Normcore is most certainly not a new fashion trend. It may have taken me a while to make a complete transition in favour of baggy boyfriend-esque tops and bottoms, not to mention giving up on accessorizing, but I was surprised at how liberating it felt to embrace simplicity in fashion.

Normcore, in my opinion, is a subset of the minimalist style. Comfortable basic pieces in baggy, over-sized silhouettes and sneakers form the core of this anti-style which happens to be ideal for the frequent traveller who wants to travel in style without compromising on comfort.

In many ways, normcore sounds bland and boring, but it is possible to spice up your normcore outfits by: 

1) Investing in basic pieces with a twist

Culottes are a wonderful alternative to boyfriend jeans as they instantly amp up the style factor.

2) Throwing on a beanie or hat with unexpected details

 Keeping it simple is the key to mastering the normcore style, but nobody said simple had to be boring. In this case, I kept the rest of my outfit simple but I injected an element of surprise by throwing on a beanie with pointy kitty ears. The minimalistic design and shape of the beanie are still very much in line with the normcore style, but a new dimension is given to the outfit.

If you have other ideas to spice up a normcore outfit, do share them with me! Meanwhile, enjoy the rest of your weekend!

*****

 

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Music has always been a part of me, my life and my existence. Just like how a painting says a thousand words, music speaks where words fail. It brushes away the dust that everyday life has cast on my soul. 

You’ll be amazed by how therapeutic it is to listen to music on the go, especially when you have a good set of earphones like my trusty Sudio Vasa.

My first encounter with Sudio earlier this year left me in awe in terms of both its design and quality. This time, the Swedish company has taken it up a notch with its premium Vasa earphones (compatible with Android and iOS devices) which allows you to listen to every detail and every instrument in every song, as if you were in the recording studio. 

An unforgettable
audio experience is what you are in for. I enjoy listening to both pop
and classical music, and being able to identify the different instruments in
orchestral music gives me inexplicable joy.

Aside from its sound quality, I am drawn to its sleek, clean minimalist design with rose gold accents. It blends functionality with style and is the perfect accessory for all my outfit choices.

Special Discount for Readers of Shopping Queen’s Haven

If you would love to get your hands on this gem, you’ll be happy to know that Sudio has kindly extended a discount to all readers of Shopping Queen’s Haven.

All you have to do is key in REGINA15 upon checkout to enjoy 15% discount on your purchase. 

International shipping is free.

Sudio Vasa retails at S$110 and is available in White, Black, Pink and Blue.

 *****

 Sudio

Facebook: 

 https://www.facebook.com/Sudiosweden
 

Instagram: 

@SudioSweden

Official Website: 

 www.sudio.se

*****

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We all know that striped shirts play an integral role in achieving the Parisian chic style, but do you know what actually makes a striped shirt French? 

 

Interestingly, striped shirts used to be the official uniform of the French navy and the first designer who took inspiration from this uniform was no other than Coco Chanel. Chanel’s striped (also known as Breton stripes) top was designed to be worn with flared trousers and the result was an effortlessly stylish look that has stood the test of time.

 What about berets? Like striped shirts, berets too originated from the French army. No wonder striped shirts and berets are associated with the quintessentially French style. 

In today’s edition of Fashion Fridays, I took a leaf from Coco Chanel and put together a Parisian chic ensemble with a striped top, flared jeans and a beret. 

This could have been a casual weekend outfit if I had paired it with sneakers or loafers, but I chose to glam it up a notch with a pleather jacket and ankle fringe boots instead.

What I love most about berets and striped shirts is their classic appeal. You will never have to worry about them going out of date and it is hard to go wrong with them because they go with just about anything. Just pick a striped top, match it with any bottom of your choice and chances are, you’ll look great. 

No time to do your hair? Put on a beret and you instantly transform into a fashionista.

If you don’t already own a couple of striped shirts and berets, perhaps it’s time to add them to your wardrobe. If you have other ideas on how to style them, do share them with me too!

If you keep up with K-pop news, you’d know that Jessica Jung, one of the most integral members of the wildly popular girl group Girls Generation, was recently ousted from the group for wishing to pursue her passion in design.

It takes not just courage, but also sheer determination and tenacity to go against the tide to pursue your passion. Why should anyone be penalized for that? Jessica is highly talented (she was one of the lead vocalists) and was one of the most dedicated employees (she’d trained with the company since she was 12 years old). I find it strange that the entertainment company she was with had to resort to such a drastic decision.

Nonetheless, Jessica’s astute fashion sense and eye for design will take her places. I believe this is definitely not the last we will see of her, especially since her label Blanc & Eclare is poised to break into the Asian high fashion market. This ambitious trendsetter is just about to embark on a new chapter in her career.

