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. Let’s dive in, shall we?
When one of your favourite fashion stylists collaborates with a jewellery brand you love, you know you’re going to be crushing on many of the pieces from the collection. What really drew me to the Monica Vinader x Kate Young 13-piece collection made up of statement rings, sleek bracelets and necklaces, was how the designs were bold yet so simple and chic. And, the colour green! It’s my favourite colour – and Kate seems to love it too as there were many pieces designed in green onyx. Says Kate in an exclusive interview with Her World: “I lean towards neutrals but absolutely love colour, especially green. I find it calming and grounding, and it gives jewellery an opulent feel.”
I can’t ever say no to anything designed in tulle or feathers. So when I stumbled upon ÚCHÈ By Amber, founded by Nigerian sisters Amber Orah and Joy Orah, I could hardly contain my excitement. When you google the brand, you’ll first learn about their viral “bumbag” – the brand’s famous fanny pack which was redesigned as a crop top. But, I had my heart set on their striking cropped cotton tank top trimmed with faux feathers. I love to collect separates that are essentially what I like to call “basics-with-a-bang”. It could be a white shirt with an asymmetrical hem or a pair of denim jeans with leather panelling. It’s great for days when you just can’t be bothered to plan what to wear. Simply throw on a regular basic and pair it with your “basics-with-a-bang” separate and you’re set for the day. If budget was not an issue (don’t we all wish that!) I want the top in all the 3 colours – green, pink and blue.
What’s better than a moisturiser that targets the first stage of ageing and works to prevent and correct the appearance of the 5 signs of ageing? Its divine scent, of course! That’s because the N°1 DE CHANEL moisturiser is concentrated with red camellia extract and red camellia oil – a flower with revitalising powers, whose extraordinary energy gives it perennial youth. Applying the velvety soft moisturiser on my skin (which contains 95% naturally derived ingredients and 70% camellia-derived ingredients) while soaking up the light yet aromatic scent of the camellia flower, is definitely one of my favourite beauty rituals every morning and night.
I stumbled upon Lithuanian artist Marija Rinkevičiūté’s works on Instagram as I was looking for decor inspiration for our new apartment. I think what attracted me to her work was how she expertly translated texture and graphic with such ease and simplicity using mainly a nude palette of colour. I am instantly connected to her abstract vision, feeling a sense of calm and peace every time I scroll through her feed which is why I think her work will definitely have a special place in my new home. I have a few favourites but I’m particularly intrigued by “Secret Corner”and “Empty to Keep”. Fingers crossed, it’ll be mine soon.
Morocco has always been one of the places to visit on my bucket list and I am super grateful I made the trip on my 40th birthday. Besides falling in love with the Moorish interior décor in Marrakech and the eclectic home accessories, I am also smitten with the fashion particularly homegrown Moroccan brand Bakchic founded by Casablanca-based designer Sofia El Arabi.I just love how Sofia always pulls off wearing her ethnic-inspired clothing from Bakchic in such a cool and effortless way, and I am always inspired by her when I’m dressing up. So yes, I do own an ethnic gold crown and an Moroccan metal belt – my favourite purchases from Marrakech!
Fragrances are a big part of my beauty repertoire but, I’m very boring when it comes to my choice of fragrance every day. While I do collect quite a few fragrances – some of my favourites include Francis Kurkdjian’s Aqua Universalis, Tom Ford’s Oud Wood and Louis Vuitton Rose des Vents, I am always strangely drawn to this one scent – Frederic Malle’s French Lover cologne by Pierre Bourdon. It’s typically a masculine scent but I have been sharing it with my husband for many years but there’s just something so magnetic about it. It has a fresh, light and unique woody scent that cannot be replicated. Absolutely divine!
Forget Casetify, I’m going to get myself this beautiful one-a-kind phone case by Memor – a lifestyle brand inspired by mosaic arts and the collection of nostalgic trinkets from talismans to coins and shells etc. Created by Maxine Midtbo, a multidisciplinary artist who lives in Cincinnati Ohio, Maxine started her artistic journey with Memor making vases but her signature “mosaic” design evolved to the creation of table lamps, handheld mirrors and even beverage dispensers.
I’ve been secretly hoping and wishing that I can make a year-end trip to Montana. I have always been pretty intrigued by the wild, wild, American west. Obviously, skiing and hikes to the Yellowstone and Glacier National Parks and are at the top of my list, but I am also quite excited to get myself a pair of classic cowboy boots while I’m there. I always found “cowboy” fashion quite fascinating especially how folks in the west literally “live in their boots”. Plus, it looks so cute with almost any outfit! For now though (and after extensive research), I am just happy I stumbled upon this Texan website selling cowboy boots handmade by one of the oldest artisan boot factories in Spain.
Who knew that sleeping on silk is actually great for your skin as it helps to retain its natural moisture? And if you’re frazzled by frizzy morning hair, well, as long as you diligently brush your tresses before bed, you’ll wake up with frizz-free hair as silk nourishes hair cuticles and prevents excessive friction. Hell yes! I’m forever pampered and never going back to mediocre cotton/linen pillowcases.
I have been an ardent admirer of Spanish sculptor Jaume Roig’s works for some time now. His work has a raw unpretentious beauty that resonates with my wabi sabi design preference. Coming from a family of ceramicists, Jaume’s love for nature is evident in his designs as he grew up in Mallorca known for its gorgeous geological landscapes set against a neutral palette. His pieces were recently picked up by Loewe and showcased in London as well as luxury hotel spaces in Mallorca.
When the late 90s was the peak of your teenage years, you will definitely have an affinity to cut-out pieces. What I like about Italian designer Andrea Damo’s pieces is that he thoughtfully crafts his knitted cut-outs in more unexpected and flattering spots. You don’t need abs or be a size zero to rock a sexy cut-out piece. Start with Andreādamo ribbed bras that cost under $100 or one-sleeved cropped tops – they are the perfect basics to creatively layer pieces with.
Anyone who knows me also knows my crazy love for wearing multiple rings. I love mixing up my pieces from stacking contemporary minimalist designs with eclectic vintage styles. My current crush is vintage store 23carat – a sibling duo based in California who re-purpose old jewellery to give it a new lease of life. They are also now stocked at Fred Segal online but if you’re heading to LA, you can also check them out at the Fred Segal store in Sunset.
Hermes Beauty recently launched their perfumed lip oils with a deliciously unique scent, concocted by in-house perfumer Christine Nagel. The lip gloss glides super smoothly on my lips (it’s not icky or sticky at all) and because it’s infused with heaps of natural ingredients including plant oils and emollients, it’ll leave your lips soft, plump and (ahem) very kissable. It comes in six vibrant shades, from soft Beige Sapotille to sunny coral Corail Bigarade… but take it from me, the icing on the cake is really the heavenly smell.