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About Me

About Me
CrystalPhuong.net is a Personal Style & Travel Blog based in Singapore, written by Crystal Phuong. The blog was nominated FOUR times in Top 10 Best Fashion Blogs in the annual Singapore Blog Award from 2012- 2015, voted as one of the Best Lifestyle Blogs in Singapore in 2013 by Hotelclub.com, and Best Travel Blogs in 2016 by Foodpanda.com. Crystal hopes to connect and inspire young women to lead a healthy and happy life. Be confident, be positive, and be kind.
Showing posts with label CRYSTALSPICKS. Show all posts
Showing posts with label CRYSTALSPICKS. Show all posts
TOP 10 WORK HANDBAGS

TOP 10 WORK HANDBAGS


I used to think a work handbag doesn't have to be expensive. It just needs to be practical. Because a work handbag is worn on a daily basis, it can be damaged easily. That's why my budget for a bag was always below $100. I like work bags that are big so that I can put a lot of my items in, laptop, charger, make-up pouch, diary, handphone, emergency sewing kit, and sometimes, a DSLR camera. But that also means they can hurt my shoulders over the long term as the more stuff I have, the heavier my bag becomes. Besides, they don't have a great support for my shoulders. 

That was my story 5 years ago. 

Today, instead of buying 10 different handbags for $40- $50 each, I started saving money and buying an investment bag because I do believe quality always comes with prices. This Proenza Schouler handbag is the first one I bought. I can still remember how happy I was when I first got it. I was so addicted to the leather smell that I had to smell my bag every day. It's weird, I know. Only after I started using some good handbags, I realized why every woman is always crazy about them. 

Whenever I choose a handbag for work, I'll always look for a few things: structure, space, and compartments. I like my bag to be spacious with many compartments so I can put many things inside and they are still organized. A structured handbag with clean lines and distinct shape always makes me look (and feel) professional and sharp. When it comes to bag sizes, I'll usually pick handbags that are 14"- 15" width maximum as they are proportional with my petite frame (I'm 5"3). I think it's important to know what bag size fits you so that it neither looks too overwhelming (when it's too big) nor inappropriate for work (when it's too small). Black, brown, dark blue, and white are the most common colors for work bags, but that doesn't mean we can't have some fun with attractive colors like red, yellow, or pink. 

Because this is our everyday bag, I'd strongly recommend you to invest in a good one. A good bag will not only help to carry your stuff, but also make you feel fabulous and confident every time. I have selected my most favorite 10 work bags (ranging from $200- $5000), have a look. 



Crystal Phuong- Fashion Blog- Top 10 work bags




The newest baby in Crystal's closet, Tod's structured top handle tote.

CrystalPhuong- Singapore Fashion Blog- Saint Laurent Sac de Jour bag neon

My striking neon Saint Laurent Sac de Jour baby

Crystal Phuong- 3.1 Phillip Lim Pashli bag medium blue

3.1 Phillip Lim Pashli handbag in vibrant blue. I sold this bag as it was a bit big for me and I got the purple one instead.

Crystal Phuong- Michael Kors handbag brown

Michael Kors ostrich leather handbag. Gave this to my Mom.

Crystal Phuong- 3.1 Phillip Lim purple Pashli handbag (medium)
3.1 Phillip Lim Pashli handbag in lovely purple.

Crystal Phuong- Porsche Design Twinbag Heart Limited Edition (black)
Porsche Design Twinbag heart Limited edition. Thanks to Porsche Design

Thank you so much for reading!

Shop for your dream bag here!


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PERFECT GIFTS FOR MOTHER'S DAY

PERFECT GIFTS FOR MOTHER'S DAY


Hi everyone, 
Did you notice that Mother's Day is just a few days away? It's time for us to start planning on what to buy for our mothers. Although, every mom will say something like "Don't waste your money". I'm sure they will be very happy to receive a little gift from us, knowing that we appreciate their love, sacrifice, and support. 

I buy gifts for my mom every time I go home and when I travel. Or even on a normal day, when I see something nice that I know she'll like, I'll just buy it. Seeing a big smile on her face when she opens the present is so priceless. I can't even explain it. 

To me, every day is mother's day. Although, I'm frustrated with her at times (I believe most of us are),  when I think one day she will no longer be with me, I'm terrified and I can't hold my tears. I told myself as long as my mom is with me, I will do anything and everything for her. 

  As usual, Mother's Day is, in fact, a perfect excuse for me to buy gifts for her and not being scolded for "wasting money". If you haven't had any ideas of what to buy for your mother, I've come up with a list of some perfect gifts that I'm sure your mom will like. 

Have a look!



Some old photos of me and my mom that I'd love to share with you!






This photo was taken in 2012. That's how much I've changed in the last 3 years. It's crazy! 

