Barbie in the post...

Just 2 days ago, Barbie released a new designer barbie... The moment I saw her, I knew I had to get her. It's not one of my favourite brands, but she'll make a great addition to my designer barbie family... so I couldn't resist.

"She wears a Classic Trench in Tattersall, an exact replica of the popular Coach style, along with a striped sweater and an ultrasuede skirt. The turnlocks on the skirt are exact replicas of the Coach handbag turnlocks. But it’s her red Classic Duffle that marks a fashion milestone: this is Barbie^® doll’s first genuine leather bag, made from start to finish in a Coach factory with the same care and attention given to every Coach bag. The Classic Duffle includes a drawstring dust bag." ~ BarbieCollector.com

Problem was, I didn't have a US shipping address! And it didn't ship internationally. That was how I missed out on the Tokidoki Barbie which was selling at USD 50 direct from BarbieCollector.com, but today at USD 289 on Amazon. I wasn't going to miss out on another great opportunity again!

Thinking fast before it's sold out, I hopped onto our Singapore Post website and signed up for a VPost account! Immediately, I owned 4 new addresses, one in US, UK, Japan and China. If only buying a real home address was as easy!

Today, I'm impatiently awaiting its arrival.

The Coach Barbie will also be available for sale at $195 in Singapore's Wisma Atria Coach store next month... But I couldn't wait!!

In Barbie's World...

You've gotta love PINK in order to survive in Barbie's world! And thankfully, I do!

This Taipei trip, we were lucky to spot the Barbie Cafe when we were shopping around Zhong Xiao Dong Lu. From a distance, the vibrant pink immediately caught Mr Yap's attention. Though I've heard about this Barbie themed cafe, it wasn't part of my Taipei plans, but Mr Yap kept urging me to have a look...

And I have him to thank!

They got the Barbie theme down to a T, right from the entrance all the way to the cute little frilly chairs and pretty waitresses in pink tutus!

I wish I could take home the chair in the waiting area! It would look soooo cute in our cozy corner at home!

Mr Yap and I wanted to have a tea party for two there... However, they had a minimum spend and they sold out of those cute little cakes on display, so we said our good-byes to the cafe and went on our way...

If only they sold Barbie collectibles there too...

Taipei Haul

Taipei has always been on our wishlist again ever since my colleagues joined. Recently, our wish came true as we took this short trip together. I'm really glad to have these big fans of Taiwan as colleagues, introducing us to new things during this second visit of mine!

We took a crystal cable car up to Maokong for lunch and tea, ate their local favourites like lu rou fan and mango snow ice at Ximenting, as well as enjoying some jap bbq at the happening Kanpai restaurant, where we can kiss for free meat! Also, we heard some beautiful voices at EZ5 live house (aka 音乐餐厅), where apparently A-mei has ever made a surprise performance at. We clubbed at Room 18, popular among young Taiwan celebs, but we didn't get to see any, unless you count MTV VJ George!

Of course it isn't complete without great SHOPPING! Like I always do!

Ximenting, Shi Da Night Market, as well as my favourite Wu Fen Pu are really fantastic shopping areas. My biggest success this trip was from Wu Fen Pu, a huge market with rows and rows of little shops that specialises in wholesale, but also entertains a little shopaholic like me.

Having honed my Bugis Street shopping skills, within 1 hour and 15 minutes, I had successfully found quite a bit of awesome steals, while my colleagues had retired for a coffee break in less than 20 minutes.



Some people find street shopping tiring as there are just so many clothes packed into one small store, and so many stores with similar clothes, they just end up browsing in a blur. And they emerge empty handed, not seeing anything they like.

