Asia's Playground

Sentosa is known as “Asia’s Playground”, and the beach/resort hub/adventure park lives up to it’s title. It has been my absolute favorite weekend spot.

And ooooh the attractions! Did you know Singapore has a Universal Studios? Yeah I didn’t either. It’s on Sentosa. But that’s not all, there’s also an indoor skydiving center, a luge track, and a jungle park. And I’m not finished. My favorite spot is Siloso beach with it's string of Tiki-themed bars…literally right on the sand. You can sip on a tiger beer feel like you’ve never left San Diego. [Just subtract the crazy Californians, and add a bit more Asians]

On Sentosa the living is easy, and like California, you can literally get away with wearing anything. My personal favorite accessory to wear is my cap-sac. Practical and stylish, this fierce bright cap is literally a fanny pack on your head. I’ve included a link to give you a visual. Click on it and buy one, you’ll thank me later.---> http://www.cap-sac.com/

I’ve mostly spent my time at Sentosa playing on Siloso beach (and one time stumbling upon an amateur volleyball tournament seen pictured above), but this weekend I decided to try my hand at one of the attractions. Feeling extremely daring, I chose the zip-line. I should stress this was an extremely daring choice for me, as I once cried before getting on splash mountain. Not Space mountain, splash mountain. But I went through with the zip line, and let me tell you…TOTALLY WORTH IT!

You can get the visual from the pictures, but I don’t think it does justice to the view and feeling you experience as you ride high across the Jungle and land on the beach. It was awesome. Totally awesome.

The only advice I can give, is to not wear your cap-sac on this flight. It’s far too valuable an item to lose.
Ali, OUT!

Little India, Big culture Shock.

As I’ve mentioned before, Singapore is very westernized. Like the states, I can find a Starbucks quicker than I can locate a bathroom. I thought my big cultural exchange had occurred when Warren took me to me out to lunch to the Hawker centres. I was sorely mistaken.

Little India is one of Singapore's most colorful districts spreading out along Serangoon Rd, populated by the descendants of the Indians who arrived in Singapore in the mid 1800’s. This is the Wikipedia definition. According to the Ali definition, Little India is as close to walking the streets of Mumbai as I will get.

I have neither been to India, nor have I been to Mumbai, so my theory is totally scewed. But as an American experiencing Asia for the first time, this was definitely my biggest culture shock. Luckily my friend Tim came a long and helped me navigate.

I knew we weren’t in Kansas anymore when we went out for lunch. I’ve been told that Indians use their hands, but I assumed it was similar fashion to how I use my hands all the time to eat pizza or hamburgers. Indians REALLY use their hands. I couldn’t stop my stare of amazement at an Indian grandmother completely going to town on her meal. It brought a new meaning to finger-lickin’ good.

But I’m not here to criticize their cultural practice. In some ways I wish I could dive into my lunch like she was. It was something cool to see.

Next up we explored Tekka Market. I can’t describe the smell of the market in words, because it’s hard to compare to anything I’ve smelt. Mix a variety of exotic fruits + meat + dried seafood, and the humidity of warm Singapore Sunday, and you might come close.

The best thing to do as a tourist in little India is go souvenir shopping. I shouldn’t reveal my secrets incase my family reads this, but 3 for $10 trinkets is the standard deal throughout the streets. If you want to practice your negotiating skills this is good place to do so as well, although trying to work a deal with Tim standing next you usually doesn’t get you too far. There’s nothing more that screams tourist in Little India than a 6 foot blonde guy.

Next up was the Mustafa Centre. Drawn solely to discover the shopping center from it’s fascinating name, it was much different than any other shopping mall I’ve experienced in Singapore. Most shopping malls resemble any high end Mall of America. Orchard Road shopping has been my favorite so far. Imagine New York’s 5th Avenue on steroids.

But the Mustafa Centre is totally different. First off, they made us check our bags at the entrance. I haven’t experienced this since finals week at the bookstore at school, when apparently the shoplifting skyrockets (I blame the stress).

Within the bustling Mustafa Centre you can find just about everything, ranging from Rolexs and washing machines, to mangoes and shampoo. It is extremely crowded but the cool AC was a good break.

After a good cool down we wandered through the streets again, passing the temples where people were going in and out to pray. I was able to take a few pics of the architecture. It impressed me a great deal, especially the attention to detail.

Getting caught up in the culture I was almost persuaded by a female Indian vendor to get a henna tattoo. Those vendors can be very convincing.

Ali

McQueen -Katherine

Alexander McQueen a quintessential designer taking the fashion world by storm with his brutally sharp designs and remarkably theatrical fashion shows. Having established world–wide acclaim, his designs were adored by A-List celebrities from LA to London. The Metropolitan Museum of Art showcased a narrative of McQueen’s designs, and let me tell you, it was worth the one and a half hour wait!! This exhibit was beyond fascinating, with each gallery designs more extreme and innovative then the one previous.  Here are some of my favorite pieces!

the best style is unpredictable! always look for innovation


-- katherine

Hey everyone I'm Sarah and I will be starting my freshman year in New York in September, the heart of fashion and style. I'm super excited to be in the city, you see new trends everyday.

