Framed Fendi

Vintage scarf + square frame = geometric art

Framing square scarves is nothing new, but this is my take on it. I bought this lovely Fendi scarf on etsy and it looks great! I feel so fancy just by looking at it. Large and dramatic.

This works best with a thin frame so that it doesn't overpower the scarf itself.
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Shades of blue

I'm a hoarder.

I've lived mostly in grayscale throughout my adolescence years, ever since I fell in love with My Chemical Romance (I ain't ashamed! Ok maybe a little bit). Even when my obsession with them faded, I continued on with my sombre fashion sense.

But this summer, the winds have changed. I'm bored of black and white. Suddenly, the idea of going out looking like an orange, tomato or a tube of ultramarine blue paint seems enticing.

It took me a while to realise that I've bought way too many blue clothes. All but one of these items were purchased this year!

Left to right, top to bottom:
blazer by Michael Kors, shorts by Hollister, silk shirt by Diane von Furstenberg
shorts by Hollister, shirt by Cotton On, tote by Furla
t-shirt by zara, skirt by H&M, maxi skirt by Soprano

I'll probably go back to my colourless wardrobe in the wintertime - you can still add a lot of interest to your outfit by contrasting different textures - but injecting a bright pop of colour is really refreshing right now.
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Favourite Candles

Oh dear...

I think my friends are going to start calling me Crazy Candle Lady now.

My collection of candles from D.L. & Company has slowly grown and it turns out that Thorn Apple is my favourite scent...

Someone help me. This is an expensive addiction! Literally burning a hole into my bank account! But I adore this company. May they be in business forever.
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TINSEL TOWN by Sephora x OPI

It amazes me how early people in the US start celebrating major holidays. People were already setting Christmas decorations up on their front yard before Thanskgiving, and Christmas songs have been playing on the radio non stop.

I figured I'd embrace this so I bought this nail polish set off Sephora, and it's really getting me into the holiday mood.




The full sized top coat "Only Gold For Me" is great! So many possibilities. I'm liking these glittery, slutty nails right now. Dare I try a glitter gradient soon?

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Oh Jewelled Tree

We first met in the summer of 2010.

I wanted to take you home, but I couldn't bear to part with $32 just yet... and so I waited for the day when you'd be discounted. But that day never came. Sure, I gazed at your online photograph from time to time, but life eventually got in the way and you become a distant memory.

Fast forward to 2012; I was surprised that you had been waiting all this time, quietly insisting that you were worth every penny. I couldn't resist you anymore. It was time to take you home.

Little birch jewelry stand from Urban Outfitters
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Love Vintage

Once upon a time, there was a girl who was cursed with the inability to prepare for an exam unless it was in less than 24 hours. Late one night, during one of her last minute revision sessions, tired, cranky and exasperated with her misfortune, she decided to cheer herself up by buying all the beautiful things she had favourited from Etsy's vintage section, and all was well in the world. For a few minutes at least.

It was good timing, because I had a little accident last week and ended up with stitches in my toe, stuck at home and bored to death - these deliveries perked me up a bit.

First I received this red travel wallet by St Thomas (sold by pollygolightly). I'm just crazy about wallets with different compartments and the descriptions stamped on - I've wanted a travel wallet from Aspinal of London for absolutely ages. Maybe it's because I'm an organisation-freak... can't resist red leather either. BTW, Zara is selling a red clutch bag with different compartments too. Might have purchased it by now, if it wasn't for the fact that I'd just bought something similar... (see below)

I also fell in love with this vintage toiletry set, made in West Germany (sold by cammoo). Beautiful split cowhide, neat little boxes, and a mirror too... not sure what to do with the brush but who cares when it looks this awesome?!

Been looking for a nice big leather bag that I can put my DSLR in along with everything else... was hoping to eventually buy one from THEIT but couldn't resist this boxy camera bag (sold by msmichiganroux). The front panel can be opened and pulled outwards. So rad!

Even with the specs listed it was roomier that I'd imagined...

Enough with the leather goods already!!

Okay, just one more...

This vintage clutch from Coach was designed by Bonnie Cashin and made in NY in the 70's, which is pretty awesome seeing as all Coach bags are now made in China. I mean, I'm Chinese and even I'm sick of it. Okay, so this one isn't from Etsy - I scored it on Ebay and paid a little more than I'd hoped, but it was still cheaper than the version Coach is currently reissuing as part of their Coach classics collection.

Lastly, I got these awesome teaspoons (obviously I think everything I bought is awesome, sorry for this abuse of the word) from englishrosevintage. Love the packaging!

The spoons are topped with a 3D crown and ship.

Buying vintage really makes you think about how the things you own can last you a long, long time, if you appreciate and purchase good quality items. It's easy to forget this when we live in a consumerist society where many companies try to sell things for as shit quality as possible - Jason Wu for Target, I'm looking at you!
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Paper Birkin

My short holiday at home has been full of the usual shopping and eating. The "paper" birkin by Wonder Anatomie has existed for quite a while now, but I was unsure of how to acquire this curious creation. Imagine my amazement when I found this knockoff-knockoff at Hong Kong clothing store Two Percent (more specifically, it's produced by derivative Plus Minus Times Divided). It only cost $300 HKD (approx 40 USD), or $50 if you buy another item! I just purchased a cheap vest so that I could pay the heavily discounted price.

Like the version from Wonder Anatomie, this one seems to be made of cork leather and not paper as the name deceivingly implies. It looks even less crumple-prone and also comes in grey.

Hopefully it'll last for a while. I'm even considering buying another one for when this one wears out. Love it!

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La Mer Watch

Finally, something worth blogging about - my watch from La Mer has arrived!

I've wanted one for SO LONG but could never decide on which colour... well, my old watch broke and this one was on sale at Ideeli so I had to have it.

It's functional AND effortlessly glamourous... love it!

(I'm sorry my teacups have been making such a frequent appearance.

Actually, no I'm not.)

When you get one, you'll obviously end up wanting more... there are so many to lust after, but these are at the top of my wishlist.

Flying back to HK tomorrow. Happy times ahead!
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Poison Apple

If Snow White was given this apple, I'd totally get why she took a bite.

What I love about the candles from D.L. and Co isn't just the fragrances themselves, but their unique designs that transform them into true works of art. I bought their mini skull candles in Harrods and have lusted after their other products for a long time...

I finally caved in and bought the mini version of the red apple during the black friday sale. Would have loved the full-sized version but I just bought a digital keyboard and felt too guilty! It's tiny so I don't think I'd ever want to use it... but the candle itself smells pretty amazing.

Some other things on my wish list...

The silver thorn apple candle and gold claw candle holder. Amaaaaaazing!

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Thanksgiving Loot

Since Thanksgiving pretty much consists of stuffing yourself with rich food and going crazy with shopping these days, it doesn't feel like my first time celebrating it. It just feels like I'm welcoming an old friend, and it's about darn time you showed up, pal!

Many shops were open before it was even midnight... I'm just glad I didn't do something dangerous like go to Walmart and fight for a two dollar waffle iron. We went to the Houston Premium Outlets instead.

Lo and behold, there was a Wedgewood store! I bought a teacup and saucer in the Lady Carlyle pattern for around $16 USD... it would have cost over $40 full price. They were out of stock for the saucer though, so it's getting sent to my apartment.

The hollyberry candle from Fringe Studio smells amazing, but I have a feeling it's an item from last year's collection as I can't find it online anymore... it's a shame since I would have loved to stock up on more of them.

My sister and her boyfriend both snatched up boxers from Gap with candy cane and snowmen prints... obviously I had to get my hands on them too. They make for some seriously cute pajama shorts.

I also got a silk shirt from Theory for $37... gotta love a good bargain, though I don't see myself wearing it any time soon. Speaking of which, I don't know why I've ended up with so many white clothes... it's not really a wise choice for clumsy people like me.

