Fat-shionista #467

And how do we chase away the Monday blues? WITH BRIGHT BRRRRRIGHT REDS of course!

In 3 more days I get to fly to Las Vegas and I’m really excited. In the meantime, this means I only have 3 days to finish up my work so that I can enjoy my time with T, worry-free! So here’s a short, quick post today before I get back to the gggrrind!

What I’m wearing today:

Dress Red 80s vintage shift dress with cut-out back from Green Violet Vintage on etsy.com

Accessories: Gold triangle plate earrings from GOGO PHILIP (at Topshop)

Footwear: Brown hidden wedge pumps from ZIPIA

Rants & Raves: Dress Sense

Who: Dress Sense, Singapore

What: Buy or Rent designer evening gowns and special ocassion wear in Singapore

Where: Raffles City Shopping Centre, 252 North Bridge Road, #03-29A, Singapore 179103 OR Dress Sense Showroom and Office, Exchange Concepts Pte Ltd, 33 Ubi Avenue 3, Vertex #02-01, Singapore 408868

Vanessa from Dress Sense contacted me sometime in January this year to tell me more about what they offer – specifically because they recently started stocking a collection of plus-sized occasion dresses. Knowing that the collection has sizes for ladies between US 16 – 22 piqued my interests. It wasn’t until today that I managed to meet up with them to learn more about the 3-year old company that was set-up in May 2011!

I’m really excited to tell you that they carry as many as 27 brands for dresses and 9 other brands for accessories. Besides evening gowns and cocktail dresses that can be rented or purchased, they also rent and sell accessories such as evening bags, earrings, bangles and necklaces. Accompanying the must-haves to make your special day work the way you want it, they also sell the much needed fashion fix of Hollywood Fashion Tape, shapewear and Nu Bra.

For straight-sized fashionistas, their range is from US 0 – 14.

At a glance, this is what we’re looking at in terms of prices:

• Dresses: $100 – $350 for rental, $300 – $1000 for purchase.
• Accessories: $30-$80 for rental, $100-$400 for purchase
• Bags: $50-$120 for rental, $200-$450 for purchase
• Shapewear: $80-130 for purchase only

I think this is great and goes perfectly well with their tagline “Buy or Rent. Do what makes sense.” This certainly resonates well with the bargainista in me. While you need to understand that you have to shell out a bit more for quality, you should also do what is best for your own budget. It’ll be unfair to expect something really cheap to look like a million bucks but then again if you haven’t got a million bucks, you don’t have to look crap either!

What Dress Sense offers are options to fit a wide range of clientele!

There are currently 2 Dress Sense outlets catering specifically to occasion wear. The picture at the top is of their Raffles City branch. (Raffles City operation hours: Sun – Thur: 11am – 9pm; Fri – Sat: 11am – 9.30pm) They have rows upon rows of frocks and frou frou! Such a joy to run your fingers through the soft, satiny, lush, velvety fabrics! Do note however, that their Raffles City and Vertex shops offer a different range of gowns. Raffles City houses sexier styles – e.g. low back, plunging neckline, while Vertex is more conservative eg. Sleeveless, dresses with bolero. Vertex also houses the plus size collection. (Vertex operation hours: Tue – Sun: 12pm – 6pm).

Their Vertex showroom is located just at the city fringe, near Paya Lebar. I initially took a taxi to Vertex but I realised I could’ve easily just taken the MRT and stopped at Tai Seng. It’s just a short 10 minute walk! It’s not difficult to get to and rather accessible.

So today, not only did I get to view their sizable showroom and learn more about what they had to offer, I also got to try on several outfits in one of their two incredibly spacious changing rooms. To be honest, the experience was simply indulgent! I absolutely loved it! So different from my usual style, so terribly FAAABULOUS!

Singapore-based readers, look out for a chance to win a $50 voucher that can be put to use against a purchase or rental!

To enter, all you need to do is
- LIKE the wastedfashion facebook page
- LIKE the Dress Sense Facebook page AND
- Go to the Dress Sense Facebook page and comment on the photo of me that you like best

ALSO, just for wastedfashion readers (regardless of straight or plus-sized), Dress Sense is extending a 10% discount on all purchases and rental of regular-priced gowns/cocktail dresses for the next 12 months until April 2014! Just tell them you would like the “wastedfashion” discount!

Thank you for reading and thanks for the opportunity, Dress Sense!!

Rants & Raves: The One

I’m feeling a little emo at the moment and had some thoughts I wanted to share. I think this was brought on by the fact that this time next week, I’ll be all snuggled up in the new bed that T bought for us to start our new life together (although I’m still not exactly sure when that will all take place, but I guess, slowly but surely is still good.)

I haven’t really talked about this and T seems to have popped out of nowhere. People are curious, I know. But T and I… it’s a long time coming.