Thank you so much for reading!
Don't forget and don't be shy to tell your mom how much you love her. 
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TOP 10 PRINTED DRESSES

TOP 10 PRINTED DRESSES



If Art gets married to Fashion and has babies, their children would be Printed Dresses. I have to say I'm a huge fan of these statement pieces. Be it abstract, animal, graphic, 3D or 4D, any type of dress with unique and quirky prints will attract me. Instantly!

Spring is here and Summer is on its way. It's time to add some prints into your wardrobe. Whether you go to work, go for brunch, or go on a date, you can always count on this striking dress to turn heads wherever you go. There are thousands of printed outfits available online. It's overwhelming and tempting to look at them. If I was to select the top 10 best printed dresses, these would be my picks.




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THE BEST SHOES FOR SPRING AND SUMMER

THE BEST SHOES FOR SPRING AND SUMMER





Whenever I come back to Singapore from Vietnam after a long holiday, I know it's time to keep my ankle boots and knee-high boots away and start looking for new flats, espadrilles or strappy heels. As much as I love wearing boots, I have to admit I have a weak spot for a pair of sexy heels or quirky sandals. Although Singapore is hot all year round, but it doesn't mean I can't have four season trends of fashion in my head and my wardrobe. I guess being born in a city with Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter every year is the main reason why I'm constantly looking for outfits, accessories or shoes that are weather appropriate. Being a shoeaholic myself, I already started looking for new shoes for Spring and Summer since Winter.

We are spoiled for choices because there are so many amazing shoes available, online and in store. It took me two hours, looking at Net-a-porter's website to decide which one I like most. I've selected some of the best shoes for Spring and Summer this year. Which one is your favorite?



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{SHOP}: SHOPBOP THE BIG EVENT

{SHOP}: SHOPBOP THE BIG EVENT



In case you don't know, Shopbop is currently having their BIG event. Up to 25% OFF with code BIGEVENT15 at checkout. Above are some items I've been eyeing on Shopbop for a while now, I can't wait to bring them home. 


Which items are you coveting on Shopbop? The sale expires on Saturday, March 7th 2015 at 11:59PM (PT). Make sure you don't let a good deal go to waste. 
Happy shopping! 


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{SHOP}: HANDBAGS

{SHOP}: HANDBAGS



Gone are the days where a handbag was only used to carry stuff. The only requirement of a bag that most people looked for was its size. The bigger, the better. Design, colors or even craftsmanship were not important. 

Nowadays, a handbag is no longer treated as a carrier bag. It's an accessory, a personality, an investment, and to some people, a handbag is a friend with us through many years of ups and downs. I believe there is not one handbag for every outfit, every occasion, and there will never be. As much as brands and designers love spoiling us with many choices, we (women) love spoiling ourselves too. And so very often, we find ourselves frustrated, overwhelmed, and overly-excited at the situation of not knowing which bag we should buy (because we want to buy all of them). That happens to me all the time, and I'm sure it happens to you too. 

Let make things simple by going back to the basics. I've shortlisted the most essential bags that everyone must have in their closet: shoulder bags, cross body bags, and tote bags. Thanks Shopbop for such an extensive range, speedy service and free worldwide shipping, I had my favorite shoulder bag delivered to me within 3 days. Guess which one?

Now that I have my bag, it's time to shop for yours! 







Which one would you pick from the list above?
Do you have a favorite bag? Or do you have handbag shopping tips to share? I'd love to know, please share with me in the comment section below.  

Thank you so much for reading! 
P/s: CrystalPhuong.net occasionally receives Shopbop sponsorships for mentioning their
products in this blog entry. 
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{SHOP}: TEN WARDROBE ESSENTIALS FOR FALL.

{SHOP}: TEN WARDROBE ESSENTIALS FOR FALL.



Finally! My favorite season of the year is here. Fall, that's what I'm talking about. The sad truth is that, we don't have Fall or Winter in Singapore. But when the temperature slightly drops some time in September, the cool breeze blows in my face in the morning, it reminds me of Fall in Vietnam. 

I don't know about you, but what gets me excited the most about Fall, besides the crisp air and chill wind (perfect excuse to lend or borrow a hug, especially from someone you have a crush on),  is actually the thought of shopping for this romantic season. 

I remember somebody said to me: "Fall weather is like a girl's mood. She can be very happy during the day, and suddenly become so emotional and cold at night, for no reason". I can't agree, nor disagree, but I can assure you that if you really love her, then she is worth "suffering" for. Just like the girl's mood, Fall temperature changes dramatically without any notice, that's why dressing up for Fall can be quite challenging sometimes. But fret not, there is always a solution for everything. 

