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

Oasis

Oasis Dress - c/o Dressabelle | Mesh vest - m)Phosis

Grey metallic boots - Esprit

 

Bug earrings - The Quiet Riot

   
   

Photos by Yun Jing

I have officially graduated from Ngee Ann Poly! Three years have flew past in a flash, leaving me with so much nostalgic memories. It's such a surreal feeling to know that you're ready for the work force. I'd be continuing in my studies though. Anyway, isn't this dress gorgeous? Yes, I'm aware it's originally H&M - which Beyoncé was seen in the recent campaign. I have always loved the idea of scenic graphics because it's like an art piece displayed on dress form. Same goes for my beloved Blackmilk pieces. This one reminds me of Jiu Zai Gou valley. Never been there before, but friends who have gone describe it as heaven on Earth. They say the water there is so clear you could see coral reefs beneath. I also heard that the the Pandora in movie Avatar was created based on the valley. Definitely one of my travel destinations in the future! 

  More bug earrings:

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Shanghai Day 3: Coffee Culture

Knit sweater - Mango | Leggings - Blackmilk | Boots - Dr Martens | Beanie - H&M

Today was a relaxing day. I visited the Propaganda Art museum and got coffee at a French café along Shanghai's renowned street, Hua Shan. The street is known for its French architecture and according to mom, condos were exclusively built for the rich and famous. In every city which I have gone to, I always try to find an afternoon to sit in a cafe. Besides the market place, a cafe is probably the best place to immerse among locals. I like to listen to conversations and observe people around me.

In China, foreigners often perceive everything here as 'cheap', but it's not true anymore. The coffee alone costs RMB35, breaking down to about S$7. Cheap? Not at all. The standard of living in Shanghai is improving tremendously over the recent years, and the locals sure know the art of coffee indulgence. People were well dressed, poised, some were silently engaging in Taobao on their mobile devices. As a tourist, I could only imagine how the life of a Shanghainese is like outside the cafe.

夏朵西餐厅(丁香店)

徐汇区华山路855号(近复兴西路)

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The Hobbit Map Dress

It's been awhile since I last checked out of my favourite underground fashion brand, BlackMilk, but the recent free shipping promotion proved to be irresistible. *sigh* Burnt a hole in my pocket but not guilty. Most of the stuff there may be over outrageous in a daytime setting but honestly, these are the most comfortable tight things I've ever worn. They literally feel like a swimsuit and are super breathable, perfect for the humid setting in Singapore or layering, if you would like.

The Hobbit Map Dress - BlackMilk | Fringe blouse - City Plaza

Do you like my $10 blouse from City Plaza? When people ask me, "where do you usually shop for all these nice things?", I find it difficult to answer because the nicest things often come unexpected. Life is an unexpected journey (Hobbit map dress, geddit?) and you just have to keep your senses alert.

Belt - Uniqlo | Creeper boots - Underground

Necklace - c/o O'ORO | Rimmel Kate Matte lipstick in 107

I am pretty inspired by tribal/ boho fashion and eccentric things lately, and this dress in particular seemed to go perfectly with the fringe blouse. I really like fringe because they have a lot of movement and always photograph beautifully. The dark red lipstick might have been an overkill but oh well...

*Read my full review on Rimmel Kate Matte lipsticks here!

Photos by Nigel

p.s. Don't y'all agree with me that Nigel's photography skills are getting better? :)

p.s.s. That's a temporary (Chanel) tattoo (on my neck because it looks badass), by the way.

Shop the look:

Casual BlackMilk

T-shirt - ASOS| Spiked bracelet - m)Phosis

The Great Wave leggings - BlackMilk | Pascal boots - Dr. Martens

Photos by Mandy

This is going to be a random rambly post where I just want to talk a little bit about my life and things unrelated to fashion. It's officially my Christmas break so no school for me till next year! Looking back at the past eleven months made me realize how time really flies and how much everything changes. Everybody says the same thing but seriously guys, if you look back into my archives you'd see how much this blog has evolved! For the better I hope. Are you guys going anywhere this holiday? I don't have any traveling plans so I guess I am just going to sit at my desk and...blog. The amount of workload from school turned my previously neat room into a cave of refuge, therefore my top to-do is to reorganize everything to perfection and I might be getting a dresser in my room. It is a vintage dresser left by my grandma in its original dark wood colour but I plan to paint it white to match the rest of my room. It's my first time painting a big piece of furniture so I am pretty nervous. Do I have to sand the surface for the paint to stick on? Is it necessary to laquer it after painting? Wish I was more DIY-savvy y'know. Will anyone be interested for an updated room tour? I feel almost like I am showcasing my bedroom for my own amusement. Let me know! Oh and remember to join my current giveaway if you havent!

Great Waves

Jeffrey Campbell 'Soiree Silver' heels, purchased from ashbusyskies.com (similar here)

Great Wave leggings - BlackMilk | Leather jacket - Taiwan 

Photos by Mandy

I am fully aware that the void deck of a HDB is far from what's ideal to do these leggings justice. Excuse me. Those waves appear beautifully like illusion seen from afar. I have received many compliments and even my mother approves of it! BlackMilk does a perfect job creating products that play tricks with the eyes, some of which even contain twisted humor. How about beer leggings for Halloween? Speaking of Halloween, what are you guys doing this year?