T and I met on OKCupid – no shame in Internet dating, I tells ya. I was single for 7 years and in that time, I went out on many dates with local men (and some foreign men based in Singapore). Most obviously flopped and I was about to throw in the towel to write a book about the perils of dating in Singapore (especially as a plus sized, sass-mouthed woman in her 30s). Then I met T. It started with OKCupid asking me to rate profiles – I did 50 or some random number they said to do. Among the profiles I rated was T’s. He rated me back and gave me full marks! I received an automated message that said we both chose each other and I should now send him a message. I wrote a very simple “Hello I’m Chloe” and… the rest as they say is history.

Actually not quite because as with these things, you don’t just exchange messages with 1 person. There were several others at the same time. Strangely all those whom I’m over 90% matched to live far far far away from me – mostly either in Europe or North America. And one by one they drifted away because of the distance. T kept up the conversation with me and I was always excited to get his messages. They usually came at 4am my time and I always woke up just to read them before drifting off to slumberland again – then drafting a careful reply when I was sober and awake. Messages on OKCupid led to long daily e-mails (which I still love receiving), whatsapp messages, phone calls and then Skype. And that’s how we’ve been surviving the distance.

Now that we’re at the crossroads of deciding how we should proceed, I found myself questioning why it was so easy with T. He’s funny, geeky, smart and basically almost everything I’ve ever looked for in a man. (Thank you OKCupid for filtering!!!) We get into arguments from time to time but we concede and compromise easily. He’s kind, loving and generous (though sometimes annoyingly neurotic and way too shy). It often seems like he’s more than willing to give in to me when we meet an impasse. And because he’s so giving, I willingly give in too. Our tiffs never last for very long.

Maybe it’s age. I’m less feisty and domineering than before. Maybe because 7 years alone, 6 ECT sessions, pulling myself out of therapy (and medication), quitting the smokes and the bottle and sobering up in general helped. Whatever it is, we work. T and I. What happened to all the Singapore men? What do they want? Why does it take someone from across the pond, and then some, to appreciate me? I wished aloud a couple of times, for T to be Singaporean because it’s so difficult with him so far away. I want to start the next phase of my life NOW. I’ve found someone who has the same aspirations as me; who shares the same values; who is biologically, emotionally ready. Why does he have to live so far away? I’m tired of not only being alone but more than anything, I long to wake up every morning to the big nerd who’s captured my heart and imagination.

T and I are not perfect people. But we’re perfect for each other. Or darn tooting close! I’m not sure what THE ONE constitutes. I cannot guarantee that this will be forever. But this is the best thing that has happened to me in a long time. If T is not the one, he sure as hell comes mighty close. Please let this be IT.

So anyway, OKCupid – it works. But you have to put in some effort. I wrote and rewrote my profile. I answered maybe 300 odd questions. I refined my dating criteria over and over again. I dated a horde of toads before this happened. Maybe there isn’t someone for everyone and some people are just meant to be alone. But if you’re not going to put yourself out there, you’re never gonna go no where.

Fat-shionista #466

Hello it’s Wednesday… Sorry, I forgot I wanted to do What The Frock Wednesdays again. HAH!

Thanks to the kind people at WE LOVE COLORS, I am in love with my brand new Plus Sized Splash Color Tights! I was looking for something blue and not quite galaxy print because I’ve already got 2 pairs in the footless style. This is colour #2132. size A/B. For reference, I’m a UK16/18 and I’m 5′ 0″ (or 1.53m). The tights are a little too long and comes up to just under my boobs but this happens to me all the time because I’m Plus Petite. As with the other WE LOVE COLORS stockings, this has a very strong built-in gusset – which is very important to me as most hosiery manufacturers seem to neglect it. The crotch gusset reduces the stress caused by tugging when you pull them up, so the tights lasts longer and doesn’t rip. Who wants crotchless stockings??? At the same time, I feel that it eliminates the gross camel-toe effect.

Anyway, thank you Sian Eng again for today’s photos.

What I’m wearing today:

Top: Grey HELLO KITTY tank top from FAITH21 (former Forever 21+)

Skirt: Black weave cotton skater skirt from TOPSHOP

Outerwear: Black cropped cardigan from WAREHOUSE

Accessories: Purple necklace/earrings from JuanitaTortilla; Wood cut sleeping fox brooch from Dulcetfig; Purple stretchy belt (came free with a dress) from DOROTHY PERKINS

Leggings: Blue Plus Sized Splash Color Tights from WE LOVE COLORS

Footwear: Black square studded P. Galia loafers from STEVE MADDEN

Fat-shionista #465

My colleague Xavier went “WAAAAAAAAH!” in shock when he walked past me just as I was about to go get today’s outfit photo taken. Noting that the colours are rather muted today, I can only assume that it’s my neon orange hair bow. Well, actually Sian Eng was the one who brought it up. She found the bow quite a distraction when I last wore it. Apparently, it’s always at the corner of her eye or in her line of sight. What do you think?