I'm so excited to team up with Shopbop to share with you the must-have 10 wardrobe essentials for Fall that can take you from day to night, anywhere you go. 



Fall is all about Moto Jacket. Whether you are into leather, faux leather, tweed, classic black or a unique printed jacket, you need to have at least one moto jacket in your closet. It does not only keep you warm, but also adds an edgy feel to your entire look. I have 6 moto jackets in my closet right now, and I still feel like I need another one. Don't you feel the same?

 Weren't you obsessed with how Prabal Gurung used oversized scarfs as accessories in his Prabal Gurung F/W 2014 collection this year? I was and I still am, totally. Besides, there is no other accessories more Fall-ready than an oversized scarf. In short, please, add at least one of them into your Fall must-buy items. 

 Generally, statement necklaces are seen in every season, but in the Fall, they seem to give extra sparkle and attention to your entire outfit. They bring more color, dimension, and brightness to an usual dark Fall ensemble. Think about wearing a crisp collared shirt or a chunky knit sweater and then layering a bold jewel stoned necklace on top, where does the attention go to? It definitely goes to the necklace. 

 Ankle boots are one of my favorite wardrobe staples. I love them so much, I wear them regardless of the season because they are so comfortable, so chic and so edgy at the same time. If you don't have a pair of ankle boots in your closet, you don't know what you have missed in life. I can't even imagine.

 With so many alternative layering options offered, Shirtdress is definitely a great investment piece to have, especially when Fall is all about layering, mixing and matching your outfits. Whether you go for a casual look with a snuggly sweater layered on top, or a sophisticated look with a blazer covered up, a shirtdress is all you need. 

 Fashion trends come and go, but there are a few basic wardrobe staples that will always stay no matter what. One of them is the timeless tee. Whenever I have no inspiration or no idea of what to wear, I always go back to the basics. That explains why I keep buying more basic tees whenever I shop. 

 Nothing beats a soft  and cozy sweater when the temperature starts to dip. It feels like a warm hug of your loved one around your body, touches your skin and gives you the most comfortable feeling in the world. Saying goodbye to the Summer heat isn't that bad anymore. With so many styles available, pullovers, cardigans, turtlenecks, V-necks, and ponchos, it can be quite overwhelming to find the right sweater for yourself. I buy one of each type, simply because, I hate having to choose one among the others, while I love all of them. It's such a torture, you know?


 I assume everyone of us should have a pair of Jeans in our closet, yes? That's why, by default, Jeans have always been the most classic and must-have items that everyone should own, whether you are into fashion or not. It's your everyday needs. But for Fall, you can consider getting a pair of distressed jeans, they are more comfortable to wear, yet still make you look chic and keep you warm. 

I seriously consider getting myself a bucket bag, after writing this blog post. Thanks Shopbop for the recommendation. I've seen them everywhere this year, on the runway, on the streets, on the blog of some famous fashion bloggers. It looks like bucket bags are the Fall's biggest bags. How could they not be, when they look so cool like that?


Saving the best for last. I reserve number 10 of must buy items for my all time favorite Fall ensemble: the Coat. To me, a perfect fitting, comfortable and warm coat can go a long way. Whether it's fur, leather, or wool, this chic and trendy outerwear is something I can always rely on, even if I was stranded in somewhere cold, with just my tee and shorts on. Just give me a good coat and I'll be fine. 

There are many other items to add to the list of Fall wardrobe essentials, but If I was to choose only 10, the list above would be my picks. Thanks to Shopbop for making our life so much easier by offering such a comprehensive range of products in store. Besides, I love your free shipping, 3 days-only delivery and free return so much that I can't stop talking about it here and here

If you haven't shopped for Fall yet, I definitely recommend you to check out Shopbop. They now have an iPhone apps that allows you to shop on the go, whenever you can. Download and start browsing, I'm sure you'll get addicted to it as much as I do. 

Thank you so much for reading and lastly, one question for you: 
"What are your top 10 Fall must-buy items?"

Please share with me in the comment section below! 

P/s: This blog entry is written in collaboration with Shopbop to promote for their products and services to my blog readers. All the opinions and feedback are based on my true experience shopping on the website. Please feel free to drop me or Shopbop an email should you have any clarification or concern. Happy shopping! 
Photos courtesy of Shopbop
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{SHOP}: SNEAKER STYLES

{SHOP}: SNEAKER STYLES



As much as I would like to stay faithful to the sexy stilettos, I do, however, feel like cheating on my favorite sky-high heels with a pair of geek-chic sneakers sometimes. Karl Lagerfelf brought a new "life" to these sneakers and made them look so effortlessly chic at the Chanel show earlier this year. Many celebrities, popular fashion bloggers are rocking sneakers on the street, even on the red carpet. There is no doubt that sneakers are on trend right now. 

