2
Vintage Raspberry
SGD3900
August 2010
3
August 2010
04
SauceINK Contents 12
10
A better look at Charmaine Harn
28
August 2010
Who is Jeanine Gabrielle?
Good Ole Fashion
36
05
The Maxi Dress
82
54
“Inspired by the streetwear culture…”
‘Who That Gurl’ tells us who they are!
92
A look at Singapore Cosplay www.sauceink.com
06
Letter from the Editor I am not your typical editor and this is no typical magazine. It took me days to think of what exactly to write for this note. Finally, after much consideration, the conclusion was clear. Since I started off as a blogger in my “writing career” it only makes sense to continue writing that way in my not so typical “editor’s note”. The magazine only comes out once a month (from now onwards that is), so you only have to read my blabbering that many times a year. So anyway, while compiling the magazine, I asked myself, “so exactly how long has it been?” Time truly passes by when one least notices it. A bling of an eye and 7 months has passed since the previous issue of SauceINK. I would like to say that the team have made good use of this 7 months, but I would be somewhat lying. Truth be told, till this very day, we are still no where close to the setup of a true publishing house. That said, we try, and we will continue trying. In this issue, late once again, we managed to conduct quite a number of photoshoots and interviews. My favourite piece is “The Maxi Dress” - mainly because I am very much addicted to maxis lately. While the article focuses on tips on how to wear it right, let me tell you what I think (it can also be found in my blog). The secret is in the cut - it’s always in the cut. Tall, shapely goddesses like Kate Moss and Scarlett Johansson can get away with just about anything, but girls like myself who are 5’ 4” and under, need to give our dress styles more thought, a lot more thought. No one wants to look shorter and/or larger than they already are. Therefore, flowing gypsy skirts are out of the question. They look great, there’s no doubt about it, they just don’t look great on everyone. August 2010
“You wear the dress, don’t let the dress wear you.” Here’s something I’ve learned, or rather, I feel more comfortable in. If you are like me and need to disguise a big tummy (and don’t intend to go for liposuction, which I am)... then get something with a drape of material at the front. It helps cover the lumps and bumps, well, as long as no one goes to the back and pulls it tight of course. Now, for the extra height, dresses can be accessorised with patent platforms, wedges or feminine toe-covered sling backs. Set-off these dresses with long, chunky jewellery and even oversized shades and bags - yes, oversizing is still in style, or so I think. Some say that maxi dresses work well for larger women, to a certain extend at least. Because of its length, it enables larger women to cover their apparent thick thighs and hide the wide hips. By doing so, they look better, kinda. Unfortunately, often if not always, larger women tend to have larger bust. And big-busted women may find the maxi dress harder to pull-off. The way around this is to find a maxi dress with a halter-style or bandeau top rather than thin spaghetti straps. They are more flattering to the bust. Also, a V-neck draws attention away from the bust and is flattering for the fuller figure. Last but not least, loud prints and bold colours are kinder to larger frames. So, avoid smaller patterned floral or paisley type prints. They look better on petite frames.
Sabrina Wang
07
www.sauceink.com
08
Editor
Sabrina Wang Fashion Editor
Account Director
Photographers
Models
Isabelle Neo
Aylwin Lek William Wong Editorial Assistant
Vanessa Wang
Writers
Shevonne Ang Margaret Lee Contributor
Derek Rodriguez
Aylwin Lek
Sheena Lu Lyze Lynch Yuko Tan Rachel Kong Lim Sim Yee Irina Tan Kristen Chay Rykiel Sim Weiling Lim Jessmay Ann Gillian Tan
Social Networks
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/sauceink Twitter: http://twitter.com/sauceink Contacts
Editorial: editorial@sauceink.com Advertising: advertising@sauceink.com aylwin@sauceink.com
August 2010
09
www.sauceink.com
10
Sauce Spy
Q: You’ve done numerous interviews; can you tell us something about yourself that people don’t already know?
Q: Having to be in the public’s eyes most of the time, what do you do to relax? How often do you get to do it?
I can be quite obsessive and I have little weird habits such as I don’t like mixing my food together. For example, when I eat Nasi Padang, I do not let my dishes touch each other on the plate, as I don’t enjoy my food as much when the flavours are mixed together.
My favourite form of relaxation always involves water. I love water sports such as water skiing, wake boarding and swimming. I love to spend the day by the beach or on a boat or sneak away to the nearby islands for “R&R” time.
