Dear Mr KIA,
I dig this chick but she’s a real toughie. Not only is she hard to crack (she’s a lawyer who lies better than I do and I’m a man), she’s also into men who dress a specific way. Of course, I’ve never really asked what her ideal man should look like but she’s into vintage fashion so I assume he has to give off that nerd chic vibe. I’m trying to revamp my style anyway or else I’d never ask, “Where can I get good men’s vintage?” Disclaimer: I don’t usually go this far to get into a girl’s pants.—Oldie But Goodie
Dear OBG,
Wow—the one time you stretch an extra finger to please a girl, you get one whose needs are almost impossible to fulfill. Almost everything is possible when a man’s got his eye on the prize but men’s vintage in Singapore? Let it go, dude. It’s not happening. When people talk about real vintage, they’re talking about classic trends—you know, Oscar de la Renta bowties, streamlined suits from the Mod era and dead stock Commes de Garcons shirts—and we don’t get stuff like that in Singapore (unless you’re rich and can afford a weekend trip to London’s thrift stores and the famous Portobello Market). A girl like that will appreciate it if you wear quality, well-cut clothing (only the finest cotton) and if you really want to go the nerd chic route, you can fulfill the two at Brooks Brothers (#01-37B Raffles City Shopping Centre, 252 North Bridge Rd., 6334-4878). If by men’s vintage you strictly mean stuff other men have used before, check out The Attic Lifestyle Store for collectible eyewear and Ebay (www.ebay.com), which in my opinion, is still the best source for vintage anything. My last tip—men in Singapore are not known for their quality dress sense. Here, it’s all about trends and product marketing. For inspiration, try www.theurbangent.com instead.
Dear Mr KIA,
I love hotel bedsheets. Everytime I go on holiday, I make it a point to spend at least an hour in bed doing nothing just so I can enjoy the feel of the sheets on my skin. My own sheets feel like sandpaper. I won’t be surprised if I crawl out of bed one day to find my skin raw and red from the scratching. I think it’s time for me to invest in some high thread count (what the hell does that mean anyway?) sheets. I can’t sleep well until I nip this problem in the bud­—some help, please?—Sleepless in Sembahwang
Dear SIS,
Basically, the thread count of sheets relates to the number of horizontal and vertical threads contained in one square inch of fabric. Sellers will tell you that observing the thread count is a good way to buy sheets. The higher the thread count, the softer (and more expensive) they are. But this is not usually the case. I find that materials like flannel and jersey feel better with a lower thread count. Play safe by buying high quality soft cotton sheets with a thread count of about 180 to 200. The Robinsons Bedshop (#05-05 Centrepoint, 76 Orchard Rd., 6733-0888, www.robinsons.com.sg) will have everything you need to create a conducive sleeping space, including helpful bed professionals (they offer advice, not company). If you’re more into quirky than luxury, fashion label Bless does cool bed sheets with superimposed graphics. Check them out at A Curious Teepee (#02-24 Scape, 2 Orchard Link, 6820-1680).