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6 Budget-Friendly Ways To Select Clothes Like A Fashion Editor

1. STICK TO SIMPLICITY

Simplicity translates to sophistication in most cases. The simpler and sleeker the clothing article is, the better. This is why you must avoid handbags or clothes that are filled with bargain embellishments or distressed denim patterns. If you want to accessorize, opt for a thick bracelet rather than stacking three little ones to increase the outfit’s impact.

2. AVOID GATHERED SEAMS

Manufacturers prefer gathered seams as they are more forgiving and can fit the majority compared to smooth seams. To seem that you bought your clothes from a high-quality store, shy away from pieces that have gathered seams. Select pleats and sharply tailored garments instead. I once spotted a lovely S$10 pleated skirt at Bugis Street.

3. GET THINGS TAILORED

Having your jeans tailored for about S$5 or S$8 is worth every buck as it can transform your poorly fitted S$13 Forever21 jeans into a seemingly designer piece. It goes the same for a tailored blazer or a tailored jacket.

While you are shopping, look for uncomplicated garments as they are cheaper to tailor. Another alternative is to make basic stitches on your own by using this helpful post.

4. LOOK FOR RAW LACE

I am your typical “girly girl”. My wardrobe is filled with floral blouses, form-fitted skirts, and other feminine pieces. This is why I am absolutely fond of lace. The only problem with an outfit covered with lace is that it can look inexpensive.

Image Credits: pixabay.com

Lace made by the machine can appear flat and flimsy. Try to stick to tops and dresses that use lace only as an accent. Look for lace that seems raw, uneven, and delicate.

5. FAVOR THE MONOCHROMATIC

Wear one hue or color from head-to-toe because splashing yourself with every color in the rainbow can look cheap! For example, you can wear the different shades of black (i.e., Jet-Licorice) to look slimmer and more stylish. Monochromatic clothing creates an illusion of supreme quality.

Although, this does not mean that you will avoid experimenting with color all together. You may suit up with bold pastels or deep jewel tones and still look as regal.

6. GO FOR THE CLASSIC

Classic pieces such as black pencil skirts and white cocktail dresses have a timeless charm. If you are going to spend your hard-earned money on a wardrobe, wear articles that you can style for years to come.

Even InStyle‘s Special Projects Editor (who has been a fashion editor for decades) highlighted her adoration for the classic. She once stated this: “my big investments are all classic shapes. No crazy one-off trends such as culottes, designer sweatshirts, or 1970s-inspired fringed jackets.”

Image Credits: pixabay.com

Sources: 1 & 2

How To Preserve Your Currency Collection Effectively

Currency collection is both a hobby and an investment to many people. After reading the “Newbie’s Guide To Collecting Currency In Singapore”, it is time to know about the ways to effectively take care of your collection.

1. HANDLING

Employ some precautions when handling the banknotes and the coins. To pick up your collection properly, you can either use a pair of trusted tweezers with studded ends or wear a pair of cotton gloves. Avoid using your bare hands as it may stain the coins and soil the notes. Furthermore, your collection may absorb contaminants that may damage it.

2. KEEPING

To create an appropriate storage environment for your precious collection, start by finding a dry place that avoids direct sunlight and artificial light. The high levels of ultra-violet rays are not only harmful to us but also to the notes. So store it at a constant temperature of 20-24 Celsius with a relative humidity of 45-55%.

Notes and coins are best kept in small containers, protective holders, and albums. Or you may purchase a safe for your home to avoid paying the recurring fee of renting a safe deposit box.

3. CLEANING

More than anything else, improper cleaning has damaged valuable coins. For example, un-circulated coins should never be cleaned as improper cleaning can cause permanent loss of value, original mint finish, and antique color. This is why experienced collectors and dealers recommend that the experts should only be the ones to polish coins.

4. INSPECTING

To help detect deterioration at its early stages, you must regularly inspect the condition of your collection. Complete repair may no longer be possible if the deterioration is discovered too late!

Image Credits: pixabay.com (CC0 Public Domain)

When you decide to take action, always seek the advice of an expert regarding the cleaning or restoration procedures as unqualified attempts will more likely cause a decrease in its value.

