Posted by: bejewelledbelle on: December 20, 2010
Rule no. 1 about blog-shopping: Whenever an item sells out at your favourite blogshop, DO NOT PANIC, for it will turn up somewhere else, at some other point of time, perhaps even at a lower price!
Case in point: MSF drapey strong shoulder blazer in Nude Pink

This gorgeous blazer retailed for $34 at MSF and yes, I was totally bummed out when I missed both the launch and the top. Then lo and behold, one uneventful day when I was surfing lolliepopbestie’s new site (yes, they are doing so well they have upgraded from LJ to their own full-fledged site), I came across an identical piece in the Sales section:
I thought my eyes were playing tricks on me initially, but after scrutinising both pieces for differences and unable to find any, I bought it at $26 and was mighty pleased at myself for scooping it up at $8 less.
I was even happier when it arrived and got to try it on for myself. While it looked ill-fitting on the lolliepopbestie model – which I’m guessing is one reason why the blazer did not sell out – it was just nice on me. The blazer, or cardigan to be more precise, comes in an earthy beige hue that would fit most skin tones. And I paid less then I expected! I was as happy as a lark and paired my new blazer with a huge grin for a week whenever I wore it.
Until last night. I was browsing lolliepopbestie again after they updated their sale page, this same blazer is now going for $18.90. And now, it is sold out.
So much for bagging a good deal.
Posted by: bejewelledbelle on: August 30, 2010
As online retailing becomes more and more commonplace, it is becoming easier to find duplicates of – or at least similar – apparel in different blogshops at different times when once upon a time, online shopping used to be known as a haven for unique clothes. That however, has not stopped retailers from at least trying to differentiate themselves from the competition. Which brings us to the perennial conundrum of all fashion-kind:
How many ways can you wear the same shirt?
For lack of a common name, I have decided to simply christian the shirt Oversized Cotton Top.
1) missypixie.LJ RIN (white/navy) from Collection Runaway


missypixie has decided to style the shirt hanging loose and baggy which obviously is meant to bring out the slouchy, relaxed vibe of the blouse. This was also the first time I came across this top, and frankly, it did not make much of an impression. In fact, when paired with the shorts, it simply looked unkempt and tardy despite the best efforts of the model to sell it. Sorry babe, just not feeling it.
2) loveandbravery.blogspot Carla Blouson in Green/Nude from Post #58


Now this is a little better. Loveandbravery decided to rein in the slouchiness by tucking the ends in, yet still coasting on the casual feel by going open-necked. Plus, the drop-waist silhouette is workable with a variety of body shapes (i.e: bye bye tummy!).
3) thetinselrack.lj Cotton Oversized Blouse from Collection 28

And finally, introducing my favourite styling option of the lot from TTR. Open-neck and tucked into a pair of high-waisted jeggings, the combination of baggy top/fitted bottom exudes a stylish laid-back flair. The casual-chic vibe is spot-on here, though I personally think the jeggings would look better with the distracting lace-up tucked in rather then dangling in front.
And in case you’re wondering, yes the jeggings featured here is still available – and in two different colours and three different sizes to boot. Now, how’s that for options
Posted by: bejewelledbelle on: August 30, 2010

What satisfies me the most about online shopping is the reward of clinching unique pieces of clothing at affordable prices. For instance, can a skirt inspired by fish scales look pretty?
Item: The Mermaid’s Scallop Skirt from Collection 26 in size M
Purchased this 2 weeks ago, but it appears to still be available!
Price: SGD$26.50/28 + (incl. postage)
Measurements: 12.5″ x 15.5″ for Size S and 13.5″ x 15.5″ for Size M. Comes with a side zip. I purchased the larger size to wear it lower, so it that it can befriend my knees, but alas, its still a high-waisted mini skirt on my frame.
Guess I can’t take it for a spin in the office anymore.
Material: Chiffon-type. The inner lining and many tiers of scallop hem helps protect your modesty. The pinkish nude is also an easy colour to match.
Movement: Love the tiers! The light chiffon sways and bounces with every step without restricting my large strides as A-lined skirts usually do.
Fit: Fitting, but not too tight. In fact, the skirt is pretty good at disguising an after-meal tummy. The pretty tiers of scalloped-hem is fodder for distraction from your tummy. Also, like all high-waisted skirts, it elongates the legs and makes one look taller.
Occasion: Initially, I bought this as I thought it would make an interesting and unconventional office skirt. Then I realised how short it is, so I can only wear it as a casual high-waisted skirt now. Or I will at least have to pair it with an opaque panty-hose for the office. ![]()
Those harbouring similar thoughts though, can check out Best of Blogshops at FEP. I spotted this design, but as a dress in 3 colours – light blue, light grey and the same shade of pink and in different sizes too! I can’t remember which label it belongs to but, really, who can miss out such a pretty dress on the rack?
Verdict: 8/10 More suited for your high-tea sashimi parties then the office but still a keeper.
Posted by: bejewelledbelle on: August 12, 2010
I first got to know about lolliepopbestie.lj when they spammed me. Annoyed, I always trashed their mailers without reading. Spamming is rude, and spammers by defying online netiquette ought to be condemned. Until my curiosity got the better of me one day and I visited their BS.
Since then, they have continued their rule-breaking streak, up to their latest collection. Let me count thee ways:
1) Stone-washed denim clothes is Grunge… and Girly.
Item: TopShop Inspired Denim Pouf Frock

