FINDING FASHION TREASURES AT THE BUCKHOUSE REFINERY

With the looming Christmas and festive season ahead, the call for new clothes resonates with almost everyone.

It is, after all, a time for dressing up in the most stylistic threads.

That is the reason why we at the Couture Troopers team are particularly excited to learn that The Buckhouse Refinery has risen above the multi-label wagon, by offering shopping with a whole new perspective.

Housing itself along the quaint shophouses of Keong Saik Road (a 5 to 10 minute walk from Outram MRT Station), the multi-label store now stocks a well-curated mix of “must-watch” designer and lifestyle labels from the Asia and International regions both online (above) and in the brick-and-mortar shop.

Not only that, those who have always fancied having a cuppa while shopping, would be pleased to learn that the store also operates with Cottelo, an in-house bar.

Serving up casual gourmet-style cocktails, beer and coffee, this delightful marriage of fashion and F&B certainly ensures that every shopper is constantly recharged for an optimum shopping experience. Cosy and comfortable, we’d say that this place itself is a real gem, a treasure to our favourite fashion places!

Here are some of our top picks from the shop:

LALALOVE LONDON

Lalalove London by Thai designer Linda Charoenlab is always an instant charmer with her consistency in churning out myriads after myriads of delightful digital prints.

For this Fall/Winter 2013 season, her collection is one of the boldest collection to date, painting rather interesting illustrative and picturesque analogies of an apocalyptic future, which are dominated by King Kong, Terminator and Godzilla dinosaurs straight out from the movies.

LALALOVE LONDON Insect-Spaceship Top and Skirt

LALALOVE LONDON Pyramid Pencil Skirt

This set (left), in particular, is literally crafted to impress.

Made of 70% polyester and 30% Italian silk, the bralet and skirt feature an all-over print that depicts a defining invasion of spaceships and huge green beetles.

Full-flared in a pleated silhouette, the skirt in itself possesses a well-portioned play of drama in one’s outfit whilst steering along the line of elegance and sensuality.

The Spaceship Skirt and Bralet retails at SGD65.00 and SGD80.00 respectively.

BONES AND FEATHERS

Perhaps the only bones that cannot be broken by sticks and stones, the label by Natalie Mauro and Cole Morrall produces some of the edgiest accessories collection that goes along a refined line with ingenious shapes.

Inspired by Nicole’s upbringing in rural Kauai and Natalie’s in the Northern Midwest, the brand is known for their unique use of animal vertebrae along with clean, sophisticated lines.

Spotted in the store is a series of gold-coloured chains and cuffs that are part of the label’s latest Collective Collection. Easily worn even with the most casual tee, these sleek pieces add an instant glam to all outfits, whilst exuding an indication of unexpected scenarios, where cultural icons of the past meet those of present: 90’s supermodels meets Rihanna, or even, 80s rappers meets Daft Punk!

Staple the label

Going back to basics with high-end aesthetics, Staple the label is one interesting brand that we love very much.

With comfortable and soft tailored silhouettes, each piece of garment, be it a jacket, pants or top, uphold a smart and intuitive style that is targeted to the confident and discerning individual. Available in the shop are some of the boldest orange pants we have seen, beautifully prints of prisms on jackets and unexpected hemlines in a laid back, cool fashion.

Sarah Frances Kuhn

Sick and tired of the same, old black Canon or Nikon strap that comes with the purchase of your DSLR camera? Me too!

So consider us extremely pleased to find out that the ex-Accessories Editor of Teen Vogue, Sarah Frances Kuhn has heard our cries and has produced a glorious line that caters specifically to camera straps!

From quirky rope-corded ones to those with multiple tassle-fringes that are made in leather and fabrics. With many colours to choose from, we will be literally spoilt for choices. But one thing is for certain though, from now on, you will never carry your camera in a boring way.

The Camera Straps are retailing from SGD $85 to $160

Antoine + Stanley

“Good shoes take you places”, literally.

Founded by Paul Waddy, Antoine + Stanley was created out of a vision, a dream to create a mens footwear brand that combines the flawless craftsmanship of European brogues with the modern man’s quest to establish his identity.

The distinct art of cobbling in evident in the bold colour combinations and intricate attention to detail, that is made laboriously by hand using the finest imported leather available. With durable soles and a refined look to both the casual and formal styles, this brand will undoubtedly be a winner with the guys.

The Spencer brogues is priced at SGD227.00 and the Joshua shoes at SGD160.00 respectively.

Other labels at the shop include: