OOTD Feature & River Safari Trip!

As an online shopaholic (and am proud of it) by nature, nothing beats the kind of satisfaction I get when I receive the items in my hands and discover that they look better than I imagined.

Since I am such a regular when it comes to online shopping, I understand the concerns of a typical shopper. Like many out there, I am often worried if the particular item looks true to the pictures as posted on the website. Imagine the horror if the items look so different from imagination! The heart-wrenching feeling (urgh) is just so hard to swallow.

Hence, just for this purpose, I have decided to record down my online shopping process, from the time I made the purchase to the time when I finally wear it on me! Be rest assured that my photographs aren't professionally edited in any way, and were taken just as how they looked.

 I made a purchase from one of my all-time favorite ZALORA SINGAPORE  (Seriously, you should check them out if you haven't). Believe me, it took me hours to finally settle on my choice of dress out of the hundreds that I have seen and liked.

I have decided that I should choose one that is not my usual style - and see how it'll look!

This piece particularly appealed to me as my favorite color is orange - and it looks kinda' sweet on the model! (*wishing hard that I can portray the same feel too.* LOL)

Best of all? It comes in two pieces - which means I can either wear them together, or separately. 

*Ding Dong*

My package came fast - within 2 days! (Thanks to my parents for helping me to receive the parcel while I was at work) The delivery service guy actually messaged me personally a day before that he'll be coming; thanks for the nice gesture!

The thrill of ripping the packaging open..

The floral details and fabric!

I was stunned by the bright color (I love this shade of orange!) In my own opinion, I feel that it looks even better than the featured photo in reality.

As I would be going on a River Safari trip with my gang that week, I decided that it should be my OOTD! I was feeling quite excited to try out a different style (I am not really a floral person and have never owned any flowery-style dresses) and here are the results!

Surprisingly, I LOVE it. Perfect for a casual day out on a beautiful Sunday afternoon.

Here's my BFF, Pei Wen.. My bestie of 10 years and going strong!

My momo, Wen Jun. :)

We spotted this nice-looking hut and ran over to take a pic immediately.

A pic filled with CNY atmosphere, hor??!

It was a pity that we didn't get the chance to sit on the boat ride as it was crowded and full on a Saturday afternoon. :(

But guess what was the main highlight of the day?!

We got lucky ; and managed to catch the famous pandas, Jia Jia and Kai Kai in action! (I have heard many visitors weren't able to see them - but I was glad we did!)

Caught this smiling shot - Awww..

Interesting fact:

Couple pic, again:

Quite a short but interesting trip.. I have more photos of the animals uploaded on my Facebook.. So for those who are on my Facebook, just go to my albums and check them out luh. Haha.

Asia's Next Top Model?!?!

So I have been addicted to watching "Asia's Next Top Model" online recently.

(And somehow it reminds me of my old freelancing modeling days, even though my experiences were  peanuts compared to them.)

Each episode of ASNTM is intriguing, and I would often go "SHIT, I wanna watch the next episode!!" every time I was done with watching the current one.

And there was this particular lady, or "model", whom I totally dislike in the show. Yes, for those of you who are great fans of the episodes too, you will know WHO I meant.

(Don't get me wrong, there are still people who adore her... But just not me.)

HELENA. (Yeah, she is the representative from Hong Kong.)

Seriously... With that suckass attitude and she expects herself to go far in the industry? 

I just have no idea WHY she has to be so jealous every single time someone wins a challenge. The look on her face was just apparent. She just couldn't hide the fact.

The thing about her is that she couldn't afford to lose in ANYTHING. When someone else got praised and she fared badly, her typical *#(&$* expression would show up on her face.

And she would admit openly during her interview that she thinks she should be the deserving one, etc, instead of the winner.

(LOL, why must she make herself such a hated person? Is it because she wanted to gain fame through this method?)

Come on... Are you judging the judges' abilities to pick the winner? 

You win and you lose for a reason. If you are reaaaallly good, there is nothing for you to be jealous about. 

Just stop whining already!

True to what many said, Helena IS beautiful. She can seriously pose and respond well to instructions. 

BUT she just couldn't stand criticisms. 

It's really bad because she made herself look like a spoilt brat who would throw tantrums if she doesn't get what she THINKS she deserves.

Everything about her in the show was like , "OH, I don't care. I am just here to win the competition."

Well, winning is one thing. Forging friendship and bonding with others is another. 

Why so brainwashed over the idea of winning that you only see yourselves and not others?

*slaps forehead*

I don't know why she still has supporters believing that she is just someone who was made to look like a villian in the show through heavy editing.

Yes, the show may be edited in some ways... But there are still facts that you can't deny while her actions were caught on camera. (Unless you are telling me everything was a well-planned act.) The jealousy on her face, body language and tension she caused in the show were simply obvious. Those can't be edited, mind you. The only editing work that those behind-the-scenes people can do is to cut certain scenes away and leave the bad ones in to make her sound like she was implying this when it was not. Get what I mean here?

