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Be Spoilt For Choice at Robinsons The Heeren’s New 4-in-1 Restaurant Concept

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As much as we love dining out with friends, it’s tough finding a place that everyone will be happy with. Some people may love burgers, while others would prefer something healthier, like salads. And more often than not, outings can quickly turn into a merry-go-round of trying to please everyone, which isn’t a recipe for fun if you ask us.
That’s where the “Glass House” at Robinsons The Heeren comes in.

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First level of the “Glass House”

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Second level of the “Glass House”

This swanky new two-storied establishment is actually a combination of four different restaurants, with three of them concepts belonging to F&B firm Deliciae Hospitality Management (DHM) – namely, L’Entrecote The Steak & Fries Bistro, Sabio Tapas Bar, and &Made Burger Bistro. Completing it all is fusion restaurant Angela May Food Chapters.
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Food from each of DHM’s concepts

Want tapas? No problem. Sabio Tapas Bar will satisfy your foodie desires. How about French steak? Well, there’s L’Entrecote to save the day. This restaurant is basically the ideal solution to that age-old (and rather first world) problem of making sure that everyone has something they like to eat. The real question is, how good exactly is the food?
Well, when we visited the space, we tried dishes from each of DHM’s concepts, except for the ones from Angela May Food Chapters. That would’ve been one dish too many.
For starters, we had the El Pulpo ($24) and Le Medula ($24) from Sabio Tapas Bar, the former being grilled octopus with “Viola” mash potato; and the latter grilled bone marrow with toasted baguette. Both were extremely delicious, although the grilled bone marrow took the cake for us. It was savoury, buttery, and melted in our mouths.
El Pulpo

“El Pulpo”

Next up, we had the Angela May Burger ($22) from &Made Bistro, which was basically the Thai celebrity chef’s spin on a healthy burger. It consisted of a red curry prawn patty that was paired with kale salad and topped with creamy laksa yoghurt sauce. The patty looked and tasted somewhat like an up-sized otah, which made for a refreshing change from the usual burger options.
The other burger we had was a traditional N.Y. Bacon ($24), that came with a dry aged beef patty, smoked bacon, tomato, garlic mayonnaise, mustard, and lettuce. Here’s probably where we had our first letdown of the meal. The burger’s patty was slightly too dry, and despite the presence of crispy bacon, we felt that the whole setup was a little too unadventurous for our liking.
New York Burger

“New York Burger”

What didn’t disappoint us however was L’entrecote’s Duck Rillettes ($18). These bite-sized delights were packed with crunchy pickled gherkins, and that added a hint of sourness to the savoury duck bits.
But the Tajima Wagyu Ribeye MS8 Entrecote Steak ($59.90), also from L’Entrecote, failed to hit the heights. Its meat was tender and juicy, yes, although we expected more from a dish with that kind of price tag. Also, the sauce that was used to season the meat felt a bit one-dimensional after awhile.
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“Tajima Wagyu Ribeye MS8 Entrecote Steak”

Thankfully, dessert was every bit as awesome as we expected it to be. Our meal ended off with a Tarte Tatin ($14) from L’Entrecote, which was basically caramelized apple tart served with crème fraîche. This sugary treat was sweet but not overwhelmingly so, and it was definitely a fitting end to our meal.
All in all, the “Glass House” at Robinsons The Heeren is an interesting concept, and we’re sure the gathering of four well-known restaurants will prove to be a successful move. That said; there are still a few minor hiccups to iron out, but nothing that would stop us from making a repeat visit. After all, this place is extremely convenient and has a wide variety of food to choose from. What’s not to love?
Rating: 4/5
Expected Damage: 4/5
The “Glass House” at Robinsons The Heeren, 260 Orchard Road 01-40/ 02-02/ 02-03 Robinsons The Heeren Singapore 238855. Opening Hours: Sunday to Thursday, 9.30am to Midnight; Friday to Saturday, 9.30am to 1am.
For more information, visit www.dhm.com.sg.
 

These Chanel J12s Give Us A Quirky Take On Luxury Watches

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By now, you would have heard Harry Styles’ new single playing repeatedly on the radio, a hazy ballad that seems to pay tribute to the revered British icon David Bowie – hey, we’re not alone in thinking this way; the song has a melancholy and drama that we’d never expect from this young man. After all, the singer was once part of One Direction, one of the biggest boy bands this side of the millennium that puts out catchy Top 40s tunes, until his solo efforts proved otherwise. And recently, it seems like one of the most revered luxury brands is out to surprise us as well.

