If you live in Singapore, chances are you’ve seen e-scooters zipping around town, and for good reason. These personal electric devices (PEVs) are quick, slick, and convenient, making them transporting must-haves for the modern city dweller.
That’s something local start-up Telepod is looking to tap into with its e-scooter sharing service that was launched last Monday (June 5, 2017) – a first for Singapore, a city already crazy with bicycle sharing schemes.
Renting an e-scooter is pretty much the same as renting a bike. First, you’ve got to download the free Telepod app from either the App Store or Google Play. A one-time refundable deposit of $49 has to be paid before you get to use the scooters. One scooter can be rented for $1 per 10 minutes.
Renting them comes in two different ways. There’s a dockless system that allows you to choose your destination and “book” a scooter, and a docking system, where you’ve got to get your scooter from an assigned docking area.
Scooter speeds are capped at 25km/h according to Land Transport Authority (LTA) regulations.
There’s just one slight catch though. The scooters are not available island-wide, with Telepod only deploying a total of 10 units at the Suntec Convention Centre’s main entrance, something that the company hopes will be the first of many exclusive designated zones.
If riding an e-scooter for short commutes doesn’t interest you however, Telepod also has rental packages which start from $23 for one hour of usage to $63 for 24-hours. They have also started a Kickstarter campaign to push for more e-scooter sharing services in Singapore, so you can expect more opportunities to fly like the wind. You can check it out here.
For more information, visit www.telepod.sg.
All images taken from Telepod. Cover image: Alfred Lim.
Drop Everything Now, And Look At Urban Decay's All-New Naked Palette
We’ve been keeping this secret for way too long. The Urban Decay team first whispered about a new Naked palette coming in 2017 many moons ago, but obviously swore us to absolute secrecy. A couple months back, we finally received the press materials, and just looking at the images on our screens gave us goosebumps. Still, we couldn’t announce anything as long as the embargo was in place… but said embargo has finally been lifted.
Behold, the Urban Decay Naked Heat:
At this point in time, obviously an eyeshadow palette filled with warm hues is nothing new – plenty of other brands have already beaten Urban Decay to jumping on the bandwagon. But the Naked Heat is still big news, because duh, it’s a Naked palette, and we will always go crazy for that. And… all 12 shades are brand new ones!
From left to right: Ounce (ivory shimmer), Chaser (light nude matte), Sauced (soft terracotta matte), Low Blow (brown matte), Lumbre (copper shimmer with gold pearl shift), He Devil (burnt red matte), Dirty Talk (metallic burnt red), Scorched (metallic deep red with gold micro-shimmer), Cayenne (deep terracotta matte), En Fuego (burgundy matte), Ashes (deep reddish-brown matte), and Ember (deep metallic copper-burgundy).
We hope you’re sitting down, because this palette isn’t all – it’s an entire Naked Heat collection.
Accompanying the palette is a limited edition capsule collection of three Vice Lipsticks and two 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencils, all in matching warm hues. The Vice Lipstick caps come dressed up in copper to match the colour theme, and span one Cream shade (Fuel, a very on-trend warm peachy nude) and two Metallized ones (Heat, a burnt red with gold pearl, and Scorched, a metallic copper). As for the eye pencils, Torch is a sienna, while Alkaline is a deep wine, both made to complement any warm smokey eye you create with this palette.
Basically, this entire Naked Heat collection is blowing up the internet right now, and it won’t be long before you can get your hands on them: mark 13 July on your calendars, people. That’s when this hits Sephora, before making its way to all Urban Decay stores one week later on 20 July.
Once again, it feels so good to finally be able to talk about this.
Urban Decay Naked Heat Palette, $83; Vice Lipstick, $29; 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencil, $32. Available at Sephora stores and sephora.sg from 13 July 2017, and Urban Decay stores from 20 July 2017. urbandecay.com.sg
Have These See-Through Mesh Jeans Gone Too Far?
Okay. So we have mesh bodysuits, mesh tights, mesh shoes, mesh chokers and now we have mesh jeans. Wait what. Yeap, you read it right. Mesh JEANS. And you thought all the ridiculous jeans trends on Twitter couldn’t get any crazier.
I first learned about the existence of mesh jeans while scrolling through my Instagram feed, spotting Kehlani, a rising R&B singer-songwriter, in an olive green mesh jean. I just had to zoom in closer to scrutinise what exactly was this pair of “jeans” (I mean, I don’t even know if it can be classified as jeans) she was wearing.
Reading through the comments on her photo, many people were for it, surprisingly, with only a countable few having comments like “What’s the point of those pants tho”. A quick search for the designer of the jeans led me to the Instagram page of Amsterdam-based brand, HARDEMAN and lo and behold, you see a slew of butt-bearing jeans and detachable zipper jeans. Immediately, I set out to do some research on what this brand is all about, and a DAZED interview article with its designer, Sophie Hardeman, had me change my mind about the mesh jean and altered my perspective on what is considered normal in this crazy world of fashion.
