DIY Project - AA Dress

I've decided to buy this dress from American Apparel (not!). It can be worn in so many different ways and looks pretty versatile.

Ok. I borrowed the idea and made my own version =) Why would I want to buy a dress that cost US$38 when I can make it in less than 1hr for less than S$10.

Dress - DIY
Shoes - Aldo

benefit me (black friday)

I don't usually use Benefit Cosmetics (I'm a MAC and Bobbi Brown fan) but since there's a sale, no harm giving it a try since the prices are comparable to MAC's sale. I didn't check out the counter prices so I'm juz comparing based on online US prices, which are already cheaper than SG's counters.

Top left to right. Boi-ing - S$10 (UP. US$18), Lemon Aid - S$10 (UP. US$20), Show Off - S$10 (UP. US$12)

Bottom left to right. Silky Finish Lipstick S$15 (UP. US$18), HollywoodGlo S$16 (UP. US$24), Hard Angle Brush S$12 (UP. US$12)

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Also, guys who are fans of Calvin Klein underwear and missed the previous sale 2 weeks ago (briefs and boxers went for $10 each), there's another one at Isetan Scotts now going at 50% off. Nithe has a total of 7 now =) I love love love their band. Would have bought for myself if I could wear it.

happy thanks giving

Since my sis's A Levels was over, she has been so free and in a shopping deficit. I grabbed her to the Charles and Keith Warehouse Sales to see whether we can find any good buys. There were shoes ranging from $9-35 and bags from $15-35. Not lacking of shoes (my sis juz bought 2 pairs of pumps the day before), we settled for 2 pairs of $9 shoes and a $15 basket bag. People around us bought tons of shoes and bags, which made us feel pathetic. We quickly got our asses out and rushed for our next appointment.

My mum was kinda free at work so she decided to sneak out for an impromptu lunch at Au Petit Salut. A month ago, I was here and I said I'll be back =)

Some of our yummy food. The desserts were so good that by the time I remembered to take photos, they were half gone =(

My sis and I were complaining about how this year will be the first year end in at least 5 years which we are not traveling. Now that my sis is out of JC, we can travel during off-peak seasons. We were reminiscing significant places we once visited like safaris in South Africa, our first snow encounter in Turkey, how we were robbed at San Francisco etc. Those were like eons ago and I can vaguely remember. Almost at the end of lunch, I realized that today's thanks giving. What a wonderful way to spend it on a random Thursday, in the midst of exams.

Do we look alike?

DIY Project - Karla Skirt

I'm finally done with my project =) If this looks familiar, yes you have probably seen it before here. I thought that the skirt looked really great and I can't seem to find anything similar so I've decided to try DIY style. It's not that hard actually. And yes I made this skirt based on those 3 photos. I juz wished it has more flare but considering my first attempt at a pleated skirt, I can't be more thrilled.

Top: mum's
Skirt: DIY
Clutch: Miss Sixty
Shoes: Pedder Red

I've tons of DIY ideas I'm dying to try out after exams. This is fun. I always have this idea that home made stuffs are fragile and may disintegrate anytime so I kinda fear wearing them out. Now, I've to be confident and try to rock my own work.

anticipation

I've been working on this project and I'm so excited. It's almost done. Can't wait =)

let's play dress up

I love Sundays, simply for the fact that I can dress up for church, walk out to the hall where my mum is reading newspaper, asking her for opinion, at the same time being asked same question over and over again ' is it new?'. She can actually remember most of my clothes and identify new from old. At least I know that her memory is not failing =)

Top: Free People
Denim: Armani Exchange
Plaid Briefcase: Urban Outfitters
Shoes: Anne Klein

denim fest

I can't believe I didn't hear about this sale until this evening when it started on THURSDAY =( Anyway, I rushed down and luckily there were not many people. 25 was their smallest size and sadly, I can't fit into it. I've been eyeing on True Religion for awhile and I really wanted to get one.

I racked their kid's denim and the sale guy was doubtful and tried directing me to the right section. I tried their largest kid's size available, size 10, and yay! Children clothes is the way to save money. True Religion Low Rise Bobby. I love their bold stitching =)

This completes my 1 year denim collection.
Sass&Bide - 1
Rock&Republic - 1
Seven for All Mankind - 1
True Religion - 1
Miss Sixty - 4
575 - 1
Cheap Monday - 1
Armani Exchange - 1

1 down, 2 more to go

To mark the completion of 1 out of 3 papers, 2 of which are 2 weeks later, Chiew and I went for grocery shopping at Jalan Merah Saga and lunch at Holland V. We came across this pet shop which allows its cats to roam around freely outside the premise of the shop, with faith that they will come back to its 'home'. In particular, there was this cat which followed us few shops down, wanting to play with us. It first came to our feet, dropped down on her back, and started flipping and rolling around. When we entered the shop, she was like waiting for us outside and when we came out, she continued. Such an adorable fur ball =) Fat and furry juz as I like it.