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Now the Chanel J12 was already a shocker when it first made its debut in 2000 – you’d expect a luxury watch from a fashion brand to be encrusted in diamonds, but instead, it’s an automatic timepiece, a first for them, but with a sporty silhouette that almost looks out of place among their more classic offerings. But this is Chanel we’re talking about, a house that, based off the spirit of its founder, tends to be daring in the most unexpected ways.
They transformed high-tech ceramic, a resilient scratch-resistant material, into something precious enough to be featured on one particular high-end timepiece, thus adding the number 12 part to the house’s symbolic numbers. First in black, and then white, we were also privy to last year’s big launch, the J12-XS. Its 19mm dial might look delicate, but along with its small face comes big ideas on how to wear it; having the watch built into cuffs, fingerless lambskin gloves or even a ring, for instance, which nudges it over to casual rockstar appeal.
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And look where we are today. With the 30th Anniversary of Chanel’s foray into watchmaking, they’re presenting three new watches that should pique your interest. The first two are black and white versions of the Mademoiselle J12, a playful piece that has an illustration of Mademoiselle Chanel pop out from the dial. Here, the watch’s hands are in the design of the cartoon figurine’s arms, a rather comical feature that means she’ll soon be dancing on your wrist. Clearly, this limited edition is Chanel’s attempt to have some fun with their usual stable of serious watch styles.
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Then, there’s also the J12 Graffiti, with rhodium-plated numerals that seem to, somehow elegantly, spill out onto the bottom half of the white lacquered dial. The limited edition venture is also the first time Chanel’s switching up the face of the watch, this time opting for more unbridled creativity and eccentricity, while keeping to the classy codes of the original. With everything satisfyingly monochromatic though, each piece relates to their predecessors rather neatly, though we must say that 2017’s versions are a more refreshing update, if you’re looking to diversify your watch collection. You’d best be watching out for more too.
Chanel 38mm Classic J12 Black and White, $7,500 each, and the limited edition Mademoiselle J12, limited to 555 pieces for each colour, POA, available now at Chanel stores. Chanel J12 Graffiti, limited to 1,200 pieces, will be launched in September. Available at the CHANEL Fine Jewellery Boutique, CHANEL Orchard and CHANEL Bayfront. chanel.com

Kogane Yama: Enjoy Cheap and Delicious Tendon Bowls at Bugis Junction

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Call it passion or even an obsession, but there’s one thing that nobody can deny: we Singaporeans absolutely love Japanese food. From sushi to ramen and mochi to yakitori, we’ll devour anything and everything that comes from the land of the rising sun. Trouble is, eating Japanese food can get pretty pricey. Not necessarily but often enough, especially for the good places.
Which is why Kogane Yama at Bugis Junction is a godsend. Having recently opened on 4 June 2017, this cosy 44-seater eatery is the brainchild of the people behind Korean fried chicken chain Chir Chir Fusion Chicken Factory and meat stew restaurant Masizzim. And this is their first original dining concept in town.

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Interior of Kogane Yama

That dining concept is a good one too – it’s all about affordable and delicious tendon bowls over here (tendon is an abbreviation for tempura and donburi if you’re wondering). So what can diners expect? Well, first of all, the menu is short and sweet. There are only four tendon options: the Chicken Bowl ($13.80), Prawn Bowl ($13.80), Vegetable Bowl ($11.80), and Mixed Bowl ($15.80).
For our meal, we had the Mixed Bowl, which consisted of tempura prawns, chicken fillet, long beans, carrots, shiitake and enoki mushrooms, sweet potato, green bell pepper, seaweed, and shiso leaves – basically everything in the house. We also got to choose from three levels of spicy tentsuyu dips, which if you don’t regularly eat chilli, can get a little intense.
Kogane Yama - Mixed Bowl Rice Set Meal ($17.80)

“Mixed Bowl”

All ingredients came coated in a glorious golden-brown crispy batter, while we chose to eat them with Japanese short-grain rice, as well as Soba and Udon (which you need to top up a dollar each for). If we’re being frank, not all of the meats in our platter came off well. The chicken fillet was a little too dry while the prawn could’ve been juicier.
That said; all the vegetables were stellar. The crispy batter somehow managed to retain every vegetable’s natural sweetness, and even enhanced the flavours in some instances, especially in the case of the seaweed and mushrooms.



At the end of the day though, for the price you’re paying and the portion you’re going to get (which is huge by the way), this is a value-for-money meal. You can even share it if you’d like, which shows just how generous Kogane Yama actually is. The top-ups for both Chawanmushi and Miso Soup for $2 is also a real steal, and there’s nothing much to complain about if all you’re looking for is a quick and decent bite.
Rating: 3.5/5
Expected Damage: 2/5
Kogane Yama, 200 Victoria Street, Bugis Junction, #02-50. Opening Hours: Sunday to Thursday, 11am to 10pm; Friday to Saturday, 11am to 11pm.
For more information, visit Kogane Yama’s Facebook page here.

Mark Your Calendars: H&M Has Announced Its Next Designer Collaboration

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H&M has finally let the cat out of the bag by announcing their latest designer collaboration with London-based designer Erdem. H&M has been known for partnering with high-fashion brands once every year, from Karl Lagerfeld, Maison Margiela, to Versace. Most recently, we’ve seen the highly embellished and detailed creations of Olivier Rousteing and the striking print-heavy works from Kenzo last year. Unlike the aforementioned brands, Erdem isn’t exactly well-known to mainstream consumers. However, the brand has been a long favourite among celebrities and fashion insiders. It’s the kind of brand where if you know, you know.

