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Holy Grail Korean Beauty Essences to Know and Love

If you question a beauty-savvy Korean woman about the importance of an using essence, she would tell you that it is the heart of a skincare routine. The Korean skincare routine can consist of 10 to 30 products (IKR), each product delivering various different benefits to your skin with a good practice of layering. Essences would usually come after your toner, just before applying a serum. But if you don’t use a toner or a serum, don’t worry – you can use an essence to replace those two steps. They’re lighter than a moisturiser and more viscous than a toner, adding moisture to the skin to help it stay healthier and more plump. Whether it’s morning or night, you can incorporate this step into your regimen. Simply dispense the product onto your hand or a cotton pad and apply it evenly all over your face and neck.
Beyond a luxurious feel of hydration, essences have an anti-aging element to them as well, increasing your skin cell turnover rate to reveal a brighter and more even skin tone. In essence (just had to), essences are like liquid gold, but not all of them are created equal. Have a look at the beauty essences that have attained holy grail statuses.
 

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Missha Time Revolution First Treatment Essence

One of Missha’s most popular product is often compared with SK-II’s Facial Treatment Essence in terms of its physical appearance as well as its efficacy. SK-II uses Pitera (Galactomyces Ferment Filtrate), while Missha’s contain Saccharomyces Ferment Filtrate as well as Bifida Ferment Lysate and lactic acid. The formula also contains niacinamide, which is a Vitamin B3 component that improves the skin barrier function. The ingredients list boasts a lot more botanical extracts, expediting the process of skin cell renewal by diminishing fine lines, bringing down any redness, hydrating the skin and even brightening it with constant usage.
 

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SU:M37 Secret Programming Essence

If you thought the SU:M37 Miracle Rose Cleansing Stick was the star of the show, then you need to know about the Secret Programming Essence. Not only is the packaging luxuriously gorgeous, it’s got an impressive formula too. Their botanical ingredients are fermented for a year before they’re added into the concoction. Its consistency is a little thicker compared to most watery essences on the market, but it’s light enough to sink into your skin almost instantly. Thanks to its numerous variations of fermented lactic acid, you can get that same Korean all-over glow.

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IOPE Bio Essence Intensive Conditioning 

IOPE has recreated Thioredoxin, which in an essential compound to the skin’s bio activities. Similar to Missha’s formula, IOPE’s is packed with powerful ingredients such as Saccharomyces Ferment Filtrate, niacinamide and adenosine to ensure smoother, clearer and brighter skin with continued usage. The essence also contains over 60 billion bio-enzymes to optimise your skin condition. Like most essence, this one is perfect for oilier skin types and warmer weather as it gives your skin the hydration it needs within weighing it down.

These 3-D Printed Lipsticks Bring the Future to the Present

3-D printing is often tied to with the worlds of architecture, medicine, art, and as of late, fashion. It’s essentially a process in which a material, either plastic or metal, is printed down on a surface, layer by layer, to create a three-dimensional object. You probably wouldn’t think of the beauty industry when you think of 3-D printing. Well, that’s about to change. Smashbox Cosmetics is taking 3-D printing technology to your lips.

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To celebrate Smashbox’s launch of 120 new Be Legendary Lipsticks, they’re letting their customers take part in the brand’s #BeLengendary Lipstick Matching Game. Customers will have to go to smashbox.com and select their favourite shades to receive a redemption code for a free 3-D printed lipstick with any purchase they make. They will then transform the colour into any design your heart desires: kiss prints, signatures and even your social media handles. That customised design is then transferred to a portable compact, so you can take it along with you anywhere you please and it can be easily applied with a lip brush.
We’re super psyched about this beauty breakthrough. Unfortunately, this only applies to those who live in the U.S. So, there goes our hopes and dreams, guys.

via GIPHY


What we’ll be doing now is hope that other beauty brands catch on to the 3-D printing technology and bring us some amazing customisable makeup.
Main Image: Smashbox Cosmetics

