A couple of weeks ago, I had some quiet time in the afternoon, catching up with a passionate jewelry designer, whose name Kanika Mittal, about her beloved brand "Taula". Over a cup of tea, at her comfortable home, the conversation was about our personal story rather than a business relationship. Strangely, despite having totally different backgrounds and cultures, we found so many things in common. We have a passion for fashion and design (Kanika loves designing jewelry and I love making clothes). We both lead busy lifestyles with many roles (Kanika used to struggle between a corporate and a mom's life while I'm still balancing myself with my blog, my fashion brand, and my corporate job). Most importantly, we love sharing our passion and knowledge with other women. 

We even have the same problem which is finding a tasteful and timeless jewelry that can take us from day to night. Kanika had difficulty in searching for high quality jewellery for a long time. The type of jewelry that doesn't break a bank yet still has great value and can serve a dual purpose of complimenting work and a casual outfit. Kanika then, decided to design her own pieces and named them under "Taula". I, on the other hand, hadn't found any jewelry that can travel with me to many places and never fail to make me look outfit-ready. I was still on a hunt for a perfect piece until I met Kanika. 

Taula jewelry stands for modern women who are beautiful, simple, stylish. She has a strong character and timeless class. She is someone who goes out there, lives their life and achieves the biggest things. The more I heard about Kanika's beloved "child" story, the more I was connected to it. It felt like finally, there is someone who understands what busy women like us have gone through and offers us a solution. 

Technically, with "Taula" coming to life, Kanika has completely solved one of my biggest problems: finding #jewelryoftheday. I always receive many jewelry sponsorship invitations and I haven't accepted anyone. This is the first jewelry collaboration that you see on this blog. As superstitious as it may sound, I'd like to think that Fate has brought us together. Thank you Kanika for sharing your passion with me and letting me try on your beautiful designs. I'm honoured to know and to call you my friend. 

There were so many wonderful designs Kanika showed me at our first meeting, I was instantly attracted to these designs and immediately thought of how to present them to you. After weeks of keeping a secret and trying to contain my excitement, I can finally share with you the #CrystalPhuongforTaula project. It's for the women's who are going places. 

We both love seeing and encouraging women who dress professionally and appropriately for work and play. Taula and I would like to GIVE AWAY one pair of earrings (worth SGD100) to one lucky reader of Crystal Phuong. Coincidentally, this giveaway is also to celebrate my SAUCEink June cover and for being nominated in Top 10 Best Fashion Blog of Singapore Blog Award. To join this giveaway, please:

1. Follow Taula and Crystal Phuong on Instagram. 

2. Share a photo in this blog post on your Instagram and let us know why you'd love to win. Using hashtag #CrystalPhuongforTaula #Taulajewelry so that we can find your photo. 

If you don't have Instagram, you can join via Facebook. 

1. Follow Taula and Crystal Phuong on Facebook 

2. Pick one photo in this blog entry and share it on your Facebook page. Tell us why you'd love to win. Include hashtag #CrystalPhuongforTaula #Taulajewelry 

The winner will be randomly chosen and announced on Friday, July 3rd. This giveaway is open to international readers. 

Good luck and thank you so much for reading! 

Thank you so much Taula for partnering this blog entry! 

Happy Friday everyone!

Remember the Thai-American designer that I was completely obsessed with his designs during Singapore Fashion Week? I'm going to write about him and his clothes today. But instead of idolising his beautiful creations on the runway, let's talk about how the dress looks like on the real life and on a non model (me). In case you have no idea who I'm referring to, read this blog post to find out and have a glimpse of his fashion show in Singapore last month. He is none other than Thakoon Panichgu.  

It was my first time watching Thakoon's fashion show in Singapore last week and I was completely hooked. While watching the show, I was dreaming of wearing one of his design one day. I never thought that day would come so much sooner than I expected. Does it sound like a law of attraction? When you keep wishing for something and be positive about it, it will come true.

This beautiful maroon printed dress is the most versatile dress that I've worn. I'm not exaggerating. The loose and lounge-y mood of the dress with smooth polyester materials and slight hugging silhouette make this dress perfect for almost any occasion. Can I wear it to the office? - Sure! Just put a blazer on. How about a casual brunch? - Why not? I suggest pairing it with sneakers or flat sandals. Can I wear this dress to a party?- Absolutely! Take a look at these photos for reference.

When I was much younger, I used to buy clothes on a budget as I loved having many choices. Now, all I look for is good quality and versatile items that can take me from day to night and still make me look brand new. Just like this Thakoon dress!

Do you have such items in your wardrobe? What is your shopping strategy?    

Thank you so much for reading! Thank you Styletribute for partnering this blog post. 

Photographer: Navian Photography

Photographer assistant: Evelyn Lee

Stylist, Makeup, Hair: Crystal Phuong

::Outfit::

Thakoon dress- Thanks to Styletribute

Sergio Rossi Burgundy Heels- Similar here and here

Stella McCartney Crossbody Bag

Alexander McQueen Sunglasses

Lovisa Necklace- Similar here 

Some people have probably seen this on SAUCEink's website and Facebook by now, but I wanted to officially and personally break this news to you on my blog. I'm a cover girl of SAUCEink magazine June issue.  