In the interview, Sophie explains: “For me, what I try to express with clothing I think is just an overall play on common life, how things are regulated and how everyone is trying to be normal and dress normal – living in their context. I think a lot of people are also very insecure about how they should live, what they should do and what they should wear. What I’m hoping to put out is that embracing individuality and the thing that, maybe, is off, is what makes something special and unique and makes your identity stronger.”
On what inspires her, Sophie said: “It’s about what is normal and appropriate. Like, if you wear really tight pants, you should wear a thong under it, so you don’t see the line of your underwear. But, actually, seeing the line of your underwear can be very seductive.” While reading through the article, I was nodding my head vehemently to everything she had to say, and her perspective on wanting to challenge what fashion should be or should not be definitely made sense.
It’s applaudable that designers are pushing boundaries of what’s considered normal, but can pieces like that really ever transition into the mass market, especially in Singapore? It’s hard not to be judgemental (I was originally on the against team) and I’m sure most people tend to be that way too, whenever we see something that doesn’t fit into societal norms. For example, if you see someone wearing the mesh jeans on the MRT train, that person is almost definitely going to appear on STOMP. For now, going as far as wearing the clear knee mom jeans from Topshop that went viral recently might even be considered over-the-top in Singapore.
Then again, we are already in the year 2017 and aren’t you glad that people are starting to voice out their opinions, challenging what is “normal” and embracing just who we want to be in general, instead of following whatever is in? While we are still quite far off from embracing trends like that in Singapore, we don’t have to wear mesh jeans to show that we are embracing ourselves but perhaps it could change our perspective on how we view things as “normal”.
Sophie’s clothing line is gender-free with sizes running from XXS to XXL so anyone can find whatever they feel comfortable in. You can shop Hardeman’s collection here.
By Phyllis Guo
Header image: Kehlani’s Instagram
The Body Treatment That Gave Me the Smoothest Skin of My Life
By Jade Yeo
I was scrolling through my Instagram feed one day when I stopped at this product post from one of my favourite brands in the universe, Paula’s Choice.
A body exfoliant with 2% salicylic acid? I’ve been using the brand’s Exfoliating Treatment on my face for two years now and it’s done wonders for my cystic acne, but using a similar BHA-infused product on my body seemed a little unnecessary – until I learned that salicylic acid could help get rid of keratosis pilaris, otherwise known as “chicken skin” (how lovely).
Since the beginning of 2017, I’ve had a bout with the little known skin condition that left rough, unsightly patches on my upper arms. If you didn’t know, keratosis pilaris is a skin condition where keratin builds up on skin, forming hard, scaly “plugs” that block up hair follicles. These plugs usually form in groups, which result in the rough “chicken skin” texture that characterises it.
It can occur at any area of the body that isn’t the palms of your hands or the soles of your feet, so it’ll usually show up on the arms, legs and even around the butt. Oh, I know – it’s not always cute. It can get itchy at times too, but it isn’t life-threatening; just another first world problem I have to deal with. Anyway, I was curious to find out if this would actually work, so here are my thoughts on the Paula’s Choice Resist Weightless Body Treatment.
PROS
As with most Paula’s Choice products, you won’t find any harsh components and artificial fragrances on the ingredients list, which is the best news for skin that’s reactive to anything and everything, like mine. Upon application, its light gel-cream texture melts into the skin quickly and it doesn’t leave a tacky residue behind. Instead, it made my skin silky to the touch – and that’s just from the very first use, mind you. After spending three solid weeks with this baby, I can safely say that this is the beauty product I never knew I needed in my life. Not only did it make the keratosis pilaris on my arms disappear, it smoothed out the skin around my elbows too – something my body scrub keeps failing to do.
Since salicylic acid works to exfoliate deep within the pores, it helps to prevent ingrown hairs as well, which made for a nice surprise when I shaved my legs the week after I’d started using this. It’s a weird sight when you can’t stop stroking your thighs and calves subconsciously in public. Do I count this as a drawback? Making everyone else feel uncomfortable because my legs have never felt this smooth in all 25 years of existence? Nah, that’s a boon in my book. And that doesn’t even mark the end of my praises. Initially, I was a little hesitant to try this out on my back for fear that my tattoo would react negatively, but a little patch test and several more uses proved there was nothing to be afraid of. In fact, it cleared up a couple of blemishes – the ultimate godsend.
CONS
While the formula is indeed fragrance-free, it does contain melon extract, which gives it a slight scent. And because it’s blended with salicylic acid, it can come across a little sharp for sensitive noses, but give it a while to sink in – it dissipates after a few minutes, and it actually smells quite pleasant. Okay, maybe this isn’t a con after all.