Now who says stone-washed clothing is all grunge and not girly? This unique dress, clearly the star of the collection, is already sold out one day after its launch. Fingers crossed that we’ll get a backorder for this.
2) Rompers can look childish… or expensive
Item: Zara Inspired Military Romper

If a romper is for romping, then I would be having my fun in Fifth Avenue with this. This piece is classy rather then childish, with just the right dose of playfulness, which some retailers often miss. Also available in Black and denim.
3) “Manufactured By” does not mean Exclusive
Chiffon Fringe Tunic (Black/Blue)

The next time another BS claims to have “specially manufactured” something, well, look harder. You might just come across the same piece, in different colours or different prices at a different time. This fringe tunic was last seen on BC and if you missed the launch or BO, here is your second chance.
Moral of the story? Rule-breaking ain’t so bad, especially when one redeems oneself with gawk-worthy clothes :)
Posted by: bejewelledbelle on: August 11, 2010
The GSS may be over, but the Sales continue. My favourite perk about online shopping is that it is easier on the wallet then real time shopping. Retailers minimise rental costs; shoppers save. Blogshops on sale? That’s the icing on the cake.
So, here are some eye candy to tease your itchy, bargain-hunting fingers.

Item: Crochet Boho Dress (White/Beige) $23 Mailed
Sales price: $15 Mailed
Also available in beige, but the white is my favourite. If you are on the lookout for a sweet, girly frock, make this the one.

Item: White Polkadots Dress $24 Mailed
Sales price: $16 Mailed
This kitsch piece is for vintage lovers. Or for those who cannot get enough of the retro era. Let the hair down and hold it in place with a red headband and you are ready to a-go-go!

Item: Mandy Sling Bag (Grey/Black) $25 mailed
Sales price: $21 Mailed
Now, this is truly a bargain to bag, because Mango was selling the same design, difference colour at their recent sale. If you missed it before, here is your last chance! Also available in Black.

Item: Studded Corporate Dress in Blue $27.90 Mailed
Sales price: $18 Mailed
And finally, here is something for the OLs, a trendy dress that hides bulges and slims the figure. And no, you can’t reserve the dress with your tissue paper.
For more sales items, head over to ascentee.lj
Posted by: bejewelledbelle on: August 9, 2010

Q: What do you get when you cross a maxi with a romper?
Why, a full-length jumpsuit of course! A marriage between two very current trends, this jumper possesses all of the beauty… and some inconveniences of both styles. Despite its shortcomings, I am still declaring this a keeper.
Also, this is my first buy from MMTP ever
Item: MMTP I Could Wear This Everyday Tank Jumpsuit from July Collection 2
Price: SGD$28.50/30.74 (incl. postage)
Measurements: 14″ to 16″ ptp, 55.5″ down.
Material: Can’t tell. The whole Jumpsuit is one big stretchy piece of black fabric – it does not come with any lining, although that is not a problem considering its not sheer at all, nor does it come with zippers of any sort. That’s right, you literally climb into the jumpsuit through the neckline by stretching it sideways. Which poses two problems:
1) I hope it doesn’t go out of shape with all that stretching.
2) So… how do I pee/poop in this? Oh right, I have to remove it the same way, like a romper. Wait, so I have to completely undress when visiting the ladies?
Movement: Like its skirt cousin, the jumper moves easily at a languid pace when you walk. It tells passers-by that you are out and about today to spend an easy, breezy, laidback day at the office/catching up with friends/window shopping to pass time. Plus, the racer back gives off a slightly sporty vibe. So others know you are lazing around, not because you are naturally inactive, just taking it easy on a slow day off…
Fit: Loose and stretchy. The recommended size is UK 6-10, but I reckon it will probably fit a UK12, too. Especially when the loose fitting and black colour exudes a slimming effect great for hiding bulges and looking taller as all one-piece styles are, although those shorter then 1.65 m might find this a little too long. Fret not as this can be easily rectified by shortening the pants. Also, the unidentified fabric used is cooling and dries easily.
Occasion: Casual-Chic. Like its namesake, I could literally wear this everyday. Great for dress-down fridays – make it office awesome with a blazer or cardigan, then throw it off for after-work drinks. Or, if you belong to the the non-working crowd, pair it with flip-flops, shades and your favourite accessories for a lazy trawl at the malls.
For me, I like to play up the jumper with my choice of belts. Casual calls for a skinny camel-coloured belt and flipflops; for drinks, I’ll thrown on a gold belt and strappy heels.
Verdict: 7.5/10. A keeper, for its sheer chicness. Plus points for being a unique comfortable piece. Just limit the number of drinks/bubbletea to minimise trips to the bathroom.
The jumper is currently on backorder at momoteapots.lj so get it while you still can. Or, check out their latest August Collection 1 for a similar boat neck version.
Posted by: bejewelledbelle on: August 9, 2010

