Middle East Through My Camera

My girlfriends and I recently watched Sex & The City 2. I wasn't even paying much attention to the lousy storyline (as compared to the first). Rather, the scenes where the girls spent their holiday in Abu Dhabi made me want to relive my experiences in the middle east too.

I was lucky. Two years ago, I got to visit my working dad in Qatar, followed by Dubai for a short holiday. A trip to the foreign land meant little for a sixteen year old then. But little did I know, the two places were like rice; I will never crave until it has been taken away from me.

Let the pictures do the talking:

The Qatar Museum of Islamic Art - amazing architecture.

Interior of the museum where curves and lines went in perfect harmony.

Souq Waqif - literally translated as "The Standing Market", renowned for selling traditional garments, spices, souvenirs and handicrafts. 

A giant leather sandal (worn by men)

Exotic choices of pets

Typical shop in Souq Waqif selling scarves

The Qatar Villagio (MBS is nothing compared to this)

My family

Saw the most beautiful landscape ever

Sand dune racing is a common past time for Arabian men

With our chauffer Hussein who's from Bangladesh

In Dubai:

Burj Khalifa - tallest in the world since 2010 standing at 828 meters (compare with the height of the palm trees)

Tried on a typical attire most Arabian/Muslim women wore

Sand boarding

Belly dancer

Isn't the middle east mysterious, fascinating, magnificent, magical? I would do anything to experience the Middle East again.

Fluorescent

Studded leather jacket - Cotton On | Python pants - m)Phosis | Suede boots - Topshop

Bag - Mel | Claw bangle - Elitrend |  Watch - Casio

Today was one of the days in Singapore when the heat was really unbearable. I could fry a sunny side-up by the road side. My brain must have malfunctioned for awhile to even think of putting on that leather jacket. To make matters worse, Nic and I got lost in Balestier which resulted in lots of walking under the blazing sun. But I guess a little pain is worth it for a great outfit that I feel happy in! I have finally found the perfect pair of ankle boots that goes with literally anything! Specifically, I have been searching for one that goes with dressier clothes without looking too 'grungy'. Don't get me wrong, I still love my D.Marts! Broke into these new babies today; the little block heel gives me extra height yet comfortable for walking. I'm definitely going to wear them a lot so hopefully they'll last me a long time. 

SugarLips

The Pizzle Cookie top - Sugar Lips | Leather shorts - Lot 1 |  Sun hat - Daiso | Fringe shoulder bag - Mango

Jeffrey Campbell Lana in Cat Tapestry 

Photos by Desiree

SugarLips was really sweet to send me a top which I picked out myself. Since I've been really into white clothes lately, I chose this light weight chiffon top which has gorgeous cut-outs on the arms and cuffed at the wrists. The first association that popped into my mind was 'Bohemian'. (Think Nicole Richie with her signature flared denim) I thought maybe some fringe and wooden platforms would do the trick too.

I love how Sugarlips actively involves bloggers as part of their online business. A portion of their apparels have been styled by fashion bloggers from all over the world, giving an edge to the otherwise uninspiring catalogue. My emails were being replied promptly and shipment only took 2 weeks. I had an overall pleasant experience with them. Only thing is, I do feel that their apparel is too pricey for me.

It's Friday! Have a great weekend!

Little India

Little India is an interesting place. Besides the delicious street prata stores and fresh coconuts, what I enjoy most is getting my brows done in the traditional way - threading. I get my brows professionally done every 6-8 months, each time trying a different beauty salon. Contrary to popular belief, threading is really not as painful as it seems!

Does brow threading hurt?

My very honest answer: Yes. BUT, it's totally bearable. I know it sounds strange right now but it's the kind of pain that you'll get used to within 10 seconds of threading. Besides, your brows will be done in 5 minutes. Those of you who use an epilator for hair removal will know exactly how it feels.

How much does brow threading cost?

For most salons at Little India that I know of, $6.

*Do remember to mention that you only want to 'keep the shape' to avoid getting thin brows. Also bring along an eyebrow pencil just in case!

My friend Kaylin who once had her brows done by plucking claimed that threading is much quicker and less painful. She never looked back ever since she tried threading!

Knit throw - Mom's | Leather skirt - Zara | Pascal boots - Dr. Martens

My favorite picture among all! 

Nothing makes me feel (and look) more like a superhero than my cape against the wind!

Many thanks to my friend Kaylin for capturing interesting moments as we walked down Little India. :)

Do give brow threading a try if you haven't! Feel free to leave a comment if you have any sort of worries/ questions! I will get back to you shortly.

Minty Afternoon

Finally, a minty addition to my wardrobe. I must admit, I have been wearing a lot more colours. Vibrant colours. My style has also diversified into more high-fashion pieces and things I thought I would never wear..a mini floral dress for example.

My very first minty piece is from Dressabelle! Still a little unsure if I am into the whole pastels/ mint trend, I am delighted to wear mint in the most subtle way. Just a dash at the collar brightens up my complexion.

Colour Crescent Blouse - Dressabelle (also in  Blush & Blue) | Python pants - m)Phosis

I am wearing blush in Dame, Lady Gaga lipglass and lipstick in Giddy, all by MAC. Sticking with bright pinks to play along with the light-hearted theme!

$16 studded clutch from Hong Kong | Casio Watch | Mom's jade bangle | $1 ring from Beadstreet

This gold watch has to be my favourite accessory right now. I am lucky to own this preloved gem from Liting . (Thank you babe!) I cannot stop admiring it! I have been wanting a dress watch for so long, and the sudden craze over Michael Kors watches just made this classic piece even more desirable.

Block heels - Charles&Keith

Photos by dear mom.

What will be, will be.

Sweater - Mom's | Pants - Mary-Kate&Ashley | Nude leather pumps - Zara

On my lips: Revlon Super Lustrous Lipstick in Sassy Mauve (one of my favourite)

$5 envelope clutch from Shanghai

Thank you Nigel for always taking wonderful pictures <3

If you're wondering is that pajamas I'm wearing, you are absolutely right. I have grown a litte too big to fit into a pair of sized 12 (note: kids size) pants but I am unwilling to give it up just yet!

I spent my last weekend working in a departmental store. Each time I worked, I formed a clearer idea of the working world. Work used to be an exciting, refreshing and fun learning experience but as I grow older, I can't be this optimistic anymore. Don't get me wrong, I enjoy my job, but the conversations with older colleagues hit me back to reality about how tough life exactly is. In the retail industry, most work 6 days a week, spending their time and energy on their feet. Some are just working without passion, some work to save up to pursue a degree, others work simply because they believe there are no better jobs they are qualified for. Many middle-aged mothers work to provide for their children and kill idle time. Of course, there are some I met who are working because they love their job and has built a relationship with the regular customers. I try to speak to everyone in my workplace, try to take a walk in their shoes. A security guard I spoke to used to work in a factory because she did not receive higher education. I learnt that she liked mascaras and has a son of my age, still schooling. She complained about how her back is hurting as we talked. She empathized with me about how I'm juggling school, work and social life, then told me I could take a rest if my legs were tired. Makes me wonder what will I be in 5 year's time. I wonder if I will love my job, if I will be financially free one day. Will I be happy? Will I be able to look back on my life and gladly say that "I've made it."?

Whatever will be, will be.

The future's not our's to see, what will be will be.

 - Doris Day - Que Sera Sera

The Gold Tip

Textured gold-tip blouse - Dressabelle | Silk skirt - Mom's

Sun hat $2 - Daiso | Ear cuffs $7.90 - H&m | Cross ring $1 - Beadstreet

Jeffrey Campbell Clinic wedges (inspired) - www.taobao.com 

I love trying different styles and experimenting with the unconventional. But at the end of the day, I always return to my black pieces, and one of my favourite ways to wear them is by mixing textures. My little outfit consists of leather, silk, cotton and metallic elements.  I'm was obsessed over collars, then eventually fell in love with gold tips too. With the sheer textured finish - Perfect!

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I am representing my polytechnic in Poshism's Fashion Feud contest! Feeling really proud to do so because Poshism was found by students in Ngee Ann! Check out my entry here:

http://poshism.com/user/117/1514/