VERDICT
From the title alone, it’s pretty evident that this was gonna be one hell of a glowing review. It’s not clickbait at all, because it’s the absolute truth, and I’m not one to mince my words when it comes to product reviews. A quick thing to note about salicylic acid though, is that you shouldn’t be using it twice daily. Start out by using it on alternate evenings and monitor your skin condition as the days go by. If your skin’s starting to dry up and flake, limit your use to once a week. That should do the trick. Ultimately, it’s a stellar product that far exceeded my expectations, and I’ve already purchased a backup tube which arrived yesterday.✨
Paula’s Choice Resist Weightless Body Treatment 2% BHA, $45. Available from paulaschoice.sg.
These Etude House Popsicle-Shaped Water Gel Tints Scream Summer, & They're Officially Here
A surefire way to get people to buy your products is to make sure the packaging is on point. And the Koreans just nail it EVERY. SINGLE. TIME. When we first saw Etude House’s latest Dear Darling Water Gel Tint Collection, we were sold. How can you look at these miniature popsicles without cooing over them? Perfect for the sweltering heat in Singapore, these water gel tints will melt onto your lips just like ice cream. The collection comes in 6 vivid colours – Apricot Red, Peach Red, Watermelon Red, Jewel Red, Red Bean Red and Shark Red. We are really into Jewel Red – a shimmery rose gold/champagne pink colour and Apricot Red which is the go-to colour for summertime.
Dear Darling Water Gel Tint Collection, $9 each, available now at Etude House stores island-wide.
Header image: Etude House Korea etude.co.kr
Lime Crime's New Mermaid Collection Is Holographic Overload
These days, it’s pretty much criminal for beauty brands to not have their own in-house stash of holographic makeup, products that take inspiration from the likes of unicorns and mermaids. Yup, the trend’s still running strong. With one collection after another of similar concepts, we thought we’d bored by now but… nah. Our inner magpies can never resist sparkly beauty treats; you guys ought to know that by now.
So when our Instagram beauty-informant @trendmood1 blasted the news on her feed, we jumped at Limecrime’s new Mermaid collection, to be launched later this June. Their Hi-Lite palettes serve up some pretty blinding highlights, and the while the whimsical-goth brand already has two solid ones in their bag, they’ve specially curated three new shades for this one huge mermaid collection. Lime Crime has very kindly provided swatches and images up on their website — which is great — and so far the colours look pretty impressive. There are three iridescent shades that remind you of sea princesses: lavender, ivory and sea foam blue-green. They’re all sparkly and bursting with pigment, and when come packaged in a bright teal cardboard with mermaid motifs, you can be sure this one palette is going be the one to look out for in the coming days.
And to perfectly complement the mermaid palette, they’ll be launching three new matching metallic Velvetines, because true mermaids aren’t about the matte life. Only sparkle overload. We have out eye on Siren, a sunset peach colour with a gold shift, which we presume is a hue that’s not going to look too unconventional as an everyday lip. Then there’s Seashell Bra, a true iridescent lilac; and Mermaid’s Grotto, a baby blue with gold glitter flecks. Use the Mermaid Hi-Lite on the cheeks and eyes, and then pile on the metallic goodness on the lips.
One true mermaid, coming right up.
Lime Crime Mermaid collection will launch June 25 on limecrime.com. International shipping is available.
McDonald's Goes Bananas For Minions
Just yesterday when we were over at Mac’s for a quick after-dinner fried-food snack, one of us exclaimed — right at the counter — “oh, is the double McSpicy what Mcdees promotes when there’s nothing new on the menu?” And less than 24 hours later, right now in the office, a press release that’s hot off the well, press, lands right into our emails announcing the fast food giant’s big collaboration with cartoon of the month: Despicable Me 3.
To start things off on a sweet note, there’s going to a flurry of desserts — all banana flavoured, for a good reason we all know. These do look a tad daunting at first, and truthfully nothing quite like the usual Mcdonald’s soft serve that we’re used to; but we’re banking our buck on the Banana Hot Fudge sundae, because everyone knows how well bananas and chocolate go together. Riding on that same tastebud preference, the Banana Oreo Mcflurry seems like an adventurous choice to pursue too. Those who are looking for something less… hearty (who are we kidding) but still refuse to lose the Minion spirit might want to indulge themselves in a Banana Cone, and this one, friend, looks exactly like a Minion in action — complete with a yellow top and blue bottom.
And to go with the candied treats, something savoury might float your boat… Keep a lookout for the Minion Potatoes, where little potato bites (think tater tots) are cut into the shape of everyone’s favourite yellow, garble-speaking friends. And deep fried to crispy, golden perfection. That’s not even all — Macs will be bringing back the fan favourite Spicy Chicken McNuggets, should you be craving for a fiery treat. It’ll be only be for a limited time, so grab them while you can.
