Alexa Chung for Madewell

Coming out in fall 2010, this collaboration is one I really am looking forward to. Not forgetting to mention it'll be easy on the pockets! Under parent company J.crew, Madewell is an American casual clothing chain store which is currently being stocked on Shopbop as well. I'm hoping Shopbop would carry this collection, 'cause that means I might have a remote chance of getting them sans cut throat prices and countless bids on eBay. I've always liked Alexa Chung, for her knack of pairing and layering simple pieces of clothing and creating an individualistic style, especially with her trademark socks and shoes. Must have pieces in my books? The peter pan collar beige blouse and all the dresses! Peter pan collars just appeal to me in an unfathomable manner, they are too sweet and chic. I've never actually seen an ugly piece of clothing in those collars.....oh wait. Okay maybe I have. But they would have been much uglier with normal ones. ;) I also just realised after doing a mental calculation, that this collection won't be out till around 7 months later or so? (Right?) I'll just keep checking back for the launch date, but till then, happy ogling! I know I will be waiting in a pool of drool.

xx,
Natalie

Latest Eye Candy

How many of you can identify with this newfound free time that comes with polytechnic graduation? Although this so-called, self-proclaimed "graduation" isn't exactly official yet until May, but I'm already soaking in this amaaazing long lost feeling of a holiday! Whooopeee!

So... After all that eating and collecting red packets during Lunar New Year, I took this precious time I had in my hands to revisit my list of bookmarked blog reads. And I discovered this oh-so-adorable online magazine via Daydream Lily.

(credits: Chikismiqui)

Titled Chikismiqui, this magazine hails from Argentina and is a compilation of lovely illustrations that you just can't help but want them framed on your wall. Each issue, they feature a talented illustrator like one of our favourites - Fifi Lapin.

Aww. Don't these beautiful illustrations just brighten up your day? For me, it's definitely makes a good "read" though I may not understand the published language. Feasting my eyes on the images does the job. What's more, you get to read it online for free!

Alrightey, if you're looking for adorable pictorial content for that short break without spending your moolah, check out Chikismiqui here.

With sunshine and daisies,
Bren

Thrift shopping

In a bid to make full use of the last day of my CNY break, I did a little thrift shopping at Sungei Road, (or Thieves Market as some know it) somewhere which I've been meaning to check out for awhile. This place is famed for its dirt cheap Dr. Martens boots and vinyl records but as you might have guessed it does require a bit of digging through before you score something nice. Even if you don't though, it's interesting exploring the wide range of items on sale, from collectibles and wearables to obsoletes. (Handphones with antennas, cassette players, gameboys; surely they ring a bell?!) And in case you're wondering, yes I did find a black vintage sling bag for $4. At the back of my mind while paying for it, I thought about my navy blue bag which looks almost similar to this but heck, thrifting brings out your most compulsive and indulgent nature. Not that I'm complaining...it's definitely worth an afternoon plowing through the stalls. I just wished the weather was better, as always; both my friend and I were sighing with relief once we reached Spinelli after what, an hour of thrifting?? Thank you, Willis Haviland Carrier for saving the day once again.

Have a lovely & 'thrifty' week!
Nat

Wonderland

Hello!

This week's been busy, busy, busy with the mad rush to complete school projects before CNY. Not to mention the obligatory spring cleaning. arh!

But we've been super inspired by Alice in Wonderland. Watch the trailer below!




Believe it or not, but I've never been much of a fan of Johnny Depp (even after I've seen all of Pirates) until I'm convinced in What's Eating Gilbert Grape and Public Enemies. Oh, but how can anyone not like any of Tim Burton's creations?! I'm pretty much obsessed with anything "Alicey". White stockings, mary janes, puffy skirts and hair bands! Quite unlike my usual style, but they're too pretty!

Plus I found a 2003 US Vougue Editorial shot by Annie Leibovitz featuring all them top designers!

Check out those tats! I think it's super brave, but then again you can never go wrong with a classic?

Isn't there a feeling for everything dreamy this spring? Alright, I'm off to bake goodies with my girlfriends. will post pictures in my next entry!

woopie!
Meng

Behind “Fanfare”
Fanfare was born as a result of us (Brenda, Natalie, and Meng Ye) twiddling our thumbs at the usual humdrum, and wondered if there could be more to expressing our love for clothes, interesting reads, pretty illustrations and everything in between.

Fanfare, as the name might suggest, is a space where celebration of fashion and the arts take place. We write, and we design clothes from our scraps of drawings, little adventures and the occasional ice cream indulgence. Basically, everything! Our inspiration is tapped from daily sightings and embracing what life has to offer. More than just a form of spectacular display, this space is dedicated to all who feel the common desire to celebrate life.

Our Story
So this is a story of one thing that led to another. We realized, through bonding over cups of coffee, none of us are satisfied with just brimming closets (and empty pockets). Surely, we thought, there is a way to celebrate fashion as part of life in its entirety. Fanfare is not just a burst of eureka, or born out of a single thought. It was a rather intricate affair, one which journeyed with us on bus rides and our last moments of the day. It is an outlet for us to flaunt what we love creatively through our designs, writing and ideas.