THIS CHRISTMAS

Hope I'm not too late to wish everyone a blessed Christmas! (While some shopping malls have already took down Christmas decorations, there are 12 days of Christmas isn't it?) I spent my Christmas week with a mini office celebration, family dinner at IKEA buffet stuffing myself with meatballs and beef goulash, a church service on Christmas morning, homemade pizzas and then proceeded to catch a cold and cough. Not the best way to welcome the new year having to work while trying to recover. Nevertheless, I still enjoyed myself with the company of loved ones. At this point, my heart and prayers goes out to all involved in QZ8501.

AVOIDING THE CHRISTMAS GIFT CLUTTER

While every shopping malls are now swarmed with people trying to shop just because it's Christmas, I'm reminding myself what I already have than what I lack. Though, on a side note, I do need a new phone (like an iPhone 6 in silver...) to replace my 3.5 years old iPhone 4 that isn't functioning very well.

Those who have been reading this space, you'd probably know that I've been trying to minimise my wardrobe and clear out all other things I have in my room which I've amassed on impulse the past several years. Despite several spring cleanings every year, the clutter doesn't seem to diminish. It is really quite intimidating, at least to me. Part of the stash in my room were gifts received – most of them doesn't suit me and/or I don't need it. Naturally, it's kept somewhere in my room and overtime it's becomes a stash of clutter that creates more stress and work for me to deal with.



/ ON RECEIVING /
Share with your friends and family what you really need, or that you really don't need anything. I've been inspired with a list of minimalistic gift guide from Ivania Carpio's post here.

/ ON GIVING /
Understand what they truly need, work out your budget and buy something they need. It would be more meaningful and memorable to give what they need than what they don't that might become unnecessary and gets chucked somewhere in their home.



It is always easy and sometimes effortless to purchase, but all that 'clearing out' is seriously not worth the time. But for now, it requires much more effort to continue decluttering and at the same time, control what I bring home. Especially now that I don't have an abundant amount of time at home to do spring cleaning.

Have a blessed Christmas! I'm really looking forward to it!

DECEMBER

Every month come and go, but December is the time of the year. There's something about this month that gives us the fuzzy wuzzy feeling because of Christmas and New Year's Eve. Far beyond gifts and feasts, the reason why we even celebrate Christmas in the first place is because of Jesus's birth; that brings true meaning and real joy to this occasion.

December also encapsulates the year, and welcomes the new year. Over the past recent years, I learnt to set aside time for reflection on my spiritual and mental growth for the year, so that I'll set myself right with the new year that is to come.

It's a pity though, for Christmas to be a busier month at work for many working adults, and to see Christmas become commercialised; shopping malls swarmed with people shopping massively, only to amass ourselves with things more than what we already have.

Is this occasion just another chance to shop, to party or perhaps to earn some bonus at work? What is Christmas to you?

SNAPS OF MY 21ST

 


Exactly a month ago on 20th October, I officially turned 21. There is no extraordinary feeling about being 21 but I do feel that time really zoom by in a blink. Well, they say "every year seems to pass by extra quick when you hit 20s", I guess that is true to a certain extent.

My 21st party was spent over silver balloons, polaroids, a delicious and beautifully baked red velvet, together with my relatively large paternal family and close friends from church. On a side note, I'm really pleased with my cake from The Dispensary. Claire efficiently liaised with the chef on my order and they paid added attention to my requests. I've tried the highly raved red velvets from Hummingbird Bakery in London but I honestly still prefer The Dispensary's. (I miss my birthday cake now)

The actual birthdate began with a midnight surprise – N popped by my house with a box of handmade brownies, which marks his virgin experience in baking. My day was spent quietly, not in a hurry unlike every other day and I truly appreciate that. I got to sleep in a little more before going back to work the next day (you guys must be thinking how sleep deprived I am, well I actually am and need lots of sleep). I had dinner at iO Italian Osteria where they serve fairly good, authentic Italian cuisine albeit the small portion for big eaters like N and I. We ended the night reliving some childhood arcade games such as Daytona (car racing) before heading back to our respective homes.

Once again, I feel extremely blessed to be so loved and to be able to enjoy a peaceful birthday after a pleasant vacation. My deepest thanks to all who have sent me your well wishes and blessings! x

MARGIELA VS GALLIANO

                            

If you haven't heard, John Galliano has taken over the creative directing position at Maison Martin Margiela. Hmm, I'm not quite sure how to feel when I heard about this. What I felt was two split personalities; or a man and woman in a relationship with completely different personalities, something along those line, if you get what I mean.