Some of the Happy Meal toys that will be made available each week.
Plus, if you’re one to patronise Mac’s frequently (ahem, us) you’d notice that there has been a rather… unusual spike in the number of people purchasing the restaurant’s famed Happy Meal. It doesn’t take an arm and leg to figure out why — these folks are there for the accompanying Minion collectables! Shame on you if you’ve yet to get your hands on the toys from the first week; but fret not, there’s still today before they’re gone for good.
Toys available from the week of 8 June
Here’s the best part: Everything will be available from tomorrow, 8 June! Do keep lookout on the McDonald’s Singapore Facebook page regularly for more Despicable Me 3 food updates. Prices range from $1 for a Banana Cone – $4.75 for Spicy Chicken McNuggets (à la carte).
McDonald’s Despicable Me 3 menu, available at all McDonald’s outlets from 8 June 2017.
Header Image: McDonald’s
mcdonalds.com.sg
Why Amari Watergate is Bangkok’s Best Hotel to Start Your Shopping Spree
Thailand isn’t just the Land of Smiles. It’s also home to the ultimate shopping paradise, Bangkok, where designer labels and bargain buys can be found at almost every street corner.
The capital city isn’t just a place for apparel hunting though. Oh no. There’s plenty of luxury to go around here as well.
Case in point: Bangkok has Amari Watergate Hotel – a swanky 4-star hotel that’s located right smack in the heart of the vibrant Pratunam shopping district, making it THE ultimate place to start a shopping spree (something we all know that Singaporeans like to go on every once in awhile).
Yes, there are other posh hotels in the city to stay at. But in terms of choosing a solid base as the centre of your money-spending operation, there are hardly any options better than Amari Watergate.
For instance, it’s located directly opposite Platinum Fashion Mall, where you can score cheap goods. And if that’s not good enough for you, there’s always Pratunam Market right behind the hotel, packing even cheaper goods.
What’s super cool though is that Amari is situated around hidden gems not really known to tourists, like Camp BKK; a multi-label boutique that focuses on local designers, Ballet Shoes; a women’s shoe store at Lido Plaza that specialises in bespoke, hand-made leather shoes, and TALAD Neon – Bangkok’s latest hipster night market.
Of course, Amari is also within walking distance of crowd favourites such as Pantip Plaza, City Complex, and Indra Mall. But more importantly, Amari Watergate is an extremely comfortable place to return to at the end of the day. And when we say comfortable, we mean comfortable.
From the hotel’s Deluxe rooms to the Presidential Suites, there’s plenty of opulence for you to lap up over here. If your purse strings are a little tight however, we recommend going for the Super Saver Package ($250), which includes a 25% discount off a spa treatment, 30% off F&B, and a complimentary upgrade to a Grand Deluxe Room.
Whatever the case may be; a stay at Amari Watergate Hotel won’t be a disappointing one, especially if you’re looking to shop till you drop. The only disappointment you might face is that you’re not staying here long enough.
For now, check out our amazing buffet experience at Amari Watergate Hotel’s Amaya Food Gallery, where there’s all sorts Asian street food to try out:
For room rates and more information, visit www.amari.com/watergate.
Ultra Thin Eyeliners For When Your Eyeliner Flick Is The Most Important Part Of Your Face
Nothing ruins a day like lining one of your eyes perfectly, only to move on to the other eye and mess it up. In your attempt to balance them out, you ruin both eyes, only to end up late for work/school, and without nicely balanced eyeliner to boot.
After years of doing this almost every day, some days better than others, we’ve learnt some lessons along the way. Number one, practice is the only way to make it perfect, and even then, perfect eyeliner is a blessing that will only descend on your face on select days. Number two, a good tool is absolutely key – a firm nib, good colour payoff, and of course, a waterproof and smudge-proof formula will help win half the battle.
To all the ones out there who take pride in their eyeliner flicks, we feel you. There’s truly a lot of joy to be derived from drawing on flicks so sharp, they could stab through your ex’s cold, unfeeling heart. And the key to that: quality eyeliner with ultra-thin nibs, which seem to be experiencing a revival these days.