ERDEM Pre Spring 2018 #ERDEM #PS18

A post shared by ERDEM (@erdem) on


It’s eponymous designer, Erdem Moralioglu, is recognised for his deft craftsmanship which saw him creating dreamy floral dresses and romantic pieces featuring dainty ruffles that are feminine yet modern at the same time. For Erdem x H&M, Moralioglu will “reinterpret the design themes from some of his most celebrated collections, playing with prints and textiles”, allowing the brand to expose his works and reach out to a far wider audience.
This will also be his first foray going into menswear, and it is also one of the reason why the designer, who usually works independently ever since the brand’s debut 12 years ago, decided to work with H&M.

@imaanhammam wears a look from the #ERDEMxHM collection #BTS @hm

A post shared by ERDEM (@erdem) on


While the lookbook is still on its way, a teaser video directed by Baz Luhrmann, the man behind films such as Moulin Rouge and The Great Gatsby, was released upon the announcement, giving the fashion world a look of what’s to come. Set in a botanic wonderland with lush greenery, we glimpse upon a two-piece silk floral pajama suit, floral pleated dresses and a leopard-print coat.


Speaking of the collaboration, Moralioglu says: “I am so happy to collaborate with H&M, and to explore my work on a whole new scale including a menswear collection which I have never done before. It’s also such a thrill to work with Baz Luhrmann, one of the most important storytellers of our time,”
Baz Luhrmann added: “For me fashion is always about more than just clothing, it is a form of expression – a stand-alone art form. I am excited to be collaborating with ERDEM and H&M to reveal the story of this unique collection,”

@neelsvisser wears first-ever menswear collection #ERDEMxHM #BTS @hm

A post shared by ERDEM (@erdem) on


For those of you who hadn’t heard of Erdem, you should be a fan by now. You can look for his red-carpet celebrity looks or head to his website and have a look at his past collections to have a taste of what his design style is.
The thing we’re most excited about? Getting to own the pieces at a fraction of the usually insane price tags that come along with designer gowns. But be warned: as with all other previous H&M collaborations with fashion houses, you have to go through snaking long queues and the collection might already be all wiped out before you could even step foot into the H&M store. So as usual, make sure you go over the lookbook and make a list of what you want to buy, start saving up (it’s still gonna cost more then your average fast-fashion pieces), and mark your calendars.
ERDEM x H&M will be available in selected stores as well as on hm.com, from November 2.
Header image: Erdem

Our Favourite Makeup Sponge Just Got a Major Marble Upgrade

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We’re no stranger to the miraculous wonder that is our holy grail Beautyblender. The teardrop-shaped blending tool allows effortless navigation while its plush surface eliminates all streaks, giving you a finish that’s akin to second skin, so how could anyone say no to that? By now, the brand has already launched plenty iterations of original makeup sponge, but the latest member of the family is probably the prettiest one we’ve ever seen.
Behold, the Beautyblender Swirl.

*Treats new blender like a newborn baby* 💗

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Feast your eyes on that. Yup, this new colour option is exactly what its name suggests. They’ve given the iconic pink Beautyblender a literal swirl with its white variety, and the outcome is downright gorgeous. We don’t know about you, but we’re definitely going to take advantage of that marbled effect and include it in every beauty flatlay. Perhaps the only downside to this charming thing is the sheer fact that it’s so aesthetically pleasing. We simply can’t bear to use it.

get your swirl on 7/8 on @sephora dot com 💗 {VIB you get to swirl now! link in bio}

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If you’re wondering how it’s any different from the OG apart from its appearance, it’s not. The Beautyblender Swirl will apply makeup just as flawlessly as the original offering. Now we’re hoping these Beautyblenders hit local shores soon, because they’re only available from the US Sephora site at the moment. Our hearts and vanities are practically aching to have them.
Beautyblender Swirl, US$20. Available from sephora.com.
Main image: @beautyblender

Get Jelly: What We Want From Melissa's Exciting Fall/Winter Collection

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Everyone loves shoes right? Chances are, you’ll have lots of them lying around in your closet, some daring heels that you dare not debut because of how they’ll hurt your feet after, or the ones you bought on a whim but find difficult to pair… Well, let’s just say we’ve never had that problem with Melissa. Their shoes border on the daring and edgy, at least the ones we pick out, and true to form, the eco-friendly Brazilian label — the ones we best know best for jelly shoes with that distinctive bubblegum smell — are serving us a new fashion-forward collection full of fun, flirty styles.
For the Fall/Winter 2017 FlyGrl collection, there’s also an empowering edge; they’ve taken inspiration from notable feminine figures — across art, music, movies, science, culinary and fashion — and thoughtfully reflected their strength across the series of styles; eye-catching elements include vibrant tones, pastels, metallics and glitters, which also pay homage to 80s street style. Basically, plenty of trendy styles that we can see flying off the shelves in no time. Here are some of our favourites.

Green Black

Melissa Wonder, $190
First up, a statement heel. And a comfortable one at that — especially with that block heel that’ll elevate both your frame and your style. While the Melissa Wonder fits snug around your ankles, we actually gave it a go and found that it didn’t hurt at all, which means those sleek lines, glossy patent finish and front lacing detail only serve to make you feel like the coolest girl in the room. These are available in black, deep purple, caramel, and our personal fave, a versatile olive.
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Melissa Panapana Mule, $170
Chunky loafers are an easy way to amp up your look, whether they’re flats like the Melissa Panapana, or in slip-on heels form, like this Melissa Panapana Mule. The beauty is that the design’s the perfect cross between masculine and feminine, so you can pair them with boyish styles and laidback jeans for an androgynous look, or play up the contrast with a delicate dress. The key detail of an upper outer stitching and angled sides, which look kinda like you have superhero shoes on, as well as the structured lines, all make for an interesting pick too, and we’d totally go for bronze (gold, what?) for shoes that stand out.
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Melissa Be, $135
Let it Be — seriously, this caught the eye of many of us at the store launch and it’s easy to see why: you’ll never have the problem of not wearing your new shoes, the Melissa Be models are so easy to wear, to style, to slip on… plus they’ll never get stinky on rainy days! Crafted from Melissa’s signature MELFLEX material, they’re surprisingly comfortable too, and give off a glossy finish that stand out compared to the usual canvas sneakers. There’s a hot-favourite white, pastel blue and pink, as well as sparkly options — silver sneakers are an easy way to pull off metallics.
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Melissa Rain Boot, $180
These fall under the more adventurous options, but hey, if you can pull it off, why not? Adults can wear wellies too, and you all know how crazy our unpredictable weather’s like, right? Nothing will rain on your parade with a pair of trusty boots that reach up to your ankles — and with shades like light blue and pink, and even gold glitter, you’ll be tempted to work your outfit around these pairs of shoes instead, rain or shine. Challenge accepted!
Light Pink Bronze
BlackGlass Silver Glitter

Melissa Sac Bag, $160
Did you know Melissa has bags too? Probably one of the most exciting launches this season, we’re blessed with a whole range of slouchy Melissa Sacs that are large enough to hold plenty of your daily essentials, while sleek enough for every occasion. The matte black option is wonderfully understated, while the silver and bronze designs can add a nice accent to dull outfits, or just fit in with your bolder ones. Either way, with all these shoes and bags in your expanding wardrobe, you’d make everyone incredibly jelly.
Melissa Shoes RC-7.2

Melissa Fall/Winter 2017 FlyGrl collection, $90 to $195, available at all MDREAMS boutiques, selected retailers and online at mdreams.com.sg. You may also drop by their new store at Raffles City, #B1-28.

Charlotte Olympia Teams Up With Our Friendly Neighbourhood Spider-Man For A Fashion Collab

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Spider-Man, Spider-Man, does whatever a spider can. That’s right, Spider-Man can do anything from catching thieves with his web, swinging from place to place, to collaborating with fashion brands. As you all know, with great power comes great responsibility, and sometimes, great accessories.
Charlotte Olympia announced on Instagram that the brand will be teaming up with Marvel to create a Spider-Man themed collection to celebrate the upcoming release of Marvel’s Spider-Man: Homecoming. The Instagram video features comic-like illustrations of the web-slinger saving the day as the accessories from the collection makes its debut amongst a chaotic setting in New York City.

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It’s not surprising why Charlotte Olympia decided to tap on the world’s most iconic red and blue suited hero, as the brand itself is a fan of wispy cobwebs and kitty cats. The collection includes a round purse and a pair of velvet red slip-ons, featuring the very recognisable Charlotte Olympia “Kitty” cat, donning the iconic Spider-Man head mask. Other items include a semi-circular transparent clutch bag with a spider motif and tassel detailing, and a pair of black velvet lace-up trainers with the spider web embroidered at the lateral and at the tongue.
Our favourite creation from the collection is the Super Octavia, which is a platform sandal made of black suede and an intricate cob web detailing. But we’re stuck in a sticky situation as it does come with a hefty price tag at US$1,575. Perhaps, we shall just catch the movie just to show our support. Oh wait, we already did. Oops.
Charlotte Olympia Spider-Man Collection, US$295 – US$1,825, available online at charlotteolympia.com
Header image: Charlotte Olympia

We Went To A Taobao Festival, And Found All These Amazing Things

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Last weekend, we found ourselves in a magical place.

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Taobao Maker Festival 2
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We were in the Chinese city of Hangzhou, part of the fourth-largest metropolitan area in China, and home to tech giant Alibaba, which owns e-commerce sites Tmall and Taobao. So why were there huge crowds and a bunch of dancing Pikachus?
It was all for one of Taobao’s biggest events: the second annual edition of the Taobao Maker Festival, held this year in the company’s hometown of Hangzhou, in the form of a bazaar-like gathering of 108 Taobao merchants and their wares. The whole point of this festival is to celebrate the spirit of entrepreneurship, which all these Taobao sellers most definitely have plenty of, evident in the mind-boggling variety of goods hawked on the e-commerce site, and the sheer ingenuity of some of these products.
The event space was huge, with so many blinking lights and fancy setups we didn’t know where to start looking, and how we were ever going to stop. Besides the merchant’s booths, there were stages that saw musical performances (explains those Pikachus), product presentations, and interactive workshops.
We spent hours wandering around the space, taking in all that was on display and trying very hard not to be overwhelmed (it was tough). Still, we managed to scope out some of the most exciting and intriguing items you can get on Taobao, beyond the Feiyues, phone cases and makeup organisers.

