Birthday Celebration

Once again, I'm writing a rather late post as my brain has been wrung dry due to project work. I celebrated my birthday last Sunday with the bf, by going to the Harry Potter Exhibition.

Our Tickets. I also got the audio guide which I highly recommend as they go into greater detail regarding all the hardwork that went into the sets and props for the Harry Potter movies. 

The first thing that greeted us after exiting the lift was Weasley's magical car, suspended from the ceiling to give the impression of being in flight. Too bad photography wasn't allowed in the rest of the exhibition, there were so many things I would like to scrutinise in greater detail.

After the tour, the bf and I bought some souvenirs:



Chocolate frogs!!! This one came with a Madam Hooch card, I've also gotten a Professor Flitwick card. I've still got a few more frogs in the fridge so I'll probably munch on them soon



My beautiful RavenClaw Pen, it's an additional birthday gift from the bf. The pen works but the Ravn motif on the top makes balancing it for writing pretty awkward, I'd recommend getting the Slytherin pen if you prefer function over form as it isn't as unwieldy

And my favourite gift for the day from the bf again, a wand!!! I'd been regretting not getting a wand since I last went to Warner Bros. Studios in Australia many years back, they were selling wands out of a bucket back then. Getting a wand was the top of my must-get souvenir list so the Bf let me choose one. I chose Ginny's not because I'm a fan of the character but rather I found her wand the nicest to look at & hold, the others were either not as elegant looking or felt weird when I held them.

After the exhibition, the bf and I were absolutely famished. We wound up having brunch at TWG



My Smoky Earl Grey tea & the bf's green tea. I'm kinda disappointed in their early grey tea, the bergamot oil wasn't rich enough and the flavours were rather lacklustre. I had initially ordered the Silver moon tea that I had gotten during my previous visit but was informed that the day's stocks were sold out, so I changed my order to this sad excuse of an earl grey tea. 

My roasted Guinea Fowl. It was my first ever taste of guinea fowl as the bird is rather hard to come by in my country, I wouldn't say it was anything special, just like chicken but with a slight game-y taste. The meat was also alittle tougher and darker then regular chicken. The dish was pretty yummy though.

 The bf had Foie gras terrine with salad. It was soo rich but too delicious to resist and the buttered bread that accompanied the terrine was so good on it's own. The only thing is that it is seriously fatty, notice the yellow edges around it? That's all fat LOL!! But still worth every calorie!

I know I'm being unfair by only posting Steph's amazing birthday gift but there's too many little gifts to fit into a picture. I received some skincare stuffs like masks from Jems and a Sisley bag from my mom as well as alittle money from my dad, my sis gave a book which I've been wanting to read and many other gifts here and there. Of course Steph surprised me the most with this pair of fabulous Emoda square toe heels, she got a pair for herself too so we're trying to come up with more twinspo outfits.   

Bonus picture, the Bf and I had noticed alot of funny looking benches as we were walking around but this one takes the cake! I had to scramble up the sides in order to sit right at the top, but the view behind makes up for it. It was only after this picture was taken did I realise how strategically placed this bench was. Yea, I look rather plain, wasn't super dressed up that day as I was feeling bit lazy.

I just wanna thank everyone for making my birthday so special and doing so much for me. I won't be the person I am without you guys, and though I know most of my friends don't read my blog, I still just wanna say thank you and I love you guys so so much! Lots of hugs & kisses all around! 

Valentine's Day

Happy belated Valentine's day everyone! I hope you guys enjoyed yourself in some way be it with family, friends or a special loved one. I'm not really concerned with celebrating it myself but the Bf was being really sweet so he took me out for dinner at our favourite Japanese eatery.

Whilst strolling through the mall, some guy working at a home-made candy store was giving out free pink heart lollipops. I quite liked the lollipop and I could really taste the honey and vanilla, I plan to go back and try their other candy. Super simple makeup, with non-enlarging lens because I had classes the whole day.

We order sake most of the time at the eatery. This time we tried a different sake from the one we usually take, but I didn't really appreciate the taste. It was alot drier and stronger from the usual.