SAUCEink is Singapore's digital magazine entirely dedicated to women's lifestyle, fashion, beauty, travel and so much more. Although they are a new kid on the block in a competitive media and publishing industry, I have to say, they produce great content, attractive visuals, and lots of tips and tricks for their readers. The best part: it's a free digital magazine so everyone can enjoy and learn new things. But being free doesn't equal low quality or less valuable. I've known and seen how their team works. They are a group of entrepreneurs, editors, and designers who are young, passionate, and hardworking. They love what they do and they do their best. That's what inspires me! When Sab- the managing editor asked if they could feature my fashion blog in their June issue, I, of course, would never say No. She continued "The June issue is all about you". I was like "How?" and left it at that. A few weeks later, this is what you and I are seeing. 

I'm grateful for the opportunity to share my stories with people and to inspire others to do what they love and to live a meaningful life. I actually never thought what I have been doing gives me a chance to be a cover girl. I'm just a normal girl who is passionate in fashion, blogging and dancing and always give 110% effort. As a dancing instructor, I enjoy teaching and seeing my students improved, became happier and more confident through dancing. As a blogger, I only hope my personal stories can motivate and inspire people. With that, thank you SAUCEink for giving me a chance to spread my words and allowing me to connect with your readers. One person at a time! 

On a side topic, I just realized that my blog is in the finalist for the Singapore Blog Award, Best Fashion Blog, again this year. Double celebration! Please spare me a few minutes to vote via this link.

There are so many secrets to unfold. I can't wait to share with you in the next couple of months. 

You can read the magazine via this link. Below is a piece of the interview I had with them. 

Q: Can you share with us a bit of the background of your blog?

A colorful diary of fashion, lifestyle, and travel of a former Professional Latin Dancer turned Fashion Blogger. 

Q: Why did you decide to start a blog?

I was lonely and homesick when I studied in Malaysia. I had no one to talk to so I started a blog 

to talk to myself and to capture my life stories. After 6 years, I got bored of writing about all sad 

memories and random topics. I wanted to focus on one specific topic and I chose Fashion. 

Q: Why did you choose to decide to focus on fashion?

Since I was a little girl, I always loved playing dress up. When I started dancing, dresses and 

accessories were always part of my daily outfits (except for school uniforms). I was also 

encouraged by my friends to start sharing my fashion tips and styles to other people. That’s when 

I decided to start crystalphuong.net. 

Q: With the number of fashion blogs popping up, what makes your blog different?

My blog is a reflection of my life, my personality, my thinking. 

Q: What for you is the best thing about being a fashion blogger?

Being able to express myself through what I wear, what I write on my blog and knowing that there are people interested in reading/ seeing it. 

Q: What is the best and worst feedback / comment you have received so far?

Best comment: Your blog is very inspiring. Worst comment: I can’t remember. I don’t like to keep negativity in my mind. 

Q: I’m sure there are many aspiring bloggers out there. Do you have any advice for them?

Be passionate, be consistent and never give up. 

Q: Complete this sentence: “My style is...”

Feminine, sophisticated, and chic. 

Q: Complete this sentence: “People should visit my blog because...”

Because it’s FREE. 

Q: Any last words?

Live happily, love passionately and never take anything for granted.

Thank you so much for reading and following me in this journey! 

Happy Monday everyone! 

Today is a very special day for me as this is the last Monday I'm spending in my current company. I quit my job last week (as mentioned in the previous blog post) and I'm trying my best to wrap up 5 years worth of stuff within a couple of days. Leaving a place where I call my comfort zone is so hard, especially when there are a sweet memories everywhere. But nobody stays in the same place forever. It's time to say goodbye. I never thought that my last day could come so quickly. I'm in a chain of several emotions: sad, happy, nervous, excited, anxiety, and motivated. But, most importantly, I feel free. 

Today's outfit, perhaps, can tell you more about how I feel right now. The soothing blue color of the dress, with subtle snakeskin texture and crisp white leather details on the shoulders, is so refreshing and energizing. It plays an important part in giving me the positive energy that I need. My mind is fresh and my heart is filled with happiness. I'm seeing possibilities everywhere.  

As soon as I fell in love with the dress, I started looking at who is the "Father" and learning more about him. It came as no surprise to me to learn that Elie Tahari, an Israeli- American luxury fashion designer, was the one who designed the dress I was wearing. I've seen and adored quite a number of his designs before, but haven't had a chance to wear his clothes. I found this blue and white dress so familiar when I first saw it in Styletribute's office. Elie Tahari grew up in an Israeli orphanage and made his way to New York with less than $100 in his pocket. He worked his way up from an electrician in a Garment District to the owner of his own fashion line with 600 stores in 40 countries as of today. From $100 to a $500 million business, it was not an easy job overnight. Such stories like that always hit me so hard and motivate me to work 100 times harder. 

The more I read about his story, the more I appreciate his designs. Tahari's clothing is well-known as modern, upscale office-friendly and tailored. They are made with his belief that "clothing should be quieter than the woman so that her true beauty can shine through". 

I cannot agree with him more on this. What about you? 

Thank you so much for reading! Thank you Styletribute for partnering this blogpost. 

Photographer: Navian Photography

Photographer Assistant: Everlyn Lee

Stylist, Make Up, Hair: Crystal Phuong

::Outfit::

Elie Tahari White and Blue Dress- Thanks to Styletribute

Raoul Silver Clutch- Thanks to Styletribute

ASOS White Sandals- Similar here and here

Charles & Keith Sunglasses- Similar here

Swarovski Necklace and Watch