[openflea]

Meet Cecilia, sweet lady and proud owner of YiXiaoDian

An Interview with Cecilia, the sweet lady owner of YiXiaoDian and the DASH label!

Hi Cecilia! Tell us a little bit about yourself. What are you like? What are your hobbies, dreams, goals, stuff that you love. Share with our readers.

I was previously was in auditing for 3 years. But then I decided to sell apparels online to keep myself occupied and have something to look forward to besides looking after my daughter full time after having quit my job.

I have always want to own a boutique that offers quality and affordable fashion and doing it online seems to be the right way as it involves minimal startup capital. But, goodness, I was wrong. I didn't know that there is much effort and time being put into it after I'm doing it full time. It's a glamour job that needs lot of hardwork in order to be known to public and also to survive in the competitve blogshop atmosphere. But i enjoy doing it because it's something that i love and it also allows me to have the flexibility of being able to spend quality time with my daughter. :) 

How did YiXiaoDian started? 

It started as a blogshop that sells self-designed t-shirts. My friend and me decorate the plain t-shirts with buttons, cloths and sewing. That was how it started. Then later on, I decided to bring in apparels instead of doing self- designed t-shirts. I found out that I was more interested in sourcing out pretty apparels for ladies. It's like playing life-sized barbies coz I know that someone out there is wearing the apparels that I sourced and sell. :) I like dressing up and I like people to dress up and be pretty all the time. :) 

What do you hope to achieve with your brand?

I hope that people like my apparels and my service. A happy and satisfied customer is very important to me. :)

What are your favourite pieces from your sales collection?

This is a tough question. My favourite pieces are all the DASH labels - my self-manufactured line. :) But the 3 pieces that I love the most are

DASH #6 Oriental Peony Dress.

DASH #10 Wonderlace Paddlepop Top, which I remade it as a top from DASH #6 coz I love it so much, and can do a lot of mix and match as a top. 

DASH #7 Merry Jane Dress, which is inspired by Gucci Resort 2012. I love its minimalist and mod feel. It's very versatile and u can play around with different looks by matching it with different accessories and shoes.

Explore more pretty pieces at Openflea.com!

What are some of your favourite hangouts, shopping places, cosmetic brands? 

I love to hang out at places that offers nice cakes coffees and tea. I'm a caffeine addict and I can't live without having a cup of tea or coffee everyday. Most of all I'm a milk tea addict! I love the old school type of coffee house milk tea.

I don't really put on makeup and I'm a total noob in this field. However, I swear by MAC's Select Moisturecover Concealer. It conceals any imperfections perfectly, it's my favourite concealer ever! If I really have to put on makeup, I'll just slap on bb cream, concealer, powder, benefit's poisetint, k-pallette eyeliner ( I swear on it as well) and a lip gloss. I'm just too lazy to put on more. :)

I'm sure readers must be curious and be wondering where do blogshop owners shop and what to they wear. Well, basically I don't really shop coz when I go and buy my stocks for my collections, i'm basically shopping for myself. You can find almost all the outfits that were sold in DOT in my wardrobe. So, this is one of the benefit of being a blogshop owner. :)

Well, I do shop at H&M and Zara occasionally. I don't really have a particular dressing style. The one thing that I love is accessories. I love to wear lots of arm candies and rings. I think accessories plays a big part in completing the outfit look. I wear chunky necklaces and bangles even if i'm in big floral prints. The most important thing is that u feel confident and comfortable in the apparels that u are wearing. :) 

Find out more about Cecilia and her label at http://yixiaodian.blogspot.com and follow her on her instagram @cecilialim.  

[openflea]

Introducing: NTQTY

Accessories can make your outfit that much more alluring. Get acquainted with Ntqty – they focus on blending past and present, making their accessories modern with a touch of nostalgia. 

Embracing the unique beauty of natural elements, they believe that the simpler the design, the better. Neckaces, bracelets, rings and so on, you name it, they’ve had their hand in selecting the gems and creating the masterpieces you see below.

Those looking for unique, one-of-a-kind accessories need look no further! With ntqty’s quirky and whimsical accessories, you’ll definitely be a cut above the rest. 

Waste no more time in checking this indie brand out! Share this hidden treasure with your friends as well. ☺

Visit them at their webstore: http://ntqty.bigcartel.com/

Like them on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/ntqty

Openflea will feature NTQTY's precious gems jewelry tonight. 

See you at the other side girlies. <3

[openflea]

Glowii Promo

One of our Partners, beauty and cosmetics online store Glowii.com is giving all Openflea members 10% off their purchase on their website! 

The founders travel all over the world looking for the most unique and high quality products for their customers. From Thailand to South Africa, Singapore to Turkey, check out some of these hard to find brands like Gulsha, Lamsamyick, Soylites & Sulwhasoo available in Singapore on their site today.

