Cookies & Candies

Snapshots of Hampshire

2013-05-23T12:36:00.001+01:00

You know you've assimilated into the English culture when you become obsessed with the weather. It's the first thing you check when you get up. The weather forecast app gets more finger taps than anything else on my phone. You race out the door the minute there's a ray of sunshine bursting through between the grey clouds. Or find a spot in the house that gets the most sunshine.

The sun reared its weary head in the evening (finally) so I grabbed my friend Christy and Lil L and made them go for a walk right up to the hilltop. Even after 5 years, I still get asked frequently why the heck did I prefer to live in the U.K when most people are hoping to escape to Australia or New Zealand. I don't have a garden nor do I ever have a desire to have one. I still have the remarkable talent of killing any plants on my window sill that aren't eaten up within a month. But what I have is charming and pretty countryside right in my backyard.

As we walked down the country lane, we caught a whiff of the fragrant jasmine flower (did you know that jasmine is a natural remedy for stress and anxiety?). There were aquatic insects skimming the surface of the river, squirrels scurrying about and birds chirping in the background. I can't help but feel grateful for my life here in the U.K.

Spring Inspiration

2013-05-22T14:39:00.000+01:00

The lovely Avril of School Gate Style who secretly nominated me (behind my back!) just informed me that I've made it to the finals of Britmums' Brilliance In Blogging Award 2013 along with herself and Kat of Does My Bum Look 40 in This (no, they don't, Kat)? Congratulations, ladies! A huge thank you to all of you for voting for me. This is totally unexpected. I couldn't have done it without all of you.

While most people have a vase of flowers to decorate their home, I have a salad window box or in this case, a salad table box. The problem with food obsessed individuals is that we don't see cute duckies swimming merrily in the river, we see floating Beijing roast duck served with pancakes, hoisin sauce and julienne spring onions. My salad box is a wonderful conversation starter but more importantly, it's a never ending source of food for me during spring, provided I don't yank out the roots.

Just in case if you're wondering if I've somehow undergone a miraculous metamorphosis from a plant murderer to having a green thumb overnight......... I bought it for 0.99 pence from the supermarket. Now that's what I call instant gratification.

Lately, my favorite drink has been elderflower cordial mixed with carbonated water and decorated with a sprig of mint. After having broken numerous glasses, I couldn't be bothered buying anymore. Besides, these empty mason jars are way cooler than ordinary glasses. So if you want to save yourself some money and be hip, don't chuck out your jam jars especially if they look this good.

Spring in the air

2013-05-20T14:46:00.000+01:00

Outfit: Comptoir des Cotonniers pea coat (similar here), Petit Bateau mariniere top (or here), Zara jeans, See by Chloe sandals (similar here and E.U, here), Chanel sunnies and Barbour bag.

Outfit: Etoile Isabel Marant parka (similar here), Alexander Wang t-shirt (E.U here), James Jeans "Twiggy", See by Chloe sandals (similar here and E.U, here), Barbour bag and Chanel sunnies.

Outfit: Burberry jacket (similar here, E.U here), Uniqlo sweater, Zara jeans, Hermes belt, Repetto flats (E.U here) and Barbour bag.

The problem with dieting is that if you're deprived of something, you crave for it more. The same goes for sunshine here in the U.K. The minute there's a hint of sunshine, what feels like the entire population of the U.K descend upon the beaches, parks and town centers en masse. Erm..... myself included. If you've noticed that I'm a little slow with emails, replying to comments..... I blame it on the sun.

Every now and then, I go off fashion. Fashion, Schfashion. Too much of a good thing is well....too much, really. So for the past week or two, I've been going for walks (a very good thing), Instagramming practically everything and anything that's static or mobile (not too good as exhibiting OCD behavior) and eating (NOT good). I've even managed to twist Lil L's arm to have my photos taken. She was able to multi-task remarkably well - composing the shots while rolling her eyes (I'm surprised her eyeballs weren't stuck to the back of her skull) and critiquing my poses (honesty is over-rated).

Carrie Bradshaw and J.K Rowling do most of their writing in a cafe. I, on the other hand, live in the U.K so blogging in a pub is TOTALLY acceptable. By the way, this pub here is also known as my second office. Oh, and they serve a bloody good Sunday roast.

