More chic for less
Good-looking clothes don't necessarily have to burn a hole in your wallet.
Karen Tee
Sun, Aug 17, 2008
The Straits Times
After announcing last week that it was slashing prices at its two stores here by up to 15 per cent for good, British high-street chain River Island is out to show that a drop in price does not mean a drop in style quotient.
The brand, which is distributed here by Robinson & Co, gave two Urban readers with different fashion woes a makeover.
National University of Singapore undergraduate Jason Yip, 21, has problems finding bermudas that don't overwhelm his short 1.67m frame.
'My mum tells me not to wear bermudas as they make me look like a dwarf,' he says.
Teo Shu Ting, a 20-year-old Temasek Polytechnic student, wants a glam look for the evening that stays true to her boho casual style.
So Sam Yeo, Robinsons' senior group marketing executive, and freelance stylist Ernest Lim teamed up to work their magic on the duo.
As the icing on the cake, they were also given a $100 River Island voucher each.
Says Teo: 'Now that the prices have dropped, I'm going to shop around for a bag that falls within a $100 budget and fits my new look.'
Get a $15 voucher when you spend $120 in a single receipt at River Island stores at 01-41 VivoCity and 02-34 Raffles City. Till Aug 31.
| BOHEMIAN PRINCESS Student Teo Shu Ting, 20 |
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| BEFORE
She says: My style is usually quite casual and a bit boho. On most school days, I'll be in a casual top and bottom, in colours like black, white or grey. I'd like to try a more glamorous outfit that still has the boho vibe to it. |
AFTER
She says: This is something very trendy that I can see myself wearing. It's definitely a glammed-up boho look. River Island's tip: It's the accessories that make an outfit. All it takes is a stack of chunky bangles and a statement necklace to turn a simple dress, such as the one she is wearing, into a showstopper. To counterbalance the 'floatiness' of the dress, anchor it with a pair of don't-mess-with-me boots. Strapless dress, $117; chunky wooden necklace, $45; wooden bangles, $35 for a set of three; boots, $249; handbag with body strap, $133 |
| NOT SHORT IN SHORTS Undergraduate Jason Yip, 21 |
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| BEFORE
He says: I don't wear bermudas because they make me look shorter than I already am. So, I usually wear polo tees and jeans. I would like to try other casual options besides jeans. |
AFTER
He says: I like the vibrant colours of this outfit. I would wear this to house parties or concerts. River Island's tip: Shorter guys can wear bermudas as long as they avoid baggy cuts. Pick slim-fit designs which end just at the knee or slightly above. Cuffed bermudas are also in this season, which is a boon for shorter guys as they can cuff their shorts to the desired length. Straw hat, $33; printed T-shirt, $39; bermudas, $75; shoes, $83; neon orange belt, $28; woven leather bracelet, $21; sling bag, $67 |
This article was first published in Urban, The Straits Times on Aug 15, 2008.