office wear makes me look ten times smarter than I am, y'know. During my three years in business school, I never understood why some girls wore mini skirts for presentations. It's so unprofessional and sends off the wrong message. I remember vividly before my very first presentation, a classmate passed me a remark, "wear until so formal for what?" Initially I felt embarrassed for being 'overdressed', but now that I understand the importance of dress code, I should have never felt sorry for myself! 

 

Bennett Avenue Classic Tote - c/o O'ORO

I am one of those people who abuse their bags; the functionality of my hand bags overweighs anything else. I prefer structured bags because they can balance on their own and protect my belongings. O'ORO provided me with the perfect work bag which fits A4 documents. Who needs a file when your hang bag is so boxy? I love the python texture, giving a regular black bag extra sass! And the gold accents give it an extra luxurious vibe.  

 

Minimalistic sandal heels - Taobao

A pencil skirt or dress is a formal wear staple. Panelling is a bonus, especially at the sides because it streamlines the body! The panels also give provide a sporty edge to the dress, I think it'll look really cool with sneakers. Do you think so too? Heels aren't compulsory for the office but it certain boosts confidence and enhances your posture. Don't believe me? Try wearing heels during a presentation - you'll instantly feel more powerful! 

 

Photos by Yun Jing

 

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Sail Ahoy!

Silk maxi dress - Mom's vintage (similar here)

Ahoy matey! (apparently that's how pirates and sailors greet each other) Who's going for the Navy Open House this coming weekend? I am definitely going and it's going to be so fun! Since young, I have been fascinated with the military. As a sucker for effective marketing, I have to say the Singapore military forces have done a superb job promoting just how cool being a soldier is. Does anybody remember how awesome Rihanna was in movie Battle Ship?! Now coming to fashion, I was inspired by the nautical trend as well as my excitement for the Navy. I associate nautical/ maritime style with very lightweight fabrics and an overall ethereal vibe. Of course, anchors are a must if you want to look extra badass. ;-)  

 

 

Cora Sea Jewels Necklace - c/o O'ORO | Watch - Casio

  It saddens me that my mom's dress from over two decades ago must have been worn so much that holes seem to magically expand every time I wear it. It's made of 100% silk which makes it so breathable. I dressed up this basic dress with a statement necklace. It's gems, chains and oversized knots contrasts perfectly against the soft fabric beneath. I really think this necklace is such a beautiful piece, and the best part is it costs so much less than it looks!

 

 

 

Anchor wedges - c/o Charles & Keith

  Thanks to Charles & Keith, I was able to complete my nautical look. I notice that C&K always make their bags and shoes in a combination of different materials. It's rare to find a a style that's of one texture. Not that I'm complaining, because they're my favourite local shoe brand after all! While the navy fabric reminds me of a boat sail, the brown straps remind me of wooden decks. Yes, that's right, I look at my wedges as if it's a boat. Blame it on Pirates of The Caribbean for planting such imagination in me.

Photos by Nigel

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Gone With The Wind

Crochet tunic - Shanghai (similar here) | Denim shorts - F21 (similar here)

Lately I have been very inspired by bohemian fashion but having a pixie haircut only makes it extra challenging to pull off such a romantic, delicate style. So yup, like most Singaporean men serving the country, hats (a flower crown in my case) have become our ultimate companion. I think the crown goes really well with those see-through flowers on my blouse. 

Fringe boots - Taobao (similar here)

Bell sleeves are something that aren't worn enough in my opinion. I love how its exaggerated silhouette is really attention grabbing yet it's casual enough for everyday. Why can't people start embracing them instead of the usual skintight t-shirts?

 

Feather necklace - c/o O'ORO

A bohemian outfit isn't truly complete without feathers, a dream catcher or fringe. To finish it all of, I wore this feather necklace that's of warm hues and gold accents. Accessories are like the cherry-on-top; when worn right, it should highlight the essence of your style without being overpowering. 

Fashion blogger tip: Everything in my ensemble is flowy which is great for reflecting movement in pictures!

Flower crown - Bangkok

Fringe sling bag - Mango | Skull bracelet - Beadstreet

Not sure if those dark clouds were a blessing in disguise. If you too are a fashion blogger (a.k.a. part-time weather predictor), you'd know how frustrating it is to work with the erratic weather in Singapore. An hour before this shoot it was all nice and sunny then as I was finishing my makeup with a slick of lipgloss, I heard distant thunder signaling a storm. Are you kidding me? It's difficult on the photographer too because he'd have to constantly adjust the ISO and shutter speed. To me, the biggest challenges when shooting an outfit is finding the right location and lighting.

Photos by Nigel

What are your biggest challenges when shooting an outfit? Is it the awkward stares from people? Or is it a bad photographer who only takes unflattering photos from an downward angle? Share with me, I'd love to know!

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I Follow Rivers

Boho maxi dress - Shanghai (similar here)

I was shopping in Shanghai's renowned shopping paradise 人民广场 when I came across a dark little shop which looked newly opened. Didn't look overly welcoming but the owner's eye for style lured me in. Thinking that I could finally shop without massive crowds, I went in and little did I know that little space held so many gorgeous dresses! The shop owner revealed she personally source and pick all her dresses overseas. This particular chiffon frock caught my eyes, I held it against my body, made sure it was something I really liked, and paid a price of S$24. It was love at first sight... I like to call it my 'fortune teller dress' because the prints remind me of Arabian carpets and carnivals. It'll look complete if I held a crystal ball. Only with this dress I regret my recent decision to cut my hair even shorter, wishing that I had messy blonde braids instead. Top it off with a hat maybe! The colour palette of warm browns with blue accents is so lovely. And although it's long sleeved, I'm surprised with how comfortable the chiffon feels.

MAC matte lipstick in Chili

My addiction with red lipsticks never stops. My mother looks at my collection and points out how they're all the same, but a makeup addict like me thinks otherwise. I often reply with "No can't you see the difference in their finish?!" It's becoming a serious problem. Anyway, for those of you who are curious, Chili is a matte red with orange undertones which somehow looks very antique to me, almost like red clay. It may not be true to colour here due to post processing, but it really stays true to its name! Imagine the colour of chilli padi or fireplace bricks - there you got it.

Circle shades - Shanghai

Oxford boots - Taobao

During my recent Shanghai trip, I made a point to buy flats rather than heels because obviously they're more practical. And I've been really loving this one so far! Nigel and I always enjoy strolls so comfortable shoes allow me to enjoy our date 100%. I probably only wear heels to church, movies or museums. We visited the Uniqlo pop-up store today and had such a great time! I feel like they've done a fantastic job creating a positive experience for everyone. With the impressive product display, entertainment and service, it was difficult to leave empty handed but we did anyway. Not because we were disciplined; the good stuff were long gone! Wow, remind me again why Singaporeans shop like we are preparing for war? 

Leather backpack - Saint Jack (mom's vintage)

Amethyst necklace - AMEN (similar here)

My outfits are usually inspired by the music I'm currently listening to. Currently, I am obsessed with Paramore, Susanne Sundfor and Lykke Li so excuse my urge to name my post with song titles. Corny but I can't help it. Thank you for reading, and I wish all of you a fantastic week ahead!

Photos by Nigel

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