The Victorian age dressing is all the rage right now. From flutter to bell sleeves to all its variations hitting the stores, it is safe to say that the frills fever is happening this season! Not so big of a surprise though, since the romanticism and femininity of that age is to die for.

Don’t be afraid of looking too big in ruffles, for a good proportion play would allow you to achieve the flattering fit in style. Huge and bold, or small and neat, this season is in stall for a more rugged and playful way of dressing. Here are some ways you can adopt the ruffles trend:

1. Sleeve details

This look works best for the working ladies out there who do not wish to forgo style for the sake of looking preppy. You get the best of both worlds when you add in some frills in your sleeves — it is truly the best version of a formal look you can seek for.

Ruffle Sleeve Top

2. Off Shoulder

While flaunting your shoulders is nothing new in fashion, be sure to add in a twist with some ruffles to your tops, for the straight cut gets a little boring after some time, no?

Love Off Shoulder Top with Ruffle

3. Dramatic

Not for the conservative, but if you’re that loud girl who is always ready to take on any fashion trend — this one’s for you. This season’s ruffles are revamped with a modern twist — so you don’t have to worry about looking like an extra on the set of Pride and Prejudice. If done well, your outfit would surely garner a few more eyes as you hit the streets.

Collection Asymmetrical Ruffle Hem Dress

4. Subtle

Now, the loud and playful iteration that we’ve seen in the dramatic number above may not be for you. Even so, you don’t have to sit out on the ruffles trend! Opt for something more subtle, be it some frills on your bust or at the bottom of your pants, there’s always a ruffled look for everyone.

Pale Blue Poplin Ruffle Shell Top

5. Back detail!

Ruffles at the back screams perfection for a dainty first date, don’t you think?

Floral Ruffle Detail Midi Dress

6. Ruffles on denim jacket

And if you haven’t already noticed, the classic denim jacket has also been affected by the frills fever.

Are you on board the ruffles trend? How do you style your outfit? Share with us in the comments section below!

From now till 31 August 2017, enjoy an extra 20% off your final purchase when you use the promo code DBSSTYLE20 and spend a minimum of $120 at ZALORA. Enjoy additional 5% off with a minimum spending of $150 and you stand a chance to win a $600 ZALORA Shopping Spree cash voucher!

Trend Tutorial: Ruffles Revival was originally published in THREAD by ZALORA Singapore on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.

If you’re a university or polytechnic student, the new term is just around the corner. While hitting the books again after the relaxing summer break isn’t exactly the best thing to be excited about, be glad that you’ve been granted fashion autonomy in school, unlike your JC and secondary school counterparts.

Flaunting your best look on the first week back simply tells everyone how amazing your summer went (even when it really wasn’t), and that you’re a brand new person, all ready to conquer the new semester!

The great news is that you don’t need an ultimate makeover or to revamp your entire wardrobe — a few new fashion must-haves this season would easily put you right at the head of your class .

Check out these outfit ideas for your first week in!

1. Casual Slip On Dress + Denim Jacket

Once again, it all depends on how you decide to mix and match that makes or breaks your outfit. A casual slip on dress is perfect for lazy days, but if you want to go back to school in style, simply throw on a distressed denim jacket, or a choker to complement your look!

Choker Tee Dress

2. Denim Dungaree

The thing about dungarees or pinafore dresses is that it makes one look exceptionally youthful, and there really isn’t a place more apt for this look than in school. Match it with a plain white tee or a cropped top and you’re good to go!

MOTO Traditional Pinafore Dress

3. Long sleeved top+ Pleated skirt

Funny how we used to complain about wearing our dull school uniforms everyday, but find ourselves coming back to the pleated skirt and pinafore dress now that we’re allowed to ditch them. Well, it is called the schoolgirl look for a reason!

Girlish Pleat Pants Skirt

4. Off-Shoulder + Slit Jeans

Be it skinny, mom,or boyfriend, ripped jeans are definitely one of the must-haves for school! That slit at the busted knees subtly hints that you’re too cool for school and adds a playful vibe to your outfit.

MOTO Black Ripped Jamie Jeans

5. Preppy School girl look

This preppy number exudes a hint of some geek element — kind of like the girl next door who is extremely good at math and can always be found at the library, no? Of course, don’t choose to wear this when the sun is out to kill!