While most people upgrade from a phone camera to a proper DSLR, I do the opposite. Lugging around a heavy camera with a lens big enough to knock out a human ain't all that fun. All photos are taken with my Samsung Galaxy Note phone.

What would you do if you weren't afraid?

2013-05-17T13:41:00.000+01:00

Source: Uploaded by user via Ken on Pinterest

Two good things came out of being bedridden with the flu for two weeks over the Christmas season - I had a lot of time to read and think. Secondly, I lost a ton of weight (which I regained soon after. The joy of having a flatter tummy and skinnier thighs was undeniably fabulous while it lasted. Pffffftttt). If I could turn back the clock, there was one thing I'd do differently - be more fearless. It was fear that held me back from taking more risks, being myself or taking the opportunities when they presented themselves.

Over the course of the next 5 months, I spoke to friends, acquaintances, strangers, kids etc. The one thing that stuck out like a bright neon signboard was how fearful most people are. The fear of being ridiculed. The fear of appearing stupid. The fear of being laughed at. The fear of failure. The fear of being unable to handle success. The fear of rejection. Here's the thing - 99.5% of our fears lie in the realms of our imagination. It's crazy to think that the power of imagination is so potent that it can paralyze us and impale our dreams permanently. What's even crazier is that most of our fears never even materialize yet they can stop us dead in our tracks. In fact, most of us are so absorbed in their own worries and everyday trivialities, they don't have time to think about other people.

But hey, what if we did look stupid? So what's the big deal? The Armageddon did not descend on planet Earth and decimate the entire population. Why do we take ourselves so seriously? You'll notice that if you laugh at yourself, others laugh with you, not at you. There's also an audible sigh of relief from those around you because they can relate to you.

While we're on the topic of imagination. Imagine if Rosa Parks did not defiantly refused to give up her bus seat in 1955 in the days where the blacks and whites were segregated. There wouldn't be a launch of civil rights movement soon after with the removal of legal color bars. Bit by bit, many in Malaysia have taken a step to speak out against the corrupt government despite the threat of imprisonment and other bullying tactics by the officials.

If you're a parent, what kind of impact will you have on your kids if they see you feel the fear yet do it anyway? What would be the butterfly effect if you'd stepped out of your comfort zone and did what you've always wanted to do?

Is imitation the highest form of flattery?

2013-05-15T13:46:00.004+01:00

Next Pale Blue Cuff

Hermes Kelly Dog

You know what they say? Imitation is the highest form of flattery. Though I'm not particularly sure if I agree completely with that statement.

Fifteen years ago, I purchased a "Birkin inspired" bag in Hong Kong for $150. I used it once and discarded the bag months later. The hubby once stopped me from buying a lookalike Van Cleef & Arpels Alhambra necklace with these words - you'll never be satisfied with a second rate item. I guess it's like craving for a chocolate fudge cake but getting a carob cake instead.

However, I've noticed that High St stores are now copying designs right off the runway, some more blatantly than others. British designer, Jonathan Saunders was once asked about this issue. He broached the topic with a lot of grace and tact though I can empathize how difficult it must be to see one's hard work copied without any financial compensation.

Check out the poor relation of the original Hermes Kelly Dog from Next. It looks like a counterfeit Hermes bracelet with wonky hardware and badly applied paint along the edges.

15 minute Meals for Spring

2013-05-14T21:02:00.002+01:00

A combo of whole wheat and normal spaghetti tossed with toasted pine nuts, fresh & crisp cherry tomatoes (marinated in extra virgin olive oil, chopped basil, sea salt), pan fried courgette and streaky bacon (or pancetta).

Steamed & lightly mashed potatoes tossed in butter and a sprinkling of sea salt.
Salmon baked/grilled for 10-12 minutes with slivers of butter, sea salt, freshly ground pepper and a squeeze of honey on top.
Salad: cubed cucumber, cherry tomatoes, basil, beetroot and honey infused goat cheese with vinaigrette (extra virgin oil, squeeze of lemon, a teaspoon of dijon mustard and teaspoon or two of honey)

Omelette with salad (salad leaves, cherry tomatoes, ham and goat cheese)

There are 3 things I just cannot get used to despite having lived in the U.K for 5 years now.

