soon lee

2012-01-31T09:57:00.000+08:00

Fun read for the week, Vanity Fair.

2012-01-29T10:50:00.001+08:00

We are back! It was a great holiday and we are all raring to go for our new year. There are new labels to expect, touch ups to be made, and more beautiful packaging to come (did you see our new shop card?!). Plus, these handmade toppers totally turn cakes into works of art. The idea of a plain simple white cake as a base is very cool. Thanks to Oh Joy, buy your toppers here!

2012-01-16T12:31:00.001+08:00

How wonderful to stay like this when travelling? Happy Monday and thank you, thank you, thank you for coming by over the weekend. From all of us at soon lee, have a good new year ahead! We hope you've made grand plans for your career, family and personal growth. To an awesome 2012.

Shop update: ATGAB party this Saturday!

2012-01-11T14:25:00.000+08:00

Have you cleared out your wardrobe for our ATGAB Collection Party this Saturday? We hope to see you bright and early! There will be new ATGAB accessories to try on and walk away with. PLUS! Never before, for one-day only, you can get to customise your own ATGAB (which is really so much fun we promise). For the full event details, scroll below or click here!

2012-01-11T13:36:00.000+08:00

Can't wait to catch this movie(!), see trailer here.

2012-01-09T14:45:00.000+08:00

And how cute is this. What a clever cookbook idea(!).

2012-01-09T14:42:00.002+08:00

A Tim Walker inspiration to kick off your Monday, or at least carry you through it since it's past mid day already. But things might not be that bad! Give us a smile (like now, at this post). Plus you have a date with us this Saturday. That is totally cause for celebration on a Monday.

Shop update: It's the time of the year!

2012-01-04T11:53:00.000+08:00

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Eco designer Elaine Pang is back on her quest!

As always, she's going to collect old bags from you, break them apart,

show them lots of love, and stitch them up into brand new ATGAB accessories.

The busy ladies at ATGAB have been so busy saving the world,

and rushing out new collections for this event. You will really really like the new designs.

Time to get your spring cleaning started,
and see you at soon lee next Saturday, 14 Jan!
Venue: soon lee, 73 Haji Lane
Time: 12pm - 7pm
(tiny error on poster, pardon us!)

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2012-01-02T13:01:00.001+08:00

Can you believe this is a cafe?! An incredible place in Los Angeles where parents can eat great food, bring the kids out, and meet up with friends all at the same time. More about it here!

2011-12-29T00:04:00.000+08:00

Did you catch this how-to-drink-wine guide over at cup of jo's? It is the cutest!

2011-12-21T23:24:00.006+08:00

These books (which we're not selling!) and their very gorgeous covers, via black eiffel.

2011-12-11T22:22:00.001+08:00

These photos by photographer Kristian Schuller are so so beautiful. Thanks too much to Krisatomic. And THANK YOU for coming by for our 3-day Christmas affair!

We're glad you like our new labels up in the loft, picked up on the gifts we laid out at level 1 and swept up (loads) of ICING jewellery like we hoped you might(!). If it was a big change of clothing you wanted to see, we're very happy to update that more new apparels will be making their way to our shop over the next few weeks. We'll be in touch!

Shop update: The soon lee 3-day Christmas affair!

2011-12-05T13:05:00.007+08:00

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For 3-days only, we are opening up soon lee's secret loft upstairs

just for Christmas, and calling it ICING ON THE CAKE!

Up those stairs, you will get to see your favourite ICING jewellery.

Sparkly earrings, delicate necklaces, and pretty cocktail rings!

Pick from our special limited Christmas editions,

or the classic ICING jewellery you've seen at soon lee and always liked.

We are also very proud to launch new Singaporean label AIJEK at soon lee.

Inspired by the French film Amelie (a top soon lee favourite!), designer Danelle Woo

churned out the loveliest dresses and blouses that are light, fun and chirpy.

And finally, a super 15% off all clothing, shoes and bags

when you purchase 3 items and more! Except of course on our new labels(!).

We can't wait to see you at soon lee.

