Beyond Skin

Before you think this is another of those beauty product lines, think again! Beyond Skin is an exclusive ethical footwear label based in the UK. Their made-to-order footwear (meaning you get to choose the fabric and style of your next pair of shoes) are made from the most eco-friendly, natural fabrics they can source for.

Fast becoming a hit with celebrities, Beyond Skin has many selections to choose from, including their luxury line called Sui Generis. Here, the vintage glamour and colour palette is absolutely to die for. Also, look for their fabulous T-bar heels in their newest collection by designer Iona Davies.

(below) Alison Goldfrapp on the cover of her album "Black Cherry" wearing a pair of Beyond Skin shoes

For every pair sold, a percentage will go to a selection of ethical charities, nominated by you discerning shoppers. What's more, you get free delivery (yes you heard me, no shipping costs, WORLDWIDE) for each purchase during this promotional period. Retail therapy comes now at a guilt-free price. Enjoy...

www.beyondskin.co.uk

New Kid On The Block

There is a new addition to the already bustling Haji Lane. Pitch Black is a movie theatre-cum-art cafe. Housed in a two-storey shop house, the ground floor with its raw decor themed in grays and blacks is a shoo-in for the chic gang. A single shot of colour comes in the form of a red couch placed invitingly by the entrance. The vibe given off is that of an unfinished quality, with tables and chairs placed on crates.

The cafe's menu boasts sandwiches like "Wildberry Chicken Sandwiches", the usual fare of soups and salads. A bar serves alcohol at anytime of the day. Who says you only have to drink that martini at night? The suite chic says it is okay to get wasted at 11am. Just don't let your boss catch you red-handed and red-faced.

One item on the menu, however, blew the suite chic's dieting ideas entirely away. She sincerely advises you to try the deliciously yummy cheese brownie. Designed for the discerning female, it is a low-calorie dessert (when was the last time you had one that was scrumptious at the same time?). Hooray for sin-less desserts. Whoop-de-doo!

A narrow stairway leads up to the theatre - a cosy room with more couches and sofas for a wonderful evening of movies with the girlfriends or loved one.

A movie is screened at 8.30pm every night, using Blu-Ray technology to get the sharpest quality. You get to pick the movie you want. Yes, you! But may I add, only on a first-come-first-served basis. Just be sure to be the first one there, request for the movie you want, and voila! A movie of your choice will be screened.

No cover charge for movie screenings in the month of October when you order a drink. The suite chic will be making a horizontal migration from Blujaz to this uber-cool alternative hangout lifestyle. What are YOU waiting for?

Pitch Black is at:
No. 63 Haji Lane

Click to www.pitchblack.com.sg

Tom's Shoes

Another excuse for retail therapy, for a good cause, no less. For each pair of TOMS you buy, the company will donate another pair to a child in need.

Originated from simple rope-soled shoes worn by the natives in Argentina, Blake Mycoskie hit upon the idea to start a shoe company, with the motto: "To make life more comfortable."

With supporters like trendsetter Sienna Miller, you can be sure TOMS will be seen on the toots of who's who in fashion soon. The best thing? Each pair retails at only US$38 (the limited edition pair retails for US$48). Get the whole family in on it with TOMS for women, men and tiny TOMS for tots!

Get TOMS at www.tomsshoes.com

Ole Ole, Orla

Orla Kiely 's first collections in the 1990s were her signature stem-print bags. Now, the brand has grown to include homeware, accessories, ready-to-wear clothing and of course bags.

Her vintagey designs hark back to an era where quality above all was the most important - and this is still true in Kiely's world.

For that well-deserved vacation you're taking this coming holiday season, how about this green wheelie travel partner for company?

Or this bulldog leather bag for a nostalgic twist.

Orla Kiely is available at www.orlakiely.com

I Want To Be Safe...

Be safe, not sorry in New York city-based fashion designer Rebecca Turbow. Safe Clothes came about out of Rebecca's desire to design her own clothing that would make her "feel emotionally and physically secure".

I was blown away by the white and turquoise colour combinations of her Spring 2006 collection, and of course the cute concentric circles that make a simply-cut dress or shirt so quirky and delightful. A breath of fresh air.

Iekeliene Stange

I have been noticing this Dutch model during the past fashion week. Absolutely love her quirky style off the runway.

Backstage at Bottega Veneta

At Hussein Chalayan’s Spring 2007 RTW collection

Outside the Louis Vuitton show….Notice how they are so colour coordinated?