I wouldn't say I have a distinctive style as I like what I like and wear what I want to wear whether it is a classic look like Audrey Hepburn or something a bit crazy like a neon tank, black tube top and high waisted shorts with a piece of big jewelry, and everything in between. Lately Katy Perry has been sporting a lot of neon, weather its her new electric blue hair to vibrant nails or just a splash of vibrant color somewhere in her outfit. Its a new trend for the summer out in Hollywood. A risky look, but if put together right its definitely worth it, just a little edge in your outfit to make you stand out amongst the crowd.

Adventure and taking risks to try something new are great ways of describing me, although I do have a quiet side. With adventure and style being my favorites you can imagine travel is a favorite past time. I am looking to see where everyone Is going on College Tourist and can't wait to shop for great and different styles at 27 Latitude.com

I'll be in touch!

XO Sarah

Riding Around With My BFF Warren!

I intern in a pretty macho environment. I call the guys I work with “sharks” for their aggressive nature at business. On my first day, I felt like a puppy thrown into the shark tank. Luckily by day 2 I met a gentle shark. Insert Warren, a native Singaporean of Chinese heritage, who completed his Undergrad in Australia, and with possibly the funkiest English accent I've ever heard.

Warren is the equivalent to my gossiping girlfriend in a 5’4 Asian male form. I’m so thankful for Warren, as he has taught me everything from office protocol to how to not get ripped off by the manicurists in Chinatown. We clicked when he would take me out for lunch dates to the “real” Asian centers. On my first weekend here Warren declared he would take me out to see the real Singapore. As a newbie to the city, I obviously would not put up a protest

Here’s some lessons I’ve learned about travelling around the great city of Singapore from my weekend with Warren,

1. Mopeds are awesome. I was lucky enough to ride through the streets on the back of Warrens cute little Vespa. Bikes give you way more of a view than the back of a taxi does. Plus you look ballin’ wearing a George Jetson helmet.


2. Always wear loose fitting clothing. This may sound gross, but I’ve gotten use to constantly sweating. Due to the close proximity to the equator, it is roughly 85 -100 degrees each day, with a warm blanket humidity. Thankfully all the foreigners sweat like nuns at a lady gaga concert…so at least I fit in. Despite the fact that almost everywhere has Air Conditioning (even public transport!) I imagine the deodorant industry is very lucrative here. Long story long, you should never wear gray. As you can see, for outdoor excursions this red flowy dress from Target has been my best friend here.

3. Try everything…at least once. Insert picture above of my feet in a fish tank. This is a Singapore Fish Spa. It’s a treatment where schools of fish nibble on your feet, eating away the dead skin cells. Warren took me and his girlfriend to one of the fish spas in China town. Skeptical on the nature of the “spa” I tried it. It was dangerously ticklish, but I survived.

4. Bring a local. Yes, Singapore is probably the most westernized country in Asia. Yes, English is the official language. But this doesn't mean that I don't stand out like a female viking walking down the street here. Case in point when we stopped for coconut water off a vendor in Chinatown the price of my coconut went from 5 sing dollars, down to 3 [after Warren barked a few selective Chinese words to the guy of course].
I probably would have never stopped for an Indian lunch at a stand on the side of a sketchy looking street, or known how to position my head for a photo to make it seem as though Singapore's national mascot, the "Merlion" [1/2 lion, 1/2 fish, 100% bad @$$] was shooting water into my mouth. But I was lucky enough to have a great guide to show me the way.


Ali

Summer in NYC

This past weekend I took a trip into the one and only New York City! Where the sidewalks are runways and everyday is fashion week. In a place like this,  it’s no surprise everywhere you go you always encounter some of the smashing summer trends! Some of my favorites being feathers, colorful skirts and fedoras

SoHo NYC

Adding some feathers as accessories is a great way to jazz up an ordinary outfit. Ranging from hot pink to more neutral colors, feathers are a fun, easy and eye-catching way to stand out with your look.

While wandering the fashionable SoHo district, I found these wonderful skirts. Incorporating both pops of color with an exotic flare. A colorful skirt is perfect for summer and can be worn with a simple black tee to give you a stylish look.


A similar exotic and colorful skirt can be found on Asos. Dress it up with a pair of wedges and bangles or make it casual in some flats and a plain tee!

Hats are a quick and easy way to pull together a summer outfit.  The straw fedora is a perfect summer trend because they are so versatile and can go with almost any look. Adding a straw fedora serves a dual purpose, add a little flare to your look while defending your skin from those ruinous UV rays!


Hats are also great cause they work with any budget- from Free People's  Moderno Straw Fedora to a similar Straw Feather Fedora found at Forever 21.

The chic and stylish Latitude 27 will have some great accessories for your summer style including feathers and some simple black tee’s available for your purchasing pleasure! So keep checking back!