Openflea members may use 'openflea10' at checkout to enjoy the discount on glowii.com! Min. checkout of just $20. 

[openflea]

Introducing: Xccelerate

What a hidden gem! Xccelerate's latest collection consists of a myriad of gorgeous floral prints that are simply adorable. The Rosie Tea Dress is the prefect pretty wear for a summer sunday brunch date with your girlfriends. Pair up the Wild Summer Blouse with the Panel Paper White High-Waisted shorts and accelerate to top of the fashion hierarchy. ;) Check out some of their sale items at Openflea.com until the 15th of July!

If you have not yet heard of them, head over now to Xccelerate to see their latest collections and pre-order items. Your pit-stop for fashionable styles.

Xccelerate's FB page - https://www.facebook.com/pages/Xccelerate/289221011120825

Twitter - http://twitter.com/#!/xccelerateshop

Web Store - http://xccelerate.blogspot.com

[beau-couture-blog]

[openflea]

Looks like a modern fairy, doesn't it?

- Chanel Haute Couture 2012/13

[openflea]

Introducing: BBLovelyEver's Fashion Accessories

The right accessories can help you jazz up an outfit and bring out your personality. So look no further than BBLovelyEver Fashion Accessories! Priding themselves on selling pretty and unique pieces at extremely afforable prices, the wide range of accessories they carry means there’s something for everybody.

Rings, necklaces, bracelets, earrings, you name it they have it.

Look out for this gem of a shop at our online flea happening from now until Sunday, 15th of July.

Like BBLovelyEver Fashion Accessories’s page (http://www.facebook.com/BBLovelyEverFashion)

Webstore (http://bblovelyeverfashion.blogspot.sg/)

[openflea]

Introducing: The Shell Cottage

The Shell Cottage debut with Openflea features a nostalgic array of vintage and pleated apparels. Look effortlessly chic in their Belted A-Line Skirt or go vintage in the 60s’ Printed Dress. We're loving their Pleated Chiffon Skirt matched with an adorable owl tank.

Check out their site and look out for their many items on site at Openflea.com later tonight! 

The Swiss Cottage’s page: http://www.facebook.com/TheShellCottage

Web store: http://theshellcottage.weebly.com

[openflea]

How to Create Beautiful Rainbow Hair with Hair Chalk.

For those bored of run-of-the-mill hair colors, for the daredevils, for those who just want to add a touch of funkines to their hair and life, Openflea is here with the latest trend – Hair Chalking!

For those who haven't seen it around, here are some beautiful examples of hair chalking done well.

Gorgeous isn't it? :D This hair chalking trend is not just for the ladies too. Many guys have taken it up and given themselves pastel hair for the day. Check this out. http://bit.ly/LPodkj

There are two methods of achieving this gorgeous hair. The first method is dip dying, and the second method is hair chalking. Dip dying is costs more and lasts up to several months from application. 

For those who want the liberty of experimenting with different colors multiple times, or even for working adults who want to let loose during weekends, hair chalking is the answer! It washes off normally with shampoo once you're done with it.

All it requires is a few soft chalk in your favourite colors, a heating iron/curler, spray bottle and you’re good to go! 

  Firstly, you have to decide what hair color you want! 

We recommend a pretty rainbow gradient like below. It'll be slightly more difficult to accomplish but oh so pretty!

On dark-colored hair, pick brighter and more vibrant color for it to show up better. On lighter-colored hair, soft pastels work wonders for an angelic look.

Here’s a simple step by step summary of how to diy your hair for pretty colors! 

1. Take a small section of your hair.

2. Apply whichever chalk color you choose on your wet hair generously. Ensure that your hair is wet when chalking. Use a spray bottle to wet it easily. Twist your hair section as you go along, so that more of the color pigments catches on.

3. Use the heating tool (an iron or curler) on these sections of hair to set the color. Be careful not to tug on it! Some of the pigments may fall off as you do so but that's normal. :) 

4. Repeat 1-3 on the same section of your hair if you want to get a really pigmented, vibrant color. For rainbow gradients, repeat step 1-3 on subsequent sections of your hair like the second image below.

And that’s it! You should be able to see the results immediately. :D

For the girls who do better with visual aids, here’s a video we found on Youtube that we’d like to share. It’s really clear and helpful! 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5ly4GhDia4k

Share with us how your hair turns out after DIY-ing on our Facebook page or in the comments below! If you've taken a picture of your attempt and want to share it with the rest, include your blog and picture in your comment and we'll share it for you. :)

Before we end, here's another good news. If you want to play with hair chalk and recreate your own pastel hair, you'll be able to purchase the soft chalks at Openflea.com for a limited time. We brought it in specially for you!

