dressabelle international lookbook

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Now that the Chinese New Year celebration is about a month away, it's time to start planning those CNY outfits.

I'm all for going with the traditional cheongsams but more than not, I'd resemble a waitress at a Chinese restaurant. If like me, you're struggling to find the elusive Perfect Cheongsam, our Crochet Overlay Sleeve Cheongsam may be the answer. 

Dress: Crochet Overlay Sleeve Cheongsam

Wear it with: Basic black pumps, box clutch, and barely there bracelets

Or if you're not so keen on wearing a dress, opt for a two-piece ensemble  by pairing our Chinese Collar Lace Front Top with a midi skirt. Add a belt to 'mark' the waist and create an hourglass figure.

Top: Chinese Collar Lace Front Top

Wear it with: Heels, midi skirt, clutch, simple bracelets

  You do know as well that we have curated an exclusive Lunar New Year Edit on our website just for you, right? Get shopping! 

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Bring your sweetest face forward and don these lovely frocks. From feminine drapes, girly details, DSB has got you covered with these 3 easy peasy outfits.

The Vintage Lover With her eye for fine details, the vintage girl loves all things that charm with age and always carries a little of yesterday through her style. This modest number will compliment warm browns and leather accessories.

DSB vintage printed midi sleeve dress - http://bit.ly/1xCu84w

The Sweetheart In an ideal world, maybe one never has to grow up. But a corporate lady works even harder with a little imagination. Picture whimsical dresses, tea parties and white horses...this knee length frock will realize your daydream.

DSB Gem printed Peter Pan collar dress - http://bit.ly/1xCucS7

The Elegant A lady is not defined by just her looks, but also her words and gracious demeanour. While they don't develop overnight, a romantic, flowy ensemble dresses a lady naturally. Treat yourself to soft and breathable fabrics, but always remember to accentuate your curves. DSB Empire waist sleeve dress (worn as top) - still available in dark blue http://bit.ly/1xCvcW7 DSB Paper bag midi skirt - still available in black http://bit.ly/1xCvgW4 & moss http://bit.ly/1xCAAsy

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I'm in the final week of my school semester. Ahh...how time flies. I know I always write about the weather and school, which sound like really boring topics to be writing about here but truth is my life pretty much revolves around them. When life is turning into a routine, I try to perk myself up by trying new things, like listening to new music, changing up my room a bit or try new styles. I am always armed in layers when in school because of the overly blasted air conditioner, so outerwear is an item which I'm always on the hunt for more. This scuba biker jacker is a great alternative to leather ones I own. Not only it's slightly more soft and breathable, powder pink is also a cute colour to do especially when I'm not even a pink person to begin with. It's pretty subtle and I find salmon/ pink tones work wonderfully with blue all the time, hence the blue pleats. Pretty pleased with this combination I'd say! Besides outfits, I've been listening to a lot of rap music lately. For some strange reason it really helps me focus when I'm working. Alright, enough for now. Catch up on Instagram, gotta work now! #werk

SHOP DSB  DSB Scuba biker jacket (coming soon), leather pleat skirt (http://bit.ly/ZiuL6F), mesh t-shirt.

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Happy Halloween! It's all pumpkins and trick or treatin I'm thinking of in my head right now, but ironically, I have neither carved a pumpkin in my life nor have I actually walked through my neighbourhood knocking for candy. Just reminds me how the media could really get into our heads. huh? What are you guys doing this Halloween? I've never been a huge dresser for the occasion (well I have dressed up as a pirate once), but my personal tends to be quite thematic in my own imagination. Let's say if I was wearing a floral jumpsuit, you can be sure I'd grab my beetle ring and stone necklaces to complete the "earthy" look. Similarly, since I have on a military inspired dress today, I decided to go with a fitting belt with oversized buckles and dangling chain. Belts on military uniforms have always appealed to me. Especially when utilitarian wear is huge this season, that makes the perfect excuse to wear retro belts, the bigger the buckle the merrier! Have a good weekend everyone, speak soon. <3

Shop DSB: Safari Shirt Dress in army green (http://bit.ly/1G2qG88) and khaki (http://bit.ly/1G2qGVW)

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Every once in awhile, we all need a little empowerment. Whether we choose to channel an attitude through a bright red lip, or decide to slip into our beaten up sneakers because heels are really not worth the effort, it is as if with a single element of dress we could form a barrier between ourselves and the world. I felt especially inspired by the AWANG X HM collection. Okay let's put aside all that media rave for a moment, and think about just how powerful a statement the collection is trying to make. If you have seen the collection already, it would occur to you that the entire line, staying true to the AWANG aesthetic, is inspired by modern hi-tech sportswear. What really impressed me was its consistent grey colour palette (with the exception of occasional pops of accent colours) which pretty much represents the every day commuter; an individual part of the homogenous smart phone generation, quietly blending in yet a fighter of a mad rat race. The image of the Urban Warrior is practical, smart and very much a uniform. That's the look I'm trying to recreate today in my own style. What I love most about this outfit is the poofed up sleeves that subtly create a power silhouette...just what I needed to survive a rough week. To streamline a top heavy proportion, I layered a slim fitting dress underneath with slit zipper details to match my sweater. And knowing me, I love unexpected details. Finished look with costume jewellery and stilettos, because why not?

SHOP DSB: 3/4 Sleeve Floral Panel Mesh Dress in Black (http://bit.ly/104rtVT) and White (http://bit.ly/104rysG)

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SHOP DSB:

Sports Luxe Dotted Striped Shirt - http://bit.ly/ZiuK2s Pleated Faux Leather Skirt (blue) - http://bit.ly/ZiuL6F

Volume Up! Textured Crop Sleeve Top - http://bit.ly/Zix9u2 Pleated Faux Leather Skirt (black) - http://bit.ly/ZiuKj1

Earthy Vintage Wooden Blocks Top - http://bit.ly/ZiuAZ4 Pleated Faux Leather Skirt (green) - http://bit.ly/ZiuKzv

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A few years ago when I began to really care about fashion, I would spend the night before meticulously planning my look, making sure the colours matched, that I didn't look funny, and considering I might impress the people I meet. Sometimes we care too much about flattery and preconceived ideas of whats right what's wrong. Those were the days (evident on my LB account) when my makeup was so on point, and I have to say – perhaps at times overdone. But gone are the days of precision. I feel like my style is transiting into something that's a lot more spontaneous and unexpected. I love capturing feelings, more so than I'm concerned about a certain 'look', I often throw in things together and if it looks okay, it works. Layering three long pieces at once and sandals with socks? Anything goes really! 

SHOP: DSB Long Tweed Vest in Black http://bit.ly/1vF6seZ and Brown http://bit.ly/1vF92S5

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I'm taking my cue from Dolce & Gabbana and Valentino for dark floral looks this season. I was first attracted to this unique floral skirt made out of buttery smooth leather, it stood out to me on the rack among Dressabelle's upcoming collection. Its unconventional colour scheme breathes new life into the look of florals – something way too homogeneously overdone imo – a landscape of maple leaves that somewhat resemble negative photography effect. The occasional pops of red adds sweetness, also picking up nicely against my choice of red lip colour. Following closely to D&G's baroque aesthetics, it felt right to work a pair of oversized chandelier earrings. Dainty jewellery is classy, but there's something irreplaceably glamorous about oversized adornments which I easily consider them as display pieces around my bedroom. They have found a permanent place on my ears since the day I got them...

SHOP: DSB Sequin pullover & floral leather midi skirt will be launched in soon upcoming collections! Sign up for our newsletter to be the first in the know. www.dressabelle.com.sg

