A monthly edit of the best things to buy or aspire to buy collated by yours truly with some handy advice backed by personal experience and recommendations. I’m like the virtual shopping BFF you never thought you wanted. Credit cards ready?
Twin sisters Lizzie and Kathryn Fortunato started the brand in 2008 as Lizzie recalls “from the sofa of her Lower East Side apartment”. All the jewellery are handcrafted in their New York studio in Soho and pieces are limited as the sisters only want to produce what they can sell. I first discovered the brand through their whimsical necklaces – love the unexpected beads and colour combinations – but now I am also obsessed with their irregular shaped resin and pearl earrings. My default “lazy day” get-up (but I still want to look cute) is a T-shirt and a pair of jeans, a cap and a couple of Lizzie Fortunato beaded necklaces (a mix of dainty and chunky styles).
The Monogram Denim style was first launched in Louis Vuitton in 2005 and this year the brand has revived this signature style through its capsule collection LV Remix – made up of the Monogram Vernis and Monogram Denim range. I especially love the croissant shaped shoulder bag as it reminds me of my teenage years in the 90s. Ah, youth! Always a good feeling to wear something that makes you feel young again.
Following her successful debut collaboration with Monica Vinader last year, Hollywood stylist to the stars Kate Young dropped her second collection recently. The pieces are an extension of her previous collection designed in gold vermeil with selected gemstones like tiger’s eye and black onyx. This time round, Kate also explored oversized pieces like this pair of lightweight large hoop earrings. Both Kate and Monica Vinader have been longtime friends and this collaboration materialised over their love of vintage jewellery as they were both avid collectors.
Photographer, journalist, and now lighting designer Julie Lansom grew up already imbued with the love for art as her father was an art dealer. I first discovered her work from her widely raved space-age inspired Sputnik lamps – handcrafted from wood and colourful cotton threads. But it’s her latest design, the lacquered metal zig zag lamps that really wowed me. This stunning statement piece in various colourways is a winner in my eyes in terms of design simplicity and how it literally and figuratively lights up a room. Every piece is handcrafted and customisable in structure and colour combination, made on request in Julie’s Paris studio.
Who doesn’t love gigantic show-stopping sleeves? Jacquemus is no stranger to stunning creations featuring statement sleeves evident from the French designer’s ‘Le Chouchou’ collection. Leveraging from the success of his Fall/Winter 2023 collection, the brand together with Net-a-porter has launched an exclusive 14-piece capsule “Le Soir” – an entirely black, velvet collection. The capsule collection includes ready-to-wear styles that exude sophistication, along with exquisite non-apparel items such as bags, shoes, and jewelry, all designed to complement the modern woman’s wardrobe.
My personal style has always had nuances of my Indian ethnicity. As a teen I didn’t like the idea of wearing a saree as I felt it was very old-fashioned and contrived. I rebelled and wore my saree blouse with my baggy distressed jeans and Nikes instead. But as I grew older, I learned to appreciate the beauty of a saree and I always wished I could be brave enough to wear it out sometimes (instead of just wearing it for special events) but I never had the guts – it was just too fussy and complicated to manoeuvre on a daily basis. So when local brand Om Chandra Om launched their version of a modern saree which essentially is a “saree dress” (yes it comes with a zipper), I was so excited. Interestingly, the designer Maggie Dumra is not Indian but she married into an Indian family and her love for the saree manifested from there. The former advertising producer put her creative mind to work and conceptualised her brand Om Chandra Om with a singular vison which was to make ethnic wear accessible to anyone and everyone.
Did someone say fringed jacket? Ok, you got my attention. This first time collaboration between Nigo (artistic director of Kenzo) and Levi’s features a genderless collection which fuses historical Japanese dressmaking and classic American workwear.There are about 20 garments and accessories crafted mainly from Kaihara premium Japanese denim (the Kaihara Mill has been producing high-quality fabrics for over 70 years and it’s considered one of the finest denim mills in the world). Obviously my favourite is the denim fringed John Wayne-approved outerwear jacket. The reference to America’s wild west is not surprising as Nigo himself is an avid collector of historical clothing. The designer’s archives in Japan hold a considerable catalogue of American denim pieces including original Levi Strauss & Co. workwear created for cowboys and miners.
