We're high on inspiration this issue. On the fashion front, we go big on global style. From New York to Paris, we show you how to style your wardrobe after fashion's most exclusive runways. Closer to home, young Singaporean women make a difference by starting their own initiatives.
And as evidence that hard work pays off, our cover girl Elizabeth Olsen proves she's certainly not living in her sisters' shadows.
The April issue of CLEO out now!
Inside CLEO April
5 ways to get out of a funk

Even the mind requires spring cleaning. Surround yourself with people who feed you with refreshing takes on old issues, especially if you don't agree with their stance. Being able to listen to and understand an alternative perspective, without the need to 'correct' it, speaks volumes about one's maturity and wisdom.

There's only so much excitement a comfort zone can provide. If there's something that scares you, then perhaps that's even more reason to try. If all else fails, a swig of Somersby's Pear Cider should calm those nerves.


5 apps you absolutely must get

Take public transport a lot? Then get this app NOW. It basically tells you what bus and/or MRT to take to get to wherever you want to go. It even tells you how long the journey will take!

(Source)
This is by far the best journal app out there (trust me, I've tried them all). It has a beautiful interface, the ability to embed pictures to your journal entries and a password lock to keep prying eyes away. It even syncs with the cloud, so all your entries are safe in case you ever lose your phone.
If you've never heard of this app before, here's a one-word summary of what it does: magic. You simply key in the name of just about any song, artist or album you want, and the app plays it. Like I said, magic.
4 reasons you should invest in a couple fragrance

Before you jump to conclusions about how having a couple fragrance would make a guy smell like they just ran through a flower field, and girls smell of manly musk, we're not talking about having identical scents. Instead, scents which pronounced notes enhance the essence of another scent.
Still feeling iffy? Here's why we think investing in a couple fragrance would be a good move.
1. Because who turns down a reason to become more attractive to your partner?
The science behind scents show that we can become attracted to people based on their scents. There's even a term for it: love at first scent. Smells have the power to evoke or create a memory. We think there's little else that's more attractive than someone whose smell harmonises and suits ours.
2. Because a pair like fruity floral and tonic woody is a match made in heaven.

The CK One Red edition's women fragrance hints at the freshness of watermelon and violet leaves fused with bursts of succulent fruits. The notes are composed of warm white amber, sensual patchouli and intimate skin musk. On the other hand, the men's fragrance is an aromatic tonic woody. Like the women's fragrance, it also contains bursts of succulent fruits. In this case, hints of asian pear. The fragrance is also spiked with energetic aldehydes and the sexiness of wet suede, together with the intensity of black pepper and ginger, vetiver haiti and creamy tonka bean.
The fragrances are the perfect marriage of sweet and sultry, innocent and wild. Just like in an ideal relationship, an ideal mix of fragrances would bring out the best in each other.
3. Because what better way to show that you're committed to each other?
It's subtle, less tacky than matchy-matchy couple shirts, and more unique than couple rings. It's also practical - getting a couple fragrance kills two birds with one stone. You get to smell like what you love, and enhance your partner's scent, which sends the clear message that you're a couple.
4. Because it's about the bigger picture.
Think about it, if you're looking for a way to tell your partner "I'm yours", there's nothing more interesting and better than the fact that you're willing to complement each other, right down to how you smell. There's no need for grandiose plans or extravagant gifts to let you know you're loved, when a whiff of your partner does the job. Ultimately, it's more than a simple scent - it's about showing each other you're dedicated to caring for the details in a relationship.
What's your take on complementing your partner's scent? Yay or nay?
Click through for more on the CK One Red edition.
10 things we learnt from Taylor Swift and Selena Gomez's friendship feud
The latest blow-up in Hollywood apparently belongs to (former?) bestfriends Taylor Swift and Selena Gomez. Taylor appears to have given up on her one-time BFF, Selena, because the latter can't seem to give up Justin Bieber, despite his less than gentlemanly antics towards her. Taylor's tough love might be harsh, but apparently she's not the only one who has expressed her dislike for Justin. Fellow singer Demi Lovato has also expressed strong views against the relationship.
Selena and Justin's on-off relationship reeks of drama and we understand why no one would want to be a part of that. Yet, we think it's not quite Taylor nor Demi's place to ditch Selena, especially when she clearly needs them most now. Sounds confusing? Not quite.
Here are 10 bite-sized pieces of wisdom we've gained from the entire situation.
1. Even with the best of friends, there is always a line.
2. When a relationship is clearly broken beyond repair, respect yourself enough to walk away, instead of picking up the pieces by crawling on the ground.
3. We're firm believers in second chances, but there is a modicum of truth to the phrase 'a leopard never changes its spots'.
4. Everything is fleeting - people might claim relationships never last, but the sad truth is that even girlfriends are not forever.
5. Sometimes, tough love is the only way to save someone from themselves.
6. If only one friend tells you to ditch your man, we understand why you wouldn't listen. But if you've been losing friends over a guy, then you should probably start some serious self-reflection.
7. It's admirable to fight for love, but when you keep going back to a broken relationship, even when he mistreats you, this is the point that stubbornness crosses into naivety.
8. If you're willing to compromise friendships for your relationship, or vice versa, it says more about you than it does about the people you're involved with.
9. A relationship never comprises of only two people. Try getting into a relationship without somehow getting involved with his mates too.
10. If you wish to publicly diss your friend's man, it's preferable that you should have a less than spotty dating history yourself. (Here's looking at you, Taylor.)
--
Do you think it's important for your friends to like your partner? Would you interfere in a friend's relationship if it was clearly out of line, or are you a firm believer in minding your own business? Tell us your thoughts!
The Body Shop celebrates Earth Day 2014!

