Rockin' Reptile was asked to contribute to Michelle Tan's Lifestyle Book which will be in stores August '09 here is a small excerpt from our very own MD.
GLAM UP
A woman should be two things,
classy and fabulous. – Coco Chanel.
Shan Tan
Managing Director of Rockin’ Reptile International Sdn Bhd.
Style to me is a culmination of your dreams, aspirations and personas all expressed through an artistic form. Rockin’ Reptile’s style is very much about expressing my favourite personas: the glitz and glamour of a Vintage Hollywood Actress; the edge and attitude of a Celebrity Rock star and the kindred free spirited love of a Hippie Chic.
Style to me is being sophisticated yet edgy. Being girly and at the same time demonstrating character and strength. Being classy yet not playing it too safe Рyes a little risqu̩ for the days that you want to morph into your own alter ego РSasha Fierce anyone? My style is very much for the independent woman of tomorrow that dares to be different.
As a young girl I would watch old movies like Belle du Jour, Breakfast at Tiffany’s, Diamonds are a Girl’s Best Friend and like many girls would admire the poise and glamour of such actresses like Audrey, Catherine and Marilyn, this inspired me to create our very first Swarovski embellished crystal collection of sparkly sandals.
Speaking from experience I know how the schedule of a working lady is- hectic! Having distributed our brand of shoes and bags both locally and internationally, I have to shuttle around, visiting our distributors and material suppliers in Europe, our warehouse in Hong Kong and our HQ in Malaysia and along the way attend several black tie events – thus packing light is essential - How can a glamour girl travel in style while keeping luggage minimal?
Shan’s Tips for Traveling Light with Style • Pack One black pump, One Gladiator Sandal and A Sparkly Stiletto. In temperate zones I would substitute the Gladiator Sandal for a great bootie shoe, which can be worn both when you travel in the Winter and can also be used in tropical climates unlike the knee high ones which I would recommend only if you find yourself braving Winters often.
• Pack One stunning Black Dress – No matter what occasion an LBD will be always suitable, just change your shoe to match the dress code!
Mine is a fitted jersey dress which I can dress down with my pair of gladiators and some stacked bangles to go get the groceries; or if I’m off to the boardroom for meetings- out comes the black pump (as high as you can go preferably 5 inch, I always feel that much more confident if I can see eye to eye with my clients - *wink*). Jokes aside, Heels of such a height not only takes off a few pounds, makes your legs seem Giselle Bundchen endless, gives you better posture and poise but it also works out your calves and butt which are reasons enough for me.
More often than not I go straight from work to an event and do not have the time to do the full works thus I will simply slip on a pair of my crystal stilettos making me feel a tad bit more glamorous , sexy and Red- Carpet Ready, grab a Rockin’ Reptile matching crystal clutch and off I go! Same outfit for all occasions by simply changing my shoe and adding a few accessories I have 3 different looks!
• Pack 100% cotton Tanks/tees and a pair of good fitting jeans that suits your body shape. Personally, I love J brand skinny jeans and Lauren Moshi tees, which are great to wear in the day and doubles even as PJs agghhh so plush and soft- if you don’t have too much budget constraints organic tees are ‘cashmere- comfortable’ and a good service to the environment aswell.
What shoes do I wear with a pair of skinny jeans ?
Well you can wear them with any of the three shoes I have listed above at bare minimum when you are travelling; but at home, additional must haves for your shoe rack that look fabulous with skinny jeans are:
1. Ballet flats,
2. Strappy sandals with pin stilettos that we have introduced this year available under our Rockin’ Reptile London line are especially designed stilettos that are thin enough to elongate your pins, yet sturdy and easy to walk in even for the stiletto beginner.
3. Wedges and espadrilles - Be careful that you do not wear wedges with “Micheal Jackson” jeans where they end a tad bit too short for you or that they are so long that they bunch up at the ankle as this will make your feet look bulky and excessively too large for your frame);
4. Booties/ Knee High boots are also great with skinny jeans. Be sure to tuck your jeans into the knee high leather boot which should have a slim cut not wide leg and atleast a 4 inch stiletto or block heel– the low heel horse riding boot look is great for the paddock and stables but not for the ultimate glamazon honey!
• Pack One pair of jean shorts- Wedges look wonderful with jean shorts be sure to remember that ankle straps are not too thick if you are going to choose dark shades like black as this can look like a prison shackle and will stunt the length of your legs. It is best to choose earth tones , nude tones if the straps are thick for those that are blessed with a petite frame this helps give the illusion of a naked foot and thus elongates your pins.
• Pack One soft jersey or silk maxi dress- which can be rolled into sausage rolls easily to save luggage space! – Sandals, Gladiators, and Wedges or Espadrilles go best with maxi dresses. Wearing pumps in dark shades are a No! No! It does not reflect the free spirited hippie chic vibe that the maxi dress embodies, however if you really mus,t get a stiletto pump in a nude shade ala Nicole Richie the queen of Hippie Chic.
• Pack A pair of sunglasses- to be Rockstar Mysterious! Vintage Ray Bans or Olivier Peoples are to die for.
• A Rockin’ Reptile Crystal Clutch for that Red Carpet Event and A Day Bag, I love my classic Chanel quilted shoulder bag- Timeless and can be handed down for generations!
• And Remember to always dress for yourself and not others. Make everyday an occasion to
be and
feel fabulously glamorous!
XOXO,
Shan Tan
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