As I mentioned in my article on how to transform an outfit with jewelry, I was given the opportunity to select 2 pieces from the Jewelry to your Doorstep collection. One of the pieces I chose is this beautiful detailed fish necklace. I ended up wearing it both during the day and in the evening.
This particular day we ventured out into Haw Par Villa. I featured it once before on this site when we did this fun photoshoot. The park was built by Burmese-Chinese brothers Aw Boon Haw and Aw Boon Par in 1937 and contains over 1,000 statues and 150 giant dioramas depicting scenes from Chinese mythology, folklore, legends, history, and illustrations of various aspects of Confucianism.
It provides plenty of good photo opportunities.
I wore an old gray dress that I believe was from Guess but I bought it in Rome, so it carries some great memories with it. It’s a great slip on dress that I wear for casual days. Although I can wear it on its own, I prefer it with something on top as I find the dress too pale on me now.
You will recognise this shirt from my Etosha Park posts. It is such a light and easy shirt to wear and I like how it looks when I tie it in the front.
The dress is quite sheer so it feels a little bit like wearing a mini skirt and it has a cotton layer inside that just about covers my bottom. However, since I’m well covered on the legs and a bit of the knees, I don’t mind that at all. I think the sheer effect is fun and sexy.
One of the best known attractions in Haw Par Villa are the Ten Courts of Hell, which features gruesome depictions of Hell in Chinese mythology and Buddhism. Very blody scenes of torture and not for the faint of heart to watch. Here I am right in front of the entrance gates and already being judged by the 2 guards.
Haw Par is a great place to learn more about chinese mythology and definitely worth a visit when you come to Singapore. One of the park’s biggest fans is my friend Anja, who has written extensively about it on her blog.
As I liked the effect of my shirt being bottoned up I tried a different look for the evening. I’m even embracing the bare midriff trend! Who would have thought. I’m doing it in a very subtle way of course, but it’s a fun, airy look for Singapore and I think it’s totally appropriate if you are going to an outside bar. The necklace was a perfect accessory for this look too.
Dress: Guess (old)
Shirt: H & M
White shoes: Hoegl (similar on sale)
Necklace: c/o Jewelry to your Doorstep
Skirt: Preen (black version, blue version)
Fuchsia shoes: Hoegl
So what do you think of these outfits and all this leg and midriff showing? And how would you transition a statement necklace from day to evening?
Sylvia is 40+style’s editor-in-chief and has been helping women find their unique style since 2011. An alumni of the School of Color and Design, she is devoted to empowering women of any age to look and feel their best. Read more about Sylvia and 40+style on this page.
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very nice blog! I came here for the first time and fell in love. I’m from India so pretty much same climate. very happy to see summer things featured.
I’ve been to Singapore but missed this park, guess I’ll have to come again. it looks amazing.
one question though, the shirt you are wearing looks pretty sheer yet no visible bra. What are you wearing underneath?
and that high waisted skirt. . you are really an inspiration.
Thanks Nishaa. Yes it’s pretty thin, but I’m wearing it with a nude colored t-shirt bra. It’s thin, almost skin color so therefore barely visible!
How cool to see that you used Haw Par Villa as a backdrop for your photoshoot! As you know and mentioned, I am about the biggest fan around, of this fantastically weird park. The pictures turned out great.
All the looks you show are nice and flattering on you.
What a beautiful look! Amazing photos as always! XO
Win/Win…I love both outfits. I love the daytime look with the white blouse over top. And, I think the peak of midriff showing is subtle…to be honest, my eyes go directly to your vivid and beautiful skirt! Lovely!
The necklace is really quite beautiful. I have a fish brooch that I’ve treasured since a young girl. It’s a bit battered from accidentally going through the wash, but I love it.
The dioramas in this park are beyond fascinating!
Thanks Sue. Yes, it’s a very interesting park. Very colorful and full of interesting stories!
What a cool post. So much to like, both outfits and the new necklace. OK I will admit, I do like this necklace. Especially with the grey dress (also fabulous without the white blouse, but I know you don’t wear it like this) as all the emphasis is on the necklace then (and your gorgeous figure).
But indeed, it does work with the skirt as well.
Great shoot Sylvia.
I used to wear the dress like that when I was 10 years younger (yes it’s that old). Actually I still wear it occasionally like that on holidays. Photos are by my husband (trying to get him interested in photographing too haha)
This park looks cool/scary.
I love the necklace you chose! I totally guessed wrong on that.
I like how you’ve tied the shirt too. Sometimes I do that as well when the skirt is high waisted and I don’t want to tuck in the shirt.
I prefer the outfit with more colour and the bright pink shoes, which I adore. I need some like that.
bisous
Suzanne
Well there’s still your second guess… You know what. A high waisted skirt with a short top is perfect for my vertical body type. It makes my legs appear a lot longer than they really are!
Great photos Sylvia and I really like the statement necklace with the plain/simple outfit and I agree the dress looks good with the blouse over the top of it. What a great dress though and it looks so comfortable too. I also love that skirt; it’s beautiful.
yes, this dress is super comfortable! Great for beach holidays. Did you notice the hem is longer in the back as in the front? As this dress is at least 10 years old, I was was ahead of the trends haha!
The park is breathtaking, Sylvia! I would love to visit. And you look fabulous too, love your new necklace. xo
Please come Patti. I will guide you around 🙂