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ICING ON THE CAKE

Fri, Sat, Sun

9th, 10th, and 11th

12pm - 9pm

soon lee, 73 Haji Lane

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credit: wonderful photograph that really sets the mood for us, via stylemepretty.

2011-12-04T23:41:00.001+08:00

The idea of winter luxe for interior decoration is such a beautiful thought(!).

2011-12-03T16:07:00.005+08:00

Speaking of which, how cute was Martha Stewart in her younger (modelling) days? Her entrepreneurial journey makes a fun weekend read and a great case-study. Beyonce has quite a story too. Plus, you will like this live acoustic performance of hers. Ms Knowles can really sing(!).

2011-12-01T23:22:00.004+08:00

Saw this on Martha Stewart Living some time ago - very glad to chance upon it again(!).

2011-11-28T18:12:00.004+08:00

Cute art, cute space. Have a good week ahead!

2011-11-28T18:01:00.000+08:00

2011-11-26T18:22:00.005+08:00

You can do this yourself - get the tutorial here(!).

2011-11-19T11:03:00.001+08:00

These are too cute. Hand made with dry-felting technique, see the rest of the dogs here!

What is art to you?

2011-11-18T10:02:00.008+08:00

Cloud Gate by Anish Kapoor

Is Art necessary? What does (and can it) it do for us? Do you see it as a toy for the wealthy, or do you think art is around us? To us, great art should inspire awe, delight visually and showcase unbelievable craftmanship.

At its finest, art - like good music, great writing - can be therapy. The time we need to take, to inspect an impossible-to-produce work at close range, the admiration towards an artist's skills -- painting, sculpting, embroidery, moulding. The out-of-the-world ideas that lead to works so unusual, we're forced to react to them. The kind of reaction we don't get from work, shopping, not even good food.

Above all, great art indicates good time spent: On practising over and over again, honing a skill, training the mind, absorbing knowledge and growing as a person.

Sky Mirror, Anish Kapoor

Yvonne Yong, our favourite Channel News Asia anchor whom we have been dressing every Friday night on the news, has a wonderful blog and we loved this paragraph from her latest post:

"Whether you're an actor, athlete, or artist, or perhaps setting up your own business, bar or standing for elections, studying for exams, shedding some weight or starting a new hobby -- to succeed, you gotta turn up.

You have to put in those hours, no matter what time of day or how long it goes on for. Dedication, drive and determination are associated with this notion. And of course, the hours have to be productive -- good quality time spent."

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Which brings us to something else we're very excited about: The annual Affordable Art Fair is here! Let's see how we can bring our already productive lives a different dimension with some nice art. Starting today 18 Nov, the AFF ends 20 Nov. Visit their official website for more details.

2011-11-17T13:02:00.000+08:00

Perfect song for the photo below. Just a day and a half to weekend -- put in your best(!).

2011-11-08T12:02:00.001+08:00

Can you spot the rug in this photo? So so cool. Buy the stream here.

2011-11-01T15:03:00.005+08:00

2011-10-31T19:23:00.002+08:00

So pretty, via seesaw, who have recently decided to split three-way(!).

2011-10-30T06:01:00.003+08:00

Happy Sunday(!). Two months to go before a new year begins. How are you catching up on things in your life?

Singapore Fashion Film Festival

2011-10-27T18:02:00.003+08:00

Remember this and this? We really want to catch A Single Man, Valentino the last emperor, and I Am Love (click here for the listing!). Two programmes running concurrently, one organised by Harper's Bazaar, another by Sinema. It's on going already, so don't take too long to decide!

2011-10-24T09:05:00.002+08:00

What a clever window display. Move like you have wind under your wings this week!

2011-10-18T19:57:00.004+08:00

This pairing via Oh Joy (who's just had a blissful news of a different kind!) is so so cute. Plus, thank you for making such a wonderful turnout for our new arrival weekend. We still have good stock of our super October finds available so it's not too late!

Shop update: New October arrivals!