Nanjing Salted Duck merchandise

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Yup, these are dead duck plushies. Maybe a little morbid, but mostly ridiculously cute. They’re made by a Nanjing-based Taobao store named 梅花油 (Plum Blossom Oil), which is an odd name for a lifestyle products brand, but also kind of randomly cute. These stuffed ducks have become so popular that the city of Nanjing has adopted them as one of its official souvenirs; they also sell knickknacks like paperclips and red packets too, all featuring this iconic duck delicacy.
Shop 梅花油 products here.
 
Tees and bags… made from recycled plastic bottles
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This takes environmentally-friendly fashion to quite a different level. HowBottle owner Huang Ning Ning makes T-shirts and drawstring bags from recycled plastic bottles – each tee takes 12 bottles to make. And no, they don’t feel all hard and plasticky; we ran our hands over them, and the material feels unbelievably soft. What sorcery is this?
Shop HowBottle products here. 
 
China’s own Grumpy Cat

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Boy, were the crowds swarming all over this particular booth. Who could resist this fat cat? Its name is 吾皇 ( Wu Huang), and it first began as a Weibo cartoon by artist Liang Kedong. The cartoon got so famous that it morphed into its own merchandise store on Taobao named 吾皇万睡 (caught the pun there?), so fans could bring their very own Wu Huang home.
Shop 吾皇万睡 products here.
 
Extremely photogenic succulents
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We can’t resist collecting succulents – even if we’re not very good at keeping them alive for very long – just because they make such pleasant additions to any desk. Taobao merchant Xiao Jie is something of a succulent artist – he doesn’t just sell them in very adorable pots, but the succulents he cultivates are especially photogenic too.
Shop 二木的花园 products here.
 
Minimalist shoes
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Chen Nuo is the designer behind footwear brand Nuogic, and his credentials are legit: he used to be an assistant to Jimmy Choo. Chen’s style is quite different from that of his ex-boss’, however – all minimalism and monochrome tones, with a liking for covering many of his recent designs with marble prints.
Shop Nuogic here.
 
The most amazing computer modifications in the world
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taobao fuxk 2

We know plenty of places that do CPU mods, but we’re pretty sure no one does them like the people at the FUXK store (not a typo). These guys are world-renowned for what they can turn a humble CPU into; those machines you see in the pictures above? They’re actually functional. Prices are very much eye-watering, but you’re paying for what you get, really.
Shop FUXK here. 
 
Customised luxury sneakers
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Sneakerhead Luo De Han developed a hobby of hand-decorating his kicks, and soon enough turned it into a thriving business in the form of Taobao store HANZI PRODUCT. He takes shoes like Jordans and Yeezys and turns them into one-of-a-kind fashion statements. Drawing on these incredibly expensive shoes might be sacrilegious to some, but hey, if you really want to stand out, here’s an option.
Shop HANZI PRODUCT here.
 
Wooden bags

Toting around a handbag made of wood definitely isn’t the most practical, but designer Chen Luo Man makes them so beautifully for her label FANJI, we don’t even mind the impracticalities. Whether with painted-on designs or left plain, these wood bags are quite the unexpected complement to any outfit.
Shop FANJI here.
 
Scandinavian-style furnishings
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We all know that homeowner who’s furnished practically his/her entire place with Taobao buys; if you haven’t caught on already, Taobao truly is the place to shop for furniture that’s very affordable, and actually quite nice. We found a gem of a furniture store at the festival: ZiinLife!, which is all about clean lines with pastel accents, basically all you need to get your room Pinterest-ready.
Shop ZiinLife! here.
 
taobao.com

The Battle Of The Pink Sneakers Continue in Our Second Round Up

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Just last month, we came up with a millennial pink sneaker round up and guess what? Here’s another one. We’re already a month past the mid-year mark, and the shade du jour is still going on strong. Either the millennials are getting all the likes they can get on their ‘gram or the sneaker world has succumbed to the hue once considered ugly and embarrassing. We think it’s both. Nonetheless, it’s never too late to join in the fun, especially since there’s a second wave of pink sneakers for you to ride on, so your feet can still look pretty in pink.

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Lacoste L.12.12 in Pink
$199, available now at all Lacoste stores.

This Autumn/Winter, Lacoste is capturing the spirit of the Lacoste polo shirt and translating that into their footwear collection. The L.12.12 sneakers are rendered in piqué, the same soft-weave technique that made their original lightweight polo so distinct. The precise stitched line around the collar subtly reference the cuffed sleeve on the polo, while the minimalistic cup sole was inspired by the tennis sport and style that was seen on court. The sleek silhouette is classy and versatile, and we can see it pairing well with formal capri pants and for off-duty days as well.
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Vans Old Skool 36 DX
US$80, available here.

