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10 Reasons To Start Watching Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt (If You Haven't Already)

It started with a boring, purposeless Sunday morning, as most TV binge watch sessions usually do; but long story short, it was at 7pm that I found myself staring at the end credits of the last episode, in the 13-episode first season of Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt, wondering where the day had gone. T’was a rare feat, considering the only other TV series I’ve blown through that quickly is Bob’s Burgers – which, let’s be honest, doesn’t really require much invested attention. But something about the Netflix original comedy series had me clicking ‘next’, every time the credits rolled. I’ve been wholly converted, so here’s an attempt at putting that something into ten concrete reasons.
 
1. The premise is so… original

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Seriously – to the point that it’s downright weird. This doesn’t count as a spoiler since it’s the whole point of the storyline; but essentially, protagonist Kimmy Schmidt is one of four hostages held captive in an underground bunker for fifteen years, by a manipulative preacher in the town of Durnsville, Indiana, who’s managed to form a mini cult of the four women by convincing them that the world had ended. Within the first five minutes of the pilot, the women are rescued and brought back above ground – and from there on Kimmy begins her journey to reclaiming her life and starting over. I get that it’s a comedy, but it was such a bizarre start I had to Wikipedia it to confirm I was watching it right.
 
2. Kimmy is a boss ass lead
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For one, anyone else recognise Kimmy as Erin Hannon from The Office, or the socially awkward prude Becca of the bridal party in Bridesmaids? It takes a little getting used to, but Ellie Kemper’s perky, over-smiling Amelia Bedelia act in Unbreakable is so genuine and earnest she quickly grows on you. That, and the fact that despite having missed 15 of her formative years, Kimmy Schmidt still possesses a fighter’s spirit and a golden heart as she navigates New York City, touching people’s lives and standing up for what’s right. Her antics and dialogue are less self-deprecating humour, and more positive wit and good-natured cheek – which makes for a much more comfortable show to watch than a lot of snidely sexist programs on the market.
 
3. It takes place in New York City
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And who doesn’t love the Big Apple? Some of the best series and soaps have been filmed or at least set in New York City – Gossip Girl, How I Met Your Mother, and Friends, just off the top of our heads. The show is chock full of scenes in TV-favourite locations like Central Park! Times Square! Random homey brownstones in Brooklyn! The world is your oyster in NYC, and Unbreakable sure does satisfy viewers who love the idea of an eventful life in the big city. Heck, there’s even an outright Friends reference in one of the episodes – it’ll thrill you once you catch it.
 
4. One of the leads is a real-life Broadway star
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Enter Titus Andromedon, a struggling actor and musician trying to make it big on Broadway, who is Kimmy’s roommate – and is ironically played by real-life Broadway performer Tituss Burgess. We already love the character’s diva antics, salty lines, and natural flair for flamboyance (both Titus and Tituss are openly gay), but you’ll find yourself truly won over by his impressive high tenor voice, which features prominently in most of the episodes. Fun fact: Tituss’s most recognised role on Broadway is as Sebastian the Crab in the musical The Little Mermaid, which, frankly, suits him to a T.
 
5. Kimmy’s boss Jacqueline Voorhees is kinda like Samantha Jones… but not
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Yes – Samantha Jones, as in Sex and the City Kim Cattrall’s Samantha Jones, the powerful and confident Upper East Sider who basically defined the term “boss lady”. At first contact, wealthy Manhattanite Jacqueline Voorhees, who hires Kimmy to be her nanny, seems an exact replica of Samantha Jones’ blonde, authoritative persona. Both women possess a taste for the finest things in life, and aren’t afraid to be brutally frank (read: rude) about their elite statuses. But Jacqueline quickly begins to reveal more about her situation that sets her apart from Jones’ infallible self-assuredness – refreshing, and increasingly endearing.
 
6. It’s easily digestible
One of the main reasons why the show takes so little effort to breeze through is its ease of consumption. Far-fetched premise aside, the characters are relatable, the storyline is simple, and the humour rolls naturally and easily off the, err, screen. You won’t find any try-hard dialogue or complicated plot twists here; this is 100% leisure watching material.
 
7. There’s a British dude!
The inclusion of a British love interest for dear Kimmy speaks exclusively to my personal bias towards British accents, but I’m sure it will appeal to you, dear reader, too. Strangely enough, the show even acknowledges the power of a British drawl – there’s a scene where Adam Campbell’s character convinces Kimmy that everything sounds better in a British accent. Amen to that!
 
8. The show features some great themes
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Face it – it’s the 21st Century, and any TV show that still thrives on crass sexist jokes or blatant racism should really check itself (before it wrecks itself). Unbreakable does make a few innocent jibes at Titus’s expense (seriously though; a Black gay man in a comedy series could never escape some stereotyping), but ultimately celebrates equality, women’s rights, and fighting against patriarchal figures, driving home the points while still keeping it light-hearted. Hell yes to that.
 
9. You’ll get hooked onto the theme song in seconds

If you’re familiar with YouTube channel schmoyoho’s viral remix of one indignant Antoine Dodson’s interview in 2010, you’ll definitely appreciate the opening theme of Unbreakable, which was produced by the same Gregory Brothers as a tribute to their style of auto-tuning news interviews. (If you haven’t, search ‘Bed Intruder Song’ and thank me later.) It’s catchy, it’s fun, and it sets the mood perfectly for the start of each episode.
 
10. There’re only two seasons
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I.e. catching up is no biggie at all – and much less daunting than embarking on older dramas like The Walking Dead, or even 2 Broke Girls, which are already a good six seasons in. With Season Two freshly out in April, Unbreakable will take you all of two days to complete – three, tops. And you won’t even feel the strain of it.
 
Images courtesy of Netflix and facebook.com/UnbreakableKimmySchmidt.

Beauty Dupes That Won't Break The Bank

We all have the same problem – going insane over beauty products that are just too expensive. The little make up hoarder inside all of us buys unnecessary make up that we don’t actually need. We have complied a list of a few cheaper products out there for all you beauty junkies; because we all understand that pinch when the disastrous price tag is unveiled. Though these dupes might not be exactly the same (in terms of application), they are one of the best alternatives for these high end products, especially when you still need the money to live and survive.
 
Mac lipstick
1. M.A.C Lipsticks
Everybody’s Holy Grail lipstick. M.A.C has a tempting array of lipsticks in endless shades and textures that have us in a delirious state whenver we visit a M.A.C counter. But before you can even say “Ruby Woo”, you remember that each lipstick costs at least $28 each. Sure, you might not feel the pinch for staple colours, but when you want to try something new, these lipsticks are definitely considered quite costly. You might want to go for cheaper alternatives when you’re easing into a new shade or just trying something new.
Obvious options include Revlon’s Super Lustrous lipsticks or Wet n Wild’s highly raved MegaLast lip colours.
M.A.C Cosmetics Lipsticks, from $28, available at M.A.C counters.
Wet n Wild MegaLast Lip Colour, $6.90, available at selected Watsons stores.
Revlon Super Lustrous Lipsticks, $18.90, available at Watsons, Guardian, and leading supermarkets and hypermarkets.