Anyway, I can't be bothered to be angry with someone whom I don't know personally. 

In fact, I find her an enjoyment to watch as she has undeniably added so many spice and colors to the show. (Well.. There is always a villain and victim in a show, right? If not there is nothing worth watching anymore. LOL)

Probably that is one of the reasons why Asia's Next Top Model is keeping her in the show despite her badass attitude.

For viewership statistics, maybe. Ha.

I'm looking forward to Episode 8 on Youtube anyway.

For anyone who has yet to catch it, here is the link: 

http://www.youtube.com/user/AsiasNextTopModel?feature=watch

[Media Invite] Be SPellbound by SPELL!

OMG, I'm under a spell.


*waves for help*

Okay, enough of my random crap. I do not mean that kind of spell.
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When Andy invited me to do an event coverage for SPELL, I immediately agreed without much hesitation.

Yes, if you are wondering what in the world SPELL is... ...

It stands for Singapore Polytechnic Entrepreneurship Living Lab.

It is an amazing student-run commercial store that is a joint collaboration between SP and Changi Airport Group.

You'll find out more as you read on. 

I promise you'll love what they have in store for you!

As an ex-SP student myself, I felt exceptionally excited for my juniors (and not to mention I'm proud of them too!) for coming this far and having such a big achievement.

I reached the venue at around 12pm, and there was already quite a big crowd at the area. I could definitely sense the growing excitement in everyone!

From there, I had the pleasure to meet Ms Yvonne Chan, the Director of SP's Department of Corporate  Communications who brought the few bloggers around.
(Thank you so much for the hospitality, Ms Yvonne!)

And yes, the event started!

Here are the two lovely hosts, who are students from SP, too. :)

Mr Reginald Wee, the Director of SP Business School giving his welcome remarks :)

We were later on presented with a Rumba dance performance by the students from SP Dance Sport.

It was simply beautiful.

I was happily snapping photos away as I wanted to capture the moments:

Don't you just love this pose? I was glad I managed to capture this shot!

Next up was a Hip Hop group called Soul Ignite.

Gosh, reminds me of those days when I learned Hip Hop (but failed) =_="

The ending pose:

And here's a Cha Cha performance, by SP Dance Sport as well!

This. Is. A. Breathtaking. Pose!!!!

After the dance performances, it was time to marvel at the launch of VerveAvenue (the in-house brand name by SPELL) Fashion Collection.

There are three capsules within Verve Avenue's Fall/Winter Collection - Casual, Smart and Formal.


Inspired by the silhouettes of the 1950s and the movie "Grey Gardens", the collection is all about the modern socialite.
Rich and bold jewel tones of ruby red, emerald green, fuchsia, cobalt and sapphire blue are the colors seen in this collection.

The selected apparels from the store were modelled by SP Student Entrepreneurs themselves, and I have to say that they had done a really professional job!

You wouldn't have guessed that they were only students!

(And not to mention that they are hunks and babes too! Hahaha.)

Don't you just loooove what they are wearing?

The models really bring out the feel and atmosphere very well.

 Those apparels have been done justice.

Loud cheers and applause were heard as they strut confidently onstage.

OMG! I simply love this dress! It looks really fabulous on the model.

This was one of my personal favorites from the launch.

I'm so envious of their height! Dresses that seem too long for me could fit them just nice!

I've heard from Ms Yvonne that this young lady up is a TNP (The New Paper) New Face runner-up! =)

You rock, girl!

The models sporting the blue color:

Look at the above red top! Did you notice the unique design? (It seems to look like a normal top from the front view, but it actually has a longer length at the back! I've always loved designs like these.)

 I was told that the top can be worn in 3 different ways, and this was only one of them!

Having a clothing of this kind is like killing 3 birds with one stone. Heh.

The hunks of SP:

SPELL retails quality street wear targeted at teenagers and young adults of both genders.

Look at those blue floral prints! It's a bold design, and certainly a head-turner!

More designs:

Pink lovers will go crazy with this cute little pink dress. How flattering it looked on the model.

The strong contrast of dark tones and lace textures with the bright hues and floral prints illustrate the transformation of the pair of butterflies as their fortunes changed.

I love this fun segment of the show when the models appeared with half party masks covering their faces. It added a kind of mysterious feel to the atmosphere!

The mood of the collection is quirky yet elegant and ladylike, akin to the two socialites of Grey Gardens.

Walking to the front of the stage and donning the best outfits:

This hunk had a full mask on!

I'm loving the RED one. (Red is one of my favorite colors, so I am being biased here. Hahaha!)

And here's the grand finale!! 

Everyone posed for a photo:

Yes, in case you are wondering - ALL of the designs worn by the models can be found in SPELL.

I couldn't wait to visit the store...

And off I went, together with the rest of the bloggers and crowd!