2011-10-14T00:06:00.013+08:00

This cute photo we spotted on Krisatomic sets the perfect mood for our new arrivals. As some parts of the world welcome falling leaves and autumn winds, we get to enjoy Fall in a very different way, literally off our backs!: From the splashy bright shades of Summer, the clothes we get to see - and buy - now start to take on warm, fuzzy tones and rich gem-like glow.

In our shop now, you'll see blushing nudes, striking apricots, golden mustards, to forest greens and deep purples. And we have the colours in all forms - blouses, skirts, dresses, shorts - even leather bags, the cutest clutches, and a gorgeous new jewellery line you will really like.

The soon lee October collection is out today Friday 14 Oct!

2011-10-11T00:12:00.000+08:00

If you've ever doubted the lady's voice, plus what a chirpy song(!).

2011-10-06T20:52:00.002+08:00

Amazing (very unexpected) photography over here.

2011-10-05T00:28:00.004+08:00

Learn to make this here(!).

Taking a cheerful middle ground

2011-09-30T11:22:00.009+08:00

A big skirt, a cocktail ring, a cute clutch, finished with a great spirit.

On an otherwise unrelated note, we read this essay in the August 22nd issue of Time magazine: On how liberals in the U.S. are complaining about what they see as Obama's tendency to compromise, and take middle ground between (we're gathering) conservative and liberal positions. We loved this quote,"Be of good cheer. To act according to an open and principled pragmatism, to believe in the power of process, is in fact to work for the good".

What a wonderful idea! This October, we're giving cheerful pragmatism a shot -- at work, to friends, our families, and definitely with our outfits.

2011-09-30T09:01:00.000+08:00

This morning's downpour, as cold as it can get over here. We hope you've got a good cover-up in the office to snuggle in. Have a good last burst at work before the weekend hits(!).

2011-09-28T13:12:00.002+08:00

Feeling the white of it all(!). From here, and here.

2011-09-23T00:54:00.002+08:00

Just a 30-min drive away from city, this nature escape looks too good to be true (but it is!).

2011-09-23T00:04:00.002+08:00

How cute is this? Via Mrs Lilien.

2011-09-20T00:45:00.010+08:00

Some time ago, we saw on Cup of Jo this really interesting write-up and have been meaning to point you that way. Joanna highlighted an interesting idea of being conscious of how and what we talk to little girls about: Do you compliment a little girl on how pretty she looks or how cute her dress is? We promise it's a very fun read, click here!

Amazing photography work by Osamu Yokonami.

2011-09-19T11:48:00.003+08:00

Smile and you'll see the sun shining through for you. Something to carry you through this week (just in case you're needing a nudge). Did you know this song started out as only an instrumental track and was written by Charlie Chaplin?

Shop update: See you at sunset

2011-09-16T16:53:00.004+08:00

If you haven't dropped by our shop recently, when you do, look out for our new jewellery line(!). Inspired by the eternally romantic sunset, the Singaporean designer duo behind DUSK managed to channel their love for the sun, sand and sea quite literally: The brass and semi-precious stones mirror colours of peachy-blue skies wonderfully, while some of the daintier pieces reflect textures of corals and sea shells.

Plus, we really love that DUSK jewellery are set at very purse-friendly prices, and goes with a good half of our wardrobe (which is quite a feat!).

2011-09-16T16:24:00.002+08:00

These dresses picked out by Joy are gorgeous(!).

The gorgeous Nanyang Art movement

2011-09-11T22:02:00.006+08:00

It was totally unplanned, but while revisiting the amazing works of Singaporean artist Cheong Soo Pieng, we started pairing them with the interior projects of New York based Muriel Brandolini, and the result was too much fun.

Cheong Soo Pieng made his name in the 1950s as one of the pioneer Singaporean artist to launch the Nanyang Art Movement (a mix of Chinese pictorial techniques with French art influences). He was especially well-loved for his famous depictions of long-limbed Balinese ladies, while we fell for how uninhibited, rich in colour and personality both Cheong and Brandolini's works are.

2011-09-11T21:57:00.005+08:00

It was really nice to see our dear friend's work featured on Oh Joy. Buy this super cute swan bag here(!).

2011-09-08T13:57:00.010+08:00

Wedding themes are getting really refreshing too and this is too adorable(!).

2011-09-06T23:19:00.005+08:00

If you haven't seen this campaign video, you really have to. Alber Elbaz has got jokes(!). Thanks too much to seesaw designs.

2011-08-31T01:39:00.014+08:00

This is such a refreshing idea, and so unapologetically glamourous. More here.

2011-08-31T01:24:00.002+08:00

Inspiring cheese plate(!).

2011-08-25T20:35:00.003+08:00

This homepage for floral designer Amy Merrick is so so pretty. And naturally, Amy produces the most beautiful flower arrangments. First spotted at Cup of Jo.

2011-08-25T20:12:00.001+08:00

There is so much going on in this deceivingly subtle set-up.

2011-08-23T10:26:00.011+08:00

An amazing architecture/interior project that restored a centuries-old building in Tel Aviv, Israel. And the absolute icing on top of the cake -- this apartment overlooks the Mediterranean Sea. Read all about it and see all the visuals here.

2011-08-11T23:03:00.010+08:00

Photographer Ian Mckell spent the last ten years taking pictures of nomadic people (often referred to as gypsies or travellers too). Mckell amazingly tracked down nomadic families that still travel in horse-drawn wagons, and took the most beautiful, thought provoking photos of them.

Read about nomadic tribes here, and if you think that is the eternal Kate Moss on the right, you are totally right(!). You really have to see this interview on her 20-year old career.

Big thanks to Black Eiffel for this wonderful recommendation.

How do you store your books?

2011-08-08T14:38:00.001+08:00

We chanced upon this really interesting advice on Elle Decor: Stack your books flat, instead of standing. This way the spines are easier to read, and the space between the small piles of books can make great display (think vases, quirky pottery), nostalgic souvenirs.

Eat your tomatoes

2011-08-07T14:08:00.002+08:00

This way, and we think we found the perfect tomato soup recipe(!).

2011-08-03T23:30:00.007+08:00

Are you a cocktail type of girl? This Bloody Mary themed event by Halcyon Days is so so cute.

2011-08-03T23:28:00.000+08:00

So magical, from An Education.

2011-08-03T23:01:00.001+08:00

Speaking of table settings, our handsome nutcrackers featured in a WFDP presentation and totally did us proud(!).

2011-08-01T00:16:00.004+08:00

An illustration of the ultimate table set-up(!). Even if we aren't big on formality, you never know when this might come in handy. Seen on Twig & Thistle, thanks to Black Eiffel.

2011-07-31T11:50:00.004+08:00

Every smart woman should ask questions(!). But as always, take this with a pinch of salt and do your own research/thinking/asking. Plus, we want to say a super huge THANK YOU for coming by over the weekend and loving our sale party -- more shop updates coming your way in the new week!

Shop update: Are you ready for the sale?!

2011-07-28T22:01:00.007+08:00

We so are. See below to know what we're talking about, and super quick note to remind you that payment mode for The soon lee sale party is NETS and CASH only! p.s. We can never get enough of Kristina's illustrations, and her latest project is phenomenal(!).

Shop update:

2011-07-27T12:40:00.018+08:00

We are having our FIRST EVER sale party at soon lee!

If you enjoyed the last one we had, this one will make you even happier.

You will see past season pieces at very exciting 30% and 50% discounts

some racks at heartbreaking 70% off, to close-eyes-just-buy $1, $5, $8 finds!

All this in the name of clearing our soon lee wardrobe,

so we can bring you even more new things.

This is a one-day only event, so you HAVE to come by this Saturday!

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The soon lee Sale Party!

This Saturday 30 July | at 73 Haji Lane | from 11am - 7pm

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2011-07-20T00:49:00.001+08:00

Can you believe these doughnuts are painted?

2011-07-20T00:25:00.004+08:00

A fun re-cover project. What books have you been reading lately?!

2011-07-17T00:53:00.006+08:00

This is so so cool. A 3-D poster designed for a UK-based band, placed around different locations in the city. It took 35 hours to assemble the paper horse by hand. See more about the poster project here(!).