Move aside slippers and sandals. For your next summer vacation, it’s all about that mesh ballet flats. More sturdy than a sandal but just as airy and breathable, it is the perfect shoe for hot and humid climates. Just like the ubiquitous pair of sandals, the mesh pumps can be dressed up or down with pretty frocks or casual jeans. The Alaia netted pumps have been hitting the headlines more than any other, but it’s annoyingly out of stock at most retailers (however, you can still get it on reseller websites like Vestiare Collective). If you’re keen to try other variations, there are plenty of other options to get your mesh game on from The Row, Miu Miu, Bottega Veneta, Nensi Dojaka and high street retailers like Zara.
Miuccia Prada is a creature of habit when it comes to her personal style as she is almost always seen in a classic combination of sweater, skirt and heels. It’s not an anomaly for Mrs Prada to always include skirts in her collections for both Miu Miu and Prada but this season particularly had me longing for the skirts decorated with white fabric origami flowers at Prada. The idea of the flowers, according to co-creative director Raf Simons who has been with Prada since 2020, was inspired by the embellishments on wedding dresses.
Who doesn’t love a great summer dress? I reach for one when I have a wardrobe conundrum and the colourful and bright colours always lift my mood and make me feel beautiful. That’s why Brazilian brand Farm Rio resonates with me as all their pieces embodies the feminine spirit and vibrant colors of Rio de Janeiro. The brand was founded in 1997 in Rio at a local independent fashion market called Babilonia Feira Hype by Katia Barros and Marcello Bastos. Brazilians quickly fell in love with the brand, the booth became a store, that grew into more stores, and now Farm Rio is Brazil’s most recognised brand.
I have always been a big fan of bucket bags and I recently discovered local label Tow Tow and their cute colour-blocking bucket bags also known as The Pail. Conceived by 2 friends (a leather maker and product designer) in 2022, the full leather bag has an adjustable strap so you can carry it as a top-handle, shoulder bag or long shoulder bag. And the best part is, you can customise the bag to your fancy with tassels, colour preference and much more.
It’s no secret that I have a weakness for pretty dresses so my friend’s wedding in July was the perfect excuse me to look for a new dress. The challenge is to find one that you can wear not just to the wedding but for a beach vacation, brunch with the girls, on date night… – yup something timeless and versatile. And I’m happy to report I found just the dress from Beirut brand Vanina. It’s got ruffles and its strapless which is so on trend this season as well. The brand is also great for bridal pieces and stunning pearl beaded purses!
I love a pretty pair of sandals so when I stumbled upon London-based brand A Piedi I was absolutely smitten. I was taken in especially by their new Willow collection which is a series featuring statement oversized tulle bow on simple leather thong sandals – elegant and eye-catching at the same time. All the shoes are designed by Mariam Syed and each shoe is handcrafted in her family-owned leather factory in Pakistan.
Finally! So thrilled when I found out that Ralph Lauren now has a sleepwear and intimates range. Hands up to all my fashion friends who love to wear their PJs out of the bedroom. You will definitely want to add to cart so many pieces (I know I am!). The new collection is categorised into three different sections: Everyday Essentials includes bras, underwear, sleep sets and robes made with soft organic cotton, while Novelty Pieces focuses on more luxurious fabrications such as silk and lace. Lastly, my personal favorite is the Iconic Stripes range which offers pyjamas sets and sleep shirts in a crisp cotton poplin – a nod to the classic, prep-inspired Ralph Lauren striped shirting. How would I wear it out? Trainers, a cute shoulder bag, gold hoops and layers of gold necklaces – oh, and a sweep of red lipstick!