From conceptualizing the designs to deciding the fabrics and selling price of the apparels, SP students had a hands-on learning experience creating a total of 30 styles for the Verve Avenue's Fall/Winter collection as part of the unique and authentic Entrepreneurship module offered by SP.

I love the interior colorful decorations, made up of envelopes!

Not only do they have beautiful apparels, but accessories as well!

 A pearl bracelet caught my eyes and I almost made my purchase...

Until when I realized my wrist was so unusually small that it couldn't fit the bracelet. (I could even slide it through my wrist easily without opening the seal =_=. YES, it was THAT loose)

You should've seen how upset I was as I really love it.

It sucks to have such a small wrist!!

Look who I spotted in the store!

Yes, its none other than the principal of Singapore Polytechnic, Mr Tan Hang Cheong!

He was listening attentively to the student in-charge about how the system works as I silently captured this shot.

The rack of apparels:

Just for the opening, SP staff, students and media were entitled to a 30% discount on selected designs in the store!

I was told that the designs were exclusively designed and they only come in VERY limited quantities. 

The designs were a result of a collaboration between twelve Singapore Polytechnic (SP) students and a local fashion designer, Michelle Wong, over six months to co-create Verve Avenue's Fall/Winter 2012 collection!

In other words, you won't have to fear that there will be others wearing the same kind/style as you because you CAN'T find those designs anywhere else other than SPELL!

On top of that, the price range is extremely affordable as well. 

Look - They have geeky specs too! =D

Awww... Those bags were sooo cute! If not for the fact that I already have a mountain of bags (no, I am not exaggerating) at home, I would have gladly bought them!

Meet this impressive robot, designed and engineered by students from SP's EEE.

It is not any ordinary robot - But one that is able to GREET and welcome you to the store!

From what I heard, it is still undergoing the enhancement process and it'll have even more "abilities" in future, such as remembering your names individually and giving you a personalized greeting before you step into the store!

Gosh, I am so, so IMPRESSED by the students.

Its hands were lighted up with blue lights.

Posing with the robot is a must.

A young Caucasian girl was attracted to the robot and started interacting with it. It was a cute scene to watch!

Look how supportive Mr Tan was! He was the first customer of the day:

I was feeling VERY nervous when he came out of the store. I had been hoping to take a picture with him (I actually MISSED that opportunity during my graduation and I've always considered it a huge pity)...

And so I figured I MUST not miss the opportunity anymore. It's now or never!

I hope I didn't blush as I walked up to him and said - shyly,

"Hi, can I take a picture with you? I'm an ex SP student..."

And he went "OH SURE!!" =D

(Aww.. He's so friendly!)

If you are ever reading this, Mr Tan, thank you so much! :) 

I am glad to have you as my principal during my SP times!

Back to my shopping experience... ...

There is no other place like SPELL, where you can get superb quality apparels and accessories with that kind of price.

When a red dress in the store first caught my eyes, the first thing that came to my mind was

"It must be expensive with that kind of fabric."

I was even expecting it to cost around $40 - $50!

I almost gasped when I looked at the price tag. It was $29.
And with the offer of 30% discount, it amounted to only $20.

I know I HAVE to get it.

(And I REALLY bought it. Read on to find out how it looks like!)

Thanks to SP and SPELL for the goodies!

Was given a small gift in the bag, an USB thumbdrive with the SP logo. :) Love it!

Well, as promised...
Here is my purchase from SPELL!

Here's a glimpse of the dress on me:
(I'm sorry that I couldn't capture a better photo as I have nobody to help me with the shot!)

Do visit SPELL if you have the chance. I promise it will be a well worth trip if you are a shopaholic like me!
Even though it is a long and far journey for me to travel there (I live in the West of Singapore), but I'll still go back to check out the latest fashion and trends from the store!
From what I've heard, SPELL will be bringing in more stuff such as sneakers, pants, graphic tees, hoodies, sweatshirts, jackets, hats, dresses, knitwear, shirts, shorts and skirts as well as more accessories.
And they will be in designs that will make you stand out among your peers!

This is SO, SO exciting!

(They will be constantly updating and changing different fashion styles, so it will be a limitless experience!)


Gosh, I think I am SPELLbound by SPELL. (LOL)
Just like what Ms Yvonne told me,
"You are under a spell!"

Haha, I believe I am not alone. ;)

Well done to all the staff and students involved in this successful project!
I'm really touched to witness how the education system is evolving and soaring to such great heights. It was a great honor for me to be part of the moment, and I am thankful for the opportunity!
I have so many lovely people to thank here - Andy (for the invitation and e-mail coordination), Ms Yvonne and Mr Frank Chua for the great hospitality, and XDZ for accompanying me to the event!


With SP, it's So Possible indeed.

Where is SPELL?

SPELL - Singapore Polytechnic Entrepreneurship Living Lab
Changi Airport Terminal 3 Basement 2

Read more about SPELL by clicking this link here: