In between Chanels, lies my Iphone.

Thanks so much to Cliff once more for passing me an updated version of this template - it  now fits nicely on iphones and netbooks. =) And I get to upload a new header as and when I want to with minimal hassle. Now that will stop me from procrastinating so much!

Talking about Iphones…

I have crossed over to the dark “white” side.

I’m an apple convert - did I hear Ganny shout Hooray?

4 years ago, I had an Ipod video. It was purchased for my birthday by my dear friends (40 of them) who collectively chipped in for it. They all had the same thought it mind, “what to give a girl who has almost everything in the world?” So I thought, “hey, instead of getting me all these mini presents - which I will love nonetheless - why don’t you all chip in money for one present?” Brilliant idea. So it was an ipod video and one very happy girl.

4 years on, that Ipod video works like an angel. Except that syncing it into a new computer will be a complete nightmare.

And now, on this upcoming grand birthday (next week!), I get an Iphone. =)

On new years eve,  was in the shop, pondering about which phone to buy - an Iphone or a Nokia E92. 5 minutes before paying for the phone, I was still asking the salesgirl, “Should I get an Iphone or E92?” I think she gave me the best customer friendly smile, but in her mind it was probably, “Girl, get your phone quick. There are 20 people behind you and we are closing in 2 hours.”

So in a jiffy, I declared, “I’m getting an Iphone! I want it in black.”

I’m loving my Iphone this very moment. Sometimes, it makes me feel like a technology-idiot girl, but I’m still loving it. To girlify it, I added a red cover.

15 years ago, cell phones were the size of bricks. 10 years ago, people owned pagers; if you own a handphone, even if they were the size of your palm - you are cool. 5 years ago, flip phones were all in the rage; and if you have a phone with 2 mega pixels you are “in”. Now, all of the above is regarded as dinosaurs.

I wonder what will the market be like when Nexus comes into play.

Morelle Hauls

Just couldn’t resist getting things from Morelle. These are some items that my sister and I picked up for Christmas.

The smell of new leather is so divine…. We got really excited unwrapping the bags from their packages.

My sister got this pochette. It instantly brightens up any outfit; and is so suitable to bring to Christmas parties. The pochette spots a bright blue, which is the colour for Chanel Cruise collection’10.

But my favourite is this Morchella in Cognac Brown. I love the ribbon accents. It is similar to my Miu Miu bag which I’ve sadly abused and regretted abusing it. This Morchella is the perfect bag to bring out when you are in a I’m-in-a-rush days. The brown blends in well with whatever outfit you’re wearing (unless you’re pulling a lady Gaga in latex).

What I love about Morelle’s bags is that it is made of superior leather. It is hardy, yet is buttery soft to touch. You know quality when you have seen it and felt it. After several outings with my other two clutches, they are as good as when it has first arrived. I’m pretty sure these two will last us a long time to come.

Simply because, my world is full of snow.

I have an obsession with Christmas. I have a greater obsession with snow.

Give me a down jacket, a pair of boots and I won’t mind spending the afternoon digging in a pile of snow.

I won’t even mind being out enjoying the first snow fall of the year in slippers and shorts.

Well, to the public - hey this is normal.

To Singaporeans - this girl is nuts.

Because…

It doesn’t snow in Singapore - you can’t count the 2 freak incident of falling ice.

So let’s just make do with snowflake charms. Have been oogling at this charm bracelet since it caught my eyes 2 months ago…

Sigh, if only it didn’t come with the pricey tag.

It would have been the perfect Christmas + Birthday present for myself.

Minneapolis - Mall of America

About two years ago, I took a 6 hours drive down with my friends to Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA. Because I was travelling so much, 6 hours was really easy-peasy.

Our first stop, was to have breakfast at a pancake house (can’t remember where it was). We headed to our motel much later (after our shopping trip). It was quite a hilarious sight squeezing 6 people into a tiny room. The girls had the beds, and the boys had to sleep on the floor or any available space in the room.

Thereafter, it was a FULL day of shopping at the biggest mall in America, “The Mall of America”. It is suppose to be huge, but to a shoppaholic, I had secretly hoped it was bigger. We had about 6 plus hours to conquer the entire mall. We left the mall at about 1900? I can’t remember why, even though the closing time for the mall is slated to be at 2130.

In the Mall of America, there are 4 departmental stores - Nordstorm, Macy’s, Sears and Bloomingdale’s. There is also Barnes and Nobles.  I still remember that we parked near Bloomindale’s. The stalls were all so alluring, I bought quite a lot of stuff - even though I was a broke student.

I bought this pair of slippers for US$2 from Charlotte Russe - wore it to death as my dorm slippers. And I bought the forever 21 top from the flagship store for US$29 (I think).

I also bought a pair of pretty flats for US$19.90 (sale!) from famous footwear, which I also wore to death throughout my adventures in Canada, US and even in Singapore - I only had 2 pairs of sports shoes and 1 slipper when I went on exchange - how dumb ehz?

