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New Kid on the Block: JOOIX.COM

Wed, 17 Aug 2011 14:16:00 +0800

Hello, my dear faithful reader, apologies for the progressively muted Reverie blog over the past months. The exciting news is, I’ve been busily and enjoyably cranking up a new business. Still related to jewellery and fashion though in a different and far more coherent direction. From the myriad of passionate sharing on trivialities such as fragrance, lingerie, design and fashion, I clearly have an unabashed, unwavering and life-long affair with all things beautiful. Take a massive dose of that loving, blend it stylishly with some net-a-portering and yoox-ing, and lo and behold, comes JOOIX.COM. Why JOOIX (pronounced as joo-eks)? ‘Joie de vivre’ or joy of living or pleasures is the inspiration behind the brand name. What to expect from jooix.com? Check out our holding page; google us. Hint: emerging global brands and established brands that are oh so rare and precious…

designersocial: I love a perfect piece of costume jewelry that...

Sat, 06 Aug 2011 15:17:12 +0800

Miriam Haskell/ Getty Images

designersocial:

I love a perfect piece of costume jewelry that allows me to make a statement without breaking the bank and the latest collaboration between Miriam Haskell and Cameron Silver, founder of Decades in Los Angeles, are no different.

Silver brought his well-trained eye for vintage finds to the Miriam Haskell archives that date back to when the company started in the ‘20s. The results are a sexier, modern take on classic Haskell pieces that are designed with either an Uptown or Downtown vibe in mind but are easily covetable by all.

[Photos: Getty Images via Thread NY]

Photo

Tue, 21 Jun 2011 15:40:25 +0800

More Retail Therapy...stay tuned!

Mon, 20 Jun 2011 20:10:00 +0800

Check out our new earrings and stay posted for a new retail therapy event happening at Lawry’s restaurant in Mandarin Gallery next Friday, 1st July. Reverie will be showcasing our new collection of pretty jewellery!

Beauty Unmasked

Sun, 15 May 2011 23:04:00 +0800

Recent years have seen a heightened popularity of sheet masks from Korea and Taiwan. Unable to resist the attractive array of sweetly affordable masks at $1.30—$3 each, I have turned to brands such as My Beauty Diary (MBD), Deary, FaceQ and Missha for soothing, hydrating pampering twice a week. After sampling some 20 types, here are my favourites: MBD — 1. Apricot, 2. Apple, 3. Black Tulip; Deary — 4. Pearl, 5. CoQ10 Rose; Missha — 6. Deep Sea, and finally, FaceQ — 7. Ocean Aloe. Once a month, I switch back to the premium SKII masks for face as well as eyes. And yups, you do see the difference, but probably because your skin is not being fed with the ‘same food’ all the time.

Another Korean delight that surprises me is Super Aqua Oxygen Mask by Missha. It works on the same principle as Bliss Triple Oxygen Spray, except that unlike Bliss spray (which has better quality packaging), this is actually more effective. Once a week, I leave the extremely liquid mask on for a mere 3-4 mins. Anything longer triggers sensitivity for me, although I hear that many leave it on longer. The next morning, I find my complexion clearer, even with poor sleep. But perhaps, the bright skin is also thanks to my holy grail weekly indulgence — Babor fluids. Concentrated ampoules from Germany that work much, much harder and better than serums, and cost more. I hope I get to use these divine ampoules that smell even better than the French perfumes for a long, long time! Tip: vary the type of fluids in a month to avoid your skin getting too used to a specific one, thereby losing the visible effects. In Singapore, you can find these at Aegean Spa in Central or Spa Espirit in Paragon.

Hello, Cheery Summer!

Thu, 05 May 2011 13:36:00 +0800

The white, hot summer is falling on us soon. And over in Singapore, the heat is baking us alive! Summer is also, thankfully, alive with colour and holidays. Oh, how I long for an overdue, fun vacation! Greeting the new season early over at Colette boutique in Forum is Reverie’s latest collection of earrings launched this week. They are irresistibly cute, cheery and different! Perhaps, something whimsical for Mum this Mother’s Day? Priced from $149-$159.

Blooming Beauty Easter Sale: 22nd--26th April

Mon, 18 Apr 2011 22:01:00 +0800

Join us for a private preview of summer’s hottest accessories in Reverie’s Open House while enjoying Awfully Chocolate cakes and tea. 200 designer jewellery and bags will be featured, including past seasons’ collections. With discounts from 25%—50% off, what are you waiting for? Our Blooming Beauty Easter Sale kicks off on Good Friday, 22nd April till next Tuesday, 26th April (excluding Sunday) at The Esta. Please email Angelina at angelina@reverie.sg or call 9296 6661 for details.