Net Round Knit

What are YOU wearing on the first day of school? Let us know in the comments section below!

Your Back-To-School Outfit — Sorted was originally published in THREAD by ZALORA Singapore on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.

Nobody likes looking like a Michelin Man with their love handles spilling out in a tight-fitting skirt. And if you think that tulle and skater skirts aren’t flattering either, consider your problem solved with wrap skirts, which sits right in between!

Unlike body hugging skirts, the layering detail in wrap skirts does a great job in hiding the unwanted pudge around your waist. The best thing about it is that it comes in all sorts of winsome iterations for you to play with: patchwork, checkered, corduroy, denim or a just a solid hue in mini, midi or maxi variants — you name it.

Here are some ways you can adopt and work the wrap skirt trend:

1. Casual Day Off Look

The skirt can turn your seemingly old-fashioned or kiddy-looking graphic tees into a total statement maker. Instead of matching them with the usual denim shorts or tailored skort, switch it up by adding a hint of femininity to strike a balance in your whole outfit!

Peach Orange Wrap Skirt

2. Classy and Snug With a Knitted Pullover

Long-sleeved tops and knitted pullovers gives off the sophisticated, yet comfy vibe when you choose the right colors. Just take a leaf from the models featured above! Be sure to save this look for the monsoon season though.

Nude Knitted Drop Shoulder Top

3. Preppy and Fit for Work as well!

The thing to love most about wrapped skirts and all its variations is its versatility — the mini skirt version goes well for the casual, lazy days as mentioned earlier, while the midi iteration looks both formal and high fashion as the clean cut silhouette flaunts your figure. Simply pair the wrapped midi skirt with a white blouse and a sleek pair of stilettos to achieve the classy elegance every lady needs!

Wrap Midi Skirt

4. The Slit A-line

Now this variation deserves the golden buzzer. It’s an appropriate twist to the usual midi, with a subtle hint of playfulness within the slit. Need I say more?

Wrap Tie Waist Midi Skirt

5. And if you’re feeling adventurous, go for ruffles

Perhaps the ruffled detailing and frills isn’t for everyone, but when a skirt like this screams love affair (in the most innocent sense), how could one resist? Don’t be afraid of stealing some glances as you strut the streets with this look; some days you’d just feel like imitating those actresses in award-winning musicals and let loose a little — we completely understand.

Natasha Mock Wrap Frill Skirt

Are you on board the wrap skirt trend? Let us know how YOU style your outfit in the comments section below!

Trend Tutorial: Wrap Skirts was originally published in THREAD by ZALORA Singapore on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.

When I say disappointed, I don’t refer to the second post credits scene — I actually had a good laugh with that. What I meant was that the movie utterly downplayed Spider-Man’s brilliance.

Let’s start with what’s great about the new Spider-Man reboot. I loved that there wasn’t an entire whimsical about how Peter Parker got bitten by a spider, discovered his new abilities, Uncle Ben dying shortly after, and all that “With great power comes great responsibility.” speech — we’ve seen enough of that in the previous installments, haven’t we? So the movie was straight to the point — awesome.

Beyond that, the action, web swinging, fighting and vigor was executed really well. The lighthearted tone the movie adopted and the humor was splendid— even the inside jokes related to the Marvel Universe were easy to catch.

Casting Tom Holland was easily the best thing ever. He perfectly portrayed the role of Spider-Man as the friendly neighborhood superhero with his charisma, child-like wonder, and let’s not forget — he’s a real teenager this time, unlike Maguire and Garfield who were obviously way overgrown for a 15-year-old.

Much like Ant-Man, the lighthearted tone was good for a change in all seriousness from Captain America and the Avengers movies’ mechanic action. Casting away the dark undertone and portraying Spider-Man as the hero with a heart of gold, and at the same time naive and innocent to all things evil? Perfect!

Now, let’s address the elephant in the room.

Spider-Man took the backseat to Iron Man in His Own Movie

Don’t get me wrong, I love Iron Man.

But the amazing superhero I have always envisioned of Spider-Man was a tad tarnished in this film. In this version, Iron Man played a poignant role as a mentor; as the one who shaped Peter Parker‘s career as a crime fighter. Iron Man was constantly saving his ass, and without Iron Man pumping up his suit with all sorts of advanced technology and including artificial intelligence ‘Karen’, Spider-Man was pretty much rendered helpless.

