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Men, Have You Checked Off Plaid From Your To-Buy List?

Nov 9, 2017Aug 15, 2018

Call it what you may — gingham, plaid, checks — in our books, they kind of mean the same thing when it comes to the aesthetic print that never seems to go out of style. Much like its sibling stripes, plaid is such a versatile print that always seems to make it to fashion runways every season without really causing a stir of controversy. 2017, however, has seen the breakout star of basics, the Oversized Plaid Blazer, that has given the slouchy athleisure look of 2016 a run for its money. Nowadays, smart-casual is the modern interpretation of the 80’s man, pairing traditionally formal pieces with more everyday items like a white tee, jeans and sneakers. As plaid lovers, however, we’re not contented with just sticking to the prescribed version everyone seems to be adopting. Instead, we’ve chosen some items from our favourite shopping site ZALORA that you can wear with other pieces in your wardrobe or curate a monochromatic plaid outfit as a middle finger to acceptability. There’s even a discount code all the way at the bottom!

River Island Grey Check Slim Fit Suit Jacket $230.90, Selected Homme Checkered Blazer Suit $199

Blazers don’t have to be left draped over your swivel chair when you leave work to go home every Friday evening. Sure, it looks classic paired with matching trousers and a crisp white shirt. But try them with a graphic tee, Bermuda shorts and court sneakers as an #ootd staple when heading out for brunch on the weekends for that Hamptons-preppy aesthetic. Lighter greys are more appropriate for daytime beach-wear, while darker tones will help you jump to the top of waiting lists at fancy restaurants in Clarke Quay (don’t quote us on that).

River Island Gingham Long Sleeve Shirt $59.90, Patagonia Insulated Fjord Flannel Shirt Jacket $288, Tommy Hilfiger Multi Gingham $189

Except for dancers, not everyone can pull off tying a flannel around their waist. Why not flip the script on the basic print by experimenting with different colours and sizes of checks to stand out. If you don’t have a plaid shirt, try the no-brainer classic from River Island. If you do, try wearing it as an over-shirt as suggested by Patagonia. Go even crazier with Tommy Hilfiger’s red-blue-white gingham shirt. But don’t stare at it too long — the exciting colours will make you super giddy.

Topman Grey Check Smart Joggers $89.90, Topman Black Large Check Joggers $89.90

Checks may be an overlooked print, but wearing them as trousers will definitely have eyeballs giving it second glances. Just take for example these two versions from Topman — joggers with refined checks are the perfect smart-casual combination that can take you from a hipster barber salon at Haji Lane to a seaside dinner by ONE°15 Marina Club.

Splice CufflinksPatchwork Series Black Plaids Design With Black Linings Cotton Pocket Square $18, Timex Originals Perfectly Plaid Blue Fabric Strap With Leather Trim Watch $128

Better still, accessorise! If you’re a lumberjack or lumberjack-adjacent, you probably enjoy wearing plaid as a uniform more than as something to feel special in. Why not try this vintage plaid pocket square to amp up the suave of an otherwise basic blazer, or rep a Timex multi-colour plaid stripe watch that really illustrates how you always take time to look top-form.

JUST FOR NYLON READERS!
Quote NYLONSG15 when you hit checkout on zalora.sg to get 15% off* your purchases, from now till 31 December 2017.

*Only 1 Promo Code may be used at a time, valid for one use per customer only, and does not apply for certain excluded brands. Other T&Cs apply.

TERMS & CONDITIONS

Promotion period is from 1 September to 31 December 2017.
Only one Promo Code may be used at a time.
The Promo Code may be used on www.zalora.sg only and must be entered upon checkout to be effective.
The Promo Code is valid for one use per customer only.
The Promo Code does not apply for certain excluded brands as set out at www.zalora.sg/faq-non-sale/.
The Terms of Service set out at www.zalora.sg/terms-of-service/ shall apply to all uses of the Promo Code.
ZALORA reserves the right to amend these terms and conditions or to cancel the Promo Code at any time.

Header image: Pinterest

Go Greek Chic As Chanel Launches Its Cruise 2018 Collection

Nov 8, 2017Aug 15, 2018

What we can count on Chanel to do right every season is transport us into another universe through its realist sets and incredibly referential collections. We last remember Karl Lagerfeld’s glorious waterfall runway with models spotting transparent PVC accessories and outerwear, but that’s not till Chanel SS18 drops next year.
Right now, we’re harkening back to Chanel’s Cruise ’18 collection, where we recall craving that Greek goddess aesthetic so badly. While there wasn’t much left to the imagination where he got his inspiration from, Lagerfeld’s impeccable incorporation of Chanel’s iconic tweed and jersey fabrics made it impossible not to lust after his frayed coats and dresses.

2 days ago, Chanel released their latest campaign video to promote the collection, featuring Marine Vatch, the French actress and Chanel ambassador. Yes, she’s giving us Halsey meets Bella Hadid. The juxtaposition of how the curated outfits appear in clear sky and against the reflection of ocean water truly exemplify the ethos of the collection. If Vatch were a Greek goddess (in our hearts she is), she would be overlooking her thriving kingdom before heading inside her castle to luxuriate by her indoor swimming pool.

What truly captured our hearts, however, were his Greek-inspired jewelry in the form of ornate necklaces and chunky bracelets. Heeding the advice of our favourite fashion It-girl Leandra Medine from Man Repeller, we can’t wait to try on these pieces for a chance at a jazzy Arm Party — and with Chanel, the party never ends.

Even at 83, Lagerfeld has not lost sight of how the Chanel woman looks like in the 21st century. His excellent craft and respect for the house has been reflected through his often timeless pieces, much like this Cruise collection looks and feels. That’s the genius of a creative director who’s stably helmed the brand for more than thirty years, amidst a fashion climate that seems to swallow designers whole only to spit them back out several seasons after. While its important to reinvent and keep up with the times, visiting the archives ensures longevity and sustainability.

If you can’t get enough of the intricate jewelry, feast your eyes on these backstage shots of how they’ve been styled to suit the ready-to-wear collection. Sure, you’ll look like a full-on Greek goddess matching them head-to-toe, but as fashion stylists in our heads, we suggest pairing them as statement accessories to elevate everyday looks.
The Chanel 2017/18 Cruise collection will be available in boutiques from 15 November 2017.
Images from Chanel

Why You Should Make the Switch to a Natural Deodorant

Nov 8, 2017Aug 15, 2018

We stink. It’s a fact.
When we perspire, bacteria on our skin mingles with our sweat and breaks it down, turning us into walking fetors of decay.

While conventional deodorants and antiperspirants may seem like an effective solution, you shouldn’t disregard the growing concerns surrounding some of the ingredients found in these formulas.
What’s so bad about them?
Many popular picks from drugstore brands contain aluminium, which essentially blocks your sweat glands so bacteria has nothing to mix with. No sweat, no odour. In recent years, however, studies have theorised that aluminium-based antiperspirants may increase the risk for breast cancer and memory issues.
Each day, we slather these formulas under our arms, an area where many lymph nodes lie close to the surface of the skin, so when aluminium prevents perspiration, those toxins are trapped under the skin. Gradually, they make their way into our lymph nodes, where they convene and contribute to cellular changes, thereby negatively impacting our health.
Oh, dang. What should I do now?
Glad you asked. Your first step is to switch to a natural deodorant. Instead of sweat prevention, natural deodorants actually hone in on bacteria, which is why these formulas don’t require aluminium. Plant-based powders and sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) do most of the heavy-lifting to sop up (a bit of) sweat and prevent bacteria from forming at your pits.
Sure, you’ll notice an increase in sweat production when you’ve traded in for a natural option, but that’s what our bodies were meant to do, and you won’t have to worry about any controversial chemicals messing with your wellbeing. Ahead, you’ll find a few of our favourite green deodorants that truly work.

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Kaia Naturals The Takesumi Detox Bamboo Charcoal Deodorant in Cold Pressed Rose
If you’ve been following us for a while now, you’d know we like some activated charcoal in our beauty products. In this deodorant by Kaia Naturals, it offers similar effects by eliminating odour-causing bacteria and works to keep your underarms dry for longer. Don’t be put off by its grey hue – it goes on clear and doesn’t leave a tacky residue behind once it settles on the skin. You may not notice its efficacy when you’re a couple of days in, but give it at least 4 weeks for your body to complete the detox process. We promise it’s worth the wait.
$32, part of Après Avant’s The Exercise Essentials Set.
US$21 for full size, US$9.50 for travel size. Available from kaianaturals.com.

Agent Nateur Holi(stick) N°3 Deodorant
Made with the finest ingredients nature has in store such as organic coconut oil, beeswax, sodium bicarbonate, sunflower butter, castor oil, raw honey (man, there’s a lot in it), this handmade formula contains antioxidants that provide nourishment to your underarms. It leaves a lovely scent thanks to the light trace of honey that’s blended in with lavender and eucalyptus, so you’ll smell fresh for hours. (Now, I know this particular natural deo didn’t exactly work well for me, but as Emma Watson’s top pick, we’d suggest you give it a go still.)
$35, available from naturallybetterco.com.sg.

Schmidt’s Fragrance-Free Deodorant Stick
Natural deodorants are generally kinder to sensitive skin types, but if your pits are truly delicate, opt for a fragrance-free version like this one by Schmidt’s. It uses arrowroot powder to absorb moisture, and it contains anti-microbial coconut oil to prevent bacteria, so it still works to control odour. The formula also features shea butter and vitamin E to condition and soothe the skin.
$19.90 for full size, $10.50 for travel size. Available from livingnaturallyco.com.

Noosa Basics Organic Deodorant Stick in Sandalwood
Handcrafted in Noosa, Australia, these organic deodorants are made in small batches on a weekly basis to ensure optimum freshness. Each ingredient is sourced from local suppliers in Aussie, and each formula features organic arrowroot powder and Australian kaolin clay to soak up the sweat, while shea butter and coconut oil nourishes and stops bacteria in its tracks. And with all natural deodorants, you only need to apply a smidge of it, so don’t go overboard with this.
$26, available from budcosmetics.com.

Meow Meow Tweet Grapefruit Baking Soda-Free Deodorant Cream
It’s an unfortunate thing, but some of us who’ve made the switch to a natural deodorant struggle with underarm sensitivity that’s exacerbated by sodium bicarbonate. What Meow Meow Tweet (Too. Darn. Cute.) has done is replace baking soda found in most natural formulas with moisture-absorbing and bacteria discouraging charcoal, much like Kaia Naturals’ deodorant. Their recipe also uses magnesium and arrowroot powder – a common fave – to control odour and moisture. Upon application, you’ll notice a fresh blend of citrus essential oils – perfect for early mornings when we need a pleasant wake up call.
$23.90, available from livingnaturallyco.com.

Header image: @kaianaturals

Twitter Doubles Character Limit to 280 to Make People Tweet More

Nov 8, 2017Aug 15, 2018

Change is brewing in the social media sphere. Twitter, the instantaneous, message-crafting site that is Donald Trump’s favourite ranting platform, has just announced that it’ll officially expand its character limit to 280 in a bid to get users to tweet more.

You could say it’s been a long time coming. Since Twitter’s debut 11 years ago, 140 characters have been the gold standard of tweeting. There’s been no character increase, mainly due to the fact that Twitter’s users have protested against an expansion in the past. Well, all that’s going to change.
The social media giant ran the 280-character limit during a test launch in September. It found that the character limit was a “major cause of frustration for people tweeting in English” (no sh*t Sherlock). Also, the stats showed that 9% of tweets hit exactly 140 characters, meaning users had to frequently edit posts.

This is a small change, but a big move for us. 140 was an arbitrary choice based on the 160 character SMS limit. Proud of how thoughtful the team has been in solving a real problem people have when trying to tweet. And at the same time maintaining our brevity, speed, and essence! https://t.co/TuHj51MsTu

— jack (@jack) September 26, 2017

Whether this move will make Twitter great again remains to be seen. After all, the social media site is like a dinosaur compared to newer, slicker apps like Instagram and Snapchat, and frankly, we’re not sure if giving politicians more room to bicker with each other is a good idea, especially when it concerns nuclear destruction.
As of now, the doubling of the character limit does not extend to languages such as Japanese, Korean, and Mandarin, because of how more thoughts can fit in lesser words due to the different writing systems.
Download Twitter on the App Store or Google Play.

Get Your Hands On These Japanese Goodies You Didn’t Know You Could Get At Welcia BHG

Nov 8, 2017Dec 27, 2018

One of Japan’s top drugstore has finally opened a branch right here in Singapore at Bugis! With all these brands and shops coming to Singapore, it’s a wonder that we still feel the urge to travel to other countries anymore. With Welcia taking up a permanent spot at BHG in Bugs Junction, you can now get Japanese products straight from Japan without having to result to dodgy online sites or waiting forever for Airfrov.

If you think that just because Welcia are importing Japanese products we love, it doesn’t mean that their prices are miles high. Tadahisa Matsumoto, the managing director of Welcia, has promised that the prices you find at Welcia BHG will at most be 20% more expensive than the Japanese price. Take the slight difference in price as a shipping and tax fee that you’ll have to pay anyway if you chose to ship those products to Singapore.

The place might look like your typical drugstore, but they have over 9,000 products stocked on their shelves, with over 1,000 exclusive skincare and beauty Japanese products. Some brands like Suisai by Kanebo and Nature and Co. are now available! You can spend hours just browsing because there is just so much to see. Besides all your usual drugstore brands like Dollywink and Kate Tokyo, there’s a whole loads of hidden goodies lining the aisles. Just from a quick tour around the place, here are some of the products that caught our eyes. Imagine what else we could have discovered if we actually took our time browsing.

1. Hello Kitty BB Air Cushion

You can now get this adorable Hello Kitty BB Air Cushion, the ultimate symbol of Japan pop culture, in Singapore! There are also powders with other Sanrio characters if you want to collect the whole family.

2. Gudetama Sunscreen

Protect yourself against the sun even though it kind of goes against the epitome of Gudetama’s lazy character.

Source

3. Character face masks from Korea

A cute idea for a staycay with your gal pals! They’ve also got a whole range of other animals to choose from.

4. Suisai Beauty Clear Powder

Probably Suisai’s best-selling product. The enzyme powder cleanser is loved by both locals and tourists because of its convenience. Packaged into one-time use containers, the cleanser is water activated and claims to cleanse and exfoliate your face. Just pop a couple of capsules into your bag and you’re all set for that quick getaway trip!

5. Natural And Co.Clay Wash

Another brand under the Kose family, Natural & Co. is famous for its botanical range of organic skincare which includes ingredients like baobab oil, coconut oil and fruit extracts. Their skincare includes cleansing creams, cleansing oils, clay wash and lotions.

6. Vegie Superfood: Matcha Cleanse Powder Drink

There is a whole aisle dedicated to protein and diet cleanse powders which instantly made us feel like going on diet cleanses. There are also powders with superfoods and the age-old remedy of charcoal. Of course we had to pick up this match cleanse because #matchaislife.

7. Sailor Moon Eyeliner

Feel magical whenever you wing your eyeliner! The Japan Welcia stores also carries an adorable Sailor Moon lip balm compact, so here’s hoping that they will bring that to Singapore soon.

Source

8. Japan’s Honey Mixed Nuts

Imported straight from Hokkaido and Nagoya in Japan, you can now get your honey nuts fix from Welcia! They’ve got a whole range full of (healthy) Japanese treats and drinks too.

Just like in Japan, you can also get your skin analysed at Welcia. Beauty advisors will help analyse your skin’s condition before recommending suitable skincare and makeup products to you. This extra service comes at no extra cost, and you’ll finally be able to get an expert’s opinion to reassure you that you are actually giving your skin the proper care that it needs.

Welcia BHG is now open at Level 1 in BHG, Bugis Junction.

Header left image from thechansie

Zara Workers Sew Desperate Messages Into Tags

Nov 8, 2017Aug 15, 2018

OK, we’re usually gushing over Zara’s latest arrivals but we have unsavory news for you: our reliable fashion go-to brand is currently under fire for not paying their garment workers. By leaving tags inside the clothes, garment workers are desperately reaching out to the consumers to pressure Zara into paying them. One of the tags stated: “I made this item you are going to buy, but I didn’t get paid for it”.

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The garment workers were working in the Bravo Tekstil factory in Istanbul, which reportedly closed down overnight. According to an Associated Press article, Zara still owes them three months of pay along with severance allowance.
Since then, their parent company Inditex has responded to say: “Inditex has met all its contractual obligations to Bravo Tekstil and is currently working on a proposal…to establish a hardship fund for the workers affected by the fraudulent disappearance of the Bravo factory’s owner.”
The Bravo factory has been closed since July 2016, but Inditex has yet to transfer any money to the workers. We can only wait to see what happens next. Knowing that Inditex not only owns Zara, but also popular retail brands like Mango and Next, it seems like our next shopping trip will be tainted and we’ll be searching every piece for a plea for help.

Many other fashion giants have also been under fire for labour exploitation – we’re not naming any but your favourite pair of sneakers were once made under harsh sweatshop conditions. Well, since most have made a step into the right direction towards fair wages, sustainability campaigns, and ethical working conditions, we can only hope that Zara does too.
Images: Pinterest, Gettyimages
Header Image: Flickr

Look Out, Telfar Just Won The CFDA Vogue Fashion Fund!

Nov 8, 2017Aug 15, 2018

Telfar is the fashion label everyone needs right now — its inclusive, unisex streetwear that engages with disenfranchised groups and charges affordably at high-street prices. Telfar Clemens, the creative genius behind this label, just received the top prize for the CFDA Vogue Fashion Fund at The Weylin in Williamsburg, New York yesterday evening.
In his acceptance speech, Clemens commented, “I know it’s been a hard, long road but that’s what pioneers do.” And we’re 100% on board with his sentiment. For a brand that’s been established since 2005, the fashion industry has been lagging in its celebration of how the clothes look and feel, and what wearing Telfar stands for. But Clemens is catching up to speed with his much-deserved accolade, along with a prize money of USD400,000 and a mentor from the pool of CFDA judges of his choosing.
“Diversity is very important,” said Diane Von Furstenberg, chairman of CFDA at the award ceremony. Other important designers included Chromat, body-inclusive swimwear brand and Ahlem Eyewear, who walked away with USD150,000 and from the panel of judges a mentor of their choosing.

