Prints and Pleats

There is something about pleats, something transformational but I cannot exactly put a fine point to it. Sweet, playful, teasing... I cannot decide. But they are irresistible. I have a soft spot for almost anything with pleats, especially heavy pieces.

Think Marilyn Monroe and her flare when she strutted around in her pristine white number.

While this may be the total opposite of white, it turns heads all the same. High neckline, keyhole back feature, heavy pleats and a whimsical print - this is one perfect dress for that expensive candlelit dinner with your lover. Yet another fuss-free piece to add to my collection for too-lazy-to-do-any-styling days.

And I just have to end this post by saying I really love pleats.


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Outfit: Dolce Print Dress, Amebelle *sponsored* // Cut-out Sandals, Suecomma Bonnie // Charms Bracelet, Pandora // Earrings, Forever21 // Ring, Forever21

Quote "melody5" to enjoy 5% off all purchases. Promotional code is valid till 31st July 2013.

Photography: Brad Lau @ladyironchef

Splendored Thing

This has gotta be one of my favorite ensembles of 2013. Words failed me and I don't know how to articulate just how much I love every single item in this feature.

The cropped top is an ever popular Hollyhoque piece that comes in a palette of colors, and I own the black and white - both already worn to death. I believe I don't need to explain and you can see it for yourself what a chic piece it is, and how versatile it can be. The vivid floral print of the skorts is an irresistibly gorgeous one and I can already think of a dozen other tops to match it with. Yes, I am so gonna re-wear it. And my shoes - I am so in love with its minimalism chic factor. Probably the best S$70 I have ever spent!

On a separate note, I am really falling head over heels in love with white. It is such a refreshing change to my wardrobe - which was otherwise only black or outrageously bright colors. Such extremes.


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Outfit: Chic Overlap Cropped Top in White, Hollyhoque // Pleating Grace Skorts in Cream, Hollyhoque // Pumps, Zara // Hobo Tote, Prada // Belt, ASOS // Bracelets, Topshop // Earrings, Chanel

Both the top and the skorts are currently sold out in the boutique and on the website. Restocking in process and backorders are open for all colors. Drop them an email [hollyhoque@gmail.com] to reserve a piece or two!

Photography: Sheila Mandy

Penelope

The Blush Inc is a renown pioneer, and a web store that has been around for many years. Dishing out quality apparels at very attractive prices, they strive to cloth every woman in their most comfortable styles so as to bring out the best in them.

And this is why I love them. When I was sent a whole folder of photos to pick my favorite dress, I saw this alluring number and knew it had to be my choice. I am hardly confident about donning body-hugging pieces, but this one was easy to pull off. The high neckline exudes a mysterious sexiness, and the back slit is a twist to your usual full zipper back. Brush strokes in black and blue completed this number and made it the poison of choice.

This is the perfect dress for fuss-free days. Just throw on a pair of crystal earrings and some simple bracelets, choose your brightest bag, and strut around town with something black on your feet. You really don't need to do anything more to turn heads.


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Outfit: Penelope Abstract Shift Dress, The Blush Inc *sponsored* // Heels, Aldo // Luggage Mini, Celine // Earrings, Chanel // Ring, Chanel // Charms Bracelet, Pandora // Hair Tie, Helen

Quote "melody5" for 5% discount on all new arrivals. Promotional code is valid till 22nd May 2013.

Photography: Sheila Mandy

Walk On By

Very very very into pants lately.

That Monday, I met Twinnie for lunch and coincidentally, we were both in floral pants. Hers was from Nastygal (you can see her outfit post here), and mine was a very cheap one from Bangkok - S$8. Yipe, I love Bangkok. And this top you see is yet another comfy basic that Twinnie gave to me, and had been sitting in my wardrobe for more than a month...

Anyway, it wasn't supposed to look so sexy. Haha. It is really just a simple tee, but because it was too big for me, I thought I could just let it slip off my shoulder. One top, two ways. Yes, I like.


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Outfit: Keep Your Cool Top in Olive, Hollyhoque // Floral Pantkins, Bangkok // Criss-cross Wedges, Steve Madden // Leather Tote, Chanel // Hoop Earrings, Nine West // Charms Bracelet, Pandora // Rings, Lovisa // Chain, Chanel // Cheetah Earrings, ASOS

Photography: Sheila Mandy

Briella

So exceptionally girly and demure that day, I know.

It took me a little hesitation to don this denim bustier dress, but I really loved it so much. And so does my Babysis! Looks like something you would find on Topshop's racks, yes? But definitely at a fraction of Topshop's price. :)

A cake session with Twinnie was the perfect excuse to look sweeter than usual. If you are wearing this for work, just throw on a casual fit blazer. The daring ones can play up the look with colors. With a print so pretty, you don't need any more fanciful touches.

As for my take, I matched my earrings to the bag of the day, and as usual, I finished the look with a touch of color on my lips. Oh, did I say that the bag belongs to my Mama? I love how she ages gracefully and is ever open when it comes to her fashion choices.


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Outfit: Briella Aztec Denim Bustier, Clothes Over Bros *sponsored* // Heels, Hollyhoque // Leather Tote, MiuMiu // Earrings, Six Accessories // Bracelets, Topshop // Ring, Chanel

Quote "MelodyXCOB" for 10% discount off all purchases. Promotional code is valid till 30th June 2013.