Sure, he defeated The Vulture even when Iron Man took away his suit. But for the most part, he was practically led all the way. That’s not the Spider-Man we know. Spider-Man stumbled when he first started, but he didn’t need all that technological aid. He needed wise words from Uncle Ben and Aunt May to spur him on, but ultimately, he had always relied on his own intelligence and abilities.

Just imagine if DC did a reboot of Superman, and decided to have Bruce Wayne coach Clark Kent on how to adapt and save the human world. NO, just no! He’s his own hero, and so is Spider-Man.

Critics would argue that it felt right for Spidey to have a mentor, since he is, after all, still a teenager. Which brings me to my next point:

Did they forget how smart Peter Parker is?

Peter Parker is a brilliant boy of his age. He’s of genius-level intellect. With his extensive scientific knowledge, he invented his own web shooters. The movie also saw him as the star of his school’s decathlon team. So why didn’t he revamp his suit on his own like he always had? Why did Iron Man step in?

Here’s the thing: Spider-Man never needed an insanely high-tech suit. As I said, he had always relied on his own abilities.

I get that Iron Man had good intentions; he made the suit for him out of good will. But the extensive gadgets, artificial intelligence and even a voice changer that mimics that of Iron-Man’s, made Spider-Man look unoriginal or worse — just another version of Iron-Man himself. The movie practically stripped Spider-Man of his brilliance, and gave Tony Stark all the credit.

Forget that Iron-Man revamped his suit. Other than wall crawling and inventing his own web shooters, I don’t remember any part of the movie that exhibited his other abilities — like Spidey sense. Even his superhuman strength was only shown at the end of the movie, where he got himself out of being crushed by cement.

Too much Marvel Cinematic Universe, anyone?

We got what we’ve been waiting for — Spider-Man finally joins the Marvel Cinematic Universe (no more memes of him being ostracized at last?)! That is awesome news, and we get that the Marvel Cinematic Universe is very much connected, but here’s the problem:

Each of the Marvel characters — Captain America, Ant-Man (just to name a few)— had their own movie to tell their story. I felt unfair for Tom Holland. When you make a Spider-Man movie in that context just for the sake of continuity for the next Avengers movie, Spider-Man loses his essence. Because a large part of Spider-Man isn’t just about saving the day or fighting crimes for his city, but also his personal struggles and drama of being Peter Parker. That’s what made us love him — he was relatable.

As for the (arguably) more trivial parts…

• Aunt May is smoking HOT

This was a minor factor that contributed to my disappointment. Aunt May was that old-fashioned lady who made freshly baked cookies and a warm glass of milk for Peter Parker when he gets home from crime-fighting, exhausted; that wise motherly figure giving him legitimate advice whenever he loses hope. NOT the hot ‘MILF’ as Netizens call her, the one the owner of the convenience store drools over and everyone, even Iron Man, objectifies.

This isn’t anything about age at all. It is that the entire movie only portrayed her as nothing more than Peter Parker’s hot aunt. That’s it.

Flash was the stereotypical jock, a big bully that picks on kids like Peter Parker, and gets at best a D- on every test. But in this movie, Flash was a fellow nerd (with a bright future) in the Decathlon team who only threatens Parker verbally.

You see, changes and adaptations are always welcome, IF they’re good. This movie’s adaptations were unnecessary and unjustified, and downplayed their intended purpose in Spider-Man’s life in the first place.

• Everyone was able to figure out Spider-Man’s Real Identity SO easily

Other than Iron-Man and Happy, his friend Ned caught him in his room. Also, the Vulture quickly guessed that it was him after Liz dropped some really subtle hints. At the end of the movie, EVEN Aunt May caught him.

Conclusion: Did I like it? Yes! Did I love it? No.

I’d say that if I were a still young teenager and have never heard of Spider-Man, I would have easily enjoyed the movie. But to the 90’s kids who know Spidey — his story, his abilities, and how awesome he is — you’d know that Spider-Man: Homecoming did not do him full justice.

Side note, I’m glad Peter decided not to join the Avengers just yet. I’m excited, and still hopeful that in this reboot, Peter becomes the Spider-Man we all know, and hopefully, by his own strength and prowess.

[SPIDER-MAN: HOMECOMING]: I Left the Theaters Disappointed — Here’s Why. was originally published in THREAD by ZALORA Singapore on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.