 
 
Primer
2. Smashbox Photofinish Primer
This cult favourite primer has an unbeatable following. The Photofinish collection includes a variety of choices that are specially intended for different skin types. Given the large collection ranging from a green primer (for redness) and a lavender one (for dull skin), it’s no wonder that this particular primer has been such a hit favourite amongst many. However, if you aren’t willing to spare good money for this, you can try NYX’s Studio Perfect Primer (that comes in 3 different shades!) or Maybelline’s adorably packaged Baby Skin Pore Eraser.
Smashbox Photofinish Primer, $64, available in Sephora stores.
NYX Studio Perfect Primer, $22, available in Sephora stores.
Maybelline Baby Skin Pore Erase, $21.90, available at Watsons and Guardian stores.

 
 
Highligher
 
3. Becca Shimmering Skin Perfector Pressed
Let’s face it. We’ve all been tempted by this gorgeous highlighter after watching endless YouTube make up tutorials featuring its enticing glow. You can actually achieve a similar glow with Colourpop’s Lunch Money, another big beauty hit amongst YouTubers and basically the entire world. Don’t be fooled by its affordable pricing and small packaging, the soft light gold finish is unbelievable.
Becca Shimmering Skin Perfector Pressed in Moonstone, $58, available at Sephora.
Colourpop Super Shock Cheek Lunch Money, US$8, available on colourpop.com

 
 
 
 
Eyeshadow
 
4. Urban Decay Naked
With 6 Naked palettes till date, we actually wonder when Urban Decay is ever going to stop their evil plans of emptying our banks. If you aren’t willing to spend close to a hundred bucks on yet another Naked palette, consider e.l.f’s eyeshadow palette that actually has similar shades at just a fraction of the price.
Urban Decay Naked Palette, $83, available at Sephora and Urban Decay stores.
e.l.f. Endless Eyes Pro Mini Eyeshadow Palette, US$7, available online at elfcosmetics.com.

 
 
 
 
Mascara
 
 
 
5. Benefit Mascara
The go to mascara that’s clump free, volumising and lengthening at the same time. However, at such a steep price, Benefit’s really playing hard to get here. Another popular alternative for mascaras would definitely be Maybelline’s large range of mascaras that’s definitely a drugstore favourite amongst many.
Benefit Cosmetics They’re Real! Lengthening Mascara, $42, available at Sephora.
Maybelline Volume Express Falsies Mascara Black, $21.90, available at Watsons and Guardian stores.

 
 
Beauty blender
 
6. Beautyblender
Hands down the most expensive sponge ever. But with its soft texture and promised smooth application, we are completely sold too. Admittedly, it’s a must-have for all of us beauty junkies out there. However, if you want to get a few of these sponges for different applications, it might not bet the most financially appropriate thing to do. Consider Real Technique’s sponge that does a pretty neat job too, given its price.
Beautyblender, $32, available at Sephora.
Real Techniques Miracle Complexion Sponge, $16, available at Sephora and selected Watsons and Guardian stores.

How To Wear Victorian Fashion Today

When you think of the Victorian era (that spanned from 1837 to 1901), you’ll immediately picture a woman dressed elaborately in her enormous feathered hat and a large bell-shaped dress. You’re not wrong; but even after Queen Victoria’s reign has long ended, Victorian fashion has evolved into so much more than that, and is still very much present in our modern-day wardrobes.
 
Topshop tie front
1. Corsets
Corsets must have been the most uncomfortable thing ever. Tight-fitting and suffocating, Victorian women wore them in order to accentuate their waists and emphasise their bosoms. Essentially worn under their many layers of clothing, the corset ensured that their figures wouldn’t be lost under the thick layers of cloth. This was when the Victorian women were still very much restricted by the patriarchy; when appearances mattered the most. Most women who attended balls were expected to look presentable in order to attract the wealthy aristocrats – the Victorians were all about getting married and the elevation of social status, basically.
The corset-related piece of clothing that’s most relevant today would be the latest lace up trend that took all of us by surprise. We’d never have expected this, but anything that Kim Kardashian wears, everybody wears.
PETITE Tie-Front Body, $39.90, available at Topshop.
 
 
 
 
Zara frilly
 
 
2. Old English sleeves
These dramatic sleeves that the women wore added extra volume to their dresses and overall silhouettes. With the huge sleeves and the dome-shaped bottoms, this further emphasised the slim waists that women strictly had to have. These sleeves were also a symbol of wealth and class, and most of the aristocrats then loved to dress dramatically in order to flaunt the wealth they had.
Today, we have the comeback of these old English sleeves in the form of breezy bell sleeved tops that have become everybody’s staple piece, on especially lazy days.
Dress with Frilly Sleeves, $39.90, available at Zara.
 
 
Monki layering
3. Layers
We’re attributing the extreme layering to the harsh weather conditions in the past. The Victorians loved wearing layers – even beneath their dresses, they wore layers of petticoats, fabrics under their sleeves and a cage crinoline that created an hourglass figure. Their elaborate dresses also featured layers of fabrics, and on top of that, heavy winter coats when the weather turned cold.
While the weather forbids us to to dress in such crazy layers anymore, some layering with lightweight fabrics will do the trick. The key is not wearing too many layers, which is something that will only turn you into a shapeless blob. Invest in a lightweight duster coat to keep layering easy-breezy.
Monki Oversized Duster Coat, $110.61, available on Asos.
 
 
 
 
Zara ruffles
 
4. Ruffles
A popular design in the Victorian times, and they were meant to give dresses a dramatic flair. Ruffles and frills definitely exude femininity; and even though they can get cringeworth when they exist on outfits in excess, keeping them subtle won’t hurt. Hey, ruffles have survived the test of time, so we think they’ll continue to be here to stay.
Poplin Top with Frill, $55.90, available at Zara.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Berhska lac
 
5. Lace
Since lace was considered to be cheaper than other fabrics, most of the Victorian women’s dresses or skirts had elements of lace in them. Ethereal and romantic, lace is the classic, and we’ll never get tired of it either. However, be sure to pair your lace tastefully; an overload of lace is a definite no. Avoid looking tacky with your lace by pairing them with a pair of brown or black sandals for contrast. A better alternative would be to pair a lace top with your favourite pair of jeans, plus chunky boots.
Lace dress with asymmetric hem, $55.90, available at Bershka.
 