One - Accents. There are more accents in England than the number of freckles on my face (and I have a LOT!). Drive 20 miles out of one town and into the next and you'll get someone speaking a different kind of English. I get into a lot of trouble whenever I speak to someone at a call center. I'm sure they want to bash my head in when I say "I'm soooo sorry....could you repeat that again? Pretty please?" for the millionth time.

Two - Bureaucracy. How many British government officials does it take to change a light bulb? Answer: 5. One to apply for the permit to change the light bulb. One to process the application. One to approve the application. One to buy the light bulb. One to change the light bulb.

Three - the weather. It's even more hormonal than I am and has thrown more hissy fits than some of the naughtiest kids I know. It's officially spring and I steadfastly refuse to wear anymore winter clothes despite freezing my arse off. This is also the very reason why I've also adopted a spring menu recently. Well, that and also I needed to shift some unsightly bulges from overindulgence. Here are 3 simple ideas, not so much as recipes that you can put together in under 15 minutes. Bon Appétit!

Weekend Snapshots

2013-05-13T13:55:00.000+01:00

Creperie by South Kensington tube station

Manolo Blahnik's tiny flagship store on Old Church St, Chelsea

A beautiful terraced house that will require more kidneys than I can afford to give up

Last Saturday, I hitched a ride with a friend to London and spent a few quiet hours strolling the streets, food gazing, talking to strangers (the result of working from home and never having an opportunity to verbalize one's thought), reading a book at a cafe, people (and shoe) watching, admiring charming townhouses and calculating how much a kidney is worth these days.

I pinch myself every now and then, to remind myself how lucky I am to live so close to London. Far enough to appreciate the countryside and not feel overwhelmed by the fast paced city but close enough to pop over whenever I get the urge to.

After being nearly driven mad by a child who kept haranguing me to bake the Pandan Chiffon cake, I decided to give it a go. It's a fairly common cake in Malaysia with its airy, sponge-like texture along with the aromatic pandan (screwpine leaves) and coconut flavor. My sister bought the cake tin and paste for me a few years ago and I finally got around to using them for the very first time yesterday. It's actually fairly easy to bake so if you're keen to give it a go, here's the recipe.

Well, since the oven was still pretty hot, I decided to bake a Victoria Sponge as well. We had to forego dinner after a cake gorging session. After much googling, I found out that you could make your own self raising flour by simple adding 2 teaspoons of baking powder per every 150g of plain flour. Pretty neat, huh?

Pass It Forward: 3 Unconventional Bloggers

2013-05-10T14:08:00.003+01:00

These 3 aren't your conventional bloggers. They don't do popular, mainstream or your typical run of the mill type of fashion blogging. They're so different that they're actually cool. They send a clear message about their individuality and make no excuses about it. That's also the very reason why I love reading their blogs. These 3 ladies are also rather camera shy so don't expect to see their faces plastered all over their blogs.

Jess of Empty Emptor

Jess is a post-doctoral cognitive neuroscientist from the U.K. Her writing is riveting, thought provoking, insightful and not without plenty of research material to back up her arguments. In fact, she reminds me of Dana Thomas, the brilliant author of How Luxury Lost Its Lustre who doggedly pursued every avenue to uncover the reality behind luxury brands. Jess explores various topics ranging from consumption driven by blogs to the two sides of so called ethical practices within the fashion industry. I'm slowly going through her entire archive which I believe should be compiled into a book.

Amanda of Assembled Haphazardly

Though I hate all insects, I do have a brain the size of one so I flit from topic to topic, thanks to an extremely short attention span. That's also the reason why Amanda's blog appeals to me as it's more of a journal of her thoughts on food, fashion and life. It feels personal, more of a one on one conversation with a close friend. I love that she doesn't follow trends but marches to the beat of her drum in her own gentle manner.

Aliya of Aesthetic Li

You may recognize Aliya from her popular blog, Marant Philes dedicated to all things Isabel Marant. However, Aesthetic Li has a wider scope and covers street style along with her own outfits. It can be a little demoralizing when you see picture perfect photos of perfectly made up, super thin and tall who often ended up modeling for brands. Kudos to them. However, the majority of ladies on Planet Earth are a little, how do you say, shorter, have problem areas and dress to suit their lifestyle as well as made up of all different skin colors. The North Caroline based speech therapist includes a wide variety of street style fashion that's not only chic but also relatable.

Fashion Holy Grail

2013-05-09T14:52:00.000+01:00

By the way, these books make fabulous displays and fool guests into thinking that I'm an intellect. My REAL reading material lies in another bookcase.

I used to think that if I've found THE ONE (no, I'm not talking about the human type or else I would be a serial bigamist by now), that would be it. The yearning, the hunt, the stalking, the obsession.... that will all cease. It's no different to a hunter stalking its prey. (Come to think of it, it almost sounds like disturbing behavior from a troubled individual. And we're talking about something as benign as a Fashion Holy Grail). I can finally enjoy my long awaited HG. But then......the strangest thing happens. Along comes yet another Fashion Holy Grail. And another. And another.

When will it ever end? I suppose cancelling subscriptions to all the magazines and online publications may help reduce the never ending desire for the next Holy Grail by a smidgeon. Or the other extreme, smash the router (must remember to call it a roooooter here in the UK) on the concrete floor a number of time to ensure that it's totally dead. No internet. No connection to the outside world. The other option is to become a recluse and live in a cave.

Etoile Isabel Marant parka (similar here) and Rick Owens jacket (heavily discounted) (similar here)

I guess it's no different to any other holy grails. A bigger house. The latest MacBook Air that's so light it can float. A boxful of Diptyque candles. I can go on but let's get back to the ones related to fashion. You spend all day long working, looking after every member of your family, sit through mind numbing and endless children activities, managing your finances, planning for your future and let's not forget, the endless housework. You want something to take your mind off the heavy load that's perched on your shoulders. You want something that's fun, mindless and yes, superficial. Furthermore, it makes you feel darn good. Well, until the next hunting season begins.

Take the Hermes Kelly which I've driveled on often enough here. I decided that the style was more me compared to a Birkin but living in New Zealand has its disadvantages. I was hundreds of miles away from the nearest Hermes store and I didn't want to wait another 3 years. I've decided on the color, leather and size but finding one was near impossible until I saw it sitting in its glory at a consignment store. I was hyperventilating and literally broke out in cold sweat when I had to hand over my bank card. Or the boyfriend jeans which took me 6 months to find. Thanks to Sam, I've managed to my holy grail jeans in Zara for a mere £29.99.

How about the Repetto leopard print ballet flats that I stumbled upon by chance at a third of the retail price while online window shopping at Yoox? I was so desperate to own a pair that I'd tried to convince the ladies at Repetto to have them custom made. They said no. I was devastated.


I'd been searching for a parka for what felt like a million years when my friend, Heather dug the Etoile Isabel Marant parka out of the hundreds of racks at the outlet store in Istanbul. I paid the act of kindness forward by doing the same for another friend at a Isabel Marant sample sale. She'd been lusting after my parka for the longest time. Ditto for the Rick Owens jacket so I won't bore you further with my endless tales of finding my FHG.

My rationale is that I've spent so long ticking these FHGs off my list that I had to put them to good use. And I did and still do. So, what's next? You didn't think my list is finite, did you? I'm still dreaming of finding the perfect panama hat and a neon yellow pumps that I can walk in. Oh and another Hermes Kelly if I happen to win Lotto.

Now it's your turn. What are YOUR Fashion Holy Grails?

Cool, Chic & Comfortable Summer Sandals £60 and under

2013-05-07T14:15:00.001+01:00

Personally, the BEST thing about blogging is not about the events that I've been invited to or the number of hits I get per day but it's the friends that I've made. They keep me going on days when blogging becomes a chore (let's face it, few of us make enough to justify blogging professionally), inspire me when my "deep" well of ideas run as dry as the Sahara, celebrate my success or secretly nominate me for an award (yes, I'm talking to you, Avril. You know that I know that you did it). I want to thank Vanisha for the touching post she wrote about me over the weekend which made me teary eyed along with Sooae (of the Haute Cookie or should I say Hot Mama) who'd left such a sweet comment.

Clarks Sharna Balcony (enter "bright" for a discount)

I've now decided that the best way to go shoe shopping is to covertly stare at women's feet. No, seriously! Women shoe shop a lot. Since they've practically edited the entire world's shoe collection on your behalf, why go to all that trouble yourself? I go to a function and I check out the attendees' shoes. I shoe watch when I'm at a cafe. I don't have a foot fetish, just a tad obsessed with sandals after having boots permanently soldered onto my feet for more than half a year. I mean....it's not like staring at someone's groin or boobs. That would be totally wrong. And disturbing.