Most days, we find ourselves wearing our hair down, or simply pulling them up into an old-fashioned ponytail when it gets in our way. While there’s certainly nothing wrong with that, the same old hairdo gets a little lackluster after a while. Heck, even time spent on a nice blowout goes to waste by mid-day because of the relentless tropical heat.

But just as we love variety with our outfits, so do we when it comes to our hairdo! From tightly woven braids to messy buns to the different knots and twists you can do to your hair, there’s really no limit to your creativity if you really wish to break out of your mundane hair routine.

Here are some hairstyle inspirations to get you started:

1. The Chain Link Side Braid

This hairdo is a personal favorite because of its versatility — it is understated enough for a picnic, yet elegant enough for a night out.

2. The Slanted Scorpion

Because the regular french braid is way overused, switch it up with an inverted braid and tie it sideways!

3. The Half Bun

Inspired by the man bun, this hairdo has been the biggest trend since 2016, and it seems like the hype isn’t dying down anytime soon. It’s the perfect hairdo for indecisive girls (wait, isn’t that all of us?) who can’t decide if they want to let their hair down or pull them all up into a neat bun. This in-between look is easy to pull off and certainly in vogue, so why not get the best of both options?

4. The Fishtail Braid

Fishtail braids are a little tricky and would take some practice for one to master it. But there’s just something about a perfectly imperfect fishtail braid that puts the common french braid to shame.

5. The Double Bun with a Twist

This hairdo has always been hot in Harajuku, before Miley Cyrus brought attention to it with her own playful set of space buns. Add a little edge to the hairdo by adding a tightly woven braid at the back leading up to the buns!

6. The Classic Messy Bun

Lazy girls, we feel you. If it is too much of a hassle to braid your hair, a casual messy bun would also do the trick. Just remember to leave some face-framing strands out to highlight your cheekbones!

7. Braided Pigtails

When they say two is better than one, I think they were referring to pigtails. This popular 90’s hairdo is back, but it isn’t kiddy looking at all. In fact, this edgy style is perfect for beaches, getaways, and music festivals.

8. The Waterfall Braid

With a curling iron and the waterfall hairstyle, you’re just missing a crown to look like a princess. Now this hairdo would take a bit of time when you first start out, but as with all things, a little practice goes a long way!

9. Ariana Grande’s Signature Hairdo

Here’s for the ones who are blessed with thick and luscious hair. Flaunt what you got by stealing Ariana’s signature hairstyle — simply segregate the top part of your hair and tie them up as high as you can. Voilà! Ready for the spotlight.

10. Spruce Up with Hair Accessories

We understand the struggles of rushing out of the house early in the morning. So if you can’t spare even a few minutes to braid your hair, a pretty hair accessory can help jazz up your look just as well.

White Anglais Pattern Neck Tie/ Hair Wrap

Which is your favorite hairstyle? Share with us in the comments section below!

10 Beautiful Hairstyles for Every Occasion was originally published in THREAD by ZALORA Singapore on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.

Beyonce’s hit song Flawless ignited the “I woke up like this” trend all over the Internet. The trend garnered Instagram users to take selfies without make up or their hair done; essentially, all about waking up flawless and looking good effortlessly.

But let’s be real here — most of us don’t wake up looking nice, ever. Let alone flawless. The toner and moisturizer regime I had kept to strictly as I had the previous night didn’t seem to have worked as miraculously as I thought it would. Even the snail mask I had bought from Korea could not salvage the monstrosity of the morning face.

The inevitable fact remains — it takes time and money to look effortlessly chic. Here’s a classic example with Nicole Richie keeping it real:

But fret not, for if we can’t look as flawless as Beyonce or Blake Lively, we can at least play pretend. Follow these steps to nail the “I Woke Up Like This” Look:

STEP 1: Put your hair up in a messy bun

It’ll look like you didn’t spare a minute, but in actual fact, you’d probably spend 30 minutes trying to concoct the perfectly messy, yet not hideously unkempt hairdo. Not as easy as it looks, I must say. Pull out a few strands here and there on purpose, but not too much or too little.

Rainbow Ball Hairbands

STEP 2: Put on the perfect sleepwear that we don’t actually wear

The best looking sleepwear isn’t exactly the most comfortable, but it’s worth the shot, literally! A slouchy pullover, knitwear, or just a classic raglan tee paired with jogger shorts would look best. Otherwise, satin camisoles are equally chic.