Just for today, let’s set aside all our grouses about rising housing prices, crowded MRT trains, rude foreign workers, expensive bus fares, Wong Kan Seng’s terrible chinese … and just soak up the atmosphere.
Happy National Day Everyone!
Posted by: bejewelledbelle on: August 8, 2010
Exciting news from HVV! Yup, you read the title right.
1. HerVelvetVase is teaming up with Bobbi Brown to give away FREE make over passes.
2. They are giving away not one, or two, but THIRTY-FIVE makeover passes worth $180++ each. So yes, your odds at clinching a pass are still pretty good.
3. Deadline is WEDNESDAY, 11th August 2010, 12pm.
More details here: http://hervelvetvase.com/blog/latest-collection/
So what are you waiting for? I’ve already sent in my entry
Posted by: bejewelledbelle on: August 5, 2010
A friend of mine owns a grey balenciaga-inspired city bag from Gmarket. Everytime she uses it I’ll be looking on enviously and I wonder, is it time I get my own?
And I always tell myself not to, because Balenciaga, together with Chanel, is one of those brands that I want to OWN. As in waltz into said boutique like a socialite, nose in the air, toss credit card carelessly into SA hands OWN. Its either the real deal or not. So none of those inspired-designs stuff, that’s how committed I am to my love affair with Balenciaga bags.
Until I saw this.
Balenciaga-inspired Bucket Bag in Grey (SGD$45)

This little grey bag from princessess.lj is trying to seduce me. And unfortunately, hand on heart, I’m tempted. Should I stay loyal and nurse my savings till the kitty is large enough for the real thing? I’ve had my heart set on a giant silver hardware bal work bag for so long, I’d hate to betray myself. I’ve even made a pact with another friend to get it together, me and my gsh work, her and her gsh city. Well, this one here is a bucket bag, so technically i’m not cheating right?? Decisions, decisions.
And while I contemplate in agony, here are a couple of other bags you might find interesting from the same collection
Weave Handle Bucket Bag in Nude (SGD$26)

Already sold out since its launch 2 days ago, this little bag appears to be the star of the collection. However, I beg to differ, and its not because I’m seduced by *ahem, but I just think there are too many details going on for the bag. Braided handle, body strap, draw string, tassels AND a buckled pocket in front? This handbag is only 26 x 23 cm!
Miu Miu-inspired Front Lock Straw Bag Pink (SGD$45)

Now, I very much prefer this bag. If you haven’t jumped on the messenger bag trend yet because it is not feminine enough, this might make you change your mind. A word of caution though, the cream-coloured fabric is so pretty, it’ll attract compliments… and stains.
Jenny Clutch/Sling Bag Big Red (SGD$25)

Another adorable messenger bag, this one also comes in a smaller size for SGD$24. I’m not into colour blocking at all, but for those of you who are you can have a go with this one and pair it with your black or red or nude coloured clothes.
Excuse me, while I continue to stalk my little grey bag.
Posted by: bejewelledbelle on: August 5, 2010
Latest mailer from BC:
“Hey Babes!
BonitoChico will be launching a brand new collection later tonight (Thursday, 5th Aug) at 8P.M.
)
Do expect an array of casual yet chic tops, some work pieces, and a couple of pretty chiffon frocks that you don’t wanna miss!
In conjunction with our Birthday Bash celebrations, we will not be holding any backorders in the month of August from this collection onwards!”
No BOs at all? So everything in August is like, what, Limited Edition?? NOOOO.
Somebody call the ambulance. I think I’m gonna get a heart attack.
Meanwhile, expect a maaaaaad mad rush for their collection tonight (& for the rest of Aug!).
kthxbye.