1. Say no to plastics
The Body Shop will reward shoppers who simply pledge to go green. Sounds too good to be true? For every Earth Hour Digital Card downloaded, the card owner gets to purchase their eco-friendly Rainforest Shampoo or Conditioner (250ml) at only $10 each. And if the card owner manages to convince five other friends to go green and download the digital card, he/she will be rewarded with another $10 shopping voucher! It’s that simple.
- Pledge to go green with the Earth Hour Digital Card (instructions in pic above)
- Use your power of influence and share this with on your social media and with your friends and family
- Continue this effort every year from now
13 songs from the 90s that prove old is gold
Remember when ambiguous MSN statuses containing song lyrics were all the rage in secondary school? "After all, you're my wonderwall" was a popular one, usually quickly put up when our eye-candy came online.
2. Christina Aguilera - Genie in a Bottle (1999)
Seriously though, you aren't a legit 90s kid if you haven't (secretly) jumped for joy whenever someone picks this song during karaoke sessions.
3. Joan Osborne - One of Us (1995)
One of the most underrated tunes of the decade, we reckon. The religious undertones of its lyrics are made less blatant by its rough and tough pop-rock melody.
4. Mandy Moore - I Wanna Be With You (1999)
Granted, it doesn't have the deepest lyrics, but the simple innocence of young love portrayed here is something sorely lacking in modern day pop songs.
5. Britney Spears - Sometimes (1999)
Even though the hit also received a respectable amount of airtime, it was still less famous than "Baby One More Time". We can't see why though - while "Baby One More Time" is a bouncy teeny-bopper fave, "Sometimes" touches on the relatable early stages of a crush when one is hesitant to admit feelings.
6. Meredith Brooks - B*tch (1997)
Despite its crass title, the empowering lyrics are the anthem of our adolescence, in particular the period where one is first exposed to ideas of feminism, convention and rebellion, to name a few.
7. The Cranberries - Linger (1993)
Songs that tackle unrequited love tend to be heartwrenching and melancholic. This one leaves an impression because of its pleasant and light melody.
8. S Club 7 - Bring It All Back (1999)
There is no better party song than one from the S Club 7 discography. And what better way for the British pop group to kick off their career than with this catchy debut single?
9. No Doubt - Don't Speak (1995)
10. Sixpence None The Richer - Kiss Me (1997)
In the days of puppy love, this was probably the most romantic Valentine's day song we could think of dedicating to our boyfriend (while not-so-subtly dropping a hint?).
11. Hanson - MMMBop (1996)
Hanson makes us miss the sugary sweet and simple tunes of the 90s. Also, this was the ultimate feel-good soundtrack to rock out in the privacy of our bedrooms.
12. Lene Marlin - Sitting Down Here (1999)
Even though the lyrics reflect the angst at being mistreated by a guy, its upbeat melody balances off the negative vibes, almost as if it's giving you permission to let go of your worries.
13. Fool's Garden - Lemon Tree (1995)
It was so bad, it was good.
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What are some of your favourite 90s hits? Share them with us in the comments!
Geek In The Pink