ETUDE HOUSE Super Slim Proof Brush Liner, $18.90 at ETUDE HOUSE stores
In Black and Brown; waterproof and oil-proof
Cle de Peau Beauté Intensifying Liquid Eyeliner, price TBC, available at the Cle de Peau Beauté store and counters from July 2017
In Black and Brown; smudge, oil and sweat-resistant
YSL Beauty Couture Eyeliner, $45, available at YSL Beauty stores and counters from 7 July 2017
In black, blue, green, brown, wine, champagne, silver and bronze; smudge-proof
3CE Super Slim Pen Eyeliner, $19, available at Sephora and on sephora.sg
In Black, Brown, Light Brown and Burgundy Brown
L’Oréal Makeup Designer Paris Superliner Expressionist, $19.90, available at Watsons, Guardian, Sasa, and major supermarkets and department stores
In Black, rub-proof and fade-proof
Main image: ETUDE HOUSE
New Arrivals From Rihanna’s FENTY PUMA Spring/Summer Collection Just Dropped Online
As much as we are excited for Rihanna’s Fenty beauty line (heads up: that’s confirmed to be coming to Singapore in Fall 2017, by the way), we are also thrilled that the FENTY PUMA 2017 Spring/Summer Collection made another drop online on the Puma website, this time with new arrivals which includes sleeveless cropped crew necks, lace durag and satin caps. Previewed last year at Paris and taking inspiration from Marie Antoinette, the collection is a blend of soft, dainty ruffles and edgy sport luxe, featuring see-through fleece jackets, lace trimmings and embroidered shorts.
It is notable that most of her pieces are in one of the four distinct colourways – pastel pink, coffee brown, moss green and lilac purple. It is a collection that’s in true Rihanna fashion and now we all can dress like the undisputed Queen of Pop.
Shop Rihanna’s FENTY PUMA 2017 Spring Summer Collection here.
Header image: Puma
Does Consuming Collagen Actually Give You Better Skin?
Since its introduction to the masses, collagen has reigned supreme as the ultimate beauty supplement buzzword. There’s a whole host of easy shot-style drinks, powders, and pills on the market (collagen buffets exist now, too – say whaaat) that claim to rejuvenate your skin from the inside-out, firming and plumping it up to keep you looking younger for longer. But before we give you the lowdown on consumable collagen and whether or not they actually work, we first need to understand the role collagen plays within our bods.
So, what on earth is collagen?
Produced by skin cells called fibroblasts, collagen is essentially a structural protein that occurs naturally in the connective tissues of the body. It’s necessary to keep your skin tight, as its connecting fibres allow the skin to bounce back easily as it’s pulled (cue a series of commercials physically demonstrating that). Yup, that’s collagen. It acts like a cement holding all your skin cells, keeping your skin supple so you don’t develop wrinkles prematurely.
Why are people so obsessed with collagen supplements?
As you age, your body begins to produce less collagen, which leads to sallow, sagging skin. Cheeks gradually deflate, fat starts to move downwards (thanks gravity!), and your skin will lose its elasticity and become a lot less firm. When collagen no longer undergirds the architecture of your skin, the widest part of your face will be at your jawline… You can see it, can’t you? Yeah, not a good look. After hitting 25, your body will start to lose collagen at a rate of 1% every year, and that seemingly minuscule rate will increase up to 2% when you’re in your 40s. Before you know it, you’re 60 and you’ve lost half of your collagen. And that physical flip of youth is exactly what drives people to buy into collagen supplements. Of course, we won’t be delving into our psychological fear of aging, but at least you’ll understand the situation the next time you see someone throwing money at those products.
Does consuming collagen actually help to boost its production?
Like we mentioned, collagen is actually a protein, so when you ingest it, your digestive system will ultimately break it down before it even reaches your skin. This is because your body’s unable to tell the difference between protein that’s derived from a collagen supplement from protein that’s derived from meat, so ingesting collagen is actually pretty useless because they won’t even make it through the digestive process. There simply aren’t enough studies out there to support its efficacy, and those that did prove successful owed it to external factors rather than the collagen supplement on trial. Marine collagen has been trending for a while now, too, but likewise, there isn’t enough evidence out there to support this.
What works then?
Stimulating the body to produce more collagen appears to be one of the most effective ways to go about this. By filling micronutrient gaps, you can aid your skin fibroblasts in creating more collagen. So, consider taking a high-quality fish oil supplement daily, along with a good dose (approximately 1,000mg) of vitamin C to help neutralise free radicals and help our bodies make collagen and elastin. If you aren’t too keen on pills and supplements, then incorporate some lemons and raspberries into your diet. Sounds easy enough, right?
There are several topical treatments out there that can help boost the production of collagen as well. Intelligent Nutrients makes a Renewing Oil Serum that’s great for feeding the skin, and it also features a certified-organic antioxidant called Intellimune, which helps to prolong the life of skin cells as it stimulates collagen and elastin production. You can also invest in Fresh’s Lotus Youth Preserve Face Cream, which is crafted from the brand’s proprietary super 7 complex to combat signs of aging. A good drugstore pick would have to be Olay’s Regenerist Micro Sculpting Moisturiser Cream. It combines an Amino-Peptide Complex with hyaluronic acid to hydrate skin back to health.
TLDR: Most collagen supplements don’t work, but consuming the right food and using certain topical products can help to stimulate and increase collagen production in the dermis naturally. At the end of the day though, try not to worry about it too much. I’m pretty sure most of you reading this barely have one foot over the threshold of your mid-20s. Ultimately, sticking to a healthy, balanced diet and wearing sunscreen daily will help you retain your good looks for longer.
Main image: Noon By Noor SS17, courtesy NARS
Going Full-On Metal Is Not As Scary As You Think
This year is the year of the metal. The metal trend has slowly been picking up over the years as we spot more and more celebrities, such as Lady Gaga and Lais Ribeiro, donning on chainmail dresses, the material made famous by fashion house, Paco Rabanne. Even former FLOTUS, Michelle Obama killed it when she wore a rose gold chainmail Atelier Versace to her last state dinner in 2016. She tops the list for pulling off the chainmail trend, hands down. No questions asked.
Then again, people can be quite skeptical when it comes to wearing something so reflective, and just wonder, “Why would we wear that?” in general. Well, here’s where we come in to share with you on how you can integrate the metal trend into your outfit.
Clothing
Contrary to popular belief, chainmail is actually a lightweight material that flatters the body. If the material appears over-the-top for you, slipping it over a white t-shirt and pairing it with denim jeans gives the outfit a more casual look. Alternatively, items with metal eyelet detailing can also help you achieve that edgy, industrial vibe.
Bikinis
Baywatch may be bringing the high cut swimwear trend back, but we are all for chainmail bikinis although we aren’t very sure if it’s advisable to step into a pool with it on. Metals rust upon contact with water, right? But that’s beside the point. In the worst case scenario, you can always save it for when you attend a music festival or just wear an oversized white tee over it to have the metal detailing peeking through.
Accessories, Bags and Shoes
We’ve also seen many brands turning metal chains into accessories ranging from rings, necklaces to bracelets and AMBUSH excels in this department with their experimental line of jewellery. You can also switch up your look by opting for bags or shoes with a metal accent to give a modern, futuristic look.
Header image: Bella Hadid’s Instagram
This Is The Millennial Pink Sneaker Round Up You’ve Been Waiting For
Does anyone even still remember the classic “once you go black, you never go back” phrase? Anyone…? Perhaps not, since everyone’s busy indulging and drowning themselves in the new black, i.e. the very unabashed Millennial Pink. Trust us when we say we’re gonna scream if you’re one of those who haven’t heard of that two new ultra-basic words, because like our once favourite colour black, Gretchen Weiners’ golden “fetch” is now old news.
This, my friend, is a classic example of the Millennial Pink.
Well, not all of the all-time-favourite classic Mean Girls is obsolete. Tina Fey’s stroke of scriptwriting genius has rather accurately predicted the colour of choice — which is why for the longest time, we only wore pink on Wednesdays. Well, not anymore, because fast forward thirteen years (feeling old yet?), everyone’s wearing pink every. other. day. The Millennial Pink isn’t one specific shade of pink; where would the fun be in that anyway — but instead, a range of hues from peach to rose. It’s that romantically punchy colour that’s plastered all over your minimalist friend’s IG account. Still unsure? A quick search of “Stylenanda Pink Hotel” on Google should help quell your curiosity.
And now that we’ve finally had a quick lesson on that vital piece of knowledge of what the Millennial Pink is, we’re jumping straight into pink kicks, the one item that sneaker brands keep launching, every other day, to have us wrapped round their pinkies (hur hur). Sad but true.
Vans x Opening Ceremony “Oh Sooo Suede” pack in Powder Pink
US$100, available here.
How is this not love at first sight? Well, technically we’ve fallen in love quite a bit for the past half a year, but this… is our one true sneak, for this week at least. Covered in a premium suede leather upper with matching soles and laces, the new-and-improved Vans OG Authentic LX welcomes wearers back into the world of monochrome with a beautiful, soft-to-the-touch, candy pink rendition of an all-time classic.
adidas UltraBOOST X in Trace Pink
US$180, available here.
Now, we’ve seen Primeknits in a multitude of colours; from the classic whites and blacks to the more adventurous pops of turquoise and blue. Don’t get us wrong when we say we have to play favourites this time — those that we’ve mentioned are still cute, but what is cuter is the new UltraBOOST X that comes in a radiant shade of salmon pink. The entire Primeknit upper is interspersed with specks of red on an otherwise peachy pink base, with matching pastel pink laces to boot.
Nike Internationalist in Prism Pink
£84.99, available here.
Granted that the Internationalist isn’t always a first-picked silhouette, amid other sleeker options from the same brand. But hey, if it’s anything, we’re calling it the Millennial Pink effect — where things just look better when clad in that one hue. Even a potato. (Do not question us on this.) And that’s exactly what the Prism Pink sneak did: with an two-toned-pink upper and the winning detail of a metallic “heel bracelet”, Nike’s once again served up another pair of lust-worthy pair of kicks.
adidas Originals Turbular Viral 2 in Icey Pink
US$130, available here.