Here's What's Happening This Weekend

Universal Studios Singapore Halloween Horror Nights
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Calling all thrill seekers out there. This is one you wouldn’t want to miss. USS has without fail, outdone itself every single year and this year is no exception. Exploring our innermost sensitive fears and trauma, Halloween Horror Nights touches on terror with a personal touch; bringing to life our local childhood nightmares. We were spooked beyond our wits from the Old Changi Hospital house and the Suicide Forest scare zone (there were dummies and dolls hanging by their necks off trees, how scary!). Not to mention, there’s 5 houses this year instead of the usual 4, so you’ll be glad to note that the queues ought to be considerably shorter this year.
Date: 30 September – 31st October 2016 (selected nights only)
Time: 7.30pm – 12.30am/1.30am
Admission: $65 – $69
Venue: Universal Studios Singapore, Resorts World Sentosa
Tickets available here.
 
Spooky Seas
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This Halloween, we’d like to turn our attention to S.E.A Aquarium’s special spooky take on underwater terrors. Completely suitable for you and your little ones, this might be the perfect alternative to HHN if the younger ones are easily spooked. There’ll be tons of performances, activities, and treasure hunts to keep the whole family entertained.
Date: 1 October – 15 November 2016 (selected nights only)
Time: 10am – 7pm
Admission: $15 – $32
Venue: S.E.A Aquarium, Resorts World Sentosa
Tickets available here.
Wicked The Musical
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There’s something undeniably charming about the award-winning Broadway and West End musical Wicked which is cause for our endless obsession with it. Discover the retold tale telling of the colourful fantasy world of wizards, witches, sorcery and magic and experience an enchanting story of two unlikely friends – the blonde and popular Glinda and the green-skinned outcast, Elphaba.
Date: 29 September – 20 November 2016 (selected nights only)
Time: 8pm – late
Admission: $55- $230
Venue: Marina Bay Sands
Tickets available here.
Soulscape Festival
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With a medley of zen-inducing activities such as yoga, music and dance, you’re up for a good time. The Soulscape Festival celebrates health with a lineup of group practice sessions held and led by professional instructors. What’s more, the festival is held by the calming seas of Sentosa island itself! What can be a better way to unwind after a trying week at work?

Date: 1 October 2016 (selected nights only)
Time: 8pm – late
Admission: $25- $199
Venue: Tanjong Beach, Sentosa
Tickets available here.
 

Stay with Mark Ronson at the Legendary Abbey Road

Meeting celebrities, let alone spending a night with them, is something that’s out of reach for most people. However, thanks to the awesome folks from Airbnb, you’ll be able to do exactly just that this October, and at the legendary Abbey Road Studios to boot.
So how does this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity work?
Well, first of all, you’ve got to visit the listing online and write a short entry on which artists you would have loved to seen record music at the legendary studio. Wish you caught The Beatles jam “Come Together”? Pen those thoughts down. Always wanted to witness Pink Floyd rocking out their “The Dark Side of the Moon” album live in person? Let your feelings be known!
Winners will get a chance to stay with Mark Ronson – aka the dude who conquered the Billboard charts with his hit single, “Uptown Funk” – and he’ll give you a personalised tour of the age-old music house.

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Want to record music with Ronson himself? No problem. You can always ask the production maestro for some valuable musical advice. Just remember not to smoke near John Lennon’s piano! Such a gem of an instrument deserves better than receiving the full brunt of filthy ashes!
To enter, please click here. Airbnb will fly the winner and three guests to stay at Abbey Road Studios on 15 October.

We Tried That Famous Dyson Hairdryer, And Here’s What We Think

When Dyson announced to the world that they were to add a hairdryer to their product range, that sure was unexpected news. But upon further consideration, it really made perfect sense: who else but the purveyors of those fancy bladeless fans to get in on the hairdryer game, since they’ve already mastered high-tech air flow technology? And when the Dyson Supersonic was unveiled, it sure looked set to blow the other hairdryers out of the water. Quietly, of course.