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Ta-dah! So after several weeks of ultra polished corporate wear absent from colours of the universe, I'm back with an outfit which IMO is more in my element. Pardon me as I go through a phase of blazers, pencil skirts, anything that screams 'I-mean-business'...you get the drift. But hey, as I witness the happenings from fashion weeks of London, New York (I mean, is it even possible to scroll through your Instagram feed without seeing people on that front row?),  I cannot help noticing the return of military wear. Not talking about camouflage ones, but as in double breasted coats, trench coats, safari bags etc. My heart is soaring, it's about time we leave those florals behind. Uniform is huge this coming season, a style with so much poise and conviction. I cannot wait to update my collection of boots and outerwar, conveniently blaming it on how ridiculously cold it is in school. I'm officially dressing for fall season with my olive green trench/ parka hybrid. In contrast to a typical trench, this one is soft to touch and slouches effortlessly. I kept my colour scheme conservative but amped up my skirt with a knot just so my laid back style is differentiated from shabbiness. Yup, that's a trick I do for any oversized maxi dress or skirt. Try it out! You might love it.

Shop DSB: Double Button Suede Trench Coat http://bit.ly/XMoIXu

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Same same but different; skirts come in a variety of shapes and styles, just how could you make the best out of each? Uli experiments with different combinations and shares tips which you can too apply at home. Which skirt represents your style best?

The Mini Originated from the 60s, we owe it to the Mod girls for revolutionising the perception of legs. The idea was – if you have it, then flaunt it! Putting that thought aside, consider balancing out the shortness of the mini with a chunky sweater. A pair of sneakers would give this look a sports luxe vibe. Sticking to a monochromatic colour scheme will also help subdue a daring style while still letting those toned legs to stand out.

Textured printed sleeve top http://bit.ly/1uzmPsU / Crochet mini skirt upcoming http://bit.ly/1uzmSFa / PVC lip clutch with chain shoulder strap http://bit.ly/1uzqIyf

The Pencil This one's to all you ladies who love a modest look without losing your figure. When done right, a pencil skirt will make your legs appear endless. The devil's on its back for this one – a cute slit that was strategically placed so you never have to struggle while taking those huge steps. A chunky top with rich texture will add a little volume, preventing the 'secretary' image looking too uptight.

Chunky knit crop top upcoming http://bit.ly/1uzqMxQ / Double pleated slit skirt http://bit.ly/1uzoejh

The Midi The midi is a life saver for me who practically has the body of a twelve year old boy. Clinched tightly at the waist, the midi swirls gracefully and is an absolute pleasure to wear. I often relate midis to the glamorous 50s. Hence, I thought an off-shoulder top was the simplest yet most elegant complementing piece. For an hourglass silhouette, why not right? If you are a maximalist like me, a great lipstick and statement necklace will take your outfit to a whole new level. Off-shoulder romper http://bit.ly/1uzokHz / Sateen mesh waist flare skirt http://bit.ly/1uzogHX / Pretty petals gems necklace http://bit.ly/1uzr6wt

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So. Monday. We meet again.

Mondays are always so busy. We would be rushing about, trying to complete the work that had piled up during the weekends. Skirts are great for the feminine vibe, and shorts are so functional when we need to run about and get tasks done quickly, so naturally skorts are the best as they provide the best of both worlds. Let's beat this crazy, gloomy monday in our Embossed Brocade Skorts!

Shop now at dressabelle.com.sg!

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There are two things on my mind at this very moment. One, I really need a haircut and two, it's time to revisit dark lipsticks again. Have to admit, maintaining tamed hair ends (not looking like my hair carved from the shape of pillow or sticking out like ducktails) is my biggest challenge for having short hair. As we gradually anticipate fall season, I am definitely looking forward to darker colour palettes and texture play. The hair might go shorter this weekend with season change as a reasonable excuse. ;-) If anything, a dark vampy lip is the ultimate fall look for me. A rich, deep berry colour is not always welcoming but never fails to make me feel extra special. It's only instinctive to wear a dark lip with dark clothes but sometimes it gets too heavy. Well unless I'm going for a Wednesday Addams vibe one day, an all-white look would be my second best alternative. There's something stark and outstanding about dark makeup on a clean white ensemble. I added a necklace for iridescence and combat style block heels that are edgy and practical. Dark on light, tough on polished – just my idea of a pretty awesome casual look.

Shop DSB: Zip Down A-Line Dress (White) - http://bit.ly/1ql8jF7

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"When the green woods laugh with the voice of joy, And the dimpling stream runs laughing by; When the air does laugh with our merry wit, And the green hill laughs with the noise of it."  -William Blake

Here's our belle welcoming the weekend in our Hibiscus Open Back Romper!

