Being Touristy

Globe-trotting gyaru, Kayo, was back in town for a week or so a few months back. it was fun being a tour guide and showing her around town like before, though it was more of a shopping/ sight seeing trip this time, unlike the food driven trip last time. 

Started the day with brunch a la Singapore style:

Half boiled eggs mixed with dark soy sauce and white pepper, Kaya (coconut jam) and butter toast with strong coffee

It was amusing to hear Kayo comparing the eggs to Japan's onsen eggs, and she loved the strong coffee.

After that, we headed to Haji Lane, as she had read up about it online.

Tourist shot! My face looks really weird here

Steph's tattoo artist, Kevin, helped to take this picture after we popped by his store to cool off due to the intense heat.

My outfit consisted of:

Inner shirt: Uniqlo

Lace Nightie: Taobao

Shorts: Lowry's Farm

Stockings: taobao

Denim Jacket: Calvin Klein

Badge: taobao

Shoes: Random shop in Holland Village

Hair clips: Sasa

Final shot before Steph had to leave for the day

It was fun catching up with Kayo again and hopefully, I'll get a chance to head to Japan and she'll be my tour guide the next time we meet.

Compiled Update

Hey guys, sorry bout the lack of updates, just alot has been  going on for me mentally and emotionally. With me being unemployed and free at the moment, I took it as a much needed break/ holiday for the first week or so, but after that, doubts started plaguing me and my self worth and esteem has kinda plummeted especially when some negative things were said to me by my ex-boss. 

I've been trying to keep myself busy to stave off the negative thoughts so I've been catching up with friends and stuff. Here's a lightning post on what's been happening in my life lately:

Attended Mini's 21st birthday party. Here she is cosplaying as her favourite character Kotetsu (from the anime, Tiger & Bunny) and posing with her cake made in his comic likeness. I attended dressed as Crista Lenz/ Historia Reiss from the series Shingeki no Kyojin/ Attack on Titan but didn't really take a pic.

Also attended Skippy's birthday and had a blast drinking beer, getting stupid and playing truth or dare while almost everyone was half wasted. The silly antics we did were really fun.

Shirt: Emoda

Skirt: Bought in KL

Thigh high socks: Cosmode

Choker: Taobao

Went to the premiere of The Wind Rises and a few of us in the group decided to dress up as Studio Ghibli characters. I did another wardrobe/ ghetto cosplay of Kiki with a blue dress I dug out from my wardrobe this time.

Dress from Nichii

The movie was really nice, and really evoked alot of emotions. Definitely a fitting end to Hayao Miyazaki's amazing career.

Watched an Indie film with my mom called, Size Does Matters. It's quite a cute show.

Dress: Jouetie

Jewelled hairband: Osewaya

Stockings: Taobao

Accompanied Steph when she got another tattoo, this time of her other cat on the other thigh. Felt like dressing up abit that day though I did mostly window shopping on my own.

Dress: Topshop

Inner blue shirt with white polka dots: Uniqlo

Belt: Taobao

Beret: Accessorize

Round framed spectacles: Taobao

Badge: Katie

The final product! Now she has both her beloved cats' portraits on her.

A friend of mine wanted to explore cafes, so we went to a pie specialty cafe called, Windowsill in the Woods. It's really popular among the local hipster crowd but their pies are definitely worth it. Threw a jumble of clothes on and somehow they fitted together hahah.

Inner striped Turtleneck: Uniqlo

Shirt: Candy Stripper

Mullet skirt: Bought in KL

Red bowler hat: Can't remember

Round framed spectacles: Taobao

Shoes: The Salvation Army

Since I have time on my hands now, I decided to start on a healthier diet. So I've been whipping up alot of home-cooked meals whenever I can. I cook mostly salmon, white fish and chicken with lots of vegetables and very little carbohydrates.

So far, my stomach has become less bloated and I definitely feel more energised and my skin has become alot clearer now. Hopefully I can continue whipping up healthier meals when I get a new job.