Well, after Maison Martin himself stepped down from his brand, things did change quite a bit. Within months, MMM has collaborated with several mainstream brands like H&M, G-shock, Swarovski, Converse, Moleskine, etc. Known for being a low profile brand that targets a niche group of people, MMM has also gone social on Instagram. I must say being able to "follow" the brand on social media platform has allowed me to keep myself updated with the brand's happenings, but is that what Maison Martin has intended his brand to be? Is the brand still staying true to what it started with?

While Galliano who seems to enjoy being in the superstar designer limelight, is expert in extravagant detailed, dramatic and theatrical fashion – we can justify this during his time at Christian Dior (and by the way, I honestly prefer Raf Simon's clean and straight forward designs for Dior). On the other hand, Maison Martin Margiela never appears on stage at the end of his shows, doesn't do face to face interviews, he kept himself anonymous so that his creations becomes the limelight instead of himself. Probably no one, except for those in his team, knows how the man resembles.

Most of Margiela's followers would feel skpetical about Galliano taking over the brand, including myself. But having said all these, I must say that Galliano has had a rich experience in the industry. Perhaps he comprehends the brand story and codes of MMM, and would deliver designs that will reflect Maison Martin's vision? For now, I can only say this much. Until then, I'm just anticipating for MMM's upcoming artisanal and RTW collections come 2015.


–
image credits: 01 / 02 / 03

ONE OF THE BOYS

Since a decade ago, I started favouring menswear more than girly fashion. It started out tomboy-ish – mismatched sporty clothing ala Ocean Pacific, Billabong, Roxy sort of style. I remember wearing cap and sweat wristbands as bracelets...Don't even know what I was thinking back then. You wouldn't find skirts or dresses in my wardrobe for the longest time, but I do now and I wear more dresses and skirts than pants, especially for work now.

But eventually I slowly started to find out what suits me. While it is still hard to exactly describe my personal style in a few words, all I can say is that it is simple, comfortable and straight forward. One that doesn't put on too much embellishments, frills, colours and prints to "decorate" myself, but yet still feminine in some ways, and doesn't conform to fashion trends. I think that's why I like Céline and COS so much. It's understated and muted, it doesn't shout for attention. At this point, this feels a bit like a throwback to earlier this year because my graduating thesis paper was on the topic relating femininity and minimalism. I guess I really feel a lot for it!

–
Uniqlo breton stripe top, Topshop pants, Thrifted navy trenchcoat, Katie & Judith bag, Dr Martens

WHERE'S OCTOBER?

How did October just swept by like that? It's a shame I left this space unattended for a whole month. To briefly encapsulate my October, it went something like that – I went on a vacation to London and Paris, came back missing Europe, celebrated my birthday, watched Serena Williams play live at WTA Finals and after all the fun times, I reluctantly went back to work. Just like that, 31 days past. Soon enough, it's Christmas! And I'm definitely looking forward to it!

While I do not want to make empty promises, I'm hoping (that seemed to be a safer word to use) to update a tad more regularly than before. To begin with, I have started sorting out a thousand and one photographs taken during my 10 days stint in Europe. That's honestly not an easy task, especially when you're working full time. Oh how I've utterly missed the things I could do while I was carefree: cooking, diy projects, writing, reading...Well, in the meantime, I'll leave you with the Buckingham Palace and a view of the Eiffel Tower. Enjoy your weekend!

GRADUATION

This space is slowly and seemingly dying, I apologise on my unintended hiatus here. Well, work had been really busy and tiring, but fret not, I won't go on ranting about it.

Less than a week ago, I have officially graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Fashion Media and Industries. It's somehow hard to fully take that fact in because I still feel so young to be a graduate, and friends around my age around me are still in uni. But I know for sure, I wouldn't have made it thus far without God and my loved ones.

I may have started working in the industry but I am still unsure of my future career pathways. I love fashion, but I am also sick of it – tired of it's never ending, rapid changing trends, enticing the concept of materialism, all that glitz and glamour. I may not be doing fashion for a living in the future, but I don't know what else I would see myself doing. You know that sort of dilemma at such point in your life...not sure where or what you're headed to. That thought scares me, but at the same time I'm reminded that I never walk alone because God has great plans for me in his time, my parents and N will be ever supportive, that I know and I shouldn't be worried over temporal issues. Life's indeed full of challenges, but also daily opportunity to trust God and learn.

