Travel | Seoul, Korea 2014 - BUKCHON HANOK VILLAGE

In the midst of Seoul's concrete jungle, there nests some 900 traditional Korean wooden houses (known locally as hanoks) bringing us back to the Joseon dynasty. Needless to say, this is a must-go destination for tourists, and even locals, to get a glimpse of the historical and cultural side of Korea. Encircled by Gyeongbokgung, Changdeokgung and Jongmyo Shrine, this picturesque neighbourhood with its quaint little houses is definitely a sight for sore eyes :)

If you can't tell, that's me value-adding to the neighbourhood *wink*

Travel | Seoul, Korea 2014 - LOTTE WORLD (TRICK EYE MUSEUM, FOLK MUSEUM)

Annyeong yeorobun!* 

*'hello everyone' in Korean

Here's a question: what's one place that pops in mind when I say Korea?

I know, I totally primed you guys into thinking this.

cr://JY

Did I hear someone say 'Lotte World'?

That's right!

Located in the heart of Seoul, Lotte World Adventure is the one-stop entertainment place for travellers. It boasts of the world's largest indoor theme park; Indoor Adventure (Guinness World Record Holder!), an outdoor theme park; Magic Island, a Korean Folk Museum, a mini Trick Eye Museum, shopping malls, departmental stores, an ice-skating rink, a movie theatre and even a luxury hotel. Getting there is also super convenient as Lotte World is directly connected to Jamsil train station (Seoul Subway Line 2 & 8, exit 4)

And for my k-drama/shows fans, you guys know this is the place where the romantic magic happens. *winks*

When my friends and I were planning the trip, it was basically a toss up between Everland or Lotte World. As you all know, time is never enough when you're on vacation. We could only spare a day for theme park fun so, we had to choose. Lotte World won by virtue of having an indoor theme park (in case of rain) and being in Seoul itself (minimized travelling time) Our choice proved to be wise because it started to pour heavily in the afternoon.

Travel | Seoul, Korea 2014 - NAMI ISLAND

Annyeonghaseyo!* 

                                                  *(Hello in Korean)

That was, and still is, 1 of the few Korean phrases I know before I went to Korea last year in August.  Me heading to Korea would never have materialized then if not for a friend asking if we, my friends and I, would like to go as she can offer us free accommodation in Seoul. So, definitely a huge thank you to her! :)

Funfact: This is the first time in my 22 years of life that I travelled overseas with only friends. Seoul, it was a pretty huge milestone for me.

I spent a total of 13 days in Korea which means a lot of places were visited. 

(Check out #13daysinKorea on Instagram!)

Let's start with one of the most beautiful places I've had the privilege of visiting - Namiseom Island 

(or affectionately known as just Nami Island)

Did you know? Namiseom declared its cultural independence as a self-governing country, Naminara Republic, in 2006  and has its own national flag, anthem, passport, currency etc. 

Sunday Style Showdown | Tropical Bonanza

Continuing the trend of summer themed Sunday Style Showdown, we're going TROPICAL this week! Scroll down to check out what we've come up with! If you're interested to see the previous summer themed #SSS looks, click on the links below!:
#SSS: Look Up
#SSS: Summer Loving

