Sunday, March 23, 2014

MyJotterBook: Vintage Style At Its Best (Giveaway at the end of this post!)

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http://www.myjotterbook.com.sg
  Tucked away in the cozy Jalan Rumah Tinggi neighbourhood, MyJotterBook is an oasis of loveliness where vintage fashion apparel, bags and accessories take centrestage. 

Before I even stepped into the shop, I was instantly drawn to the gorgeous signage, which I later learnt was a DIY project that Lishan took on using an old, forsaken wooden plank. Never in my wildest dreams did I think that an old plank of wood could undergo such an impressive transformation. I have to give my two thumbs up for Lishan's creativity and eco-friendly efforts!  
www.myjotterbook.com.sg

Lishan also took pains to decorate the shop in a retro fashion, adding her personal touch to everything that you see, touch and feel.




Established in the last quarter of 2013, MyJotterBook first started its foray into the world of fashion by introducing a series of exclusive hand-made book clutches through its website. I fell head over heels in love with their book clutches and immediately purchased 3 at a go to add to my growing collection of bags. 

Obviously, I was not the only one who found these book clutches irresistible, because they became an instant hit overnight and many of the popular designs are now either out of stock or running out fast! If you haven't grabbed one for yourself, please act fast! You can also read my review of the book clutches here.

www.myjotterbook.com.sg
 VINTAGE APPAREL

To complement its collection of book clutches, bags and accessories, Lishan decided to take one step further by offering a specially curated selection of vintage apparels as well.

MyJotterBook's vintage collection is exclusively available at their physical store and every piece is lovingly handpicked by Lishan and her partner. I am an ardent fan of vintage fashion and stepping into MyJotterBook was like a dream come true for me. It may be a new kid on the block, but the collection that MyJotterbook stocks is surprisingly varied and very wearable.






The minute I stepped in, I was greeted by racks of true blue vintage dresses and blouses spanning across various eras in a multitude of designs to cater to your every whim and fancy.  



The vintage apparel at MyJotterBook come with detailed description tags that gives you a better understanding of the size and condition, as well as design elements unique to each era. 

Wearing vintage apparel is akin to wearing a piece of history, and being able to appreciate the finer details truly completes the overall experience. 


I spent hours at MyJotterBook, reveling in the company of Lishan as I tried on dress after dress. I simply couldn't get enough of all the beautiful apparel, and of course, it also helps that the fitting room is cozy and absolutely welcoming.





Here are just some of the lovely dresses that I tried on that day:




 
 


 





 




 

 







BRAND NEW ITEMS & NEW-OLD STOCK 
 
Not everything that you see in the store is vintage or preloved though. There are brand new items and new-old stocks too! 

What differentiates MyJotterBook from its counterparts is that it goes the extra mile to bring in brand new items from overseas labels that are not found on our sunny island and off the beaten path. 

One such label is Sourpuss, an independently owned US label that offers an interesting array of brand new vintage inspired apparel and kitschy accessories.




This quirky blue 50s inspired dress from Sourpuss stole my heart the moment I set my eyes on it and I had to take it home with me. It looks like a dress that came off the set of popular American series, Mad Men and I can see totally see myself wearing this out for tea with the girls at a retro bistro like Billy Bombers!



And here comes an adorable sailor doctor's bag to complement the dress. I especially like how the structured doctor's bag is given a playful twist with bold red stripes and contrasting navy blue trimmings, complete with anchors. Not only will this statement piece dress up a casual weekend outfit instantly, it would also be a fantastic addition to your Chinese New Year wardrobe!



If you don't already know, the book clutches modeled after popular English Classics are also brand new items. For those of you who are looking for a special gift or if you are a fan of English literature, you will be happy to know that you can now purchase the book clutches and English Classics as a set!

www.myjotterbook.com.sg
 Recently, MyJotterBook also brought in a brand new range of cigar box bags in limited quantities.  These bags are made from genuine cigar boxes and each one is creatively crafted with beads and embellishments to ensure that no two are the same. 

www.myjotterbook.com.sg

I was so besotted with the cigar box bags, I decided to get the diamonte embellished one with a skull motif for myself.

