drastic measures

in pursuit of the elusive "edited" wardrobe

2010-11-08T11:04:00.010+08:00

I'm back and inspired again to blog after my girls trip to HK with my shopping buds J, J & P. It is my first "real" holiday in 3 years ever since E was born. "Real" in that it was a girls only therefore I didn't have any mummy responsibilities on the trip.

I knew even before I went on this trip that I really needed it, for a change of scene and just so I could step out of mummy mode for a little while. Am back and inspired to update my wardrobe after some cute buys from HK. I only spent two and a half proper days there and while I can be impulsive I'm usually quite a controlled shopper. So I didn't come back with a huge haul, but I'm happy with every piece that I got.

Here's a capture of the joint HK stash. Not everything is here though, only the bags & shoes (only 1 of the bags is mine btw. Click on the photo to enlarge)

So, couple things I'd like to do following the trip:

1. (The main thing) Edit my wardrobe, I've already begun. (I crammed so many pieces in there that the clothes are creasing and I can't wear them!) It's time for a style update! I might do some "Shop My Closet" posts if I get round to taking pictures.

2. Post pictures of my HK buys

I have some other ideas for the blog but am still mulling over it. Something along the lines of listing down clothes/accessories/makeup etc that I use and like. Any suggestions? Leave a comment!

2010-04-06T14:57:00.002+08:00

hello! i can't help but share the k-drama love....here's what I'm currently watching:

Oh My Lady starring Chae Rim ("Dalja's Spring") & Choi Si-won (of boyband Super Junior)

and Personal Taste starring Lee Min-ho (aka Gu Jun Pyo of Boys Over Flowers Fame) and Sohn Ye-jin.

So far, enjoying both but Oh My Lady more - could be because I've watched more episodes and the plot/characters have moved on a little further.

The shows are ongoing and you can watch both at viikii. If you're the type who likes to analyse and review stuff, here's a good blog to check out.

BabyChic

2010-04-05T09:14:00.001+08:00

Mums out there, check out this new magazine babyChic - it's a shopping magazine for kids aged 0-6. Dote will be appearing in it very soon!

good design

2010-03-29T22:25:00.004+08:00

"Good design has nothing to do with opinion and 'taste'. From a manufacturer's perspective, a good designs is a design that sells profitably....you need to create emotional distance from your idea of good taste on everyone else, because many people have lousy taste and will never change." The Entrepreneur's Guide to Sewn Product Manufacturing, Kathleen Fasanella

The past week has been spent mainly sketching and thinking up new designs for the next collection. i'm working on Spring Summer 2011 now - can you believe it? Ever since switching to marketing one season ahead, the entire work calendar has been pushed forward as well. I'm still trying to adjust. In fact I had to skip SS10 to catch up.

I need to get everything for SS11 ready by September, which means from now till then I'll be busy doing everything from conceptualization, design, sampling, photo shoots to preparing collateral e.g. catalogs, buyer's packs etc. All this on top of the day to day i.e. processing orders & deliveries.

I struggled a little initially trying to figure out the broad concept/direction for the new collection. I'm constantly trying to second-guess - hmmm, I think customers/buyers won't like such a style - as I'm sketching. It really kills the process because the design gets dumped before it even has time to evolve. Like, I want to try something I think is cool and different but then I end up trashing it because I don't think it'll have enough commercial appeal. Nursing wear is tricky in particular - you can't really be terribly adventurous because the typical customer is usually pretty conscious of their weight/appearance at that point and the styles can't be too radical.

Anyway, I've come to a stage where I'm happy with the direction I'm going from a design angle, and also think the styles will be marketable. The stuff needs to sell for the business to survive, but I don't really want to churn out the same old styles either. It's a critical balance, and not easy to arrive at.

The statement at the beginning is oh so true and something I tell myself to remember.

Dote Photoshoot

2010-01-17T22:06:00.005+08:00

Time again for another shoot. It's only 2 collections a year but it seems like a neverending cycle of designing, sampling, shooting and production!

It was a very interesting learning experience for me, I've done a few shoots so far but there's always something to learn, something new to pick up. Everything was done in studio this time so it was pretty comfortable - no sweating under the heat at least.

It'll be a while before I can post the final results so have to keep everyone in suspense till then.

I want to be a K-pop star

2009-12-15T13:06:00.008+08:00

(This is for you YJ & TL!)

Knowing my craze over k-drama & Korea in general, Kisu very thoughtfully bought tickets to Seoul'ed Out when he found out about the event. It was held last Saturday at Fort Canning Park. I think it's the first (and probably last) standing room only concert I have been to (excluding Ballet Under the Stars which I went to eons ago at the same venue). I say last because dammit my legs and back almost gave way after 3.5 hours of concert time. A trip to the zoo earlier in the afternoon (for a friend's daughter's bday party) with all the heat and walking around had rendered my legs jelly, which did not help matters.

We were not ready for the power of hallyu, man. There was a line snaking all the way from the park entrance to past the Battle Box. Took us 45 minutes of waiting in line (90% teenage girls, 5% ahjummas, 5% hapless men who accompanied girlfriends/wives/daughters etc) before we got into the venue. And there were already throngs of people in there watching and screaming at the giant screens erected on site. Yes, there would be loud screams whenever their favourite boy band appeared on screen. On screen, people. Not like they were live on stage!!! (And by the way, the aforesaid boy band - Shinee - wasn't even in the concert lineup!!)

I had been waiting in anticipation for the event and the biggest draws for me were Lee Hong-ki from FT Island and Kim Joon of T-Max (more infamously known as the group that sang 2009 hit Boys Over Flowers theme song, Almost Paradise). Both have acted in the recent kdramas that I have watched, Hong-ki in You're Beautiful and Kim Joon as Woo Bin, one of the F4 guys in BoF. I also know the Brown Eyed Girls from a song they sang for another drama OST, My Fair Lady and from watching too much Music Bank/KPops/Showbiz Extra etc on KBS World/Arirang.

Concert started at 8.30pm (we sat on the grass waiting for about 30 minutes) - once the MCs came onstage everyone just jumped up and surged toward the front. I was surrounded by teenaged girls (front) and boys (back). We were in a pretty decent spot, I guess about 10 metres or less from the stage so I could see the performers very clearly. Had to endure the fringe acts and some silly MC banter before the main performers came on at about 10pm.

Lee Ji Soo - I have no idea who he is but he apparently he contributed a track in the drama My Girl. He had the quintessential kot mi nam (pretty boy) look favoured by male artistes these days - fair, smooth skin, slight built, comfortably blinged out, looking vaguely androgynous and probably the only guy (or girl) I've seen to rock a short sleeved jacket.

T-Max: The crowd only really got excited when this act came on, no doubt because of Kim Joon, who played the part of F4 Woo Bin in BoF. He was very charming and relaxed - every time he waved or smiled (which was a lot) the girls would scream and wave madly. One of my favourite acts of the night because they looked like they were enjoying themselves thoroughly and lapping up all the attention from the crowd. The crowd went absolutely wild when they burst out with Almost Paaaaaaradise, the theme song from BoF. With pyrotechnics no less (See below).

Fight the Feeling, also on the BoF OST

FT Island: I think this was the crowd favourite. There were a multitude of screams for "Hong-ki! Hong-ki!". He looked totally Jeremy-like (his character in You're Beautiful) with his blonde weird bundled up hair which resembled devil horns, and red and black leopard print leggings. An energetic performance but despite how I love his Jeremy character, I didn't feel much love for Hong-ki and his prepubescent looking band mates. The rest of the acts all tried to speak a few phrases of English with their Singaporean fans (which I appreciate no matter how clumsy they sound or how apologetic they are) but not Hongki. MC had to translate for him.

One Word

Brown Eyed Girls: Ooh I loved this act! I really wanted some slick dance moves and they were the only group that had it. Catchy tunes, cute girls, fun dancing. And Miryo had the best English (Mario doesn't count, he sounds totally American) and tried to give a decent speech to the fans.

They opened with "Sign".

And they sang Abracadabra, which I love - couldn't find a good one of them at Seoul'ed Out so this is another clip of their live performance. I want Ga-In's hairstyle!!! (She's the first one to sing. I also like Narsha's bob, but I think it might be a wig)

BEG closed the show, which ended at 11.30pm. As we were walking out cars were chauffeuring the artistes back to their hotel. We passed the car which Hong-ki was in, wah!

(online) retail therapy

2009-10-07T13:29:00.006+08:00

I recently bought some stuff online (not clothes!). They're kind of cute and there are nice photographs of them to share - always a good addition to any post.

I first found decorette which sells decals on etsy but discovered that the seller is from Singapore and has a proprietary online store. I couldn't stop pouring over the designs and promptly ended up with 2 sets - the Rabbit ABCs for Ellis' room

and "Mirror Mirror on the wall" for my office.

The other 2 items are for Ellis - a handpainted carousel for her room (which also plays It's a Small World)

and a Hello Kitty pouch from Stephie's Shop. I gave her the pouch and she went "Kitty!" then "Apple!" and then "Um!" (i.e. Kitty eats the apple)

And one final item, which I couldn't help but buy while making a delivery at Maternity Exchange - it can also be purchased online - the Pupsik Kapok Bolster! I got the one in Mocha Dots for Ellis. Kapok reminds me of my childhood pillow/bolster and Ellis seems to be liking it so far - she's been happily hugging it!

Dote AW09 Collection

2009-10-06T13:44:00.009+08:00

I've been waiting in anticipation to put this up - I actually completed most of the website updates a while back but was waiting for stock to arrive before I could upload everything. It's always gratifying, after months of work from drawing board to samples and shooting, to see the final product in its end state.

I started out with double the number of styles - but only half of those styles made the cut....that's about the amount of "wastage" expected when editing and culling designs. As always the process winds up taking longer than expected...which means I have to start working on the next collection - NOW! It's a neverending cycle.....

And another piece of news - for Singapore customers, Dote is now available at Mothercare. Selected styles (excluding those from the AW09 collection) are available at the Mothercare Harbourfront centre store, 1 Maritime Square #03-07.

press alert! dote in simply her sep 09 issue (singapore)

2009-08-25T21:15:00.004+08:00

Dote's Georgia Dress is featured in the September issue of Simply Her magazine.

(click to enlarge)

Dote Photoshoot - A/W 09

2009-08-18T08:11:00.006+08:00

Here we go again!

Behind the scenes from our recent photoshoot...

Our very fun and friendly model, Julianna with Jennis our talented MUA (make up artist)

At the National Stadium (!) Who knew it would be a great (deserted) place to shoot? Amidst the greys we found some lovely backdrops.

And here we are in the studio waiting to start the studio shots

IKEA

2009-07-25T00:02:00.013+08:00

Of course I'm blogging only because there's something else I'm trying to avoid. Work, namely.

Procrastination is all relative with me - I take the path of least resistance.

Anyway, let's talk about some fun stuff (for me) since I'm in the mood to blog.

As much work as there is to be done, there's the prospect of moving into the new office that I'm looking forward to. Spent far too much time at IKEA his past week browsing for office furniture, not entirely by choice.

The service office comes with tables and chairs, but the tables are pretty dreary so I told the landlord to remove them. I have some spare tables at home that I can use, but I did need some sort of shelving solution for the goods. Off to IKEA I went.

Trip #1 - Recce trip to Alexandra to figure out what I needed. Decided on the IVAR shelves (IKEA having annual clearance sale but naturally what I wanted to buy was not discounted)

Trip #2 - IKEA Alexandra, again. I was there sharp at 10am, right when they opened. I picked up some plastic bins, tested them on the IVAR display. Armed with calculator and measuring tape - I sat down at the planning table to work out the optimised configuration and the number of units of each component I needed. Headed for the self-serve section (IKEA insists on you picking up the items yourself even if you plan to get them delivered) only to discover that IVAR side units are OUT.OF. STOCK.