My salmon Chiraishi don. Super fresh salmon and ebiko on warm vinegar-ed sushi rice. It tastes so much better when the rice is warm compared to the usual cold rice most restaurants serve with. I forgot to take a picture of the Bf's grilled saba with miso and ebiko topping bento , it was so good we demolished it before I even realised I hadn't taken a picture of it. I'm craving it right now...

I've never been interested in receving flowers, but the Bf surprised me with this single rose. :')

His other valentine's day gift for me was a pair of shoes that I could choose, so I picked out this pair. It's made of really soft pig skin and the heel isn't too high so it'll probably replace my oxfords that is currently dying. He also got me some other stuff from Uniqlo...

The best thing bout the ankle boots is the sexy and interesting cut-out section at the sides.

We exhausted ourselves by walking around the entire mall, shopping at Daiso and making up a game of counting how many bouquets we saw the other couples carrying around. Not exactly the most romantic or expensive, but it was very "us" and that's all I need.

How was your Valentine's day?

Recent Taobao gets!

Early this month, I had ordered a bunch of stuffs from taobao. I would have ordered alot more if I could, however, being bit financially constrained, I had to limit myself, which was a real painful experience. Anywhoo... here's what I managed to eventually get:

Finally! A furry tail! I had actually ordered one in a lighter colour, however they ended up sending to me one which looked more like this. I actually don't mind it, as I was kindda regretting bout ordering a white version as I realised that the colour limited how I could style it with my other clothes.

Got this fake 2-piece dress too as I wanted something that incorporated the military look without being too tough. This was a nice balance between being girly and uptight.

I had actually ordered the whole set of the Chanel tattoos but they ended up sending only one sheet which was the bird one. Quite upset bout it actually as I was looking forward to using it! Grrr....

I had actually ordered this pair of boots, however, the agent said that stocks for it had run out so I ended up offering the alternative (shown below)

I was so looking forward to this thigh high boots above all my other purchases as my other pair was disintergrating and I really wanted it so bad that my head had been concocting up a whole list of outfits to pair with it. However, the agent claims that it was out of stock so I didn't get it... I'm really frustrated/sad/disappointed about it... *sob*

Sigh... strangely, out of all my orders, the ones that I had looked forward to rceiving the most all ended up either out of stock, or in the case of the Chanel tattoos, only part of it was sent. That's the risk you get with purchasing from taobao I guess....haiz....

Christian Louboutin For Barbie

Since I was alittle girl, I've played with tons of Barbie dolls, I had like a dozen different versions, even a camping version with a bright pink tent! But unlike what most child "experts" say about Barbie having a negative effect on girls, by influencing them to look like her or something along those lines, it never once crossed my mind. That is unitl today....

Check out the Christian Louboutin Barbie Shoe Collection!

The collection features a whole range of shoes, of which includes 9 original designs. All housed in an elegant suite of course! And check out their signature red soles...

I don't know whether to envy her, remain cold and emotionless, or to wring her pretty little neck! I know it's pretty weird that I'm getting all upset at a doll, a plastic lifeless thing. But if you have been lusting after a pair of Louboutins to call your own since forever, and here this little wretch gets a whole collection of them (of which most are original designs specially for her), tell me, wouldn't you get abit upset too?

Okay... maybe I really am over-reacting.... but still.... *glares*

Pictures from http://8tokyo.com/

Autumn/ Winter Boots Trends by Sweet Vol. 9

I'll be listing out Sweet's version of their section on boots trends, from this article, it actually show's the difference in the target audience of both Sweet and Edge*s magazines. Like for example Edge*s focus was mostly on thigh highs, as mostly it's the hip and trendy crowd that read that magazine, unlike Sweet which focuses more on short, ankle boots instead so as to cater to the office ladies. Whatever the category one may fall into, it's still nice to observe different takes on the same trend.