I didn’t buy any knickers from Victoria Secrets. but I remember spending a good amount of time in Abercrombie and Fitch - I was so tempted to buy this US$80 hooded jacket. Sigh, I was such a poor student, that I didn’t visit the Club Monaco store in MOA - wait, I think I didn’t know of its existence till 1 month later. J Crew didn’t leave an impression on me, so my friend and I didn’t go into the store. I didn’t remember seeing a H&M store then, if not I would have bought lots of stuff. We did stop by Auntie Annie’s to grab a pretzel. And I so should have gone into True Religion! The jeans would have been such great buys at such cheap prices, given that it was the sale season. Darn.

I was also a Chanel-idiot then - can you imagine, I actually gasp at my sister for buying the Chanel classic pearls necklace - If not, I would have spend most of my time getting my hands on one of the 2.55. When it was WAY much cheaper. Who cares about lugging 3 luggage bags, 4 paper bags, and one laptop bag? A 2.55 would have been puuurfect.

Other sights worth mentioning is that there is this a Nickelodeon Universe right smack in the middle of the mall. There is a roller-coaster, a mini-pet farm and a mini underwater world.

Nickelodeon land in the day

Nickelodeon land at night

Oh there is Lego shop too! And did I mention, level 4 is a theatre wonderland. Plus a hooters.

Food-wise, there are plenty to choose from. My friends and I ate at this cutesie place called Kokomo’s Island Cafe (level 3). We ordered a big palette of seafood and pork ribs. What joy.

Notice the braid in my hair? I did it Disneyland in LA. I would do anything to have it done again.

Coming up sometime this week, a continuation of my adventure in Minnesota - to the lovely St Pauls.

Chanel Surprises

Lo and behold. People breathe!!!

I have no idea whether to count myself lucky or what, but I actually… got it!

The jade is a little lighter than I had expected, but it’s okay because if it were any greener, it might be harder to match clothes. I have another pair of mini jades and when paired with certain clothes I look like a tai-tai when I wear them, so I need to be very careful.

Anyway… on the long story of how I clinched this beauty.

I walked into Chanel with my sister, and as a usual practice, we asked to look at the costume jewellery. So the SA took out two trays full of earrings, and as we were scanning, I IMMEDIATELY spotted this pair of earrings, grabbed it, and asked for a new pair. The SA told me that it was a new pair because they had only put it in the tray for 30 minutes. (It was so new, they hadn’t even had the time to key it into the system).

I was so excited, I asked the SA why did they have this piece once more - because another SA had told me no new shipments will come in for this pair of earrings. Apparently, this was sourced from overseas, and they just had one pair to spare.

As I was trying on the earrings, I was partially afraid that someone will come and say they want to try the earrings too. But thankfully, they were interested in the interlocking CCs only.

My sister on the other hand, was pretty happy with her purchase. I like her purchase too! I’m so lucky to have a sister who loves Chanel - wait, she was the one who exposed me to Chanel. ;P

Here’s what she got (PS: I don’t really drink, they are just presents from my friends):

CC earrings with crochet rabbit that I bought from Teddy Thotz.

It is a spring summer collection, and we have seen it sitting in the tray since the beginning of the year. Never realised that it was this pretty till now. So what we have learnt from this episode is: 1) if it’s meant to be, it’s meant to be. 2) always try the accessories no matter how big they look, because they just might look fantastic on you.

Bliss…

Reebonz… Be Invited!

Hello ladies! It’s Friday morning and boy do I have a special surprise for you!

Ever craved to own a Coach bag at a 70% discount? Wished you could have bagged that Miu Miu at 50% off? Or how about revamping your wardrobe with luxurious clothes from Lanvin, All Dressed Up, or DKNY for 50% lesser?

Well, I’m certain that I like the idea of getting Gucci, Prada, Kate Spade, or Marc Jacobs merchandise at half its retail price. Plus, I’m even happier that I get to purchase them online without needing to squeeze or queue for hours in line just to bag that great buy. Read about my Reebonz purchase here.

I present to you Reebonz, Asia Pacific’s first exclusive online shopping destination that retails merchandise from top designers or services from premier brands. Their private sales promise to wow you over with their substantial discounts that sometimes can be a whopping 80%! Past events include:

Coach is always sold out within the first two hours!

and even for the men out there…

Upcoming events include (Today to be exact! I’m so excited!):

To ensure exclusivity, shopping on this site is only opened to members. To be a member, you’ll need to be invited by existing members. Now, that is exclusivity for you.

For my lovely readers, fret not, because Reebonz has created an invitation code for you! For valerietan.com readers, simply 1) head to http://www.reebonz.com/invite_code/valerie and proceed to sign up as a member, or 2) head to www.reebonz.com, and enter “valerie” under the invitation code.

Do share your joy with me when you snagged something pretty. =)

Happy shopping and happy weekend!

Reebonz: Woon Hung Earrings

If you have heard, Reebonz is this much coveted website that sells branded goods for up to 70% discount.

Although this business concept is not new, this is probably one of the more successful sites in Singapore.

I have been following their crazy sales for sometime now, but I never really bought anything.

Until recently…

I saw some Woon Hung earrings being sold, and so my sister and I bought 4 pairs. We really love her earrings. Shall upload the photos of some of the past designs that we bought. Soon. But for now… Here are the earrings that we bought from Reebonz!