 
 
 
 
Topshop tailored blazer
 
 
6. Tailored jackets
The late 1800s saw a gradual change in women’s place in society. Due to the constrictive clothing that often restricted movement, many demanded a reform of women’s clothing. Early feminists began to view clothing as an oppressive force, and sought to change the way women wore their clothes. Tailored jackets were soon introduced as they were said to improve posture, and make it easier to get work done.
These tailored jackets have come a long way since the Victorian era. While it used to be considered a piece of provocative clothing, blazers have become an essential for all of us today. It’s also a great layering piece that will look great when worn with matching pants or a simple dress. You could also pair it with a basic T-shirt and ripped jeans, which will lend edginess to a rather simple coordinate.
PETITE Girlfriend Blazer, $116, available at Topshop.

There's A New Book Vending Machine For On-The-Go Bookworms

It’s an exciting month for book lovers – following the launch of two Book Vending Machines by BooksActually earlier in June, the independent bookstore that’s a favourite amongst bookworms and hipsters is releasing their third and final instalment. The last vending machine is now open at the Goodman Arts Centre, joining the two at National Museum of Singapore and the Singapore Visitor Centre on Orchard Road.

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Apart from being an obviously fun new way to go about your book buying, it’s all part of a project by BooksActually to bring books and local literature to the public – plus encourage the joy of reading on the go. The main feature of the three Book Vending Machines is that all the books inside are works by Singaporean authors and poets – a deliberate move, we’re guessing, to increase interest in local writers.
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But if you prefer conventional browsing in person, all the books sold in the vending machines – titles include Ministry of Moral Panic by Amanda Lee Koe, and Sonnets From The Singlish – are available at the physical store too. Since 2005, BooksActually has prided itself on being a gathering place to connect local and international writers, artists, and designers. If you’re a first-time goer, pop by for the light-handed curation of fiction, photo books and knick-knacks; or the occasional poetry slams and readings held in-store. And even if you don’t happen to be in the area (because who in Tiong Bahru ever really is?), the Book Vending Machines are there, in more accessible parts of the island, if you’re ever in the mood for a quick read – though take your time with each book; it’s definitely not like a can of coke you just chug and chuck.
 
Book Vending Machines
Address: Singapore Visitor Centre, 216 Orchard Road 1st floor | National Museum of Singapore, Concourse, 93 Stamford Road | Goodman Arts Centre, 90 Goodman Road Block A #01-01 
BooksActually
Address: 9 Yong Siak Street, Singapore 168645
Opening hours: 10am – 6pm (Sun & Mon), 10am – 8pm (Tues to Fri)
More info at booksactually.com

The Sweetest Online Shopping Deals For The Sale Season

Two weeks of the Great Singapore Sale have come and gone, and we hope you’ve managed to get your hands on some sweet discounts. But if you’re not up for braving the weekend crowds, we’ve done the hard work for you and picked out these deals from everyone’s favourite online fashion retailers, so you can zoom in straight on them. Seriously, the price cuts here are pretty insane, and here’s your best chance to finally reward yourself with that luxury piece you’ve been eyeing, and not have to make a huge dent in your wallet as a result (you’re welcome). Don’t sit on your decision too long, though – we expect these to sell out pretty quick.

luisaviaroma.com

loewe at luisaviaroma.com originally $950 and now $475
 
Loewe Space Embossed Leather Pouch, $475 (previously $950 – 50% off)
tory burch at luisaviaroma.com originally $358 and now $251
Tory Burch Fruit Cotton & Canvas Clutch, $251 (previously $385 – 30% off)
maison margiela at luisaviaroma.com originally $1,884 and now $942
 
Maison Margiela 80mm Leather Ankle Boots, $942 (previously $1,884 – 50% off)

 

net-a-porter.com

joseph at net-a-porter.com originally US$870 and now US$435
Joseph Mishar One-shoulder Striped Satin Dress, US$436 (previously US$871 – 50% off)
 
3.1 phillip lim at net-a-porter.com originally US$923 and now $554
3.1 Phillip Lim Pinstriped Shell & Silk Parka, US$554 (previously US$923 – 40% off)

Get 5% cashback when you shop on net-a-porter.com via ShopBack, and get an additional $10 bonus when you sign up at this link.
 

ssense.com

rick owens at ssense.com originally US$990 and now US$663
Rick Owens Black & White Geobasket High Top Sneakers, US$663 (previously US$990 – 33% off)
 
comme des garçons at ssense.com orignally US$805 and now US$491
Comme des Garçons Black Patent Leather Pointed Boots, US$491 (previously US$805 – 39% off)

 

matchesfashion.com

acne studios at matchesfashion.com originally $1,050 and now $630
Acne Studios Cabe Contrast-Sleeved Crepe Dress, $625 (previously $1,045 – 40% off)
 
balenciaga at matchesfashion.com originally $770 and now $360
Balenciaga Marble-effect Plate Leather Cuff, $360 (previously $776 – 50% off)

 

farfetch.com

givenchy at farfetch.com originally $847.62 and now $466.19
Givenchy ‘Shark Tooth’ Bracelet, $466.19 (previously $847.62 – 45% off)
 
ann demeulemeester at farfetch.com originally $885.20 and now $575.38
Ann Demeulemeester Embroidered Sheer Panel Waistcoat, $575.38 (previously $885.20 – 35% off)

4 Shades of Blushes That Are Not Just Pink

Wait, hold up. You mean our blushes come in shades other than pink?? It’s a whole new world out there once you decide to venture outside that little comfort zone of yours — be prepared to embrace the change, and have a brush with the unexpected, if you will. We’ll get you started.
 
Orange blush
1. Orange
Wearing an orange blush might sound scary at first, but once you ease into it, you might actually get used to that bright pop of colour on your cheeks. An orange blush would look amazing on those of you ladies with darker skin, as the warm undertones compliments the dark skin tone. It brightens and highlights your skin at the same time, something like what a bronzer would do. Those with fairer skin tones can go for coral shades that are much less intense than orange. Either way, orange might just be the new black.
 
Clinique Cheek Pop in Peach Pop, $39, available at Clinique counters and Sephora.
MAKE UP FOR EVER HD Blush in Tangerine, $52, available at Sephora ION Orchard, Sephora Ngee Ann City, and the MAKE UP FOR EVER Pro Loft.

 
 
 
 
Red blush
 
 
2. Red
A red blush might probably be the most natural flush your cheek’s going to get. Red gives the impression of life and vitality; and the red glow’s what you probably need when you’re just not feeling that great on a Monday morning. When applying red blush, be sure to gently tap it on the apples of your cheeks; then blend it out toward the edges of your face. To give your cheeks a more subtle glow, try to use your fingers instead!
 