2011-07-12T00:15:00.016+08:00

We're getting quite inspired by Pia Ulin's gorgeous photography work, thanks to Emma!

2011-07-12T00:12:00.006+08:00

So nice to be reminded of this visually beautiful movie and this fierce artiste (take in the lyrics, power up, and let's make sure to treat ourselves right).

2011-07-07T16:01:00.002+08:00

So interesting! The colours, the structure design, the topic -- more on this here.

2011-07-04T09:11:00.007+08:00

While travelling to far away luxury resorts might not be something most of us do, it's really quite a treat just taking in refreshing concepts and beautiful design thoughts. The travel section on Yatzer is a great place to start.

Shop update: This is what we would wear

2011-07-01T10:38:00.018+08:00

To our holiday right here in the city! Go explore places you've been meaning to/never expect to. Go to the beach, go to the park, go for walks anywhere - just walk! And bring your camera because you never know.

Shenton Way might be fun on weekends too. Imagine how quiet it will be, and how towering the skyscrapers will all the more look with the empty roads (unless of course you already work there Monday to Friday. In which case, try the little streets of Chinatown!). While you are there, walk on and check out the Fullerton Bay Hotel: It is the most beautiful place. And we have been meaning to go to the Dali show at the Art Science Museum. Read all about the grandfather of Surrealism here before you make your visit.

p.s. Pieces you see above are still available at soon lee, but running out kind of fast!

2011-06-29T19:32:00.002+08:00

If you have been watching Channel News Asia recently, you might have caught glimpses of outfits from soon lee on Singapore Tonight presenter, Yvonne Yong. We're very proud to be clothing her - and couldn't ask for a more gorgeous ambassador(!). For a better view, click here and here to see the trailers.

Shop update: New arrivals for June/July '11

2011-06-23T23:52:00.027+08:00

This month (and next), we're giving you calm colours to ease your way into the mid-year: Expect soothing sea greens, the softest creams and souffle-light pinks. We have them in stylish jersey blouses, chiffon tank tops, fine cotton dresses and quite a variety of shorts to relax in. Of course, there is always space for your favourite dressy pieces from us(!). Designed and tailored with dates, dinners and tea sessions in mind.

In the face of work, family and life's daily pressure --- swing around, square your shoulders, put on a nice dress, keep calm and carry on like you always have.

The new soon lee arrivals will be out in store Friday 24 June 2011.

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p.s. Did you know that H&M does furniture (that cute picnic shot)? And can you believe the second photo belongs to a series of wedding pictures of a most adorable couple?

2011-06-23T17:48:00.004+08:00

This apartment is so so beautifully done. Thanks to SeeSaw Designs.

2011-06-23T17:47:00.000+08:00

What colours! Plus this is such a cute makeup look. From this spread in China Vogue.

2011-06-23T14:43:00.004+08:00

This is so great. It's like putting your personality (or your entire family's) up on the wall!

2011-06-22T09:53:00.000+08:00

This song really grows on you. Plus, even with the message (listen to the lyrics, and no we're not telling you to stop shopping!), it really is such a happy, uplifting song.

2011-06-20T15:13:00.007+08:00

So gorgeous. Wedding theme mood board put together here.

2011-06-14T11:45:00.003+08:00

Pop art, literally! From here.

2011-06-13T01:07:00.009+08:00

"Rooms that lift your spirits" - love the theme(!). Plus, great colour ideas for your outfits this week?

2011-06-09T01:01:00.000+08:00

So beautiful. By Bornay, thanks to the ever joyful Oh Joy.

2011-06-06T00:51:00.004+08:00

Venice! From here, see how gorgeous the place is. There is still something quite special about this 600 year-old city. Speaking of which, did you catch The Tourist from some time ago? We like how it's described here as 'a travel romance with thriller elements'. Even the humour is sassy!

2011-06-01T09:37:00.001+08:00

Love this song, the original artiste, and this version.

2011-06-01T09:34:00.006+08:00

Fried potato patties, recipe here!

2011-05-28T22:33:00.004+08:00

One of us in soon lee really really like giraffes. This is such a fantastic picture taken at the Singapore Zoo! Do you have a favourite animal?