Believe it or not, I've never really liked pink. I don't even have anything in my wardrobe that's pink, whether it's pastel or fuchsia. Not that I have anything against the colour, but it's never really been "me". So I'm probably the most surprised to find myself with a head of pink hair (gasp).

(...Or maybe Jar Jar Binks? Spot the similarities? Hahaha)

My mum's comments were:
(The next day)

Inside CLEO May
We embrace our individual differences in this issue. For starters, readers share tips on how to love the skin you're in, flaws and all. In light of Mother's Day this month, we also pay tribute to the mother figure in our lives. And for those seeking greener pastures, we dish out tips on how to score your dream gig overseas.
Finally, our nice cover girl Pixie Lott reminds us of her naughty side. Frankly, we adore every side of this sassy lass.
The May issue of CLEO out now!
Insta-Game of Thrones
Aren't you glad that the Game of Thrones TV show exists in the age of social media. You should be. We love nothing better than to stalk our favourite Westerosi on Instagram, Twitter and Vine. From two Stark girls pulling faces with Oberyn and Margaery to Maisie Williams' killer reaction to last season's Red Wedding, here are the most important social media updates in all of the Seven Kingdoms.
1. Alfie Allen (a.k.a. Theon Greyjoy)
That comely wench on Theon (aka Alfie Allen)'s lap is his on-again, off-again Jaime Winstone (offspring of Ray Winstone), so we give points for generally being two good-looking people pictured with a badass prop. But ("realistically", hah) we know that this Theon-on-the-Iron-Throne thing about as likely to happen as a marriage between Cersei and Brienne. Nice try, but we're not buying it.
2. Sophie Turner (a.k.a. Sansa Stark)
Oh look, it's the former King Joffrey cosying up to his loser uncle's lover! What?! We love how Jack Gleeson is apparently the nicest person to ever walk the planet (or at least the Game of Thrones set). And yet, every time you see Joffrey's face on screen, you JUST. WANNA. PUNCH. IT. Also, Sophie's BFF-love with Maisie Williams (Arya Stark) is just too cute.
3. Pedro Pascal (a.k.a. Oberyn Martell)
There's a lot of GoT love on the Instagram account of King's Landing's newest guest. We love Pedro Pascal's enthusiasm for his new fantasy-homeland. Keep 'em updates coming!
4. The Game of Thrones Official Instagram account
R U KIDDING ME? Ah, we never knew that underneath the Hound's gruff exterior lay a sad man looking for his lost toy.
5. Lena Headey (a.k.a. Cersei Lannister)
When she's not busy being the royal b---- that is Queen Cersei, Lena Headey displays an irreverent sense of humour that is so full of win. She might actually be the GoT castmember we'd most love to hang out with.
6. Maisie Williams (a.k.a. Arya Stark)
EXCEPT FOR MAISIE. Because:
And the classic:
BONUS: [BOSS LEVEL] CHARLES DANCE (a.k.a. Tywin Lannister)
Because if you haven't yet, you must.
Mixtape: CLEO x Dona Inthaxoum
In our May issue, we spoke with Dona Inthaxoum, the head of Label Relations for Asia & Oceania at Deezer. Besides giving us an insider's look into her job, she also specially created a list of songs for CLEO readers to check out. You can find the full list at the bottom of this article.
To pique your curiosity, here are three of the tracks featured.
1. Regina Spektor - Hotel Song
If you like eclectic lyrics peppered with metaphors that seamlessly weave in tiny narratives, this could be the start of a beautiful love affair with Spektor's songs.
2. Phoenix - Entertainment
There's something about Phoenix's melodies that transcend all language barriers. We imagine standing in a vast field and listening to their tunes on repeat would be something like heaven. According to the interwebs, this song was inspired by a band's (theirs?) struggles after realising world wide fame. Very deep.
3. Jessie Ware - Wildest Moments (acoustic)
Perfectly answers the question of why we hold on to certain tumultuous relationships in our life. Because the highs make all the lows worth while. Healthy? Maybe not. Relatable? Always.
Think this playlist could be your weekend jam? Click away!
http://www.deezer.com/playlist/781590796
5 reasons you will not miss the Easter buffet brunch at The White Rabbit