Q: How would you describe your fashion sense? If you were to pick only one style, what style would that be (labels/designers)? My style is very individualistic and I am unable to put a label on it or define it as a particular style. I like to look polished but most importantly feel comfortable at the same time. I love accessorising classic looks and ‘rocking’ a fabulous trend that complements my style and assets.
Q: What would you consider your most marked characteristic? What is your secret to looking so fabulous? My smile. And I think the secret to looking good is feeling good. Hence I practice yoga and I eat healthily and drink lots of water. In addition, with a positive state of mind and comprehending the needs of your body is the best way to glow naturally.
Q: You’re pretty much an icon, are you able to walk down the street and go unnoticed? Any interesting occasion you’d like to share with us? I am unsure if people recognise me on the streets and I don’t have screaming fans asking me for my autographs or anything. I have had a number of people asking to take pictures with and of me. The most recent ‘interesting occasion’ when this man took a picture with me, he voluntarily admitted that his night ahead was going to include some private time and a tube of KY jelly. Ewwwwwww!
August 2010
Q: Have you ever thought you’d make it this far in the modelling industry? I don’t think I ever really thought about it but I am very grateful for the support and success that I have received over the years. I am very proud to represent Singapore in the international modelling scene and to give Singapore a more prominent identity in this circuit.
Q: If given the opportunity to work with any particular label/designer, which/ who would it, be? Why? I love Vivien Westwood, her designs and her work ethics. Last year’s Singapore Fashion Festival, I had the opportunity to walk for the brand and met the team. Vivien Westwood wasn’t here in person as she decided to cut down on unnecessary travel to reduce her carbon footprint to save the environment.
Q: What advice would you give models wannabe? I want to encourage beautiful Asian/Pan-Asian women to step up and celebrate their uniqueness. I hope my success is a good reflection to show that hard work, determination and professionalism pays off. I want aspiring models to realize that the fashion industry rewards individuality, hard work and ambitions.
Q: What were some of the fond memories from the show SUPERMODELME.tv? ‘Punk’ing the directors, Cheryl and Marilyn from Season 1, during the last few days of filming. But through the 6 weeks of filming, everyone including guest stars got along well with each other and we had a lot of fun together hence all my memories were very fond and funny as we played pranks on each other frequently.
A better look at...
11
Charmaine Harn Q: As a model, you must have cultivated certain disciplines like watching your diet and fitness regime. Could you share with us your daily diet/exercise routine? I am a pescetarian which means I eat fish, some seafood, but mainly vegetables. My fitness regime includes yoga 3-5 times a week, long walks and weekly water sports outings.
Q: Where do you see yourself 5 years from now? Living in my lovely, eco-friendly villa near the beach in Bali.
Q: What fashion tip would you give our readers? Fresh Fruit Juice - The secret to great skin provides you with your daily dose of vitamins and roughage.
“SMM.tv is a fun-filled, fashion conscious
reality program where 12 girls come together to compete to be the next face of Asia. The programme is filled with unexpected twists, excitement and comedy.
The 3 most important things in my life is... my Family, friends and my Beloved. I can’t leave the house without... tinted lip balm. I will not be caught dead wearing... Granny panties. I think head accessories are... fabulous if it suits the look. My favourite fashion designer is... Sven from AlldressedUp. My favourite show I’ve walked for is... Vivien Westwood. I am addicted to... brown bread, promite and avocado toasties. www.sauceink.com
12
Sauce Fabulous
Good Ole Fashion By Isabelle Neo
R
emember the free-spirited flappers of the roaring 20s with their cloche hat, bobbed hair and straight waist; or the stylish 30s when women had wide shoulders, cinched waist and wore gloves? What about the 1940s victory roll hairstyles that were wildly popular in the war years? While not a common sight these days, these vintage styles are undoubtedly left a legacy in fashion, and a legion of modern followers who will pass up the latest Herve Ledger bandage dress for circle skirt that granny wore to school when she was sixteen.
August 2010
13
Apparel by:
Dulcetfig
41 Haji Lane, Singapore 189234
www.sauceink.com
14
August 2010
15
Apparel by:
Dulcetfig
41 Haji Lane, Singapore 189234
www.sauceink.com
16
Isabelle Neo speaks to two avid vintage lovers from Washington to find out how modern women can wear vintage and charm the old fashion way.
Isabelle Neo
http://weecloud.blogspot.com
Y
ou could say that they are the antithesis of Bryan Boy, the Filipino fashion blogger turned international fashion commentator, who loves all things modern, flamboyant and Marc Jacobs. Solanah and Twila belong to a niche community of fashion bloggers who embrace the vestiges of fashion’s glorious past. They are passionate about all things vintage and would scour thrift shops for unique oneof-its-kind vintage clothing to wear.