IKEA guy asked me to check the Tampines branch stock by calling the Customer Service hotline (I asked him if he can help me check his system but his excuse is that the systems at the 2 branches are not connected - he was helpful enough to give me the hotline and SKU number). I call and am assured by the friendly operator that Tampines has the item I need.

Trip #3 - IKEA Tampines: went bright an early on my own..long drive but saving grace was free parking. And lots of space. Hit the self serve again; went straight for the IVARS. I am a woman on a mission. Hauled a bunch of the precious stuff onto my cart. IKEA guy sees me and tells me that there is this teeny little problem of a supporting component called the cross brace which is OUT.OF.STOCK. I ask if the delivery people can bring one along when they deliver it next Monday. He says no. I say, Can we assemble the shelf first and put on the brace later? No. cannot. Must buy before delivery. Okaaaaay - looks like it's back to Alexandra (Curses!!!!!)

Service here is better though. Guy sees I'm struggling to push the heavily laden cart so he helps me to the checkout area. He even calls customer service to help me check if Alexandra has stock of the cross brace, except that he can't get through, so I end up having to call them again. He's a cheerful and nice chap, compared with the sullen soul at Alexandra.

Whatever, at this point I am just happy that I sucessfully managed to purchase something and arrange a delivery. I might actually have some semblence of an office by next week!

Trip #4 - IKEA Alexandra, today. Went with Ellis after school to pick up the cross brace. Finally!

During the course of the day, I arrange to meet a friend for lunch next week.

She messages me "Let's meet at IKEA. Need to buy storage boxes."

The Work Equation

2009-07-20T23:45:00.015+08:00

I did it - whoo hoo, I managed another post on this blog!

No, seriously - what I did was to commit to office space after months of dreaming about having a place of my own.

The thought was always at the back of my mind to get some dedicated work space, but it seemed an unnecessary expense given that I'd managed to operate from home so far. And it's undoubtedly more convenient to work from home - especially because I have to multitask - work and take care of Ellis - any free time I had, I would try to squeeze some work in.

The price of convenience? My life became a blur of baby, work, chores - and bags of goods took over the study and invaded our living and dining areas.

And the worst - Kisu suffering from horrendous allergies since I started this business. It got progressively worse as the stockpile increased. Last weekend, after watching him sneeze endlessly, steriod spray himself silly, AND wake up countless times in the night due to a stuffy nose, I decided that something had to be done.

Ellis so far has not shown signs of allergies but the dust that comes with the goods can't be good for her.

So the hunt for an office space began.

And while I have always dreamed of working out of one of those ubercool shophouses (the space! the high ceiliings!) the reality of the situation is that it is waaaay too expensive and impractical.

I found a serviced office instead that was recommended by my corporate secretary.

We (yes, we - it was a family affair) viewed it on a Saturday, went back the very next day for a second viewing followed by me putting down a deposit to secure the space.

It's seriously mini, with obiang decor and miles away from what I envisioned (it doesn't even have windows!), but very importantly, there's a receptionist so I don't have to hang around all day (I can't) waiting for the courier to pick up my shipments. I can zip in, do my stuff and be outta there.

The other big pluses - it is near home and located in an industrial area which means my goods can be loaded and unloaded easily. (There's even complimentary kopi & biscuits in the pantry, and free fruit on Mondays "Fruit Day" but I digress...)

Now,

Rent a place = Commitment to Fixed Cost = Start running on the treadmill (i.e. chase sales) = Cannot be as relaxed as before

The work equation, all of a sudden, has changed quite drastically.

press alert! dote in little one baby mag (australia)

2009-06-16T13:21:00.003+08:00

"This gorgeous dress, in this season's most popular colour, is made from a beautiful drapey fabric and can be layered to take you through to summer. To breastfeed, pull aside the oversized armholes which allow you to access the vertical slit openings in the underlayer. Very practical, very gorgeous and very versatile."

press alert! dote in french elle

2009-06-07T21:32:00.013+08:00

We are in a magazine.

We are in a French magazine. We are in FRENCH Elle!!!

No photos or clothes featured, it's a teeny blurb. But we are still terribly excited!!!

"DOTE: Dorothy, a Singapore designer, dreamed up dresses while breastfeeding her daughter: girly basics, dresses and tops. We are crazy about the Noir Dress that we would buy even if we were not breasfeeding, and the Indigo Dress with its cowl neck collar."

It's great to see a mainstream fashion magazine in France highlighting maternity/nursing fashion. Here we are relegated to pregnancy/motherhood type mags. Good on the French!

back

2009-06-05T22:23:00.007+08:00

hello, I'm still around. i haven't abandoned this blog. if you're reading this, thank you for checking in despite the long absence.

it's just been so long that i don't even know where to start.

the last few entries have been sporadic and spotty - not really posts. the longer you stop, the harder it is to start.

but I'm glad that i actually made it back today. I miss writing and recording my thoughts and events, no matter how random or insignificant.

Free time is such a precious commodity these days - I never realised how much of it I had in the past and how much I frittered away. The luxury of spending hours and hours in front of the PC surfing, blogging, emailing. With limited time, things get prioritised and unfortunately blogging often ends up at the bottom of that list.

Naturally much has happened in the time I've been away. I have a terrible memory so I'm not even going to try to remember so that I can post all of it. What I can tell you is that top of my mind these days is work. I check email at every chance I get. I try to do something work related if I have a free minute. It's hard to stop and not think about it.

Dote has taken off in a good way, a way that I had hoped for but did not really expect. At the same time, there are issues and problems. I'm thrilled but also can't help but worry.

I worry that it's a temporary thing. I worry that I'm going to make a terrible mistake that will send everything down the drain. I worry about sales. I worry about production. I worry too much.

I have good days and bad days. There's so much to learn and understand. I'm not sure about the decisions I make, I constantly wonder if I'm doing something wrong. There are so many mistakes to be made. I'm trying to come to terms with the fact that mistakes are inevitable and problems will always exist and sometimes I need to just "whack" first and see how later.

I've also had to think about what I want to do with Dotted Line. I hesitated a long time; wondered if I should even write about it here but the logical conclusion is that I will have to close it. Running 2 labels, 2 businesses doesn't make sense but at the same time a part of me hopes it can carry on.

Perhaps it is the late hour, or that I've been away too long, but I seem to be in a terribly reflective mood tonight. It feels good to be back :)

Dote Photoshoot

2009-04-02T21:45:00.001+08:00

On Location

In the Studio

it's been a while

2009-03-30T14:34:00.009+08:00

A quick update on what I have been up to.

I just finished a photo shoot for Dote yesterday, which was another whole day affair. Each time I finish a shoot I sleep very well - it's a combination of being in the heat, running around, relief from stress that tends to build up towards the shoot.

I learn something new each time - This may sound obvious, but I used to be of the opinion that a model's looks were priority - does she have the right look for the brand? Posing can be taught/directed. Now I know never to underestimate the difference a model who knows her stuff can make. She can pose well, is versatile, knows her best angles, and needs minimal direction from the photographer. What this means is fewer NG shots, time saved and smoother execution, not to mention getting some really good shots. What they say on America's Next Top Model is starting to make sense now!!!

I was most worried about the weather as I always am with location shoots. I've had to cancel shoots midway because of rain and reschedule. It's a pain not to mention expensive. You have to rebook the model, the photographer, the makeup artist. This time, I had been checking the forecasts in the days leading up and there was a 50 - 70% chance of rain in the late morning/early afternoon. Thank goodness it didn't - it was actually scorching and I got sunburnt instead.

I was like in total awe of Irma, our model. She busted out all these poses and looked like some kind of superstar as she triapsed around the Padang in her sky high heels. Tourists wanted to take pictures with her!

It was also fun 'cos Kisu, who was tasked with baby sitting Ellis for the day decided to drop by "on location". So she got to run around in the great outdoors and I got to see my little girl as I worked. Ellis also became a tourist attraction of sorts - some Indian tourists, fascinated by a Singaporean baby grabbed her for photos.

I relaxed once we were done with the outdoor shots and headed back to the studio. This was the first time I was trying out doing product shots on a live model, rather than on my trusty mannequin like I always have. I'm sold - the results were so much more professional and it didn't take all that long (see point again about having a good model, and working with good people). Lawrence, the photographer nailed each shot, and Irma just kept whipping out those poses. And I was very pleased with how the hair and makeup turned out.

All in all, it was a very good day. I can't wait to see the final shots.

BoF

2009-03-03T16:02:00.005+08:00

I have good and bad reasons for not posting recently.

The good:

I've been working on distributing Dote in more locations. Dote is now available in Australia, Japan, the UK and France (soon).

The bad:

I'm completely addicted to the Korean drama, Boys before Flowers (꽃보다 남자 / Kgotboda Namja). To the point that not only am I not blogging, I'm not working either. And staying up to 2am to catch episodes (pretty foolish considering I have to get up 5 hours later when Ellis wakes).

I'm not an F4 fan, and I avoided Taiwan's Meteor Garden even though it was such a big hit -Jerry Yan and his boyband counterparts had zero pull.

While I am not big on Taiwanese style dramas - let me qualify by saying that I did get hooked at one point but have since come to my senses, mostly because I couldn't handle the manja Taiwanese-style Mandarin - I do love me a good K-drama.

My friend had raved about it but here's the review from ST that convinced me to watch the show. I laughed at the ridiculous storyline but was intrigued enough to give it a shot on mysoju.com.

Are you waving your white flag yet?

----------------------------------

The Straits Times, Life!

Singapore, 20 Feb 2009

By Foong Woei Wan

What does a woman want?

About a century since pioneering psychoanalyst Sigmund Freud asked the question, scientists are still experimenting, staring at their data and trying to map the mysterious terrain of female desire. But as i read a recent report about their research in the New York Times Magazine, it occurred to me that makers of oestrogen-rush dramas such as Meteor Garden and Boys Over Flowers may be ahead of them.

According to the story, the current thinking in science is that female lust is not so much fuelled from within as ignited by somebody else's desire: What women want is to be wanted. They also want pretty contradictory things. As professor of psychology Marta Meana posits, "women want to be thrown up against a wall but not truly endangered. Women want a caveman and caring".

In other words, maybe a man like the hero, some might say anti-hero, of Boys Over Flowers, the third live-action televsion adaption of the 1990s Japanese manga of the same title in eight years. In an age of Hollywood wake-up calls such as He's Just Not That Into You, all this Korean drama wants to do is sweep women off their feet.

Here is a moody, rich campus celebrity who is totally into a spunky, poor girl and launches a campaign of romantic terror to win her affections. His idea of courtship is having men in black kidnap her to his mansion for a surprise spa session and makeover, with trinkets thrown in. Or re-routing his school trip from Europe to a remote isle, just to be in the same place as her. He does nothing by halves and neither does she - kicking, screaming and tossing ice cream and insults in his face.

And I lapped up all this silliness, although much of it is similar to the first two adapations, 2001's Taiwan trailblazer Meteor Garden and 2005's Japanese version Boys over Flowers. It is not just proof of the primal appeal of manga artist Yoko Kamio's original tale, but also a testament to the acting.

As the heroine, Gu Hye Seon (Hearts of Nineteen) seems at once aggressive and defenceless, suggesting a girl who has to fight not to fall in love too hard. Lee Min Ho, as the hero, steps assuredly into the shoes of his predecessors, Taiwan's Jerry Yen and Japan's Jun Matsumoto. Less self-conscious than Yen and better looking than Matsumoto, he flickers convincingly from dangerous to mischievous to sweet. Somewhere out there, entire oestrogen brigades are on the point of surrender.

[SOLD] BCBG Max Azria Brown Silk Top

2009-01-15T17:19:00.004+08:00

This is a preloved rich brown BCBG Max Azria silk top. Has a side zipper and back sash with a flattering empire cut.

+ US Size 0 (fits Euro size 6/8)

+ Silk
+ Condition: Excellent
+ Price $15 (postage included)
+ Payment by bank transfer

+ I'll hold it for 2 days within which payment must be received. Serious buyers only please.
+ Item will be sent by regular Singpost mail (1-2 days). No in person pickups, please.
+ I'm not responsible for any goods lost or damaged in transit.
+ No returns/ refunds.

Email dorothyloh@gmail.com (quote the item name in your subject heading) with your name, mobile number and mailing address if you're interested in buying. First come first serve basis.

View my other items for sale by clicking on the "shopmycloset" tag on the right hand column.

[SOLD] cheongsam top

2009-01-10T15:58:00.011+08:00

In line with the chinois theme, and just in time for CNY (dong dong dong chiang!) here's another cheongsam inspired piece.

Preloved unbranded satin top - vibrant purple with a beautiful floral and bird print. Hip length, it fits close to the body.

+ Fits a Euro size 6/8
+ Satin
+ Condition: Excellent
+ Price $10 (postage included)
+ Payment by bank transfer

+ I'll hold it for 2 days within which payment must be received. Serious buyers only please.
+ Item will be sent by regular Singpost mail (1-2 days). No in person pickups, please.
+ I'm not responsible for any goods lost or damaged in transit.
+ No returns/ refunds.

Email dorothyloh@gmail.com (quote the item name in your subject heading) with your name, mobile number and mailing address if you're interested in buying. First come first serve basis.

View my other items for sale by clicking on the "shopmycloset" tag on the right hand column.

[SOLD] cheongsam minidress

2009-01-10T15:35:00.013+08:00

Just in time for Chinese New Year, this is a preloved unbranded satin cheongsam minidress.

Not for the faint of heart, this brilliant red dress is an eyecatcher! It's cool and comfortable (great for long hours of visiting) and has 3/4 sleeves and slits on the side. It skims the body with its very flattering cut. The mini length keeps it modern. If you prefer more coverage, pair it with tights or jeans. I like it with some nice metallic (gold maybe?) heels and a simple clutch.

There is a small run in the right sleeve, but it's not very obvious. You can see it below.

+ Fits a Euro size 6/8
+ Satin
+ Condition: Very good (small snag on right sleeve)
+ Price $19 (postage included)
+ Payment by bank transfer

+ I'll hold it for 2 days within which payment must be received. Serious buyers only please.
+ Item will be sent by regular Singpost mail (1-2 days). No in person pickups, please.
+ I'm not responsible for any goods lost or damaged in transit.
+ No returns/ refunds.

Email dorothyloh@gmail.com (quote the item name in your subject heading) with your name, mobile number and mailing address if you're interested in buying. First come first serve basis.

View my other items for sale by clicking on the "shopmycloset" tag on the right hand column.

little did i know

2008-12-17T23:51:00.005+08:00

i thought i could breath again once i sent the mailer. boy was i wrong. I'd been waiting and waiting to finish the site update and send out a mailer announcing the new collection, big sale and new look of the site.

and then I thought I could get back to blogging, posting pictures etc - the entire backlog of stuff that I'd been waiting to do.

Well I finally got the site up to a decent enough condition for me to send the big mailer last evening. One minute later I got swamped by online orders that have continued throughout today. I just finally managed to catch up on responding to orders, and can now say that I'm on top of the situation.

I'm not complaining though! I'm grateful and overwhelmed by the response. Perhaps I cut my prices a little too much? It's the craziest I've seen since the Envirosax sales last Christmas.

Anyways, I'm so glad to have sold off the bits and bobs - random sizes here and there. If you have time, do drop by and see if you can score yourself a bargain!

I'm off to tag clothes - argh!

behind

2008-12-11T09:39:00.006+08:00

i am so behind.

grrr...the website is taking longer than I thought.

since I got to take nice new pictures of the new stuff, I thought I would update the Dotted Line website as well....it's been 2 years and I thought it was time for a change - and not just cosmetically.

I'm overhauling the back end to make things easier on myself. One of the things I'm working on is the shopping cart - with better straight through processing for orders and that will incorporate shipping charges so customers can see their total charge before confirming their order.

All very ambitious given my timeline (which was unrealistic - so many photos to take! So many images to create!).

Anyway I hope to finish by this week. For readers of this blog, I just wanted to let you know that part of the new collection is actually already at Swirl - it was supposed to coincide with the website relaunch. The rest of the stuff should be there by next week. The website update is close to completion - I just have to cross my fingers and hope for no nasty surprises when I finally upload the files!

P/S One update that I did manage to do - we have the new Botanica range of Envirosax in store. Check it out!

new collection - dotted line

2008-11-29T19:58:00.008+08:00

Model Annalyn at the recent shoot for the very, very soon-to-be-unveiled new collection from Dotted Line. I had a great time working with her and Adam the photographer.

My first time doing a shoot in a studio...have to say it was way more comfortable (& predictable) than shooting in the tropical heat. But damn tired now from helping to hold up the reflector. Fun though!

who is jon hamm?

2008-11-20T15:51:00.011+08:00

His character in Mad Men may be a cheating bastard, but Jon Hamm still gets my vote as Sexiest Man Alive.

The strong, silent and brooding Don Draper is a mystery that women can't wait to unravel.

If you haven't seen the show, go catch it for the oversaturated colours and fabulous 60s fashion. Not forgetting Jon Hamm, of course.

[SOLD] Enzo Angiolini Bronze T-Straps with Diamante Detail

2008-11-18T10:42:00.013+08:00

This is a BRAND NEW pair of Enzo Angiolini T-strap shoes bought from Nine West. Original price $195. I bought these specially to match a dress but found another pair of shoes to go with the outfit instead, and never ended up wearing these shoes. The diamante has a pale gold/yellow tinge which complements the bronze of the shoe.

+ Size 6.5 M (for reference, I wear a Euro 37)
+ 3 inch heels
+ Exterior is a rich bronze-brown satin fabric
+ Diamante cluster detail on the front & T strap
+ Condition Brand New. Comes with original packaging & box.
+ Price $39 inclusive of delivery cost. Original price $195
+ Payment by bank transfer only

+ I'll hold it for 2 days within which payment must be received. Serious buyers only please.
+ Item will be sent by local courier. No in person pickups.
+ I'm not responsible for any goods lost or damaged in transit.
+ No returns

Email dorothyloh@gmail.com with your name, mobile number and mailing address if you're interested in buying. First come first serve basis.

[SOLD] Forever21 Floral Halter Dress

2008-10-30T21:35:00.006+08:00

This is a preloved FOREVER21 Floral Halter Dress.

I bought this in the US - the knee length dress has a super low back and bias cut skirt that hugs your hips with adjustable halter straps & sash. I wore it with a gold clutch and gold strappy sandals.

+ Size says Medium but I wear a UK 8/Euro 36 and local Small/X-Small
+ Rayon, fully lined. It's a little wrinkly in the photos, but basically feels like a thicker textured chiffon/georgette.
+ Condition Good (frayed halter straps - see photo)
+ Price $10 (postage included)
+ Payment by bank transfer

+ I'll hold it for 2 days within which payment must be received. Serious buyers only please.
+ Item will be sent by regular Singpost mail (1-2 days). No in person pickups, please.
+ I'm not responsible for any goods lost or damaged in transit.
+ No returns

Email dorothyloh@gmail.com with your name, mobile number and mailing address if you're interested in buying. First come first serve basis.

[SOLD] Warehouse Silk Floral Print Top

2008-10-30T17:32:00.008+08:00

This is a preloved WAREHOUSE Silk Floral Print Top.

It has split flutter sleeves and a very flattering fit because it skims but does not hug your body. The fabric has a very subtle sheen and I love the brilliant pop of colour from the red flowers.

It is missing a fabric belt (you can see the little loops on the side where the belt used to go) but I wore it with a bright red satin sash belted at the waist over cropped jeans/city shorts and heels. In excellent condition because I only drycleaned it (that's also how the belt got lost)

+ Size 8 Euro 36
+ 22" from shoulder to hem
+ Silk
+ Condition Very good (excellent, if not for the missing belt)
+ Price $10 (postage included)
+ Payment by bank transfer

+ I'll hold it for 3 days within which payment must be received. Serious buyers only please.
+ Item will be sent by regular Singpost mail (1-2 days). No in person pickups, please.
+ I'm not responsible for any goods lost or damaged in transit.
+ No returns

Email dorothyloh@gmail.com with your name, mobile number and mailing address if you're interested in buying. First come first serve basis.

[SOLD] Topshop Gold/Cream Lace Top

2008-10-30T10:44:00.012+08:00

*p/s status of the item is reflected in the title of the post - SALE/RESERVED/SOLD etc.

The first item from SHOP MY CLOSET

This is a preloved TOPSHOP see through lace top in cream mesh with very pretty, intricate gold lace embroidery. Scalloped neckline and cap sleeves. I wore this with jeans and a camisole underneath. I've had this for so long I think the Topshop label is from another era!

+ Size 10 Euro 38 (fits me but I typically wear size 8)
+ 20" from shoulder to hem
+ Polyester
+ Condition Excellent
+ Price $10 (postage included)
+ Payment by bank transfer

+ I'll hold it for 3 days within which payment must be received. Serious buyers only please.
+ Item will be sent by regular Singpost mail (1-2 days). No in person pickups, please.
+ I'm not responsible for any goods lost or damaged in transit.
+ No returns

Email dorothyloh@gmail.com with your name, mobile number and mailing address if you're interested in buying. First come first serve basis.

Shop My Closet

2008-10-30T10:29:00.004+08:00

OK folks, introducing the SHOP MY CLOSET series.

In a bid to ruthlessly purge my closet, I'm putting up some items from my closet for sale. According to professional wardrobe declutterers - the rule of thumb for keeping an item in your wardrobe is 1) You must love it and 2) You must wear it.

So I'm going to purge the stuff that I love but don't wear too often. I have a terrible tendency to hold on to my stuff for far too long - but its time to move on!

I'll be putting up more items for sale along the way - don't worry Drastic Measures is NOT turning into a sale blog! If you don't like this sort of thing, just avoid reading the next few posts. But if you're a closet voyeur and want to score some cheap and stylish (I hope you think so) finds, do check back.

i know...no posts and all...

2008-10-24T16:21:00.006+08:00

I know I haven't been updating the blog, and I'd been putting off for a while. But things came to a head when I received an sms today from a friend asking if I was OK because she hadn't seen new posts in a while.

Actually I have a lot of things to post. That's why I haven't - just thinking about it makes me weary. I've been meaning to clean out my wardrobe. And I'm considering putting some of my clothes up for sale here but taking photos of clothes is lots of work. These are stuff that I love, but have been sitting in my closet for such a long time that I feel like it's time to move on.

The other thing that has been taking up my time is Dote. Which leads me to this. Dote can now be found at Maternity Exchange at #03-108 Marina Square. Our very first stockist! Any of you reading this now are nursing moms or have friends who are or will be soon, do help spread the word, thank you!

Response has been good - we're going to start stocking in Australia very, very soon. Yay!

[SOLD] Sew U Home Stretch by Wendy Mullin $42

2008-10-04T19:28:00.008+08:00

SOLD

Hi folks, another item up for sale!

Sew U Home Stretch: The Built by Wendy Guide to Sewing Knit fabrics by Wendy Mullin of Built by Wendy fame.

I'd been dying to get my hands on this book ever since I heard about it. Since I couldn't find it here, I bought it from Amazon. But I ordered 2 copies by mistake so now I have an extra one to sell.

+ BRAND NEW
+ Spiral bound so it doesn't flip over when you refer to it as you work on your sewing
+ Price: $42 (including shipping)

I've always been more than a little daunted by stretch fabrics - we dealt mostly with woven fabrics in design school so I do not have much experience working with knits. I've sewn several pieces on my own but I'd like to learn more about knit stuff, especially working on them with a serger (another apprehension of mine).

I haven't got a chance to read this book yet in detail (it just arrived yesterday), but I have her other book and really enjoy her clear, straightforward and chatty style of instruction. This book teaches you how to make t-shirts, dresses, and hoodies and comes with 3 Simplicity patterns (crewneck T, raglan T and dress/skirt).

From these 3 basic patterns, you learn how to modify them into various other permutations. Flipping through the book, more than a few cute looking designs caught my eye, like the pretty baby doll, suspender skirt and bubble strapless dress.

Mullin also emanates a "You can do it" attitude which is inspiring plus there are some cute illustrations in the book.

Drop me an email dorothyloh@gmail.com if you're interested.

I'll reserve it for 3 days within which payment by bank transfer must be made.
I'll mail out (bubble wrapped) within 3 days of confirmed payment.

[SOLD] Mannequin

2008-10-02T21:42:00.013+08:00

SOLD

Hi everyone - I'm putting up one of my mannequins for sale.

This is the very first mannequin I bought and I spent a considerable amount of time looking for it because I wanted a proper dress form that could be used not just for display purposes but also for dressmaking.

Unlike display mannequins (which are covered in jersey/knit fabric and come without any markings for draping and pattern making), this one is closer to a professional dressmaker's form that I used in design school.

+ Covered in high quality muslin
+ Pinnable Surface (generous padding underneath)
+ Clear line markings e.g. centre front, neckline, armhole, bust and waist darts for draping and pattern making
+ Adjustable height for flexibility
+ Dismantles into 2 parts - torso and base for easy storage/transport
+ Wooden tripod base and finish chrome pole
+ Lightweight

Measurements

+ Shoulder - shoulder (widest part) 14.5"
+ Bust 33.5"
+ Waist 24.5"
+ Hips 34.5"

I have had it for close to 2 years and it is very clean and in EXCELLENT condition because I hardly use it (my sample sizes ended up being slightly smaller than its dimensions). I paid about $200 for it but I'm letting it go for $80 self collect.

If anyone is interested in buying it, please email me at dorothyloh@gmail.com.

I've got one more sewing related item for sale coming up :)

Underneath the torso. The brown stuff is glue - this is the original condition it came in.

Press Alert! Dotted Line in Dolce Magazine

2008-10-02T20:20:00.004+08:00

We are in the inaugural issue of Dolce magazine :) Two full pages somemore.

A handbook for the modern working woman, Dolce is FREE and released every last Thursday of the month! Whee! I got mine directly from the publisher, but you can also find it at various cafes like Dome and they are also given out free at selected central areas of Singapore.

Dote Now Open

2008-09-29T15:35:00.001+08:00

emmys fashion

2008-09-23T20:41:00.008+08:00

I accidentally caught snippets of the emmys red carpet - happened to turn the telly on while taking care of ellie. Only caught bits here and there but from what I saw, here is my take:

Favs

Heidi Klum in Armani Prive

I think this must be my absolute favourite of the night because it's so different from the typical look worn on the red carpet - it's modern and dramatic but not in a fluffy ballgown way. I love grey, I love one shouldered, I love capes - very little for me not to like.

Brooke Shields in Badgley Mischka

I'm not a fan of Brooke Shields, fuschia or Badgley Mischka, but somehow this dress works for me. I think it's the soft ruffles and train - although I don't like the other dress by the same designer (see below).

Marcia Cross in Elie Saab Haute Couture

I think that the lace flower overlay could be a little more subtle, but overall this is such a beautiful, dreamy look. And tulle - how can one not love anything tulle! I have yet to fall in love with an Elie Saab dress but in this case, love the unexpected bronze-y, rose gold colour that just works so well with her red hair and fair skin. I also like that it's not full length, and still looks right for this event. I almost feel as if a sweeping gown would be a little too much for the Emmys - it seems much more Academy Awards appropriate. (Again, don't like so much the other dress by this designer - below)

Cynthia Nixon in Calvin Klein

Ooh another favourite of mine - love the seafoam colour and that it's simple but not boring. And I love Cynthia Nixon - how can I not since she's part of SATC? (Thought it looked better on TV than here though)

The ones I didn't like so much (although they all made the Best Dressed Lists):

Eva Longoria in Marchesa

I think she can look so much better than this. Although the fashion experts were raving about the giant bow on her dress, declaring it "flapper-esque" - it's just not doing it for me. Something about her hairdo and makeup isn't helping either (is it me or does her face look different?). I'm not a big fan of her red carpet looks - she has a tendency to wear stuff that I find overly fussy and shiny.

Evangeline Lilly in Elie Saab

Again, another too-shiny and fussy look. I didn't see this on TV though, so maybe it looks better on TV then in the photo (though I'm not overly optimistic)?

Hayden Panettiere in Badgley Mischka

There's nothing really bad about this dress except that I think it looks a little blah. Also, I think she could have gone for something a little more age appropriate - maybe a pop of colour or a shorter, more fun and flirty dress. The make up and hairdo were aging too. Watching her on the red carpet, she just looked really uncomfortable the entire time.

I haven't seen the worst dressed lists yet, so there may be a part two to this. I'm looking forward to catching the Fashion Police episode of the Emmys on E! tomorrow. Oh, and all this while, I have yet to catch the actual Emmys!

real fashion.vintage

2008-09-22T20:46:00.008+08:00

following my previous post i thought it might be fun to post pics of some of my vintage pieces. I'm trying to follow some sort of theme here - I think it's so much more interesting that way. let's see how long I can keep this up!

Here are two vintage dresses that I got as a gift.

They have been sitting in my wardrobe for years but I refuse to give them away - I had the polka dotted one altered because it was too big, but I never got round to wearing them. I've taken them out numerous times in an attempt to wear out, but just couldn't seem to get the look right. If I had the chance to go to Fashion Nation's 2nd anniversary party (party theme: Wear that item you never dared to!), I would probably have worn one of these.

Skirt from Oppt Shop

Clutch from Swirl. I love this clutch, especially the shiny patent material and gunmetal colour. I feel like a lady when I carry it! Sadly I don't get to use it very much because I usually need a giant bag to hold all my stuff. So only for special occasions.

I wanted to post one final item - the most vintage of them all - a blue velvet cropped blazer that I got from House of Japan for less than $10. But I must have given it away (it was kinda grotty and the lining was fallling apart) 'cos I can't find it now! Anyway, I wore that only once I think when I was an adventurous design student.

And one final pic - not vintage, but of the skirt I bought recently and posted about before. With tank from Marks & Spencer and my current most favourite-st shoes from Pedder Red. Other accessory: Baby Ellis.

PR5

2008-09-15T13:15:00.010+08:00

So instead of doing all that I'm supposed to be doing, I've been indulging in Project Runway via Youtube. It's getting a little tired after so many seasons - I almost think even the producers are feeling it because they actually recycled a challenge. Six episodes into PR 5, there isn't really a designer that I particularly like or identify with.

In fact, many of them kind of annoy me. From the contestant who has to tan every other day; the one who talks about himself in the 3rd person to the one who insists "I have IMPECCABLE taste". And somehow watching them get cut this season is almost painful.

The great catty lines are still there though, courtesy of Michael Kors. But the one that got me thumping my fist on the table came from Tim Gunn:

"It looks like a pterodactyl out of a gay Jurassic Park"... upon appraising one of the outfits in the workroom.

Catch the episodes here.

2008-09-14T14:50:00.004+08:00

I went to my dentist today - not my favouritest thing to do, but I hadn't gone in more than a year. I was scheduled for the usual checkup and cleaning. The worst I was expecting was a cavity. I hold my breath as my dentist inspects my teeth. He peers into my mouth and declares that my top right wisdom tooth is growing sideways and impacting my other teeth. It needs to be removed. ASAP. Crap. I decide to have it out, immediately.

After anaesthetic and before placing his shiny scary looking plier like device in my mouth, he states in his characteristic quiet manner, "You'll feel some pressure." The nurse steps behind and places both her hands on either side of my head to hold it down. No kidding!

Five minutes and a lot of leg shaking later, I walk out with numbed gums and a gauze plugging the bloody wound. That was the last of my wisdom teeth.

in the beginning...

2008-09-12T10:48:00.005+08:00

This occurs at the start of each collection - I put together a series of technical drawings with fabric swatches for each design. The final product doesn't always end up identical as I still make changes along the way.

These will be ready in October

char siew

2008-09-11T20:24:00.010+08:00

I love pork anything, and have a particular soft spot for roasted meats like siew yoke (which I've attempted before) and char siew. Two weeks ago, a recipe for char siew appeared in the Sunday Times food section. I tore out the page and placed it within the pages of a recipe book planning to give it a try and jazz up my usual repetoire of dishes.

Sent hubby to wet market to look for the required "pork shoulder butt". He returned with a piece from our usual butcher that looked almost identical to the one in the photo in the paper.

It is much easier and took a shorter time than I imagined to cook - just prepare marinade, marinate meat overnight and 35 mins of roasting. Even with our dinky little oven, and a few ingredient substitutions, I managed to turn out a pretty decent hunk of roast. It was a wee bit off the usual char siew flavour, but superbly moist and the charred bits deliciously chewy and sweet.

Ingredients:
500g pork shoulder butt

Marinade:
1 tsp salt
3Tbsp sugar
1 Tbsp canola or vegetable oil
1 Tbsp hoisin sauce
1Tbsp crushed salted soya beans (tau cheo) I just used what I had at home which happened to be "tau cheong" which has red dates
3 Tbsp light soya suace
1 Tbsp meiguilu jiu or shaoxing wine (I used hua tiao)
1 Tbsp grated giner
125g maltose or honey (I used honey)
2 shallots, finely chopped

Glaze:
2 Tbsp maltose or honey

Method:

Cut pieces of shoulder butt in half lengthwise, rinse under running water, pat dry and leave to drain while making marinade.
Microwave marinade ingredients on high for 20s, then whisk to combine. (I don't own a microwave, so I just heated it gently on the stovetop)
Put the pieces of pork in a ziploc bag, pour the marinade over and make sure that it coats the pork. Press out the air and seal the bag. Put on a plate and refrigerate at least 4 hours or overnight.
Preheat the oven to 230 deg C at least 30 minutes before cooking. Line a baking tray with parchment paper or aluminium foil and fit a metal rack in the tray. Remove pork from the marinade, pat dry with paper towels and arrange the pieces on the rack.
With oven prehated, put the pork in the oven. Roast 15 minutes, turn the pork over and roast another 15 minutes. Remove from the oven Turn the pork, brush with glaze and return to the oven for 3 minutes. Turn the meat again, glaze and roast 2 minutes more.
Remove from oven, rest pork on a plate for 15 - 20 minutes before slicing. This step is VERY important - don't miss it. It allows the juices of the roast to settle so that the meat is tender and moist.

real people.real clothes.real fashion

2008-09-11T13:43:00.008+08:00

I browse occasionally through fashion blogs like the popular The Sartorialist and Fashion is Spinach, but of late, I've been a regular reader of two local fashion blogs, Swirl Girls from my friends at Swirl and Fashion Nation, by Stephie and Dottie.

They're extra fun to read not just because they are written by real people I know or have met, but also because these ladies truly make an effort and creatively (read: no need for top to toe designer labels) enjoy fashion in a country known for its national costume of tank top and flip flops.

Even better, many of the items they sport come from familiar brands which are completely accessible (location and price wise) so it gives one the hope that one could be just as stylish without breaking the bank.