(Click to enlarge) None have been photoshopped, to show you how it really looks.

From what I know of Woon Hung’s accessories line, everything is done by hand. She hires ladies (who need to support their families) to help her make the accessories. Woon Hung teaches these ladies skills such as crocheting and beading, and in return, they will make the accessories according to her designs.

Chanel Earrings and Ring

I told myself I was going to stay at home to complete my work. An online search, and a phone call later, urged me on a frenzy to Singapore’s Chanel. In an hour and a half, I dash to the store, bought my items and got back home.

I have been waiting for an ENTIRE year for this little baby. I spotted it on a forum a year ago, and fell in love with it. I called boutiques everywhere, and they were all sold out. A year later, Chanel re-released them for their Autumn ‘09 collection. Since when do they do that?

I abide by the “if it was meant to be” policy, so I won’t feel upset when I can’t lay my hands on something I really like.

So a year later, “it’s meant to be!”

Bags with goodies, just waiting to be opened.

CC boxes. What is inside?

I highly suspect that these Chanel earrings just arrived, but who cares! Look at this antique looking classic beauty. It’ll sure age gracefully with me.

Ain’t they pretty?

This is it! This is the baby that I’ve been waiting for ONE year.

The pearls have swirl marks on them to replicate the natural look of a pearl. I chose a pair with the most symmetrical lines out of the few I can choose from. (PS: so if you have been looking for this pair of Chanel earrings like me, now it’s the time. Singapore outlet still carries a few pairs).

I love the antique look of the earrings. And, because of this additional crystal cap, the Chanel earrings look way much more proportional than the pearl CC with a drop of pearl.

And as I was in the store, I couldn’t help it. Blame it on my sister’s psycho-ing skills. But, I got this ring as well. It’s one of the nicest Chanel rings ever. I’ve a soft spot for anything glittery. I like bold chunky rings as well. I was really lucky as I managed to secure the last new piece.

Gold and glitter, bold yet dainty. I like!

A close up!

Meanwhile, I shall just upload a picture of my crystal CC logo earrings. Apparently, the house of Chanel has decided to discontinue this pair of earrings. I have no idea why did they do it, because a year ago when my sister bought this for me, they said it was a permanent collection. Then again, if the LV french purse wallet had a seasonal red that was in the store for like forever, and later production for it was abruptly hauled; I’m not surprise that the house of Chanel can pull the same trick as well. So if you’re looking forward to buying them. Cross your fingers. Cross them really hard.

Although, Chanel has decided to do a mini-version of this CC logo, and this version looks dainty and good for people with small lobes or like petite accessories. My sister bought one of it. (PS: There was one more left in the store). It looks equally good. 

Big meets small.

My sister also purchased this pair of antique gold earrings from Chanel as well. I like! I’m so glad that my sister and I share similar taste. I’m so going to raid her accessories bin.

Nonetheless, we made it out with a couple of earrings and a ring.

We made one SA very happy.

Antipodean

One of my favourite local boutique is Antipodean. Located in cozy Holland Village, Antipodean carries a range of Australian and Singapore designer women’s wear and jewellery.

Although the boutique is small, it packs a punch. In a gist, the merchandise are simple yet versatile, feminine and exquisite.

I was a little sad to find out that one of my favourite designers, Antoinette will not be stocking up in Antipodean anymore.

On the bright side, Antipodean still carries my other favourite jewellery designers, Woon Hung and MyKillerHeels. I’m also becoming a fan of Miss B’s accessories. My sister and I recently bought this pair of earring - understated elegance. We like.

My sister (& me too!) is also an incredibly huge fan of MinkPink, Sewn, Fleur Wood, and Shona Joy. My sister has purchased many of their pieces, and I bought my first MinkPink dress (pictured on the left).

There are also other items like baby clothes and home scents. I like Bowerbird’s homeware. (Have been aiming to buy one of the items in the shop, but I’ve not saved enough money!)

You’ll find it a joy to shop in this homely shop. Far from being mass produced, Antipodean’s merchandise comes in limited quantity. It’s all about this sense of exclusivity isn’t it?

Pop down Antipodean @ 27a Lorong Mambong, Holland Village, Singapore (277686). Or call 6463 7336.

Patchwork @ TeddyThotz

I love bazaars! There was a bazaar in school, and I bought some pretty crochet rabbits for my nieces and me.

What I was more impressed about, was that I found quilted blankets… In the bazaar!

TeddyThotz is a social enterprise business, selling hand-made items by the elderly, or by mums who need supplementary household income. So they have all these quilted blankets made by the elderly. Oh how dear they are!

I remember my grandma making these quilted blankets for her kids, and she always made quilted floor mats. I never appreciated them when i was a kid, because my grandma has a thing about picking granny dark colour. But, as I grew older, I realise that she spends a long time painstakingly stitching the cloth together. Before I knew it, she didn’t make them anymore.

So lo and behold, I chance upon quilted blankets! My sister bought some of these blankets for her kids. Oooohhh…

Check out TeddyThotz.com.Visit them at Vivovity every first and last weekend of the month.