I find that it does take training of some sort... and I realise I usually apply the following quick tips:

1. I'm glad I'm on the slimmer side as most tops are free sized. Most shops do not allow for fittings so I usually go dressed in as light an outfit as possible for easier comparison.
2. I don't need to walk into every shop because there are many duplicated stocks.
3. Generally, the clothes from the stores nearer the entrance are slightly more expensive than the stores that are further in. But when I'm on a hol and time is of the essence, paying a few extra dollars is worth it.
4. I usually take a little bit of time to stand outside each shop and observe the overall fashion style of the shop. I've noticed that each owner has a slightly different fashion style and chances are, they may pick the clothes that suits their style to sell. I usually observe the clothes on the mannequin and on the racks that's in front of the store. It's usually the tell tale signs of the general fashion trend in the store. If I like what I see, I'll walk into the store to explore the racks.
5. Usually, if the clothes appears nicely arranged or on plastic covered hangers, they tend to be a little bit more pricey. I don't rule it out completely because it tends to mean better quality, more unique designs or more wears in the long run.
6. To get into the mood, I'll usually find an easy buy first. Something not too expensive, simple but pretty. Something I'll wear, like a laced camisole or some leggings. Once I've 'opened' my purse, the momentum will kick in.
7. Once I've found one outfit I like, I'll tend to look around the store for another. They are usually more ready to give a bit of discount if I buy more than one. But I'll always remember not to waste too much time bargaining or I'll run out of time shopping!
8. When I'm not sure if I'll ever wear an outfit or when I'm not sure if it's worth the money, I'll leave the shop but will make a mental note of its location. If I find myself still thinking about it at the end of my shopping trip, I'll head back and buy it. On hols, regrets are the worst hangover ever!
9. My motto is "shopping lists are party-poopers". From past lessons, I've learnt that if I stick to lists, I'll end up trying to find "that one" and missing out on the many others.
10. Two pairs of eyes are better than one. I'm so glad I have Mr Yap who shares my fashion style and knows what he likes on me.

LOTD: Arale-Chan!

Ever since I got this pair of specs, Mr Yap loves referring to me as Dr Slump's Arale. I've never watched this cartoon before  - Mr Yap's "time";p - but after googling her a few times, she really grows on you...

So one day, I decided to get really into the role. Digging through my wardrobe to find my own version of Arale's famous outfit... I transformed into her:

Recently on a shopping trip to Bugis Street, I even spotted the Arale cap! But I didn't buy it... kinda regretted it during this photoshoot ;p But my photoshopped wings also does the job...

Online, there are some serious fans who cosplay identical to Arale, right down to the shoes. There's even this adorable little girl who plays 'Arale' so well!!

I can't compare to them... nevertheless, it was a super fun photoshoot. Even my husband enjoyed shooting the dorky looking me!!

Welcome To Your New Home, My Barbies!!

A few weekends ago, Mr Yap and myself were very busy with our new wardrobes! The first thing I did was moving my barbies into their new home.

It’s a simple wardrobe, nothing fancy, but the best part was that we could choose the shelving we preferred… and I chose mine with the sole aim to house as many Barbies as I could, as well as clothes!

My Barbies now have a more specious home. Even though there are still some of them hidden behind, at least most of my favourite designer collectibles can now be seen!

Every Barbie of mine holds a special meaning…

I grew up with Barbies. Even through my tomboy days, my Barbies were stashed in a box at the back of my cupboard, one that I frequently visited. Each one of my Barbies had a name, and each one of them had a unique fashion style. To me, Barbies are the most fashionable dolls and I love buying clothes and shoes for them! My grandmother even sewed dresses for them following my design instructions.



The Start of the Addiction... 

One day in June 2007, I was drawn to the display in a toy shop at Serene centre. Before me stood the Giorgio Armani Barbie, dressed in an elegant grey strapless chiffon top and intricately beaded long skirt. There were also two Barbies dressed in their signature Juicy Couture tracksuits. Instantly, I fell in love with them. At the same time, I couldn’t resist a silkstone Robert Best Barbie in a cute 60s dress… as well as a Lady Camille Barbie. Her princess gown captivated me, and her curly locks were so unique, I couldn't resist.

