Middle Earth

Mood:

How are you guys finding the embedded soundtrack on my blog so far? The idea came when I realised there are only so much – within my limited language abilities – I could write about what I'm wearing. I'm not some fashion magazine writer who can churn out a hundred ways to describe a little black dress, neither do I think it's that necessary for my blog because most likely you can see it for yourself. 

The hardest thing to write about for me is my inspiration and process. Like I've mentioned before, music inspires me a lot and my outfits and work in general are often direct translations of a tune in my head. And for that, I think the best way I can communicate with you is by inviting you to hear what I hear. I will aim to include music consistently in the future. It's also a way for me to consistently discover new artists.

Continuing from my previous post Wastelands, I transitioned using one of the oldest tricks in my book – a quick swap of lip colour. Salem is an amazing brown based burgundy that is opaque and very lasting. However, a lip liner will help. This boho-mixed-steampunk look takes me to a post-apocalypse world. The ancient map on my 'Middle Earth' dress was the perfect piece to rock, since my imagination is very much fictional. Ironically, I don't know anything about the Hobbit. Apologies.

I am so happy with how the photos turn out that I could churn out a couple more outfits of similar styles. I think Jing did a fantastic job colour treating the photos. She just gets me. She sees what I see. It's very strange how we've only met two years ago yet I feel like I've known her for ages. Oh and in case you're wondering, that eagle in the first picture was meticulously photoshopped in. We love photoshop but we don't take it too seriously. Raw picture is still king.

The Hobbit Middle Earth dress - Blackmilk Clothing

Fringe kimono - Topshop (similar by ASOS)

Fringe boots - Shanghai

Feather necklace - ZARA

Eyes - Lime Crime Venus eyeshadow palette

Lips - Lime Crime Velvetines in Salem

Photography by Yun Jing

Tropical

Topshop lipstick in Infrared

Pinafore dress - c/o Dressabelle

Laptop tote - 索然

Transparent sandal heels - borrowed from Francesca

Photos by Yun Jing

Has anyone watched "Tropico", a short film written by Lana Del Rey? It's a short film that featured three of her songs, with storyline based around American pop starts and Biblical references. What really attracted me was the film's surreal settings and epic post processing. Of course, it was hauntingly addictive to hear Lana narrate throughout. I'm probably kinda late on the bandwagon but seriously, go catch the film on YouTube if you have not.

Okay I digressed a little. Today, I was particularly influenced to dress naturally and relaxed, taking a break from my usually serious looks. A lot of my friends are on vacation at the moment, which is totally enviable but you don't have to be on vacation to look like you're on one. The pinafore dress is a summer essential for every girl. Whether it's worn alone, over a bikini or layered with a blouse, the result is always polished and very effortless. The last thing you want under the sweltering heat is to feel uncomfortable, right? I also like to adjust the straps to change up its silhouette.  I personally think the special category of "resort wear" makes a lot of sense for Singapore, despite it being curated primarily to profit from the wealthy. Linen, sliders and anything white or blue are common staples all around stores this summer. The clean and minimal palette looks best with lush greenery and seasides so pack more of those if you're going on vacation! 

Blossom's Blues

Vintage Cadali Taylor watch - c/o Late Rabbit

Mandarin collar floral midi dress - c/o Dressabelle (similar by ASOS)

Circle sunglasses - Shanghai (Similar: 1, 2, 3)

Brown leather belt - Uniqlo (similar by ASOS)

Suede boots - Topshop (similar by Monki)

M.A.C Matte lipstick in Chili (similar by Rimmel)

Vegan leather bag - m)Phosis

I would lie down in an abundant forest all day, if it wasn't for mosquitos. Yun Jing and I returned to our favourite grassy spot again. It's been awhile, and it felt satisfying to be shooting with her again. She never fails to make this place appear whimsical and almost surreal.

I felt right in my element and couldn't feel happier to be creating content after a break. I casually put on a cotton midi dress which felt relieving on a humid afternoon where the wind remained stale. That too explains my little awkward ponytail. I barely have enough hair for a neat style but then it's a reminder that my hair grows way too fast, calling for a haircut.

I feel like my outfit today is very granny chic and it's a pretty stylish way to respond whenever someone makes a remark of me, "you dress too mature for your age". The rebel in me silently delights in doing the opposite, and the densely gathered flower patten of the dress does just the right amount of aged charm. I also adore the hint of orientalism with that mandarin collar which looks neat and modest. I think the tidiness of that juxtaposed against my scruffy looking handbag, also known as the 'garbage carry'. There's no way I can resist unconventional accessories that question looks and functionality. The best ones? Those that strike a balance between the two.

Photos by Yun Jing