I also took the opportunity to clear out and streamline my wardrobe, so my wardrobe is less cluttered now. I'm getting round to cleaning my room and updating it as I've had the same posters stuck on my room walls since I was a teenager. Man I feel so old knowing I'm in my twenties now and I still have posters on old anime stuck on my walls. I've been looking at Tumblr for inspiration but since I can't exactly change the layout of my room and my furniture, I'm left with just sprucing up my walls and neatening everything out. let's see how I can make the best of it.

Shopping & Tea

Jo was in town last week so I took the opportunity to catch up with her and to also finally try out this amazing cafe I had heard of for months called, Antoinette Cafe.

Food! Glorious Food!!!!! We were quite full so we decided to share our food, but we didn't realise the portions were gonna be this huge! We shared Honey Baked Ham sandwich that came with super crisp Honey Mustard chips, Crepe with Parma ham, egg and cheese and topped with fresh salad, French style fluffy pancake with Strawberry compote and whipped cream. I also had a pot of Earl Grey d'Antoinette, which was quite light and sweet unlike conventional earl grey teas.

We did some some window shopping after the tea and we wandered into Topshop to have a look. Found some uh... shall we say... interesting(?) clothes from a collection they did with some designer.  Jo and I decided to try some of the dresses from the collection just for the fun of it.

Some Nightie looking dress. Looks pretty decent and might look good with some proper styling

A tunic/top with a crazy print of eyes and hearts. It looks like some kinda disease to me to be honest, or maybe because I detest red dots a lot. 

Some kinda frilly top/tunic, I know it'll probably look good if done some styling a la cult party style, but for now, it just looks like I'm wearing an oversized baby dress

Jo trying out this over the top frilly jacket that cost.... wait for it.... $500!!!! Technically $499 but still!!! It is pretty in it's own way, unfortunately the picture doesn't show just how tacky shiny it is, though I am kinda starting to like it the more I stare at the pic hahaha

Walked around the new Robinsons Building, previously known as Heeren. The whole place is completely different now and though I miss Heeren being a youth hangout zone, it is refreshing to see some life brought back to the building with the knocking down of walls and installing new floor layouts and light fixtures. Took this picture from the 3rd floor of the building as I was looking down at the snow globe installation.

Outfit that day:

Jacket: Jouetie

My Little Pony Shirt: stall at cosplay event

Lace Shorts: Heather

Lace trimmed floral print Socks: Daiso

Shoes: Jeffrey Campbell

Choker: JRunway

Bag: Lip Service 

Work is robbing me of brain power and will to blog once again. I'm just tired every time I reach home and I now wind up eating dinner and then zoning out in front of my laptop, even editing my cosplay pictures seem like such a monumental task now. Even so, I will still update the blog, I just pray you'll be patient with my slow uploads.

Shu Uemura x Takashi Murakami Job

Hey guys, there's been some changes in my life that's happened during the past couple of weeks, hence the lack of posts. Firstly, I attended Steph's birthday party, and it was a small but cozy affair with lots of chatting, drinks and eventually winding up at a karaoke place. 

The next week, I did a one-day job stint with Shu Uemura to promote their new Christmas/ Takashi Murakami special. I had to dress in Lolita and Cosplay for the job, and most of the time I abhor these kinds of jobs as I personally find it insulting to use Cosplayers and Lolitas as cheap gimmicks to promote products. However, I did it as a favour for an old friend and ex-colleague from my Shu Uemura days and the products are related since the new collection is very anime based.

 Picture of the huge Light box mural at the store counter. It's actually one model but she looks so amazingly different with the contrasting makeup styles.

  

 The display stand. The makeup palettes are missing as the counter staff was using it on a product demonstration as I was snapping this picture.

Me, on my way to the job location and waiting for the train to arrive. It was actually my first time wearing Sweet Lolita as I used to wear Gothic but never sweet, though I've always admired the style from afar. Everything was generously loaned to me from my friend, Jean.