Tarte Cheek Stain in Blissful, $49, available at Sephora.
NYX High Definition Blush in Crimson, $12, available at Sephora.

 
 
 
purple blush
 
3. Purple
Purple? Before you stare at us in disbelief, trust us. It sounds strange, but you’ve got to embrace the unconventional.
For those who are less adventurous, start off with darker shades like plum that will help to sculpt your cheekbones. Wear this dark blush with a dark matte lip from the same colour family to avoid a jarring contrast.
Now for the real deal: the purple shade that everybody shys away from. While it appears to be a frightful shade of clownish purple, it will actually appear differently on your skin. For the fair skinned, stick to a lilac shade and swipe sparingly just below your cheekbones.
Ladies with darker skin tones, be brave and opt for a richer shade of violet. You’re welcome.
 
Colourpop Super Shock Cheek in Rain, US$8, colourpop.com
Becca Shimmering Skin Perfector™ Luminous Blush in Dahlia, $54, available at Sephora.

 
 
Brown blush
4. Brown
This shade’s a godsend for those who are fair skinned and also happen to be extremely pale. If you’re anything like me, having pale skin means being constantly badgered for looking unwell whenever I have minimal blush on. Pink blushes just don’t do the job! So when my friend gave me my very first brown-hued blush, the sceptic in me tried it cautiously and then I realised: It actually works. Shades with brownish undertones help to bring colour to my unfortunately pallid face and define my cheekbones at the same time. Nuff’ said.
 
NARS Blush in Lovejoy, $50, available at Sephora.
Benefit Cosmetics Dallas, $51, available at Sephora.

Singaporean Stories Shine On-Screen With Project 20/20

With filmmakers Boo Jun Feng and K. Rajagopal making waves at Cannes, hot on the heels of Anthony Chen’s success with Ilo Ilo (2013), the Singaporean film scene is beginning to gain momentum with a new generation. It’s just as well, then, that the 20/20 – The Temasek Short Film Project has given 20 groups of young filmmakers the opportunity to flex their skills. Coming from eight different institutions – LASALLE College of the Arts, Nanyang Polytechnic, Nanyang Technological University, Ngee Ann Polytechnic, Republic Polytechnic, School of the Arts (SOTA), Singapore Polytechnic and Temasek Polytechnic – the students were picked after a rigorous pitching process with a panel of judges comprising select project mentors and industry experts. Seven established Singapore filmmakers including Boo Jun Feng, Boris Boo, Chai Yee Wai, Lee Thean Jean, Sanif Olek, Wee Li Lin and Wilson Yip were also engaged to work with them on their stories and production values throughout the project.
 


 
Commissioned by Temasek, the Singapore investment company, the 20/20 Project sought to nurture the next generation of local filmmakers by letting them conceptualise, script and direct these short films over the course of six to nine months. The groups had to tackle the end-to-end production of film-making, including talent selection, script development, budget management, actual filming and post-production management. You might even recognise a familiar face or two: notable actors like Nick Shen, Maxi Lim and Ye Shi Pin also star in the films. Since the completion of the films, the project has been releasing four films a week, bringing the current number of total debuted shorts to 12. Viewers may also stand the chance to win GoPro cameras to film their own stories when they vote for their favourite film!
 

Inspired by the work of Temasek Cares – Care Close to Home programme, 媽 Mother explores themes of filial piety and love as a son cares for his mother while her health is on the decline.

 

I Believe focuses on the relationship between an autistic youth and a role model, exploring our understanding of acceptance and love. It is inspired by the work of Temasek Cares – Autism Support Programme@ITE.

 
The narratives featured in the films are all inspired by real-life stories, drawn from the work of non-profit philanthropic organisations (NPPOs) and community programmes supported by Temasek. As a result, the short films explore a variety of genres and topics, from aging and mental health to heartwarming stories of kindness and hope. I Believe in particular has helped raise awareness and open up discussions about Autism, and most of the other films help give voice to otherwise marginalised groups such as those from broken homes and difficult backgrounds. And there are still more stories to come, as the project is set to release eight more shorts over the next two weeks.
So give them a shot! Who knows? Maybe you’ll find your new favourite film.
To screen and vote for the films, visit the Project 20/20 website.
Featured Image: 20/20 – The Temasek Short Film Project Trailer on YouTube.

Try These Healthy and Natural-Looking Beauty Contacts, Designed For Asian Eyes

We’ll start this off by being upfront: We’ve always been slightly afraid of coloured contact lenses. Of course, they’re great for adding a dramatic tone to one’s look – especially with colours like grey, blue and green – but it’s exactly because they make such a bold statement that we’ve shied away from them so far, because we’re really not ready to have other people constantly staring and aware that those aren’t the natural colours of our eyes.
Then along came the chance to to try the 1-DAY ACUVUE® DEFINE™ lenses, and we somehow weren’t that afraid of these. Firstly, because these daily disposables are all about making your eyes look sophisticated in a natural way, instead of a complete look alteration, so we get to keep our au naturel brown-eyed girl look. Secondly, because everyone knows ACUVUE® is a world leader in contact lenses that’s been making them for decades and investing continually into research and development, with the 1-DAY ACUVUE® DEFINE™ designed by ACUVUE® , we’re assured that our eye health is protected and the lenses elegantly enhance the natural beauty of our Asian eyes (their extensive research involved 40,000 Asian women, and that’s how we know these lenses will be flattering).
So, off to give each of the three ACUVUE® DEFINE™ designs a try as our first foray into beauty contact lenses – and here’s what we thought of each one.
 
 

Vivid Style
The main colour theme of this lens style is brown, with the limbal ring (that’s the ring around your iris) and the intricate line designs on the inside of the ring made to match the natural colour of Asian irises. Firstly, with the brown limbal ring, this immediately made my irises bigger and slightly lighter in colour, and helped my eyes look more alert, which is fantastic – with small eyes, I’m often asked why I look so sleepy all the time. So with the enhanced irises thanks to the Vivid Style, I can now look awake even when I’m actually feeling like I really need a nap.
Once the lenses go into my eyes, the brown line details on the inside are no longer apparent, since they blend into my iris. But if anyone looks into my eyes, they’ll see that they have an added dimension thanks to the extra details, but most people won’t chalk it up to my lenses if they didn’t know I had them on – because they just look that natural, but with an added elegance. Overall, I find the Vivid Style closest to my natural eyes – just the better, more expressive version.
 

Accent Style
This is the design with the simplest details, featuring just a black limbal ring that helps make the edges of your irises extra crisp, without any additional details inside the ring, unlike the other two styles. I’d recommend this style if you just want your eyes to look more focused, ideal if you want to wear them in a professional setting, such as in the office, or for important presentations.
It’s an easy way to get clearer and brighter eyes, thanks to how the lens allows my irises to have cleaner edges.
 

