It’s only today that I finally find the time to sit down and tell you guys all about what I’ve been up to lately.
First off, I’m working on a pet project that very soon you will be hearing about endlessly in my future entries. I’ve been up to my neck with meetings, but feeling utterly satisfied. As some form of teaser, here are some logo studies that I’ve been deliberating on. Would love to hear what you guys find most appealing.
Okay, enough about that. So.. Valentines had just passed and my February for this year has been absolutely fantastic! Months ahead, I had convinced my best friend Bunny to come with me to ultra chic city Singapore. The itinerary was to explore the newest and most stylish places in town that not many know about yet.
We got to wondering: on such hyped up occasions like Valentines, what does the rest of the unattached world do especially in a very cosmopolitan place like Singapore? We had four full days to research, discover and sometimes, destroy.
DAY ONE:
A day before we had to fly out we were adviced by our airline that we had to take a much earlier flight. And by early, I’m talking about 5AM in the morning!
We caught sunrise as we ascended to the skies and headed for lovely Singapore!
Three hours later, we were finally at our destination. The first bit of news we got as we landed: the surprising death of soul sister Whitney Houston… We will always love you!
We were in the city hours before we could check in at the hotel. Good thing we were only a few minutes away from Orchard Road and so we decided to grab a bite and do a bit of shopping.
The thing about hip and happening cities is that even the utterly extraordinary things become standard. Case in point: Orchard Road is perpetually lined with luxury shops, cars and patrons of the luxury world.
For some reason or other, we found ourselves loving the latest ad campaign of Anne Hathaway for Tod’s. We loved it so much that Bunny decided to channel her inner Hollywood glamor by indulging in their latest patent leather envelope clutch and driving shoes.
Tod’s Signature Envelop Clutch in patent leather is the perfect size for a night out on town.
And while the only kind of shoes that I consider to be legit are those with atleast three-inch heels, I found these Nubuck flats absolutely adorable!
Since we landed on a Sunday, what we had in mind was to have a relaxed and quiet day ahead of us.
Little did we know that tucked in Sentosa is one of the happiest places to be in on a Sunday afternoon!
Smack My Beach Up parties on Sunday afternoons has the chic set of Singapore basking under the sun, lounging by the pool or playing volleyball by the beach every Sunday.
The festive and friendly vibe of both locals and expats were so contagious that we hardly felt the lack of zzzsss.
Watching the sun set while listening to chill music at the beach club created the perfect Sunday and signaled the start of our Singaporean expedition.
The beach club party happens from around 3PM and ends by midnight. It is an ideal way for many Sing locals to recover from a weekend of crazy partying and get ready for a full week ahead.
Obviously, we were two very happy campers to have stumbled upon this well-kept Singapore Sunday secret!
Since it was officially our first day in town, we also made some great friends and found out from them where the hippest places were. We got some pretty good tips and went on to discover them ASAP! Thanks guys!
DAY TWO:
Considering that we had about two pitchers of the most delicious mojitos I’ve ever tasted this side of the world, we were up bright and early to get started on some cultural exposure.
Bright and early. Waiting outside our hotel on our way to Singapore’s most celebrated Peranakan restaurant, True Blue Cuisine.
It was going to be my first time to try Peranakan or Nonya cuisine. All I knew before stepping in was that this is a special type of cuisine the combines Malay, Chinese and other influences into one unique blend.
Even Bunny was not sure about what to expect but was just as excited to try out something new.
The interiors at True Blue resonate a tradition of intricate workmanship and ornate decorative inclinations.
Much like most Southeast Asian cultures, Peranakan dinning focuses on communal celebrations where guests share dishes in true family style.
We started off with a sweet serving of Longan and Red Date tea.
We were famished when we got to True Blue and were only more than happy to devour such specialties as this plate of Ngoh hiang (minced chicken and prawn meat roll).
Lemo bali or pomelo salad.
Ayam pongteh (Chicken stewed in fermented bean paste).
Chap chye or mixed vegetables with noodles.
True Blue Cuisine is known in Singapore for hosting intimate parties for celebrities, VIPs and dignitaries. In this private jewelry chamber, the princess of Thailand has held private dinners.
Bunny browsing through some intricate Peranakan jewelry.
At the embroidery room, dinners for the President of Singapore and heads of state are often held.
Photo of the Singapore President with True Blue chef and proprietor Benjamin Seek.
After a delish meal and a quick tour of True Blue, we then headed off to the shop for a bit of souvenir shopping.
After picking up a Peranakan art work and some jewelry. Happy camper!
Bunny picking up a postcard from a nearby art gallery that says, “I Want You When You Say No.” Word!