August 2010
17
Twila Jean, 24
http://living-vintage.blogspot.com
Solanah Hernandez
http://vixenvintage.blogspot.com
“My style is flirty, young, old, colourful, feminine, and explorative.”
- Solanah Hernadez
Q: What sparked your fascination in vintage fashion? SH: My family had a lot to do with my early interest in vintage fashion. I am deeply influenced and inspired by my aunt and sister-in-law who are always dressed in full vintage, and they always looking fabulous. I was lucky enough to be given a lot of their hand-me-downs, which at first I used for dress up. By the time I was in high school, could mix new with old and wore them as everyday clothing. TJ: I love to feel dressed up and put together. I love everything old and am a pack rat of all things vintage. I do not exactly know what it is that drives me to love a good 50s house dress or a silky 30s nightgown, but I am passionate about it and wouldn’t give it up for anything.
“A Glamorous Vintage Housewife.”
- Twila Jean
Q: We know that both of you are friends. How is your style different from each other? SH: Twila Jean and I have very similar taste, and are always getting mistaken for one another, or dressing alike on accident. We also often swap clothes. However I lean more towards kitschy, sometimes cheesy items, while Twila likes the authentic and classic looks. It makes shopping together a bit easier when we both know she’ll have nothing to do with the cat dresses and alligator head purses :) TJ: Ha! I hate to admit it, but it’s not that different. We have gone out together many times accidentally dressed in similar outfits. I would say that Solanah has a more eclectic style and a bigger closet! She also has a great eye for colour theory and can wear a hat like no other, where as I tend to be more reserved on my mixing and matching of colours and styles.
www.sauceink.com
18 Q: Which is your favourite era?
Q: Would you mix and match your items from different eras, or is that a fashion taboo for vintage dressers? SH: I’ll often mix and match clothing from different eras in order to achieve a look of a single era. For example some 80s blouses can work in a 30s look. With the right skirt, makeup, and hair, no one will know the difference! TJ: I do mix things from different vintage eras, even modern pieces, on rare occasions. Modern pieces are usually limited to timeless classics like cardigans, Mary Janes or vintage inspired pieces.
SH: For the past year or so I have had a keen interest in fashions of the 1930s. The lines were feminine, long, and there was an amazing use of seams never seen in fashion since then. Also the hats from that time are my absolute favourite, such as the toppers, which are really fun to wear! Clothing from that period is difficult to find due to the Great Depression (if you could afford new clothes, you wore them out), so I buy sewing patterns from that time and make my own clothes.
Q: What are your vintage makeup essentials? SH: I prefer red matte lipstick for everyday, but sometimes I will add a bit of gloss for a touch of glamour. Hair doesn’t necessarily have to be curled to achieve the vintage look as straight hair can also work for all eras. Particularly for the 20s and 30s, a bob is best; to get the 40s and 50s look, just add bangs to any length and for the 60s get a pixie cut or wear a cute little headband! Although I keep it pretty routine for everyday makeup, I would try something different once in a while, such as black glittery eyeliner.
TJ: My favourite would be the late 1930s because of the intricacies and details that are put into clothing from that era. I am a sucker for anything bias cut and I adore hand sewn details. I also like to dress in frocks from the 1940s and 1950s too.
August 2010
TJ: My red lipstick is my must-have and I don’t leave the house without a fresh coat. Although I am a compulsive make-up buyer with many musthaves in my daily routine, I generally steer clear of heavy powders or foundation. I also always have a nice black liner and am known to dress it up with some false lashes.
19 Q: When it comes to selecting across vintage clothing, how do you determine which era did an item come from? SH: Experience! I am constantly immersed in vintage books, catalogues, magazines, websites, stores, and my own wardrobe. There are many ways to determine the era from which a clothing item is from, such as style, silhouette, sewing techniques, fabric, and other little details. TJ: Ah, trade secrets! I kid, I kid. It took a long time and lots of research but I am now mostly able to identify vintage almost on the spot. Although there isn’t a sure fire way to identify the era of an item, you could identify them from details such as pinked seams, metal zippers, and the fabric that was popular during that time.