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A post shared by CHROMAT (@chromat)

For those whose interests have been piqued, Telfar’s clothing is mostly deconstructed t-shirts re-worked into different silhouettes and thicknesses. And since Clemens asserts that the brand is “horizontal, democratic, universal,” he definitely doesn’t shy away from pulling inspiration across the spectrum of conventional mens and womenswear. It takes a certain level of spunk to pull off some of his more eccentric pieces, but we’re certainly up for the challenge!

Signature Half Tank USD80, Customer Long-Sleeve Tee USD100, White Logo Pocket T-shirt USD100 on Telfar

Header image: Vogue

MUJI’s Minimalist Micro-Huts Are Finally On Sale in Japan

Nov 8, 2017Aug 15, 2018

Blame biological reproduction, cause the world is getting more cramped and homes are becoming smaller. But that doesn’t mean you have to live like a packed sardine. Believe it or not, there exist mini-homes that are spacious, and all you need is a little minimalism to pave the way.
Enter MUJI.

The cult design brand, known for its ridiculously simplistic yet utterly satisfying products, has just revealed that its prefab homes – known as MUJI Huts, are finally on sale after being unveiled during Tokyo Designers Week in 2015.

And it’s every bit as magical as it sounds.
Each micro-hut, gorgeous in its own way, is lined with the finest-looking hunks of cedar wood with burned hardwood, measuring 10 square metres high. There are tall sliding glass doors for natural light to seep in, as well as a high shed roof that adds a pleasant angular dimension to the hut’s blockish design.

We hate to say this but there is a catch. To own one of these homes, you’ve got to live in Japan. Each hut also does not have the capacity for plumbing, electricity, or ventilation, so MUJI has lost out a fair bit in terms of function here (just imagine needing a portaloo to go along with your home, nasty).

If you don’t mind these drawbacks, though, the MUJI micro-hut is available for US$27,000 – a real steal considering the price of HDB flats in Singapore. Construction is available in the Tokyo, Chiba, Kanagawa, Saitama, Gunma, Tochigi, Ibaraki, Yamagata, and Shizuoka prefectures. The hut can be ordered from MUJI’s branch in Tokyo’s Yurakucho neighbourhood.
For more information, visit MUJI’s Japanese site at muji.net.
Images: MUJI

So Ready For The Final GUESS x A$AP Rocky Capsule Collection

Nov 8, 2017Aug 15, 2018

When the previous GUESS x A$AP Rocky Capsule Collection launched earlier this year, we were gushing over their vintage pieces that were a perfect throwback to the 80s with their bright, retro colours. Well, GUESS is back with another capsule collection with recording artist A$AP Rocky, and this time – the capsule’s filled with pieces that are inspired by vintage logo-centric styles.

That means more signature stripes, logo tees, and oversized denim jackets to squeeze into our closets. It’s still a nod to the 80s and 90s, but with the hip hop influence of A$AP Rocky peeking through. GUE$$ logo tops are the core of the capsule, and are back in orange, baby blue, and pastel yellow tones. Long and short sleeve striped tops range from $115 to $159. The light-wash oversized denim jacket is embroidered with “GUE$$” on the back, adding a modern tweak to the timeless design of a denim jacket.

Having kicked off with a week-long exclusive at Selfridges in London, GUESS U.S.A x A$AP Rocky will be making their way to Singapore at the Marina Bay Sands store. This capsule is available in both menwear and womenswear.

The GUESS U.S.A x A$AP Rocky Fall 17 Capsule Collection will be available in Singapore at GUESS Marina Bay Sands #B2-101A on 18 Nov 2017. The collection is limited to one piece per style per colour per customer, and stores are limited to ten to fifteen customers at any time.
Images: Guess

This Is One Skechers Shoe That Even The Hypebeast In You Won't Be Able To Resist

Nov 8, 2017Aug 15, 2018

One might sometimes forget that shoes are as important as the rest of the outfit. Your shoes not only complete your outfit, but they are also what you use to brave ourselves against the weather conditions. The struggle to find a good pair of shoes that can withstand the weather, be comfy on your feet, while still looking stylish, is absolutely real.

Here’s where Skechers come in. You might not know this, but Skechers is dedicated to serving us the latest sneaker trends. With the D’Lites series, Skechers has put some serious effort into making a stylish line that will appeal to all you #hypebeast and #hypebae peeps out there. While the previous D’Lites shoes were chunkier, the newest DLT-A series debuts a sleeker, foot-hugging shoe in a minimalistic style. The DLT-A even has Korean rapper Zico’s stamp of approval as the newest member of the D’Lites brand ambassador family, joining Kpop groups EXO, Red Velvet and Sistar.