The Dyson Supersonic is quite something to look at. As a hairdryer, it looks nothing like one, with a hollow cylindrical body and longer handle, which means the proportions have been reversed as compared to traditional hairdryer models.

That’s very good news for our arm muscles, as with the weight of the Supersonic being a lot better balanced between the two ends, drying and styling our hair each time becomes a lot less of a muscle-straining feat. This is possible because Dyson’s engineers have made the motor so much smaller and more compact than the ones in other hairdryers that it could fit in the handle, leaving the body to be designed as a short hollow ring that frankly makes the Supersonic look like it came right out of a sci-fi movie – which made our daily hair drying routines that much more fun.

Then, there’s the quiet air flow technology that has made Dyson’s bladeless fans so famous. The Supersonic isn’t entirely quiet, though; but it’s significantly more so than any other hairdryer we’ve tried, such that a decent conversation is still possible while this is on. But to us, what was more impressive was the sheer power of the Supersonic, courtesy of the Air Multiplier™ technology that multiplies the volume of air that enters the motor by three times. That meant our hair usually got dried under 10 minutes, definitely a great help for all those mornings when time was not on our side.

We also appreciate that Dyson has taken care to ensure hair isn’t subject to heat damage, with an intelligent heat control mechanism that measures the temperature 20 times a second, so it doesn’t go beyond the 100 degrees Celsius temperature of the highest heat setting. That number might sound intimidating, but the Supersonic’s highest heat setting (out of three levels) was definitely more tolerable than the equivalent of many other hairdryers — we’ve encountered a good number that positively seared our scalps.

In terms of air flow power, there are three settings as well, and like the heat setting, it’s controlled by the simple press of one button. We do wish it was possible to go even lower that the current lowest setting, however, just so there’s the option of having a bit more control when styling our hair; but the handy attachments that come with the Supersonic set, especially the Styling concentrator, do help with more precise styling needs. And they’re magnetic attachments, so they just snap on to the body of the Supersonic.

The 3 attachments that come with each Dyson Supersonic. From top to bottom: the smoothing nozzle, styling concentrator, and diffuser.

All these snazzy things that make the Dyson Supersonic do come as an admittedly very premium price, but we guess that’s the price you pay to get your hair drying experience completely revolutionised. It’s like the bladeless fans — once you’ve tried it, the other regular stuff just won’t cut it anymore.


Dyson Supersonic in Iron/Fuchsia, $599. Available online at dyson.com.sg at selected electronics retailers including TANGS, Robinsons and Best Denki.

Fashion Spread: Saturday In The Studio

Sing out loud, sing out strong. 
T-shirt, US$211, by R31 at Net-A-Porter.com; jacket, $10,360, by Chanel; pants, US$850, by Roberto Cavalli at Net-A-Porter.com; boots, POA, by Saint Laurent; shades, POA, by Miu Miu; and guitar, $5,429, by Gibson.
Photographed by: Adele Chan with the Nikon Df at Cash Studio
Styled by: Josiah Chua
Assisted by: Michelle Yeoh
Hair by: James Chiun
Makeup by: Suzannah Sulleh from Bobbi Brown
See the rest of the spread in our #46 Sing, Sing A Song issue, out on newsstands now!

Create These Day and Night Looks With The Laneige x Lucky Chouette Collection

Presenting what is easily the cutest makeup collection we’ll see all year: the LANEIGE x LUCKY CHOUETTE collection, the third in line of the LANEIGE Meets Fashion collaborations, where the K-beauty brand ties up with a fashion line to combine both brands’ aesthetics into a limited edition, specially-packaged makeup range that never fails to bring us absolute collector’s items.
The Lucky Chouette fashion line is all about youthful street style that carries laidback and feminine vibes; “chouette” is the French word for owl, which explains why the packaging is covered with these adorable owls. They were designed by Lucky Chouette especially for this collection, and by the way, they have names: Bella Chouette is the pink, and Vely Chouette is the blue one.
The collection includes the classic BB Cushion in the Whitening and Pore Control variants; you’ll also need to get acquainted with the all-new Serum Drop Tint and Multi-Colour. Owl can you resist all this?
Lovely Lass

