Wrong! Eliminate the usual thinking of doing thousands and thousands of crunches or sit-ups in order to lose the fats around your waistline. Our body works in a different way. One thing for sure, you cannot (YES, You Can’t!) tell your body which part (arms, stomach, thighs etc) to lose fats. Your body will lose it IF you carry out a good, intensive overall body workout.

There is a common misconception that in order to lose my fats around my tummy area, I have to do exercises like sit-ups and crunches. First thing first, many people I see around doing crunches or sit-ups are already doing it the wrong way. What’s worse (and it’s a fact), doing crunches or sit-ups is of little/no help in shredding waistline fats.

Our abdominal are already there in the first place. What’s covering it is layers of excess fats that we have accumulate over the years. Crunches / sit-ups are not effective. To build up good abdominal strength (Your Core), do plenty of isometric exercises like Plank variations, Squat Hold etc.

So, what should you do today in order to shred your fats?

In terms of Exercises:

- Focus and work on the major muscles group of your body: Thighs, Chest, Back

- Carry out a total body workout

In terms of Diet:

- Reduce your sugar intake (Less soft drinks, less sugar to your coffee/tea)

- Reduce your carbohydrates intake gradually (white rice, white bread, noodles)

Watch your exercise and your diet, only then can you flaunt your awesome body with cool clothes offered by Marcellie :)

This article is contributed by Desmond Tang. Desmond is a personal fitness trainer, a certified floorball coach and co-founder of Three60 Group.

In the month of July, we ran a contest - Marcellie's Next Top Model, in the hope of finding our next face to represent the brand as well as to generate awareness of the brand. The inaugural competition saw 9 different contestants from all walks of life taking part. More than 2000 votes were cast.

The eventual winner, Isabel Tan, finished with 941 votes, beating the runner-up by almost 100 votes. Her popularity and good looks have won her this competition and Isabel is now crowned Marcellie's Next Top Model (Voters' Choice).

As part of the prize, she received $20 Marcellie voucher, $10 Marble Slab voucher, $2 Frolick voucher, 1-for-1 Frolick voucher, Fabulous Group 3 X Tanning, 1 X Brazilian Wax, 1 X Underarm IPL Hair Removal, 1 notebook, 1 Shape and Seventeen magazine. These are worth over $200.

We managed to catch up with her recently and she shares her thoughts in the interview below.

Marcellie: How do you feel being crown Marcellie's Next Top Model?

Isabel Tan: Frankly, I am really honored and surprised to be crown the winner of Marcellie's next top model. When I was first asked to take part in this competition on the streets, I was quite hesitant as I saw a long list of names on the participant's list! But my friends encouraged me to just go ahead and give it a shot since I have a passion for posing in front of cameras. So yeah, I'm glad I took their advice to take part and actually won!

M: Tell us more about yourself, like your hobbies, interests, etc.

IT: I'm Isabel, 16 this year. I have a huge passion for dance and blogging. On my blog, I'd talk about my daily life and thoughts about certain events. In fact, I also spend quite a lot of my time shopping online! I love to shop but usually don't have the time to, so online shopping is a more convenient way for me! You can also read up my blog www.prettyfrowns.blogspot.com to know more about me

M: Is there anything that you would like to say to those who have supported you?

IT: I'm really grateful to all those that have supported me and thank you so much for taking the time to vote for me.

Isabel collecting her prize at our stall at *SCAPE.

Hello everyone again! I'm back again to bring you the preview of the men's collection. Our DEBUT MENSWEAR COLLECTION! Once again, I sincerely apologise for the delay in getting this up. I know busy is not an excuse but I've really been tied up with so many things. So I seek your understanding everyone! And if you all have any comments, feedback, suggestions or other things you want to share it with us, feel free to drop us an email. We always welcome feedback so we can improve ourselves to serve all of you better!

This debut collection is so smart! All the shirts look so good that I want to make M keep one of each! And then there are also the tees which are really quite cute. All in all, the entire collection has so many designs to pick from. (Not all have been featured in this preview, so be sure to catch the entire variety when it launches!) And I really hope you all will enjoy it!!! Have fun shopping boys!

Here goes...

Alvin White Panel Smart Shirt

Comes in Grey (as seen on JJ), Black, Baby Blue & Green

Available in M & L

Get all smart-looking in this cool shirt. The white panel front down the chest area gives it an additional edgy twist to the normal monocolour shirts.

