Saint Andrew's Cathedral in Singapore

In Singapore, you will find many places of worship - Christianity, Buddhism, Islam, Judaism, Hinduism, and Taoism are followed by the inhabitants. Occasionally you will encounter magnificent churches and temples sitting side by side.

A four-story Buddha Tooth Relic Temple – located in Chinatown - is one of the most popular places of worship.

Its neighbour, the Sri Mariamman Temple is the oldest shrine in Singapore, and is attended by Tamil Hindus.

Both temples are exquisitely decorated; the detailed carvings on this door are very impressive. I am wearing a dress by James Lakeland, rabbit- trimmed shawl from India, my belt is by Escada, and handbag from Gucci.

In contrast, Saint Andrew's Cathedral`s interior feels quite sparse. It is located near City Hall MRT – take the opposite exit, to the Raffles City shopping centre, and you will see the cathedral`s white tower with a spire.

The present Saint Andrew's Cathedral was designed by Colonel Macpherson, and built between 1856-1864.

Three stained glass windows are dedicated to Sir Stamford Raffles; John Crawfurd, the first Major Resident of Singapore; and Major General William Butterworth, Governor of the Straits Settlements.

The style is English Gothic.

It was built by Indian convicts, which sounds controversial today, but at that time many buildings in Singapore were erected in this way.

The attention to detail is visible everywhere.

I particularly like these colourful cushions, used while kneeling down. 

 

Louis Vuitton's floating Maison in Singapore

As a seasoned shopaholic and now in my fifth decade on this earth, I have been to a huge number of shopping malls, stand-alone boutiques, destination shops, and lifestyle super-stores, across the globe. And if I had to choose my all-time-favourite it would have to be Louis Vuitton’s island concept store in Singapore. I am wearing Marimekko dress and my favourite fair-weather-footwear – Chanel clogs.

It floats on the water at Marina Bay Sands. Architect, Moshe Safdie and designer, Peter Marino have collaborated to create this visually pleasing, state-of-the-art glass pavilion that emerges from the surrounding water.

The views from this fab boutique are amazing…..clearly – in my opinion - the best in Singapore, as you can see the skyscrapers of the financial district, and my beloved Merlion; I bet the mannequins are never board here.

A unique skylight brings in a lot of natural light, and the interior is very airy due to effective use of mezzanines. The interior’s nautical theme complements the label’s long association with travel and the fact that it is located within the bay. There is even the outdoor loggia, reminiscent of a deck on a yacht or a cruise liner, furnished with comfy sofas and deck chairs. I am wearing a top from Emilio  Pucci.

The neighbouring area is just stunning, and includes the Marina Bay Sands Shoppes – the maison is linked with it by an underwater art gallery. I am wearing a dress by Versace.

 

After checking out the latest collections; exclusive accessories; jewellery; and antique trunks you can take a well-earned rest on your `maiden voyage` with Louis Vuitton, in its library/ book shop. I go there to browse super-glossy fashion, art and travel guides, over a cup of delicious green tea, served by courteous shop assistants. The service delivered by all who work here is first class: I`ve shared many jokes, catwalked many outfits, learnt a lot over my many visits here. I fact, it feels like….home…..when can I move in?

 

Anya Hindmarch Bespoke Workshop on Bond Street

Anya Hindmarch bespoke in-store design workshop on the 1^st floor of Bond Street boutique feels deliciously surreptitious. I am wearing a dress by Marni, my cashmere sweater is by Anya Hindmarch, and a handbag – one of the samples of her made-to-order photo-bags.

Rolls of scrumptious leathers – crimson, orange and cobalt – stand to attention against one wall. On a big table, which sits in the middle, testers of canvas fabrics – sand and jade are particularly striking – happily mix with samples of products, trial sizes of accessories, big scissors and other tools, used by the craftsmen at work. And yes, you can meet the craftsmen.

