Category: Little Miss Shopaholic

The fashionista has arrived!

Geek Girl, Little Miss Shopaholic

Curating at Naiise

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When the folks behind Naiise contacted me and asked me if I was keen to curate pieces from their online shop for a Mothers’ Day special, I jumped and said yes.

You see, I’ve always had a crush on that site. Naiise is all about design and their shop is chockfull of items that not only look gorgeous but are functional to boot. Plus, I love that they champion the work of local artists. And honestly, the whole notion of curating the items was a bit like make believe shopping – I was imagining placing all these beautiful things that I covet into the cart and KA-CHING! ALL MINE!

Alas, one can only dream.

(I’m always hoping that I can decorate our home all over again, much to the chagrin of poor Mr Thick. I mean, my design aesthetic has changed so much over the past five years but ah, that’s not in the cards right now. Maybe when we have been here for 10 years!)

naiise

Anyway, here is the list of items that I had selected (and which I would be most thrilled to receive, not only for Mothers’ Day but also for Christmas, anniversary, birthdays etc. hint hint hint).

And here is my interview with the lovely Naiise folks.

Little Miss Shopaholic

Blah blah blah

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Yeah. That sums up how I feel these days. Boring and uninspired.

The words are eluding me.
The mind is dulled.
My clothes are boring.

Speaking of which, it’s amazing how my wardrobe choices have changed since I became a mother. While I used to spend time creating an outfit for the weekends, my outfit du jour these days are shorts and flats.

It’s convenient, really. I can’t wear skirts when we take Aidan to his baby gym class because there’s a lot of running (the parents, in addition to the child) involved and we also do stuff like tumbling around. And dresses are out because I am still fulfilling my mudderly duties. I try not to wear jeans because we sometimes end up outdoors at a park or at the beach and it’s mad hot.

So shorts, it is. I guess it’s a good excuse for me to start building up my collection of shorts?

And is having a second pair of Saltwater sandals frivolous? (No, right? RIGHT?)

(No, my toes are usually not painted. I don’t like having to remove the polish, I end up scraping it off. Urghs. So klassy.)

**********

Zalora recently contacted me to let me know that the company is now the exclusive online vendor of River Island Singapore. The official launch party is on September 13 but the preview is up online now.

I used to love River Island when it was in Singapore. It was a bit pricey for my wallet but hey, that’s what sales are for. In fact, one of my favourite jackets was scored at a sale from the brand:

So yay that they are coming back!

Disclaimer: I will be given a Zalora shopping voucher but all views expressed are purely mine. Honestly, I would never mention a brand that I don’t personally like. 😉

Bun in oven, Little Miss Shopaholic

Buying maternity clothes

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Alright, I’ll admit it. I caved. I am now wearing the very clothes that I had tried my darnest to avoid until I absolutely had to.

But seriously, at 22 weeks, I can’t put off the inevitable, especially when I am a full-time working mom-to-be who needs to be properly and formally dressed in school. If I were still in the agency, I could have gotten away with strappy maxi dresses and pre-pregnancy jeans with my trusty Bella band (purchased at a steal from AlleMom). Now that I am in a job that allows me to, uhhmm, MOULD YOUNG MINDS, I can hardly strop around in jeans and tank tops, can’t I?

Over the weekend, Mr Thick and I threw ourselves into the arduous task of shopping and let’s just say that my credit card had a good workout. SOBS. But I console myself with the fact that these basics will be with me until the nugget is born in March and beyond.

Spring Maternity
You can’t miss Spring Maternity. It’s everywhere. The Sista had passed me some basic spaghetti strap tops, a pair of jeans and pants from the brand, and they have been LIFESAVERS. But mostly for weekend wear though.

I’m not one for wearing ruffles, really, but I love the cheery green stripes of this top. Mr Thick commented that it made me look young, fresh and…OKAY LET’S PAY FOR IT NOW. The pants are super comfy! Immediately after I tried them on, I started devising ways in which I could incorporate them into my daily wardrobe AFTER my pregnancy. That’s how fab they are.

Le Bloomingchic
I feel a tad guilty about Le Bloomingchic, actually. When we were in there, the sales ladies were SO warm and friendly, they handed me a pile of things to try. When I emerged from the changing room, slightly dazed and confused, there was a MOUNTAIN of clothes on the floor and the hanging rod.

The shop is a bit of a hit and miss to me though. There were floral and frilly pieces that weren’t my style at all but boy, when they hit the mark, they REALLY hit the damn bullseye.

I got this pair of MUG+ jeans even though it felt a little pricey at $79. You have to understand that I am a cheap mom-to-be. I’d rather spend the money on preparing for my little man’s arrival than on clothes that I will wear for a few months, tops. But the jeans were oh so comfy and stretchy. The grey top is something that I will be able to wear post-delivery and its simplicity allows me to jazz it up however I want to.

The next two MUG+ tops are meant for nursing as well, which means that their shelf life extends beyond pregnancy. Score! They are very basic tops but that’s alright, I have plenty of ways to jazz up my wardrobe. I especially like the turquoise top with its cut-outs – adds something different to the look.

Marina Square #03-152
Tel: +65 6337 2537

Maternity Exchange
I had resisted stepping into Maternity Exchange because I had heard from mommy friends that their clothing tends to be on the expensive side. Remember: cheapie mommy here.

But Mr Thick’s discerning eye picked out a few items that he thought I would like from outside the store and he nudged me towards the shop.

It IS true, Maternity Exchange does have pieces that are pretty pricey. I particularly loved the Jules & Jim items but could not justify paying so much for them. I could rent them but they were so gorgeous that I could not imagine giving them back!

But Maternity Exchange does have some of the most gorgeous maternity outfits around, hands down. If I have an event or fancy dinner to attend, I would most definitely head over there to rent a pretty dress. Or two.

I ended up with two basic black dresses that would be able to last me till pregnancy and beyond.

This Ripe Maternity little black dress is actually a rental piece but other than looking a little washed, it’s almost as good as new. What I like about it is its flattering v-neck and swingy skirt. I could wear it post-pregnancy and even when nursing.

Don’t underestimate the simplicity of this Seraphine black dress. When I put it on, I felt like a gorgeous goddess. The comfortable jersey clings to my every curve (which I don’t have, frankly, many of) and accentuates the belly. It flows with my every move and the best thing is, the ruched waist has room for a growing baby belly. Wear it with pearls and a pair of sexy red heels and woot! I’ll be the most sexy momma out there.

I am totally going to slip this on even when the bun is out of the oven.

#03-108 Marina Square
Tel: +65 61003924

BONUS!!
For your patience in reading about my shopping exploits, here’s a bonus JUST FOR YOU. The best accessories a pregnant woman can have: the funniest husband in the world and a most unwilling cat!

Little Miss Shopaholic

Playing dress up #2

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I’m…not reverberating with words these days so posts are a little light around here. Don’t know why. Maybe it’s because life is a little at a standstill now, what with the Very Important IVF being in October. Also, we are a little busy with the MINI revamp of east end.

But I am sure you are absolutely DYING for me to show my Fabulously Gorgeous self here so tahdah! Here I am, fulfilling your wish! Am v generous fairy godmother, I am.

Here’s the Smooch dress that I donned on that fateful day when I bared my knicker-clad bum to my doctor.

Paired the dress with the retro looking heels from Aldo, which I scored at a sale after ogling them for the longest time, and a heart-shaped Swarovski pendent that was given to me by my sister-in-law. Just like The Pleasure Monger, I have been trying to curb my spending by buying cheaper stuff but I’m not sure it’s really working out for me because I end up buying more pieces! I is terrible, v terrible.

Again, photo quality is awful because I took this in the loo of my office. I keep telling Mr Thick that I need a better full-length mirror in the house but NOOOO, he refuses to let me buy one. Selfish arse.

Little Miss Shopaholic

Goldilocks

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So I’ve been toying with the idea of chopping off all my hair for the longest time now. But I haven’t got the balls to do it because a) it’s my crowning glory, for goodness’ sake; b) I hate the growing out process and c) I am scared of looking like a boy.

That’s why my hair is currently in this no man’s land, between short and long. Not quite a bob and not quite past my shoulders. In one word: SUCKS.