Frankly speaking, when it comes to Vans checkerboard shoes, the black and white slip-on versions are the classics. No other colourway can ever come close to receiving as much love as the OG did. But when the black-and-whites are hanging out to dry, these subtle mauve checks are definitely an alternative to consider.
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adidas Originals Pink Superstar Sneakers
$118.90, available here.

Of course, the adidas Originals Superstar. Just head to town and every turn you take, you’ll probably see someone sporting the ever popular white Superstars with black stripes. The shoes are really pretty, but when everybody starts to own one, it just loses its exclusivity, y’know what we’re sayin? So for those of you who want a part of the Superstar trend but are looking for something different from the crowd, these cherry blossom pink ones might just be what you’re looking for.
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adidas Originals Swift in Icey Pink
available from 27 July 2017 at select adidas stockists.

Ah-hah. Just when we mentioned adidas are getting a lil lazy with their designs… BAM! They proved us wrong by revealing their latest silhouette, the adidas Originals Swift. The unisex cut is inspired by adidas’ running models from the ‘80s, featuring a Primeknit upper and EVA midsole. The low-top sneaker also has the Three Stripes at the lateral, in a toned down hue, and comes in three other colourways – White, Grey One/Icey Pink, and Core Black/Green Glow.
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Nike Air Huarache Run SE
US$130, available here.

The Nike Air Huarache Run SE in “Prism Pink” is probably made for the pink fanatics out there. The bubblegum pink shoe features several contrasting materials – the leather and mesh upper, cotton laces, and plastic heel overlay. Perhaps, the only thing lacking is the white midsole. Why did they have to leave the midsole out from the pink party? It could have taken home the crown for being the ultimate pink kicks but nah.
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Converse Chuck Taylor All Star ’70
US$90, available here.

Our favourite go-to sneakers from Converse are also getting the pink treatment. Unlike the baby pink adidas Originals and the Nike Air Huarache ones, these Chuck Taylors come in a rather muted, pastel pink. And another reason to get these pairs are the rugged suede upper that add a contrasting texture to the shoe. For those who like the look of a worn-out shoe, this is one that could give you that effect after just a few wears.
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Axel Arigato Tennis Sneakers
US$210, available here.

We love ourselves a pair of simple, minimalistic pair of Axel Arigato sneaks. What more can we say? This time, they’re back with an all-new model, the Tennis sneakers, which comes in three colourways – Pale pink, Light grey (it’s sky blue, really), and Lilac. These kicks are constructed with a smooth leather upper, concrete finish rubber cup sole, and equipped with a padded collar and cushioned footbed for the utmost comfort. As usual, the logo stamp is embossed in gold at the side. All you minimalists out there, get ready to stock up!
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Reebok Club C 85 in Shall Pink
US$100, available here.

Forget about laces and Velcro straps and opt for a zipper instead! That’s exactly what Reebok is doing with their Club C 85 model. Replacing the laces for the metallic hardware, the updated design comes in a pretty “Shell Pink” colour, including the Reebok branding at the side. They are super convenient when you’re in a rush and they do have a retro feel to it, looking somewhat like a pair of bowling shoes.

Gucci’s New Range of Home Décor Lets You Live in Style

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Contrary to popular belief, fashion is more than just what you wear. In fact, good taste starts from the home. But if your humble abode is currently lacking in the style department, here’s some fantastic news for you: Gucci is planning to launch its very own home décor line from this September onwards.



Branded as Gucci Décor, the luxury Italian house’s new collection spans a wide variety of products, including cushions, candles, incense trays, wallpaper, and metal folding tables. And of course, they will all feature the company’s trademark motifs and embroidery.
For that, one only has to look at the genius of Gucci creative director Alessandro Michele, who recently came up with the brand’s ‘A New Dawn’ campaign headed by Jared Leto. As you’d expect from the veteran fashion maestro, all of the Décor items have influences borrowed from his maximalist style of design.
Here are some highlights from the collection:
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These design intricacies are in tune throughout every single piece of the collection, whether they come with Herbarium floral prints, geometric chevrons, or even animals from the Gucci Garden, like bees, butterflies, or cockerels.
Do be warned though; getting your hands on Gucci Décor items won’t come cheap. For instance, the cheapest things you can buy in this collection like candles and incense trays start off with price tags of US$190, while the silk screens can cost up all the way to a mind-boggling US$30,000.



If you’re willing to cough up the cash however, you’re most likely to see the Décor items placed purposefully within Gucci’s brick-and-mortar stores amongst their other products. They’ll also be available online via gucci.com and select boutiques, so start saving now while you can!
For more information, visit gucci.com.
 All images taken from Gucci.

KFC Just Made a Smartphone Along with Huawei

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When it comes to ridiculous fast food options, KFC is top of the pile. After all, the company did release fried chicken bouquets for Valentine’s Day earlier this year, as well as the KFC Chizza, which if you recall, consisted of a heart-shaped chicken filet slathered with mozzarella cheese to resemble a real pizza.
But for its latest product…well, let’s just say that it takes the cake. In partnership with Chinese smartphone maker Huawei, KFC has just launched its very own smartphone (an actual working one, mind you) in order to commemorate 30 years of the company’s presence in China.

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“Between KFC and Huawei…both brands have witnessed the rise of China in these 30 years. Our collaboration is a homage to the era,” Steven Li, senior vice president of KFC marketing told Campaign Asia-Pacific.


The phone, which is remarkably similar to the iPhone 7’s red edition save for the Huawei logo, arrives with some pretty decent specs. For instance, this fried chicken gadget packs 3GB of RAM, 32GB of ROM, and a Snapdragon 425 processor. Most importantly, there’s a print of Colonel Sanders on its back.
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It may not be as powerful as Huawei’s latest flagship – the P10, or have a camera that’s anywhere near as good, but for its price point of 1,099 Yuan (approximately S$223), the phone is pretty decent for what you’re paying. The real issue here is that the phone is only available in China, with only 5,000 units being put up for sale.
If you’re really interested in scoring this limited edition gadget however, the phone is now on sale via Tmall, China’s equivalent of Amazon.
In other fast food news, McDonald’s has just launched a Nasi Lemak burger.
For more information, visit www.kfc.com.cn.
All images taken from KFC.

Why Your Scalp Is in Dire Need of a Hair Scrub

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“Anyone here ever tried a hair scrub?” was an awkward question I posed to my colleagues in an elevator, only to be met with a unanimous “no”. I expected that. After all, why would we ever consider purchasing a seemingly pointless product when we’ve got clarifying shampoos out there to address our deep cleansing needs?
Well, here’s a tidbit that could alter your headspace. If you’re looking to get a healthier head of hair, you may want to swap out your standard shampoo every once in a while for an exfoliating scrub. Turning to conditioning treatments may seem like a really good idea at first, but we tend to forget the most important thing that regulates our hair health: the scalp. Without a clean, balanced scalp, strong hair follicles simply can’t exist, which is why The Body Shop has created a hair scrub to give us a hand.


 
To compliment its Fuji Green Tea bodycare line, The Body Shop added a haircare collection in the same invigorating scent, featuring a shampoo, conditioner, and a hair scrub. Needless to say, what we’re looking at today is their new Fuji Green Tea Refreshingly Purifying Cleansing Hair Scrub, which doubles up as a shampoo. It uses salt crystals, mint, and menthol to stimulate blood flow and rid your scalp of impurities and daily grime with its rich later – perfect for those who use styling products that leave behind a waxy residue.
 
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Community trade honey is also blended in with soothing Japanese green tea to calm the scalp and nourish your strands, so it won’t just work well on normal hair and scalps as stated, it’s great for combating pesky dandruff and dry scalps too. Did I mention this sorbet-like formula smells amazing? Your head will surely thank you for this.
The Body Shop Fuji Green Tea Refreshingly Purifying Cleansing Hair Scrub, $29. Available now at The Body Shop stores.

Forget Flowers, Cactus de Cartier Is The New Botanical Jewellery You'll Love

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While we wouldn’t necessarily fall head over heels over thorns (can you imagine how that’d be like taken literally?), Cartier’s making a strong case for cacti — the never-say-die succulent that millennials love in their flatlays, and yes, the ones that thrive in the harshest of desert conditions. So maybe they have a bad rep for being unapproachable, but we’ve since cosied up to it (again, not literally), first, because they’re the only living things that don’t die on us, second, after realising they work wonders on our skin, and third, because this jewellery collection easily makes the prickly plant so damn desirable.
Case in point:

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The Cactus de Cartier collection puts the spotlight on the cactus, an edgy move that sets Cartier apart from its contemporaries since they’ve moved away from the traditional delicate floral motifs. Here, we get rings, earrings, bracelets, and necklaces, often oversized and deliberately un-dainty in order to mimic the unconventional spiky plant. As with anything by Cartier, there’s of course an element of refinement to it: exquisite details include chrysoprases, emeralds, carnelians, lapis lazuli and brilliant-cut diamonds, seen in bold colourful pieces that capture the cactus standing resplendent in the desert. That they are in spherical clusters immediately makes the jewellery more appealing to the eye, you’ll even want to reach out to run your fingers over the tactile structures.
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Then, there’s also a more subtle range that focuses on gold beads, arranged in a spiral pattern that radiates from an embellished centre. Statement pieces that we particularly love include a double ring and a cuff that you can easily slip on your wrist, that look more radiant when they catch the light, while a necklace with a chunky pendant at the end is something that’d look great with v-neck tops or minimalist dresses. Be warned though — none of these are actually that affordable thanks to the precious materials that they’re made from, and we mean $20,000 just for a ring, but hey, at least these plants won’t wither on you, right?
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Cactus de Cartier collection, from $20,600 for a ring, available at Cartier stores and online at cartier.sg.

Wait, Kit Harrington Wanted To Play The Role Of Harry Potter?