Satin Camisole Set

STEP 3: The not-so-bare face

Keep your make up to the minimum, but don’t drop them completely. The key is to look like you didn’t put on any, and that you just look so naturally beautiful. With that said, conceal the blemishes well enough and avoid looking too cakey. The shade of lipstick you use should be close, but a tad darker than your usual lip color. Oh, and this means no eyeliner, eye shadow, bronzer or blusher! Your highlighter, however, would be your best friend.

Revlon ColorStay™ Two-Way Powder Foundation 160 Medium Beige + Revlon ColorStay™ Concealer 040 Medium

STEP 4: Snap a selfie

There you have it. These steps are simple, but it can make a whole lot of difference. With that, you’re ready to snap away!

How do you pull off the look? Share with us in the comments section below!

How to Nail the “I Woke Up Like This” Look was originally published in THREAD by ZALORA Singapore on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.

There’s so much to love about culottes. Comfortable, chic and a total statement maker, culottes are essentially cropped wide-legged trousers that resemble a midi skirt when you put your knees together.

The difficulty lies in getting your proportions right (petite girls, we feel you!) and looking age-appropriate. But if done right, the flattering fit of ankle-baring culottes will have you looking right on trend.

So here’s a handy guide to wearing your new wardrobe staple (psst, this is applicable to palazzo pants and gauchos as well!)

1. Basic: Cropped Halter-neck Top

It’s the law of proportions: if you’re wearing something loose-fitting at the bottom, pair it with something snug on top for a good balance. A basic cropped halter-neck top is fuss-free but so figure-flattering. Complete the look with a pair of retro cat-eye shades and strappy heels or sneakers.

2. Intermediate: Strappy Tops

Slouchy spaghetti strap tops get a sleek update when matched with a pair of culottes. Throw a blazer over it for the office and consider work wear, done.

[Read More: Trend Tutorial (Office Edition): From Work to Play]

3. Intermediate: Off-shoulder Tops

Got great shoulders and/or collarbones? What better way to flaunt your best asset than with an off-shoulder top? Word of advice: be careful with ruffles, as they tend to add volume. Remember — you don’t want to go for volume both on top and bottom! So make sure your culottes cinch in at the waist to create an hourglass silhouette.

[Read More — ZALORA Trend Watch: Historical Romance]

4. Intermediate: Oxford Shirt

A classic button-down makes any outfit legit. So pairing one with your culottes is a no-brainer. After all, trousers for women were conventionally designed for office wear. Match the outfit with a pair of ankle-slimming heels and you’re good to go!

5. Intermediate: Outerwear

Don’t be afraid to be wrapped from head to toe, but only if you choose the right variations of colors. Otherwise, your ideal style might end up looking like you’re drowning in too much fabric!

However, some outfits are a little harder to pull off.

6. Advanced: Roomy Blouses

It is definitely harder to pair a roomy blouse with culottes, simply because it takes some skill to play with proportions. Your entire outfit can appear too baggy and do your figure an injustice.

If you’re up for the challenge, here’s a little tip: a pair of ankle-slimming strappy heels and a waist-cinching belt can help transform the outfit! (If nothing else, this is one outfit that can hide a food belly any time of the day!)

7. Quick Fix: The One-piece

If you can’t be bothered to style your separates, you can always opt for the one-piece.

All you’d have to do is slip on your culotte jumpsuit and you’re ready to go! This is perfect for any of those days you’re too frazzled to crack your head over what to wear. My advice? Get both separates and one-pieces. There is no such thing as too many wardrobe essentials!

How do YOU style your culottes? Let us know in the comments section below!

5 Ways to Mix & Match Your Culottes was originally published in THREAD by ZALORA Singapore on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.

90’s kids would likely agree with me. Jesse McCartney was all of our first celebrity crush — long before Justin Bieber adopted Jesse’s bowl haircut. He was the reason why we bought those teenage magazines like Bop or Tiger beat — just to get that poster of him to put up on our walls.

But it seems like Jesse had been on a long hiatus. Since Beautiful Soul and Just So You Know topped the charts, it appears that Jesse has vanished off the face of the Earth — or at least, the music scene.

The good news is, he hasn’t. He is alive and kicking, but just a tad more low-key as compared to his heyday.

Away from Music and On Towards Acting

Now at 30 years old, Jesse is giving off some Leonardo Dicaprio bad-boy vibe. He is no longer that twinkly-eyed teenager with the floppy blonde haircut, but still just as dreamy.

Jesse took a break in pursuing music and leaned towards acting instead, starring in Keith (2008) as the lead. He was also the voice of Theodore in Alvin and the Chipmunks! Most recently, he acted alongside Emily Osment in ABC Family’s sitcom Young & Hungry.

This career shift isn’t surprising because we all knew that he could act — he guest-starred in practically every Disney show we loved: The Suite Life of Zack & Cody, Hannah Montana, and more.

But we also knew that music is his forte.

2017: Jesse Hints with #NewMusic

And while his acting has certainly picked up, be glad to know that he is going back to his roots. He got back to music and released his In Technicolor album in 2014, but even though it didn’t see that huge of a success compared his previous albums, he isn’t giving up. After all, there is a well-established fan base waiting for him as he makes further endeavors in his music career.

And if his hint-dropping on Instagram is any indication, we can expect new music from him anytime soon!

He is also hitting the road with college tours all over America this year:

But of course, with the evolution of pop music today (which sees soft EDM meshed with pop to give electropop) that brought artists like Zara Larson to fame, Jesse’s own evolution is something we are definitely anticipating as well.

Fun fact: Jesse McCartney is still unmarried, but he is going strong with long-time girlfriend Kate Peterson. Can we expect wedding bells to be ringing soon as well?

Was Jesse McCartney your first celebrity crush? Let us know in the comments section below!

What Has Jesse McCartney Been Up To? was originally published in THREAD by ZALORA Singapore on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.

The 28-year-old’s credentials are aplenty — his great physique and personality earned him the titles of 2015 Manhunt Singapore Finalist, 2016 Cleo’s Most Eligible Bachelor Winner, and the 2017 Face of Singapore Finalist — all of which goes to show that his strict workout regime has not been for naught.

Here’s all you need to know about his workout routine, motivations, and diet:

1. What first sparked your interest in fitness and why did you decide to go into the business?

My interest in fitness started when I was very young, around the age of 5 or 6. I would watch my Dad go for long jogs and he would do pull ups in front of me. That slowly built the interest in me. He was a boxer during his National Service and he would show me pictures of his younger days. So as years went by, I started going to the gym and went on to study Sports Science. Then at the age of 20, I became a personal trainer.

2. What is the concept behind your brand of personal training/class/sport?

Affordable, personal, convenient and tailored. I hate to hard sell to people who approach me and I believe greatly in being someone who cares about my clients’ daily activities and lifestyle. I plan their sessions according to their body goals and slowly increasing the intensity of the training as their stamina increases, and also making them enjoy an healthy lifestyle.

3. Are your workouts appropriate for those who have old injuries?

Yes, workouts are very important for everyone. Those with old injuries are recommended to approach a physiotherapist. I believe exercise is the closest thing there is to a miracle drug, and strength training is one of the best kind of exercise, almost like magic. It’s healthier and more efficient than most people realize, and a valuable component of fitness and most effective for injury rehabilitation.

4. Not everyone is of the same fitness level. How do you accommodate varying fitness levels in your group classes?

In group classes, I separate the individuals in groups according to their fitness levels. It’s very motivating to push one’s self together with those in the same level. Thus, everyone will try to beat each others repetitions and get stronger together.

5. What is the most effective exercise for busy people?

Turning your head left to right when you see junk food. Haha, just joking. Climbing stairs whenever possible, for example, in the MRT stations or to your floor in your block or office. I would also recommend uphill walks, if not, on the treadmill at incline level 8–10 and speed level 3 for 30mins daily.

6. Who are your favorite athletes or fitness inspirations?

Greg Plitt and Joe Donnelly are my fitness inspirations. They are very realistic in thier YouTube videos on meeting body goals and breaking fitness related myths. Over the years of training I could relate to a lot of their motivational speeches and I too would want to be as inspiring as them some day.

7. Do you keep a strict diet? Do you have any indulgences or cheat days?

I don’t keep a very strict diet. Even when I have photo shoots or competitions coming up, I still keep my diet simple. I eat right so that I keep myself motivated to follow my diet everyday. I play around with ketosis diet and carb cycling diet. Counting calories is very important. I do have cheat meals when I go out with my friends and family.