It all started with this post by Stephie on a topic close to my own heart - shoes! There's something deliciously voyeuristic about peeking into someone else's wardrobe, and a collection of anything is always fun. Obviously I wasn't the only one similarly inspired - because soon after, I had fun checking out evelyn, zann & pris' shoes.

I also like Swirl's little themed shoots - like their recently launched "Take 5" where they showcase 5 random items from their wardrobe.

I was inspired to do something similar - I'd really like to post my shoes but I haven't worked up the energy to drag all of them out of their boxes, line them up neatly and trying to take shots of them with the risk of a baby crawling all over - & possibly chewing on them. So I decided to post other stuff instead - hopefully this will be a warm up of sorts.

So, presenting - some newly acquired items (& one not so) from my wardrobe. I don't have much time to shop for clothes nowadays, so when I am able to (yesterday!) and can find something I like, I guess it's a rare occasion.

I bought this CK dress almost 2 years ago but wore it for the first time last weekend. Reason? I bought it before I got pregnant but by the time I wanted to wear it my enlarged pregnant bustline no longer fit into the dress! And you would think it's the perfect pregnancy dress. I don't usually buy stuff from CK, but I somehow wandered in while shopping with a friend and bought this on impulse. It's not the usual silhouette I would choose - and it was quite pricey. But there's something almost architectural in quality about it that I like, yet with a softness from the asymmetric wrap in front.

Wearing it somehow led to me buying my next item:

It's a navy jersey babydoll from GG5. It's kinda sacklike but I was intrigued by the construction and artistic flaps. In any case. to quote Stephie "Must clothes be absolutely flattering? After so long, I don’t buy that anymore. I want clothes to be fierce, jarring, different." I'm quite surprised by how much I agree with her statement. (And that's baby Ellis fiddling with my shoes. She quite likes shoes, and so far seems to have more affinity for her Dad's shoes than mine)

Next - jacket from GG5 and a top worn as skirt from Dorothy Perkins. The jacket was a steal for about $60 (it's lined and nicely tailored) and I like how it's structured and Japanese inspired. I would probably wear it with a skinny belt to hold the front in place because I don't like it with the front panels open. You can see the sleeve details in the next photo.

The "skirt" is a top I think - but I like it as a skirt. And it's so comfortable!

So far it looks like I'm liking a whole lot of volume, draping and shades of black/navy/grey.

facelift

2008-09-08T15:42:00.010+08:00

And about time, I think.

I'm having this thing for muted colours lately. Very japanese zakka-ish.

I leave you another pic from the recent Dote shoot. I am loving these candid shots taken by Jon. We braved the wind and the rain! Kelsey, the consummate professional, leaped over puddles in her 4" heels.

this is why i don't model

2008-08-22T09:53:00.012+08:00

Thanks to all kind commentors of my previous post; it was a lovely boost to my self esteem -which deflated just as quickly when I saw this photograph.

REAL model Kelsey B and I at the Dote photoshoot. Kelsey is 5' 10" + additional 4" with killer stilletos and me, I'm scraping 5' 2"

Nothing like photographic evidence for a hard dose of reality.

excuse me, are you a model?

2008-08-06T16:44:00.013+08:00

Am blogging to take the edge off. The past few weeks have been a little more stressful than usual - there's a lot of juggling going on - production and photoshoot related. I've already had a couple screw ups around the model casting which have yet to be resolved, and also managing the production schedule.

Most factories are booked up end of year for the Christmas/ holiday rush - my current one can't deliver within my timeframe so had to look for alternatives last minute.

Anyways...the issues are ongoing - but on to more fun stuff. I recently had to submit a photograph for a Dote ad that I'm placing - but the deadline for submission was before my photoshoot, so how?

I got to play model, and poor drugged-up Kisu (who was sick over the weekend) was forced to be the photographer. Didn't even bother with makeup since I already decided that my face wouldn't be shown (not that it would have helped much anyways). We dragged furniture all around the place trying to get a decent shot - my initial idea was of me standing and holding Ellis, but it turned out too tricky trying to get both me AND the baby looking good i.e. not rumpled or scruffy, which is pretty hard!

The dress kept getting scrunched up and falling the wrong way, and knowing how to position ones limbs in a flattering way is really not that easy. Ah, now I can truly appreciate America's Next Top Model. Kisu took several hundred shots in half an hour - I'm not kidding - and it was hard to find one where the dress could be seen clearly, my head didn't look too chopped off & weird looking and my hands weren't doing anything funny. In some of the shots, Ellis was at my feet pulling at my shoes!

The photo above is what I picked in the end - ok, I admit to photoshopping my arms (using "Liquify" - thanks to Xiaxue's online tutorial) I tried on my legs too but ended up with a wriggly line for my calf, so that went down the drain. It's homemade but I think not too bad considering it's a homeshot photo...I'm most happy with the colour, which I adjusted in Photoshop too.

And in case you're wondering - that is a dress from the first Dote collection and one of my personal favourites. You can't see it very well in the pic but it has a very pretty curved hem :)

I think we're making some progress here...

2008-07-29T14:40:00.006+08:00

The photographers are pretty much finalised (or shortlisted). I've got a couple models up for consideration, so that's progress somewhat, I hope.

I've been kinda mucking around lately - kind of just skimming the surface, but not getting anything concrete done really. It's irritating me to no end but I just haven't seemed to be able to get out of the rut.

Some time back I was pretty productive - I worked on the Dote website every free moment I had, but maybe I got a mini burnout somewhere along the line. I had some problems installing the shopping cart and things haven't moved on very much since. Bleah.

Aside from that, I'm midway through Fashion Babylon, which is supposed to be an expose of the cutthroat fashion business. It's been pretty fun so far!

My other daily dose of entertainment - watching channel 8's beach.ball.babes (Kisu laughed out loud when I told him the title) It's been a while since I got hooked on a channel 8/U drama - the last was Huang Jin Lu sometime end of last year. Anyways - I probably started watching from episode 3 or so and have not missed any since! It's coming to an end this friday though :( Here the girls are made to go marketing at Tiong Bahru market for losing some challenge (familiar scene eh)

There's something about watching a chinese drama - it's such predictable fluff - the lines, the storyline, the level of entertainment one can expect...this one has christopher lee playing a 29 year old rich playboy named pierre (!) sporting a louis koo-like tan and overly oiled torso - mediacorp should really just allow him to act his age, the poor man. (although to his credit his crows feet seem to have diminished). The plot includes the inevitable love triangles, best friends turned enemies etc.

And much as I'm not a big fan of the Chinese accent, have to confess that I find Chinese actor Cui Peng quite cute in the show. Enough for me to actually search for the show on mediacorp's website so I could find out who he is! My Chinese is so bad that I can't read the credits fast enough. But even if I could I doubt I could recognise the characters that make up his name!

The Hunt is On....

2008-07-25T15:54:00.008+08:00

...for a photographer and model for the Dote line.

I called up some agencies to ask about model booking fees. And surprise surprise - waaaay out of my budget! On top of the booking fee which somewhere in the region of $1000 for a half day shoot, there is a media loading fee - an added cost that you pay which depends on where the photos appear. For a website, that's $3000. More if it appears in print. And it's for one year only. Crikey!

So I'm now looking for a freelance model or even a friend/friend of a friend to help. Shouldn't look too young (can't be unbelievable as a mum), slim and preferably at least 1.65m and above. If you know someone who fits the bill and wouldn't mind the experience - do let me know!

*Update*

Thank you all who so kindly forwarded me photographs and recommended friends. Dozens of portfolios and 1 FHM babe later, I am happy to report that the model casting is closed and photographers chosen!

Press Alert! Dotted Line in Elle Magazine

2008-07-20T20:43:00.004+08:00

Our Scallop Dress in red is featured in July 'o8 issue of Elle Singapore!

I didn't know about it till I chanced upon the page while getting my haircut at the salon.

I went to the nearest bookstore to look for the magazine as I keep all press copies, but they didn't seem to have it. Maybe 'cos it's already the second half of July. If there's any kind soul out there who happens to have the issue and is willing to send me a scanned copy, do let me know!

Not...

2008-07-17T15:43:00.007+08:00

feeling cynical or jaded anymore :)

thanks to everyone who checked in on me after my last post.

I'm ok folks!

I wrote regarding a specific incident but later I realised how those words would have applied to many other situations.

hmm. I have the feeling that there's a very important life lesson to be learned here...

Feeling....

2008-07-15T09:18:00.002+08:00

...cynical & jaded.

I should have known.

I wish I had not said Yes.

Tags!

2008-07-10T10:54:00.007+08:00

I am pleased - I was literally hopping around with excitement when these arrived on Monday.

Now I have tags and namecards for Dote! (Thanks to Su Ling of pupsik for the design!)

Have to confess that I bought the ribbon for the tags a loooong time ago. So I finally got to dig the roll out to thread the tags :) There's a fair bit of repetitive action (measure-cut-thread-knot) and it gives me a blister on one of my fingers but it's pretty therapeutic. This is what happens when you're a one woman show (despite all the "we" on the shop website...)

Non-nursing or non-moms - I know all the posts lately have been skewed towards Dote - but not to worry, Dotted Line has not been forgotten! Even as you read this much work is going on for the new collection. Yup, new stuff is baking - which means more Dotted Line tags are needed..

Back to the grind!

Placeholder Page Madness

2008-06-27T21:55:00.007+08:00

O.M.G.

I have spent literally the entire day trying to figure out how to create a mail form from scratch with CGI (?!!!)

When I first got hold of the domain for Dote, Yahoo provided a free but bare bones placeholder page - it's basically a fancy name for an "Under Construction" page.

Finally when I decided that I could deal with the ugliness no more (you can't put in images, change fonts etc). - it just had to be replaced. So after months of dragging my feet, I finally did up the webpage design which was fairly easy and started looking around for a web hosting provider to host my site on.

Endless searching on the Web yielded conflicting reviews. I was all ready to settle on one when I would read a post like "XYZ SUCKS! NEVER host with them...." You get the idea. I went with A Small Orange, a small indie firm - even if they did seem to have downtime problems they had consistently good feedback on support. Their site was fairly straightforward and uncluttered unlike some of the other sites that looked very commercialised.

I got the nameservers changed, set up the CPanel - that was quite quick - but got stuck at the damn HTML form. It's a basic (you would think) form we are all familar with - one field only for an email address and a submit button. In theory and from what you read on Dreamweaver help it sounds simple enough. You draw a box for the field and then set up the mail to function. But then later I find out that there's this CGI setup that needs to be done on the host end before the form will be sent to my email. Oh I can't even elaborate - it's like living it all over again; I feel so tired.

Enough talk - here it is all done and tested 735,5465 times. (I think I have RSI from clicking "Sign Up" too many times)

Swirl Goes to Work

2008-06-18T09:51:00.006+08:00

This is totally an excuse to put up some wonderful photos of the latest collection from my friends at Swirl.

They have really outdone themselves this time - the illustrations by the super talented Priscilla are absolutely adorable!

And the clothes - I haven't seen them in person yet but I can guarantee that in Swirl tradition, they will be pretty, eye catching and tres fabulous.

To celebrate the launch of their latest collection, Swirl will be holding a tea party this Saturday 12 June, 2pm at Stamford House #02-05. There's even a special one day only 15% off clothes from the new collection.

I'm going to be there, so do pop by to see the clothes and say hi!

DOTE Nursing Wear

2008-06-12T21:03:00.012+08:00

As if being a full time mum isn't challenging enough, I've decided to make things even more interesting for myself by launching a new label.
DOTE (that's DOT+E) is a new line of nursing wear that I'm currently working on.

While the story behind it is the same - can't find styles I like etc. - I seriously hope that Dote delivers a breath of fresh air to my fellow nursing mums out there. (We have dresses! They're not frumpy!)