And then, I discovered InStyle’s Hollywood Hair Virtual Makeover site! Let’s ben honest here: it’s a shit site which crashes all the time. But it’s fun, especially since it’s free! And the hairstyles are pretty current. And since I cannot make up my mind on whether the hair has to stay or go, I decided to do a virtual makeover.

Tah dah!


Hairstyles clockwise from top left: Carey Mulligan, Lily Allen, Ciara, Halle Berry

Hmm, methinks I ought to stick with longer hair. And man, what is up with my Jackie Chan nose!

Little Miss Shopaholic

Outfit: Playing dre$$ up

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Haven’t done one of these dressing up posts for a while now and boy, have I lost my touch! How did I manage to concoct those interesting and crazy outfits previously?

Ah, I know. It’s called YOUTH. Obviously am aging and becoming more matronly and staid. Dressing must reflect my mature status.

Anyway, thanks to The Pleasure Monger’s tag, I am up to my narcissistic old tricks again. Put that outfit together for work early this week and all I could think of was, meh. A bit boring, huh? But with the weather being as crazy hot and humid as it is now, all I want to wear are skirts and dresses. No jeans! They cling to my legs when I am walking to the MRT station in the morning and it drives me bonkers.

Maybe I’ll do one more post during the weekend since we have a friend’s wedding luncheon to attend!

Photo is quite dreadful because I took it in the office loo, sorry! Also, am v glad the phone covered my face. The Hair is rebelling against the humidity and threatening to strangle me to death. Gah.

Outfit stats
Top: Uniqlo tee
Skirt: Martina Pink tulle skirt (sale)
Necklace: Diva (sale)
Heeled oxfords: Hue (sale)

Little Miss Shopaholic

Happy kicks

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Hurrah, I am no longer blue!

The annoying problem with this infertility shit is that it’s full of ups and downs. Well, it’s really down and downer most of the time, the ups are far and few. But anyway, it’s all good. I’m as happy as a lark now.

Oh! And there were those glasses of wine on Saturday night too.

And since I was alone at home, I decided to strut around in my new heels. Yes, even though I was dressed in my sleepwear. Which was Mr Thick’s cotton ribbed wifebeater. See, he’s an XL and I am an XS and when I wear those shirts, they transform miraculously into my nighties. And they are super comfy to snooze in.

So picture this. Me in a ginormous wifebeater. Putting my legs up on the coffee table with a glass of wine in hand and a pair of super sexy heels. With the footy match on the telly. Really, really glamourous.

It’s my secret single behaviour.

Then on Friday, I made Miss Vivaglammed bring up her new blinged out Miu Miu heels for me to see. I love them! They are absolutely obnoxious and crazy comfortable. Methinks I will get a similar pair too.

My legs look v praying mantis-ish here. (Yes, that’s my little foot stool under the table.)

Shoes ♥

Little Miss Shopaholic

Oxford love ♥

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I’m not really intellectual enough to have a profound love for the college but I do have a tremendous amount of adoration for the shoe.

L-R: Schu, Pedder Red, Marks & Spencer, Tangs and Mitica (Hue)

Yes, oxfords. Traditionally worn by men and now re-fashioned into gorgeous pieces for the modern women too. I always love how menswear evolves into womenswear: shirts become shirt-dresses and oxfords grow heels. If there is one area where the balance of equality is tipped firmly in the female camp, it’s fashion.

I’m not sure why or how but somehow in the past two years, I seem to have grown a little collection of oxfords in my shoe cabinet. On my birthday two weeks ago, I bought myself another pair from Pedder Red – this time, it’s a two-toned pair of brogues. The moment I laid eyes on the silver/black shiny combination, I was like, WHEE! BUY!

The other pair of flat oxfords are the bright pink ones that I got from Schu during a sale. They are supremely loud and obnoxious, and I never fail to get comments from my co-workers when I wear them to the office. I call them my happy shoes! When I have a shit day and I am wearing them, the colour cheers me up. They are superbly comfortable too, perfect for the day after wearing crazy heels. Score!

And because I just cleaned out and rearranged my shoe cabinet:

Shoe closet

I can stare at my shoes the entire day. How cute do they look in the cabinet?

I’ve got two more pairs coming my way so I’m seriously thinking of investing in a shoe wheel. This cabinet is Not. Big. Enough. For. My. Shoes.

Maybe husband can get rid of his Crocs.