Happy Friday everyone!

Remember the Thai-American designer that I was completely obsessed with his designs during Singapore Fashion Week? I'm going to write about him and his clothes today. But instead of idolising his beautiful creations on the runway, let's talk about how the dress looks like on the real life and on a non model (me). In case you have no idea who I'm referring to, read this blog post to find out and have a glimpse of his fashion show in Singapore last month. He is none other than Thakoon Panichgu.  

It was my first time watching Thakoon's fashion show in Singapore last week and I was completely hooked. While watching the show, I was dreaming of wearing one of his design one day. I never thought that day would come so much sooner than I expected. Does it sound like a law of attraction? When you keep wishing for something and be positive about it, it will come true.

This beautiful maroon printed dress is the most versatile dress that I've worn. I'm not exaggerating. The loose and lounge-y mood of the dress with smooth polyester materials and slight hugging silhouette make this dress perfect for almost any occasion. Can I wear it to the office? - Sure! Just put a blazer on. How about a casual brunch? - Why not? I suggest pairing it with sneakers or flat sandals. Can I wear this dress to a party?- Absolutely! Take a look at these photos for reference.

When I was much younger, I used to buy clothes on a budget as I loved having many choices. Now, all I look for is good quality and versatile items that can take me from day to night and still make me look brand new. Just like this Thakoon dress!

Do you have such items in your wardrobe? What is your shopping strategy?    

Thank you so much for reading! Thank you Styletribute for partnering this blog post. 

Photographer: Navian Photography

Photographer assistant: Evelyn Lee

Stylist, Makeup, Hair: Crystal Phuong

::Outfit::

Thakoon dress- Thanks to Styletribute

Sergio Rossi Burgundy Heels- Similar here and here

Stella McCartney Crossbody Bag

Alexander McQueen Sunglasses

Lovisa Necklace- Similar here 

Some people have probably seen this on SAUCEink's website and Facebook by now, but I wanted to officially and personally break this news to you on my blog. I'm a cover girl of SAUCEink magazine June issue.  

SAUCEink is Singapore's digital magazine entirely dedicated to women's lifestyle, fashion, beauty, travel and so much more. Although they are a new kid on the block in a competitive media and publishing industry, I have to say, they produce great content, attractive visuals, and lots of tips and tricks for their readers. The best part: it's a free digital magazine so everyone can enjoy and learn new things. But being free doesn't equal low quality or less valuable. I've known and seen how their team works. They are a group of entrepreneurs, editors, and designers who are young, passionate, and hardworking. They love what they do and they do their best. That's what inspires me! When Sab- the managing editor asked if they could feature my fashion blog in their June issue, I, of course, would never say No. She continued "The June issue is all about you". I was like "How?" and left it at that. A few weeks later, this is what you and I are seeing. 

I'm grateful for the opportunity to share my stories with people and to inspire others to do what they love and to live a meaningful life. I actually never thought what I have been doing gives me a chance to be a cover girl. I'm just a normal girl who is passionate in fashion, blogging and dancing and always give 110% effort. As a dancing instructor, I enjoy teaching and seeing my students improved, became happier and more confident through dancing. As a blogger, I only hope my personal stories can motivate and inspire people. With that, thank you SAUCEink for giving me a chance to spread my words and allowing me to connect with your readers. One person at a time! 

On a side topic, I just realized that my blog is in the finalist for the Singapore Blog Award, Best Fashion Blog, again this year. Double celebration! Please spare me a few minutes to vote via this link.

There are so many secrets to unfold. I can't wait to share with you in the next couple of months. 

You can read the magazine via this link. Below is a piece of the interview I had with them. 

Q: Can you share with us a bit of the background of your blog?

A colorful diary of fashion, lifestyle, and travel of a former Professional Latin Dancer turned Fashion Blogger. 

Q: Why did you decide to start a blog?

I was lonely and homesick when I studied in Malaysia. I had no one to talk to so I started a blog 

to talk to myself and to capture my life stories. After 6 years, I got bored of writing about all sad 

memories and random topics. I wanted to focus on one specific topic and I chose Fashion. 

Q: Why did you choose to decide to focus on fashion?

Since I was a little girl, I always loved playing dress up. When I started dancing, dresses and 

accessories were always part of my daily outfits (except for school uniforms). I was also 

encouraged by my friends to start sharing my fashion tips and styles to other people. That’s when 

I decided to start crystalphuong.net. 

Q: With the number of fashion blogs popping up, what makes your blog different?

My blog is a reflection of my life, my personality, my thinking. 

Q: What for you is the best thing about being a fashion blogger?

Being able to express myself through what I wear, what I write on my blog and knowing that there are people interested in reading/ seeing it. 

Q: What is the best and worst feedback / comment you have received so far?

Best comment: Your blog is very inspiring. Worst comment: I can’t remember. I don’t like to keep negativity in my mind. 

Q: I’m sure there are many aspiring bloggers out there. Do you have any advice for them?

Be passionate, be consistent and never give up. 

Q: Complete this sentence: “My style is...”

Feminine, sophisticated, and chic. 

Q: Complete this sentence: “People should visit my blog because...”

Because it’s FREE. 

Q: Any last words?

Live happily, love passionately and never take anything for granted.

Thank you so much for reading and following me in this journey! 

Happy Monday everyone! 

Today is a very special day for me as this is the last Monday I'm spending in my current company. I quit my job last week (as mentioned in the previous blog post) and I'm trying my best to wrap up 5 years worth of stuff within a couple of days. Leaving a place where I call my comfort zone is so hard, especially when there are a sweet memories everywhere. But nobody stays in the same place forever. It's time to say goodbye. I never thought that my last day could come so quickly. I'm in a chain of several emotions: sad, happy, nervous, excited, anxiety, and motivated. But, most importantly, I feel free. 

Today's outfit, perhaps, can tell you more about how I feel right now. The soothing blue color of the dress, with subtle snakeskin texture and crisp white leather details on the shoulders, is so refreshing and energizing. It plays an important part in giving me the positive energy that I need. My mind is fresh and my heart is filled with happiness. I'm seeing possibilities everywhere.  

As soon as I fell in love with the dress, I started looking at who is the "Father" and learning more about him. It came as no surprise to me to learn that Elie Tahari, an Israeli- American luxury fashion designer, was the one who designed the dress I was wearing. I've seen and adored quite a number of his designs before, but haven't had a chance to wear his clothes. I found this blue and white dress so familiar when I first saw it in Styletribute's office. Elie Tahari grew up in an Israeli orphanage and made his way to New York with less than $100 in his pocket. He worked his way up from an electrician in a Garment District to the owner of his own fashion line with 600 stores in 40 countries as of today. From $100 to a $500 million business, it was not an easy job overnight. Such stories like that always hit me so hard and motivate me to work 100 times harder. 

The more I read about his story, the more I appreciate his designs. Tahari's clothing is well-known as modern, upscale office-friendly and tailored. They are made with his belief that "clothing should be quieter than the woman so that her true beauty can shine through". 

I cannot agree with him more on this. What about you? 

Thank you so much for reading! Thank you Styletribute for partnering this blogpost. 

Photographer: Navian Photography

Photographer Assistant: Everlyn Lee

Stylist, Make Up, Hair: Crystal Phuong

::Outfit::

Elie Tahari White and Blue Dress- Thanks to Styletribute

Raoul Silver Clutch- Thanks to Styletribute

ASOS White Sandals- Similar here and here

Charles & Keith Sunglasses- Similar here

Swarovski Necklace and Watch

Happy first Friday of the month everyone! This month has been nothing but exciting for me so far. I made the hardest decision to leave the company that I've been with for 5 years and to start a brand new chapter of my life. Thinking about that gives me goosebumps and to be completely honest, I'm still having butterflies in my stomach. Life starts at the end of the comfort zone and nothing can prove this statement better than the scenario that I'm in.   

This is it! I'm ready to fly, baby. Bring on the challenges! But first, let me celebrate this moment. The first thing that came across my mind was to put a beautiful dress on and head out with my friends  to have fun tonight. I thought of this beautiful color-blocking dress from Gucci Spring 2011 collection. It is bright and beautiful with all the cut-outs at the right places to accentuate the body's curve. By the way, can we just talk about the silk and satin material of this dress for a second, please? It's so soft and smooth that it feels like a tender kiss on my skin. 

I was completely head over heels in love with this dress when I first saw it in the Gucci Spring fashion show 4 years ago. Never was I in the right mind to think that I would have a chance to rock this dress in my own style, on a very special day, like today.    

I've mentioned many times before that my clothes always say exactly how I feel. This Gucci knot front two-tone dress colors me happy and I can't help but smiling wide from the inside. It's overwhelming! 

  

Hope you'll have a wonderful month ahead. Thank you so much for reading! 

Thank you StyleTribute for partnering this blog post! 

Photographer: Navian Photography

Photographer Assistant: Evelyn Lee

Stylist, Hair and Makeup: Crystal Phuong

::Outfit::

Gucci Knot Front Two-Tone Silk Satin Dress- Thanks to StyleTribute

Balenciaga Green Clutch- Thanks to StyleTribute

Gianmarco Lorenzi Color Block Heels

Michael Kors Watch

Ela Stone and Juicy Couture Bracelet

Accessorizes Necklace- Similar here and here

My obsession with printed outfits has gone wild when I look back at what I wore during Singapore Fashion Week, three days out of five, I picked printed outfits. Unintentionally. The first day, it was the black and white print for DVF fashion show. The second day, it was an orange fever printed dress for Dion Lee show. The last outfit was a strange fire jumpsuit from Finder Keepers. It is also the latest addition in my overflowing wardrobe. #Notcomplaining

There was something about this vibrant print that made me so attracted to it when I saw it on the website. From certain angles, it looked like there was a blue rose on my outfit. But when I looked more closely, I saw a sea of colors splashed randomly on the fabric. They created such a beautiful painting. I quickly pressed the "Checkout" button and patiently waited for the item to arrive, hoping that the actual jumpsuit will look as beautiful as what I saw online.

A week later, my happy parcel arrived all the way from Australia. I couldn't be more excited to try on the jumpsuit that I've been eyeing. Its colors in reality are more vibrant than they were online. The chiffon material of the jumpsuit is a bonus as I didn't expect it to be so soft and flowy. The downside of online shopping is that I can't touch and feel the items before buying, however in my case, most of the items I purchased online turned out to be better than I expected. I guess it's worth to take a risk sometimes.  A little print overdose is always a good idea, don't you think? 

What was your most risky purchase so far? 

Photos by: Navian Photography 

Thank you so much for reading!

::Outfit::

Finder Keepers Strange Fire Jumpsuit- Similar here and here

Stella McCartney Falabella Handbag

SERGIO ROSSI 'Vague' embellished platform sandals- Similar here and here

Alexander McQueen Sunglasses

Swarovski Watch

Kenneth Jay Lane Necklace (old)- Similar here