When it comes to a minimalistic and modern outlook, you can place your bets on this Turbular Viral 2 that first of all, comes in a flattering shade of an in-between baby pink and peach hue. Peer closely, and you’d notice a subtle imprint of three triangles — a quirky twist from the classic adidas three stripes. To top all off, a simple all-white EVA sole that creates a sporty look to suit your athleisure aesthetic.
adidas Stan Smith CF in Rose Pink
US$90, available here.
Pretty sure there’s hardly a need for an explanation for this pair — one look at it and you know we’re sold. There’s just something about modernity and nostalgia coming together, to create a lean, pink, fighting machine of a sneaker. If you have haven’t already gotten acquainted with each other — say hi to the adidas Stan Smith CF in Rose Pink, where the entire sneaker’s upper is draped in luxurious pastel pink nuback with a cork-coloured heel tab. The Stan Smith’s all-white sole remains, so not all of the original Stan’s features are replaced. Plus, no one ever said no to a good ol’ pair of velcro shoes, well, at least not your primary school self. (And we all know how nostalgia makes for a pretty darn charming marketing technique.)
PUMA Suede Platform in Pink Tint
US$108, available here.
We can’t decide if we prefer pop-singer Rihanna, or Women’s Creative Director of PUMA Rihanna. Well, either way, she nailed both professions; and we salute PUMA for making that right move which propelled the brand back into the category of “sneaker brands to look out for”. PUMA’s suede platform (see, once again, suede) is a smart rework of the brand’s cult-favourite Creeper. This one comes in a gorgeous tint of dusty rose, with an accent satin stripe at the side to provide a contrast in texture, as well as a more polished look that might perhaps earn you a pass from heels.
adidas NMD R1 in Vapour Pink
US$130, available here.
Shame on you if you, for a single moment, ever thought that we’d leave this insanely popular silhouette out — alongside the colourway that drove the Internet nuts. Now the NMDs are nothing new to sneakerheads, but for some reason they remain both lust-worthy and newsworthy with every new rendition. We don’t have many words when it comes to this one particular pink colourway; a pastel pink upper with grey heel tabs that looks part adorable and part sophisticated. As predicted, the model did sell out in a finger snap (and is still OOS, last we checked), so you might want to consider sneaker reseller stores for a better chance at copping yourself a pair.
The New Vans x Opening Ceremony “Oh Sooo Suede” Pack Is Pretty Darn Sweet Indeed
We’ll admit it: This entry was almost absent-mindedly written, because as we’re scrolling and drooling away at Vans’ latest collaboration with Opening Ceremony, (a huge) part of our minds is already on when can we cop the crazily luxurious collection asap. We do get tempted by sneakers almost well, every day, but nothing has quite gotten us in this much of a frenzy as this latest Oh Sooo Suede pack.
From past experience of lusting over footwear, we realised that the ones that we truly deem as a need in our lives have but two similarities: to come clad in a monochromatic colourway of millennial pink, and have an entirely suede upper. Sure, suede may not be the best material to sport on an everyday basis, but like how our one true fashion genius Rihanna has clearly demonstrated — everything looks better in a garb of suede. Everything. Why else do you think her FENTY Creepers had problems keeping themselves in stock?
So yes, coming right back to our current squeeze. Two of Vans’ most trustworthy models got dipped in premium suede leather, namely the OG Authentic LX and the OG Classic Slip-On LX. The entire sneaker — from its upper to sole, comes in a monochromatic finish, lending the sneaker a layer of minimalism that contrasts well against the otherwise opulent suede texture. (That’s by the way, super soft to the touch too.) There are four colours available at the moment, all ‘70s retro vibes-inspired, so expect to see shades of “Safron”, “Umber”, “Horizon Blue” and “Powder Pink”. No prizes for which one we already have our eye on. (Hint: it’s pink.)
Collaborations between Vans and Opening Ceremony have never quite disappointed us, from their vibrant “Passion” pack to their glitter bomb sneaks. Suede seems like the natural next-in-line, but from how the duo has managed to successfully tempt us and our money through a computer screen, we’d say we wouldn’t have it any other way.
Vans x Opening Ceremony “Oh Sooo Suede” Slip-On retails for US$95, and the Authentic for US$100. Get yours from openingceremony.com.
Header Image: Vans x Opening Ceremony
Apple Launches Multiple Hardware and Software Overnight, Including New iMac and Home Speaker
And the Apple hype is still going strong.
Just over a week after the electronic giant launched its first ever store in Southeast Asia to much fanfare, multiple new hardware and software was revealed during the company’s keynote address at the Worldwide Developer Conference (WWDC) in San Jose, California.
Top of the pile in the slew of new announcements has to be the iMac Pro, which according to Apple, is the most powerful Mac of all time. It features a Radeon Pro Vega GPU and high frame rate VR, slapped on a sexy 27-inch Retina 5K display. Be prepared to splash the cash for it though. It’ll cost a mind-boggling US$4,999.