So here's Sweet's take on the boots trend:

Ankle Fur Boots: Trimming Fur & Uncle Fur

The trimming fur seems to be the sifter, more suede-like, softer kindda fur and is only a slight trin on the edge of the boot, whereas the "uncle" fur (whatever that means), seems to be the kind that has thicker bunches of fur

Fur boots: All Fur & Leg Fur

I detest the all fur boot, it makes me think that someone was a fan of the abdominable snowman hence the design. The leg fur appears to be more like a furry version fo the leg warmer over a pair of boots, so that i can still tolerate.

Lace -up Short Boots

The lace-ups again, this seems to be on boots trend that Sweet and Edge*s seems to agree on. I am not a fan however, of the rubber sole, too worker boots-esque for me.

Pin-heel Boots

Very elegant looking, a definite alternative to pumps, these would look nice with a dressy pair of pants

Wedged Boots: Rubber, Wrapped & Wood

The rubber wedges would definitely be long lasting, however personally, I think rubber wedges look bit juvenile and tacky, but that's just me. The wrapped versions seem okay, but I worry bout getting the heels scuffed up and ending up with missing patches of fabric, but they do look nice especially the leopard print versions. The wooden wedges appeal to me the most, they give an almost rustic charm and look sturdy enough to last for awhile

Buckled Boots & Boots Accessories

I love buckles on boots, they instantly give it a different look and toughens up one's image, the one in light brown suded reminds me a whole lot of Vivienne Westwood's slouchy pirate boots, this is probably it's more uptight cousin. The boots accessories are cute, especially the cute pom-poms, a cheap way to jazz up boots from previous seasons without having to raid a bank.

I think Sweet's take on the boots trend isn't as in-depth as it could be, not to mention they seem to have a thing for furry boots. So not my cup of tea, thank you.... I do think the boots accessories was a fabulous, inexpensive way to update a pair of boots, but other then that, the article was kindda like a half-hearted attempt to do attempt a shoes article.

Autmn/Winter Boots Trends by Edge*s Vol. 9

Which girl doesn't love her shoes? A pair can make or break and outfit in an instant so it's only understandable to have the need to constantly add new friends into one's shoes cabinet and one trend is a constant presence in an Autumn/winter wardrobe is none other then boots. Thus I present to you, Edge*s list of boot trends:

Tre sexy Thigh highs

Was popular last year and is back again, I'm planning to add one more pair to my shoe collection

Fur Lined & Lace Up Short Boots

The fur versions aren't really viable in tropical continents (like moi's home country), but the lace ups are bit school girl-ish mixed with a retro vibe, me likey...

Lace Up X Thigh Highs, Peeptoe ankle boots & Peeptoe Wedge boots
The thigh high laceups add an extra oomph to the already sexy style of the boots, but in a good way. Never been much of a fan of peeptoe style shoes but Kumickey seems to love her brown peeptoe wedged boots, she's been seen wearing them like in nearly all her recent pics.

Studded boots, Fur trimmed X Lace ups & Fringe boots

I like studded boots, they give it a military-ish, preppy kindda feel and I currently own a pair. The fur trimmed X laceups remind me of the Timberland shoe brand, could be the tan colouring. The fringe boot has been seen constantly in the last few seasons and doesn't appear to be dying anytime soon.

Other trends:

Straps, camel colour, 2 way etc.

I like the usefulness of the 2 way, you get 2 different styles of boots by simply taking off the fringe/fur, that's a real money-saver and who doens't like to save money? I also like the mary jane-esque black & white boots on d left bottom corner, the one with the red insole, very Christian Louboutin.

I'm definitely getting a new pair of thigh high boots, my current ones aren't as high as I would like them to be as in length-wise and heel height, they end at an odd area of my thigh making me look stumpy, but thansk to them I got abit of practice on matching the right otufits for thigh highs and amde me love the style alot more. I've also been wanting to get a pair of engineer boots for the longest time now, my current ones are a 2 way, with straps they look like engineer boots, without, they look like plain cowboy boots. Useful but I really want something but shorter, not to mention a plain pair of balck ankle boots.

Actually it's pretty funny that I want so many boots, because not many people in my country wear them. But it's their loss, not mine... so screw the stares and negative remarks, I wear it cause I like it! Geddit?!

Shopping Luck!