This Sunday, 20 April, is Easter, and they know it's gonna be crowded. So they've set aside two timings: the first one happens from 1030am to 1230pm, while the second from 1pm to 330pm. Prices go for $108++ for adults and children 12 years and above, and $58++ for children aged 6 to 11. Consider your lunch plans set.
2. Because their dessert spread will delight even those without a single sweet tooth.



Expect crunchy chocolate mousse, yoghurt panna cotta as well as an assortment of kid friendly marshmallows and chocolate cones. I mean, how could you not give in?
3. Because you will fall in love with its old-world charm.

Stepping into The White Rabbit, you'd be forgiven if you thought you stepped into a storybook set in olden day Europe. Housed in a conserved chapel in Dempsey, the European restaurant is truly Instagram-worthy from every angle.
4. Because their new signature Brandt Short Ribs is cooked-to-order perfection.

You can expect succulent meat that (almost literally) melts in your mouth. Consider this fair warning: one plate might not be enough. Besides this divine dish, you can also expect Sunday roasts at the carving station and other mains from the kitchen.
5. Because it includes a breakfast station, with eggs made in any style.

Tell me that doesn't make your mouth water, just looking at the crisp colours. The breakfast station also includes grilled sausages, because what are eggs without sausages? A travesty, that's what.
Hungry yet?
For reservations, call 6473 9965 or email eat@thewhiterabbit.com.sg!
For more info about their Easter brunch menu, pop over to their site.
5 items every man needs in his wardrobe
Here, we give you a list of the top 5 outfits your guy should have, whether he's gunning for style star status or is comfortable in casuals.
1. A graphic tee


2. A long-sleeved checkered shirt


3. A pair of khaki coloured pants

4. A pair of casual berms


5. A pair of smart sneakers

Where can you find all these amazing gems?
At these celio* stores:
PLUS: From 16 April to 30 April, there's up to 70% discount off selected styles!
For more details, check out facebook.com/celiosingapore. What you waiting for? Get your man and get going!
The online shopping tip that will change your life forever
I have no self-discipline. Every time an online shopping site sends me a discount code, I end up doing some serious debit card damages.
Over the Vesak Day holiday, I had to physically restrain myself *cue Chrome Nanny (a site blocker)* from using the 20%-off discount code from ASOS. And just when I thought I succeeded, ASOS sent me another ‘gift’ the next day – an extension for the next 48 hours.
GOOD GRIEF!
And, I never knew that I have been falling prey to conversion overcharge until Cleo – as in Cleo the other intern – gave me a little online shopping tip over lunch today: Always check your goods out in the currency rate that gives you the best price, even if it is available in SGD. (There’s actually a really high possibility that I am the only one who doesn’t already know about this)