NOON-NOM

NOON-NOM – The name of this highly instagram-ed art installation at this year's Singapore Night Festival. It was a room filled with what seemed like pastel pau (chinese buns) or if you think in the wrong way...it might look otherwise. Being at the night festival for the first time, I felt it was quite an exposure and it also enhances Singapore's art and night scene. But I'm personally not a fan of the crowd, human jam and noise though.

On another note, it's been 4 weeks into working life. I have not gotten use to working 9-6 (++). I'm particularly missing the slow morning, sleeping in, flexible schedule and the freedom to go wherever I'd like to. I think I sound quite whiney when it comes to talking about my work life, but many times failed to see it as a blessing and a humble beginning. Well, I'm still learning and always will. For now, I look forward to sleeping in this Saturday and anticipate for my vacation next month! #cantwait

Happy September!

Photos by N.

WORK WEAR ESSENTIALS

It's Friday! 2 weeks into work life and I can have a taste of what "Monday Blues" and "TGIF" truly feels like. Something I understood as a student, but only able to experience it on another level.

Having to work 9-6 with a travelling time of 1.5 hours every morning meant that I only have a short amount of time to select what to wear and get dressed at the crack of dawn, while still half asleep. My shift in maintaining a wardrobe of essentials has helped me to mix and match pieces easier, with it being versatile and comfortable.


My top 10 work wear essentials would be:

Dress | Everything is made easier when it's one-piece isn't it?

White Shirt | I like the kind of white shirts that can look both casual and formal at the same time, depending on how it's styled. For the matter, navy and black shirt goes well too.

Skirts | These obviously go together with tops, and I find myself repeating my skirts all the time.

Black Pants | I have yet to find a comfortable, nicely cut black pants that doesn't look too formal at the same time. So I've been wearing skirts and dresses a lot – a pants goes into my "necessary to buy" list.

Blazer | Because of Singapore's perpetual humidity, I have stopped wearing blazers but I can finally wear them to the office now. They've became an essential to me.

Sunglasses | RayBans will always be my one and only sunshades, I need no other since I have the black wayfarers. Sunglasses are only necessary to protect my eyes from the glaring sun, in fact sometimes I don't find myself needing it for work.

Black Heels | I'm rather terrible with heels. I always favour sneakers more than heels. I secretly wish sneakers are appropriate at where I'm working at. But a 3.5" block heels with minimal design and comfort helps a lot.

Watch | I usually wear a rose gold Omega watch my dad gave me, but I'm hoping to get one in black and silver with basic designs.

Small bag | Because there's a water dispenser in the office and a sheltered route to get to my workplace, I rarely bring my bottle and umbrella. So all I need is my wallet, tissue, portable charger and phone.


To be honest, there's only 8 essentials I've listed and I can't think of other essentials I may need. The lesser the better. Lets see if I can document some work wear looks over this space next time. In the meantime, enjoy the weekends!



Photos by Joey L.

NEW BEGINNINGS

Almost 3 months of break since graduating as a student is coming to an end, I'm stepping into a new phase of my life – joining the workforce, becoming a working adult. There's still a sense of reluctance lingering in my heart, reluctant on the fact that I am bidding my so called "slack" life goodbye. There will be a lot to adapt to; a change from a flexible own time own target lifestyle to a fixed schedule, and definitely a lot to learn and experience. Though feeling a little mixed, I'm excited for what is to come and thankful how God has led and blessed me. I want to work not for the approval of men, not for the sake of money, but to humbly work my best to glorify God.

Cheers to new beginnings!

SHIRT AND PLEATS

Somehow weddings are one of the trickiest occassion for me in dressing up. Maybe you're wondering why.

Well it's because most of my dresses and wedding suitable clothings are in black, and it is a colour that is still considered rather inappropriate for joyous occasions such as Chinese Lunar New Year and weddings in Chinese culture to the elders. For the past several weddings I've attended in the last few years, I'd usually heck it and wear it. But I now try to refrain from black for such occasion as much as I can for respect purposes, and opt for other muted tones such as this simple outfit for my cousin's solemnisation – sans black, humid weather friendly and comfort all together.

On this note, I wish I could do more justice to this pleated pants through photos. It belongs to my mom which I conveniently stole, no I mean borrow from her wardrobe. This pants makes me want to sleep or dance around in it. A surprising new silhouette on myself, since I've never really worn a flare type of bottoms before. I think I might frequent this pants more often now.