 

Anya Hindmarch Bespoke was launched in 2009. Anyone can personalise a wallet (it will come with a penny for good luck!) card case, passport cover, wash bag, keepsake box, photo-book, handbag etc. with a special message or by using your preferred colours or – my all-time-favourite – by indulging in carrying your beloved photograph on the front and the back of your handbag.

 

Quality craftsmanship and humour had been associated with Anya Hindmarch designs for the past 25 years – remember the famous `I Am Not a Plastic Bag`?

 

In addition to displaying seasonal collections, Anya Hindmarch store at Bond Street, allows you to put your stamp on her beautifully designed pieces. With prices starting at just over £100, having your name on your favourite accessory, rather than hers, has never been easier.

Appetite for Beach Blanket Babylon`s Great Glamour

I took my husband for boutique brunch to a popular restaurant/bar called Beach Blanket Babylon. Located in a leafy part of London`s Notting Hill, it is a firm favourite with the fashion crowd and moneyed trend setters. It serves eclectic European cuisine in dramatic French chateau surroundings. I am wearing a leather dress from Marks & Spencer, and a poncho by Missoni. My shoes are from Zara.

Its opulent décor and a menu that features much-loved dishes such as pear salad with roquefort cheese topped by walnuts, ensures its status as a spine-tingler.

We chatted over blackened salmon topped with blue squid ink and salsa verde…..

….we sipped Prosecco, while listening to an easy-going playlist.

If you are after great glamour, Brach Blanket Babylon will definitely deliver.

 

Rouge Louboutin Launches at Selfridges

When in the late 1990s Christian Louboutin used fierce red nail polish to pain the bottoms of his heels with the lacquer, the new style icon was born. It took two years – I hear – for the brand to develop a perfect red nail varnish – suited to any skin tone - their first foray into beauty.

Today, I popped into Selfridges to check out Rouge Louboutin. I am wearing a leather dress by M&S, sweater by Gerard Darel, and shoes by Michael Kors.

My guide, eloquent and elegant Elisa, showed me a faceted, glass bottle – it has 16 facets for a truly dramatic effect. She explained that the 8-inch bottle has been inspired by Louboutin`s Ballerina Ultima. She demonstrated the custom-designed, triangular brush. Because each hair is not rounded but triangular, it  picks up the right amount of varnish and prevents air bubbles forming on the surface.

The colour has this sophisticated sex appeal that speaks fluent red carpet. And a highly concentrated formula creates a perfect finish with one coat only. What not to like?

Marc Jacobs Pop-Up Tweetshop in London

In the world where images speak louder than words, Marc Jacobs set up his Daisy fragrance pop-up boutique in London`s Covent Garden. We were invited to snap photos and make videos, and tweet, to get our hands on small gifts – key ring and a miniature bottles of Daisy perfume - and beauty treats at a nail bar. I am wearing a dress from Manoush and an alligator handbag. My sunglasses are from Marc Jacobs.

We could feast on branded macaroons, but unfortunately they were quite dry, so I declined after trying one.

The space was rather minimalistic – bare walls and no attempt to ramp up grandeur here – but I enjoyed a chance to experience this techno-boutique. Instead of forking out money, my tweet earned me some goodies, and a chance to bag Marc Jacobs accessories in a prize draw, for the best image.   

5 Biggest Summertime Fashion Faux Pas

5 Biggest Summertime Fashion Faux Pas:

1.       Pale Skin – I am not advocating sun tanning, not at all. But there are good fake tan options available, which should do a trick in no time. Here, I am in West Africa, and too pasty for my own good - no wonder I have been almost arrested by these two policemen for my `fashion crime`!  

2.       VPL's (Visible Panty Lines) –  summer means we wear flimsy dresses, which require seamless underwear; invest in French knickers -  there is no way around it.

3.       Men Wearing Socks and Sandals – do NOT! Leave it to Rita Ora, darling, she can pull it off, you can`t.

4.       Too tight or too short clothes on a bigger body – it turned into a worldwide phenomenon but it is not a good look – ever.

5.       Sloppy dressing because we can`t be bothered in high temperature – unacceptable….this is why cruise collections have been invented!