The DLT-A, which stands for Delightful, Timeless, Attitude (just in case you were wondering), comprises of two new designs in three different colourways each. Both designs feature knitted uppers for a snug fit, as well as a cushioned comfort memory foam insole that will mould itself into the shape of your foot to give it the support it needs when you’ve got a lot of places to run to. The lace-up designs come in three different colours – black, black and grey, and white, with graphic detailing on the back of the shoes.

DLT-A lace-up in black, $129

From left: DLT-A in black, black and grey, white, $129 each

If you are on the lazier side, you’ll be pleased to know that there is also a slip-on version. You don’t have any excuse for not dressing up! The slip-on design comes with a zig-zag elastic wrapped around the top of the foot, with graphic detailing on the side. Like the lace-ups, the slip-on designs also come in black, white, and black and white. This looks set on becoming the go-to shoe when you’re in a major rush, but still need to look good.

From left to right, DLT-A slip-on in black and grey, black, white, $129 each

Even though the shoes might look a little on the heavier side, it’s actually pretty lightweight and sturdy because of the cushion insole to give your walk a lighter bounce. Both designs are unisex, which means that both men and women can rock them. We like how the black and white colour palettes are also pretty easy to match with a lot of colour schemes, and you’ll be able to easily fit the DLT-A into any capsule wardrobe.
The DLT-A Series retails at $129 each, and is now available at Skechers outlets in Tampines 1, Jurong Point, NEX, Parkway Parade, Causeway Point, Clementi Mall, Vivo City, JEM, Bugis Junction, Ngee Ann City, ION Orchard, Junction 8 and Compass One.

Oxwell & Co’s Delicious Christmas Menu Runs till February Next Year!

Nov 7, 2017Aug 15, 2018

Cue that old Johnny Mathis song, “It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas”, because we’re in the mood for festivities, even if it’s only November. That means prepping our stomachs for the onslaught of food to come. But how do we make those calories count? Our waistlines aren’t going to expand for nothing, right?
Well, to answer that question, seek out the ol’ Yuletide season at Oxwell & Co – a quirky British gastropub located at the heart of the Ann Siang district.

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Blessed with four stories (including an open-air rooftop bar on the fourth floor), and specialising in honest-to-goodness British cuisine, Oxwell & Co’s Christmas menu will last for four months, starting from now all the way till February – yes, freaking February. The whole 12 days of Christmas concept is starting to sound a little weak.

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After trying the menu on a wet Monday evening (I could’ve sworn I was in London), I stuffed myself silly with all sorts of comfort food. I tried the Honey Glazed Wings ($16), which were surprisingly tart, making each bite addictive. I also liked the Mushroom Soup ($16), though I’ve got to admit it was a pretty safe choice.

Mushroom Soup
The real heavyweight of Oxwell’s Christmas menu, however, is the Grass-Fed Fillet of Beef ($48), that comes dolloped with a healthy serving of whipped horseradish mash, and a scattering of green peas. The beef was sufficiently juicy and flavoursome, but it paled in comparison to the Rolled Organic Turkey Breast ($28) – now that was a real X’mas treat.

Grass-Fed Fillet of Beef

Rolled Organic Turkey Breast
Embellished with a fricasée of mushrooms and smeared with house cranberry jam, the turkey’s flesh surprisingly wasn’t dry – an accusation the poultry has had to suffer from bristling diners over the years. For the veggies, go for the Roast Parsnips ($14); a carrot-like vegetable that tasted (and looked) somewhat like French fries, or the Brussel Sprouts ($14); which is generously drowned in maple butter and topped with bacon.

Roast Parsnips
The only downer I found here was the Chocolate Mousse Pot ($14) I had for dessert. It sounded great – valrhona dark chocolate and raspberry, what’s not to love? But somehow that combination felt a bit off, even though it sounded right on paper. The finish on the tongue was too acidic and bitter, and I’ve got a feeling children might not like this.

Chocolate Mousse Pot

Piña Colada
Still, I thoroughly enjoyed Oxwell’s Christmas menu, and the fact that they’re complete mixology wizards as well (do yourself a big, big favour and go for the Piña Colada – it is exquisite), makes this trendy gastropub one of my go-to choices for Christmas.
Oxwell & Co is located at 5 Ann Siang Road, 069688. Opening Hours: Open Daily – 12pm to 12am. Tel: 6438 7036
For more information, visit oxwellandco.com.