The TROPICAL BONANZA Showdown
El	Christine
When I think of tropical, I think of bright colours and flowers! There's also swaying palm trees, gentle breezes... Hence this dress fits the idea of tropical fever for me! I love the hi-lo cut which will capture any slight breeze that blows by. Plus, the cutting will make my legs still look long even though I'm wearing a long dress! I absolutely love this dress which looks like flowers were painted on. Despite the brightness of the dress, there's still a softness to the look thanks to the flowy skirt and the way the flowers are printed on the dress.	If you Google tropical images, you will get palm trees, beaches and more palm trees. Hence, cue my background! Hehe. The neoprene-like skirt is the foundation of my outfit - with the various flowers prints, it looks pretty tropical to me. The cutting of the skirt is also very flattering for people with a curvy figure - An A-line cut that is fitted on the top but has box pleats half way down. If you follow our #SSS, you know that I love my structured skirts. I wanted to let the skirt shine but at the same time, I didn't want to use a plain white tee for that purpose. So, I paired it with a plain bright pink shirt! It's summer so, let's all inject some colour into our lives :)
Shades are a definite must when the weather is so sunny! I picked a pair with blue tinted lens so it'll match the dress compared to the conventional black. For accessories, I kept it simple with a bracelet made up of seashells and a wooden beads bangle. Mostly things derived from nature to go along with the tropical feel.	Love love love the muted colour scheme of the skirt - looks as if it is a water colour painting! I really like the material used for the skirt as well - A thin neoprene-like material. I chose a white statement necklace to balance the prints on the skirt and to complement the colour of the skirt.
El's Outfit Details Dress: Forever 21 Shoes: Guangzhou Wooden beads bangle: South Africa Seashell Bracelet: A Gift Blue Tinted Lens: Isetan	Christine's Outfit Details Top: H&M Skirt: Pull & Bear Necklace: F21 Rings: Random shops Shoes: Rad Russel

How did you find our outfits? Which do you prefer?

Tell us your thoughts via these channels and don't forget to use #SSS!

1. Comment in the box below!

2. Tweet us your response @ChapalangGirls

3. Find us on Facebook @The Chapalang Way

Show us how you do tropical on Instagram and tag us or use #SSS! (Christine's and El's)

Till next time
Love,
El and Christine xoxo

Haul | Phuket, Thailand

I'm back from Phuket and I have a little haul post for you guys~! :)

Considering my past records, I have to say, I was a good girl this time -- no big holes in any wallets.

Plus, you guys know that Thailand is pretty cheap so all's good~

I was in Phuket, Kata area, with my mum for 5 days and boy, was the sun shining bright and hot!

Never thought I would be this tanned but here I am, at least 3 shades darker than before.

Gotta say, this is really troublesome because my foundations are all too light for me now :(

Not sure if I should go get one that matches my skin colour now or pray that I will return to my original colouring soon (probably a month or so). Meanwhile, I've resorted to using bronzer all over my face to ensure I don't make the bald face eagle foundation faux pas - light face but dark body.

Any thoughts on what I should do about this? :\

Dilemma aside, let's get on with the haul!

Sunday Style Showdown | Summer Loving

How's summer going for everyone!

Today's #sss feature one of our summer styles! We live in a country that's pretty much summer all year round so we've come up with many ways of dressing to deal with the heat. We hope you're having a great summer so far and look forward to more "summer themed" outfits!

SUMMER LOVING Showdown
El	Christine
I'm dressing for a BBQ party here (my sister's 21st party to be exact)! There's the quintessential shorts and a nice loose top typical of the usual summer outfit. Nothing too complicated since it's meant to be a chill party. However, just because it's a chill family party doesn't mean I can't add some edginess. Hence the studs that just add a little ruggedness to the whole outfit, along with the slits. I like to keep things simple and comfortable without compromising on the looks :)	To be honest, I was pretty much lost in this outfit. Nonetheless, it's still a pretty versatile summer outfit - think BBQs, beaches, and water sports! Summer's pretty much all about tanks and shorts but if, like me, you're uncomfortable with the idea of showing arms, a kimono will do the trick - they are usually made of light and airy materials which are great for covering up in the hot sun - plus it's in trend now! The tank top I am wearing reminds me of the seaside with its red stripes and blue trim on white thing going on.
Because it's summer and a BBQ party, things are definitely going to be hot! So one needs some ventilation to catch any slight breeze:) I like how this top makes me feel like a off duty rock star sometimes. Hehe	Since it's summer, I thought I would show a few must-haves items! Sometimes, a full-on foundation just feels really clogging and heavy in the heat. These times, BB creams are good substitutes, along with tinted moisturizers. Then, just spot-conceal! Next up, waterproof mascaras and a no-budge eyeliner. My go-tos are the Maybelline's The Falsies mascara and K-palette's 24 HR Real- Lasting Eyeliner. One cannot forget sunscreen in this sun for the body too! I always turn to Banana Boat for it. In the heat, you feel sticky and sweaty fast (or at least I do), so have the wet wipes handy to feel refreshed at an instant. As for lip products, sometimes less is more. Find a moisturizing one such as L'oreal's Rouge Caresse (Heart of Pearl) or better yet, a tinted lip balm.
El's Outfit Details Top: Aeon Jusco Shorts: H&M Shoes: Move Black purse: Charles & Keith	Christine's Outfit Details Tank top: New Look Kimono: Topshop Shorts: F21 Shoes: Senso

How did you find our summer loving outfits? Which did you like better?