Harry Brown Checkered Shirt

Available in M & L

A simple shirt with a uniform checkered print. Pairs well with shorts for that ruddy outdoor boy look or jeans for a slightly more studious appearance.

Peter Red Checkered Shirt

Available in M & L

Channel effortless style as you pair this shirt with jeans. Suitable for a get-together with friends or even for a casual date with that special girl.

Rob Meadow Green Shirt

Available in M & L

Get into the summer mood with this shirt that breathes summer fun in its cool shade of green, reminding us of the fields.

Geek Bear Graphic Tee

Comes in Coral (as seen on James) & Mustard

Available in M & L

Girls absolutely adore cute stuff. Get them all swooning over you with this shirt that screams funky and cool.

A Giraffe's Dream Graphic Tee

Comes in Light Brown (as seen on JJ) & Blue

Another design that was specially handpicked by Marcellie, this tee makes a statement without overdoing drama.

There's probably a dozen other designs up for grabs in this collection and I shall keep the suspense for now. So do remember to keep checking back for updates and of course, our launches!

Thank you for all your kind support people!

xoxo,
E.

Hi everybody!
As promised, this is gonna be a preview post on our upcoming collection. There's actually so much that I wanna share with all of you about our latest photoshoot but I shall keep this post focused on the previews. And as we mentioned, this collection is gonna be a surprise so here's unravelling the big surprise we have for all of you!!! :D





Yes, we did a studio shoot! And yes, we brought in the guys too!!! Don't you think the photos look awesome. All our models look so pretty, cute and dashing and we're so proud of them for their awesome film produced.

And of course, we didn't just rope in the guys just for fun (although we really did have a lot of fun at the studio). We're actually launching our very first debut men's collection this time round too. So guys, watch out for the awesome pieces coming your way.

Girls, these are the sweet treats coming your way this collection:

Amelia Gold Buckle Toga

Comes in Navy (as seen on Maverlyn), Mint & Daffodil

Fits UK 6-8

This dress is so simple yet classy. We like how it is pleated at the bust for a slight edge of detail that doesn't complicate the dress unnecessarily

Candice Patterned Halter Dress

Fits UK 6-8

An extremely happy frock that is perfect for that summer season outing with best friends. Put on your colourful straw hats and head down to the beach to soak up all that summer fun.

Carmen Picnic Frock

Fits UK 6-8

Another cute dress with simple details that we absolutely adore. Check out those cute gold buttons that run down the dress and also the white frills along those cute peter-pan collars.

Chloe Runway Skirt

Comes in Devil Red (as seen on Maverlyn), Olive & Black

Fits UK 6-8

Who says office wear has to be dull, solemn and boring. Spice up your closet with this simple chic skirt without too much effort. Skirt also comes with two complimentary belts (not featured in photo).

Ellen Convertible Dress

Fits UK 6-8

Another classy dress that will definitely be a head-turner with its peekaboo shoulder strap. We also absolutely adore how the dress steers away from traditional colours and comes in a bright cheerful seagreen.

Esther V-Back Skater Dress

Comes in Fuchsia (as seen on Baoyue), Dusty Pink, White & Mint

Fits UK 6-8

This was Baoyue's choice pick of the collection. Made of soft chiffon, this dress flows with the breeze. We like how it can be dressed up (for that evening party) by pairing it with heels or dressed down (for a simple date) by pairing it with ballerina flats. Comes with sash and flower brooch.

Gilian Polkadot Cullotes

Comes in Black (as seen on Baoyue), Dusty Pink & Green

Fits UK 6-8

Getting ready for all the summer lovin'? This pair of shorts is definitely a must-have. Just look at those cute polkadot prints and its intricate lace detailed bottom of its inner lining. Comes with white ribbon belt (not featured in photo).

Hannah Lace Petal Top

Comes in Classic Black & Pretty Pink (as seen on Maverlyn)

Fits UK 6-10

A versatile top that can be paired with different bottoms to achieve various looks. Tuck it into high-waisted skirt for a classic professional look or pair it with shorts or jeans for a simple day out at the mall or school.

Lynette Pleated Toga

Fits UK 6-8

Throw on a cardigan or blazer when wearing it to work for a professional look. Do away with the two after office hours as you go meet your girlfriends or your beau for a dinner.

Nerissa V-Cut Dress

Fits UK 6-8

Another extremely comfortable dress that is perfect for work and play. Play with scarfs, accessories and shoes to achieve various looks for this extremely versatile dress.