Here’s What We Know About The Lion King Remake

Nov 7, 2017Aug 15, 2018

Disney’s been turning our childhood classic animations into live-action remakes – think Alice in Wonderland and Beauty and the Beast – but now our favourite animation starring lions and the entire Pride Rock is in the heart of a remake. What’s even more exciting is that Beyoncé and Donald Glover (aka Childish Gambino) will be playing Nala and Simba.

The star-studded cast doesn’t stop there: we’ll also see (or hear) James Earl Jones as Mufasa, Chiwetel Ejiofor as Scar, and the other familiar voices of John Oliver, Seth Rogen, and Keegan-Michael Key.

#TheLionKing. 2019. 🦁👑 pic.twitter.com/UMJo18FwDt

— Disney (@Disney) November 1, 2017

Will we hear Beyoncé and Daniel Glover singing Can You Feel The Love Tonight together? What will a Beyoncé and Daniel Glover duet even sound like? Before we get too carried away, it’s been confirmed that Hans Zimmer, the soundtrack composer for the original animation, will also be composing the remake. While we might not hear Can You Feel The Love Tonight, we might get more Disney tunes to add to our Spotify list. Zimmer won an Academy Award for Movie Score for the original animation, so we have high expectations for the new soundtrack.
In using Computer-Generated Imagery (CGI) to bring the animals to life, The Lion King remake won’t be featuring any actors but it will be combining live-action elements with computer-generated animals and environments. When you have Director Jon Favreau, who was applauded for his remake of The Jungle Book, you can be sure to expect stunning visuals and effects.

Jon Favreau’s pretty talented, as shown by The Jungle Book’s visual effects.
Get ready for a wave of nostalgic with this highly-anticipated remake of The Lion King, which will be showing in cinemas in Summer 2019.
Images: Disney
Header Image: Disney

The Winning Argument That Justin Bieber and Selena Gomez Are On-Again

Nov 7, 2017Aug 15, 2018

If there’s one millennial celebrity couple to beat all others, it’s Jelana. Wait, or is it Justina? Selieber? Anyhow, Justin Bieber and Selena Gomez, the highly-profiled on-again off-again couple just announced they’re officially dating again. Or did they? We promise we’re not trying to mislead you. It’s just that we’ve seen so much of them online recently doing super cutesy couple-y things that we’re inclined to believe their love is stronger than ever. Even for the lesser of us who’ve never really been into their love, the sparks between these two are really starting to rub off on us.
They eat & ride bikes together

First, they were spotted having a casual breakfast, each with a milkshake and bottle of sparkling water. Then, as per the photo, they were seen more openly casually cycling about Los Angeles. For a duo who’ve been through so much, we were super excited even to see them hanging out as friends (winks). Sure, hanging out so many days in a week doesn’t imply anything — we’re sure that’s what they thought too.
They share each other’s clothes

Selena was seen wearing Justin’s hockey jerseys to one of his games, sneaking closely behind him avoiding the paparazzi and their cameras. Beyond all else, this at least confirms rumours that she and The Weeknd have split up. We’re sure Selena wouldn’t do something like that even if she and Justin were just friendly.
They’ve been to church twice

We’re not judging, but even the most religious among us wouldn’t be caught in church with our boy/girl-friend twice in a day! How do we know it wasn’t an extended mass but in fact they had gotten two servings of The Lord’s word? Selena and Justin were spotted (separately, we’ll give them that) entering the same church twice after an outfit change.
Justin’s mom basically confirmed it

Love love love.

— Pattie Mallette (@pattiemallette) October 9, 2017

I love you too! ❤️

— Pattie Mallette (@pattiemallette) November 2, 2017

If we really practice the mantra Moms Know Best, then nothing else matters but what Justin’s mom, Pattie Mallette has been tweeting up a storm about recently: how love can overcome all odds.
Header image: Teen Vogue
Other images: Cosmopolitan, US Weekly, People Magazine

It Smells And Feels Like Christmas With Crabtree & Evelyn’s New Scents

Nov 7, 2017Aug 15, 2018

Crabtree & Evelyn take Christmas very seriously. They’re trying their best to transform our December monsoons into an English Christmas, complete with the roaring fireside and crisp wintry walks. We’re not complaining – when your Crabtree & Evelyn store’s shelves are stocked with their limited edition Christmas range, it makes your Christmas shopping a whole lot easier.
With the launch of their three new signature fragrances, Crabtree & Evelyn brings to you the aromas of: Frosted Spicewood, Red Berry & Fir, and White Cardamom.
Not sure which you prefer? Frosted Spicewood has spiced woody notes of pink pepper, frozen lemon, lily of the valley, and smoky incense.

Frosted Spicewood 200g, $70.
Red Berry & Fir isn’t just your standard berry scent; it also has the undertones of evergreen branches of fir.

Red Berry & Fir Diffuser 200mL, $88.
White Cardamom has mulled Cardamom spice essences and sweet mimosa to infuse the Christmas spirit.

White Cardamom Indulgent Treats, $35.
These three aromas are infused in many of Crabtree & Evelyn’s bestsellers, from candles ($70) to traveller sets ($35).
Our favourite Christmas product this year is the Christmas Bauble Trilogy, which comes in the shape of three glimmering shower baubles. Featuring Rosewater & Pink Peppercorn, White Caramom, and Pomegranate, these three spheres will fit right into your home, whether it’s hanging from your Christmas tree or your shower caddy.

Bauble Trilogy, $35.
As usual, we don’t just love Crabtree & Evelyn for their scents – their Fine Food collection brings us Christmas-themed biscuits with All Butter Cranberry and White Chocolate Biscuits ($20) and Handmade Dark Chocolate and Mint Shortbread Biscuits ($20). Their usual shortbread biscuits are also available in a keepsake star shaped gift tin ($18).
Alternatively, you can also try their Collectable Design Tin ($68), which comes with all your festive Christmas treats, like buttery biscuit with chunks of chocolate, Mandarin and Ginger Marmalade, and spiced tea.

All Butter Dark Chocolate Chunk and Hazelnut Biscuits 100g; All Butter Cranberry and White Chocolate Biscuits 100g; Mandarin and Ginger Marmalade 227g; Festive Spiced Tea 100g, $68.
Catch a whiff of these three new scents at Crabtree & Evelyn’s Christmas range, now available at all Crabtree & Evelyn stores.
For more information, visit Crabtree & Evelyn to find out more about their new Christmas range.
Images: Crabtree & Evelyn

Hello Kitty Gets Sporty in FILA’s Stylish New Clothing Collection

Nov 7, 2017Aug 15, 2018

There’s no kitty more popular than Hello Kitty. In 2017, everyone’s favourite cartoon cat has gone collab crazy with a huge number of brands. She’s appeared on wines, candies, stationery sets, mooncakes, and even joined forces with Wonder Woman. And her latest partnership comes in the form of a sporty collab with clothing line FILA.

Having launched exclusively on Urban Outfitters, FILA’s new collection is meant to mark Hello Kitty’s 43rd anniversary, and comprises of various apparel embellished with Hello Kitty’s trademark bow, including a minimal sweatshirt, t-shirt, cropped polo, bucket hat, and more – with items for both guys and girls.

But that’s not all. If you’re a Sanrio fan in general, be prepared to rejoice, as FILA will be releasing further items featuring Hello Kitty’s best buds, including Keroppi, Chococat, and Badtz-Maru. Details are scant on that aspect of the collection at the moment, although we’re hoping to see more tennis goodies from the brand.

Right now, the Hello Kitty x FILA collection is available online, with items priced from US$20 to US$119 – a little pricey if you ask us, but definitely worth splurging on if you’re a hardcore Hello Kitty fan.
For more information, visit urbanoutfitters.com.
Images: Urban Outfitters

Fifty Shades Freed Goes Even Deeper and Harder

Nov 7, 2017Aug 15, 2018

If you’re the kind of romantic who plans months in advance what you and your partner should do for Valentines’ Day, stop right now. The trailer for Fifty Shades Freed has just been released, and from what we’re seeing, the movie is set to be the Pied Piper of lovebirds worldwide (not unlike its previous instalments) for those who want to catch its premiere on 9 February next year.

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As the finale of the Fifty Shades movie franchise, Fifty Shades Freed takes an even more drastic route in its storytelling of the romance between Anastasia Steele and Christian Grey. They are now a married couple, but unlike most in real life, the sex and drama seem to weather in the slightest. In fact, we’re looking at more extravagance, more conflict and definitely more time in their “play room.”

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We’re not complaining. In fact, we kind of like the sense of emboldenment Ana seems to have adopted since Christian put a ring on it. She’s no longer waiting for a secretary to tell her “Mr Grey will see you now.” She’s taking matters into her own hands, even nipping in the bud the unwanted attention of other opportunistic women.
Even if you hate cheesy chick flicks, this movie suggests that it has something for everyone. We spotted a brief but shocking Taken-esque car-chase scene with Ana behind the wheel. Where could she and Christian be racing off to? Hopefully not just another orgasm.
Check out the trailer for more juicy details about the movie. Fifty Shades Freed premieres in cinemas 9 February 2018.

Header image: New Republic