It's a couple more months yet, but if you would like to be informed when we launch, or know someone who would, please sign up for our mailing list. Click on the image above to sign up directly at the site or send an email (subject: Dote Mailing List) to dorothy@dotestudio.com

GeeeeeMail

2008-06-12T10:45:00.003+08:00

*ring ring*

dot: hello

housing agent: ms dorothy?

d: speaking

ha: we have a new development XYZ launching and would like to invite you to the VIP preview

d: what are the size of the apartments?

ha: $1XXX to $1XXX psf

d: no, the size

ha: $1XXX to $1XXX psf. Special price, VIP preview only.

d: no, the size. I want to know the size of the apartments.

ha: oh! the size....XX to 1300 sf

d: that's too small. we are looking for something larger. No thank you.

ha: in that case, how about I email you when another suitable development comes up. what's your email?

d: d-o-r-.....@gmail.com

ha:Dee...Oh....AR-rer...what?

d: *repeat email add*

ha: OK. At what?

d: gmail

ha: EE - Mail?

d: No. Gmail. GEEEEE-MAIL.

ha: EEEE- mail?

d: (sighing) Ya. That's right. email. Can? OK? Thanks. Bye.

If the guy doesn't know what Gmail is, I don't think I want any emails from him.

More Culinary Adventures

2008-06-11T14:19:00.005+08:00

Any one has a good recipe for sio bak/siu yoke/shao rou?

It's one of my favourite foods so I tried replicating it at home now that we have an oven.

I used this one but I oversalted the meat and the skin didn't turn out crackling or crispy enough. Looked good but didn't taste great.

Kisu has recently been bitten by the cooking bug. It all started with him browsing and buying the book How to Cook Everything by Mark Bittman.

Then came the Le Creuset cookware - thank goodness it's GSS season otherwise the damage would have been worse. I love the spatulas from Le Creuset!

He's turned out roasts - beef (below) and pork, borscht, cesaer salad, mayonnaise, salsa, mushroom soup - everything from scratch.

Tacos

He's the ang moh food cook at home. Me, I prefer my Chinese/Asian stuff.

Sex & The City

2008-06-10T18:52:00.019+08:00

I've been reminded to update my blog. (J, I hope this gives you at least 15 minutes of entertainment in the office...)

Of late, I spend more time reading other blogs than working on my own.

There's obviously a lot of backlog but I'll start with the latest - Sex & the City The Movie.

I'm SO glad I managed to catch this at the cinema - it's the first movie I've watched on the big screen since Ellis came along. I am a big SATC fan, so I was dying to watch it, but resigned myself to waiting for the DVD when I found out that it was going to show only after my pregnancy.

But when the movie trailers started airing and with all the pre-opening hype, I had such a bad itch to watch it. I decided that if I couldn't find anyone to watch it with me, I would totally go on my own for a weekday late night movie (baby would be asleep, I wouldn't be needed and Kisu would be home with her just in case)

But Kisu generously offered to babysit so I could have a (half) day out with my girlfriends. With some planning and coordination (had to time the movie between feeds) I managed to catch the Sunday morning screening with my SATC kakis Juliana & Jackie. Even managed to have lunch after - it was really a luxury.

So, the movie.

A little like meeting an old friend after a long time - there's lots of anticipation but also the slight apprehension if things are going to be the same. The reviews I'd read were mostly positive, but I tried not to get my expectations too high.

SPOILERS AHEAD

1. The movie is not the same as the series

Perhaps an obvious point - but one I shall make nonetheless. I LOVE the series but the movie was OK for me only. I can't help but compare endlessly. The series, to me is near perfect - clever writing, snappy storyline, candid treatment of issues.

The movie being a movie was a little too slick and glossy for my liking. I had a sinking feeling from the opening sequence that tried to cover what happened over the 6 seasons in 8 seconds.

There were flashes reminiscent of the series like the coffeeshop "colouring" scene - but these were few and far between.

2. The men

Mr Big (John James Preston) - actually looks more delish than in the series, despite the showings of a paunch (accentuated by his wedding suit cummerbund). Much fewer smirks in the movie - something which annoyed me throughout SATC the series.

Smith - should either have his hair long (when he first met Samantha) or buzz cut (solidarity during Sam's chemo hair fallout). His in between hairstyle does nothing for him. He must also be spending too much time in the LA sun - despite being the youngest of the SATC men, his skin is looking a tad leathery.

Steve - ages ALOT. He looks positively Ah- Pek when he confesses his infidelity to Miranda. And what's with the grandpa sweater? (marriage counselling scene) If cheating on your wife does this to you - men, be warned.

Harry - looks exactly the same. Maybe the key to agelessness is to have no hair.

3. The clothes

SJP's clothes are always good or at least interesting, as usual. Two things stood out for me - those gladiator heels and a studded belt that appeared in several scenes.

The parade of wedding dresses masquarading as a photoshoot was just an excuse for product/designer placement. Did not like.

Bridesmaid's Outfits: Miranda - Worst - what's with the jewelled hairpin and giant earrings. Overkill. Charlotte - Best. Eternally classic in black and subtle jewellery. I also thought the girls were a little too dressed up for a Mexican resort.

4. Favourite scenes

Samantha naked and covered in sushi, waiting for Smith to find her.

The emotionally raw scenes - Carrie hitting Mr Big. Carrie clutching at Charlotte. Carrie fighting with Miranda over Valentine's Day Dinner.

5. Randomness

Carrie & Big & the Wedding No Show - AGAIN?!

What's with the bird in the hair?

When Miranda & Steve got married, did Brady Hobbes become Brady Brady?

How come the fashion show looked so bad?

Jennifer Hudson - thought I wouldn't like her in the movie, but she was surprisingly low key and endearing. Although her storyline with boyfriend Will was too sugar coated (they break up; meet again; he realises she's the love of his life; they get engaged; she gets a big rock?)

Stanford & Anthony? Who are they kidding?!

M18 rating - curses for hacked-up sex scenes.

What's this about the show being SJP-centric? She's the only one on the posters & "Get Carried Away"?? . I know she's on the production team, but SATC has always been about the four women together and SJP should not be led to believe otherwise. It's not Carrie, supported by her 3 sidekicks. Asked to pick a favourite over post movie lunch, I couldn't because they are to me, a team. The press has highlighted Kim Catrall as holding up the movie over money, but if the poster is any reflection of how much they got paid vs SJP, I am totally behind her.

Did I really want to see another Bigcan'tcommit-Ican'tdothis-Carrie-whydoIdothistomyself chapter?

Find out that Steve (the sweet & cuddly guy who charms our resident love cynic) cheats on Miranda?

Watch Charlotte have her fairytale ending as she miraculously conquers the last frontier of her perfect life - her infertility?

See Samantha dump Smith for her old ways and adopt a humping b***h as companion?

Let's say that there was hope where none should be given and none where there should have been.

End of the day it's like eating that second helping of dessert - you want to prolong the pleasure, but wish you'd stopped at one when you're done.

Great Dotty Sale

2008-05-23T13:12:00.002+08:00

The Great Dotty Sale begins TODAY

Every single piece of our clothes is going at discounts of up to 50%. To sweeten the deal, buy two or more pieces and get your second & subsequent items at half the price! This is on top of the already discounted prices.

Mother's Aid

2008-05-13T10:19:00.001+08:00

So I now get to celebrate Mother's Day. As a mom.
Here's what I got from Kisu & Ellis this year :)

The Little Oven that Could

2008-05-12T18:28:00.007+08:00

My oven is my new best friend. I don't know how I did without one for all these years.

I used to be an avid baker in my teens - mostly cakes and cookies and the occasional roast - that was when I had a large gas oven at my previous place.

When I moved to my current place 7 years ago it didn't come with a built in oven. I was too busy and tired out from work to spend my precious weekends cooking, much less baking cookies and cakes. I decided that it wasn't worth sacrificing limited counter space for an implement that I wasn't going to use much.

I used to recount my "glory days" to Kisu - tempting him with mention of butter cake, brownies, roast lamb etc. But in all the years that we've known each other, I never baked him a single thing (which he never fails to remind me). It's a little ironic that my husband has never tried my baking, but "No oven, mah."

However, cooking did eventually come back to me, and I started cooking regularly again. As I searched for new recipes to try, I realised that many yummy sounding ones called for an oven. Like honey baked cod (which I'm making tonight). BBQ pork ribs. Buttermilk baked chicken. Not to mention all those baked cookies and pastries.

So after toying around with the idea for a long time. we decided to sacrifice the counter space and get an oven. Kisu wanted to get the expensive ($500+!) Delonghi but I thought no point for a countertop version - you can get a nice built in oven for less than that! Settled for an el cheapo one recommended by Simply Her magazine as "Best Deal". A Toyomi 34 litre convection oven that has some good features, like a crumb tray, rotisserie and fan to distribute heat evenly.

It's the best $150 spent -it's been churning out almost all our dinner meals since we got it - preparation can be done way in advance, cooking and cleanup is easy - the food is healthier (no added fat; I used to pan fry) and tastes great.

So far I've also made brownie cookies, chocolate chip cupcakes (pictured below) and corn muffins. I'm now like Martha Stewart's greatest fan - I've used so many recipes from her site, and they came out delicious too.

Kisu must have been quite pleased with the results cos guess what he got me for mother's day? See the next post :)

Another Year

2008-05-12T18:24:00.001+08:00

Birthday pictures

a must have for birthdays - Lana cake! I've eaten this since I was little and it's still my all time favourite chocolate cake.

Press Alert! Dotted Line in Smitten Mag

2008-05-05T09:59:00.002+08:00

Kate Ribbon Dress in the May '08 issue

Retro Blue Wrap Dress in the April '08 issue

As you can see, the good folks at Smitten have recommended it for the full-figured :) It is a very flattering cut...

2008-04-27T16:25:00.006+08:00

I am watching reruns of Project Runway, and I am missing, missing, missing the workroom.

+ The lovely huge smooth tables which are just fabulous spaces for drafting.
+ Remnants of paper patterns strewn all over the floor.
+ Mannequins half draped with fabric.
+ Rulers and huge paper pieces.
+ Stopping work and running over to check out each other's designs.
+ Rows and rows of sewing machines.
+ Steam hissing from the industrial irons.
+ Huge flat ironing surfaces.

I miss the creative energy and environment.
I miss school.
I miss learning.
I miss my classmates.
I miss it alot.

Kadomay Reunion!

2008-04-27T11:11:00.005+08:00

Many have asked me about my dressmaking experience at Kadomay, which I have shared here. Now to put a face to a name - here is the lady at the centre of it all, our very kind and extremely patient teacher & principal Mdm Lydia Lee. It's also where I met Evelyn & Suzanne from Swirl!

(L-R) Evelyn, Suzanne, Lydia, me

A large group of sewing-mad ladies - alumni past and present - met for high tea at the Furama Hotel cafe yesterday for the Kadomay Dressmaking School reunion. It's been a good 33 years since Kadomay has been around!

It's Done

2008-04-24T16:38:00.004+08:00

Have done it.

Have committed to my biggest order of fabric yet - I'm waiting for them rolls to arrive end of the month - samples can then be produced shortly - and the best bit is that soon after, I get new clothes! (I get to test run the samples)

The artwork for the logo was just completed yesterday so am in the process of getting some quotes for printing. Fun fun! This is when I see what I had in my mind coming slowly to life.

Swop

2008-04-24T10:56:00.005+08:00

Last weekend Ellis & I popped down to Swirl's Swap Swop.

(The closest I can get to being in one of those social event photos ala Tatler/Prestige)

To my right, Stephie of local fashion blog Fashion Nation, and her friend Anne.

Turns out Ellis was the youngest swopper ever - and I scored a very French looking stripey black & white sweater top.

Politics & Dotted Line

2008-04-17T16:02:00.006+08:00

If you happen to watch Rouge, the talkshow hosted by NMP Eunice Olsen at 10pm on Sundays.

This week's episode has the former Miss Singapore Universe in a Dotted Line piece - the Cotton Candy Shirtdress :)

I haven't watched it myself, but guess what I'll be doing this Sunday evening?

mad for black (& sometimes patent) leather

2008-04-16T15:24:00.008+08:00

Clothes shopping is a little sad for me these days - I can't just buy anything I like because it needs to be breastfeeding friendly.

But shoes - ah, shoes I can go crazy over.

L-R: Patent leather strappy sandals with stacked heels (Dorothy Perkins), gladiator sandals and black wooden wedges (both Pedder Red at Vivocity)

The mini rampage started at Dorothy Perkins at Great World City - not a place you would really think of for shoes, no? One wouldn't say "I need a pair of shoes, let's go to Dorothy Perkins" but guess what, I found some there anyway!

I bought TWO pairs, one of which is pictured above. The other is a silver sandal - I didn't include them in the picture because they don't go with the rest :) Both pairs are really comfortable, and as a bonus I got an additional 15% off the already very decent prices (some special sale going on). Was even more pleased to discover that the black pair had rubber soles, which meant that I did not have to buy anti slip stickers for the bottoms.

And over the weekend, I HAD to visit the new Pedder Red at Vivocity - one of my favourite places to go to for shoes because I almost always find something in a style that I like there (which is very dangerous). The Vivocity outlet is great because it's spacious compared to the rather cramped one at Ngee Ann City - very important if you have a stroller to wheel around, which I do.

Been looking for a chunky cross over-ish sandal style and fell in love the minute I slipped into the wedges. They're a little higher (& more expensive) than I would like, but what the heck, I knew I had to have them.

I have also been looking for gladiator sandals for the longest time - and almost given up because there was always something not quite right about the ones I'd looked at (heels too high, too much metalware, too bulky, too expensive, etc etc) until I spotted this pair. I actually think I've seen them before but for some reason I only gave them a try this time. Perfect foil to swingy little dresses - prevents the outfit from looking too precious.

Phew!

2008-04-10T19:46:00.005+08:00

Just completed some major items on my to do list.

I'm working on a new label so much has to be done. The new collection has been decided - designs drawn up and fabrics selected. The next step is to make the samples - which is in the hands of my seamstress. I just passed the designs etc over to her this afternoon - it feels really good to know that I've completed one milestone and things are moving along! This gives me some breathing room on the production front, although much work needs to be done with the marketing and website, amongst a host of other things.

It took me about 2 weeks to finalise the designs and the colour scheme for this collection. I have a pretty good feeling about it - it feels somewhat tighter and more cohesive this time, and I'm pleased about that.

There are 3 different collections to juggle - I don't know why I do this to myself. But each one is exciting in a different way, so I can't quite stop myself, although most times things cannot progress as quickly as before. Prioritisation and time management are key skills now - it's amazing how productive and efficient one can be if one is forced to!

Project Update

2008-04-06T18:11:00.004+08:00

I'm having quite a lot of fun recently - although it's tiring doing it as I can only do it late at night after Ellis goes to sleep - playing with fabrics, colours and practising my drawing. I'm trying to do proper technical drawings (the sort where you see all the sewing details on the outfit as opposed to fashion sketches) rather than just random sketches and am liking the results.

Even bought a bunch of copic markers from Art Friend yesterday so now my drawings have COLOUR! Cheap thrill I got after all my black and white/pencil drawings.

2008-03-27T19:23:00.004+08:00

Gosh, has it been a month already?!

I'm so not keeping up with the blogging process....it's a little harder with the little one around.

A brief update - the new project is taking longer than anticipated but very exciting...had hoped to reveal a little more but I have to keep everyone in suspense for now. Quite a lot of stuff involved - one of which is learning how to build my own website. I had some very basic knowledge of Dreamweaver (even went for a course at Palin but have forgotten everything since, unfortunately..) so I can fiddle around a bit, with the help of a Dreamweaver guide and the "Help" function in the program. I managed to create a mock homepage - which I was so happy about! But then realised that I would have to create the navigation links using images rather than direct fonts...so need to go figure that out next...

Also have been running around quite a bit for business meetings and also fabric sourcing...so far I've been to "far-flung" places like Eunos and Woodlands, to dusty warehouses and musty smelling industrial estates. All with Ellis in tow - I take her to coffee meetings; I drag her along in her Baby Bjorn carrier to view sample fabrics. Thank goodness the suppliers were all quite baby friendly.

--------------

Just got a call from my sewing instructor Lydia today - apparently they ladies at Kadomay are meeting for an alumni gathering! I was so impressed that they actually planned something like this - Lydia even got her contact at Elna to sponsor a sewing machine as a lucky draw prize! Am looking forward to meeting up with the old gang soon...

Runway off Youtube

2008-02-28T16:37:00.006+08:00

I gave in to temptation.

I spent a day and a half watching all of the Project Runway Season 4 videos off YouTube.

After watching the first episode, and then discovering videos to ALL the episodes uploaded so conveniently, I couldn't resist. Ellis sat on my lap and watched together with me. It's her first initiation into the world of fashion, I suppose.

So now I know who made it to the finals - it was quite an enjoyable season and I really, really loved some of the designs that came out of the challenges. Eye popping, jaw dropping, and can I say this - FIERCE!

*edit
Oh and this is a HILARIOUS parody of the show - OK don't click if you don't know and don't want to know who the winner of the show is :)

Auf'ed

2008-02-21T15:08:00.008+08:00

Was a little sick of Project Runway after 3 consecutive seasons...but now that it's been a while, I think I'm ready to watch another motley cast of melodramatic designer wannabes (wendy! santino! jeffrey vs angela!) battling it out again.

Am looking forward to the no-holds-barred- let-it-rip scathingly biting but sometimes oh-so-spot-on comments from Michael Kors and Nina Garcia.

Not forgetting of course, the ever elegant and charming Tim "Make it Work!" Gunn - the way he dishes out his assessment on designs - even the not so good - a perfect balance of candid yet kind.

Season 4 premieres this evening on Discovery Travel & Living at 10pm, though it's drawing to a close in the US.

V Day '08

2008-02-21T15:04:00.000+08:00

2008-02-20T22:19:00.002+08:00

Sorry about the lack of posts of late!

I am still around although it may not look like it....I realise that I've been neglecting this blog in favour of my other one - but that's what new mommies do!

Time is not my own now, with the baby, and on top of that I've been ambitious (crazy!) enough to take on some new projects.

I have some backdated posts that I will put up soon....promise!

Press Alert!

2008-02-04T22:50:00.001+08:00

Dotted Line gets some publicity in the blogosphere thanks to Doris of Doris Goes Shopping and Sesame of Viva Woman blogs!

Project Barbie

2008-01-30T18:57:00.000+08:00

This is really creative and at the same time, somewhat hilarious - husband and wife team Alan and Wendi Gratz of Gratz Industries have challenged themselves to play along and duplicate the challenges of Project Runway Season 4 - but with a barbie! I'm still scrolling through their challenges, but I had to stop and post it was so ingenious!

On a side note, I love that Wendi has taken the effort to help her daughter Jo get started early on sewing. It has always been at the back of my mind that I would like to encourage Ellis all I can in sewing and crafting, should she show an interest in it when she gets older. So this was a particularly motivating and helpful post.

OK, I know I'm cheating here because this isn't really my post, per se :)

I'll be back with more soon!

Easing Back In

2008-01-28T22:39:00.000+08:00

I'm back at work - I had thought I'd take a longer break, but it just somehow creeped up on me. It started of with some ideas; I sent a couple of emails, smses and there it was - I was back.

I'm very thankful that it's happened very gradually and naturally - I had not expected it to be as smooth as this, given how unpredictable taking care of a baby is.

It's nice to have something to get excited about other than looking forward to the next dirty diaper - the creative process is always very interesting for me. Hopefully will have something good to show for it in a couple months time!

Small Update to Shop

2008-01-24T18:03:00.001+08:00

New items in the shop!

Retro Blue Wrap - a rework of our bestseller Green Wrap

Licorice Dress

Kate Ribbon Dress

All available online at www.dottedlineshop.com and at Swirl #02-05 Stamford House.

2008-01-09T09:47:00.000+08:00

This caught my eye at the bookstore - it's by Rachel Zoe, the stylist who's about as famous as the celebs she works for (Nicole Ritchie).

I wanted it and I always rationalise that it's OK to buy such books because of what I do. But in a rare moment of practicality, I held back thinking I should probably check if it could be gotten for cheaper online (Amazon?)

Turns out prices are about the same with shipping, so I'm going back to get it this afternoon. Am anticipating lovely fluffy reading!

Just about all the crafting I can manage these days

2008-01-07T15:42:00.001+08:00

I finally managed to sew this - it's a spare cover for Ellis' towgay (beansprout) pillow, made from the leftover piggy fabric from her quilt

Had already jotted down the dimensions of the fabric required earlier, but only found time today to cut and sew the pieces together. Really quick and easy, which explains how I managed to do it - sneaking in some time when Ellis fell asleep today in her little rocker.

Press Alert! Dotted Line in Project Smitten (Jan '08)

2008-01-01T11:25:00.000+08:00

We get a nice little writeup in January's issue of Project Smitten, even garnering a "smitten loves"! What a lovely start to our new year!

Dotted Line Shipping Notice

2007-12-16T08:19:00.001+08:00

Deadline for Guaranteed Delivery Before Christmas (Singapore Orders)

December 18th - we must be able to confirm payment by December 18th.
Our last shipping date is the 19th December.

Taking a Break for the Holidays!

All orders placed or paid after December 18th will NOT SHIP until January 5th, 2008.

Happy Holidays!!!

Dotted Line @ Fash Bash 15 December

2007-12-13T16:36:00.000+08:00

Fash Bash is back! Bigger and better than ever - this time at Bellini Room, St James Power Station.

Please come visit Dotted Line at booth C03 for special deals and discounts!

Store Update - 7th November 07

2007-11-07T22:53:00.000+08:00

View the new collection here.

Dotted Line's New Collection

2007-11-02T19:00:00.000+08:00

In other news, I'm launching the year end collection for Dotted Line very, very soon.

Obviously, has to be very soon as I could pop anytime. Seriously I should have done all the work preparing for the launch WAY earlier, which was the plan (and there was enough time too). But things did not go according to plan - mainly because I was lazy and did not feel productive and kept putting things off.

Well, anyways... we have a good sized collection this time - I've gone on a vintage-y 60s bend and you'll see some great cocktail dresses for those year end parties!

And can I say I'm dying to get back to pre-pregnancy shape so that I can get into some of the dresses (like the Scallop dress above, which also comes in black/white) - I figure it being shift-y and all, would be a bit forgiving on my post-partum figure.

I'll be closing the online shop from this coming Monday - boo hoo - I will miss all my customers! But I figure no choice, since I'm going into confinement. Don't want to try to hard to be a superwoman.... You will still be able to put in orders online, but we'll be fulfilling orders only in December. [Whatever updates I have will be posted on the Events page of the site so check there ok?]

Please visit our stockists if you'd like to view the clothes. I'll be posting word soon on the site and also to those on the Mailing list once the new stuff is up and ready!

Nursery + Study

2007-11-02T17:17:00.000+08:00

I can finally put up pictures because I now the deem the nursery to be 90% done.

Before

In Progress

After

I just could not resist this IKEA cabinet when I saw it, although it doesn't store very much - it's not very obvious in this picture, but the top of the cabinet has a very pretty wave like pattern. The crib plus the piglet quilt, and also the new skirting that I made, which now covers the metal frame that supports the mattress and the large drawer underneath.