Q: How do you deal with the positive/ negative attention towards your unique dressing? SH: I have curious people coming to me, asking questions such as “What play are you in?”, “Do you have to dress like that every day for work”, since I work in a vintage shop. My personal favourite being “So are you a little 40s housewife?” Although I know that most of them are just harmless curious questions, it can be annoying nonetheless. Compliments are met with a polite “thank you”, short and simple. TJ: It takes a distinct confidence to proudly wear vintage out, and to field all the questions asked, because when you wear vintage from head to toe, you know you stick out like a sore thumb. The attention is like a double-edged sword. Although I almost always hear nice things about my attire and I feel confident and pretty when people comment on my dress or my “put togetherness,” but I have friends who tend to feel put off by the constant attention. It can also be particularly conflicting if you are a mom. I try to ignore the negative attention, and focus on the fact that fashion and dressing is all about the passion and the attitude, and I feel good wearing something that is one of a kind.
www.sauceink.com
20
August 2010
21
Apparel by:
Dulcetfig
41 Haji Lane, Singapore 189234
www.sauceink.com
22
HOW TO TELL REAL FROM ThE FAKE?
A
lot has changed in how we make our clothes. A true vintage item generally refers to garments originating from a previous era, usually between the periods of 1920 to 1980. With the recent revival of the ‘vintage look’, many designers have created reproductions in the last few years and try to pass them off as the real McCoy. It can get tricky trying to figure out something is authentic or not, but there are certain telltale signs that you can look out for.
1. Sewing techniques Vintage clothing were made to last, and careful attention was paid to the way the garments were sewn together. Yesterday’s intricate sewing techniques have unfortunately been replaced by shortcuts to save time and money, resulting in a “disposable wardrobe” of new, mass produced items.
2. Fabric Social trends and textile manufacturing technology affect the types of fabrics used to create vintage styles. Many of the unusual older fabric types such as quadriga cloth and organdy fabrics are no longer manufactured or are now prohibitively expensive to produce.
3. Check the labels Anything with a content label showing, or comes with a modern sizing, is not likely vintage. Tip from our experts: Research. Invest in a vintage sewing book with valuable tips and techniques that will teach you how to produce a long lasting garment. August 2010
23
Dulcetfig
41 Haji Lane, Singapore 189234
www.sauceink.com
24
Dulcetfig
August 2010
41 Haji Lane, Singapore 189234
25
LOVE ThEIR LOOKS?
L
iving in the hot tropics does not mean that you can’t play around with vintage styles. SauceINK shows you how to rock in your one-ofa-kind lady-like outfits.
1. Light does not mean boring Go for sun dresses, bold details and patterns on clothing. Cut down on accessorising: e.g. 1930s Feedsack dresses, 1940s playsuit, 1950s shirtdresses, skirts and blouses with patterns.
2. Keep it short and cute • •
If you have long hair styling it up is best, in victory rolls, a high ponytail, or braids. With hair in a bob style, it’s nice to have the back shorter than the front, keeps it off your neck. You can clip it off your face with bows or combs and look very cute.
www.sauceink.com
26
Dulcetfig
August 2010
41 Haji Lane, Singapore 189234
27
www.sauceink.com
28
Sauce Spy
Who is Jeanine Gabrielle ?
August 2010
29
S
he sews, knits, designs, illustrates, and many more! Jeanine Gabrielle Goh Su-Lynn is the girl behind jeaninegabrielle.com, a website filled with all sorts of craft work designed and handmade by Jeanine herself.
“Free-spirited, I do what I enjoy. I’m generally a happy human!
www.sauceink.com
30 Q: Introduce yourself, who exactly is Jeanine? Tell us something we don’t already know, your deepest darkest secret perhaps?
My greatest inspiration would be… my customers! And the satisfaction it all brings. They throw me new challenges all the time, and I’m always up for a good challenge!
I used to get called “forest” when I was in primary school because my Chinese name is “Shu Ling”. I was born in 1985, which makes me 25 this year! (everyone still thinks I’m 19 tho.)
It’s a process of gathering ideas and picking up the best and putting them all together.
I used to wakeboard and rock climb, but quit rock climbing and got “banned” from wakeboarding due to spinal injuries… like all girls, I LOVEEEEEEEE SHOPPING! Both in stores and online, it makes me a happy bunny! My darkest secret? Well, I guess not many people know this but…… I used to be lesbian. I’m serious!