–
Mango shirt, pleated pants from Bangkok, Fleuraw blocked heels, Katie Judith bag

GOING ON 21

In the past 2 years, I learnt that age is just a number, and we should not solely be defined by our age. The world, the society marks adulthood to someone who turns 21. Instantly, you become a grown up, you get certain "life accesses", the key to freedom what not. I've seen many who are above 21 y/o treating life or making decisions and choosing to do certain things in a rather immature, and sometimes reckless manner. I guess we all learn someday, so isn't age a subjective indicator of who we are?

As I'm turning 21 this October, I get asked a lot on whether I will be throwing a birthday party. And answer is – yes, I will be! BUT by celebration, I do not mean throwing an extravagant, overtly decorated, almost like a wedding kind of birthday bash filled with people to celebrate my 'freedom' or 'coming of age'. I want a birthday 'party' with less limelight on myself, but focus on building closer bonds within my family.

Birthday isn't just about me, but about those who grew up with me, going through thick and thin and shaping me to who I am today. And most importantly, it is about God. The King of King chose to create me!

Birthday is about thanksgiving. I thank God for creating me, for making me his child, for blessing me with my parents. I thank my parents for all they've given me unconditionally. Sure, I've had many times I find myself unhappy with them, there were also countless times I've upset them. All in all, I love them and honour them.

So how am I celebrating mine? Honestly, I want it simple – have a meal in an intimate setting with my parents and sister, with my grandma, with N. No big, crowded, pocket burning parties. Just last month, I had a short "staycation" at my beloved Ah Ma's (my paternal grandma) place and she expressed that she would like me to have a 21st birthday celebration gathering all my relatives. I hesitated initially, not because I didn't want to meet up with my relatives but my paternal family is considerably large, which amounts up to almost 30 pax and I've always wanted to have it small and simple. After much thought, I was reminded that if family gatherings make Ah Ma happy, her interest would be mine. I've decided that it would somewhat be a simple celebration (albeit not as small scaled as I hope it would be) with my paternal family – just food, a birthday cake and one family.

Not just a 21st birthday resolution, but a lifelong practice on what I hope to improve:
Be more contented. Cook better. Become more loving. Less bitter. Live simpler. Be thankful.

Everyday is a gift.

DAILY SUMMER TIME

While people in many parts of the world are sunbathing in their seasonal dose of summer, here in Singapore fellow Singaporeans would understand this pain when it comes to dressing up and being out. You know, that immense 24/7 humid summer weather all year long. Even walking along Yong Siak Street in this heat to get lunch was unbearable (for someone like me with an extremely low tolerance of heat) – but fair enough, the good food at Tiong Bahru Market made up for it. I'm quite certain I'll find myself in this blouse (and another in grey) very, very often. There are indeed countless ways to wear basics! I anticipate every end of the year when the weather gets slightly cooler until.....the wind disappears again, and the rants repeat.

–
Ezra top, Topshop jeans, H&M flats, Ray Ban shades

THAT TERRARIUM

I have mentioned this some time before that I do not have green fingers. About 2 months ago I got this terrarium planted in a honey jar – which saw my first foray into gardening. Well, at a smaller scale. These tini plants makes a great reminder to appreciate and be grateful for all the small little things about life. I'd prefer mini terrariums to flowers – takes up lesser space, easier to maintain, grows slower but lives longer.

@thatterrarium

IPHONE NECK POUCH

What inspired me to make this neck pouch was simple: I want to protect my iPhone. Most of my clothes except jeans and shorts do not have a pocket to slot the phone, so my iPhone (that is on silent mode all the time) would be left to mingle with other things in my huge bag – resulting in missed calls and worst, scratches. I've been changing the screen protector a lot, and it is so 1. troublesome and 2. waste money (I'm economical like that). I never fancied those hard flip phone cover and like any other devices, its screen gets prone to scratches.

So I thought of making my own neck pouch which could help keep my phone in sight, instead of it buried in my bag. I used a small piece of leather that I got in Hong Kong a few months back and a sturdy string (you can otherwise use a necklace chain). The making of this is rather self-explanatory and does not take too much time (probably 20 mins?) or effort. Measure, cut, sew, flip, cut, tie, done!

Simple and fuss free, I like! (insert thumbs up emoji)