Natural Shine™
This style is the most dramatic, but oh boy, it sure is my favourite. The dark grey limbal ring has glittering gold details on the inside, but on the eyes, they don’t turn your irises gold, but rather add a reflective effect in the middle of the irises which translates into a natural sparkle. In natural light, my eyes looked bigger, something that was really accentuated when I added my regular eyeliner and eyeshadow; but it was when I looked into a vanity mirror, the kind that is framed with lightbulbs, that I realised, whoa – there’s a circle of light reflected in my eyes! Almost like I had one of those ring lights right in front of me.
And once again, thanks to the added limbal rings, I looked more awake and alert overall. Don’t worry about the grey colour of the ring, as it will still blend in naturally with your brown irises.
 
In the entire week that I was wearing the ACUVUE® DEFINE™ lenses, not once did anyone ask me if I was wearing coloured contacts. That’s the beauty of these lenses – they’re meant to look like your real eyes, just with added depth and highlights.
And of course, you’ll want to know how comfortable they felt, because as pretty as any contact lens can be, there’s no point if they cause your eyes to be dry and twitchy. The answer is they felt comfortable all through the 12-hour days I usually have, and even when I stayed out later and stretched it to 15 hours and beyond, the moistness lasted as well. This is thanks to ACUVUE®’s LACREON® Technology, which locks in the wetting agent into the lenses all day, to ensure they remain comfortable, moist cushions all day long. The technology is also what gives the lens UV protection abilities, blocking out at least 82% of UVA rays and 97% of UVB rays. This is a brand that offers the highest UV protection for your eyes and the only one with an internationally-recognised standard of UV protection; not something you can tangibly feel, obviously, but we often slather on sunblock onto the rest of our face, forgetting that our delicate eyes need protection as well. So it’s nice to know that they’re shielded from those damning UV rays.
As for safety, the Beauty-Wrapped-In-Comfort™ technology that keeps the colour pigments secure inside the two transparent layers of the lens, so you can be safe in the knowledge that they’ll never, ever come into contact with your eyes.
But best of all, after more than a decade of wearing yearly and monthly contact lenses and having to painstakingly clean them with multiple solutions every day and night, as well as worrying about always having a contact lens case with me, it was extremely liberating to be able to put on a fresh pair of lenses at the start of each day, and simply discard them when I get home. Talk about getting to enjoy both convenience and optimal health.
 
Here’s your chance to get a month-long supply (1 box of 30 lenses per eye) of ACUVUE® DEFINE™ to try for yourself! Just fill in your details in the form below by Friday 17 June, 6pm. Remember to indicate the degrees of both eyes (your prescription should be given by an optometrist within the last 6 months, and you should be fit to wear contact lenses), as well as your preferred ACUVUE® DEFINE™ lens style!
 

 
1 • DAY ACUVUE® DEFINE™ with LACREON® contact lenses, from $64 for 1 box. Available at authorised optical practitioners. acuvue.com.sg
 
 

How To Dress For The Petite Girl

Holla, where my small girls at? As much as the taller folk of our species claim to understand our dressing room troubles, only fellow petite girls 5’4 (160cm) and under have ever truly felt the frustration – of shopping in regular stores and leaving, self-esteem bruised and empty-handed, because nothing seems to fit right. Well, all 5’1 of me has had enough of feeling inadequate. It’s high time we make clothing work for us and not the other way round; here’s how to make the most of your natural figure and dress to feel ten feet tall.
 
Know how to proportion
The 2/3-to-1/3 rule means wearing clothing that doesn’t cut you off neatly in the middle (which often looks stumpy); instead, it sections your body into 1/3 on top, and 2/3 waist-down. A foolproof way to dress to the rule is with cropped blouses and high-waisted bottoms. Why do you think so many petite girls are fans of the humble crop top? It creates the illusion of a shorter torso and longer legs by ending strategically at your waist area – thereby fulfilling the 2/3­-to-1/3 rule. Pairing with high-waisted bottoms creates a seamless silhouette wherein your hips now seem closer to your waist; showing a sliver of tummy is personal preference, but it tends to break the body up into three uneven portions, which only creates a confusing imbalance.
 
Don’t risk the ‘Tall’ section – it’s not worth it
Take it from someone who’s had to learn the hard way – trying to make a “bigger” item of clothing work for you because you like the style is only setting yourself up for disappointment. Sometimes a Tall top will work; but most of the time it won’t. Just like how Petite lines were tailored for a smaller frame, with attention to ideal proportions and narrower builds, Tall apparel takes into consideration longer torsos and broader widths – which no amount of hopeful sizing down can make up for.

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Topshop Striped Ruffle Body, $46.90, available in Petite and Tall

Stores like Topshop and ASOS have specially constructed Petite and Tall lines for a reason – to make your life easier; so stick to your God-given proportions and don’t make it harder for yourself. Plus, chances are you’ll find what you wanted in the Tall section remade smaller in the Petites too.
 
V-necks > Scoop necks
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Short Jumpsuit, $49.90; Pleated Top, $29.90, available in Zara stores

Whether it’s finding the essential plain white tee, or shopping for a fancy new dress for a night out, bear in mind that V-neck cuts trump scoop necks every time. The V elongates your neck and creates a more angular outline, as compared to rounded necks that don’t flatter the collarbone as much, and can make you look unnecessarily fleshy.
 
Slim dresses
We definitely condone baggy clothing – because comfort is always key! But it’s an unfortunate fact of 5’4 life that they just don’t look as flattering on petites as they do (so effortlessly!) on taller girls. For days when you want to look a little more put together, sacrifice your slouchy t-shirt dresses for more figure-hugging ones, which won’t drown your small shape, and instead enhance it. You don’t have to go all out with a teeny tiny bodycon dress – looser fits that give you a little room to breathe, but still highlight your full silhouette, work perfectly too.
 
Pants – here’s how to wear them
Regardless of cuts, pants and jeans always have the ability to accentuate and elongate your legs – precisely because their sole purpose is to encase them. That said, there are nifty ways to nail the various styles and lengths out there, and really make the most of flattering pants.
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Super Skinny Low Waist Jeans, $49.90; Pleated Wide Flowy Trousers, $39.90, available in Bershka stores

For slim cuts: Don’t be tempted to go full-on high waist, and stick to bottoms that cut off just above your hips instead. Slim cut bottoms like skinny jeans or tapered trousers already do the work for you by cutting close to your body, so wearing the top of them just above your hips casually accentuates your curves without overdoing it. Make sure the cuffs don’t hit any lower than your ankles, which can make the ensemble look frumpy; alter if necessary!
For wide-legged: Go high-waist. Here’s your chance to rock pants all the way up past your belly button – wide-legged trousers are cut to be slimming on top and billowy on the bottom, so wearing one high-waisted helps emphasise the triangular silhouette. It also really milks the 2/3-to-1/3 rule. Wearing wide-legged bottoms on your hips chops up your lower half, which is a definite no-no in our books.
 