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Glassy pink lips instantly make your look saccharine-sweet. Just remember to add bright eyes and a playful wink.
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1. FACE:
Start off with a flawless base, using the BB Cushion_Pore Control (available in 13 Ivory and 21 Beige only). It keeps sebum production in check so the skin stays matte, while blurring enlarged pores and evening skin texture.
2. CHEEKS:
Sweep the brush over the orange, peach and white shades of the Multi-Colour, and apply onto the apples of the cheeks in circular motions.
3. LIPS:
After applying a thin coat of lip primer, use the triangle-shaped tip of the Serum Drop Tint in #8 Urban Coral to fill in the lower lip. Holding the applicator straight, dab the tip over the upper lip to create a gradation.
 
Ciao Bella
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Red lips immediately make an impression, and even more so when they come with an added sheen. Keep the rest of the face subtly highlighted, and you’re set to be a stunner.
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1. FACE:
The BB Cushion_Whitening (available in 13 Ivory and 21 Beige only) leaves a brightened and moisturised look on the skin, allowing your makeup to stand out better.
2. EYES:
Apply the peach-coloured powder from the Multi-Colour all over the upper lids, extending up to the browbone. Then, take the orange shade and apply it on the creases, blending well.
3. LIPS:
Carefully fill in the lips with the Serum Drop Tint in #5 Sassy Girl. Apply two coats for more intense colour.
 
 
LANEIGE x Lucky Chouette Collection, available at LANEIGE boutiques and counters. laneige.com.sg

MUJI's New Store at ION Orchard is Worth Going Gaga Over

It’s difficult not to love MUJI. The Japanese retail company is constantly pushing the boundaries of design, be it through their innovative products, or by simply inspiring other people’s work.
So it wasn’t really a surprise when they held an exhibition along with design mag Underscore last month. The event titled “Working Space” featured a medley of quirky inventions by prominent local artists, with the theme of ‘Living in a Garden City’.
Still, there’s no better way to experience the sensibilities of MUJI than by checking out their stores firsthand. If we had a store to pick though, it’d be their new outlet at ION Orchard. The recently revamped space is now 30% bigger than it was before renovations, with a diversified range of products for visitors to look forward to.
For instance, there’s the ReMUJI product line that is exclusive to MUJI ION Orchard. The initiative – which attempts to respect the balance of nature – comprises of aging garment stocks that are re-dyed, and re-purposed instead of being discarded. The ‘new’ collection will then be sold at a lower price.

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Visitors can also look out for MUJI’s new Autumn/Winter 2016 Collection, which features an organic cotton double knit series and kids print clothing line that can only be found at ION. Also, if you’re not too sure on what clothes work for you, there’s no need to worry. MUJI’s got Styling Advisors ready to guide you on dressing choices, from colour matching to outfit layering, so you can be assured that you’ll look your best.
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With that said, there are definitely plenty of things to see and do at MUJI’s new ION store. And if you’re not a MUJI fan by now, who knows, you might just leave feeling like one.
Visit MUJI’s official website at www.muji.com/sg. 
All images taken from MUJI.

The Perfect Accessories For Millennials

So, we’ve heard all about #squadgoals and how every millennial girlfriend group practically aspires to be the posse which rules them all (we can sadly never ever triumph Taylor guys, fat hope). And now, there’s an accessory line that’ll help you achieve your dream aesthetic for the entire #GirlSquad of yours. And that’s Instagram It Girls Suki Waterhouse and Poppy Jamie’s new line – Pop & Suki.
 