I also wanted to buy a bag from Kate Spade but had to refrain, as I'd bought a digital piano online... It's been months since I've played piano (i.e. too f*cking long) so I cannot wait to get it!

Now that Thanksgiving has come and gone, I'm sure everyone's holiday spirit will snowball (see what I did there?) rapidly into Christmas. Don't you just love the the end of every year? It's time to start reflecting on 2011: the decisions we made, the people we met, the friendships we maintained and the family members we got to know better. x

A week in London

Life has been hectic as I've tried to settle down in Houston.

But I did go back to London last month to attend my graduation ceremony. Obviously I tried to cram as much in as possible, which included watching Phantom of the Opera for the third time and revisiting some of my favourite restaurants and shops.

It's hard not to miss such a great city and not feel sad about not knowing when I'll next be back!

First night in London: my dad wanted to try out the Goring Restaurant, as the corresponding hotel is where Kate Middleton spent the night before her wedding. They have a well-priced 3 course dinner menu.

They made arrangements for my dad's birthday as requested :)

I've been to Terroirs once before and so I brought my parents there for a quick meal before watching Phantom. It's like gourmet comfort food ♥

Snails on toast 

Quail on polenta

Candy Cafe completes my life...

THAT cheesecake crepe

Graduation @ Royal Albert Hall

The day after: lunch with the parents at the Ledbury.

I let my dad order the lamb... tasted just as amazing as the last time.

The truffle toast that accompanied the buffalo milk curd

The brilliant violet ice cream!

A good friend treated me to dinner at Mitsukoshi. Why have I not been before? You know it's good when even the Japanese go there!

There is a huge gaping hole in my life that rose macarons once occupied... Can someone send me some from Pierre Herme please?

The Harwood Arms... partly owned by Brett Graham of the Ledbury, I've been meaning to try this gastropub for a long time. For some reason, I forgot to book a table and we were only able to sit at the bar. Thankfully, the "bar snacks" still make for a decent lunch.

THAT scotch egg

And lastly... the obligatory souvenirs:

Finally managed to tick off a lot of things on my wish list (please bear with the pink overload; I have my moments!), like the teacup and mug I bought at the Harrods store at the airport just before leaving.

I've been back in Houston for a fortnight now... and although interesting restaurants and shops aren't condensed together like in London, I'm sure that there will be good finds - if I look hard enough. 

Dear London... I will be back someday. x

Fuuvi Chocolate Camera

I finally caved in and bought a toy camera from FUUVI.

Okay, so it's really difficult to take decent pictures, and unfortunately the program that comes with it only runs on Windows (damn!!!), but I just couldn't resist.

Laptop Accessories - An Extension of Lifestyle

A luxurious take on laptop sleeves and bags made specifically to fit your beloved notebook in.

These products really reminded me of Luxiraire's amazing handmade camera bag, travel bag and iPad bag.

Mulberry for Apple

Daria Sleeve for Macbook

Bayswater for 13" Macbook

Knomo = knowledge and mobility

"We wanted a bag that was as special and personal to us as what we held within it. Not simply a container, but an extension of both style and lifestyle."

The Knomo bags are my favourite... I think I'm in love.

Rubi Briefcase - medium

Helena flap brief with removable laptop pouch

I especially love the laptop sleeves. Once I saw them, my mind screamed "I WANT I WANT!"

Patent Mock-Croc laptop sleeve

Bayswater embossed quilt sleeve

Made with faux nappa leather, some even come with a faux-fur lining. All Knomo products come with an individual tracking code, which you can register your bag with. I'm not sure how useful this could be when someone finds it - they'd have to call one of the numbers on the tag - but it's a good initiative nonetheless. The sleeves are £40 each - a possible Christmas gift to myself??

Liberty London for Apple

Ianthe embossed leather business bag

Ianthe embossed leather laptop sleeve

It's getting super cold in London. Don't forget to wrap up!
 xxx