Photography: Sheila Mandy

Color Pop

Could you tell I woke up late that day? I have this horrible habit of snoozing my alarms, and because I snooze so much, I always have to set at least 3 alarms at different times. But even with this, I could wake up an hour late. Yes, I am that ridiculous.

So anyway, I hate it that I am already late and I did not plan my outfit the night before. It puts me in this nerve-wrecking situation every morning when I would just rummage through my wardrobes, try on a thousand and one combinations and have the unwanted pieces strewn all over to fill every inch of my floor.

But of course, there are days when I am caught in that situation, and I did not plan to look so well-matched, but I just do. I can be proud like this. ;)

That morning, I turned to basics in cool colors, and am still loving how my Celine never fails to give my outfit a color pop. I love this ensemble so much, and because I also have this skirt in red, I am toying with the idea of doing something similar with the opposite color family. Should I?


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Outfit: Versatile Cutout Basic Tee in Blue, Hollyhoque // Tulip Overlay Skirt, Bangkok // Crystal-studded Wedges, Pazzion // Luggage Mini, Celine // Belt, m)phosis // Ring, m)phosis // Charms Bracelet, Pandora // Chain, Chanel // Earrings, Chanel

Photography: Sheila Mandy

Sequins Fever

It was a Friday evening when B brought me to Duston Hill for cakes to celebrate the end of a work week. I was in exceptionally high spirits that day. And I know you could tell from the glitz and glam of my outfit.

My recent trip to Korea was an eye-opening experience - the girls really put in effort to dress up, even on days when the temperature is single digit! It actually made me feel lazy and ugly. But anyway, I am more inclined to Korean styles now, I picked this sequined top from EatPrayShop, who brings in mainly apparels from Korea, US and UK. And they have sizes from XS to XL! How considerate. :)

Initially, I had worried that my outfit might be too "bling" for work, but actually, the sequined top is really like a blouson with embellishments. Nothing too loud, and definitely not stage material yet. If you are hesitant about stealing too many glances with sequins, pair it with a plain work pants for that afternoon meeting, or wear it out with a statement skirt like I did to introduce a little more fun.


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Outfit: Kylie Sequins Top, EatPrayShop *sponsored* // Glitter Skirt, Seoul // Strappy Sandals, Marc Jacobs // Arty Bangle, Yves Saint Laurent // Chains, Bangkok // Cheetah Earring, ASOS

Like them on Facebook and follow them Instagram for regular updates of new arrivals.

Photography: Brad Lau @ladyironchef

Hollyhoque Clothes Buffet

How does a Hollyhoque Clothes Buffet sound like to you? One price for all-you-can-stuff pretty clothes - you like?

All you have to do is to choose either the small bag (S$55) or the big bag (S$100). Expect many many many apparels up for grab, including more than 10 unreleased designs! I have seen the stocks, and trust me, even for someone who frequents the Hollyhoque office, I have never seen them bring out sooo many designs before.

Think floral shorts, crochet tops, laced dresses, neon blazers, basic tees...




And here is a sneak peak for you! This multi-color striped blouson is so comfy and easy to mix & match - something that you can repeat in many ways for sure.

I don't need to say more, and I believe you are already excited. I will see you there, yes? :)

Catcher In The Light

The owner of Amebelle, Amelia, is a good friend of mine since secondary school days, and since she started Amebelle, I would always see pretty apparels from her Instagram uploads - think of dinner-appropriate glamorous dresses (like the one I am wearing!), printed rompers, floral tops and crochet shorts. And the best part? She launches multiple times per month, so you will never run out of don't-know-what-to-wear days.

If you remember the Mister's everlasting love for me in everything white, this toga dress was the undisputed choice for a Saturday with him. I love the subtle flap details under the waist, and because this piece is a mix of elegant and sexy, I paired it with statement earrings and some silver bracelets. And I shall let the colors on my hair and my feet complete the rest of the story.


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Outfit: Zen Toga Dress in White, Amebelle *sponsored* // Suede Pumps, Zara // Bracelets, Topshop // Earrings, H&M // Ring, Chanel

Quote "melody5" to enjoy 5% off all purchases. Promotional code is valid till 31st July 2013.

Photography: Brad Lau @ladyironchef

In A Glance

Prints are so hot this season, and all you need is one statement piece to make you stand out.

I have always been bold with colors, but somehow, I never expose myself much to prints except florals. Lately, I try to push my edge by exploring styles that I used to avoid or never had the guts to try. Because fashion should really be fun and daring this way.

For an otherwise gloomy work day, I chose this printed dress that has been sitting in my wardrobe for quite some time now. For a first, too, I picked yellow over other colors. I don't know, I just thought I would try. My lifelong worry for donning a full yellow piece is that I would look like a walking banana, and the color just doesn't complement my skin tone. But because the prints are so intriguing for this dress, I wore it with such confidence and had myself numerous enquiries about where this is from! :)


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Outfit: Printed Dress, Blu Sunflower *sponsored* // Leather Clogs, Pedro // Leather Tote, Chanel // Belt, Primark // Bracelets, Topshop // Hoop Earrings, Nine West // Rings, Lovisa

Quote "Melody Yap" to enjoy free normal postage. And if you purchase this dress together with another item, you get a total of 10% discount. This dress will be launched on Saturday morning.

Photography: Brad Lau @ladyironchef