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The agonizing wait is finally almost over as the seventh season of Game of Thrones premieres on 17 July, this coming Monday. Fans are re-watching season six to refresh their memory and the internet is churning out hilarious straight to the point recap videos. Even food delivery service, Deliveroo, came up with a special feast menu to prepare fans for the arduous winter that is very fast approaching. But really, nothing can beat watching Kit Harrington trying his best to audition for the roles played by his co-actors when he went on Jimmy Kimmel Live!
He first attempted to portray Cersei Lannister, in which you could already see him trying to control his laughter for obvious reasons. Desperate for a second chance, he even took on the role of Arya Stark and entered the studio on his knees. Sporting a brunette wig and blurting out: “I’m a wittle girl who acts like a wittle boy and I’m killer with my wittle sword”, is the cutest we’ve ever seen of Harrington. Next, he played Ygritte, which we thought was pretty spot on if not for his blunder of aiming at the camera man. He was given chance after chance to prove himself again, trying out for Hodor, Daenerys Targaryen (warning: partial “nudity”) and White Walker (yeap, he’s really desperate). And when he came auditioning for Harry Potter and went on to expose his “dragons”, that’s when the crew had enough. You know what, have a look for yourself:


Definitely not anything Bravvos but A for effort, we guess. Thankfully, casting director for Game of Thrones, Nina Gold, saw the potential in him and miraculously landed him the role of Jon Snow and we’re totally relieved she didn’t give up on him. After watching the tapes, we understand why he should just be the good guy that he is. Although, please just stick to being Jon Snow, Harrington.
Header image: HBO Game of Thrones

McDonald’s Launches Nasi Lemak Burger and Other Local-Inspired Goodies for National Day

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There have been loads of crazy fast food creations this year, but not all of them actually turned out well. Remember the abomination that was the KFC Chizza? Yeah, you get our point. Way too much loco in one dish. However, we have plenty of hope for McDonald’s latest menu items.
In conjunction with the Singapore Food Festival (SFF) 2017, the fast food giant will launch from July 13 onwards a Nasi Lemak Burger, Chendol McFlurry, as well as other locally inspired dishes to celebrate National Day.

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“As a brand that’s deeply woven into the fabric of Singapore, we wanted to pay homage to our traditional local fare in conjunction with the launch of the Singapore Food Festival 2017,” said Agatha Yap, Senior Director of Marketing, Menu and Digital Innovation, Hanbaobao Pte Ltd.
“We have given a modern twist to familiar local favourites which includes the “Nasi Lemak” Burger – and hope Singaporeans will be thrilled to unravel the local flavours in our exciting menu line-up, as we come together to celebrate National Day soon,” Yap added.
Of course, the star of the show of this new promo is the Nasi Lemak Burger, which consists of a chicken patty that’s topped with a golden fried egg, caramelized onions, cucumber slices, and sambal. All this is slapped between two toasted semolina buns.
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Nasi Lemak Burger

For the Chendol McFlurry, diners can expect the regular vanilla soft serve flavour, except that this version comes with Gula Melaka sauce and Chendol jelly bits. Other new menu items include a Bandung McFizz , Coconut Pie, Kueh Salat, Pandan Coco Frappé, and various Chendol-influenced ice cream cones. McDonald’s will also bring back the criss-cut fries.
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Chendol McFlurry

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It remains to be seen how “local” these dishes turn out to be, and whether they actually taste good. But there’s only one way to find out, and that’s to head to the nearest McDonald’s store from tomorrow (July 13) onwards. Fingers crossed, they will be awesome.
For more information, visit www.mcdonalds.com.sg.
All images taken from McDonald’s.

All Ready to Dance at DNCE's First Ever Concert in Singapore

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For a band that’s only been around for the past two years, DNCE’s rise in the music industry has been nothing short of spectacular. Well, it kind of helps that Joe Jonas is your lead singer. But believe it or not, the spunky quartet is much more than the former Jonas Brothers frontman.
Left, right, centre, they all ooze groove, something that Singaporean fans are about to find out when the band heads over for a one-night-only concert on August 15 at the Suntec Convention Centre (Hall 403). Here’s an official hello from them:

An uninhibited music style has led to the creation of catchy ditties like “Cake By The Ocean”, “Kissing Strangers”, and “Toothbrush” – tunes that’ll get stuck in your head even if you’ve only listened to them once. That ain’t a bad problem to have though. Our earworms sure aren’t complaining.
But perhaps the reason why DNCE has been so successful is because of the friendship that binds them. You can clearly see their chemistry, even when they’re conducting a mini-interview session, which you can view below:

The idea for the group started when Jonas and drummer Jack Lawless were living together. Then, songwriter Justin Tranter of glam rock band Semi Precious Weapons introduced bassist Cole Whittle to the two. Soon enough, Jinjoo Lee, who’s now the guitarist of the group, got called in and the rest as they say is history.
And history is what DNCE is looking to make after winning a smattering of awards last year, including “Best PUSH Artist” at the 2016 MTV European Music Awards and “Best New Artist” at MTV Video Music Awards.
Whatever the case may be; fans are in for a real big treat when the group heads down later this August. To ensure you don’t miss out, get your tickets pronto at www.apactix.com, the Indoor Stadium Box Office, all SingPost outlets, or call +65 3158 8588. Tickets are available from $128 onwards.
And if you can’t wait to catch them live in action, you can check out the official music videos for DNCE’s hit singles “Cake By The Ocean” and “Kissing Strangers” below:



Cover image taken from Live Nation Lushington.