Singapore It Girl Aarika Lee Reveals Her Travel Essentials
She's got a sunshine personality that her colourful headwraps, a sartorial signature, only serve to amplify. So it comes as no surprise to know that it's one of her must-have items when she heads overseas. We sit down with the Female Collective's Aarika Lee, co-founder of marketing and branding consultancy Elementary Co., to find out more about her travel habits and her dream holiday destination.
UNIQLO SPECIAL
Lee wears Uniqlo's satin ankle-length pants ($49.90). All other clothes and accessories, her own
Travel wardrobe must-haves
"Headwraps, a good pair of jeans or pants, sneakers and a comfy parka."
A style mantra she swears by when travelling
"Have fun with new looks you don't normally get to rock at home. We all have a couple of those photos pinned in our inspiration folders. Going to a new city or country is the best time to try them all."
Layering 101 courtesy of Lee: Turning Uniqlo's flannel long-sleeve shirt dress ($59.90) into a lightweight coat. Also in this look: the brand's merino-blend ribbed skirt ($49.90). All other clothes and accessories, her own
What she'll pack for her next holiday
"Early next year, my best friends and I are travelling to Bali together with our families. The thing about Bali is that your wardrobe can be at a minimum. That means I'll probably be packing a lot of swimwear, shorts and sundresses."
When travelling to a hot climate
"Whether you're going overseas or at home in sunny Singapore, Uniqlo has created a whole range of products which are breathable and have quick-drying properties called Airism. They have everything from inner wear to camisoles to t-shirts and active gear, and they keep you feeling dry even after being on-the-go all day."
How do you keep your look on point in cold weather? Follow Lee's example and keep to neutral hues. Lee wears Uniqlo's acrylic two-way stole ($29.90), a merino-blend turtleneck sweater ($39.90) and polyester flare skirt ($39.90).
Must-have essentials for cold climates
"I am an island girl through and through. As much as I love the idea of travelling to cooler climates, my body doesn't take to it well. Uniqlo Heattech, which I recently learned comes in extra warm and ultra warm materials, is the only thing that properly shields me from windchill. I bring at least four sets of Heattech (when I go to a cold country), and I use them as pajamas too. I would also pack scarves, because they always add some fun to my get-up and help to keep my neck, ears and face warm, which are the first things to ice over for me."
Favourite kind of outerwear
"A statement jacket. I like packing a lot of basics when I travel because it's easy to mix and match. An awesome jacket helps to break the monotony."
On her bucket list
"Positano, Italy. I would pack a lot of airy, comfy dresses because I'm going to be eating and drinking my way through that city for sure."
Photos: Cherlynn Lian
Visit www.uniqlo.com/sg for more information, and check out the Female team's favourite travel gear and gift-worthy items from Uniqlo.