With Jessica’s unceremonious departure from Girls Generation, I thought I’d do a post that showcases her OOTDs. As there were just too many hits from the Korean-American beauty, and I’ve been meaning to share my take on the cropped pants trend, here is a list of the girly fashionista’s five best looks in cropped pants:

1. Sleek White

 Together with her younger sister Krystal, Jessica appeared in the July 2014 issue of 1st Look Magazine in a set of MCM Spring/Summer 2014 crop top and floral-trimmed pants, paired with an MCM Munchen Cute Monster cross-body bag and electric blue heels. She looked very much at home on the streets of New York City, where the photo shoot took place.

 2. All Black

Credit: Sweetappleandplumblossom

Jessica’s airport fashion has always garnered appreciation from fans and fashion critics alike. Her sleek, professional look at Gimpo Airport in March 2014 is befitting of a career woman in her prime. Her Balmain Jacquard double-breasted blazer, structured Hermes Kelly handbag (adorned with an Hermes Twilly scarf) and French tips pumps are modern yet classic pieces that she is obviously a fan of. If you noticed, her personal fashion label is big on this clean-cut yet feminine look too. I love how the scarf adds a jolt of colour in this black-and-white ensemble. This look is perfect for the elegant businesswoman on the go.

 3. Denim

Credit: Pinterest

Aside from the polished, professional look, Jessica sometimes dresses down to thaw her ice-queen image. Case in point: this smart casual denim and chambray outfit. The chambray shirt and cuffed boyfriend jeans contribute to a breezy summer airport style, while Jessica adds a touch of her usual modern sophistication with ankle-strap pumps and a clutch. The result is an effortlessly chic ensemble that can be easily put together by you and me.




4. Leather

Credit: Dramacap

After taking part in a photo shoot with Nylon Magazine, the Jung sisters were spotted at a Jimmy Choo event in Los Angeles, flaunting their model-esque figures and flawless fashion sense. While Krystal went for a modern business-casual look with a blue blouse and subtly patterned black pants, Jessica opted for an edgier look with a sleek crop top and leather cigarette pants. Needless to say, good genes run in the family.

5. Tweed

Credit: Sweetappleandplumblossom

 
Jessica goes for a glam, luxe look in this boxy wool-blended tweed jacket from Marc Jacobs, juxtaposed against dark brown leather pants and opulent black and gold T-strapped suede pumps from Yves Saint Laurent. This stylish preppy chic outfit instantly sets her apart from the crowd, and that Louis Vuitton clutch adds the perfect finishing touch.

Are you a fan of Jessica’s style? How do you wear cropped pants? Do share your thought on them with me!

 

Today’s Fashion Fridays post marries both my love for travel and fashion. Traveling around China for the past 2 months has given me a glimpse into the lives of the Chinese, their thoughts and reflections on how they are progressing in the global arena, and more importantly, what their dreams and aspirations are.  

This is one of the reasons why I enjoy traveling for an extended period of time. I relish the opportunity to live among the locals and
truly immerse myself in a completely different culture and environment, propelling me to open my eyes and mind to fresh, new perspectives.

For
the average man on the street here, traveling overseas remains a dream,
and in their quest to better their lives, you can feel
their hunger and drive for success, a commendable quality that seems to
be fading into oblivion in Singapore. It appears that we have forgotten how privileged we truly are in the grand scheme of things and have
begun to take our nation’s stability and prosperity for granted. Sometimes I wonder, have we transformed into frogs in wells?

Perhaps
it is time for us to step out of our comfort zones and experience
living (and not just traveling for a week or two) in a less privileged
city. Perhaps only then will we be able to appreciate what we have back
home. Go back to basics and live in a rural town, or travel to preserved ancient villages, some of which are still occupied by villagers. 

  

Preserved ancient villages are popular tourist attractions in China. I much prefer ancient villages to museums. Not only can you marvel at the beautiful architecture that reflect rich historical and cultural roots, taking a stroll in these villages gives you a peek into ancient China and transports you to a bygone era. 

Xiema Bridge village is an ancient village located in Jia Chuan Town in the city of Kunshan. One of the 120 preserved villages in Kunshan, it was formerly known as Wang village and was a bustling trading hub. 

Buildings from the Ming and Qing Dynasties, the Xiema Bridge built by war hero Han Shi-zong and the 500 metre long flagstone road are all painstakingly preserved in Xiema Bridge village.

 

Unlike
its more touristy counterparts, Xiema bridge is an oasis of
tranquility. A few villagers still live here and there are hardly any tourists around, hence you can soak in
the beauty of this slice of history at a leisurely, unhurried pace. 

Here’s what I wore:

Minimalist chic with a twist (background: Xiema Bridge)

I have been checking out several Chinese designers via Taobao recently and Have Rice饭馆 is one of my favourites. Its selection of basic pieces with a twist, such as this unique cross-over panel culottes, caught my attention immediately and the fit is great for petite ladies too. I am officially a fan!

Now, who said greys and blacks had to be dull and boring?

I hope you enjoyed this week’s edition of Fashion Fridays! Have an amazing weekend ahead!