Cheap and chic: Thrift shopping for a cause at New2U

One of the things I’ve always loved and enjoyed is bargain hunting in thrift shops. And it just happens that I am quite good at it!

I think it’s something I took from my mother who always managed to score amazing finds on great discounts. No wonder that she has passed on me a great deal of her stunning vintage clothes.

Good thrift is not easy to find though and while ‘vintage’ tends to be more appealing - better quality and design - sometimes nothing beats the thrill of a great thrift find!

A lot of thrift is unfashionable cast offs and discarded clothes (think about it, why would they throw away something good?), but look deeper you’ll be surprised on how many amazing items you can score if you have the eye – and the time – for it.

Luckily I found an incredible place for second hand rummaging, right here in Singapore.

How much do you reckon this adorable polka dot jumpsuit cost me?
Read on to find out...

Some designer bargains at New2U thrift shop!!

Designer Vintage Sale (DVS14): Bargain hunting at its best!

If you follow my blog then you know that I hardly ever post about upcoming events unless they are totally unmissable. But this week’s Designer Vintage Sale event is probably one of the best in town and I’m sure you will thank me later for this very short post.

I rarely wake up early (I stay up working late though!) but today as soon as my alarm ticked at 9am, I was out of the bed, headed to the shower and ready for a quick breakfast before heading to Tiong Bahru with a few enthusiastic friends to pack up the best bargains at the preview of the sale.

And by bargains I mean a pair of Python skin Louboutins for S$290, an Hermes canvas bag for S$500, and a Chloe Paddington for S$400! You have to see it to believe it. They are all pre-loved but in great condition.

Too bad I was too busy browsing to take photos of some great finds at the preview today but again what’s the point when between me and my friends, 7 pair of to-die-for designer shoes and a few handbags were snapped in 20 minutes?

But fear not, a lot is still available including a gorgeous pair of Lanvin flats which were sadly one size too big for me :-(, some cool dresses which I barely had time to look at, some great men’s stuff  in addition to great designer bags for a fraction of their retail price.

So if you like your designer bargains as much as I do, head down to the best event of the year at Glamour Inc showroom on 59 Eng Hoon street, #01-55. Apart from today and tomorrow’s exclusive previews, The 14^th edition of this Designer Vintage Sale will be open to public on the 27^th July, 2012 until 5^th August, 2012.

Trust me, this is one event you don’t want to miss. But if you do or you don’t find your size this time round, keep posted on future news and events on facebook and twitter.

P.S. For this event, only cash payment is accepted.  

Hayley Kiel eel skin bags: Korea's best export (after K-POP of course!)

Ever since I moved to Asia, I’ve seen so many python skin handbags that I’ve lost count.

I admit. They look beautiful and exotic especially compared to your average leather bag. And what’s better is that you can get them much cheaper around this region. I even picked up a few myself on a recent trip to Bali!

But apart from Python, there are other interesting types of leather which remain a little underrated and are sought out by the true fashionistas.

My favourites are sting ray and eel skin. Who’d have thought you could get beautiful things from water creatures? But because they are truly individual animals, the look and texture is very unique – and for someone with a water sign like me – more appealing :-)

Elegant, unique and classic: Nothing beats an eel skin arm candy!

The best thing about Hayley Kiel's designs is that they come
in amazing shades of bright colours...

Adding a Splash of Colour to Quainthood’s Post-Modern chic

While prints are all the hype this summer, there’s always one style which won’t go out of fashion. That is the plain basics.

Mixing and matching prints is certainly fun but sometimes they are not as versatile and can be hard to accessorize and pull off for people who are looking for style on the go. Something like interesting basics comes in handy as it can be dressed up or down, accessorized or left understated depending on the occasion and the person. They are definitely the easiest and most useful items any woman needs in her closet.

But plain doesn’t have to be boring especially not when you’re talking about Quainthood’s interesting cuts and twists on mundane items like a simple white shirt or an LBD.

Bonjour Beirut: Bling with Style at Cream Boutique

For the past couple of months, I’ve been highlighting some of the new Lebanese designers who have drifted away from the bling and taken a whole different and more understated approach to fashion, even couture. But that doesn't mean Beirut bling is dead!

Just step into one of the super hip boutiques around downtown and Saifi village (where my dream apartment would be one day!) and you’ll probably need to keep your shades on. Neon, crystals and gold everywhere from accessories to clothing – only it is more on the funky side than tacky.

One of the coolest shops around is Cream – a place for those who are not afraid to stand out and want something bold, trendy and a little quirky. Best of all, most of the stocks are by Lebanese brands who have taken in the footsteps of other successful labels like Sarah’s Bag and started producing cool accessories even if not with the same level of sophistication.

Bling bling everywhere... Cream is full of everything fun and colourful!

Love the location in Saifi Village in downtown Beirut!