If you follow me on instagram (@reginachow_sg), you would have gotten a preview of the gorgeous bag:

www.myjotterbook.com.sg
  
It took me some time to decide on the skull design because I was equally mesmerized by this pretty, white-based cigar box bag as it went really well with my outfit that day. 
 



In case you were wondering, the sunglasses in the photos above are actually new-old stock from MyJotterBook. New-old stock refers to genuine vintage items which have never been worn before, so they are in fact as good as new!  

 Besides sunglasses, MyJotterBook also offers a beautiful collection of  jewellery from yesteryear as part of its new-old stock. Accessories add the finishing touches to an outfit and I am a fan of vintage jewellery simply because they have so much character.

If you prefer brand new items inspired by vintage designs, MyJotterBook also boasts a collection of brand new belts, pill-box hats and fascinators to tickle your fancy.

www.myjotterbook.com.sg
These hats and fascinators are great for parties and formal events. I can foresee myself wearing these to the turf club events or a dinner function. 

In fact, all the fascinators and hats that you see in my outfit posts above are from MyJotterBook. Aren't they beautiful?





Thinking of doing some last minute Chinese New Year shopping? Head on down to MyJotterBook for some retail therapy today!  


GIVEAWAY ALERT!

In collaboration with MyJotterBook, I will be giving away not one, but TWO sets of MyJotterBook goodies to two lucky readers of "Shopping Queen's Haven"!

Each set consists of a brand new adorable heart shaped sling bag and retro a-go-go style earrings (new-old stock)! Colours and designs will be given out at random.**Please note that winners are to collect the items from MyJotterBook's store directly.**

www.myjotterbook.com.sg


www.myjotterbook.com.sg

To take part in this giveaway, just follow these 3 simple steps below!

******
Step 1:
(Existing Facebook friends can join too!)
Step 2:

Step 3:
Drop me an e-mail at regina.chow@gmail.com with your name, address and contact number!
*****


SPECIAL DISCOUNT FOR BLOG READERS

All my blog readers are also entitled to a 10% discount on vintage apparel, valid from now till 19 Feb 2014!

Simply quote 'Shopping Queen's Haven' or 'Regina's blog' before making payment to enjoy the discount.



MyJotterBook

Address: 37 Jalan Rumah Tinggi
#01-403

Contact: 9826 5008 
 
Website: 
http://www.myjotterbook.com.sg

Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/MyJotterBook?fref=ts

Instagram:
@myjotterbook
 
 




Where to Stay in Bali: Alila Villas Uluwatu

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Where should you stay in Bali? That is one question that never fails to pop up every time the topic of Bali is brought up.

http://alilahotel.com/uluwatu/index.htm


Bali is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world and it is most certainly not hard to see why judging from its magnificent beaches, picturesque scenery, affordable spa and massage treatments, and the plethora of adventure activities available. 

The island caters to every type of traveller. Prefer to take it slow and indulge in a relaxing, leisurely vacation? Or perhaps you are an adventure junkie who craves for an adrenalin-pumping experience? Bali has it all.
 
It may have become increasingly commercialised over the years with the mushrooming of hotel and villa developments, but amidst the sea of choices, hidden gems can still be uncovered.  

Voted one of the top five best beach hotels globally by Conde Nast Traveller under the Gold Standard Hotels Category,  Alila Villas Uluwatu is one of the gems that JW and I discovered during our trip to Bali in October this year.

Here are 3 reasons why we would highly recommend this resort:

1. Stunning Scenery & Private Beach

Perched atop towering limestone cliffs along the southern coast of Bali, Alila Villas Uluwatu offers breath-taking views of the Indian Ocean and glorious golden sunsets that are bound to set your heart aflutter. But before we even cast our eyes on the spectacular scenery, our jaws dropped in amazement the minute we saw the entrance to the resort.

http://alilahotel.com/uluwatu/index.htm
Entrance of Alila Villas Uluwatu


Remember to catch the sunrise in its full glory at The Hilltop, the highest point of the resort.

Sunrise from The Hilltop, highest point of Alila Villas Uluwatu


Otherwise, you can also pop by one of the cabanas located at The Warung, the Indonesian restaurant, for equally captivating views of the sunrise.

Sunrise at Alila Villas Uluwatu


If you are feeling more adventurous, you could also walk 600 steps down to the resort's very own private beach for unrivaled views of the sunrise and mother nature's creations.



http://alilahotel.com/uluwatu/index.htm
Private Beach at Alila Villas Uluwatu

Lounging by the private beach at Alila Villas Uluwatu


Powdery sand and crashing waves at the private beach
Hardcore rock-climbing enthusiasts, including JW, would probably attempt to climb the limestone rocks lining the private beach. But of course, for your own safety, I would not recommend this activity at the beach.


 After a long day of activities, retreat into your villa in the evening and catch the sunset from the daybed right beside your private pool which overlooks the Indian ocean.

 


  2. Excellent Service

 Upon arrival, we were immediately ushered to the sofa seats facing the beautiful view of the Indian Ocean, suitably framed by coconut trees gently swaying in the breeze. 

http://alilahotel.com/uluwatu/index.htm
  
While waiting for the check-in process to be completed, the villa staff also presented us with a refreshing facial mist developed by their in-house brand Alila Living, which was a very thoughtful gesture. We later found out that a comprehensive range of lifestyle products by Alila Living was made readily available to villa guests wherever they went, as long as they were within the resort premises. 

 The manager of the resort greeted us personally before we were introduced to our 24-hour butler. Throughout our stay, light tea-time snacks of our choice, including fruits, cookies and nuts were delivered to our villa everyday. In addition, the buggy service was prompt and punctual. All in all, the service was professional, warm and attentive without being intrusive, a fine balance that not many resorts could achieve, as we discovered subsequently when we ventured to other luxury resorts in the vicinity.


3. Award-Winning Design & Architecture

An architectural marvel that has clinched several international awards , Alila Villas Uluwatu was designed in accordance with Green Globe 21 standards by Singapore-based WOHA Architects. 
Credits: CNN Traveller
 
The 15 hectare estate integrated traditional Balinese characteristics with environmentally sustainable design elements, resulting in a beautiful expression of contemporary design inspired by the region's savannah landscape.
 




Credits: I-S Magazine

The resort comprises one-bedroom guest villas and three-bedroom private residential villas with five-star facilities, including spa facilities, private tours and complimentary private yoga sessions in the morning. 

Every villa is equipped with a private pool and a caged-like cabana. Villas located on higher floors, like the one-bedroom villa that we were in, also offer gorgeous views of the Indian ocean.






 The one-bedroom villa is very spacious yet cozy.  Not only do you feel right at home, the service and facilities, including the his and her toiletries sets, are luxurious treats that make you feel thoroughly pampered. Undoubtedly, it is the perfect place for honeymooners or couples seeking a quiet, romantic retreat away from the hustle and bustle of the city.

Credits: Contemporist
 
Credits: Contemporist

The highlight of this resort would be the main pool, which comes in the form of a sprawling infinity pool that blends seamlessly with the Indian Ocean. The best time to relax by the pool or take a dip is in the morning when the sun is less scorching.

 
 We all need a little break from life's hectic pace every now and then to soothe the mind, body and spirit. If an escapade away from the crowds is what you are after, indulge in a luxurious, pampering holiday and slip into the magical world of Alila Villas Uluwatu, where an oasis of peace and tranquility awaits.


Alila Villas Uluwatu
Jl Belimbing Sari
Banjar Tambiyak, Desa Pecatu
Bali, Indonesia


Tel: +62 361 8482166