Rockstar Selects : Bali Essentials!

In our previous post, we brought you our best of Bali mini guide, accompanied by a dreamy 10-track Bali playlist to take you through that visual adventure, lovingly put together by our friends over at Bandwagon.

Today, it's all about the must-have Bali essentials - and we promise them to be the best companions for a beachside adventure.

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Most Stylish Shoes for the Beach
'Corey' by Pointer


Updated with gentler colours for Spring, and topped off with leather trimmings for a softer, more ever-lasting touch. Picture : Corey in Washed Sky & Washed Guava (Cathay Cineleisure). More colours available at both stores.


Shoes that look better with Wear
'A.F.D' by Pointer


These sneakers were made to be beat-up. Knowing the inspiration behind this style's name makes this all the more covetable.


Watches with a Cool History
Military Watches by Military Watch Co.
*only at Rockstar (Cineleisure)*



From Zurich, Switzerland, Military Watch Co. is one of the last remaining suppliers of watches to the military, police force, anti-terrorist unit and a diverse variety of government agencies and departments. The actual US Military Issue models were made of plastic because they were deemed disposable, and so at MWC, it was given a breath of fresh air, with the plastic parts making a switch to an all-metal construction. Although the watch looks very close to the originals, it is vastly superior in both durability and quality.




Bags that will Never Crumble
'Peck' Bag by Mills & Co



Originally known for their marine products and awnings (since 1880!), every Mills & Co bag is created using the same rugged fabric and 'double-needle' stitchings - for unsurpassed strength and longevity. These are bags that’ll last, year after year.




To Ruffle up a Simple Look
Braided Necklace by WoonHung


Constructed out of wooden beads in sky blue, each necklace comes in a breathable Sinamay straw pouch. More colours available in store, along with matching braided bracelets.


Smells like your Favourite Spa
'Noble' Eau De Parfum by MCMC Fragrances
*only at Rockstar (Orchard 22)*


MCMC Fragrances is a boutique fragrance brand and studio based in Greenpoint, Brooklyn, created by Anne McClain, a graduate of the Grasse Institute of Perfumery in southern France. Their scents are most popular for their beautiful, rare natural ingredients and unusual compositions for a style that feels both modern and ethereal.



Just Because You Can
Friendship Band (Temporary) Tattoos by Tattly


We love the idea behind these super cute matching friendship bracelet by Julia Rothman for Tattly. Each set comes in a pair of 2 - one for you, and one for your buddy. Or makes a nice 'thank you' door gift for that birthday party you were thinking of throwing...



For Rain or Shine
Folding Umbrellas by Totes
*only at Rockstar (Cineleisure)*


Sure you can find umbrellas around, but can you find any as cute as these? Founded in the US in 1924, totes has grown to become one of the world's leading umbrella-makers.


For Sorting, Organising.. & Wet Swimsuits
The Nylon Range from BAGGU


In our luggages, here's what you'll find - Baggu on Baggu, on Baggu. We use these to compartmentalize everything, and love that you don't have to worry about the nitty gritty stuff (like sand) getting stuck in places you can't reach. Eek, an ice-cream stain? Just throw these in the washing machine.


Beachside / Poolside / Bedside Companions
'Rolling Stones' Magazine & 'Quiet'


On a Bali quest to self-discovery? We think this book is perfect - 'Quiet' is a work of 5 years of research on introversion. A quiet revolution, that ironically has gotten everyone talking. Quiet shows how dramatically we undervalue introverts, and how much we lose in doing so. Curious?


Also, don't forget - today is the last day of our TOMS Flash Sale! Take 20% off all styles, including those for Men, Women, Toddlers & Infants. Best time to stock up on your walking Classics!

Rockstar : Mini Guide to Bali

Ah.. Bali!

When we think of Bali, we think of wooden beach shacks selling mysterious juices, local surf aficionados still channeling their best inner Bob Marleys, naughty Kuta Cowboys smirking with doe-eyed girls at the back of their motorbikes, and endless, endless stretches of padi fields. Perhaps it is this unique concoction of memories that keeps us coming back for more...

An island (more akin to paradise) just 2 and a half hours away by air, we thought it perfect to kick start our Month of Travel picking out highlights and our fondest memories of Bali. Whether on a budget or on a trip fit for kings, we've singularly picked out top spots all about this stretch of island - from swanky Seminyak, nearby and up-and-coming Canggu, scenic Uluwatu & Ubud, all the way up to the majestic peak of Mount Batur. We think we've got you covered.




♫ Sounds like Bali ♫ - Our good friends over at Bandwagon have created a 10-track "Dream Bali Playlist" on 8 Tracks that has perfectly captured the Bali essence, just for us. Click!



*Fun Fact* Three decades ago, the Balinese economy was largely agriculture based. Tourism is now the largest single industry in terms of income. As a result, Bali is one of Indonesia's wealthiest regions.



*Fun Fact* 90% of Balinese practise Hindusim. Balinese Hindusim has roots in Indian Hindusim and in Buddhism, and adopted the animistic traditions of the indigenous people. This influence strengthened the belief that the gods and goddesses are present in all things: A rock, tree or woven cloth is a potential home for spirits whose energy can be directed good or evil.



Others :

*Best for ribs & getting unknowingly drunk - Naughty Nuris. We prefer the one at Ubud, and don't forget to order their infamous killer martinis
*Best home away from home in Ubud - Villa Amala (we're not getting paid to say this)
*Worst time to visit Bali - Stay away in December and January when it won't stop raining

IN OUR NEXT POST, we sniff out Rockstar Selects for Bali - the best shoes (it's not a crime to not wear flip flops, and we should know) to strut the beach in, the best beach bags for wet swim-suits, and the best poolside companions - books!