STYLE FOR MILES

These four jetsetters prove that just because you’re on your vacation doesn’t mean your style should take a break.

Portrait of Tammy Strobel
These four jetsetters prove that just because you’re on your vacation doesn’t mean your style should take a break.
 
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Destination: Koh Samui

For Carol Chen, 36, her trips to Koh Samui have become an opportunity to refocus herself, so she can return to her role as founder of dress rental business Covetella with fresh verve. Steal her packing tips for looking fab while on vacation:

What was your last beach holiday?

“Koh Samui. Every year, I escape to Thailand on my own for a detox retreat. I’ll spend seven to ten days fasting, meditating, reading, sunbathing, and doing yoga. My life is usually quite hectic, so I love taking a break to physically and mentally reset.”

What were some highlights from your vacation?

“People always wonder how I can go an entire week without food, but I always feel amazing afterwards. Not only do you feel lighter, but you experience more energy and your senses are enhanced.”

Tell us one of your favourite travel stories.
“One of my fondest beach holidays was when a friend booked out an entire private island for his birthday. 40 of us came and spent the weekend together, and it was one of the most memorable celebrations I’ve experienced. He flew in DJs from around the world, and we even had a hilarious Amazing Race competition!”
 
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Sunglasses, $650, from Fendi.

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“Always pack some fancy earrings in case you need to dress up an outfit.” 

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STYLE TIP: A linen skirt is a fuss-free addition, because it needs zero ironing!

Skirt, $380, from Diane von Furstenberg.
 
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Bag, $56.90, from Topshop.
 
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Bracelet, $199, from Swarovski.
 
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Earrings, $16.95, from H&M.
 
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Dress, $433, from MICHAEL Michael Kors.
 
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Caroline Constas bikini set, $450, from NET-A-PORTER.
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Sandals, $959, from Jimmy Choo.
 
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"STYLE TIP: Find slim-fitted cargo pants to balance out the added bulk of pockets."

Destination: Bhutan

For some of us, the Great Outdoors might feel a little intimidating. No air-conditioning, no Internet, limited hot water… the list of creature comforts one might sacrifice runs on. But for Elyn Wong, 41, the creative director at her fashion label Stolen, her trip to Bhutan was just the spiritual remedy that she needed. The Lancôme Trendsetter Award winner of The Weekly’s Great Women Of Our Time Awards in 2017 shares her experiences in Bhutan, and the pieces she packed for her trip of a lifetime:

What inspired you to visit Bhutan?

“I’ve wanted to visit Bhutan for years. I am someone who always prefers venturing off the beaten track, and the mystic beauty of this highly foreign land has always intrigued me. I was also at a very big turning point in my life: I just completed the most successful fashion show for my brand Stolen, but on the flip side, I had just lost the most important person in my life – my dad. So I was looking for an epic getaway, both physically and emotionally, and Bhutan felt like the perfect place.”

Complete this sentence: I travel because…

“…it heightens my senses when I experience new things and places. It helps fuel my imagination and rejuvenates me physically and emotionally.”

What were some highlights from your vacation?
“The most special part of the trip was the daily meditation sessions in different parts of Bhutan. I’d requested for my personal guide to bring us to different spots with different views of Bhutan to meditate, such as the forests, the different temples, or by the river. It was such a cleansing and uplifting experience. I’m not a consistent meditation practitioner, but being in Bhutan set me in the right frame of mind immediately.”
 
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“Suicoke’s sandals are practical, stylish and authentic for an adventure.” 

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Pants, $64.95, from H&M.
 
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Acne Studios shirt from Club 21 Ladies.
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Sunglasses, $224, from Michael Kors.
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Jacket, $139, from Zara.
 
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Shirt, $245, from Bimba Y Lola.

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Rag & Bone scarf, $225, from NET-APORTER.
 
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Lancôme Absolue Cushion SPF 50+/ PA+++, $140.
 
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Suicoke sandals, $226, from Leftfoot.

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Bag, $690, from Longchamp.