Katherine 

Hey guys, I'm Jess! An 18 year old going to college in rural Pennsylvania woot woot :) It's a big change both environmentally and style-wise seeing as I have lived all over Asia growing up, 'cause of my parents work. I'm really diggin the solid bright colors that seem to be plaguing this summer season. I recently purchased 2 key pieces from Zara's collection - a banana yellow mini-skirt and muted tangerine-orange shirt... the combo is quite eye-popping. While I'm enjoying the summer heat, I feel my best in my cigarette black jeans, a statement blazer, chunky (and of course sparkly) necklaces, and a smokey black eye. I'm itching to get my hands on the up and coming Fall accessories to update my classic look. Luckily my mum can help me build my first semester outfits with trendy bits and pieces by sending me a gift kit from 27 latitude! I'm totally smitten by Beyonce's outfit when she performed in Central Park this month.. I even picked up my own version of the crochet style in urban outfitters  

Here's a pic of me groovin in my eight dollar necklace.. Can you believe it?!

 Jess xx

Katherine here!

Hello bloggers and fellow fashionistas!

I’m Katherine I am I a 19-year old student studying Art History at Boston University.  I love good food, great clothes and exotic destinations. I’m addicted to traveling and am smitten when I am being thrown into new and unknown cultures. This past spring I had the delightful opportunity of studying abroad in London and had a lovely time traveling to many fascinating places around Europe-- Paris and Barcelona being my favorites!  Traveling is a great way to get you culture fix and with it, new and exciting style ideas. My style is very eclectic yet smart, garnering inspiration from everything around me. I love to mix vintage with modern styles to create new and unique looks.  This quality emanates into every part of my being—from my taste in music to design.  Intermingling of styles and genres always leads to an interesting outcome, and I can’t help but applaud those who aren’t afraid to push the boundaries. There’s always interesting ways to work what you’ve got and transform into something, or someone new and fashion is an honest and candid way to do so!


X Katherine

Sash Again!

Hey everyone! Sash here! Just wanted to add a quick post to College Tourist to share some of my must-have items for the summer. First? My amazing floral Dr.Martens. I haven't had them for that long and they're lookin' a bit too squeaky-clean for my taste.. I have to wear them a ton more if I want that scruffy look.

The second must-have for me is this beautiful cuff for my ear. **hints for the 27 Latitude website? Unfortunately I purchased this cuff in Korea (I spent 2 weeks there over the summer) and can't hyperlink a store where I've found one in the US...but keep posted. 
Finally, my last summer must-have is without a doubt my hot-pink, frilly, old school bikini from topshop. The best thing about it? I never feel the need to hide it under a sarong; all I need is a pair of light-wash high wasted denim shorts, a floppy hat, and a pair of ray-bans and I'm set.

xx Sash

4th of July in Asia

Hey guys! My name is Ali, and I'm entering my senior year at San Diego State University. I'm in Singapore for the summer participating in an internship, and experiencing Asia for the first time!


It's always weird celebrating America's Independence in another part of the world. Back in the states, it would be completely acceptable to run down the streets wrapped in nothing but the American flag. In Singapore that would get me arrested.


One of the Americans I've met since I've been here recommended we celebrate at one of the clubs on the beaches of Sentosa. The club, called "Wavehouse" advertised a party that would be a "red, white, and blue spectacle" so we were excited to mingle with other expats.


When we got there, it was just the opposite.
The beach club setting was filled with 99% Asians, all wearing red, white and blue bikinis and board shorts. I was like looking at the patriotic spread of the Roxy & Quicksilver catalogue. A scene you would expect from Katy Perry's California Girls Song, transplanted to Asia.


I only had my iphone on hand, so all the pics I grabbed are a bit fuzzy--but I think you get the main idea. God Bless America...and Singapore for being so patriotic.


Ali

My Daughter Sash!

Hey everybody! Alison here - owner of 27 Latitude! Before our fabulous bloggers get started .. I wanted to introduce you to one of my two beautiful daughters - Sasha Rose. A seasoned veteran in the world of blogging, Sash has her own tumblr - 
ilightafire.tumblr.com Check it out! Sash has just finished her freshman year in highschool, and is loving it! Be sure to check out her posts as she'll be popping in on College Tourist from time to time. 

Can't wait for our first blogger to christen the site with her amazing post!! ..so keep tuned!

XOXO 27 Latitude 

Hey Bloggin' World!

Just a quick hello from the girls behind the upcoming website for college girls, 27 Latitude! Follow along with our new blog, College Tourist, to hear the deets on the release date of 27latitude.com! 27 Latitude is a tool for the stylish college gal. Designing your own dorm room, buying everything from jewelry to the perfect gift for your new roommate, all the fun is yet to come!


This blog focuses in on a few select students from around the world that all share one common thread: a love for fashion. Stay tuned for each girl's individual blogging! She'll be uploading photos of herself, a little blurb on who she is, and of course, the styles she loves. 


Keep up to date with the hottest summer trends with these fabulous college girls! They'll let you in on the know-how for this season's fashion. 


So stay tuned girls! XOXO 27 Latitude