Decor Series :: Chinese New Year (Part 2)

Images from here, here, here and here

Decor Series :: Chinese New Year (Part I)

The Chinese New Year is just around the corner and, if you are not crazy about the tacky decorations that are being sold all over or in Chinatown, you might like this series I am planning. Modern decor that does not scream Chinese New Year, just little subtle accents.

Images via here, here, here and here

Shopping suggestions:

Top photo // Shop for cloth in Spotlight or Arab Street. Other options include Joo Chiat/Geylang area. Spruce up the look with metallics, geometric or floral pieces. Flower options may include pussy willows or cherry blossoms

Second photo // Paper lanterns are available online or you may check out this retail space at Bukit Timah Shopping Centre 1-6 pieces are being sold for just $3.80/piece. Is that a steal or what?

Third photo // Get fallen branches anywhere. Under big trees, botanical gardens, the beach etc. Spray paints available at Art Friend, Spotlight or any paint shop. Fake birds/butterflies may be available in handicraft or party shops, Spotlight or even Far East Flora at Thomson Road. If you have time to spare, try online.

Last photo // Alternative for gold balls are red fruits, oranges or spray paint plastic fruits!

Navigating cyber monday in Singapore - Retailers to look out for

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I did up a similar post last year with the following list of retailers to look out for. This list is still useful for avid shoppers who love to take advantage of the American holiday weekend and for those who do not know where to start. Even though we are not there physically, thanks to the Internet, the biggest greatest invention of our time, we will NOT feel left out during the biggest online shopping days of the year - Cyber Monday.

Like I said before, while we're at it, super engrossed and clicking away, do consider that if an item is not at least 30 per cent less than what it retails for here, it is not worth getting because you need to factor in the shipping cost. 

These are some retailers going big on Black Friday/Cyber Monday:

• TORRID (In caps/bold because today is the last day where everything goes for 50% off. Use promocode FANCY50)
• ASOS (My fav! still. Items are going for 30% off. There is free express shipping to Singapore for purchases over $175. Just enter code EXPRESSING)
• Macy's (Order by 6 December for Xmas delivery)
• Nordstrom (Shipping takes 2 weeks, which means items will arrive in time for Xmas season)
• Gap / Banana Republic / Old Navy
• Shopbop(Shipping to Singapore is FREE! - purchases arrive no later than three weeks)
• Amazon (Amazon now ships free to Singapore)
• ThinkGeek
• eBay
• Kohl's
• Home Decorators Collection
• www.overstock.com
• Land's End (Sales up to 65% off)
• Sephora
• Beauty.com
• Beautybay.com (I think it's a UK site but there's free shipping to Singapore. Takes at least 2 weeks)
• drugstore
• iHerb (Flat fee shipping fees at $4. It takes about 9 days for items to reach our shores)
• Etsy (All things handmade. Go for less popular sellers as their prices will be lower and they might even throw in free shipping to Singapore as part of the Black Friday deal)

Online Shopping Concierges

Some US retailers also do not deliver outside the country. You may use PayPal and a US address provided by VPost or Borderlinx. 

You may also explore HopShopGo that which allows users from outside the US (in a list that includes Singapore) to shop at sites which do not accept payment from / deliver outside US.

Master List of Merchants' Twitter Accounts

Twitter is big in US. If you are a hardcore cyber shopper and wouldn't mind going an extra mile, stalk the retailers. Some will be offering exclusives and sales for Cyber Monday only on Twitter. If you have an account, do follow your favourites! These are just mine. 

• https://twitter.com/ASOS
• https://twitter.com/Macys
• https://twitter.com/Nordstrom
• https://twitter.com/BananaRepublic
• https://twitter.com/Gap
• https://twitter.com/Sephora
• https://twitter.com/Etsy

HAPPY SHOPPING! ... and let me know what you got!

(Source: Diva, IFB)

Dressing up bay windows

Have been observing that roman blinds are not as popular here in Singapore compared to our western counterparts. I don't quite know why. It's made of fabric that breathes, so its perfect for the humid climate.

With the arrival of bay windows in many apartments, the roman blinds is perfect to soften the feel of the room, at the same time giving it the privacy we all crave.

Don't they look much better than halfway curtains for bay windows that seem so incomplete? All pictures by Nov issues of Rue Magazine.

How-to tropical glam at home?

Tropical glam decor is perfect for Singapore. I'm quite tired of the woody, ethnic furniture that is always associated with exotic or tropical decor style. I would love to incorporate some of these in my own home.

Palm leave wallpaper + straw carpet + glass furniture= VA VA VOOM!

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Consider using exotic fabric designs

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Because orchids are so readily available here, I never appreciated them. But after seeing them add a touch of elegance and color in such interiors, I see them in a different light altogether.

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Use of textures in a monochromatic scheme.

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Bring the beach home! Lime green + tropical plant + turquoise with a touch of glam - the chrome stool.

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Girl's Night Out

Today, I met a very sweet french lady at Carla K's one night only hair, make-up and accessories seminar. She was one of the 4 jewelry designers that were invited to showcase their latest collections. Based in Singapore, she gets her orders handmade from a lady called Helene in Paris. All items are one-of-a-kind and best part of all, very affordable. 

{All images via Sur Les Toits de Paris}

eye-candy galore! I am in ♥

Diner en Blanc

... so this controversial "white" picnic, that began in Paris some years back made its debut in Singapore last week. I say controversial because there was a PR boo-boo and Singaporeans who are fiercely protective of their food (I'd like to think so.) were not too happy. NO one belittles our food. This reminds me of the curry saga. But the event went on as scheduled without a glitch despite quiet protests from local bloggers.

All these aside, as I went through some photos, I can't help but notice how beautiful the Singapore scene looked, accessorized in white.

All pictures from here

Rue - A home in Singapore

One of the very few things I look forward to - online magazines full of eye-candy. They just brighten up your day don't they? Rue Issue 6 (thats live now) features gorgeous homes and, this time, not a single house tour is from the US. They even featured a home in Singapore and I couldnt resist blogging about it.