Sasha Rose Front Frock

Comes in Rose (as seen on Maverlyn), Navy & Mint

Fits UK 6-8

A super pretty dress with extremely beautiful neckline details. We love how the many folded roses line the straps and bust area to transform this dress into a perfect attire for your romantic dinner with your date.

Steffi Printed Chiffon Dress

Comes in Beige (as seen on Maverlyn) & Pink

Fits UK 6-8

Go all 'artsy-fartsy' with this dress that is colourful, bright and funky. We like the burst of colours that has been printed across the dress and how the neckline is lined with a contrasting colour to further add to the array of colours.

Tina Casual Chiffon Top

Fits UK 6-8

A basic top that can also be paired with high-waisted skirts, denim shorts or jeans for different effects. The ribbon detail adds a little drama to the basic piece without going over the top.

Wow, this has really been a very long post! I hope you girls will enjoy this collection as much as we have 'cos we really had so much fun at the photoshoot.

As for guys, stay tuned for the preview that will also be up later in the day.

Both collections will then launch tomorrow. So watch this space and also get connected with us on Facebook & Twitter for latest updates!

As for now, I shall get around to settling some other stuff. We're involved in so many orientation camps as sponsors and there's pretty much alot of things that has come our way this holiday period. Thank you all for your kind support towards Marcellie and we promise to do our best for all of you every collection. At the same time, I would also like to appeal for your support at our charity flea that will be held this upcoming Sunday (17 July 2011) at *Scape. Proceeds will go towards Melrose Girls Home. Do join us in spreading the love!!!

xoxo,
E.

Hello everyone!
Yes, we've launched a collection again. Actually, I really wanna apologise for the delayed launch. Haha. We actually had this outdoor shoot about 1.5 weeks ago. But these past few weeks have been crazy. As you've probably noticed, we're really running around everywhere - fleas mostly. But with the competition (Marcellie's Next Top Model) that had to be launched, it was truly madhouse for us. Stocktaking, preparing logistics (clothesrack, paperbags, namecards, flyers etc.) for the fleas were the most draining of all though.

BUT, even as we were so busy, I can't express how happy I was doing all these. Seeing how all the shoot photos turn out so awesome and how customers always walk away happy make us HAPPY too. (P.S. Can I just say how people always go "Oooh, your paperbag's so pretty" at our fleas always makes us feel that our efforts into making the paperbags is totally worthwhile)

That's enough of what we have been up to. Here's just sharing my thoughts on the new collection that we've just launched.

My favourite item of this launch has definitely got to be BEATRICE. <3

I even kept one for myself. And deciding not to be greedy, I only chose to keep the mint one. Why do I LOVE this bag? Alright, I'll have to confess that I'm the type of person who always (and I really mean ALWAYS) have trouble finding stuff in my bag. I always have this weird queer habit of thinking that I have misplaced my phone/wallet/itouch/[insert any other valuable object] when they are actually always in my bag. But this bag helps solve this annoying issue for me. Cos' it comes in 3 separate main compartments. And furthermore, these main compartments have more compartments in them so you can really sort all your items neatly in your bag. There's these two slot areas where I decided to place things I need most accessible in (i.e. my iPhone and EZlink card holder). So the occurrences of me trying to frantically search for stuff in my bag has dropped a great deal!!!

And have I mentioned that this bag can be carried in two ways because the front and bag have different looks. One side's a lock-and-key design while the other side's a buckle design. So it's almost like having two different bags in one bag.





I also love the Minnie Nautical Top. I'm loving it for the colour shades that they came in and also how they can be paired with almost anything. I'm actually trying very hard to not keep one of this for myself too. Why? Because I'm in the midst of a big 'spring-cleaning'. I know it's not exactly the time and season for it but I'm trying to sort out my pre-loved clothes for donation to the Pass-It-On Campaign. We're actually collecting pre-loved clothes for a good cause! For secondhand sales to raise funds for Melrose Home. So do help us out with this. I'll probably blog a separate post about this soon too, explaining how you all can do your part also! :D



I hope you all will enjoy this collection as much as I do.
Have a nice week! We promise that next week's gonna be an even more exciting week.
(I'm keeping it a secret as to why there's so much excitement bubbling in me as of now, so keep checking back for updates! Teehee.)

Oh yes, before I end, here's just a gentle reminder that the deadline for all voting for MNTM has now been brought forward to 14 July 2011, 2359. So keep your votes coming in for your favourite girl ok. Don't forget, you might just win yourselves prizes from us too! :D

Love,
E.