With so many different styles, designs, and colors, it can be quite overwhelming to pick a right pair of sneakers for yourself. I feel you! I've been looking for a perfect pair of sneakers for a long time, and I finally found one on Shopbop, just about the right time for my trip to New York Fashion Week next month. I'm excited and nervous at the same time as this will be my very first time traveling alone in such a long-distance trip. I'll share more about New York when I'm actually there. 

For now, here are the super chic sneakers that I've picked on Shopbop. I've categorized them into 3 categories: Slip On, Low Top, High Top. These are my most favorite sneakers. They are not only comfortable, but also cute, chic and versatile. You can wear them with almost everything: jeans, skirt, dress, shorts, etc...

Do you have any pair of sneakers? What would be your favorite sneakers from the list below? 






Thank you so much for reading!
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{SHOP}: ONLINE SHOPPING SALES

{SHOP}: ONLINE SHOPPING SALES



Finally, December is here, the season we all have been waiting for: season of decoration, celebrations, wishing and shopping. Did you miss out the Thanksgiving & Black Friday sales last week? No worries, there is Cyber Monday coming up right now and a month long of online shopping sales, best deals and offers ahead to satisfy your thirst. 

I've have been going absolutely crazy over the discounts, offers on the internet and I've scored some of the best online sales so far. I can not wait to share with you what I've bought in the upcoming blog posts. Everyday eyeing on many different websites from Nordstrom, Shopbop, to Neiman Marcus, Ssense, I've become an expert in finding where has the best offer, which are the best online shopping websites, which website has free international shipping and return etc...

I've summarized them all in this short-and-sweet list for you because I know you need it too, I hope you'll be able to find something special for you and your loved ones. Happy holidays!

SHOP FOR HER

ASOS: Party Wear 20% off everything with code SGCYBER20 HERE (For Singapore buyers only). Also, Women's Sales up to 70% off HERE

SHOPBOP: Save 15% when you spend $250, save 20% when you spend $500 and save 25% when you spend $1000 with code "BIGEVENT13" HERE. Free international shipping! 

NORDTROM: Save up to 40% off on selected brands HERE

FORWARDBYELSEWALKER: Sales up to 70% off HEREFree express international shipping on all orders! 

NEIMAN MARCUS: Up to 50% off in all women's apparel, shoes, handbag, accessories and home items HERE. Also, FREE Express International Shipping with $100USD purchase 

REVOLVE CLOTHING: Holiday sales for women with up to 80% off and FREE International Shipping: HERE

SSENSE: Women's Designer Clothing, Shoes, Handbags, Accessories up to 50% off HERE

LUISAVIAROMA: Up to 50% off with Free Express Shipping (to Singapore) and import fees included HERE

MATCHES FASHION: Style steals up to 70% off HERE and enjoy FREE Shipping* on all orders over $300. Enter promotional code FREEDEL at checkout (*expires on 8th December 2014)

SHOP FOR HIM

SHOPBOP/ EASTDANCE: Save 15% when you spend $250, save 20% when you spend $500 and save 25% when you spend $1000 with code "BIGEVENT13" HERE. Free express international shipping

ASOS: Men's sales up to 70% off HERE. Also, 20% off everything with code 20EXTRA . FREE delivery worldwide. 

NEIMAN MARCUS: 30% - 50% off on selected items HERE

REVOLVE CLOTHING: Sales up to 75% off and FREE International Shipping HERE

NORDTROM: All Men's sales up to 60% HERE

SSENSE: Men's designer clothing, shoes, bags up to 50% off HERE

LUISAVIAROMA: Up to 50% off with Free Express Shipping (to Singapore) and import fees included HERE





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{SHOP}: STYLE FOR FALL

{SHOP}: STYLE FOR FALL


Fall has always been my most favorite season of the year, not only because I was born in Fall (November, to be exact) but also I love feeling the cool, crisp air in the morning and at night, love seeing the leaves changing from green to warm, earthy colors like red, gold, orange. Fall is also a season of Love, Friendship, Family and Food.

It would be incomplete when we talk about Fall without mentioning Fashion. This F-duo seems to make a perfect couple. They compliment, support each other and give each other so much creativity to play with. There are too many essential wardrobe options for us to stay warm yet still look chic during this special season. But then again, being spoiled by many choices, we often do not know what to wear despite having the huge, over-flow wardrobe right in front of us.

Don't worry if you face this problem. To save you from spending hours to find out what to wear,  these 2 fall styles are the easiest and most commonly seen outfits that you could never go wrong with.

1. The Motor Jacket Chic Girl



Shop the look!




2. Catwalk Lady

Hope you like my favorite Fall Outfits! 
Thank you so much for reading & Happy Shopping! 


Shop the look!




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