Tell us your thoughts via these channels and don't forget to use #SSS!

1. Comment in the box below!

2. Tweet us your response @ChapalangGirls

3. Find us on Facebook @The Chapalang Way

Show us your favourite summer outfits on Instagram! Tag us and use #SSS! (Christine's and El's)

Till next time
Love,
El and Christine xoxo

Haul | F21, Uniqlo, Zara & F3 Bazaar

So...I did a little shopping over the past few weeks.
Nothing major (read: not a huge damage to my wallet), and I scored some sweet deals during the F3 Fashion Bazaar sale last weekend (9 -13 May)

Let me just say that if you are a fan of F3 shops, this once every 2-3 years bazaar is the best thing evarrr.

If you don't mind past seasons stuff, that is. Also, sizes either run big or small, so it's a good time for curvy/skinny girls to stock up.

Clothing items go up to 70% off (and more for some) while accessories and jewellery will not exceed $10. In fact, Topshop's jewellery line, Freedom, were all going at $2 each.

Tip: Follow them on Facebook or Instagram for first deeds! (but it won't be until a few years later)

Let's get right on to the haul!

(Pardon the un-ironed sight of them)

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F21/UNIQLO 

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F21 is to fashion what MacDonald is to food. Both are cheaper alternatives, both give customers satisfaction and happiness, and both end up with customers regretting (sometimes) going in there after coming out, with their wallets/health not unscathed. *All are from F21 unless otherwise mentioned*

1. Knit Cami in Heather Grey/Black/Mint - $4 each
These are good for layering under that translucent/gaping back top or even on its own with high waisted shorts and midi skirts. At $4 each, I almost got every colour they had in stock. Almost.

2. Burgundy Dress - $23
Something easy to throw on with a dainty necklace for those lazy-to-move days. Plus, since it's so lightweight, it's great for the summer!

3. Short Sleeve Long Dress (from Uniqlo) - $29.90
I have the same exact dress, minus the belt, in mustard yellow and I LOVE IT. So I decided to get it in this pretty blue too.

4. Dripping Necklace in White - $10 (UP: $27)

5. "C' in Gold necklace - $1 (UP: $7)

6. Triangular necklace in Orange - $10 (UP: $21)

7. "C" on Black - $1 (UP:$7)

I don't have colourful statement necklaces and since 4 & 6 were on sale, I thought I'd add them to my collection. I got 5 & 7 because, how cute are they!! And they have my initials on them too! They would make great everyday necklaces as well~ Can't believe I didn't see them previously and at $1? They are a steal.

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ZARA

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My love for ZARA has been rekindled. Recently, they have been coming out with really pretty and trendy pieces and I am lusting after them. Unfortunately, I am not working i.e no income which pretty much means no spending recklessly.

1. Striped Shirt with Jewel Buttons - $79.90
I love the details on this blouse and my mum personally okayed it so...I got it. Although horizontal stripes are usually frowned upon for full-figured people, there are ways to make it work. The material that the striped top is made of, for one, can help soften the overall effect that stripes have. Here, the blouse is made of chiffon, a lightweight and flowy material, which helps mitigate the 'blocked' effect that stripes impose. Another tip is to look for thin stripes. Thick stripes add to the overweight effect which is what we want to avoid. So, with these tips, don't be afraid of wearing horizontal stripes anymore!
(A detailed shot of the blouse at the bottom of this section)

2. Faux Leather Skirt - $79.90
Yes, I jumped on the skorts bandwagon. Like everyone else. Gotta say though, I sorta understand what the hype is about now. These are great for spring/summer.