On the shelves are the Ruby Doll, and a little Aranzi Aronzo bear (looking quite stunned) both made by me. The bootee on the left I knitted some time back, and on the right is a Little Miss Dotty book from Toon, and a stack of pretty floral tea towels I picked up in Chinatown.

A Tiffany piggy with pink spots from Jenny

And a Gund bear that I gave Kisu some time back

On the adjacent wall, series of Belle & Boo prints bought off Etsy

The more boring bit - the opposite side of the room is the study area. I insisted on white furniture (matches the iMac!) and I really love working from here. It's much smaller than what we had before but I like the pared down feeling - it feels less cluttered but I still get easy access to all my work essentials.

Must credit Kisu with building and painting the Tiffany blue wooden box, which I use to store my printing paper, labels and envelopes. Feel most organised with this little cabinet!

Press Alert! Dotted Line in 8Days

2007-10-30T16:04:00.000+08:00

We are in the Nov 1 issue of 8 Days!

Champagne Lace Bustier, $249

Press Alert! Dotted Line in Seventeen Magazine

2007-10-26T15:27:00.000+08:00

Seventeen Nov 2007 Issue

Champagne Lace Bustier, $249

Pink

2007-10-26T15:03:00.000+08:00

Thanks to my generous and indulgent hubby, I now own this hot pink version of those durian stall weighing scales. From Pantry Magic at Holland V. Plus the set of colourful mixing bowls that I use to decorate/store stuff in the workroom (currently as you can see, they're being used to store Envirosax orders)

I'd been thinking of getting a weighing scale ever since I've had to calculate postage for all the parcels I ship. I have a small kitchen one but it's not quite large enough (it only goes to 1kg) for my packages.

When I spotted this one at Pantry Magic, it was love at first sight. The scale also comes in orange and off-white, and probably costs like 10 times what the generic dirty green one does, but I so HAD to have it. And get this - they are all priced differently according to colour! Talk about price differentiation! As luck would have it, the pink scale is the most expensive : (

Helmet Head

2007-10-26T14:55:00.000+08:00

My new hairdo by my ever funky hairdresser Timen.
I now have one of those short funky-nerdish fringes.
I like.

Kisu, once again, has taken to calling me "Susie" (of Calvin & Hobbes)

The significance of this particular haircut: it's going to be the one that appears in all those hospital and newborn baby pics.

Press Alert! Smitten Nov 07

2007-10-19T18:06:00.001+08:00

We are in the latest copy of Smitten magazine...it's a new and really fun to read mag that covers fashion, and home decor (my latest craze) - lots of nice clothes and secret addresses to new shops in there! (Popular blogger Ms Spinach of www.fashionisspinach.com is the fashion editor)

One for the Nursery

2007-10-15T17:45:00.000+08:00

In more sewing madness - hot off the sewing machine yesterday - a Ruby Doll for baby sung.

I really, really wanted a cute soft toy for the nursery. Initally I planned to buy something off Etsy, but didn't really find anything that was really to my taste. I also wanted the toy to be of a certain size, and turned out that those were quite pricey after taking into account the adding shipping cost, etc.

So I finally decided to make my own from this free pattern at One Red Robin. A really simple and easy to use pattern! Ruby is mostly machine sewn, with some bits (her face) hand stitched. I was a little worried about the eyes, as they are embroidered on. I haven't got much experience with embroidery so I was concerned that I might get them lopsided, but thankfully they came out fine.

Here she is, sitting contentedly on the window sill....

I know, I know - I've been a little hardcore about this whole sewing for baby thing.
But honestly, I think this is a privilege reserved only for my firstborn. I can't imagine doing this again for the next one!!!

Labour of Love

2007-10-05T19:14:00.000+08:00

Baby Sung's Finished Quilt

Closeup of the quilting

This is truly a labour of love - seemingly easy, but miles more difficult than the quilt I made for Baby Emily, Selena's daughter. The source of all my problems? The red binding going round the sides of this quilt. And to a certain extent, the additional quilting that I did on the squares.

+ I was set on having a red fabric binding - I basically copied this quilt pattern, which I really liked, particularly for the colour combination.

+ Well, the dye of the red fabric I chose ran - ALOT. I don't usually prewash my fabrics (terrible, I know, but I'm just too lazy) but I decided to in this case since baby blankets get washed a lot and you can't dryclean them. The fabric bled SO much, I tried all sorts of stuff including salt and a dye stabilizer. All in all, I think I had to wash & dry this fabric 5 times to make sure that the colour didn't run.

+ I had problems machine sewing on the binding - all the layers together got too thick, and the binding started slipping and sliding, plus I had a hard time getting the top and bottom layers to catch....nevered worked with mitred corners before, so this added to the challenge.

+Decided that I would handsew the binding on for better control - BUT what I didn't expect was that the red fabric weave was super tight - I had problems poking pins and needles through the fabric!!! And I'm not imagining things or making excuses...because my needle went through the khaki fabric adjacent to the red just fine.

+ Given that each side is 84 cm long, with 8 sides to sew (front & back) and each stitch is about 0.5 cm apart - makes a grand total of 1344 stitches. Each and every stitch was a pain...so difficult to get the needle through - and I don't own a thimble, so I now have a sore right thumb and index finger.

This quilt contains my blood and sweat, man!

I literally sweated buckets (not helped by mini heater within me, but mostly due to frustration) and droplets of my blood where I pricked my finger from all the handsewing is littered all over (camouflaged in the red fabric bits)!

But, I'm so glad that I finally finished it - the handsewing alone took me 2 days to complete!

A final shot: Here it is, hanging over the baby's crib.

My next project?

Something from this book :)

Home Decor

2007-10-02T13:41:00.001+08:00

There are so many things I want to do with regards to the home decorating, but most of it involves me sewing something. Like:

1. Finishing up the baby's quilt (this I've been puttiing off because the next step I'm not really confident of...and I keep thinking I'm going to screw up somewhere)
2. Little stuffed dolls like this, for the baby
3. There are some ugly things in the nursery that need hiding, and I want to make a cover-up thinggie.
4. Figure out some solution to cover up the desk chair in the nursery-study. It's a gross pink that sticks out like a sore thumb. I'm going to see if I can get it reupholstered, if not, I was thinking of sewing a cover for it (ambitious, yet again)
5. Cushion covers for the living room (my cushions were bought from IKEA, 60cm square. I was going to buy new covers for them but it seems like IKEA doesn't do this dimension anymore. Since I can't find a pattern that I like, I figured I could sew the covers)
6. Tissue box covers.

I know that I'm not the most productive person, so for me to finish all these would be a great achievement. Also, I keep putting it off because there's a whole bunch of other stuff that needs me to work on which is actually higher up the priority list (like Dotted Line related work) than sewing home decor!

Well, at least I did manage one thing - I bought some prints for the nursery!
I looked all over Etsy before I settled on these prints from seller Belle & Boo (cute name huh)

Too much IKEA

2007-09-27T18:01:00.000+08:00

A lapse in posting as I'm busy with finishing up the home improvement....not putting pictures up yet as I still have some decorating to do.

We've been to IKEA just too many times this past week...maybe 5 times already?! We've got all our furniture, but now looking for storage solutions (boxes, bins, trays, organisers) etc to make things even more efficient around here.

I'm very pleased with the home improvement results - we have been decluttering like crazy! Place looks much cleaner and neater now - I feel like a weight has been lifted off me. Every evening I put out several bags of trash after clearing out stuff. Kisu and I spend a lot of time just staring at our new shelves, marvelling at how they have helped organise our lives.

Spending a lot of time surfing the web for home decor items to buy, particularly for the nursery and the workroom. (honestly, I haven't really packed the workroom yet but the Expedit shelf is a great start in keeping things looking more sane in there). Have been spending time on Etsy (which features indie craftsters who make all their own products) looking for baby toys and illustrations.

There are also all these home decor items that I want to sew - inspired by things that I've found on the web, like this sewing machine cover (oops plus find time to finish up that baby quilt). IKEA sells some brown fabric that looks like this (very Zakka-ish), but I didn't buy it yesterday. I should have..looks like I have to pay another visit to the store!

Also I think I'm now addicted to paint, or rather bright paint colours. Managed to convince Kisu to help me paint my mirror and folding table made of unfinished wood from IKEA - hee hee! I picked up a Tiffany blue can of paint yesterday (at the Home Fix at IKEA...) so I'm hoping that it will add a much needed blast of colour to the home.

WIP 2

2007-09-21T10:48:00.000+08:00

Before

After cabinets have been torn down

There used to be a built in sliding cabinet in this awkward corner of the room. Due to its age and weight, it started getting really difficult to open and close. We decided to tear out the cabinet and turn it into a walk in storage area instead. Opening it up like this makes the room feel more spacious. I also like that we're going to have a lamp inside!

After the paint job - intially I was afraid I had gone too yellow, but realised that it was just a shade darker than before after I saw it on the walls. Now I'm thinking I could have been bolder in my choice of colour. On the postive side, at least no rude shocks! But overall, I'm happy with the shade of yellow; it creates a nice, sunny atmosphere in the room.

Next time I have the opportunity to change wall paint, I think I will be more adventurous. Colour does help set the mood of the room immensely and adds more character than plain cream or white walls.

Our little cubbyhole!

WIP

2007-09-19T18:12:00.000+08:00

Our old study is gone. Cabinets, bookshelves, desk, all.

We finally tore out the inbuilt sliding cabinet that was causing so many problems. It's now a nice spacious recessed area that we can put shelving in.

The room is bare and echoes if you speak in it.

I like the space, the square room - an empty palette with so many possibilities.

All the books, files, stationery and assorted knick knacks amassed over the years are now sitting in the living room, dining room and workroom. Boxes are all over the place. I'm surprised at how much stuff used to fit into that tiny room.

Right now, I'm working off the dining room table, which is where the mac is temporarily situated. I'm just glad that the Internet connection is working from here!

I didn't, as intended, dispose of all unwanted matter before I cleared out the study (with my last minute habits, we managed to clear out only close to midnight last night). So I will have to spend the next few days (while supervising the remaining reno work) decluttering.

I've got the photos, but can't upload them as I can't locate the cable in this mess!

Tomorrow, the room gets painted and after that, decoration - whoo hoo!

Go Eco-friendly in Style

2007-09-19T17:41:00.000+08:00

Introducing the Envirosax!

No, it's not some naughty product, and It's Not a Plastic Bag, but a range of lightweight, waterproof, reusable and affordable environmentally friendly bags that I'm now carrying on Dotted Line.

I have to confess I'm not particularly enviro-friendly - I still love me my Cold Storage plastic bags (great bin liners) but there are certain plastic/ paper bags that I do not need. Like those I get from departmental stores - particularly the small bags that they use to wrap things like your skincare or cosmetics in. I find myself tossing them the minute I get home after unwrapping my purchase.

So, now I say "I don't need a bag" and dump my purchases into my handbag (if I'm carrying a large enough one), or in my Envirosax that I carry with me in my handbag. I have the Floral Navy,

but they come in a fabulous range of colours and prints - brights, black/whites, neutrals, retro shades - you can match them to your clothes! And they don't take up much space as they fold up really tiny.

There's something to be said about being able to get your fashion fix and being eco-friendly at the same time!

Gone!

2007-09-14T16:56:00.000+08:00

Good news, good news!

I finally managed to get hold of the Salvation Army yesterday and they immediately arranged a viewing time to assess my furniture - today in fact. I had to spend last night and this morning clearing stuff. They arrived on the dot at the appointed time, plastic wrapped the furniture, and carted them off. I'm so glad that they're going to charity and not being disposed of!

The guys who came were very nice and polite (seeing as I was pregnant, one didn't even allow me to move my shoe rack to make space for them to shift the stuff), and in return, I filled out a feedback form for them. I am SO going to continue donating to SA.

Now I have lots of freed up space - there's room to move around in the workroom once again!