Blueprint 2013: My Jooix experience

I'm still rather new to the world of fashion, so it was a delightful surprise for me to be invited to the Blueprint 2013 tradeshow by Angelina, founder and CEO of local shopping site Jooix. Part of Asia Fashion Exchange (Singapore's fashion week), Blueprint is an annual tradeshow that curates menswear, womenswear and accessories from the best and brightest emerging talents in Asia.

The Subtle Shimmer Giveaway Prize and other updates

Hi everyone! I know, I know, it's been a while since you heard from me. I've been out and about! I watched Shakespeare in the Park: Twelfth Night (at Fort Canning Park) last week, and it was a really great show. Adrian Pang stole the show with his clownish antics as Feste, the fool, and his singing probably melted more than a few hearts. The set was also beautifully done, with "real sand" (as my friend was so fascinated by) on the left of the stage, near the prop of the ship.

Stage set of Twelfth Night at Fort Canning Park

The funniest moment in the show was probably poor Malvolio strutting out in cross-gartered yellow stockings. Tell me no one finds that even vaguely acceptable. I never knew how much fashion could offend, until that night. Then again, I've seen my fair share of fashion faux pas, but add yellow and you have a complete disaster.

In addition to that, I just watched The Avengers (courtesy of Nuffang Singapore) yesterday and am still reeling from the awesomeness. Oh Robert Downey Jr., my heart stopped when I thought you almost died. Oops spoiler alert.

Blog-wise, I'm currently working on this long post for my favourite perfume of the moment, so bear with me for a bit. I promise more posts really soon! Here's a short post about a giveaway I won. I was so glad when the prize arrived in the mail - I hardly have any mail for me nowadays given the horrendous state of my personal liquidity.

Recently, Susan from The Subtle Shimmer hosted a giveaway and I happened to be one of the lucky winners! I won Cult Nails Swanbourne, which seems to be a brown crème with golden glitter, and a ring hand-made by Susan with Ozotic 526, a black holo polish. What a wonderful prize; it really made my day.

Such lovely packaging to rival Cult Nails'

Susan wrapped everything in the brown packaging that reminds you of the burrito packaging of Cult Nails Swanbourne! She also included a tiny little name card with the contact references of her online store, Star Trinkets, that sells hand-made nail polish accessories. Lovely touch.

Cult Nails Swanbourne

Nail polish ring made with Ozotic 526

The nail polish ring, with a diameter of 20mm, is a little too big for my tiny fingers to handle, though the black holo is seriously stunning. I'll be swatching Cult Nails Swanbourne soon as I handle the huge backlog of swatching to do. I'm signing off for now, but be sure to check back for my post on my favourite perfume of the moment.

P.S. If you like honey and/or sweet summery scents, you're in for a treat.

Vintage green purse

Who doesn't like accessories? I sure do! And that's why I'm going to be featuring some of my most-liked accessories and some possibly strange ones on Cherchez Beauté. I often buy quirky looking accessories without regard for the price - I meant the low, low prices I'm used to ;) But I'll admit that I feel a thrill of anticipation and excitement whenever I spot a cheaply priced bargain. Flea markets and vintage stores are right up my alley!

Today' accessory is a lovely vintage green faux-velvet purse, given to me by my lovely Aunt Kat. I have to admit, I've never used it before - it's really small and can barely hold more than an iPhone, but I love it all the same. The colour is very unique, and coupled with its brassy looking metal clasps and chain, adds to the vintage appeal of this lovely purse. I can just imagine toting it around to a garden party, coupled with a lovely summery dress or one with earthy brown and red tones. Pity there hasn't been any garden parties requiring my attendance.

 That's how small the purse is; it's only slightly bigger than my iPhone

Speaking of my iPhone... The picture above was taken when I had just gotten my Vintage top grain leather SGP iPhone 4 case a few months ago. It looks very clean, no? Well, not anymore. It has aged beautifully on the back (no doubt from countless times of holding it in my grubby paws) but the front is relatively patina-less except for a few splotches of darker colour. I'll be reviewing the case soon, so stay tuned!