Q: How did you come about making accessories? What is your greatest inspiration? As a child, I loved art; I still do. It started when I was about 15, I got my mum to teach me how to crochet and I started experimenting with lots of different things… I love making gifts for friends instead of getting store bought ones. I never imagined to be doing accessories full-time. To be honest, I wonder at times if I’m going to stick with doing this for good. It was just something I started to enjoy doing so much more than my then full-time job. It was more fun and definitely less stressful. After I quitted my events job, I was in Sydney for three weeks. I actually had another events job waiting for me, but I decided I was going to venture out on my own for a bit, and I’ve been stuck with it ever since! I don’t realise how long it’s been, it’s pretty amazing! I didn’t major in fashion, design, or anything like that. I graduated with a diploma in hospitality management which is poles apart from my current business. I believe I was blessed with a creative mind! It’s hard to cultivate something that you don’t already have, if it isn’t in you, it’s always going to be hard.
August 2010
Q: So, you make accessories for people, what about yourself? Do you have a stash of custom-made accessories for your own keeping? I don’t really make stuff for myself, but somehow I end up keeping pieces that I make and fall in love with. I used to have an issue with selling my work cause I couldn’t bear to sell them. My mum said I would never be able to run a business like that. I do custom make quite a bit of gifts for my friends!
Q: What do you think of ribbon/flower headbands/clips? Would you wear something like that, if so, why? Have you made something like that? I think they’re a great fashion accessory that every girl should have! I loved using flower hair ties since I was young, especially when tying my hair up in a bun. I’ve had customers telling me how they don’t dare to wear such “loud” accessories in fear of looking like a mad woman. That’s why I believe in making accessories in different sizes, colours and styles so there’s something suitable for each individual. I also make pieces that can double up as brooches, so if you don’t feel confident putting a flower on your hair, you can use it to jazz up plain tops and add spunk to blazers! Done right, a flower in your hair can do so much for a look. It can add lots of sophistication if you go for rich colours. Bows, flowers, rosettes, I’ve made them all, go check them out at http://www.jeaninegabrielle. com/hairaccessories.html!
31
“I personally
believe fashion is about dressing to bring out a person’s character, personality, or to play up certain traits.
www.sauceink.com
32
“When I hit the
clubs and have no idea what to wear, I grab my leggings, pick out a neat top and bring along a biker jacket!
August 2010
33 Q: Fashion isn’t just about clothes, so in your prospective, what is fashion? How would accessories help enhance a look? People generally think that being fashionable means keeping up with the latest trends, well true, but we have to realise and accept the fact that fashion isn’t for everyone. Not everyone can look good in a dress from Chanel, a Balmain jacket or 6-inch heels. Aesthetics aside, there are also factors of affordability and comfort to take into consideration. At the end of the day, fashion is about being practically chic. I personally believe fashion is about dressing to bring out a person’s character, personality, or to play up certain traits. Clothes are like pieces you put on a plain canvas to create a certain look, and can also help a person achieve more in life. Not everyone is born with an impeccable fashion sense, and some just don’t bother. What we wear is what defines us as a person, and first impressions always count.
Q: How would you describe your fashion sense? Why? My fashion sense is casual, most days. Because I have flat feet, wearing heels on an everyday-basis really doesn’t work for me. Most days you’ll catch me in flip flops. I wear flip flops with practically anything and everything, but am careful to ensure I don’t look sloppy.
Q: How do you dress on regular days? I’m happy in a tank top and denim shorts or plaid shirt. Or just a simple slip on dress. My wardrobe is pretty much just filled with basics to mix and match. When I hit the clubs and have no idea what to wear, I grab my leggings, pick out a neat top and bring along a biker jacket!
Imagine heading out in a simple tank top, denim shorts and flip flops, it’s okay if you’re going for a simple get up and going to the nearby mall to run errands, but adding accessories can take this same basic outfit downtown! Throw on a casual blazer, push the sleeves up midway, swop the flip flops for flats, sandals, or even heels and put on a simple necklace and bracelet and your outfit will be taken to a completely different level. You could even hit the clubs with it! A simple pair of faux pearl earrings can instantly add a sophisticated feel to a plain outfit. Be careful when picking accessories to go with an outfit, you want to look put together, and not end up looking like you threw on every single piece of jewellery you have in your stash. PS: Sometimes I put on big geek specs to totally change my image. Hey, geek chics are cool too!
www.sauceink.com
34 Q: There are countless labels/designers in the industry, could you name a couple of your favourites and tell us why you like them? Honestly, I’m not very much of a fashion buff. However, I am, and have always been in love with Chanel. It’s a classic, the pieces they come up with are always so iconic and identifiable, and I think that’s what makes a brand successful. You can take one look at it and even in the absence of a logo, you can tell it’s something from Chanel. Chanel’s accessories inspires me. A lot of my customers request that I customise for them accessories with a Chanel vibe. I guess I’m not the only Chanel “fan” around.
Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 years time in terms of relationship, career, etc? Gosh! That’s a scary thought considering I’ll be 30 in 5 years… married, hopefully? It’s really hard to say when your boyfriend is 3 years younger than you and still serving the nation at this point. But yea, at age 30, I definitely hope I’ll be married! The future still looks quite uncertain, I guess we’ll figure it out when my boyfriend finishes NS and plans his next step. If he wants to further his studies overseas, who knows? I might just have to follow! We’ll see!
Q: Every girl should own a little black dress, could you share with us yours? How would you accessorise it? My favourite LBD right now would be this one from ClubCouture. It’s really classy, but still great for parties! Love the lace as it adds a girly feel. It’s sexy without being provocative! I wear a simple necklace and faux pearl earstuds with my LBD. A perfect black dress shouldn’t be overpowered by too many other accessories. Sometimes, less is more!
August 2010
35
“I wear a simple
necklace and faux pearl earstuds with my LBD. A perfect black dress shouldn’t be overpowered by too many other accessories.
www.sauceink.com
36
August 2010
Sauce Fabulous
37
The Maxi Dress By Shevonne Ang
F
or years now, everytime the spring/summer season rolls around the fashion scene has seen the return of the dreamy, flowing maxi dress. But for the sartorially uninitiated, this feminine and romantic full-length garb can be more than a little intimidating.
Apparel by:
THEBLOGSHOP
35 Haji Lane, Singapore 189228 / Far East Plaza #03-93, Singapore 228213 T: http://twitter.com/theblogshopsg E: fashion@theblogshop.sg www.sauceink.com
38
August 2010
39
Here are a few tips to getting the graceful, ethereal look down pat.
www.sauceink.com
40
August 2010
41
Cut So much has been said about the importance of getting the right cut for your body type. But what is worth reiterating is that contrary to common beliefs of what a swathe of cloth can do to a larger or smaller than usual body frame, the maxi dress is possibly one of the few garments in our fashion pages now that trancends most body types. For larger and petite frames, choose form fitting cuts that skim your curves without being too clingy. A loose fitting cut will only accentuate the volume or overwhelm a small body frame, so leave the empire-waist style to your six-foot willow of a friend. www.sauceink.com
42
Print With this season’s maxi dresses coming in different prints such as floral, tie-dye, block prints and stripes (think nautical), choose one that does not overwhelm. Big, bold prints work well for larger body frames whereas smaller prints with intricate details (eg lace, crochet) work well for the petite.
August 2010
43
www.sauceink.com
44
August 2010
45
www.sauceink.com
46
August 2010
47
www.sauceink.com
48
August 2010
49
Footwear The key word to tackling footwear for the maxi dress is “toes”.
www.sauceink.com
50
A quintessential summer trend, the maxi dress is best paired with embellished thong sandals that let your toes peek out to achieve the relaxed boho look.
August 2010
51
www.sauceink.com
52
For longer hemlines, open-toe wedges or heeled sandals give the extra height needed. With the right footwear to pull off the summer feel of the maxi dress, a fresh pedicure would complete it.
August 2010
53
www.sauceink.com
54
August 2010
55
www.sauceink.com
56
August 2010
57
www.sauceink.com
58
August 2010
59
www.sauceink.com
60
August 2010
61
Bags To keep the look casual, oversized bags like a large straw tote or leather hobo will set off the maxi dress dress nicely. For formal occasions, pair the dress with an evening purse for a touch of glamour.
www.sauceink.com
62
Accessories The way to go with accessorising the maxi dress is chunky - from necklaces to bangles to earrings, because nothing itsy-bitsy is going to work as well here. To add a little more interesting detail, try enormous cocktail rings or a bold-printed scarf in the hair. As with any other trend, all it takes to pull off the maxi dress look is to shed some skepticism on what this trend can do for you and work it to your advantage. Invest in some good quality pieces and they might last you for this same season over the next few years!
August 2010
63
www.sauceink.com
64
Sauce Spy
“Hi I’m Nikki, not your typical
blogshop owner with a diploma in fashion design, but instead a professional working in the financial sphere, helping clients managing their wealth. Estee and I went to the same secondary girls’ school which trained us to be independent, strong-minded and we are both very happy to reunite to do this blogshop to spread our love for fashion to other like-minded girls. Other than work, play includes watching artsy movies, travelling and sailing.
August 2010
65
“Hi, I’m Estee Teo.