Remember that not all petites were created equal
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ASOS High Low Prom Skirt, £48, available online

Petite doesn’t just mean short and slim; for the curvier petite ladies out there, the same rules that apply to slimmer petites don’t always work – but that means more fun experimenting! Bustier petites are encouraged to try empire waists – cut higher than regular high-waist bottoms, and ending just below the bust – to enhance your natural curves while balancing and flattering proportions. High-low skirts too are good co-ordinates for creating that flowing, breezy silhouette while making your legs appear longer. Celebrate your body, hun, because there’s none other like it.

PUMA Disc x Trapstar White Noise

Streetwear fans, you might want to sit down for this.
After the stunning Fenty PUMA by Rihanna Creeper collection, PUMA’s back at it again with the London-based lifestyle brand, Trapstar. Collaborating for the very first time for the upcoming Autumn/Winter season, expect to see the perfect blend of streetwear and Puma’s classic sports silhouettes in the upcoming collaboration collection that features a range of apparel and footwear. They’re just getting started with a teaser drop of the Disc x Trapstar White Noise, an original reworking of the classic PUMA Disc.


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As the name suggests, Trapstar believes that a star is trapped in everyone. Forged from underground inner city subculture, Trapstar’s apparel designs are known to be largely inspired by contemporary art, iconic cinema, photography and music. With their creative minds and fashion forward thinking, Trapstar remains unaffected by fashion trends and instead, encourage individuality; as seen by their bold original graphics and prints that are usually worn by the likes of celebrities such as A$AP Rocky, The Weeknd and Cara Delevingne.
The familiar PUMA silhouette gets a fresh makeover with Trapstar’s signature “white noise” graphic design all over, giving the classic shoe an original twist. Look forward to see the “white noise” print in apparel and other footwear styles in the highly anticipated collection.
 
PUMA Disc x Trapstar White Noise, S$220, available now exclusively at Leftfoot stores.

Here's What's Happening This Weekend

Singapore Street Festival 2016

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The annual Singapore Street Festival is back for its 15th run, to celebrate once again the talents of our nation’s youth. Themed ‘CommUnity’, the festival will see an exciting lineup of activities over two weeks presented entirely by youths – featuring everything from street art to dance showcases to an epic kendama showdown. The event kicks off with a street graffiti exhibition at Bugis Junction (on display from now till 30 June), before ushering in Battle of The Year, the biggest b-boying competition in the world; as well as highlighting favourite local acts like parkour, street football, and kendama. If you’re more into music, Busk! Singapore, a youth busking competition, will be happening too ­– where you can vote for the talented participants to eventually emerge champion. That, or take part yourself for a shot at the grand prize; auditions begin on 25 June at 313 Somerset.
Date: 8 June to 3 July 2016
Admission: Free
More info at singaporestreetfestival.com
 
Singapore Coffee Festival
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Coffee might just be the one beverage that brings people together more than beer – so obviously there would be an entire fiesta dedicated to it! DBS presents Singapore’s first ever coffee-centric festival to celebrate the glorious birth of brews, with over 100 exhibitors from the coffee and café industry. Mind you, it’s not just one for the coffee snobs; the festival will showcase everything from artisanal specialty coffee to local kopi and casual café cold brews (très hipster). And if you start getting a little woozy from all the caffeine, take a break with the café food sold onsite, or get active with the hands-on barista lessons and latte art masterclasses – where you’re bound to pick up a thing or two. We’re already tingling at the thought of all things coffee – and that’s before we’ve even had caffeine.
Date: 10 to 12 June 2016
Time: 11am – 9pm
Venue: F1 Pit Building
Admission: $18
More info at sgcoffeefestival.com.sg
 
Kapok is 10! Anniversary Party
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Everyone loves a good selection of artisan jewellery, apparel, and lifestyle pieces; so make your way down to kapok’s 10th Anniversary party this Saturday for a final look at the daintiest curation of brands – crafted straight from the heart, by both homegrown and international designers. The store gets turned into a fantasyland of its own, with music, friends, and brands coming together for a day to reside in kapokland. It’s your last chance to get your hands on the ten special kapok X brand collaborations, created just for celebrating kapok’s double-digit year. There’s casual-chic loafers from Rivieras, exclusive totes from Danish brand mismo, and local jewellery label Carrie K’s delicate window hook pieces – inspired by Singapore’s very own Peranakan window hooks and latches. Shopping aside, it’s a full day of games and prizes, plus performances by local bands TakeTwo and DEON. Come dressed in your best striped co-ordinates and you’ll even get ice cream on the house.
Date: 11 June 2016
Time: 1pm – 8pm
Venue: kapok Singapore @ National Design Centre, 111 Middle Road, #01-05
More information at facebook.com/events/1165383043494298/
 
Tanjong Beach Club x Corona Presents: Summer Strip
TBC_Pool Party-1-Reference Image   [EDM] The Summer Strip

Now that June is well and truly under way, it’s time to let your hair down and really take a break. Our party of choice involves super soakers, beer pong, and none of the sweaty jostling you’d find at a regular club rave (not in this heat, at least). If that sounds up your alley, Tanjong Beach Club is the place to be this Saturday night – for an epic Las Vegas-inspired pool party. It’s the first in the club’s new pool party series, and it’s primed to be a good one. Paying homage to the city of sin, the club will be decked out as the ultimate venue of indulgence, to go with the lineup of local and international music acts spinning from day to night.
Don’t brush this off as just a novel opportunity to get wasted though ­– the club has made it a point to include themed activities and photo ops to make it a memorable night. The Bellagi-Hole Temporary Tattoo station (a snigger-worthy tribute to the glitzy Bellagio Hotel in Las Vegas) lets you stick your arms into a hole for a randomly assigned temp tatt (surprise!), while the Wedding Chapel Photo Booth promises great visual mementos – and just might fuel an actual (impulsive) proposal. There’s beer pong and a bunch of other drinking games too, but it’s best you head down for yourself for the full havoc experience. You know what they say; what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas.
Date: 11 June 2016
Time: 2pm – 11pm
Venue: Tanjong Beach Club, Siloso Beach
Tickets available at summerstrip.peatix.com
 
Featured image from facebook.com/sgcoffeefest.

