In recent years, going vintage has gained traction in the fashion arena. Thrift stores have been seeing more and more self-expressing individuals on a budget (or not) scouring dusty vintage racks. After all, fashion is about seeking your individual style and getting that adrenaline rush from the hunt.

At the Playground@Big Splash Car Boot Sale on the weekend of 26 and 27 September, City News occupied three lots, offering clothes, shoes, bags, accessories and even a brand new set of John Daly golf clubs (complete with bag). There were some great buys, and some items were even brand new with tags!
Style File headed for the Sale on the first day and picked out some nifty pieces, to show you that you can pull together some great looks even with a bunch of vintage items!

Topshop sequinned bolero: $15 Mango tube dress: $20 Pumps: $5 This tube dress is great for a dinner date. Simply throw on the sequin bolero and up the glam factor.

Strip Blazer: $15 Mini dress: $5 Heels: $10 You can’t go too wrong with a blazer. If you find that wearing a dress by itself is too simple, a casual blazer is all you need to make an outfit look fresh and smart.

Tee: $5 Shorts: $5 Pumps: $5 Going casual doesn’t mean you have to look sloppy. For instance, don’t go for shorts that are “too short” — they are inappropriate for that casual luncheon or high tea. Pick shorts that are cuffed at the hem — they give a smart casual vibe that can take you from the beach to a bistro.

This week, Style File goes looking for stylish women of all ages and comes up roses!

We first spot Elizabeth from the back. Her self-shredded singlet catches our eye, and then she turns around and we are charmed by her fresh, friendly face. Her ensemble is a work of harmony — she looks like a Van Gogh painting with her skinny light blue jeans and sunflower-colored vest. Paired with open-toed heels, Elizabeth’s ensemble wins our vote for the best summer weather outfit.

On Elizabeth:

Vest: Far East Plaza
Top: Swan
Jeans: Queen’s Couture
Shoes: Nine West

The little black dress (LBD) is every girl’s failsafe wardrobe staple. But with just the right accessory and the perfect pair of shoes you can really stand out in a crowd. The self-employed Sandra Lee displays her exquisite taste in accessories — we love the metal link cuff she wears on her upper arm. It’s a perfect rebel counterpoint to her very classic dress.

On Sandra:

Bangle: Architect
Bags: Aldo
Shoes: Aldo

Farida is one cool mama! Her punk-inspired ensemble is a nod to Vivienne Westwood, queen of no-rules dressing. Farida’s sheeny tights and lace-up boots give her a combat style chic, offset by her feminine oversized shirt cinched with a belt.

On Farida:

Top: Far East Plaza
Boots: Los Angeles

This week on City News Style File, it smells like teen spirit. It feels like 21st century kids are going to start a new fashion movement before they are even done with high school.

With teen fashion blogs like Sea of Shoes and Style Rookie being touted as the fashionistas of tomorrow, City News also looks to Singapore youth to uncover true street style.

Korean Christopher Oh is instantly eye-catching. Who can miss his Pantone chart of a tee? This 17-year-old’s overall appeal can be expressed in one word: Neat. His eco-friendly bag (which he owns in different styles) gives him a quirky edge to his otherwise pristine style.

On Christopher
Top: Bugis Village
Bag: Korea
Pants: Korea

Nothing looks cuter than this pinafore dress on 15-year-old Rachel Lim. She is living proof that one should dress for one’s age. This Methodist Girl’s School student tells City News that her mother got her the dress (great choice, Rachel’s mom!) Her clean and unfussy look is the sure way to go for any teen who’s fresh 15.

On Rachel
Dress: Cotton On
Bag: Pull and Bear
Sandals: The Philippines

Nicolas Ghesquiere’s floral dress for Balenciaga’s Spring/Summer 2007 collection was such a major hit, floral prints and dresses remain summer essentials even today. Gwendolyn Tan, 17, is clad in a mini floral dress — a wise choice for Singapore’s humid weather. Just slip on a couple of bangles or a char bracelet and necklace like Gwendolyn, and you are ready to go!

PHOTOS: Bob Li

On Gwendolyn
Dress: Topshop
Shoes: Prima Vera
Bag: Nike

The Marketplace SME Fiesta 2009 that was held over the weekend of 10-12 April drew thousands of visitors to Singapore Expo Hall 7. This event was a chance for various industries to feature their latest products. Two of the booths during the trade fair showcased lifestyle products such as fashion accessories and clothing line.

Labelindo, as the name indicates, is a company that produces labels for a range of impressive clientele, which includes luxury brand, Burberry. Apart from their labelling business, Labelindo has also branched out into a niche industry; that is to produce recycled bags which are trendy yet functional.

Tarpa; made from leather car seats, and Tarpaulin; made from banners, are bags which are extremely durable and also waterproof, not to mention that 90% of the materials used are recycled, other than the straps.

This novel idea came about when the Zulkarnain brothers took over their family business. One day they noticed that the excess materials discarded had potential to create something else because of their excellent properties; thus birth forth Tarpa and Tarpaulin bags.

Truly these products that promote recycling awareness are excellent ways to also promote the importance of saving our environment. Do away with Anya Hindmarch, celebrate Tarpa bags. You can get their products at Singapore Expo, Hall 8 during weekend services or City Harvest Church’s premise at 1, Jurong West St. 91.

PHOTOS: Xavier Tan

Another highlight of the fiesta was Maverick Couture, with a consistent pouring of fashion enthusiast trying on what seems Avant Garde with fierce bold prints that are highly individualistic.

Owner of this clothing business, Henry Chang, who turned his leisure into business, talked about how he would scour through the internet periodically for the latest fashion updates and only to find that the labels he was interested in were not available in Singapore. Nevertheless, such disappointing findings became vital research materials which resulted in the birth of online boutique Maverick Couture.

One of Maverick Couture’s main selling points is their price. Because of the nature of an online shop, they are able to save on the overheads of running a physical shop, and pass on this savings to their customers directly.

Maverick Couture currently carries only labels from the US, but they do not rule out the possibility of importing labels from other parts of world as they actively engage their customers and gather valuable feedback from them. Maybe one day, Maverick Couture will become the gateway for fashionable labels from all around the world.

To receive exclusive information about their upcoming events, promotions and latest imports, you can visit
http://www.maverickcouture.com/ Or join their Facebook group at http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=93918271997

We’ve shown you “funky”. We’ve shown you “smart”. This week City News Style File gives you the black and white on how some beauties carry off classic feminine styles.

Femininity is a subtle art involving the use of simple colours, and clean cuts and silhouettes.

	HR manager Sharon Goh sports an ensemble that will win any mother’s heart — this is the perfect thing to wear if you’re going home to meet his parents for the first time!This look is girl-next-door, nothing too fanciful and easy on the eyes. Pairing her maxi skirt with flats gives this quietly-stylish look an easy feel, perfect for day wear. Her choice of black and white is very slimming as well. This look can be easily jazzed up with jewelled sandals.On Sharon: Skirt: Bugis Street Bag: Charles and Keith
	By mixing dressy with casual, college student Jasmine Hung achieves a striking day-to-evening look. Her ruffled vest has a polished feel while her white denim mini provides an eyecatching counterpoint to the dressiness of the top.This outfit could take Jasmine comfortably from classes to an evening date. We love the rough-cut hem of her skirt – it gives an edge to her feminine look.On Jasmine: Spaghetti Top: Future State Skirt: Flesh Imp Shoes: Guess
	Civil servant Juliana Tan carries herself with a very special brand of femininity. Her cap-sleeved nautical top is sweet and classic, paired with well-cut shorts.Juliana piles on mismatching chains to cleverly break the line of focus and add a touch of girlishness to this black-and-white ensemble. For a funky finish, she pulls on a pair of sassy knee-high boots.On Juliana: Top: Outlet Store Shorts: Topshop Boots: Far East Plaza Accessories: The Link

“Discover the fundamentals. Elevate your potential.”

That was the theme for the modelling workshop that took place weekly for four weeks over at Jurong West premise. The Chinese church hall was transformed into a modelling studio, complete with a runway, photo studio and catwalk pictures all over the walls. This was the closest thing to at an actual runway that most of the participants had seen; it was effective in assimilating industry standards.

Personality Development Trainer Genecia Luo, spoke at this four-week event. Luo, who also won the Miss Singapore International 2006 title, did not just talk the talk but walk the walk. She instructed, guided and shared her experiences in the industry. She demonstrated the art of grooming, posing and walking; explained what to expect when one goes for a model casting; what to wear and how to carry themselves.

It was like an episode out of America’s Next Top Model.