I love this bow!! It’s one of 2 that T bought me in Bangkok recently. Now that my hair’s a little longer (and somewhat fluffier), I think I’d like to dress it up more often with accessories. Watch out for bows, barettes and rosettes!

What I’m wearing today:

Top: Black sleeveless bra top from UNIQLO

Outerwear: Mustard yellow chiffon jacket from a nonameshop in Far East Plaza

Accessories: Long plastic airplanes necklace from Bitsch Kitsch; Neon orange polka dotted hair bow from thestreetsofbangkok

Bottom: Grey elastic-waist hi-lo skirt from NEW LOOK (Best skirt I own, in my opinion. Travels easy – light and no ironing required)

Leggings: Black tights with pink and blue hearts from TOPSHOP

Footwear: Mustard Yellow mary janes from ZIPIA

For some reason, today’s ensemble is so comfortable and makes me so happy! I think I will dress like this more often! Layered light fabrics FTW!

Look! Feetsies! That’s Sian Eng’s and mine

Fat-shionista #464

Do you like today’s tights? They are sooooo super comfortable and I can’t wait to pair it up with a ton of other outfits! I just received them in the mail last week from the kind people at WE LOVE COLORS and I now have a total of 3 pairs from 3 different ranges. (See last Friday’s outfit post.) This pair is from their Plus Sized Black Striped range and I love them because a) there’s a very strong gusset b) they have an extra panel where the belly is so it’ll stretch well over round ones like mine c) they’re the exact colour I’ve been looking for. At USD12, these tights are worth every penny.

I wear leggings/tights/stockings a lot and I’ve probably worn my first pair of WE LOVE COLORS tights to death – except that it’s still in very good condition and waaaaaay off from dying. Most people handwash their delicates and hosiery but I’m too lazy to do so. I use laundry nets and bag them before they all get dumped into the washing machine. I don’t even separate the colours from the whites – I know I should and some day I will… eventually. Maybe. T caught me doing laundry once and was quite shocked that I don’t bother keeping the whites separate. I’m lucky in that I buy good stuff that don’t run.

Anyway, the point is, these WE LOVE COLORS tights seem to be colour-fast and I haven’t had any problems with them. They’re hardy yet soft. Opaque and stretchy. Just to prove another point, Sian Eng was touching and tugging at my tights after she took today’s photos – that’s how impressed she was!

On another note… 10 more days till I get to see T! I’m so excited! w00t!

What I’m wearing today:

Dress: Custom made copy dress (fabric from SPOTLIGHT Garden collection)

Accessories: Pink frosted cookie brooch from TwinkieChan on etsy.com

Leggings: Neon Pink/Black Striped tights from WE LOVE COLORS

Footwear: Mustard Yellow Mary Janes from Zipia.net

Couponing: $32 Gelish Manicure and Spa Pedicure (worth $126) at Almost Paradise in 2 locations

Date: 7 May 2013

Deal: SGD 32 for Gelish Manicure and Spa Pedicure (worth $126).

•Uses OPI, Zoya and Tins nail polish
•Revitalize dull looking nails
•Removes excess cuticles
•Spa manicure and pedicure include foot scrub, hands and feet mask
•Gelish manicure with longer lasting results
•Expert nail therapists

How it went:

Instructions on the Groupon voucher said to sms and book. I tried on 16 April and then again on 19 April – no reply. So I rang the shop and got through after 2 tries. I wasn’t impressed at all. The address on the groupon said “Raffles Place: The Arcade #03-11A”. It turns out that #03-11A was some other shop and they are actually #03-11. No signage outside the salon, only a sticker saying “Solone” – which turns out to be the brand name of a line of Taiwanese cosmetics. First impressions going downhill. The name of this salon is ALMOST PARADISE and not by any measure is it even close to decent. Look at the pictures and judge for yourself. Can we just cut to the chase and say FALSE ADVERTISING ALERT!!!!??!

To be fair though, the entire process of mani and pedi took less than 30 minutes so I could go back to work in a jiffy. Gelish nails dry fast and my nails are already groomed and short. The nail technician who was doing my hands charged me S$10 to remove what’s left of my last gelish manicure (about 1/4 of my nails). She said that my nails were already short so she’d just shape them. All was well until I was done with my manicure and realised that she didn’t do a good job of cleaning up my cuticles and hello… hangnail after a manicure?!

My pedicurist did try her best with my horrible feet cuticles (I blame running for all the rough skin around the toenails) but the “spa” part of the pedicure was rather perfunctory. It was basically a) remove cuticles and file down nails b) buff the soles with a file c) scrub feet and ankles d) 3-4 brush strokes worth of something (on my shins only) that was maybe moisturiser or a mask.

I chose a really light colour for my hands so you can’t really muck that up too much. And as for my feet… Up close, you can see that it’s got streaks and it’s not smooth – who’s going to go near my feet though?

So ALMOST PARADISE it is not. I paid a total of S$42 for the experience and I dare them to charge S$126 that they say it’s worth. Not recommend. Buyers beware!