This top costs SGD$30.67.
After changing the currency setting on the site to show the prices in GBP....
The top comes down to £12.50, which is actually only SGD$26.23 (+/- a slight bit depending on your bank’s conversion rates)
WHAT SORCERY! ...
Text: Stephanie Chee
Inside CLEO June
In this issue, we give you a peek into lifestyles of the young and uber rich. We also get the low down on three women who break all gender stereotypes in the workplace. And, with our handy guide to festival fashion, you'll soon have an OOTD that's just as rocking as the music.
Plus, we're in love with the honesty that our cover girl Shailene Woodley brings to the screen. This is definitely one starlet to watch!
The June issue of CLEO out now!
My name is Cleo Chew and I am a self-declared hoarder
With the Audi Fashion Festival back in Singapore, I couldn’t help but people-watch more than usual while waiting to enter the tent. A rare sight I would say, to catch a concentration of Singaporeans dressed to the nines, free spirited and confident in the company of a fashion crazed community. It was...nice.
As much as I love dressing up, it’s events like these that give me a push to get with it (aka get my lazy ass out of my tee and FBTs), perhaps get a little bit uncomfortable (let’s be real here, high heels are a girl’s enemy as much as they are her best friend), and bask in the temporary (although often self-imagined) high life. For once, I get to take out the biggest floppy hat I’ve hoarded for years, living in the guilt that I shouldn’t have spent money on that thing, and werkkk it. 'Cause on a normal day, aunties on the street would definitely be, like:
‘Siao ah that girl, she can see where she walking meh?’
So just to make you (actually, mostly myself) feel a little better, here’s some items that’ve been taking up space in the closet and earning nags from the momma-boss at home, but can be more useful than you think.
--
1. Wide Brim Hats
(Source)
If you’re heading off to a grand event and you find your outfit a little too plain/casual, a wide brim topper is the throw-on that’ll grant you the extra sophistication. They are worth the hoarding!!
2. Sunnies
(Source)
Cute, chic, sleek, basic – I have 2 pairs of eyes but tons of sunglasses. If you can’t bear to throw them out (I mean… why would you do that?!), incorporate them into your outfit even if you don’t need sunnies for the day!
As a hairband:
(Source)
As an accessory:
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Though you might want to make sure your mum doesn’t find out shirts like this exist:
(Source)
3. Nailpolish
Admit it, buying nail polish is like a drug. Doesn’t help that ASOS has them on sale like, all the time and that colours just won’t stop having shades?? More than often we don’t finish each bottle, and let them collect dust while new additions just keep coming.
(Source)
With paint form unfinished bottles, colour code your keys so you don’t have to awkwardly stand outside a door each time figuring out which key works for which entrance:
And here’s an article on 9 other ways nail polish can save your life.
Okay, I tried. Just know you’re not alone!
Win more than $800 worth of TONI&GUY HairMeetWardrobe products and shopping vouchers!

Are you known for maintaining your tresses with proper TLC? Do your friends ask you why you always look so. good. rockin' a bedhead? And, do you have the overall style to boot?
You could get discovered by the good people at TONI&GUY. Here's how:
From now till June 15, 2014,
1. Follow @TONIandGUYhmw_sg on Instagram
2. Upload your best head-to-toe look
3. Hashtag #HMWStyle and tag @TONIandGUYhmw_sg to get their attention
What's in store for you? More than $800 worth of TONI&GUY HairMeetWardrobe products and shopping vouchers!
Now no one can say your countless #ootd shots in your phone can't be put to good use, eh?
10 outfits from the Met Ball that kicked serious ass


We can't decide which we like better - the effortless way Rihanna pulls off white, the crop top, or the daring slit up her back. Who says we have to pick? We'll go with all three.
2. Cara Delevingne in Stella McCartney

Say what you will about her skin-baring top. We think it works perfectly with those refreshing trousers and attitude.
3. Emma Stone in Thakoon

The verdict is split in the office. Some think her look was boring, some say she's rocking the quintessential girl-next-door, complete with saccharine sweetness. What say you?
4. Blake Lively in Gucci

You could throw a potato sack on this woman and she'd still make it look like a million bucks. Blake Lively, we want your body. Oh yeah, and the dress looks pretty good too.
5. Nicole Richie in Donna Karan

Some in the office aren't a fan of the dress's weird pattern, but where the silhouette is concerned, we're hands down loving every cut and curve. Plus her cool purple hair complements the silver sheens in the gown.
6. Rosie Huntington-Whiteley in Balmain