8. How do you stay motivated to keep fit?

I believe that I am the mirror to my clients. They look to me for tips and they wouldn’t be as motivated if I am not in shape. I always aspire to inspire so that’s what motivates me.

9. What do you look for in your workout clothes?

Something I can move around freely in, comfortable shoes, and something that doesn’t invite too much attention.

Men's Nike Lunarstelos Running Shoes

10. Please describe your daily fitness routine.

I do push ups followed by an abs workout in the morning before breakfast. Then I do weights training in the gym either in the noon or in the evenings. I have a schedule which I follow. I train my legs twice a week. I have chest, back, shoulders and a cardio day each week. Sundays are my rest and meal prep days.

11. What exercises do you do when you can’t get to the gym?

I do body weight exercises also known as calisthenic exercises. I will do push ups, abs workout, body weight squats and burpees. If I could find a bar, I will do pull ups. This are basic exercises which everyone should be able to do and enough to get their fitness level very high without weight training.

12. What is one superfood you swear by and how do you eat it?

Avocados. Raw for the busy. For the rest perhaps, spread on hard bread with some olive oil. That’s how I eat them. It improves blood sugar control, lowers LDV cholesterol and aids fat loss. It’s a must have daily!

13. Have you had any clients who set lofty, maybe even outrageous, fitness goals? How do you manage their expectations or help them attain their goals?

If that’s what my client believes to achieve, I will also want the same for them. I will break down the diet plan, fitness regime, and time taken to achieve such a body goal. They need to understand that this needs to be followed strictly to attain their goal. If they are willing to undergo the process with me, I believe anything is achievable. I will also give them homework to do on those days they are not seeing me.

14. What are some of your fitness goals?

It is to stay lean all year round. To eat whatever I want and to still maintain my abs.

15. What is the best advice you have received about body image/fitness/keeping a positive outlook?

Every body is different. So we got to follow how our body reacts to different types of diets. Not everyone achieves their goals through the same workout and/or diets. We have to have patience to see the changes and tailor the regime accordingly.

16. Where do you see yourself in the next five years?

I see myself having my own gym and bringing affordable fitness to everyone. I would love to be an inspiration to others.

Thanks for the insights, Imran!

• Women's Nike Sportswear Leg-A-See Tights
• Workout Ready Short Sleeve Compression Tee

What is your workout regime like? Let us know in the comments section below!

16 Questions with Fitness Instructor Imran Nedunchelian was originally published in THREAD by ZALORA Singapore on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.

“A pretty face with no skills.” “Maureen is not at my level.”

These were the harsh words of her competitors who never saw her as a threat. But Maureen Wroblewitz from the Philippines rose above the noise and emerged as the winner of Asia’s Next Top Model Cycle 5.

Check out her winning shot from last night’s finale!

Much doubt was first cast on the 19-year-old due to her lack of experience in modelling as compared to the other candidates, and being the shortest in the competition was an added disadvantage.

But instead of letting her insecurities and the bullying get in the way, Maureen was further motivated to prove the naysayers wrong. And she sure did, by defying all odds and becoming the first Filipina to win the competition.

It was a tough fight in the finale episode. Minh Tu from Vietnam (left) and Shikin from Malaysia (right) were strong contenders with years of experience in the modelling industry.

But it’s more than just good looks that helped Maureen clinch the winning title. She was the model who grew and improved the most throughout the competition. Despite being one of bottom two twice, she managed to climb her way back to to win the best performance of the week thrice. That’s sheer determination right there!

With the newly-crowned title of Asia’s Next Top Model, Maureen won herself a Subara Impreza, a cover and fashion spread in Nylon magazine (Singapore), and — best of all — a modelling contract with Storm Management Modelling Agency, which represents huge names like Cara Delevingne, Kate Moss, and Emma Watson.

If anything, her victory goes to show that the right attitude and hard work goes a long way.

Congratulations, Maureen!

And it’s a wrap! AsNTM Cycle 5 has definitely been an exciting season for us. What was your favorite moment in Asia’s Next Top Model Cycle 5? Let us know in the comments section below!

Maureen Wroblewitz Defies All Odds and Wins Asia’s Next Top Model Cycle 5 was originally published in THREAD by ZALORA Singapore on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.