A photo posted by Pop & Suki (@popandsuki) on

A photo posted by Pop & Suki (@popandsuki) on

A photo posted by Pop & Suki (@popandsuki) on

A photo posted by Pop & Suki (@popandsuki) on

A photo posted by Pop & Suki (@popandsuki) on


They’ve been teasing the drop of the first collection for months now, allowing us mere sneak peeks of some “too cool for you” Tumblr-esque images all decked out in pastel pink. And we finally see why. The entire brand is a soft, dainty play on pastels and quirks. It’s super feminine, just as we’d like it to be. And trust us, if this were Mean Girls, it’ll be Wednesday EVERYDAY for Pop & Suki. The prices currently range from USD20 to USD255; Well, unless you’re eyeing the 14k gold jewelry, for that’s a different story altogether (pssst, we wouldn’t be able to part ways with out USD700 that easily if we were you). Nonetheless, the cotton candy sweet personas of the two social media icons sure do translate in the label, and we’re thrilled to be able to support these amazing women.

Counter Culture: Larger Than Life

Big voice, big personality: those are a couple of things that define the legendary female musicians we term “divas”. It’s a label that sometimes comes with extravagant requests like a dressing room supplied with Cristal champagne (here’s looking at you, Mariah), but here, we focus on the hairstyles that these classic divas have made their trademarks – in this case, bigger is evidently better.
Read more in our #46 Sing, Sing A Song issue, out on newsstands now!

Adrenaline Junkies Listen Up: We've Got The Perfect Shoe For You

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We’ve finally found the perfect footwear for enduring one of those mountain climbing expeditions and urban trials (there’s no way we’d be caught dead in our Air Maxes while partaking in shoe-endangering circumstances). And that would be UGG and Teva’s recent hybrid collection; which merges Teva’s signature river utility with UGG’s coastal-chic sensibility. The love child of these two iconic brands may seem a little quirky or bizarre for your customary minimalistic edge, but these safari-style looking babies are guaranteed to be the most resilient, comforting pair of unbreakable shoes you know you need when environments turn harsh. And call us crazy, but that’s exactly why we’re intending to stock up on these wearable soldiers; beats one of those ankle-twisting heels which break every single time.
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Teva x UGG Hybrid Collection; $230 – $290. Available at a limited time only at Galleria Level, The Shoppes @ Marina Bay Sands and The Shoe Salon, Takashimaya.

This Minimalistic Manicure Trend Will Give You Longer Nails

These days, we can contour anything to create a slimmer, more chiselled illusion. Nothing is off limits. While most of us would know how to buff our cheeks in with bronzer and add a little depth to our otherwise non-existing hollows, some have taken contouring to places we’d never think of, such as legs, collarbones and even butts. But if you thought the world had already reached the contouring peak, you’d be wrong.


 
Apparently, nail contouring is the new manicure trick that’ll make your fingers appear slimmer and will help your nails look longer without the aid of acrylic nails. While nail contouring sounds a little ridiculous, it’s actually quite logical and incredibly easy to pull off. All you need is a little strategic nail polish placement. If you’re a chronic nail-biter or you’re one of us lazy girls with short nails, you will totally appreciate this nifty trend.

#JINsoon is #backstage at @verawanggang with Risque and Doux. #nyfwss17 #nyfw #verawang #fashionweek

A photo posted by JINsoon (@jinsoon) on


 
The term “nail contouring” is coined for an easy way to fake longer-looking nails and they were spotted backstage at Vera Wang’s S/S ’17 show. To create that sleek and chic, elongating look, professional nail technician Jin Soon Choi applied a base coat before applying a clean stripe of nail lacquer sweeping down the centre of the nail. She’s used this technique since her teens and demonstrated it using the shades Risque (blackberry) in the centre and Doux (nude) on the sides of the cuticles. She then seals the look in with a top coat. You can also try out the manicure in different hues and shades – a fun one for customisation.


 


 

#nails #green #greennails #contour #line #nailcontour #gelnails #instanails #manicure #naglar #malmo

A photo posted by @cosmetix_byclicks on

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#46 Sing, Sing A Song

We’re turning up the volume this issue with Narelle Kheng fronting our latest cover, shining bright as she debuts her wildly deviant solo effort. Also in the issue: gear up with some cool accessories inspired by music videos and go bold with some metallic makeup. Let your rock star alter-ego take the stage at these cool new karaoke joints too!