Givenchy's Famous Black Lipstick Has Been Reborn

There’s something about colour-changing lipsticks that gets everyone excited, and that’s why they’ve been such an enduring beauty trend since they first burst into the collective consciousness way back in the 90s, when they were first all the rage. And one of the most iconic colour-changing lipstick has to be Givenchy’s Rouge Interdit Magic Lipstick, which is pretty much as the name says: magic. It’s a potent black on the tube, but on the lips, it transforms into a flattering rosebud pink to create the effect of just-bitten lips.

noir revelateur

This year, as part of Givenchy’s all-new Rouge Interdit Vinyl lipstick range, we’re getting a bit more Magic in our lives, in the form of the Rouge Interdit Vinyl in the same shade name, Noir Révélateur. The main differences in this new addition is the finish of the lipstick: the Rouge Interdit Vinyl is all about extreme shine and a plumped up effect, so if you like to wear your lips extra glossy, you’ll appreciate this 2016 version of the Noir Révélateur. The main ingredient in the Rouge Interdit Vinyl range is the mysterious-sounding black rose oil, which is what ensures moisture and comfort stays on the lips for hours without icky stickiness. There are 15 other shades to choose from on top of the Noir Révélateur, so your lips can make an impact in plenty of other ways – but the black will definitely be a staple for us.
 
Givenchy Rouge Interdit Vinyl, $48. Available at Givenchy counters and Sephora. givenchybeauty.com
 

HP Just Unveiled The World's Thinnest Laptop

Well, Apple had a good run with it’s increasingly thin laptops, but there’s a new one in town. Raising the bar for premium PC experience, HP recently announced the HP Spectre a.k.a. the world’s thinnest laptop, and it’s definitely the light-weight laptop of your dreams.

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With it’s aluminium frame at just 10.4mm – that’s as thin as an AAA-battery – the total weight of the notebook is a mere 1.11kg. But users of the HP Spectre need not worry about compromising on performance for style. The laptop’s powerful Intel Core i5 and i7 processors promise lightning-fast speeds, and users can also expect 512 GB of storage with up to 8 GB of RAM for maximum performance.
 
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But here comes the all-important factor of electronics: battery life. You’d think that a thinner laptop would need to be charged more frequently, but that’s not the case with the HP Spectre. The laptop boasts an innovative hybrid battery that’s split into two thinner pieces, ultimately delivering the same wattage as a single battery for up to nine and a half hours of battery life. So you don’t have to panic about your laptop dying on you as you’re finishing that last presentation slide on the ride to work, the HP Spectre promises to be there for you.
 
 
13.3″ diagonal HP Spectre, priced from $2,299 onwards, available in Singapore from June 2016. hp.com/sg

Here's How Our Healthy Eats Can Get Way, Way Tastier

Yeah we know all about “an apple a day, keeps the doctor away”, and all that. But being conscious of your health doesn’t mean munching on carrots and veggies the entire day — that’s the old way of thinking, the rabbit food diet, which is fine for people whose willpower and discipline triumph over any desire for enjoyment… Okay, we kid. If you’re a person who wants to enjoy your food, while at the same time, be pleased about what goes into your body, you’re at the right place. We break down some of the tastiest, most yummy food we know that, oh, just happens to be good for you too. Here goes:

1. A Salad — but one with unusual ingredients that are good for you

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Broccoli & Avocado Salad with Quinoa & Feta — at OverEasy Orchard

Yes, this kinda goes against what we just said, but hey, that’s if you’re thinking of plain rockets, sans dressing. As for us, we suggest having all those greens in a bowl, but with a couple of other fun stuff too. The one at OverEasy Orchard‘s a great example — the Broccoli & Avocado Salad with Quinoa & Feta looks like a good dose of healthy greens, and you know broccoli’s good for you because your mom said so. Or, because scientists have found out that the vegetable is a good source of dietary fibre, a powerful antioxidant, while boosting your immunity and all that. The power vegetable’s tossed alongside a bunch of crunchy or tender stuff for some nice texture, including feta cheese, pistachio nuts, golden yellow raisins, and quinoa. And if you haven’t already heard of quinoa, well, there are a couple of reasons why the gluten-free grain is so popular nowadays: it contains all nine essential amino acids (all the protein you need!), and has twice as much fibre as most other grains.

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Apple & Walnut Kale Salad — at Sprout

Then, there’s Sprout, and this very delectable Apple & Walnut Kale Salad, with a bed of baby kale and baby cos with green apples, celery, red onion, cherry tomatoes, walnuts and shaved smoked cheddar tossed in a cider vinaigrette. We don’t have to tell you how awesome that would taste, just know that kale is hailed as one of the greatest veggies ever, at this moment, because the low-calorie, high-fibre, antioxidant-rich green comes packed with more iron than beef, and is a good source of Vitamin K. Oh, by the way, we know these establishments are known for their other “less healthy” food (burgers and beef/salmon bowls respectively), but the next time your friends are tucking into a loaded mac & cheese dish at the restaurant, don’t even fret about your options; you won’t have to settle for anything less than a well-rounded meal that tastes just as good.

OverEasy Orchard — Liat Towers, #01-01 ; overeasy.com.sg
Sprout — 41 Duxton Road ; eatatsprout.com

2. Açaí Bowls

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Açaí bowl — at Tanjong Beach Club

It’s the type of thing you’ve probably seen on Instagram, but before you start rolling your eyes, know that an acai bowl is one of the most delicious ways to get your healthy fix. Think of it like a smoothie — we swear it tastes as good as a well-blended berries/even chocolate milkshake — that’s topped with ingredients such as bananas, berries, granola or honey. The health food has its origins in Brazil, mainly because the açaí (ah-sah-ee) berry is found in Central and South America, considered a superberry, is high in antioxidants, rich in nutrients, contains Omega-3 and other good healthy acids, and is high in fibre while low in calories.

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Açaí bowl — at Project Açaí

We’ve narrowed it down two places that do them well — first, Project Açaí, that serves pretty açaí bowls and smoothies at their Holland Village and Ngee Ann City outlets, or, Tanjong Beach Club, where their açaí bowls comes with a blended base of organic açaí berries, banana, apricot, blueberries, mango, a sweet Inca berry confit, toasted coconut and crunchy hazelnut granola. Imagine chilling by the beach over the weekend, and tucking in to this smooth, rich and cooling açaí bowl amidst the unbearable heat.

