Wasted Waisted

The past two seasons have seen the revival of these snug high-waisters hitting the stores. We don't deny that these high-waisted flares can be surprisingly flattering across the midriff and super-stylish with a chiffon blouse. With the casual, resorty look that most have adopted in this sunny state, some have been spotted looking rather ridiculous in it. Our verdict – unless done well with a hint of glamour, don't try it with a surf tee.

SUN BLEACHERS SKIN KILLERS

The next time you slap on that sun screen to protect yourself from the harmful UV rays, think twice. A new study has found that the chemicals commonly found in sunscreens - paraben, cinnamate, benzophenone, and a camphor derivative, is likely to kill our coral reefs. Learn more about our coral reefs and what you can do to help here.

Whilst parabens can mimic the hormone estrogen, which is known to play a role in the development of breast cancers, benzophenones, cinnamates and camphor derivatives are common causes of photocontact allergy.

Organic solutions like Dr Hauschka and The Organic Pharmacy may just be the answer to treat both our skin and the earth.

Dr Hauschka is available at Tangs Beauty Hall and The Organic Pharmacy is available at Bud Cosmetics.

SIGG IT

The next time you want to purchase an innocent bottle of water, think twice. Not only does the plastic harm the environment, it can possibly harm your health.

PET or PETE plastic is one of the most common consumer plastic used to make packaging materials such as bottles and containers for packaging a wide range of food products and other consumer goods. Examples include soft drinks, alcoholic beverages, detergents, cosmetics, pharmaceutical products and edible oils. It is made from a plastic called polyethylene terephthalate, or “PET” for short. It is recyclable and reclaimed PET is used to make products such as fibres for carpets, fibrefill, apparel and geotextiles and possibly PET bottles.

Whilst PET bottles are recyclable to reduce the plastic pile up on our planet, according to the January 2006 Journal of Environmental Monitoring, some PET bottled-water containers were found to leach antimony, an elemental metal that is an eye, skin, and lung irritant at high doses. Also, because the plastic is porous, one may likely get a swill of harmful bacteria with reused PET plastic bottles.

So for those who are always on the go, SIGG, a Swiss reusable and recyclable aluminium bottle, has interesting designs to suit each individual. Bottled water has never looked better nor taste sweeter. Now where is that water cooler?

Available at Outdoor Life.

FARMPRENEURS

Everything is 'preneurized' these days - it all started with enterprising individuals looking to leave their nine to five jobs to become restauranteurs, technopreneurs, co-preneurs, eco-preneurs and even mom-preneurs.

It's not surprising that an urbanised city like Singapore has coined the term farmpreneur. Set amidst the backdrop of tall skyscrapers, Kranji Countryside aims to raise public awareness and appreciation for this nature-based-almost-forgotten asset of Singapore. Goats' milk, koi fish, dragon fruits and aeroponics lettuces are some of the unusual finds.

Bike enthusiasts may wish to sign up for countryside rides or take the group tours with any of the farmpreneurs. Those who wish to have a taste of farm fresh produce should not leave the countryside without trying out the cafes that are opened from 8.30am to 6pm.

Is it the haircut that makes Agyness Deyn?

Brit supermodel Agyness Deyn is everywhere. This andro chick has been touted the new Kate Moss , and her blonde tassels are making punk hip again. Does she represent the new age woman of today? Smart, androgynous, spirited, individualistic, confident and effortlessly stylish... We say the answer to the question lies with that good hairstylist.

Pedal in luxury

This bicycle, launched by Chanel as part of their spring/summer collection 2008, proves that we could complete our outfits and pedal in style with this new accessory. This eight-speed bicycle comes in black and white, with Chanel's signature quilted leather chain guard and saddle bags. But style doesn't come cheap, with its USD12,000 price tag.

RADIATE, SET, GO!

Burt's Bees radiance travel sized kit is any bella's quick fix on the go. It could be that cute waiter who was giving you the eye while you are sipping your latte at the o-so-french cafe, or the sizzler on the metro who kept bumping you. You surely want to radiate your best for those unprompted encounters!

Each pack contains:

• Mini Exfoliating Body Bar (.80 oz.)
• Exfoliating Body Wash (1 fl. oz.)
• Mini Body Lotion (.50 fl. oz.)
• Day Creme (.25 oz.)
• Night Creme (.25 oz.)
• Eye Creme (packette) (.67 oz.)
• Full Size Lip Shimmer (.0975 oz.)

Available at all Organic Paradise shops.