Sources: 1, 2, 3, 4, & 5

4 Affordable Home Remedies For Common Sickness

Worries and troubles pertaining to the economy are driving more people to consider alternative remedies in order to avoid expensive physician consultations and prescription medicines. One option that is safe, affordable, and efficient is going au naturel!

That said, here are expert-recommended natural home remedies for the common sickness:

COLDS

It is forecasted to rain multiple times throughout the course of the month. As this cold weather is coming in, colds become increasingly common. The main virus that causes cold is still unknown. This is why the body relies on its own defenses. However, you can effectively ease its symptoms by staying hydrated.

Drink plenty of water, juices, or warm lemon water with honey to help prevent dehydration and loosen up the congestion. Stay away from alcohol, coffee, or caffeinated sodas as they can worsen your condition.

COUGH

Coughing helps your throat clear out phlegm and other irritants. A short-term cough lasting for about 3 weeks can usually signify a flu or a sinus infection. While long-term cough lasting for more than 3 weeks can signify an allergy or other disorders. Treat cough in its early stages by using honey. According to a 2007 study, honey relieves cough more efficiently than over-the-counter drugs that contain Dextromethorphan. So create your own remedy by mixing honey with warm water or lemon.

Image Credits: pixabay.com (CC0 Public Domain)

HEADACHE

Headaches are characterized by sharp pain, dull ache, or a throbbing sensation. It may appear abruptly or gradually and last from an hour to several days. To relieve the pain, grab a cup of brewed coffee. Studies show that 200 mg of caffeine (16 oz of brewed coffee) helps ease the headache and migraines. However, Dr. Robert Shapiro of University of Vermont Medical School suggests limiting caffeine intake and only using it to relieve headaches.

SORE THROAT

Sore throat is the irritation or pain of the throat that usually worsens when you swallow. It is the primary symptom of the inflammation of the throat (Pharyngitis). Treat sore throat by gargling a mixture of warm water (1 glass) and six pressed garlic cloves – twice a day. Stick to this routine for 3 days. This works because garlic has antimicrobial properties that fight pain-causing bacteria while the warm water soothes the inflamed tissue.

Image Credits: pixabay.com (CC0 Public Domain)

Sources: 1, 2, 3, 4, & 5

Prominent Shifts In Singapore’s Budget 2016

The Budget 2016 signifies a new era – an era that is governed by a new decade (following SG50), new government (following 2015’s general election), and a new Finance Minister. Despite this, most of the expert panel at the discussion held by The Straits Times last March 26 agreed that the strategies taken by Finance Minister Heng Swee Keat was evolutionary.

Although he stayed on the path of restructuring for long-term growth and building social cohesion, as laid down over the past years, he had three main shifts in his approach. These shifts were namely: more financial help for companies, working closely with the people, and more funds for innovation.

MORE FINANCIAL HELP FOR COMPANIES

One of the most noticeable changes is seen in the government’s approach towards firms. With the S$4.5 billion Industry Transformation Package, Budget 2016 extends its financial help to companies with open arms. This promotes greater entrepreneurial spirit.

Another policy called the “Automation Support Package”, which will cost more than S$400 million over 3 years, is aimed at helping the companies to upgrade the utilization of automation in their operations. It will subsidize up to 50% or S$1 million of a project in order to help companies to expand the use of machines and progress more – even internationally.

WORKING CLOSELY WITH THE PEOPLE

In facing the challenges of tomorrow, Finance Minister Heng Swee Keat is positioning the government as more of a partner than a leader.

As the Budget is given to the trade associations, companies, and unions, the solution is in their hands. Regardless of which industry you belong to, the government is going to help the firm (of a certain size) to grow!

Image Credits: pixabay.com (CC0 Public Domain)

MORE FUNDS FOR INNOVATION

The last change is seen on Mr. Heng’s approach to focus more on innovation than productivity. In his speech, he highlights that innovation does not require high-tech software or robots. Instead, innovation is in the application of existing technologies in creative and lateral ways.

Supporting this approach is the upcoming S$100 million National Trade Platform. It will allow service providers to develop applications or value-added services on top of the platform. This is similar to an open-source environment. With this new scheme, an uncharted venture awaits!

Sources: 1 & 2

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