Gladiator chic with lotsa leg is only appropriate for a white-tie event like the Met Ball when you're the English lass herself. We can't stop admiring the gorgeous detailing.
7. Beyonce in Givenchy

Safe to say, Queen B did not disappoint. And not just because she reigns supreme, but because she perfectly meshed grown-up and classy with young and sexy in her (literally) dazzling outfit.
8. Karolina Kurkova in Marchesa

Sure, some might say the hand painted flowers could pass off as wallpaper, but it doesn't matter. What really stole the show, from our opinion anyway, is the structural silhouette that made her satin organza even more eye-catching.
9. Olivia Munn in DVF

We don't think anyone else could have pulled off chartreuse better than her. Also, the angel-wings hair pin in her locks added a nice finishing touch. Who knew Sloan Sabbith could pull off sweet?
10. Chloe Grace Moretz in Chanel

The verdict's split on this one, too. Although this might appear too much of a costume to some, we admit that no one could have pulled this off better. Moretz has the right dose of sass to pull this off with finesse.
Good to be grey

A while ago, a friend wrote a Facebook status: he was practicing his break dancing moves in his void deck when a lady came up to him and told him to stop what he was doing. Her reason wasn’t that he was being disruptive or inconsiderate, but rather that he ‘should be studying’. He ended his status with, ‘why can’t I do both?’
My instinctive response was ‘I feel you bro’. This wasn’t the first time I’ve heard of a friend facing such stereotype and scrutiny, and it really bugs me. What exactly is being advocated here?
That we can only be one thing, either black or white?
That we must be only one thing, otherwise we are never focused?
I can only say I do not agree - at all.
--
Nearing my university exam period, I would still make time to attend fashion related exhibitions and events whenever an opportunity was given to me. Simply because I wanted to; simply because I was interested to learn and to expose myself. This sparked off remarks from a few people (none of whom I knew, or knew me very well) who felt a need to inform me of the urgency of our upcoming papers, because I probably appeared too ignorant and blissful in my ‘frivolous’ schedule.
I understand my role as a student and there is not one day I am not grateful for my education. When I want to attend an event, I’d make sure I either wake up earlier or sleep later that day to cover what I had planned to revise. Other times, I’d just plan ahead to clear more time for studying before the actual event day. I found that I was repeatedly having to explain myself.
I recall a few other incidents:
(1) a friend’s parent referring to dance as a ‘useless sport’,
(2) a friend who enjoys making beauty related Youtube videos while still a student getting mercilessly teased, and
(3) a friend who is a teacher received feedback for being inappropriate by posting (very decent and stylish) OOTDs.
I don’t mean to sound like a dreamer high on empty ambition (or so they say), but whatever happened to pursuing your passion? We’re all human after all, and I think it’s time we start accepting that people can be grey, and that there’s nothing wrong with that.
8 trendy tots who are, quike frankly, way cooler than you
Text: Stephanie Chee
It’s one thing for celebrities to be well-dressed, but for their kids to be more stylish than you could possibly ever be? My ego is taking a hit.
In no particular order:
1)The Beckham Clan

No matter where they are caught, the Beckhams never look shabby. With style icons David Beckham and Victoria Beckham as their parents, it is no wonder why

Owner of a 3.5 million dollar (and counting) wardrobe, there is no doubt that Suri Cruise is following the footsteps of her fashionable mother, Katie Holmes. While I’m not sure if this is the best childhood for the girl, I sure am jealous of all her clothes!
3) Loretta and Tabitha Broderick
Don’t their bright outfits remind you of someone? Yup, these two cutie pies are none other than Sarah Jessica Parker’s twinnies!
4)

5) Mason Disick
(Source)
Ever so snazzy, this is one Kardashian we can’t keep up with! Just look at that cheeky smile!
6) Skyler Berman
(Source)
Rachel Zoe’s little cowboy signature style: little ringlets peeking out of his mini hat. Adorbs much?
7) Flynn Bloom
(Source)
The son of the two most gorgeous human beings on Earth: Miranda Kerr and Orlando Bloom (I may be biased *sheepish grin*). Need I say more?
8)