We then decided to check out the other animals in the pet store and I shocked by this creature. It's seriously the most scary animal I've ever seen in real life. The sphynx cat is hairless, and looks like a mutated alien. It's paws are like webbed and when it balls up, it looks even more like a deformed creature, something like those creatures in Lord of the Rings. I had to block it away from my peripheral sight before walking past because it's so haunting. It's totally different from those sphynx cat online. Seeing it physically gives the creeps. Now I've to try block it out from my memory.


Oh did I mention that I've only 2 papers left while some lucky few are HALF done =) So much for being in 4th year.

Can brand blind one's taste?

Sometimes I wonder whether I'm in love with the design of the clothing or the brand. There are definitely times when I'm drawn purely by the brand. I think some people (including myself sometimes) may have the mentality that if it's from a particular established designer, it has to be fabulous. I guess it shouldn't matter that much as people see the beauty of the clothes, not its brand. They are not gonna ask you the brand before deciding whether it looks good or not.

As Joe Zee, Creative Director of Elle Magazine said, just because you have the right label on, doesn't mean it's always gonna be the right choice.

more blazers

I'm so into blazers now that I wish it could rain more so that's an excuse for me to wear it out without looking ridiculous =)

Blazer: Mum's
Dress: Diesel
Belt: DKNY
Tights: ?
Shoes: Anne Klein

And the idea of a sleeveless tuxedo vest is totally cool for our weather. Trying to get my hands on something similar.

baby natasha turns 1

My baby niece celebrated her very first birthday today. It was this humongous party, with tons of other babies, friends, relatives and BALLOONS. The whole house was decorated beautifully and it was juz great. Looking back at my baby photos, I don't think I had a party. Juz my parents, I and a cake =)

This is the first time I'm visiting their place and I'm WOW. Isn't their place gorgeous? A little background. My cousin's husband is a SQ pilot, so is her father-in-law. When they got married, her parent-in-laws bought another smaller condo for themselves and sort of gave them their current 2000 sq-feet Marine Parade apartment and maid. My cousin doesn't work and takes care of her baby full-time. At this point of time, I think everyone wants to either be a pilot or marry a pilot.


2 adults + 1 baby + 1 maid stay in a 4 bedroom apartment.

1. A study room which won't be used for at least the next 5 years;
   
2. A music room with a complete electronic drum set, an organ, 3 guitars, a synthesizer and microphones;
3. A guest room;
4. Master bedroom.
   

Look at the number of guests and the mountain of presents. Isn't it amazing how a small kid is able to bring so many people together?


Baby Natasha's cake was from choc.a.blog. It's super delicious =) So happen that the father's birthday is a week later so they celebrated it together. Dad's cake is yummy lychee martini. 2 cakes in 1 party. How much better can it get?

My mum, being the GRAND AUNTIE, was trying to hog baby Natasha for as long as possible.

It's really hard to get baby Natasha to stay still and take a photo. She's constantly moving and I so feel like tying her still. Currently, I'm soooo not a baby person. I think I'll juz struggle he/her.

Each kid can take home a balloon. I'm a bigger baby and so I'm entitled to slightly more. Wonder how many balloons do I need to lift me?

Monkey see, monkey do

I've been reading articles regarding 'identity and self' for HR and this whole idea of identity is really getting to me. The confusion between real and ideal self, as well as the constant seeking of others' approval is perhaps human nature but till what extend should one go to? Are we out to please everyone but drowning ourselves in the process?
If fashion is a form of identity, shouldn't it be something uniquely you? I think it's cool to admire and draw inspiration from someone's style, I mean that's what fashion blogs are all about and the reason people want to dress well. But to obsess and copy, not only is it uncool but stalker-ish and the lost of one's true self identity. Isn't it scary if you were to go shopping and some mysterious person is picking out the exact same stuffs as you? I guess some people would call that idolatry and secretly enjoys it. Monkey see, monkey do. I'm sure we're above that =)

another crazy christmas

Uncle recommended this. Must support local musicals =) Looking forward to see how Dim Sum Dollies put a local twist to Christmas. I'm going on 21 Dec. Shall try to soak up all the Christmas spirit after 2 consecutive nights of caroling.

presentations no more

This sums up HR2002. The many hours we spent staring at his bulge, wondering whether his buttons were gonna give way, and analyzing how he wears his pants.