Spring in Technicolour

Mon, 11 Apr 2011 21:31:01 +0800

Jazz up your minimalist look this spring with Reverie’s latest spring collection. Jewellery designs are inspired by the eras of urban boho, disco retro and classy tribal. Stay tuned for our Preview Party showcasing tons of jewellery next week!

Boho Blue Necklace

Retro Sand Necklace

Boho Rouge Earrings

Tribal Blue Earrings

Bridesmaids' Bling

Fri, 01 Apr 2011 23:38:00 +0800

Some time back, I was commissioned to customise jewellery for a trio of bridesmaids who initially requested for “Tiffany blue” accessories to pair with their off-white toga dresses. I frankly shared that I don’t have the “Tiffany blue’ though I’d alternative ideas that could strike a chord. What you see below is some ideas I sent across, to check their responses/preferences, before our meet-up and final delivery. Interestingly, all picked earrings with different designs using a range of blue and gold/brass components. Styles stretched across the spectrum of vintage to glam to whimsy, to suit their personalities. Such fun I had designing these and for a friend’s wedding as well! Unfortunately, time was against us, so I didn’t manage to take shots of the final designs.

A father and child who lost their home stand in front of debris...

Sun, 13 Mar 2011 13:04:14 +0800

A father and child who lost their home stand in front of debris in Sendai, northern Japan Saturday, March 12, 2011 after Japan’s biggest recorded earthquake slammed into its eastern coast Friday. Picture: AP Photo/Kyodo News

A Newbie Skincare Junkie

Wed, 02 Mar 2011 00:22:00 +0800

I’ve converted into a skincare junkie, at least for now anyway. For more than 5 years, I’ve been so lazy when it comes to mere cleaning that my facial therapist chided me every time I updated her that I still slept with make-up on once a week. Also, even though I’m aware some of the creams I was using were not effective especially after 8 months or so, I continued with them. Finding replacements are simply tiresome. Which brand to try? Which product? What are other users’ experiences? The thought of making intelligent choices sounds like a mega project. Which it certainly proved to be. From a skincare slug, I’ve turned into a hardcore junkie who invested an insane number of hours the past month reading up various beauty sites, blogs, etc.

Alas, I’m happy to share the fruits of my labour and what new mythical products my skin has been lapping up recently. Let me disclaim the following first by sharing my condition: ‘normal to dry’, occasionally sensitive skin and an easily clogged nose. Averse to strong scents and impatient for results — I expect to see and feel visible difference after 2 weeks of daily use! I live in humid Singapore, but travel regularly within Asia and to Europe, so my skin is periodically stressed and dull in spite of tweaking my skincare regime during autumn-winter. Apart from the random anxiety of being 35 yrs old, no major skin problems. The good stuff that stopped working on me after a year are La Mer de la creme, SKII Signature Cream and their Eye Cream, as well as StriVectin. What does work continually perfectly, even after all these years, are the Shu Uemura (ShU) basics and La Mer Refining Facial (superb exfoliant).

My AM Regimen. The Really Good Stuff — ShU Pore Clarifying Cleanser, ShU Depsea Hydrating Lotion (toner). Caudalie (CAU) Pulp Vitamee Eye & Lip Cream, CAU VinoPerfect Radiance Serum for face & neck (UPDATE: now that my skin is radiant, i use this not more than thrice a wk), The Body Shop Vitamin C Daily Moisturiser SPF 30 (yes, I’m even open to drugstore brands) , OR, Peter Thomas Roth Max All Day Moisture Defense SPF 30. The Ambigious Stuff — CAU Beauty Elixir which I alternate with ShU Lotion, Clarins Advanced Extra Firming Neck Cream. The Waste-of-$$: Burt’s Bee Beeswax Lip Balm.

My PM Regimen. ShU Cleansing Oil Premium A/O instead of its Clarifying Cleanser. Everything else follows the AM, apart from the day/night cream. Still hunting for the perfect night cream and eye serum. (UPDATE: found and love L’occitane’s Immortelle Very Precious Cream though I use a teeny dab each night only so it’s not too rich.)

Bi-weekly/weekly/fortnightly Treatments, depending on scale of laziness

La Mer’s The Refining Facial. SKII Facial Treatment Mask. SKII Signs Eye Mask. One Babor’s Collagen Booster Fluid (ampoule) used over two nights. My skin LOVES Babor’s ampoules; they are little miracles that lift, clarify and give me the dewy glow even for days after! (UPDATE: added those popular, really affordable and effective Taiwanese sheet masks twice a wk as well.)