When my beauty editor first recommended me to try Augustinus Bader The Rich Cream, I hadn’t heard of it all (and so to some extent was quite sceptical as I have sensitive skin). Fast forward to trying it for about two weeks, I noticed my skin feeling less dry but it was only after a month of religiously using it every night that I finally understood the hype. I’m a fairly low maintenance kind of girl when it comes to my skincare so I am absolutely thrilled that it is the only thing I need at night to sweep on my freshly cleansed face (it works differently for others – so you need to find your formula). You know it’s a good product when people ask you if you had a new facial done or a recent visit to the dermatologist cos’ your skin just looks so fine! I’m not fussed now if I don’t put makeup on as my skin legit looks brighter, fairer and more supple – and my pores are visibly smaller! Not gonna lie, it’s pretty costly – $440 for a 50ml bottle – but it’s worth every dollar if you ask me.
As a writer, I am always typing so I’m very particular about my nails and how pretty my fingers look – hence my obsession with rings are totally warranted. My favourite ring designs always circle around imperfect forms adorned with coloured stones. My current wish list is to purchase these stunning statement rings designed and crafted by Rocío and Jorge for their brand Simuero. Each piece, which takes about 125 minutes to create (as the duo do not outsource for production) and is handmade from recycled silver in their workshop in Valencia.
I think I may have found the best lip balm in the world (in my opinion that is). One sweep of Givenchy’s Rose Perfecto Lip Balm powered by rose oil, hyaluronic acid, vitamin C and shea butter, and my lips always feel like Kylie Jenner’s — so smooth and plumped. There are 10 shades but for the most natural finish, you need to start with 001 Pink Irresistible — the one unique shade in iconic pink that adapts to the pH of your skin in special made-to-measure colour.
As a huge fan of interior design, I am always on the look out for interesting pieces with a preference for minimalist and sculptural designs. I stumbled upon Studio Yono when I was decorating my new place last year and have been hooked ever since. The online interior design shop based in Singapore was founded by Kaia Nelk in 2020. She moved from Amsterdam to Singapore in 2019 and noticed a gap in the market for interesting (and affordable) home decor pieces from Europe so she started Studio Yono. The brand soon evolved to her specialty of curating up-and-coming European interior design designers such as Klaas Kuiken, Foekje Fleur and Lex Pott.
You know that iconic blue-and-white cut-out mini dress Julia Roberts wore in the opening scene of Pretty Woman? Designed by London-based swimwear label Hunza G, the brand has reissued the famous dress in 2021 featuring the same cut-out details in its original colour as well as in different colourways. But what I love most about this brand is how all the pieces come in one size. It fits approximately a UK size 6-16 and this is due to the seamless product construction and unique crinkle-stretch fabric. Oh yes, did I also mention how flattering their swimsuits (which I also always wear as bodysuits) are?
There are trendy sunglasses and then there is Gentle Monster. Every legit fashion girl will own at least one pair – but if you don’t have one yet, it’s not too late. We recommend you start with their bestseller which is the Lilit 01 – a square acetate Flatba (Gentle Monster’s signature Flatba design is known for its smooth front) framed sunglasses. While buying online is the easiest way, we urge you to buy it from their boutique (there is one in Singapore!) as the brand is lauded for its conceptual store designs.
Heyays, is a Turkey-based hand knitting brand founded by Aysel Yanmaz. Everything is hand-knitted (which is a more tedious process compared to machine knitting – say no to the rip-offs at Shein please!), and the brand employs mainly housewives, so they can enjoy financial gain through their own efforts. Besides their chunky 3D cardis, I am also crushing on their cute little mini dresses and the daisy trio summer sets (which includes delightful matching separates like a knitted cropped top, mini skirt and headscarf!). Expect up to 14 days for your knitted masterpiece – but take it from me, it’s well worth the wait!