Benson Chen - Shoe Designer from Malaysia

I learnt about Benson Chen when I was at Kuala Lumpur few weeks ago. I stumbled upon a multi-label store called The Twelve at Farenheit 88 Shopping Mall. The Twelve also features 12 other Malaysian local designers but Benson Chen's shoes caught my eye immediately as I stepped into the store.

Benson Chen started his label when he was 19 Years Old and is already touted to be the next Jimmy Choo. He has a circular space at The Twelve with a sofa in the middle for customers to try on shoes. The whole space is beautifully lit up by a chandelier and the shoes are displayed on transparent shelves.

Winning many shoe design competition awards, his shoes are well made,chic, clean and well- constructed. His current Spring/Summer 2011 collection ranges from avant garde pieces for formal occasions to the simple pumps for everyday life.

My favorite is the first pair of heels that is a little bit more avant garde as the heels are in the center. It might look uncomfortable but trust me, having tried them on, IT IS.

Prices of his heels ranges from RM100 to RM300. Better grab some of his shoes at his store before he goes international and the normal folks like us cannot afford them anymore! :P

H&M Spring/Summer 2012 Lookbook

I attended the H&M Spring/Summer 2012 Press Preview last week! For women's, there is a lot of bright colors like neon green and orange and also an all white collection. As you can tell, I am eyeing the neon green mesh dress with flare skirt! It was definitely love at first sight. The white leather vest is also another item to lust after!

For the men's, the adventurous might dare to wear those orange pants but one has to work on getting the cuffs of the pants right. And I totally adore the tote bag. I spotted one that is orange and cream instead that is not in the lookbook!

This collection will be in H&M Stores in March!

Maxi Cardigan

Cardigan - Kuala Lumpur, Bangsar Village, Dress - Reckless Ericka, Headband - Bangkok, Platinum Mall, Shoes - Lacoste

This is one of the items I bought at Kuala Lumpur, a maxi cardigan. I got lots of praises when I wore it in Singapore! I bought it at Bangsar Village where you can find many cool and eclectic boutiques! And it only costs me $12SGD :P

This dress is by a Singapore label, Reckless Ericka. All their dresses can be worn in many ways, including this one. The prints are unique and I love how it drapes down. Will take more photos of the other ways to wear it soon :)

Interview with Trixie Khong, Owner of By Invite Only

1. What were the inspirations behind this collection?

A lot of my inspiration stems from the materials themselves before anything. I don't usually work from an idea or a plan to the final touches. I got very interested in working with crystals and Aura quartz crystals caught my attention with their metallic sheen. As each rock is often raw and organic, i try to work with it to find the best way to present to my audience or customers. This also applies to other raw rocks and crystals that i work with like the agate slices, amethyst pendants or quantz points.



2. What are the materials you use for your jewellery collection? Are they handmade?

For our chains we often use 14k gold plated or rhodium plated ones which are all nickel free.
Rocks and crystals include: Pyrite (Fool's gold), Citrine, Amethyst, Quartz, Agate Slices, Titanium Aura Quartz, Cobalt Aura Quartz and Opal aura quartz.

All jewellery pieces are handmade. Rocks and crystals are imported from brazil and the US and mostly retains its natural raw state.



3. I know its bad to play favorites, but what do you think is your favorite or must have item in this collection?

I love the Silver Multiquartz Necklace because it is edgy, brings a focus to your outfit and adds pizzazz. It is also easy to match because of its color (silver and clear quartz).


4. Who are your style icons and what is an item you are never seen without?

I love Karla from karlascloset.blogspot.com. Jennifer Aniston because i love how she can make casual chic with her jeans, shirts and tees.
I'd probably won't be caught dead without eyeliner. Unless i'm home or i'm in Bali. :D



5. Any hints on what your next collection will be based on or are there any special collaborations coming up?

We are expanding our collection on crystals and aura quartz for the Nature//Nurture series as we are still very much in love with them.

Also planning for an edgy, all silver and black chained collection out for those rocker chics/ avant garde people out there. Of course, crystals will be incorporated for that extra something. We have always gone effortless chic and lady-like, so i think this other direction would be something different. Think body chains, shoulder pieces and layers of chains mashed up. Of course this collection can be unisex so it'd be great for our guy fans who have continually encouraged us to come up with a homme range.

6. Last question, in your opinion, what is one fashion sin that you will never commit?

Visible panty lines. Girls, there is always seamless underwear. Uniqlo has them for less than $12. :)

You can know more about By Invite Only at her site at byinviteonly.info

There will also be an inaugural pop-up store at Nana & Bird, 79 Chay Yan Street #01-02 from 26 to 27 November.

Interview with NTUC Income Lifestyle Magazine

Dress - Kuala Lumpur: Bangsar Village, Shoes - Cotton On, Headband - Diva

I did an interview with NTUC Income Lifestyle Magazine last month and the interview is featured in the November Issue! The interview is about my favorite shopping haunts and what are my favorite brands!

I got this striped cropped top w/ maxi dress from Kuala Lumpur, Bangsar Village. There are lots of awesome boutiques around there! A pity I didn't had much time to walk around there :( If I am not wrong it is from a boutique called Gossipz Boutique ;)

Owl Dress

Dress - Bangkok, Platinum Mall, Blazer - Schwing Schwing, Bag - Baggu, Headband - Bangkok, Platinum Mall, Shoes - Crocs

I am back from Kuala Lumpur! Found a lot of good finds which I am REALLY excited to share with you guys! A post on the shopping places soon :D This was an outfit taken the day before I left for KL! This blazer was on sale on SchwingSchwing an only $14 too :) and this dress is one of my favorite dresses from Bangkok, my boyfriend always says that I look like the owl!!

And those flats, are my favorite ones from Crocs. I literally live in them. The color is transparent so it is REALLY easy to match. I swear by them whenever I am overseas and need to walk ALOT. Who knew Crocs have so many great designs?!

$14 Maxi Dress

Dress - Schwing Schwing, Headband - Bangkok, Accessories - Diva, Forever 21, Heels - Far East Plaza

I bought this dress online at only $14! I have a few maxis and I love them, and for the price, how can I not love this? It was mid-length on the model but it was too long for me, hence the heels. I would be heading to KL for a work trip this weekend, any must check out shops or designers? Please comment and let me know :D

Michael Kors Boutique Launch Party

Dress - Reckless Ericka, Headband - Diva, Clutch - Bangkok: Platinum Mall, Shoes - Crocs

I was invited for the opening party for Michael Kors for his first boutique in Singapore! And I was really really lucky to be breathing the same air as this man whom I have adored ever since the first season of Project Runway!

As usual, with a champagne glass in my hand I did not manage to take much photos but here are 2 photos of Michael Kors with the MTV VJ twins, May and Choy.

My dress is from one of the Singapore designers whom I adore, Reckless Ericka. It is a criss cross caped dress that can be worn in a few ways! This is just one of the ways to wear it! I've received lots of praises for this dress throughout the evening ;) And my wedges are from Crocs, yes CROCS. Who would know they have such pretty wedges! To date, I already have a pair of flats, sneakers and wedges ( sponsored by Crocs Singapore ) and I LOVE them.

Sorry for the stagnant posts, my exams in University are over so expect more posts ;)