Recommended Websites for Your Own Research

1. Compare reviews from: MakeupAlley, Essential Day Spa and Total Beauty

2. Blogsite from a model with great skin and make-up: A Model’s Skincare Routine

3. For best-sellers and more reviews: Sephora and Skinstore

Long and short of it — nope, I haven’t attained nirvana skin in spite of the Herculean effort, but it has improved and strengthened considerably within 2 weeks. I also read, belatedly, that I ought to have turned to the worldwide sensational Avéne Skin Recovery Cream during travels (especially autumn and winter). I’m still hungry to unearth more ‘Holy Grail’ items, particularly from Ren, L’occitane’s Immortelle range, Shiseido’s Bio-performance range or Liérac. So, if any of you have experiences, please share generously!

designersocial: Gucci fall 2011 [Via WWD] Handbags in a word?...

Sun, 27 Feb 2011 13:35:50 +0800

Frida G

designersocial:

Gucci fall 2011 [Via WWD] Handbags in a word? STRUCTURED.

Things do not have to be this way; things can be anything.

Tue, 22 Feb 2011 13:22:00 +0800

Reblogged from themadeshop:

“(this is inarticulate, but I meant it. I wrote it while i was very very tired.)

Sometimes I talked about things, and said “Look, there’s a thing, let’s talk about it, let’s talk about how it’s bad., it didn’t work, it’s dumb.” And people would say “You’re an artist, that’s special, it’s special to be an artist” And I’d say “No I’m not, look at all these crap artists. It’s not special. I just am doing the thing that I have to do.”

And older artists would talk like it was voodoo super magic to be an artist. Hippies. But now, seriously, I am reconsidering. I feel, increasingly, like things are settled, like everyone thinks they know how things are supposed to be, and how they are supposed to be is in a box.

There are boxes. The boxes are like: movie, reality tv, post-radioheadband, little gallery with a picture in it, little book for housewives who went to college to read. Little boxes for little artists to be in so they can be part of this economy and world. And there’s no chance any of these things will spill out of the boxes that they are in. No one expects them to do anything, result in anything.

As a creative person, you provide a service so that people with brains can stay entertained enough to not blow those brains out so we can keep putting them to work for us. You’re like the movie on the plane. Nice. We’re flying a plane here. Keep it rolling.

Soon we will arrive. There’s a cynical, hipster-Tshirt, pillpoppped, tired Vice Magazine reading oh-we’re-all-grownups-here thing here that is saying Oh come on, one day you will be one of them, to survive you will be one of them, and only Them run things. So grow up. Stop expecting to not be in the box. Maybe wait for a computer geek to make a new and interesting box. Have a drink. Have a cigar. The best it can get is basically Bill Clinton America. Lets go for that. Yeah, let’s do that.

That was fun, right? You’ll have a house, you’ll have a job. Maybe everyone will have a house and a job. A chicken in every pot. What could possibly be better than a chicken in every pot? Especially in this economy. Doesn’t that sound like heaven? And…and no. You cannot make art like that. You can’t make art assuming it’s a thing to go in a box to be checked. Even if it will go in a box and that’s it.

Things do not have to be this way. Things do not have to be this way. Things can be anything. Please, everyone: do things anyway. Do them. I am sure it looks hopeless now: Like, at best, like some scheme for one more person to get a house. But it’s not. You can get out of the box. Humans can get out of boxes. Always have. If we can’t, there’s no art, there’s no fun. there’s no anything.

Do it anyway, and know that it gets better. Know that if you are still doing it in this world, under these conditions, in this situation which is designed in every detail and on every level to constantly compare you to the lamest possible interpretation of you, then you are doing something, I was cynical for a long long time.

I am cynical. Cynicism is good and will help you. But do the thing that you do. Perform far beyond and outside the expectations. Without it, without the conviction that it doesn’t have to be this way, then it does. Every single one of you.

Do it. And know that one day, they will thank you for having kept on doing it, when it was so unfashionable to do anything but make more money and joke about how once you thought you could do it. Please do things, Please. One day someone will thank you for it. They will look back and say “Oh thank god people kept doing things, despite the constant derision poured on things and the doing of them”. Please do things. Please. Please.”

— Zak Smith (via aar0n)

My 5 New Parisian Discoveries

Thu, 17 Feb 2011 18:05:00 +0800

While in Paris in Jan, I discovered 5 new loves, some of which I packed home, and some remain fond memories to be re-experienced again.

Uber cool Nova Tunes 2.3 CD from where else but Colette. A trip along St. Honore where you can find Jo Malone, Princess Tam Tam along with the best fashion boutiques will not be complete without hanging out in artsy, trend-setting Colette.