3. Faux Leather Skirt with Zips - $69.90
I know. It's white and no, I'm not crazy. I had to exchange this after buying it because the black skorts stained it. Just from being in the same paper bag. My heart dropped when I saw the stains but thankfully, and gratefully, the people at ZARA were willing to exchange it for me. So BIG BIG THANKS TO THE PEEPS THERE :) Note to self: gotta be extra careful wearing this out.
You might wonder why would I buy it if it's so troublesome. I got it because, first off, it's white and second, it's so soft! It's like wearing cotton candy. Plus, the dolphin hem - the curved line at the sides - gives it a sporty vibe and additionally, it is supposed to be a very flattering hemline for shorties (like me) as it helps to elongate your legs.

Close-up of the jewel buttons.
I love the level of details but this blouse is gonna take some time to put on.

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WAREHOUSE/TOPSHOP/IZZUE

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Bought all these on 2 separate occasions. First on F3 members preview day (9th) and the second on the following Sunday (11th). They had a promotion for DBS/POSB card members - $10 off for every $100 spent. Which means, more savings!!

1. Black Utility Jacket with Pleather sleeves (Warehouse) - $59 (UP: $156)
I'm a sucker for outerwear. Nuff' said.

2. White Strappy wedges (Venilla Suite, made to love) - $69 (UP: $159)
"I don't need more shoes," said no females ever.
White is always en-pointe for summer and this pair of wedges has an interesting detail on its strap - it's a clear band going across the top of the feet. I have high hopes for this pair of wedges as my everyday shoe this season.

3. Flocking Foil "X" Tee (Izzue) - $19 (UP: $59)
This is a men's tee. Sometimes, I feel that men's tees have such nice designs. This is one of those times.
I was pulled in by the holographic detail with the cutout stars. Usually, I don't like tees with words but "HEATWAVE" is pretty apt for the upcoming weather. And yes, don't limit yourself to only the clothes meant for your gender, if you like it and it fits, get it (if you have the means), regardless of which gender it is supposed to be for.

4. Flowery Spag Cami (Topshop Boutique) - $15 (UP: $103)
I only realised that this is made of 100% silk when I got home. Imagine my joy and surprise as 100% silk anything is usually pretty expensive. In the scorching heat, wearing silk is a good way to keep cool. I thought that this would be a good piece to bring with me for an upcoming trip in July (more details later!) as it's going to be hot and humid where I'm going.

5. Leather top (Warehouse) - $23 (UP: $153)
I gotta give my thanks to my friend who saw this and gave it to me (because it was more my size than hers).
This is a mixed media top - the front is of real leather (sorry my vegan readers) while the back is of chiffon with an overlapping flaps detail. Initially, I was hesitant about getting this because it's kinda tough to wear leather in Singapore and I debated this over a Topshop chiffon top. Which, come to think about it, was kinda stupid to debate over because the savings for this leather piece totally tops the Topshop piece. So, I'm totally glad I got this in the end. Now, the question is how to wear this in this weather...

6. Spikes Earrings/Earcuff - $2 (UP: $23)
I've seen many versions of the earrings/earcuffs but they are always studs. Which, sadly, I can't wear because I have thick earlobes. So when I chanced upon this at the bazaar, I snapped it up! And at $2, it's a major steal.

7. Stegosaurus Ring in Gold - $2 (UP: ???)
Doesn't the 3D flatten things resemble the dermal plates on a Stegosaurus' back? Well, at least I think so. Pretty cool!

8. Religious Statue in Resin Necklace - $2 (UP: ???)
A plain white tee is the best canvas for this necklace to stand out. Not your traditional statement piece and pretty unique within my necklace collection.

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Didn't do much damage considering my past record so I'm plenty happy.

Can't wait to wear some of them this coming summer!

Have you done any shopping for Summer 2014?

What are your must-have pieces?

For me, I think the white wedges, Spag Cami and Knit Camis will be my go-tos this summer.

Hit me up @ Twitter or Facebook!

I'd love to hear from you :)

Also, follow me on Lookbook or Instagram to glimpse a slice of my daily life!

Till next time.
Love,
Christine xoxo