Shop now at dressabelle.com.sg!

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In this week's Look Book Friday, Uli keeps it classy with her monochromic tendencies but specifically, she styles 3 different types of outerwear essential to every Belle who takes her career seriously.

1. The Meeting On Monday, channel your inner Coco Chanel with a boxy little black jacket (LBJ). Play down the seriousness of it all with a retro tweed top layered beneath and athletic inspired track pants. You will thank yourself for choosing the pants because not only they'll keep you comfortable through a 9-5 shift, it might even encourage you to run a grocery trip after. Classic cropped sleeve jacket (http://bit.ly/1qnleoo), woven front tweed top (http://bit.ly/1rEcgXB), tuxedo trousers (http://bit.ly/1ogEYLP).

2. Weekends TGIF! If your workplace permits casual Fridays, awesome! Here at DSB, every day is an awesome day. A soft, collarless coat is a great transition piece to own for its style and versatility. Although we highly recommend pairing it with a basic top, you can always add a statement necklace to jazz up your look. 

Textured sleeveless top with chiffon back (http://bit.ly/1rEciyI), textured pockets skorts (http://bit.ly/1rEcmyk). 3. The Party  Command for attention with this stern but shapely blazer. Despite acknowledging tradition notions of a formal suit, dare to wear a maxi skirt for the ultimate impact. A belt is key to balancing out the bottom heavy look. This look is not for the faint hearted but for the adventurous career woman out there, you're guaranteed to turn heads. Padded shoulder blazer with belts (http://bit.ly/1qnm5oY), also available in White (http://bit.ly/1qnmbNq).

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Researching on trends is just one aspect of my school work. One of the upcoming trends for FW 2015 is 'vintage futurism' which marries graphics and silhouettes of the sixties with futuristic materials. Side tracking a bit; the guys from Cheap Monday were too kind to have sent me this lucite framed, ultra reflective sunglasses named Mars. The accessory is so dope that I felt inspired to style an outfit that is futuristic that is simple yet stands out. I could say that the colours are pretty boring this time, but it's really about the shape and contrast in textures. The metallic choker was a great highlight piece against the black. The key to pulling off over the top boots is making sure the proportions are right. The height of them made up how short the romper was. It was a scorching hot afternoon during shooting but with such an out-of-world setting and clear blue skies, I felt like I was walking on space!

Shop DSB Peplum romper (http://bit.ly/1v1IpZI) Soft leather back pack (http://bit.ly/1v1JdO9) Choker (http://bit.ly/1jDNrXG)

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Blue: the colour that has been repeating a lot in my every day wardrobe choices. Commercially, neutrals are normally defined by white, beige, browns and black but may I suggest blue as an outstanding member of the neutrals club? Well to be specific, navy blue is my nomination of choice for being universally flattering and so easy to find in the market. I'm not naturally drawn to floral prints but when I do, I prefer toned down variations such as floral print in monochromatic order. For instance, the floral pencil skirt I'm wearing today has white flowers that stands out against a navy blue background. The satin material gives it a rich and luxurious impression, reminding me of that Kimono cardigan I wore awhile ago. If I went on analysing this skirt I could even say that it's almost 'cultural' to me, like porcelain vases from ancient China. To keep things less serious, I decided to just wear my trusty leather boots, especially when it has been raining a lot lately and heels would be really impractical. Finally, the turban was just a last minute random addition. It's not everyday that I would pick out head pieces so since I'm working a cool palette why not pull it in? Besides, it was a life saver for a bad hair day.

Shop DSB: Sateen Floral Pencil Skirt (http://bit.ly/1mPjpwy), Floral Embroided Flare Sleeves Top (http://bit.ly/1mPjhgB)

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One more day to the weekends, and we can't wait! We're feeling sporty and tropical in our Orchid Jersey Sleeveless Dress, and it's the perfect outfit to welcome dress down friday in!

Shop now at dressabelle.com.sg!