A guy who carries a woman's handbag is like a guy wearing bra (Linus)


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I love everything she's wearing, especially her bag and shoes. I'm so dying for a bag like that.

white furry thing

Anyone interested in CATS Musical? They will be performing at Esplanade in April 2009. There are student tickets available at $50 for all categories. Juz bought mine =)

My cousin's dog in Australia is so darn cute! Since Nithe will never be able to find a dog big enough for him to ride, he said he will buy me this fur ball next time =)

Club21 Bazaar

I've always wanted a tight high-waisted pencil skirt and finally received mine from American Apparel. It's not as tight as I've wished but guess that's the case when I've no hips and butt. Hopefully the dryer can do wonders and shrink it.

Top: Diesel
Skirt: American Apparel
Bag: Kate Spade
Shoes: Anne Klein

I went for the Club21 Bazaar at Pit Building and boy, it's probably the largest scale bazaar Club21 has ever organized. They carried all their brands, from their cheaper range of ArmaniExchange and CalvinKlein, to their top ranges of Marni and Balenciaga apparels. The prices were more reasonable but still not crazily cheap. There were moments where I felt really lost. Like there're so much clothes and I literally don't know what to do or where to start or what to buy. Of course, having a budget really helps. There was a selection of shoes but none in my size as usual. Sometimes size 35 is still loose on my binded feet. One can lose/gain weight to fit into clothes but the feet is something that won't change.
I stuck with my favourite ArmaniExchange and added 4 tops and a pair of skinny to my ever growing collection. Also got a top from Diesel and 2 belts from DKNY. All these for slightly over $200. I should say that it's a bargain. 95% of people left with bags full of goodies. The 5% are probably guys since there wasn't much stuff for them. The crappy thing is that they PURPOSELY blocked off all the mirrors and there are no fitting rooms. So you either have to trust ur friend's eyes or depend on your own instincts.

tamed machine

So I've decided to give the sewing machine another try. This time I dug out the manual and Nithe's mum gave me a short tutorial and it made me feel damn stupid for struggling with the machine that day when it's actually so simple. Wonders of a manual. I did some modifications to the skirt and proudly wore it to town =) Pleased with myself.

Top: Wetseal
Necklace: Island Shop
Skirt: Made
Bag: Burberry
Shoes: Charles and Keith

DIY Project - Elastic Waisted Skirt

I saw this really cute DIY skirt from childhood flames and looks really simple so I've decided to give it a try. A round of applause for myself since it's my first time and it didn't turn out that bad. See uncle YR, I can sew. And this skirt costs $8, cheaper than those $10 pieces at Bugis Village =)
Lesson learnt: True test of patience is using a sewing machine for the first time in your life without a manual.

Top: American Apparel
Necklace: Island Shop
Skirt: Made
Shoes: Anne Klein

imagine

After stalking many fashion blogs, I can't help but feature a little something of my own. I'm in love with the clothes, NOT myself. Since there's no winter in SG, I shall imagine rain = snow and juz wear my coats.

Blazer: Mum's
Top: some unknown american brand
Shorts: Guess high waisted

If you watched S02E09 of GossipGirl and noticed Blair's hair when she ran around saving Emma, this is it. I never actually thought of tying it this way before seeing her in it. Nice =)

the price of pizza

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Chiew drew me this feather

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and so I'm a red indian

The professors for Tissue Engineering suddenly decided that since our lecture throughout the sem fell during lunch hour, they wanted to treat us all to pizza. So they ordered in like 15 boxes or so of pizza to treat the whole class =) As cool as free pizza might sound, free chocolates got us into so much crap for the previous TYW's module.

Free pizza + free chocolates = pretty much screwed for exams

See how everyone is enjoying FREE PIZZA =)

After 1 whole semester, Tryph and I spotted this really cute exchange student in our small little class. Coz he was always sitting in front so we didn't get a chance to @@ him. His group presented today and so tadah.

Top: FCUK
Shorts: F21
Shoes: ASOS

halloween night

Instead of dressing up and partying on Halloween, we had to drag our asses to sch on our free day to finish our HR report (my very last report). Spinelli at University Hall has been our corner. It's a really nice place to work despite its lack of wireless connection.

After which we made our way to Selegie Road to this little kebab place, tucked in Peace Center. It was closed the previous time I came so I suggested this place this time round. My ex-colleague strongly recommended it to me last time. It's pretty good but somehow I prefer Anatolia and its irritating ice cream man.

We then went for some tau huay across the road at Rochor where we had the whole alley to ourselves =) Cheap and yummy food to fill our stomachs.