Another one of my favourite Barbies is Versace. It's a brand that does not need introduction, but the dress that adorns Barbie is the same Versace dress Beyonce and Christina Aguilera wore, only smaller and of a different colour. Flowingly elegant but seductively sexy...

Also, my collection could not have been possible without the help of a friend, who received and re-courier my Amazon purchases all the way from US to Singapore! Without him, Kate Spade, Christian Louboutin shoes, Burberry, Versace Versus, two Christian Dior, Escada, Oscar de la Renta, Calvin Klein, Givenchy, Donna Karen New York, Anna Sui, Hanae Mori would not have made it into my wardrobe!

Why did I buy two Christian Dior barbies? It's a funny story of carelessness, embarrassment and blessing. When my first Christian Dior arrived, she was bare foot :( I don't usually open my Barbie boxes in order to maintain their mint condition. I didn't dare to tell my husband that I ordered a Barbie without shoes and was lazy to go through the hassle of returning the package... so I ordered another one. But a few days before the second one arrived, I decided to open the first box and looked thoroughly. I found the pair of golden shoes tucked neatly below the Barbie stand within the box. So that's the story of my two Barbies and it was a blessing in disguise. Today, I have an opened Christian Dior Barbie standing among my boxes of Barbie and the intricacy of the beading on the Christian Dior dress deserves to be admired by touch!



But my ultimate favourite is my Vera Wang Barbie. Perhaps it's silly, I'm not even sure from what age onwards, whenever I hear of Vera Wang, I think of dream wedding dresses (the power of advertising). So when I saw this Barbie selling at Dollz Inc, I had to get it. This is my only Platinum edition doll in my collection, which means I'm one of 1000 privileged few who owns this Vera Wang Barbie... special? Being from a marketing background, I'm am constantly aware of the silly traps of marketing but I can't help falling!

My collection isn't complete.

I've still got a couple more in my wishlist... just waiting for some sellers to realise they've priced it too high!

Imagine Barbie covered in tattoos, funky skulls, bleached hair and edgy leopard leggings. That's gonna be my next doll, the iconic Tokidoki Barbie! His name is being mentioned on red carpets, in fashion magazines, and on style TV... he's Zac Posen and I want this Barbie couple!!

To complete my dream collection...

There is one Barbie missing from the Mattel family of designer Barbies, and that is none other than the legendary Louis Vuitton, one of my favourite brands...

Goodbye To My Special Bags!!

LITTLE RED TRAIN HANDBAG
2006 - 2013 | Obituary

Little Red Train, nee Handbag, age 7, having served her duties for 7 years, has quietly retired on this May 24, 2013. Little Red Train who was purchased from Korea, was the cherished Handbag of Mrs Yap. Although in the last few years, Little Red Train has been suffering from Peelingitis and wardrobe-ridden, she brought many beautiful memories to Mrs Yap and was her special companion during her first few years of service.

LITTLE LONDON PHONE TOTE
2006-2013 | Obituary

With mixed emotions, we announce the peaceful retirement of Little London Phone, nee Tote, age 7, on May 24, 2013. Coming from a souvenir shop in London, Little London Phone shares Mrs Yap's experiences, having the privilege to travel throughout UK with Mrs Yap. Having suffered from jaundice in the last few years of her service, Little London Phone finally retires to the recycling bin at the Void Deck. She will be missed by Mrs Yap, but also well-wished that she will be able to find peace in her future abode.

LOTD: 5 Years Ago

Yesterday, Mr Yap and I took a trip back to memory lane, looking through our 2008 Taiwan holiday photographs...

"That's a nice top... Why don't you wear it anymore?" Mr Yap commented.

"Oh yah, forgot about it..." [guilty for having too many clothes] "I'll wear it tomorrow!"

And so I did.

Comparing between me then and now, I'm definitely loving my current look. A much better complexion, better makeup skills, slimmer, cute hair cut that makes me look younger, and my signature "Arale" glasses!

The way they do their food...

Last weekend, we went back to Mr Yap's hometown for a dose of protein, calories and cholesterol!

Back in the days when we were dating, these trips were very often. Once in every month or two, we'd head back to Penang to catch up with family, friends, food and shopping!

But nowadays, with his parents here in Singapore, we don't go on these trips as often. The last time I was back was about half a year ago. This trip was long overdue! We were in dire need of a dose of Penang!

Within the span of 2 days, we covered everything on our list and more. Here are some of our favourites!

Penang is known for their hawker food, but you know its good when its crowded! The above Kedai Kopi New Cathay is one example! You can also find Penang Hokkien Mee, Char Koay Teow, Fried Fish Meat Beehoon Soup, and many more here.

Another Penang favourite is their Assam Laksa, and this particular shop is my favourite. There's an option for the Assam Laksa, a sourish spicy base, or the Siam Laksa which is a sweeter curry base. I like the Assam. There's just something about the sourly fishiness that I simply love...

Penang also has many popular snacks, our favourites include goreng pisang and ban chang kueh. Mr Yap dreams about ban chang kueh when he's in Singapore!


He does the regular ban chang kuehs as well as the fancy ones like the Hawaiian Chicken above. Their banana chocolate makes an amazing dessert. Another popular ban chang kueh is the peanut and egg combination...it is one of our must-haves! The key to appreciating them to the fullest is to have them fresh!

If Mr Yap dreams about ban chang kuehs, I dream about these 2 crab dishes below. They are divine. I don't just take namecards from any old store! Only the best!!!

The above baked crab is my favourite Penang dish! No one does it like they do! It's so delish, my photos do not do justice.

So this ends my Penang food trail! There's plenty more amazing food in Penang, till next time!!

LOTD: Indian Style!!

Every wedding involves the dress, getting ready and the ceremony... not just for the bride and groom. Those attending also get to go through the process.

Last Sunday, I had the opportunity to attend my first indian wedding, and it started with the dress.

One month before the big day, the bride-to-be took me and my colleagues shopping at Tekka Market for a traditional indian outfit.

It's not everyday I get to wear an indian outfit so we were all very excited. Getting dressed, I made sure I had everything right, from the gold bracelets right down to the matching purple-gold heels! And of course, a new hair colour!

Everyone looked awesome!!
 

The ceremony was very interesting. The bride had on the most elaborate outfit I've seen, dorned head to toe in gold! For 20 minutes, the wedding couple were on stage doing their prayers, and then we had the opportunity to throw rice at the couple!
 

It was a lovely night! Hopefully, my pretty indian outfit will have a chance out of the wardrobe again!!

The Best Medication from the Doctor

I fell in love with the pink Dr Marts boots when I saw it in a music video. Unfortunately, I never managed to find one and decided to get the most iconic 1460 boots from Dr Marts - adding my own pink touch!



During my hunt for this pair of Dr Marts, I came across a Gold pair that I almost got. A year later, fate brought us back together at the awesome Takashimaya's 'A Shoes & Bags Affair' Sale!



Then last month, after only being able to see (they didn't have my size) the pink pair I've always wanted during my Sydney trip, I decided to turn to good old eBay when I returned, and lady luck was on my side.

Arriving precisely on my birthday:   
And yesterday, Mr Yap suggested that we'd go visit the doctor again and right there, staring straight back at me, was my happy dose.

But I faced a dilemma: They came in both boots and ankle shoes!!! Should I buy another pair of comfortable boots, or should I buy the shoes and sacrifice my ankle in a month of breaking-in?

The answer was clear. It was time to move on:
 

Presenting my family of doctors:
 

I Heart Nylon Free-Stuffies!!

Last Friday, Nylon Magazine celebrated their 1 year anniversary in Singapore!

There was even a section for FREE Shiseido makeovers, but there were so many ladies in the queue for that, I gave it a miss.

Though Mr Yap and myself felt a tad bit old among the young crowd, we had a great time, stuffing our face in cotton candy, munching on popcorn while sipping the freeflow vodka redbull (we're not a fan of vodka).

We left the party with some awesome free-stuffies above! The best part was since Mr Yap received the same goodie bag, I get double the goodness!!!!!

Thanks Nylon for the invitation :D

LOTD: Dr Marts Clemency

I took my new Dr Marts out for a walk yesterday, and the camera clicks followed...

Fashion Tip of the Day:
To make a piece stand out, make sure the surrounding pieces are toned down.

Princess Me!

There's something about princesses and me that I can't explain. I just love being one! And it seems everyone around me knows that :p

As a pre-birthday celebration, Mr Yap took me to Divine at Parkview Square for a grand evening with red wine and some jazz. The interior of Parkview Square is absolutely grand, like a palace set in victorian times. The whole time we were there, I couldn't take my eyes off the grandness of the place!

This morning - my birthday - I was blown away by my colleagues' effort in transforming my office cubicle into a castle! Honestly, it was the most awesome prezzie I've received. The creativity and execution deserves a massive thumbs up!

That afternoon, a little black box arrived at the office! Something I've been waiting for since the past week - the timing could not have been better! My latest addition to my Dr Martens collection: a pair of Clemency boots in hot pink!

Of course I had to get a dose of pink on my birthday! What a princessy day it was for me - WHEEEE!

Give me CURLS!

[Sponsored by HEB Takeshita Girls]

Today, I got a chance to dabble with some hair extensions from Hair Extensions Bar (HEB). I simple love the pony tail hair extensions which mimic those Japanese big waves down to the T.

BEFORE:
I've got naturally wavy hair that's stubborn to the core. Hair curling thongs do not work on me for long. Last night, I slept with hair sponge curlers in my hair and woke to beautiful tight curls which lasted for only 3 hours, despite applying hair spray this morning :( By midday, my curls became untidy big waves.

AFTER:
The HEB pony tail was so easy to attach onto my hair and the curls were sooooo natural, I felt like a princess! It's amazing how beautiful hair (though fake) makes you feel. Hee. HEB is made of heat resistant fiber, which means if I get sick of the curls, I can iron it straight too! Doesn't my 'hair' look healthy?

It comes in black, brown and light brown, but my dyed and redyed hair colour lies between brown & light brown. Too bad...

Can't wait to recolour my hair next month!

Sydney Haul

Mr Yap & I have just returned from a short 1 week hol to Sydney, and we absolutely loved it.

Sydney - the impressive Harbour Bridge, the must-see Opera House, the lovely white sandy Bondi Beach, the royal Botanic Gardens, and not forgetting, the shopaholic heaven George Street!

I absolutely love Sydney's mid season sale, especially in March/April, when the season's changing from summer to winter and ALL THE SUMMER CLOTHES MUST GO!!

It's absolutely perfect for us living in the tropics!

Here's my souvenirs from Sydney's George Street:

Starting off is one of my favourite buys, a Versace-like printed pants at 70% off!!! (Backdrop: the Government House overlooking the Royal Botanic Gardens)

Myers, a mid to high range department store, was also raided by me! They have awesome mid summer sales! I absolutely love the youth/ young adult department, and hidden in one corner is their bargain section, where already discounted clothes go on even further discount! If you have the time, that section is worth the rummage! There are some absolutely great finds:

My absolute favourite Australian chain of female fashion is Valleygirl! Every trip to Australia calls for some Valleygirl time. The mid season sale was a bonus, where most items were at 50% off. Even if they do not have sales, dresses usually go at $40, and tops at $20 to $30. Totally affordable! Here's my haul, against some of Sydney's iconic sceneries.

Will we see you in Sydney next March/ April?

Gold Charmer

When Mr Yap told me that some pythons were coming to our house for an editorial photoshoot for Robb Report March Issue, I freaked at the thought.

Imagine these cold scaly reptiles slithering on my floor...EEEEEEE

The whole day at work, I kept thinking, "snakes are at our place snakes are at our place, snakes are at our place." As soon as the work day ended, I was on the phone, checking with Mr Yap how his photoshoot went....