Check out this track: Tighten Up by The Black Keys

Maje is the quintessential Parisian label, of which Vanessa Paradis is supposedly a fan. The best part about this high street brand is, it’s incredibly affordable. Got a chic dress under EUR150 during the recent sale!

Fascinating music video by Mylene Farmer, who is the French equivalent of Madonna as I was told. Extremely commercial tunes but the production of this video is quite superb.

Doson from Diptyque. Simply lovely.

No one does butter croissants like the French boulangerie. Am I craving one of these now, despite having one daily whilst there.

The Look of Love

Fri, 11 Feb 2011 16:54:00 +0800

At a loss what to give that special someone this Valentine’s Day? Look no further; check out our Spring collection jewellery inspired by minimalist baroque available at Trixilini boutique.

Necklace, $219

Necklace: $199

Pendant: $119

Earrings: $129 — $139

Love or Purgatory?

Tue, 08 Feb 2011 18:44:00 +0800

A belated Gong Xi Fa Cai to all! I spent my Lunar New Year in Paris and just got back, still jet-lagged. Before you read on, be warned that this post is riddled with complaints; in fact, my first ‘whining’ piece (imagine the suppression:-)), so bear with me. To be frank, every trip to Paris unfailingly leaves me with jumbled sentiments. While the city is resplendently beautiful, the people witty and tasteful, the food (especially cheese and beef) incomparable, my actual accommodation itself, thanks to you-know-who is pure purgatory. I jest not — envisage utter dilapidation, complete with paint peeling off the walls, tacky tables covered with starched, holey bath towels, hideous ornaments, mattress and pillows designed to produce more body aches than rest, and finally, a freezing kitchen and bathroom sans heater (it was -3 to 10 degrees last week). I do not expect Four Seasons’ type of lodging, but neither do I look forward to something reminiscent of an abandoned old folks’ home. If you, like me, appreciate aesthetics and is remotely home-proud, you would comprehend what I mean when I confess that every nook and cranny of the lodging assaults me, as much as everything else about the city charms me. Why stay specifically there then? Let’s just say, it’s one of those compromises one has to suffer for love. Ah…

Poetic Gibberish?

Wed, 19 Jan 2011 23:36:00 +0800

Something short of a miracle happened recently. Few things I’d long forgotten about though treasured found their way into the light again. Most importantly, is a small collection of poems I’d written and edited relentlessly from eons past. “The Quiet Deepens” is my pick of the lot below. It’s restrained and rather implosive in The Ice Storm sort of way. On the subject of poems, I used to love poems tremendously, more so than novels. They are compact and dense, with everything from the situation, conflict and resolution delivered in a matter of a few lines, stanzas, or at most, a few pages. Short stories go the same way, except for some unfathomable reason, there are so few really good short stories around compared to the hundreds of great poems. Perhaps, one day, I will write another poem, and I wonder, how different it will be from the one below…

******

The Quiet Deepens

Angelina Seow

A glance, a twitch, a pause

They speak silently

Through each beat

The pause deepens

The space expands

They are typing again

Tap-tap-tap echoing into the night

Their minds are fencing without respite

It is raining again

Drops ricocheting against the granite

Their battles wage on in darkness, in light

They stand still while riots rage

They hold their breath till the storm abates

The unfurling of the end, they wait

The quiet deepens

The space expands

Be this the end or the beginning

Of peace to come or a call-to-arms?

They can only wait.

Gimme' Reverie Bonbons!

Thu, 13 Jan 2011 16:48:55 +0800

It’s the season of sweet loving for Reverie, with just a month away from Valentine’s Day. We are giving away a cute jug of Reverie mango-apple bonbons for every purchase of Reverie jewellery in January and February!

Did we mention they are super yummy, not too sweet (reduced sugar) and incredibly addictive?

Only the cutest gift for our discerning customers!

Reverie Spring/Summer 2011 Collection

Tue, 11 Jan 2011 13:39:00 +0800

Reverie Spring/Summer 2011 Collection

Heart Ya at FashBash

Wed, 05 Jan 2011 15:18:00 +0800

2011 is here and I’m keeping my fingers crossed that it will bring alot more good luck and happiness. For a start, Reverie will be in the well-loved FashBash again next weekend on 15th and 16th Jan at Orchard Central. Make a date with us at Stall 45 near the fountain on the ground floor. Past seasons’ collections will be up to 40% off, with prices kicking in from $60 for earrings, and $95 onwards for necklaces! To top it off, we will unveil oodles of elegant new designs with Swarovski pearls, suede and cotton used most unpredictably…Seeya!