The rest of the Lolita girls for the day, from left, Kairi, me, Daphne (she cosplayed as Tinkerbell in my Disney Princess team) and Jean (my fellow team member of my Claymore group)

Outfit shot with Jean! Really really grateful to her for loaning me the entire outfit, she wanted to loan me stockings and shoes too but I rejected because I didn't want to dirty or scuff the shoes and stockings are really fragile.

Ribbon Headband: Baby The Stars Shine Bright

Dress: Angelic Pretty

Necklace: Angelic Pretty

Stockings (my own): Grimoire Verum

Shoes (my own): Taobao

Wig: Taobao

Unfortunately, Jean had to leave for Church service so I switched out to my Persona 4, Rise Kujikawa costume instead. One shopkeeper said I looked really cute XD 

With sweet Jean, she looks different as a Lolita, cosplayer and in casual wear. Different but all good in their own way.

With Kairi, who's also a cosplayer. It was my first time meeting her as we had never crossed paths during events before, so it was fun chatting and getting to know her

 

Changed out after a grueling 5 hours standing in our costumes and dresses, facing the terrible heat and humidity and some unwarranted comments from the general public (seriously, it's just clothes, chill  out!). I knew my hair would be a terrible mess if I took off my wig, so I decided to just head home whilst wearing it.

Lace top: This Fashion

Lace shorts: Lowry's farm

 

By the end of the day the promotional song for the collection was stuck in my head. No surprises since it's quite catachy and sung by Hatsune Miku. I also found out that it is actually a legitimate anime directed by Takashi Murakami called, 6 Heart Princesses. The group of us were challenging each other to watch the anime and actually cosplay the costumes shown in the video after we found out.

Anyway, like I mentioned earlier, some changes have occured in my life. For one, I've found a new job for a Japanese hair products company. The job scope is fairly different from my earlier jobs so I'll be learning quite alot of things, it's also my first foray into the world of media advertising. I'm also now working with best friend and sister from another mother, Steph. Yup! We're in the same company and driving each other nuts on a daily basis, though it has its own set of challenges. I'm looking forward to learning new things and getting to annoy Steph everyday, so till next time!

P.S. My new header and background are all thanks to Steph's ingenious creativity and willingness to slave away for me muahahahah! Thanks alot. 

Outfit of the Day: Museum Trip

I went to the museum awhile back as I was really keen to have a look at a particular exhibit, Princely Treasures from the House of Lichtenstein. Basically, looking at the furniture and paintings and stuff of European Royalty. 
  

They mostly had oil paintings but even so, the artists layered the paints to create 3D effects on certain areas such as jewellery and light, delicate feathering to show the texture of soft fur.

This is a rug.... no seriously, a floor rug.

This is actually a clock that was able to tell you the year, month, date and time. But I'm not quite sure how it does all that and it wasn't in the explanations. Still a beautiful piece to look at.

Bf's favourite painting

Found this outside the museum's restaurant.

 

I took the opportunity to dress up abit but I wasn't quite sure what to wear, so I stuck to a few basic pieces from my wardrobe.

Lace Dress: Cotton On

Jacket: Jouetie

Bag: Nadia

Pin on Bag: Taobao

Shoes: Taobao

Socks: Can't remember

Lace Cuffs: Baby the Stars Shine Bright



Also wore this Osewaya necklace I bought from JRunway. The ribbon is actually a light, kinda like seafoam(?) green with a tiny green gem in the middle of the gold pendant. Was deciding between that colour and white but Steph said green was more unique, and the light green colour fits most outfits effortlessly. 

 

 

A selfie pic that day. Make up was basic, no contouring, onlu used Dollywink No. 2 upper lashes, Kate glitter liner and a lip stain. It's also the last time I curled my long hair as I eventually cut it away. Will explain and show my new look in another blog post.

Birthday Celebration: Day 1 (Hair Modelling & Date with Steph)

My birthday was last week, on the 15th to be exact. I knew that I'd probably be celebrating it with family and friends individually but I didn't expect it to a 3 day affair LOL! 