Another product to check out is the HomePod – Apple’s answer to the Amazon Echo and Google Home. Like the other two automated home voice assistants, the HomePod will incorporate Siri into its operating system, and is able to control Apple gadgets in your house, provide weather updates, news, and play music. Unfortunately, it will only be available in Singapore from next year onwards.
Other than that, hardcore Apple fans can also look forward to updated MacBook Pros, a revamped App Store, a new 10.5-inch iPad Pro with a quicker processor, and iOS 11, which includes new features such as user-to-user payment in Apple Pay, augmented reality support, as well as new effects for the camera, such as long exposure and replays.
There’s also a new watchOS and TVOS being announced for the Apple Watch and TV respectively, while the macOS software has been given a massive upgrade, adding features like Autoplay Blocking to “block” online ads and virtual reality compatibility.
It looks as if Apple fans have plenty of things to keep them occupied for now. Well, at least till the new iPhone 8 (which is rumoured to be the most expensive of all time) rolls out later this year.
For more information, visit www.apple.com/sg.
All images taken from Apple.
7 Online Stores to Get Your Pinterest-Worthy Knick-Knacks From
Besides watching a ton of fashion and beauty videos on YouTube, our other fave kind of videos to watch are the “apartment tour” ones where YouTubers take their viewers on a tour around their house. Is anyone else with us? There’s just something about looking into someone else’s home – seeing how they’ve arranged their furniture, the theme they went for and just getting some major interior inspo. Having watched a bunch of “apartment tour” videos, we now have a list of online furniture shops under our belt, ready for when we finally move into our own homes.
There is just one problem… As with many other brands that are not available in Singapore as of yet, shipping can be a real pain in the a**. When it comes to buying furniture online, it can get pretty tricky because the shipping cost fluctuates depending on the weight and shipping destination. Hence, we wouldn’t suggest buying large and bulky furniture but instead, shop for accent pieces and knick knacks that will make a difference to the overall look of your room. Here, we bring to you 7 brands that were frequently mentioned by YouTubers, where they get their Pinterest-looking décor from:
1. HipVan
One of the brands in our list, Umbra, unfortunately does not ship to Singapore but we found out that Singapore-based company, HipVan, carries some of their products. Besides Umbra, they offer a wide selection of items at wallet-friendly prices with orders above $100 entitled to free shipping.
2. Modcloth
Get this: free international shipping for orders above US$150. People, this is really a good deal! If you just shifted into a new home and in dire need of some home décor and accents to spruce up your place, then this is perfect for you. But don’t fret if you only have eyes on one item. Simply gather as many friends as you can and get them to shop with you to hit the US$150 quota! Talk about peer pressure…
3. Urban Outfitters
Urban Outfitters’ apartment range has gained popularity among many YouTubers especially with the Pinterest aesthetic that they are going for, clearly having college students who just moved into the city in mind. Whether you are looking for bohemian-inspired pieces or minimalistic home accents, there is definitely something for everyone. Their cheapest shipping option to Singapore is fixed at US$30 which will take 10 to 12 business days to arrive. That’s not too bad. With a fixed shipping fee, it means that the more you buy, the more value for money. So while you’re at it, might as well shop their fashion offerings as well.
4. Anthropologie
This lifestyle brand caters to the creative-minded woman who has her own sense of style. From boho chic to modern sporty, you will be spoilt for choice with their wide range of home furniture and décor pieces. Currently, they only provide express shipping to Singapore for US$35 which will take 5 to 7 days to arrive. Fun fact: Anthropologie is actually named after founder Dick Hayne’s college major but with a French twist.
The following three brands all engage the help of Borderfree, a groundbreaking global e-commerce solution that allows international shoppers like us to view the site’s products in Singapore currency with cost-effective international shipping and guaranteed order totals. International shipping is calculated based on a number of factors including number of items, weight of the items and destination country.
5. West Elm
One of the most-mentioned brands in apartment tour videos, west elm focuses on modern design, affordability and community. This brand is also suited for the environmentally-friendly ones as 90% of their products are designed in-house with their selection of organic, handcrafted, sustainably sourced and Fair Trade Certified products steadily increasing.
6. Uncommon Goods
Uncommon Goods is another brand that focuses on minimising environmental impact but their offerings are quite different from West Elm’s. You will be able to find quirky and unique looking items from this store as they emphasise design originality and exclusivity, which means that you can only find these products at their store!
7. CB2
Another cult favourite amongst the YouTubers, CB2 is the sibling of Crate & Barrel. While Crate & Barrel focuses on contemporary style, CB2 caters to a modern and minimalist aesthetic. Whether you’re into rose gold finishes, industrial vibes or botanicals, there are endless options to choose from. We don’t even know where to start from just by looking at their menu page.
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