Currently 26 this year, working in a small FMCG company! My interests are reading, hanging out with friends, blog shopping and blogging @ esteeteo.com!
'Who That Gurl'
tells us who they are!
www.sauceink.com
66
BCBG-Inspired Passionated Dress (Self-manufactured) SGD5900 Flirty and adjustable butterfly straps, concealed back zip, subtle pleat details across the chest meeting a vertical fold to create a billowy romantic silhouette. Comes with full inner lining. A desirable chiffon number guaranteed to fire up that hot date.
August 2010
67
McQueen-Inspired Frilly Dress (Peachy-Pink) SGD3800 Time to snatch this classy, feminine McQueen-inspired piece that’s perfect for date night! This sleeveless, stretchable dress features layered ruffles in front and behind. Hidden zip at the side. Also available in black.
www.sauceink.com
68 In ten words (or so) describe who you are: Estee: Passionate and driven girl, seeking to live life to the fullest, everyday! Nikki: Driven, can be very serious during work but super candid when hanging out with friends. Straightforward, what you see is what you get.
Q: (Take 5 seconds to think and answer...) Which designer inspires you? Why? Estee: Herve Leger by Max Azria, because his designs capture the essence of what a modern day woman seeks to have – the freedom to be stylish and the allure of modern femininity. All his designs have the ability to sculpt a woman’s silhouette by emphasizing the right curves.
Nikki: We hope that in the next 5 years we will have attained a stable following of loyal customers who look forward to every collection release. They trust our brand and the quality, selection that we’ve put in so much effort to. Who knows, it may even lead to a brick and mortar in order to reach out to a greater audience? But we need your support in order to make that happen.
Nora Sunday Brunch Dress (Grey) SGD2900
Q: Tell us more about your personal style? Estee: Most of the time, I’m very casually dressed, but on nights out, I think the more vava-voom, the better. I like A-line dresses most of the time as they are very forgiving, and also like structured dresses when I’m at work. They look smart, are versatile and prevent you from looking over dressed. Nikki: I love dresses, all kinds! Be it work or play, you’ll almost definitely catch me in one, ranging from maxi (for weekends), structured (for work), bodycon (for party). I’d say mostly feminine and sometimes I’d pair it with some pearls for a touch of elegance.
Q: Where do you see WhoThatGurl and yourselves and what do you hope to achieve in 5 years time? Estee/Nikki: Currently, this is out little pet project that we’re doing just for us. It’s a good way for us to learn the essentials of an entrepreneurial experience, plus allows us to paint smiles on the faces of our many satisfied customers. We’ll continue doing this as long as we’re having fun and people continue supporting us!
August 2010
Scoop-neck dress with stitched patterns at collar portion in front and behind. Elevate this casual style with high heels and a statement clutch. Who says you can’t look good on a lazy Sunday afternoon? Also available in orange.
69
DVF-Inspired SGD5900 We already know that every girl needs a little black dress, the new word in town says that every modern day girl needs a wrap dress. Who is better credited for popularising the wrap dress as a wardrobe staple than the beloved Diane von Furstenberg? Tie it in front, tie it at the side, or behind! It's entirely up to you!
www.sauceink.com
70
Flirty is Back (Cream) SGD4200 Ruched cap sleeves. 2-inch band at waist. Same slightlystretchable wool-felt material as the previous Flirty, so it accentuates the right places. Also available in black.
August 2010
71
Flirty is Back (Grey) SGD4200
www.sauceink.com
72 Q: Why (set up a blogshop), when (was this decided), where (were you girls when the decision was made) and how did (the name) WhoThatGurl?
Q: When you girls first started the blogshop, which group of audience were you targetting? And the reality check says...?
Estee/Nikki: We were tired of buying SGD500 dresses which were over priced due to its brand name. We decided that we could pick and manufacture our own pieces with great quality, and make it more affordable for girls like us.
Estee/Nikki: Females between the age of 21-35. The designs we seem to pick out attract the girls who have just embarked on their careers. Most of our shoppers are over 21 years old and many of them are working as professionals.
The blogshop was born in April 2010 and we launched our first collection in May 2010 on Jipaban. This idea came up over dinner when we were just lamenting on how much money we were spending frivolously in brick and mortar stores and we both decided, hey why not? WhoThatGurl was made up on the fly, and its kinda what you say when you see a hot girl with a to die for dress walk by, heads turn and someone asks “Who that girl?”
Q: What is the most challenging part about running your own blogshop?