Anyway, my first day on celebration was with Steph on the 13th. She kindly accompanied me to get my hair done by the newly opened Naoki Ashihara by Ash salon at Liang Court. I was their hair model that day and after bout 4-5 hours of colouring and cutting (and patient waiting by Steph  >.<"), my hair looked and felt incredible.

Steph kindly helped me take pictures for the blog, here's a pic of the Director, Teiji-san, checking my hair

 



The other guy is Kelvin, who did most of my cutting and colouring, under the watchful eye of Teiji-san of course.

 



After cutting my hair, the hair dye was applied and then cling wrap was placed on top of my head. I left it entirely up to them to decide the cut and colour. The only things I told them was that I wanted to maintain my hair length and that I worked in a corporate office so bright hair colours were a definite no.

 

Getting the royal treatment! Feels awesome to have your hair blown and curled by not one, but two professional stylists.

Took the obligatory photo outside the salon, but the salon people were really sweet and kept asking Steph to join in the picture. Check out how amazing my hair looks after everything!!!

Picture with Kelvin, he was surprised and bit shy that I wanted a picture with him haha

With Atsuko, the main contact point I had with the salon, she was really sweet and friendly and looked amazing!!! Even her outfit of a simple top and white jeans made her stand out amongst the crowd.

Another pic with Teiji-san, he's really funny and kept complimenting Steph and asked if she could be a hair model too hahaha

 

 

After being pampered, Noriaki- san, the one who introduced the salon to me and the mastermind behind StreetAngels , asked if we could do some shots for the site. I was more than happy to oblige! You can see me as the model of the day on 2nd August and at 12:26pm, Steph will appear on 1st August, 22nd November (her birthday, yay!!) and at 12:25pm. Be sure to check out the website, facebook page or handphone app to see our pictures!

 

I'm definitely incredibly happy with my hair, the colour is a dark brown mixed with a reddish-pink tinge. It is understated enough for the office but not boring and the cut is so easy to manage. I could curl it inwards with a hair curling iron or Velcro curlers, or if I simply brush it through, I'm all set for work. I'll probably go back as a paying customer next time.

 

Took this selfie as I was waiting for Steph and Noriaki-san

 



Outfit:

Babydoll camisole: Katie

Black sheer dress: Taobao

Belt: Taobao

Choker: Taobao

Dolfie print stockings: Bought from a friend

Shoes: Taobao

Bag: Mety Damali

 



Steph treated me to dinner by bringing me to Yayoiken, I had been wanting to try the place but there was always a long queue. I ordered the cheese hamburg set (top pic) as I was starving, while Steph had the yofu hamburg with ebi fry. I loved it! The food was really really yummy! Thanks Steph!

Camwhore of us! A must-do every time we meet haah!

 



Steph gave me a birthday gift bag filled with lovely stuff inside this Louis Vuitton paper bag. Hahaha Classy!

 



The gift bag contained a high-neck long puff sleeved lace dress (perfect for work!), a cute shorts with tulle overlay and studded with stars (perfect for cult party), Benefit Sugar Addict makeup tester set, Hello Kitty Hyper curl mascara, BB cream and OMG!!! A pair of Verum by Grimoire stockings, I nearly died when I saw it in the bag!! Not shown are a cute pair of polka dotted high-waisted shorts (it's in the wash) and a embroidered ethnic print scarf that I've left in the office to keep me warm (and to let me feel her lurrrvvvveeee as I wrap myself in it to not freeze to death in the office)

 

A look at the full length of the Verum by Grimoire stockings *sobs* omg its so beautiful, and I can't believe it's mine! I must think of a wonderful outfit to do it justice and let it's beauty shine through!!

Here's what the Benefit Sugar Addict set contained, Benetint Lip and Cheek Stain, High Beam highlighter, Sugarbomb bronzer/blush and Sugarbomb lipgloss. I've always wanted to try the Benetint lip and cheek stain and now I can! The entire set is great for creating a nude but polished look, so it's perfect for my work makeup

 

 

Once again, thanks Steph for the great day and presents, I'm sorry I made you wait for me during the hair process >_< let's meet up again soon! Bitches forever!