Project Açaí — Ngee Ann City, #B2-32A ; project-acai.com
Tanjong Beach Club — 120 Tanjong Beach Walk, Sentosa ; tanjongbeachclub.com

3. Crepes and Wraps!

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Smoked Salmon Galette — at The Daily Roundup

Enough said. Who doesn’t like crepes — it should really rank up there with waffles and pancakes, and crepes manage to be one of the most versatile carbs around, since you can go from sweet dessert crepes loaded with chocolate and berries, to savoury crepes topped with anything you desire. What we personally like best though is a round of smoked salmon, capers and cream cheese. Classic. For this, we’re headed straight for The Daily Roundup, a cafe that specialises in crepes and galettes (the savoury version). Their Smoked Salmon Galette is made with 100% organic buckwheat flour flown in from Brittany, France, and they manage to recreate the authentic, slightly charred but delightful smoky taste on your tongue too. It’s also topped with Scottish smoked salmon, served with a crumbled hardboiled egg, homemade crème fraîche with cream cheese and capers. If you feel like going for some meat, but not something as hearty as beef or pork, fish is an excellent option, especially salmon since it’s a rich source of healthy fat that helps maintain your brain functions (though maybe not necessarily make you smarter), while, naturally, a lot of good proteins and minerals can be found in this lightweight dish.

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Asian Wrap — at Saint Pierre Market

If you’re looking for hearty wraps in town, head to Saint Pierre Market, Chef Emmanuel Stroobant’s new concept that offers freshly-made wraps, sandwiches and soups, which you can easily pack to go. We’re putting this here because wraps are kind of a distant cousin to crepes, and like crepes, they’re complete meals wrapped in a flour-like skin. Other than their salads, we’ve got our hearts set on this Asian Wrap, a freshly-baked French cereal baguette, with organic kale, poached organic sakura chicken, tofu, roasted nori, toasted pumpkin seeds, toasted sunflower seeds and Japanese sesame spread.

The Daily Roundup — 1 Keong Saik Road, #01-02 ; thedailyroundup.com.sg
Saint Pierre Market — Ngee Ann City, Takashimaya Shopping Centre, #02-11 ; saintpierremarket.com

4. Pizzas?!

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Pistachio Pesto Pizza — at Extra Virgin Pizza

Oh, we know what you’re thinking, how can anything loaded with this much carbs and meats and sauces be good for your body? We beg to differ. Extra Virgin Pizza does a spectacular Pistachio Pesto Pizza, and since it’s part of Italian cuisine, you already know it’s good. It’s kinda a simple combination of flavours, nothing too fancy here, as the pizza’s made with a pistachio pesto base, topped with baby arugula and mozzarella, and finished with a lemon vinaigrette, but the best thing about this is its simplicity and delicate balance of flavours. Known as a “summer sauce”, pesto is also packed with nutrition in the form of ingredients such as basil, olive oil and garlic that goes into the paste, meaning that it’s rich in antioxidants (from the basil) so your body’s rid of free radicals, or heart-healthy monosaturated fats (from the olive oil) that helps to lower blood cholesterol and stabilise your blood sugar levels. Basically, you gain some sort of superpower from a healthy version of what used to be a “junk food” staple.

Extra Virgin Pizza — Asia Square, #01-04 ; extravirginpizza.com

:CHOCOOLATE x PomPomPurin collection

Our all-time favourite PomPomPurin, a Golden Retriever with an iconic brown beret (that looks a lot like a milk pudding) is celebrating his 20th birthday this year. Yes even this little Sanrio character will be having a huge birthday bash. :CHOCOOLATE and Sanrio will be collaborating to launch a collection consisting of womenswear, childrenswear and accessories, in light of PomPomPurin’s birthday.


TE1642 BKX $59.90TE1631 GY2 $59.90TE1629K YEX $49.90
:CHOCOOLATE x PomPomPurin T-SHIRT, ladies $59.90, kids $49.90.
 
GWP TOWEL SET MIN SPEND $120GWP TOWEL SET MIN SPEND $120(2)
:CHOCOOLATE x PomPomPurin Towel Set, with net purchase of $120 or above.
 
BC0630 $149HT0628 $69.90
:CHOCOOLATE x PomPomPurin Onesie, $149. CHOCOOLATE x PomPomPurin Brown Beret, $69.90.

 
Look forward to a series featuring adorably printed t-shirts, towels, a bag and even a onesie. Ah a onesie! We can already hear you squealing as we are typing this. Slip into these hooded overalls for a sleepover or just wear it just because. Another favourite has got to be the brown beret – the one just like PomPomPurin’s. You can now have the chance to be half as sassy as this little creature.
By now you’re probably already buzzing in excitement from the cute range of merchandises that :CHOCOOLATE will be blessing us with. You’ll also be glad to know that they will be launching a month-long joint project with the POMPOMPURIN Café, where you’ll get to experience the full glory of the :CHOCOOLATE x PomPomPurin collaboration, as the PomPomPurin paradise will be decorated by the images and black-and-white polka dots that are featured in the collection. You will also be able to purchase some of the products from the collection in the café during this period.
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To make things even sweeter, the Café will also be creating a PomPomPurin Chocolate drink cleverly named “Butt… It’s Iced Chocolate” that features PomPomPurin’s little butt. We hope it’s not too weird to say that we can’t wait to dig into this drink. But seriously, who can?
 
:CHOCOOLATE x PomPomPurin Collection, available from 1 July 2016 at all :CHOCOOLATE stores.
:CHOCOOLATE x PomPomPurin Collection Pop-up Café, 1 – 31 July 2016, POMPOMPURIN Café @ Orchard Central, 11am – 10.30pm.

Soak In The Sun With The New Kendall + Kylie x Topshop Swim Collection

The Kardashians are relentless is their plot for world domination, it seems. Rising young starlets Kendall and Kylie Jenner are making their name known, whether it’s on the runway or on Instagram. So it’s no surprise that they’re collaborating with Topshop for a third time following their successful collections released during June and December last year. Coming just in time for summer, the Kendall + Kylie swimwear collection is a 37-piece range that includes bikinis, one-pieces, and cover-ups.

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Whether you love visiting the beach to swim, surf, or simply love partying by the pool, Kendall and Kylie have got you covered. Drawing inspiration from their California roots, each outfit is a statement piece perfect for every occasion. The bikinis and swimsuits feature strategically placed cut-outs and bold, sporty elastic straps and waist bands that frame the body.

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Expect palm and leopard motifs printed on neoprene in vivid hues of cobalt, jade and coral, as well as metallic foils in solid gold and silver; perfect for sun-kissed skin. For those who prefer something a little more toned down, you can also throw on a sheer black playsuit as the perfect poolside cover-up, or even throw on a macramé fringe skirt either in black or neon.
Your summer #ootd is going to be so Instagram-worthy.

Kendall + Kylie x Topshop Swim Collection, $33.90 – $99.90, available exclusively at Topshop ION Orchard and VivoCity, available online at Zalora.com from 9th June 2016. Topshop.sg