Le Picnic

Hand drawn parcel

I hated picnics and I absolutely cannot cook. But months ago upon reading this post, (thank you Melody) I was inspired to plan a more-than-decent for Nigel who just turned nineteen this month. Planning a picnic isn't rocket science but neither it's easy. Our picnic turned out successful, and for that I really have to thank my mother for helping me with groceries and cooking.

How To Plan A Picnic

A customized menu makes a picnic more fun!

1. Decide on a theme

Vintage, Chinese style, pastries - take your pick. I chose a vintage Parisian theme for Nigel, though the food hardly matched up lol. You can even decide on a dress code to look extra good in pictures. When selecting mats, plates etc, make sure the colors compliment each other. Daiso is a fantastic place to go for picnic needs, saves your wallet too! Try to give personal touches as much as possible - a ribbon round your tupperware can make a huge difference.

Brown paper bags (pack of 15) - Daiso 

2. Plan your food

Will your food spill easily? Do they require to be kept cold? Is the food difficult to handle? Personally, I find finger food and uncut fruits work well because they are mess free. Sandwiches and salads are great alternatives for the mains, just make sure you have wet wipes if you are using your hand. For food items that requires keeping cold, store separately in vacuum bag with a chiller. For convenience, I try to use disposable ware so that there's less to carry on my way home. I love to keep liquid in my retro vacuum flask because that guy keeps everything chilled for hours!

Table cloth (used as mat) - Daiso | Disposable paper plate & paper handkerchief - IKEA

3. Pick a spot

Botanic Garden's Symphony Lake is a famous spot for picnics but there tend to ants around so make sure to examine the spot before settling down! I think Chinese Gardens and Gardens by The Bay are great alternatives too. It is also a good idea to lay down two mats for bigger sitting/snoozing area.

Disposable champange glasses - Giant
(I don't recommend getting this for picnic as they topple easily on uneven ground)

4. Don't forget your loved one

Don't get so caught up with your phone! Instead communicate with them, laugh, take lots of pictures and lie down together. I think the whole purpose of a picnic is more than eating on a patch of grass, it should be an opportunity to spend quality time while having fun. Bring a book, an ukulele even if you'd like. Remember to enjoy (and have a wet weather plan)!

Pictures taken with iPhone 4.

Contrast

Cotton tee - Bangkok | Pencil skirt - ASOS | Platforms - Brash | Bag - Charles & Keith

Necklace from Bangkok

You know how you walk into a store and instinctively look for something? For me it is always leather clothes, pencil skirts and shoes. My mother and close friends often question "why are you buying what you already have?" but my mind always seem to brush off the fact that I can be really obsessed over something. That being said, I still think I'd like to buy another pencil skirt, and shoes too. My ASOS skirt was an impulse buy (retail therapy during depressing exam period) that turned out to be my staple piece. Despite its colour it somehow looks good with anything while still keeping me looking slim and ladylike. Personally, pencil skirts flatter me way better than minis therefore I think the belief whereby calf length skirts cuts you off is a misconception...

My girls and I wearing the same platforms! Payless is having sales currently so if you are interested to get yourself a pair (limited colours left) do check out their stores!

The Midi Shirt Dress

Resort Midi Dress - Dressabelle | Cat Tapestry Lana platforms - Jeffrey Campbell

Flower hairband from Bangkok

I had an amazing opportunity to attend the Retail Global Connexion held by Capita Mall yesterday. What an honor to have heard from the CEOs of some of the top tenants share their business design strategies! The talk that left me the most impression was from the dynamic duo, Cynthia and Daniel who own brands like Striped, Tiong Bahru Bakery and Open Door Policy. It finally made sense when I realized those brands all share one thing in common; great design. It was an oohhhh moment that made me happy to know some of my favourite places are by them! Something that I took home was their belief in strong, organic ideas and a die-hard spirit that obviously reflects the success of the brands. Just because you follow all the rules from the book does not mean you will do it right. Neither does any reward come from building sandcastles in their air. A business conference I thought was going to be boring ended up being inspirations to me! I know that isn't exactly related to fashion but I just had the urge to share with everyone that I personally think that if you really want something, keep believing and it will eventually come true with hard work. Okay I sound like a typical teacher who is trying to motivate students for their 'O' Levels. A quote before I sign off:

I would rather live a life with "oh wells" rather than "what ifs".

Quoted from my dear classmate Eunice. Wishing everyone an inspiring weekend!

Photos by JJ

I turned 19th!

My birthday cake cupcakes baked by Denise

I turned nineteen last weekend! First of all, thank you for your good wishes. I cannot reply all but I sure read them! My sweet sixteenth felt like yesterday. They say age is just a number but I really don't look forward to the big 2 when I have to make more important decisions on my own.

I woke up to nineteen helium balloons, each had a photo attached with metal clips to the string. Nigel surprised me with those and my parents must be impressed. I couldn't imagine how he stuffed all that into the car and attach the photos one by one at my void deck. Balloons made me feel like a child again!

I was brought to Salt Grill & Sky Bar for brunch and gosh, I couldn't be happier. The restaurant is built all the way at the 55th floor above Ion Orchard, where you have to take a lift up. The atmosphere up there was so bright, quiet and elegant. It seemed like somehow the view above mesmerized each couple into their own private space, as if there were no one up there but us. The service was great, if not a bit over-friendly for me. Or perhaps I was nervous and not used to waiters (as a form of politeness) trying to engage in small talks with their guests. But nevertheless, I highly recommend this place for romantic occasions.

