I'm not a K-pop fan.

The starlets breed unrealistic expectations of what our bodies should look like: Slim legs, tiny waists. And have you seen those awesomely awful sequinned shorts that are better described as knickers?

But with the wave of K-pop bands and stars coming to our shores, I decided to bite the bullet and check out a Korean fashion shop.

Signature Style

Dress Code, in Square 2, near Novena MRT, bills itself as a shop that sells only Korean fashion.

Bracing myself for the fashion seen in Korean dramas– sweet, cute and girly – I walked into the store with extremely low expectations.

Thankfully, while many pieces were frilly, over-ruffled nightmares, there were some genuine finds for someone who wanted simpler styles.

An example was a long-sleeved navy-blue pleated dress with muted floral prints.

I could imagine myself bumping into Mr Right while in that dress, just like in those K-dramas (yes, I’m a hopeless romantic).

There were also beautiful shifts made out of a thick, vicose material. I liked that they didn’t look cheap. Plus, they were very forgiving – the dresses didn’t leave me wanting to micro-manage my calorie count for the month.

Less impressive though, were the blouses. A plain chiffon top with pearl detailing on the collar is a pricey $59.90.

There was also a top with watercolour flower prints that would have been nice if it wasn’t so oversized and mumsy.

The accessories here include blinged-out hairclips, and bunny-shaped earrings.

With either little animals or lace on them, they were too saccharine for me. I could imagine they would look best with little pigtails.

Not exactly suitable for the office, I say. Unless you want people touching your hair all the time.

Price Point

Compared to some other shops in the same mall specialising in Korean apparel, many of the items in Dress Code appear to be slightly pricier.

Some pieces are worth the price – I especially liked a long-sleeved dress with a unique aztec print that was going for $49.90.

But others were head-scratchers (good thing I wasn’t wearing their bling accessories eh?).

A cardigan with cat prints cost $39.90. Sure, it had unique non-functional buttons at the back (ahem) to go with the totally functional buttons at its front, but it was so sheer and thin I would need to wear another cardigan just to keep me warm in the office.

Another semi-translucent blouse with flower embroidery went for $69.90. So I have to pay that much, then have to get another camisole to protect my modesty?

Erhm.

The accessories were reasonable though. A set of four different bracelets sold at $18.90.

Great Christmas presents, I reckon. That is, if your friends don’t mind wearing little animals on their heads and ears.

Store layout

The layout was well-spaced out with accessories in the middle and racks of clothing around the main display area.

Most other stores in the mall were cramped – many just dumping loads of clothes on single racks – so it was refreshing that this store put some thought into its quaint, charming presentation.

And it feels like the items here have been carefully selectedand curated. So kudos on this point.

Service

Unfortunately, the saleswoman was curt to the point of rudeness – a complete opposite from the cute, girly image the store projects.

I was holding a hairband when she said tersely: “Are you going to buy that? You want a new piece?”

I only saw a glimpse of a smile after I paid for my purchases.

She could take a cue or two from those sweet girly girls in K-dramas.

Verdict

I may not be a Korean fashion fan and I admit I am biased against frilly and cutesy items in general. Nevertheless, it was a pleasant surprise to discover pretty, wearable dresses that don’t make you look like a walking curtain.

That said though, I do wish the prices were a little more affordable.

That, and the service here definitely needs to be upped in a big way.

CHECK IT OUT:

WHAT: Dress Code
HISTORY: Dress Code opened at Square 2 in August – and according to the salesperson at the shop, the owner apparently goes to Korea at least once a month to source for the most up-to-date fashion.
WHERE: Square 2, #02-70
WHEN: Daily, from 11am to 9pm

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