The first pair that caught my eye, its kindda like a milky brown that also appears somewhat nude in certain lighting.Love the rope detailing! My only gripe is the sole is completely flat and smooth so I'm worried that I might just brain myself on a lamp post or something whilst walking down the street... but at $29... heck! I'll take that risk...

Finally! I've found a pair of ankle cowboy boots! They're actually dark brown and in a velvety material. Usually I stay away from shoes in that material as they tend to turn to mush in the rain, but at $15.90 only... I'm not complaining....

Lately, I've been pretty broke lately after spending tons of money on make up and skincare, so I've only had a little bit left for clothes and shoes which is really difficult as I constantly have to resist all the great deals that are now flying around thanks to the Great Singapore Sale.... ugh, somebody just kill me already!

Anyway, it seems that the Goddess of Shopping has once again decided to bestow some shopping luck to me and this time, I managed to find 2 pairs of shoes in styles that I've been hunting high and low for! Not to mention, the prices of both combined are less then $45! Total steal!

Now if only some money would miraculously drop down from the sky, so that I can purchase the maxi dress I've been eyeing all week.... please?

Unusual Shoes

The newest member of the weird shoes club...

My personal favourite amongst the weird shoes club, Miu Miu's Teacup heels. I'm still praying that somehow, I could one day get my hands on a pair.... they'll be the perfect whimsical touch to a Lolita or Alice in Wonderland inspired outfit.

I don't know if it's just me or something, but lately it seems to me that there has to be at least one designer out there creating some really unusual pairs of shoes every season. I'm not talking bout bringing some old trend back a la the clog, but more on the level, where they're so unusual that people's opinions are split between them where some consider works of art, worthy of having a museum exhibition created around them, or in some cases, just plain weird.

My personal opinion depends very much on the said shoes, and with the melting stilettos of the Nicholas Kirkwood for Rodarte heels, I do like the idea, but the sporty, trainers-like front doesn't appeal much to me.... hmm....

Spring Bag & Shoe Trends

The boots for spring are mostly cowboy boots in mostly brown or tan with a few blac exceptions, some include studs, mesh or fringe detailing.

Trends for sandals include clogs, wedges soles, flower patterns in the fabric, ribbon detailing and the new gladiator which is less romanesque.

For pumos, you should look out for studs, ribbon details, patent materials and animal prints.

Even the humble and comfy ballet flats have trends which are studs, ribbon, spangles and Bijoux (or bejewelled)

Straw bags are big this season especially, Ethnic desings, knitted versions, spangles and bags with plenty of colour.

The shoulder bags is still popular (which is good news for people who randomly dump their stuff into their bags, like me), important factors include, large sizes, chain straps, studs and fringe detailing.

If you prefer a smaller handbag, details to look for include, bags made from canvas and leather materials and flower and stripe designs.

Sweet Magazine created a special feature that higlighted some of the key bag and shoe trends for this Spring/Summer season, so if you're planning to buy that new bag or pair of shoes for this season, the pictures show some of the key trends that you need to look out for.

Clogs

LV's version of the clog with a peg heel and tassle

I prefer Chanel's version, which looks more feminine

My pair, with cut-out detailing and straps in the back

"Fashion goes round in circles" - Siobhan Fahey

Everyone knows that fashion trends go round and round in circles, one minute something's in and everyone's clamouring for it, and the next, its out and if you still have that look or outfit, you're old-fashioned or simply stuck in a rut and calling out for mockery.

Why am I touching on this subject? That's because after looking at what's new and in this season, I can'thelp but noticing a particular piece of footwear that's gotten the fashion world talking, namely the humble clog.

Everywhere I turn, I see it, clogs here, clogs there, clogs with a high heel or clogs with a peg for a heel. There's little doubt that most people who have an interest in fashion wouldn't know about it unless they've been living under a rock....

Lucky for me, I don't need to start hunting for a high street version of the clog, I have a pair that's nestled amongst my mother's collection of shoes. After abit of digging, I managed to find it... proof that fashion goes round constantly in circle! Why?

My mother bought this pair like 3-4 years ago.... so much for being the latest trend.....