Roasted cherry tomatoes, Burrata cheese, peppers, grilled bread (vegetarian)

Salt and pepper squid, char grilled lime and aioli

Seared blue fin tuna sesame, mustard, wasabi aioli

Salmon gravlax, truffled eggs

Caramelized figs with black berry consumme, mascarpone sorbet

As the restaurant's name suggests, the main ingredient in their dishes is salt, so prepare to drink plenty of water after. I enjoyed everything I had. We were served white bread with olive oil and spices as a starter and something this simple was delicious too. I like the fact that they also offer vegetarian dishes. I'd recommend the salmon dish - the eggs have a great taste and texture which went perfectly with raw salmon. For dessert, you really have to try the caramelized figs! They're crispy, sweet and sour at the same time.

It was an amazingly beautiful experience to dine while enjoying the breathtaking skyline. Great conservations go on naturally when you share a view like this with your loved one. I could sit at the same spot forever. I never thought there was a place so serene in town.

Guests can have a even better view of the skyline with an equipment (sorry idk what it's called) that allows you to zoom in. What a pity that it started to rain. I am currently having a serious love-hate relationship with my pink sweater, the one Lana Del Rey has been seen all over the world. It's undeniably pretty but it sheds SO MUCH to the extent someone else who is two metres away from me gets fur on their pants. Makes my nose feel horribly itchy too. 

H&M angora blend sweater | Cotton On leather skirt | Jeffrey Campbell 'Soiree' heels (similar here) | Charles & Keith bag

That's all! I'm happily smiling away as I finish this post thinking of all the good things that happened over the weekend. We caught Skyfall too, which I think was probably the best spy movie I have ever watched. Nigel sure knows how to spoil me with all that he does for me. Thank you. <3

Style up a plaid shirt

Giveaway status: Closed

{I am giving away an exact same piece of plaid shirt to one of you. Please read till end of the post for giveaway details} 

Tartan Checked Shirt - Dressabelle | Cotton maxi skirt - Bangkok

I don't know about you, to me finding a perfect plaid shirt is extremely difficult. Either the fit is bad, fabric that's too flimsy, or an unflattering colour. Plaid shirts are like jeans; what looks good on the mannequin often makes me doubt if it is the same on myself. My one and only plaid shirt was a blue one purchased from a store in Bugis Street; asymmetrical pockets, loose thread everywhere...I can go on and on. 

Studded leather jacket - Cotton On

Plaid shirts are understated pieces that are in fact really versatile. I do not know anyone who does not own one. You can easily go from a country girl to grunge rocker with plaid. Button up, down or without. Tie a little knot (like I did) if you like the pin-up girl style. Plaid is an idiot proof piece that obediently abides to how you want it to look.

What should you look for in a plaid shirt? Firstly, the material is important - it shouldn't itch or feel too warm. Secondly, length should be long enough to cover the band of your jeans, short enough to show off the pockets. I find the curve cut-outs on sides of the hips are more flattering. Lastly, always try on a plaid shirt to see if the colour suits you. 

Sneakers - Converse

Mine comes with gold buttons and studs on the chest area. For the price of $24, I'd say it's a pretty awesome deal. I love this plaid shirt so much that I kept one for myself! My search for that perfect plaid shirt stopped here. :b

How to participate in this giveaway:

1. Comment below and tell me what is one thing you enjoy on this blog. Suggestions are welcome too!

2. Leave your email address/ Twitter username etc. (anything that I can contact you with!)

IT'S THAT EASY!

Giveaway open to SG residents only. 

Deadline: 7 November 2012, Wednesday, 11:59pm (GMT+08:00)

Thank you everyone who has been supporting this blog. I appreciate all of you and I hope you win <3

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Result for giveaway:

Joanne! An email has been sent to you.

Sneak Peek

A little unedited sneak of what I was up to two days ago. Those who have me on Instagram (@ulimali) might have already seen some of the behind-the-scenes. I'm just so excited to share with you all!

Can you guess what is the theme already? (hint: a festive classic)

No prize for right guesses! ;-)

Sweet Drug

Shirt - Sweet Drug | Skirt - Zara | 'Soiree' heels - Jeffrey Campbell (similar here)

I am wearing one of my favourite shirts ever - by a Thai brand named 'Sweet Drug'. Kind of makes me imagine myself having a chest piece lol! I bought it during my Bangkok trip this year while I was shopping among the cramped streets of Chatuchak Weekend Market. I am usually not an impulsive shopper (self-proclaimed) but when I saw Sweet Drug, it was love at first sight. Before I knew it I walked out the store with three pieces, adding Nigel's share it will be four. The brand is very colourful, graphical and cute. There is also an old school appeal to all the pieces - think embroidery, pleats, repetitive prints. The store owner revealed that he hand paints many of the illustrations which will then be printed onto the apparels. I am just so happy to pay for something that was thoughtfully made, so much talent coming from an young entrepreneur! Prices are extremely reasonable ($15~$30) for the design and quality. If you are interested, you can check out their three outlets namely Platinum Mall, Chatuchak Market, and Terminal 21.

Some photo bombing fun to end this post:

Photos by Joanne & Mandy