Q: What makes WhoThatGurl different from the rest of the blogshops?
Nikki: Definitely the challenge to juggle my work which demands long hours as well as WhoThatGurl. Timeliness in responding to clients’ queries. But we have learned to work as a team and trust is of utmost importance in a partnership.
Estee: Our pieces are of high quality and the materials and design of our manufactured pieces are handpicked by us! Nikki: Our superior quality and selection of clothes are the results of hours poured in with our customers in mind, meaning we only sell dresses that we would personally wear. No giant shoulder pads, harem pants, no squeezing into size6s that would hardly fit a real woman past her teens.
Q: How do you pick your collection? Any self-designed pieces? Estee: We like to offer a good mix of clothes, as well as casual wear. Watch out for more manufactured pieces out next launch. Nikki: First and foremost, the clothes have to be of good quality, it must not compromise comfort for looks (and vice versa). We pay a lot of emphasis on the selection of materials to ensure a luxe look/ feel, nothing that people would imagine you could have bought off a blogshop. Going forward we’ll do more self-designed pieces in addition to the inspired dresses we’ve had so far.
August 2010
Estee: Having the stamina to work the week nights and weekends away to ensure all our customers are satisfied. We didn’t know it would be so time consuming initially! Also, working well with my partner Nikki, and ensuring that we share the same vision and passion!
73
Banana RepublicInspired Drawstring Dress SGD4000 Simplicity at its best, this Banana Republic-inspired Drawstring Dress comes in a unique shade of blue. Made with a soft silk-like material. Pair it with heels for a night out about town or with gladiator sandals for a casual Sunday afternoon out. Features twisted shoulder straps, an open V-neck and adjustable drawstrings at the waist.
Q: Last words? Estee: 2 girls, 1 blogshop. Our dream? To fulfil yours. Nikki: Thank you for all our customers’ support so far, your encouraging words and repeat visits mean the world to us and we will work harder to bring the best to you. For all of you who have not visited us, we’ll be delighted if you could drop by www. jipaban.com.sg/store/whothatgurl and join our mailing list, we’ll notify you once our own site is up and running!
www.sauceink.com
74
August 2010
Sauce Fabulous
75
www.sauceink.com
76
Pink Baby Doll Top
SGD2400
August 2010
77
Short Maxi Dress
SGD2500
www.sauceink.com
78
Pink Net Skirt
SGD2400
August 2010
79
Pinkish Nude Romper
SGD2400
www.sauceink.com
80
Pokka Dot T-Back Top
SGD2400
August 2010
81
Vintage Pink Dress
SGD2400
www.sauceink.com
82
August 2010
Sauce Fabulous
83
"Inspired by the streetwear culture..." www.sauceink.com
84
August 2010
85
XSQUAD
2 Handy Road, The Cathay #03-11, Singapore 229233
E: xsquad@singnet.com.
www.sauceink.com
86
August 2010
87
www.sauceink.com
88
August 2010
89
www.sauceink.com
90
August 2010
91
www.sauceink.com
92
August 2010
Sauce Culture
93
A look at
Singapore Cosplay C
osplay (aka “costume play�) is a type of performance art. Participants often dress up as character drawn from popular fiction - manga, anime, tokusatsu, comic books, graphic novels, video games, hentai and fantasy movies - in Japan. Role-play includes portrayals of J-pop and J-rock stars, Taiwanese puppet characters, science fiction characters, characters from musical stories, classic novels, and entertainment software. Any entity from the real or virtual world that lends itself to dramatic interpretation may be taken up as a subject. Inanimate objects are given anthropomorphic forms and it is not unusual to see genders switched, with women playing male roles and vice versa.
www.sauceink.com
94
August 2010
95
www.sauceink.com
96
August 2010
97
www.sauceink.com
98
August 2010
99
www.sauceink.com
100
August 2010
101
www.sauceink.com
102
August 2010
103
www.sauceink.com
104
August 2010
105
www.sauceink.com
106
August 2010
107
www.sauceink.com
108
August 2010
109
www.sauceink.com
110
August 2010
111
www.sauceink.com
112
August 2010
Sauce Fabulous
113
www.sauceink.com
114
August 2010
115
www.sauceink.com
116
August 2010
117
www.sauceink.com
118
August 2010
119
www.sauceink.com
Visit us at
www.SauceINK.com Social Networks
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/sauceink Twitter: http://twitter.com/sauceink Contact
Editorial: editorial@sauceink.com Advertising: advertising@sauceink.com aylwin@sauceink.com