2011-05-19T23:14:00.002+08:00

Very inspiring space(!).

2011-05-15T22:39:00.006+08:00

A wonderful picture to start the new week with, plus this is going to help keep you going!

2011-05-11T11:31:00.007+08:00

Knowledge is beauty and this topic is close to our hearts. Know what you wear, and know what you're buying into (literally) - it's our hard-earned money after all! A pretty long video clip but hang in there till the end: We promise the content will be eye-opening.

What do we dress ourselves for? What do we buy things for? When we own/carry a non-essential product (pretty clothes, leather handbags), do we use it to affirm our self-identities or make our calls based on value-for-money?

Is it celebratory if instead of say 2 luxury items, we get to buy 6 of them for the same amount of money? Where do these lower-priced versions come from? Who makes them? Designer knock-offs masked as authentic ones could be run by crime syndicates and supported by Human Trafficking organisations. Did you also know that polished as we look, Singapore is known as a destination country for HT?

This post isn't quite our usual style but we never just look at the pretty side of things here at soon lee and we know you will get us too. Food for thought at today's lunch?

Dana Thomas is the author of Deluxe: How Luxury Lost it's Lustre.
And p.s., we are not anti-labels, just pro-knowledge(!).

2011-05-08T23:22:00.001+08:00

Putting nice ideas in our head.

2011-05-07T01:42:00.000+08:00

Everyone seems to be feeling quite pink lately(!). These pretty ones from Krisatomic.

2011-05-07T01:40:00.000+08:00

This pancake challenge is making us quite hungry.

Shop update: Look this way

2011-05-05T11:01:00.003+08:00

Have you seen this in our shop? This election weekend, we're pushing the idea of energetic Red. It could be a skirt, pouch, blouse, clutch, or a giant, dramatic brooch. And no, there is absolutely no political talk over here - just an inspired ride on all the excitement we're seeing from around us!

2011-05-05T00:02:00.002+08:00

There's something about this sitting room we really like. More here(!).

2011-04-26T00:38:00.006+08:00

Another great one from Ms Spinach(!). Wonderfully done photograph from this month's issue of Vogue - there's so much cute and love in it! Shouldn't all family portraits look like this?

2011-04-26T00:34:00.009+08:00

We're really hoping (if it's still in time to hope) that we'll get this on our big screens here. Major thanks to Fashion is Spinach for her post on this.

2011-04-24T23:45:00.004+08:00

What a horse/print, plus happy monday!

Shop update: We have new arrivals!

2011-04-15T12:15:00.028+08:00

The deceptively simple things in life almost always hold the most amount of brains and heart: Which is why we're so so convinced that the sharpest styles too are made up of the most pared-down pieces. With this in mind, we've picked out the cutest blouses, lightest dresses, polished work pieces and fun one-piece numbers for dinners. Let us make a secret adventurer out of you!

The soon lee April collection will be out today Friday 15 April.

2011-04-05T11:04:00.005+08:00

So magical! We are beyond envious of Rachel's visit to this impossibly beautiful place: Think peacocks on rooftop and live French music playing. And speaking of which, this little Fondue restaurant is very very charming too(!).

2011-04-02T00:02:00.000+08:00

Watch an old movie this weekend!
Cute trailer for the film Roman Holiday to get you going.

2011-04-01T12:02:00.000+08:00

Incredible origami thanks to unruly things.

2011-03-31T23:56:00.000+08:00

An Honest Pinocchio for your desk?!

Everyday Glamour and why it's our kind of thing.

2011-03-28T23:01:00.009+08:00

While there are the people who live life in fast (and surreal) lanes, most of us go through it doing regular things, in regular tempo, with familiar people. So what's a woman to do? We say dress up anyway(!). 24-7 of the time, every other day of the week.

Even if it's just the supermarket you are off to, and especially so if it's work and the routine dinners with the in-laws. If the Everyday is going to be our only stage, might as well walk through it with aplomb and style. What say you?

The Sartorialist and his beautiful photographs.