The pictures speak for themselves!

In fact, the pythons, according to Mr Yap, were absolutely the best models to work with. Calm and elegant, they were so easy to mold into whatever position he wanted them in. By the end of the shoot, Mr Yap was practically playing with these charming creatures. 

These pictures had me wishing I was at the shoot! Would I touch these snakes? I don't know. The thought still kind of freaks me out... but seeing Mr Yap embracing them makes me a tad jealous!

Mr Yap's Photographic Inspiration

Malmaison is a luxury retail concept store, selling not only watches, but books, hats, jewellery, fashion accessories and fragrances. If you get a chance, pop into the store, I guarantee an experience to remember.

During our visit on Saturday, Mr Yap bought three more photography books to add to his collection. His inspiration. Beautiful, artistic and natural, these books speak for themselves.


One of Mr Yap's favourite is the above Gucci Ad - a simple G says it all.

These newly acquired books above are published by Tachen, specialists of books on art, architecture, design and photography. Other books belonging to Mr Yap's collection are:

And definitely, last but certainly not least, world reknown fashion photographer Patrick Demarchelier. He is a true inspiration to many photographers. Even for myself, I enjoy flipping through these photography books, exploring fashion captured through the ages, the natural beauty of the human body (such a common theme seen throughout these books), the amazing scenes that anchors the pictures, and so much more!

Army, Enlisted

This weekend, I enlisted in the Army (of fashion). Hee.

Dressed in matching outfits, Mr Yap and myself marched ourselves to Bugis. First stop, Haji Lane!

Boots - Checked!
Amry Green Bottoms - Checked!
Casual Singlet - Checked!

Haji Lane, to me, is like a selective version of Bugis Street, mashed in with some interesting local designer fashion finds. Even though there wasn't much for me to buy that day (just a lovely army sleeveless peplum top), it was real fun to window shop in Haji Lane and such a workout on the limbs too, climbing up and down the stairs of these colourful heritage shop houses.

Following that, we ended our march at Bugis+, where I got some lovely La Senza lingerie...in army prints! I absolutely love love love the pink touch - I'm definitely not keeping this singlet strictly lingerie! Dress it sexy-casual with a some denim jeans or throw it under a lacy cream top for a more sensual approach... Same goes for the bra! Imagine this under a see-through white blouse or singlet...

P.V.S. Shoe Haven!

Yesterday, after work, I met Mr Yap at Cineleisure for dinner at Old Town, followed by a little shopping.

Just recently, we discovered this new ladies shoe shop: P.V.S. (Provisions). They are Leftfoot's sister store, shoe haven for ladies looking for some fun, edgy, and quirky footwear!

Love their store layout - shopping baskets galore!


It was our second time in the store, and without fail, shoppaholic me scanned the store for potential candidates!

Spotted, one Sperry Top-Sider 2-Eye Boat Shoe in animal print... who could resist a comfy pair of shoes in such funky prints!

Thanks Mr Yap for the lovely gift! Let the photoshoot begin:

CNY LOTD: Back to Work...

It's the 4th day of CNY and it's back to work.

An utterly useless day though, as our internet and shared drive decided to take the morning off, while our email server decided to take the whole day off.

You realize how handicapped you become when your internet, shared drive and work email server decides to go on CNY strike! On the other hand, you also discover how resourceful you become, searching old emails for that attachment you sent out earlier, using your personal emails, SMS, and phones to get the job done and utilising the good old USB to transfer each others files. Plus, I've got NEON PINK power to get me through the day!

CNY LOTD: Rainy Days

Rain rain go away, come again another day!

Why does it seem to rain every CNY? Thank goodness for my rainy boots with matching pink socks :)

Threw on this casual ensemble for a quick visit to my aunt's place... can you see my new pearls peeking out? A perfect touch to dress up a simple outfit - Thanks to Mr Yap's great fashion advise this morning! I'm discovering daily how pearls are such versatile jewellery for every occasion!