Try it with a best friend, sister or on your boyfriend! If you're not a member already, drop your email here to be notified of the sale. <3

Additional Tips!

After you're done with coloring/curling your hair, doubly set the hair color by using a hair spray! It lasts all day, minimizes the stray pigments from rainbow-ing your clothes, and gives it a pretty shine.

Img Credit:

Beauty Department - http://bit.ly/MHwSVe

and many other creative internet hair chalk users. <3

[openflea]

We're part of *SCAPE's 2nd birthday celebration! If you're coming down to *SCAPE today, pop by our booth and get free popcorn and a ton of freebies. <3 

[openflea]

Introducing: Hyped Up Me

Give a girl the right shoes, and she can conquer the world! At Hyped Up Me, they help you do just that. Conquer the world with these fabulous pair of shoes on H.U.M. Pair them up with that gorgeous dress of yours, or that cute little denim shorts you’ve been dying to wear. 

Run by a ‘pair of sisters’ - who probably share a closet full of shoes, we're excited by their first collection. The jelly wedges are simply amazing. XD And if the shoe fits, don’t forget to get it in every colour! *^^* 

More of their items on Thursday, 21st of June at Openflea. Check them out there then!

Like H.U.M's page (http://www.facebook.com/HypedUpMe)

Web store (http://hypedupme.livejournal.com/)

[openflea]

Proud to be part of *SCAPE's 2nd birthday!

As some of you might already know, we're working closely with *SCAPE to help young aspiring retailers and flea vendors. They have some awesome initiatives to help aspiring retailers dip their toes into the industry by providing very affordable retail space. Our role is to help these aspiring retailers build a good online presence, branding and sales. Please look forward to our introduction to some of them later this year.

That's why we're really proud to be part of *SCAPE's 2nd birthday celebration. The party - *SCAPETASTIC will be held on the 23rd of June, Saturday from 3pm to 10pm. There'll be tons of events happening then, including futsal, light performance, and even free abseiling opportunities! We'll be giving away free popcorn and $5 off vouchers on that day too. Come on by and say hi!

Event details below and here! http://bit.ly/LD27jU

[openflea]

Introducing: Charoxy

Lovechild of Charmaine and Roxanne, Charoxy is an online boutique based in Singapore with trends and tastes coming from the runway to those from the screens and limelights. The Jolie dress brings out the Angelina Jolie in you with this hot leather outfit. Check out their site and more items on sale at Openflea.com on Thursday, 21st of June!

While clothes may not make the woman, they certainly have a strong effect on her self-confidence. Strut down Orchard in style with Charoxy’s dazzling collection.

‘Charoxy's website and concept is all about stars because we have a belief that there is a star in everyone. Thus, we try our best to bring in unique clothes that are fit for stars and our service standards are geared towards giving the best standards to stars. Just like stars, we believe in living the best and this is a point that we wish to inspire to everyone out there. At Charoxy, we address all our customers as stars because after all, they are stars!’ - Charmaine & Roxanne

Like Charoxy's page (http://www.facebook.com/Charoxy)

Twitter (http://twitter.com/StarringCharoxy)

Web store (www.charoxy.com)

[openflea]

Introducing: The Phrenzy

Do the right thing by donning yourself in gorgeous instocks and preorders from The Phrenzy.  An online fashion store that will have you covered from top to bottom, The Phrenzy stocks up unique and interesting fashion apparels and accessories from all over the world. 

We wished we had more than ten fingers to wear all the pretty little rings on The Phrenzy. Go vintage with its Intricate Gemstone Ring, and pair it up with the Gemstone Necklace for breakfast at Tiffany’s. Bling it up with its gorgeous Sequin Bandage Dress! All of these and more on sale at Openflea.com on Thursday when we introduce them again. ;)

Head over now to The Phrenzy to check out its latest collection and pre-order items! Remember, when in doubt, wear The Phrenzy.

Like The Phrenzy's page (http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Phrenzy)

Twitter (http://twitter.com/thephrenzy)

Web store (http://www.thephrenzy.com/)

[openflea]

New designers, new brands, new shops.

In line with our aim of promoting local small and medium independent brands, we'll be introducing new online stores every few weeks on our blog and on our sales site!

These new shops will also make their partnership debut with Openflea by listing some of their most popular and new items on Openflea.com during our secret sale - so watch out for them. ;)

This will be the first week we introduce new online stores. Do give them your support! If you're a new online store owner, feel free to drop us an email at [email protected]. 

Until then, welcome to our new blog! 

[openflea]

Whoever said money can't buy happiness, just didn't know where to shop.

Blair

[openflea]

Coming up this week!