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Destination: Lapland

Blame it on our weather, but we can rarely resist a trip to some wintery, far-flung location. There’s something so romantic and serene about snow-covered landscapes and the crisp winter air. Still need convincing? Just ask Melissa Celestine Koh. Earlier this year, the 28-year-old founder of fashion label Run After, travelled with her husband James to Lapland, Finland to hit the ski slopes and catch enchanting auroras at night. Here is her list of must-bring items:

Tell us more about your trip to Lapland.

“That was my most recent ski trip, which we took in February. We decided to visit the arctic because it was a place on our bucket list. We were there hoping to catch the Northern Lights and experience the magic of the Northern Arctic.”

What were some highlights from your vacation?

“Definitely the sub-zero degree weather! The warmest it got during the trip was - 10 C. We had so many cool experiences— like riding on a snow mobile, catching the auroras by a lake, and trekking in the dark. One funny memory would be of James falling on his butt as he got off the plane. The falling snow during sunrise was so magical, and I think he got a little overly excited. I was vlogging with him next to me, and the next moment, he disappeared from my screen!”

Complete this sentence: I travel because…
 “…it breaks the daily monotony. It opens my eyes to the world and reminds me to seize every single moment of my life.”
 
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“Denim is a basic travel must-have! It goes with practically any outfit.”
 
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SHINE charm, $159; and SHINE chain, $279, both from Pandora.
 
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Cardigan, $480, from Sandro.
 
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Jeans, $395, from Sandro.
 
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Joostricot sweater, $750, from NET-APORTER.

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Fresh Sugar Nourishing Lip Balm Advanced Therapy, $45.
 
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Shoes, $273, from Nike.
 
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Suitcase, $830, from Brics.
 
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STYLE TIP: Add texture while staying warm with a pelted faux fur jacket.

Jacket, $219, from Topshop.
 
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"STYLE TIP: Dress up your denim game by getting an embellished pair of jeans."

Destination: Seoul

Like they say: Once a city girl, always a city girl. Nicole Wong, the 29-year-old Founder of creative agency nplusc, can often be seen jetting off to bustling metropolitan destinations, bringing with her a suitcase of super stylish pieces and trendy accessories. Before she takes to the skies once again, she gives us the low-down on the items she’s packing for her next city vacay:

What was your last city holiday?

“I recently flew to Seoul to attend the bi-annual Seoul Fashion Week. It’s always exciting for me to meet and talk to new and upcoming designers. Apart from that, I love visiting new cafes, finding cool shopping haunts where I can stock up on cool finds, and indulging in a great meal of hearty Korean dishes. I always leave Seoul feeling super satisfied.”

If you only had 24 hours in Seoul, what’s on your to-do list?

“Firstly, I’d head to the Han River for a picnic. Unroll a little mat, lay out a few small dishes and bask in the sun! After that, I’ll get some shopping done at Cheongdamdong in the upmarket Gangnam district, where you can find plenty of indie fashion labels. Then, once I’ve got all my retail therapy in, I’ll head to one of the traditional banchan restaurants for dinner. Banchan refers to the small dishes that are served with a Korean meal, and I’m always impressed with the spread of choices most restaurants present.”

Which city is next on your go-to list?
“Barcelona in the summer would be a perfect place to unwind. I love their pristine beaches, and there’s something about the city’s architecture that is quite breathtaking. Plus, it’s one of the European cities that experience lesser tourists in the summer, which means you feel like you have a little more space.” 
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“A midi LBD is perfect for those lastminute nights out.” 

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Jeans, $582, from MICHAEL Michael Kors.
 
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Sunglasses from Christian Dior.
 
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Jacket, $59.90, from Zara.
 
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Dress, $585, from Sandro.
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Shirt, $520, from T by Alexander Wang.
 
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Earrings, $19.95, from H&M.
 
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Suitcase, $1,190, from Rimowa.
 
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Golden Goose Deluxe Brand sneakers, $390, from Pedder on Scotts.
 
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Bag, $794, from Furla.

PHOTOS: 123RF.COM, CAROL CHEN, ELYN WONG, MELISSA CELESTINE KOH, NC WONG