Shopping along Orchard Road is one stress-free experience. Unlike most cities, Singapore is organized to the core to a point where there are designated corners for smoking.
I also love that the street is lined with the world’s most illustrious luxury brands but none of the ridiculous lines outside them.
Well, okay, maybe sometimes there are lines for eager shoppers. In anycase, it’s less crazy as compared to other cities.
After losing our minds in Takashimaya, we decided to call it a day and get ready for our first official night out on town—Pre Valentines day!
Another thing that many find fascinating about Singapore is that the city has the most polite, friendly and well-dressed cabs in the whole wide world!
We were in a clutch mood throughout the trip. Bunny carrying a red patent leather envelop clutch from Tod’s and this author loving her purple skin clutch by Carlos Falchi.
Our first stop was at a roof top lounge called Loof.
Singapore by night is simply breathtaking and what better way to take in this celestial view of the city than heading to the worlds highest lounge, One Altitude.
Located on the 68th floor, One Altitude offers a panoramic view of the cityscape.
Standing 262 meters above sea level and loving the view from the top!
Two lessons learned when lounging in the highest bar on earth. One, bring a hair tie or you will battle with hair flying all over your face. Two, it gets chilly up there so a throw or light jacket is ideal. Otherwise, order a bottle of wine to keep warm :D
And that, ladies and gent, wraps up a very happy Monday in Singapore!
DAY THREE:
The next day, we woke up just in time for a very hearty lunch at the new Bistecca Tuscan Steakhouse.
It had only been 9 days since Bistecca opened its doors when we came to try out their famed cooked-to-perfection steaks.
Behind these red doors…
Rustic yet modern interiors that reflect Bistecca’s philosophy: Food cooked to perfection.
I have a thing about bread. In my mind, only those from France are worth the calories. I think I have to make an exception to the rule. The ones in Bistecca are, indeed, happy bread!!!
On the chopping board. As part of the decor, Bistecca has on display some materials needed to create the perfect steak.
Valentines treat. Our charming chef created a eggplant parmigiana in creamy pesto sauce especially for our visit.
Risotto in creamy squid ink with dried tomatos and shrimp. Best risotto in town!
We fondly call this the dinosaur steak which is perfect for sharing among good friends. Crunchy on the outside and uber tender and juicy inside. Heaven in a bite!
Capping off a fantastic Valentines lunch with Tiramisu.
Unexpectedly, we hit it off with Bistecca’s PR genius, Diane Madelyn, whom we made plans with for Vday night.
The rest of the Valentine afternoon was spent with the style services team of Club 21 at the Four Seasons Hotel where some of the chicest pieces from labels like Jil Sander, Dries van Noten, Lanvin and many others are exclusively carried in Singapore
The style salon at Club 21 offers personalized services to include color and body type analysis. The team also takes care of putting together full wardrobes for their clientele season after season.
The salon features a curated selection of both cult and mainstream brands.
Although I am far from being a colorist, I absolutely charmed by this salmon and orange hemp wedge from Lanvin.
A peek at the ultra exclusive Style Salon lounge of Club 21 where Singapore’s chicest run for their fashion emergencies.
The style team of Club 21 led by Lani Chan. The selections for the season: dresses from Dries van Noten, Marni, Alexander Wang and Lanvin. J’adore!
For Vday pre drinks, we headed out to Chimes for some authentic Mexican fare at Senor Taco.
Hands-down the best mojitos in town are in Senor Taco!
Tasty and filling burritos made perfect by their homemade hot sauces.
Chimes was filled to the brim with couples—and singletons, too—who were out that night to celebrate.
Senor Taco owner Alejandro takes time out to give us a quick crash course on the world’s best tequila.
Surprisingly, we enjoyed a tequila tasting session at Senor Taco where we took shots of the world’s best tequila—from the young to the perfectly aged.
Much like wine, some of the best tequila are aged for months on end. I particularly loved this anejo variation. Truly, some things get better in time.
Tres Generaciones served cold. The experience truly changed our notion of tequila.
At the very top floor of Marina Bay Sands, Ku De Ta seemed the place to be on that wonderful Valentines night.
I love Bunny’s gold fringe dress!
Finding our way up to Ku De Ta.
Alas. The last leg of this Sing Style escape. The top floor of Marina Bay Sands.
This place offers an unparalleled view of the harbor and an exhilarating lounge pool.
Toasting to the occasion with Paul, Ibrahim and Romain. Nice hanging with you guys!
Here was another trip that I will never forget. So glad I got on that plane at 5 in the freaking AM, not knowing what to expect. Truly, there’s nothing quite like the high life in Singapore!
