drastic measures

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)

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.

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 "I want to quit my job and study fashion design - what advice do you have for me?" otherwise known as the FAQ page

2007-06-22T10:41:00.001+08:00

I've finally decided to put up a FAQ page because I have gotten quite a few emails asking me for:

1. Career change advice
2. Business advice
3. Opinions and details of Kadomay Dressmaking and Design Centre, and
4. Raffles Design Institute

I've made a point to reply each and every one of these emails, and found that most of the questions raised are more or less the same. So, better I create an FAQ page. Here goes:

=================================================================
I'm quite happy to share if you're asking me for my views, experience, opinions. But please do your homework too! Some questions that you have can be easily answered by checking on the internet, or picking up the phone and making a few calls. If you're interested enough, you'll make the effort. ================================================================

CAREER CHANGE

Q: I am thinking of whether to sign up for the 9 months full time fashion design course conducted that you had been through. I was thinking if I should go for the full time course before I hit 30years old and have family. Hope you can give me some advice.

Q: I have a keen interest in fashion like you. I intend to quit my current job of 6 years to pursue fashion studies. I have no knowledge of dressmaking and sewing. What advice do you have for me?

A: If you have already made the decision to switch careers and go for further education, congratulations! But if you are asking me what I think you should do - I cannot help you decide if you should make the switch.

Each person has different appetite for risk, and has his/her own different personal circumstances and means. You should consider these factors when making your decision.

Here's are some of the questions I asked myself when I made mine: (at that point I had been working for 7 years)

+ Do you truly have a passion for fashion or are you just trying to get away from a job you don't enjoy?
+ Is your interest in fashion sustainable, and are you committed to seeing it through despite the sacrifices and opportunity costs involved?
+How much do you know about fashion design - have you done your research on what kind of education it entails, how much it will cost you, what the industry (that you will eventually be in) is like? If you haven't, how do you know you'll like it?
+ Is your family supportive of your decision? They may need to support you financially once you give up your job
+ Will you (or your close ones) be able to support yourself financially while you are studying? Your source of income will stop and you need to pay for your course fees.
+Do you have a plan for what you will do once your course ends? I knew I wanted to start a business because I needed to generate income after going without for close to a year and a half.
+ Also think about the opportunity cost of being away from your career for the duration of the course that you are planning on taking. You will definitely lag behind your peers in terms of career development if you do decide to return to your job after studying (let's say if the fashion route does not materialise for you, in the worst case scenario). Are you prepared for this?
+ Lastly, I feel that life is too short and I would rather try than not try at all.

BUSINESS ADVICE

Q: I want to set up an online shop selling XYZ. I have not registered a company. I don’t have a business plan, suppliers, partners or prototype yet. But I hope to have the shop up and running in 6 months’ to 1 year’s time. I'm emailing you because I need your advice. Any pitfalls I should avoid on this journey? Would you recommend a good web hoster, domain name register, ePayment / Credit Card payment company / shipping or delivery company? What about trademarks or patents and inventory control? What about customer service? What SSIC (Singapore Standard Industrial Classification ) code do I use?

A: If you plan to be an entrepreneur, please do your research. That's what entrepreneurs do. I did a lot of my research over the web, where information is free and readily available. You are the one in charge - you know your business best, so you're in the best position to decide what solutions will work for it.

The SSIC code is something that you need when registering a business. It's a categorisation of the type of business one runs. I can't help you choose this!!! This depends on the nature of your business and again, only you know best. If you have difficulty with the SSIC, you should approach the folks at bizfile. gov. sg to explain what you plan on doing and see if they can advise you.

My 2 cents worth about entrepreneurship in general:

Most importantly, whatever you choose to do, it should be something you truly love and are passionate about. It takes a lot of commitment to create and sustain a business, so you need to have an overwhelming desire to want to make it happen, no matter what. Many people start of with many ideas and enthusiasm, but give up for whatever reasons along the way.

To build this commitment, make sure that you dedicate some amount of time on a daily basis to developing your business idea. It can be doing research, checking out the competition, writing the business plan. Whatever. As long as you do something each day, that strengthens the commitment you make towards your business.

EDUCATIONAL ADVICE - DESIGN COURSES

On Kadomay Dressmaking & Fashion Design Training
60 Eu Tong Sen St #03-29 Furama Hotel Singapore 059804
Principal: Mdm Lydia Lee, Hp : 8183 4855 DID : 6221 3191 Fax: 6475 1672
web: http://fashioncherry.com/about.php

** Mdm Lydia Lee is the principal of the school and her contact information is listed above. She's SUPER nice, very patient and knowledgeable and is the best person to answer your questions on Kadomay. Please contact her for any further questions. **

Q: What kind of courses are available and how much do they cost?

A: I took the sewing course. In this course, you will learn to draft patterns and sew garments from scratch. The sewing course does not cover fashion design. The school offers a separate design course, which I did not take.

Prices: $500+ for the Basic sewing course which is approximately 20 plus lessons. By the end of the course, you would have sewn several pieces of garments. I'm not sure if she still offers it, but when I was studying there, I was able to sign up for a block of 4 lessons, which enabled me to make the first garment in the syllabus, a A-line skirt.

All the classes are part time classes. If you're a foreigner thinking of coming to singapore as a full time student, this will not be possible with Kadomay because they do not take in full time foreign students (i.e. they cannot apply for a foreign student visa for you).

Q: In the sewing class, is draping included?

A: No, draping is not included in the course syllabus. However, if you are interested in learning it, you can approach Lydia who might be able to arrange something special for you.

Q: What schedules do they offer?

A: The great thing about Kadomay is the flexible schedule. Basically you go down on any of the slots that suits your schedule and at your own pace. So it all depends on you how fast or slow you want to complete the course. Lydia usually has between 6 - 8 students per class all of them at different stages. She will rotate between students and split her time teaching each one. Please refer to http://fashioncherry.com/about.php for the class slots.

Q: I've no knowledge of dressmaking and sewing, and I want to quit my job to do fashion design. Do you recommend that I should attend such school before entering a school like Raffles?

A: I would highly recommend that you go for a course at Kadomay before you decide to give up your job, since you have no experience or knowledge of sewing or dressmaking. This way, you can try and see if you really do have an enduring passion and interest for the subject. Fashion Design is not just about design solely, it is also a very technical subject, so you have to be comfortable with memorising stuff, calculations etc. Some of my coursemates dropped out of Raffles because they realised that they hated sewing and the technical aspects such as drafting, which are key subjects.

Also, from a cost perspective, Kadomay courses start from couple hundred dollars and can be done part time. A course at Raffles is in the tens of thousands and is full time.

Q: I'm a guy who's interested in sewing. Are there any guys attending Kadomay?

A: Yes! There are guys who attend, but the number is significantly less than the ladies!

On Raffles Design Institute
99 Beach Road, Singapore 189701, Tel: (65) 63385288, Fax: (65) 63380306
web: http://www.raffles-design-institute.edu.sg/

Q: I saw that you went to Raffles Design for a 9-months course. I went to the website and noticed that they offered a full-time 3 year course. Was the course you took full-time/part-time? And is it a condensed version of the full-time course that is currently offered?

A:The fashion design course listed on Raffles Design's website is the Degree programme, which is 3 years. There is also the Diploma in Fashion Design which is a 2 year programme. I took the full time Certificate in Fashion Design, which is 9 months long. The course coverage is similar. I share the same classes as the diploma students - just that I stopped after 9 months and they continued for 2 years. If they want to progress to take a degree, they do an additional year's work. Just call the school and ask them for the details.

Q: What kind of skills would you need to get into the course? I really do hope that drawing skills is not a pre-requsite because I can't draw to save my life!

A: There are no prerequisites for the Fashion Design course besides 6 O levels or something like that (check with the school). I don't think that should be a problem. No prerequisite in drawing. I can't draw well either. Although you will definitely have to learn to draw in the course of your study - the teachers will make you draw ALOT! As long as you practise, you can definitely improve and meet the required standard.

Q: How does the Raffles Design Institute course differ from the Kadomay course?

A: Kadomay is part time and students who go there pick up dressmaking as a hobby, and it's less stressful - there's no teaching on design, just drafting and sewing. Raffles Design prepares you for the industry with a very intensive course that emphasises technical skills. It's very structured, and the classes cover design, drawing, textile industry standards, sewing, drafting, etc. It's very, very different. There's also the course fees - Kadomay will cost you a few thousand dollars (to complete all levels). A course at Raffles is in the tens of thousands.

My 2cents on fashion design education in Singapore:

Again, I cannot emphasise how important it is to research all your options before you decide on any particular school. You're going to be spending a substantial sum of money investing in your education so you do your job and find out more before you make a decision. I spent time going through the various school websites, visiting the schools, speaking to their education counsellors and finding out what they had to offer before I made my decision. My primary reason for chosing Raffles Design was that it had the shortest course which was what I wanted. Each person has his own specific priorities and interests with education, so it's best to do more research and see which one fits your needs best.

For example, if cost is a consideration, Raffles Design is a private school so there are no government subsidies available to its students. I believe there are substantial subsidies for local students at NAFA and LaSalle (if you have not studied at a govt. polytechnic or university before).

OTHER

Q. Do you have any recommendations for sewing machines? Should I start getting my own sewing machine right away?

A: I use a Juki Industrial Sewing machine, and I also own an Elna domestic sewing machine. My serger/overlocker is from Pfaff. Industrial machines which are used in garment factories and fashion design schools are for serious sewers (you need lots of practice to handle them too) and costs close to $1000 for a new one. If you are sewing as a hobby, a domestic sewing machine will suffice, which you can get for below $500 at Elna. Pffaf is great, very solid (made in Germany) but substantially more expensive. If you go to Kadomay, machines are available there for students' use so you don't have to buy one for the course.

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.

[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] 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.

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.

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] 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.

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.

[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.