There's A New BB Cushion In Town, And It's Really Sparkly

Damn, these Laneige BB Cushions just keep getting prettier. We were already pretty blown away with their recent makeover, with the all-new holographic packaging on the Pore Control and Whitening variants as well as the redesigned cushion on the inside, now featuring an embossed diamond surface that helps with more even application.
And now the BB Cushion_Anti-Aging finally gets to join in the makeover fun, that comes with a sparkly golden case that makes this cushion look super glam, and us want to whip it out as often as possible – if not for touch ups, then just to gaze admiringly at how it catches the light.

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On the inside, there are changes as well: it has basically been reformulated, with new technology to help with better coverage of fine lines and a more even coverage. There’s still the collagen recovery technology inside as well to help keep the skin firm, and an Optical Oil that refracts light to get you that glow.
So if this anti-aging variant has been your choice of Laneige BB Cushion, time to look out for the new golden case the next time you stock up. And if you’re not already a user, we suspect this most recent makeover might convert you.
 
LANEIGE BB Cushion_Anti-Aging, $62. Available at LANEIGE boutiques and counters. laneige.com.sg
 

Try 3D Printing & Drink Coffee at the ArtScience Museum’s New Café

Singapore is a café heaven; we all know that. The CBD, Orchard Road, even HDB residential areas – you name it, and there’s bound to be a coffee joint lying around somewhere. We’re a society that runs on caffeine.
However, at the Marina Bay Sands precinct, there’s an all-new café that packs way more than just normal cups of coffee. Introducing FabCafe – a creative space at the ArtScience Museum that combines the futuristic tech of 3D printing and laser cutting, with the age-old tradition of serving excellent brews of coffee.
“We are thrilled to be partnering with ArtScience Museum, a place with an unrivalled reputation for inspiring minds. Together we share a common mission – to explore the intersection of art and science, and to illuminate creative and technological innovation for everyone who visits,” said Brandon Berry Edwards, co-founder of FabCafe Singapore.

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Having started in Tokyo, Japan, FabCafe is now a familiar presence in the creative and technological industry around the world, with outlets in Barcelona, Bangkok and Taipei. Singapore’s version of the popular café aims to be the go-to place for creative individuals – be they artists, designers, or members of the maker’s community.
So how will FabCafe integrate its impressive technology with its café offerings? Well, for one, visitors will be able to sample food items that have been laser-cut, or they can simply try out 3D printing over a cup of coffee. After all, the café’s goal is to help people learn about how technology changes the world, and they will be doing exactly just that through a series of programs, lectures and workshops.
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Whatever the case may be; FabCafe is an entirely new concept in Singapore, and one that will hopefully revolutionise the way locals enjoy visiting cafés.
For more information, visit www.facebook.com/FabCafeSG.
 All images taken from FabCafe.

The Charles & Keith Bags We Think Are Red-Carpet Worthy As Well

Dress by: @houseofholland Styling by: @harrietbyczok Alterations by: @bug_ward Love u guys xo

A photo posted by Maisie Williams (@maisie_williams) on

T’was the crowning moment for Singapore based line Charles and Keith when Game of Thrones starlet Maisie Williams graced the Emmys red carpet with the adorable black velvet prism-shaped handbag dangling from her wrist. True glory, and absolute pride; that was what had befallen the Singapore fashion scene when we saw our homegrown accessory and shoe label make its first appearance on a large-scale international event  – the territory only which big names in fashion would dare to  thread upon. The bag, which retails for a mere $39.90 was immediately sold out after, which comes as to no surprise to us with THAT much media coverage on the Singapore brand’s bags. But fret not, we’ve got you covered with other trending Charles & Keith picks we think deserve to be in the spotlight as well. Look Emmy-licious whilst keeping true to that budget of yours with these bags.

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Angular Sling Bag, $40.10.

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Structured Shoulder Bag, $69.90

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Fringe Crossbody, $63.90.

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Tassel Clutch, $59.90

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Slouchy Bag, $79.90.

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Push-Lock Bag, $59.90.

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Tasselled Box Bag, $69.90.