The females in the room were instructed to turn up in a figure-hugging dress and high-heeled shoes a minimum of four inches. Heels are imperative in modeling as they give the female form a lift and helps their posture.

The men, comparatively, had it easy: they just had to wear a simple tight t-shirt with jeans. Of course, what was important was how their (hopefully buff bodies) filled out their t-shirts!

PHOTOS: Daniel Poh

It was a fun and fabulous experience being in a room of beautiful people, but there was more to the workshop than what was skindeep.

University student Stephanie Surya, 21, said: “It was an eye-opening experience, knowing my strengths and weaknesses, learning all those grooming tips; all in, I’m feeling a lot more confident about myself.”

Many City News spoke to shared her sentiments: confidence was the one key they left this workshop with, an asset that helped them not only if they became models, but across other aspects of their lives, for example in job interviews or during presentations.

This may have been a modeling course, but it lacked the typical cat-clawing antics and sabotage that the industry is notorious for. Pure talent was what set these girls and boys apart, and that’s what makes for a true winner.

Many fashion trends emerge not from photo studios but organically — from the streets. In this case, Hall 8 at the Singapore Expo. Each week, hundreds of well-dressed individuals pass through our doors. Here are three gorgeous people we spotted.

	Pixie-like Erika manages to look fabulous in an uncomplicated blue dress with minimum accessories that perfectly complement her outfit. When what you have on is simplicity at its best, you can always fall back on classic pumps for a lazy Sunday — we have the rest of the week for outrageous heels.On Erika: Dress: Temp Shoes: Topshop Belt: Salvatore Ferragamo
	A long time ago, T-shirts and jeans made up the costume of the scruffy rebel. But today, it’s the uniform of every cool and creative Joe. We spot Rallen who turns this classic ensemble into a pastiche of retro and modern.His vintage-inspired tartan doctor’s bag is a terrific addition that boosts his already quirky street style, while his chapeau tops the look off with an admirable nonchalance.On Rallen: Tee: Spin the Bottle Jeans: Samuel and Kelvin Fedora: Topshop
	Standing straight and tall amidst the crowd, Arif’s statuesque build barely goes unnoticed. His clean-cut, straightforward style rests easy on the eyes. Arif demonstrates how to wear a subdued colour and still catch the eye, with a well-cut checkered shirt paired with black jeans — and striking white sneakers that you can’t miss.On Arif: Jeans: Zara Bag: Vivo City Shoes: Fila

Welcome back to City News Stylebook.

Each weekend during services, the Stylebook team seeks out the most fashionable City Harvesters. Not hard to find the fashionable — but these three displayed particularly sharp sartorial styles that impressed our crew.

	Kenneth, who recently returned from a year-long internship in Sweden, demonstrates how to look cool even in Singapore’s perennial summer. We love his long tresses — he exudes a neo-rocker vibe. Instead of the expected dirty blue jeans or black pants, Kenneth cuts an eye-catching figure with white jeans and white leather shoes. Key piece: his faux leather jacket, which delivers instant rock cred.On Kenneth Jacket: H&M Tee: Topshop Belt: Guess Shoes: Aldo
	You can’t miss Kate, with her million dollar smile and sassy style. This cheerful Filipina, a student at Temasek Polytechnic, is dressed in a simple white T-shirt over a short distressed denim skirt, which she cleverly accessorizes. Her outfit works together cohesively with no more than one statement-making accessory — her shimmery harlequin-patterned stockings. Her giant ombre bag — inspired by Prada — adds a nice, expensive-looking counterpoint to her outfit. Take a note from Kate’s style file: Invest in bold accessories jazz up any quiet outfit instantly.On Kate Scarf: Bugis Stockings: First Avenue (TP) Shoes: Charles and Keith Bag: Charles and Keith
	The petite and gamine Jacqueline has a keen sense of style that’s highly unique. Her look is achieved with simple layers — a draped white top, under an oh-so-hot butter-yellow long cardigan. Her skintight jeans seem to melt into her ruched boots. To finish off, she pulls on discordant necklaces, which, paired with her slouchy hobo bag, gives that insouciant air that makes Jacqueline one-in-a-million (or in this case, one-in-25,000). Take a tip from Jacqueline’s book: pull off that hot androgynous style with super-skintight jeans worn in your ankle boots.On Jacqueline Cardigan: Mango Jeans: Mango Top: American Apparel