I was talking to a chic PR lady at a fashion event when I zoomed in on her shoes. Ankle strap? Check (can you tell I'm still addicted to ankle strap heels? My excuse is I'm channeling Sofia Coppola. So there). Chunky heels? Check!
"Err....." I interrupted her mid-speech. "Where did you get your shoes? Marni? Chloe?"
"Clarks", she whispered in my ear. "But don't tell anyone!" Poor lady looked remarkably uncomfortable. After all, we're surrounded by designer clad women.
Cue jaw dropping moment. Clarks?! That orthopedic....chunky....old ladies shoe shop on High St that I avoid like the plague?? NO! "You're kidding, right?!"
"Erm.....no."

Clarks Sleepy Dust (or here)

So I came home and checked out...... C L A R K S (sorry, I still have trouble saying that word). Insanely cheap and comfortable shoes. They're not going to win the designer of the year award and the quality is a little inconsistent but hey, for 30 something quid, I think I can put my misconceptions away for the moment. I spied a pair of gladiator heels that look Givenchy -esque. Another has the flavor of Roberto del Carlo wedges. While you're at it, do check these gorgeous flats from Boden. I spied them on a friend's feet at a party and I just HAD to find out.

New Goodies in the Store

2013-05-04T20:28:00.002+01:00

Chloe Susanna Ankle Boots size 36

Proenza Schouler PS1 Large Satchel

Alexander Wang Perforated Rafael Cross Body Bag

My apologies for the lack of post on the last couple of Fridays. Life has managed to get in the way of blogging which meant less time trawling the cyberworld in search of more blogs to feature on the weekly Pass It Forward series. I will still continue to do so albeit on a less regular basis. I'd much rather not compromise quality so I'll continue to search for a blog that makes my heart skips a beat and captivate my attention.

In the meantime, here are some goodies that have arrived in the store. There will be more trickling through over the next few days so do check in often.

Burberry Event

2013-05-02T19:25:00.000+01:00

It was meant to be a childrenswear event. A lot of thought has gone into ensuring that the children are taken care of whilst their mothers shopped. There was an art and craft station along with a cheerful entertainer who performed magic tricks and had the young audience so enthralled that they barely noticed their mothers have disappeared (yippeeeee!). What mother wouldn't take the opportunity to offload their ~~monsters~~ beloved offspring while they enjoyed a couple of hours of hassle free shopping while sipping a glass of refreshing juice and nibbling on sweet treats?

Both Jacqueline and I loved the coat but sadly, it's only available in mini sizes.

It was wonderful to finally meet Angela of Lattes and Juice in person and her handsome son as well as her mom. There was so much to talk about that we couldn't possibly squeeze it all in one short afternoon. Since I'm Hermes mad anyway, I couldn't stop ogling at her gorgeous Hermes Etoupe Evelyne.

Or Jacqueline's blue Balenciaga City bag. It's little wonder that we actually met on The Purse Forum many years ago. Thankfully, our handbag addiction is under control these days.

I couldn't stop thinking about this Burberry trench coat. It's absolutely brilliant. It's showerproof, comes with a wool blend removable lining for colder months as well as a hood for those of us who detest carrying an umbrella. The fabric is a little stiffer which gives it a more structured look to the wearer. It comes up pretty big. This was actually a size UK 6. It's the first Burberry trench coat that I fell in love with. I think it's from the previous collection as it's not available online anywhere but there are variations to the design here. Decisions....decisions.....

A huge thank you to my friend Jacqueline and her friends Jenny and Joseph (of Burberry) for the invitation to the Burberry event.

Snapshots of Notting Hill

2013-05-01T19:42:00.001+01:00

I haven't explored Portobello Road properly since 1997 other than sort of nipping in and out of its fringes on my way to Westbourne Grove. Lil L and I got a little lost after leaving a friend's Notting Hill flat (I can't tell my right from my left) and ended up checking out the market by default. I got a little excited pretending that I was Hugh Grant strolling through the Portobello market with the season changing from summer to winter and back again (remember that scene??).

I wonder how many kidneys and Birkins I have to sell in order to afford one of those colorful terraced townhouses?

Secrets to looking younger

2013-04-30T12:30:00.002+01:00

source

It's been an interesting year so far. It seems that the closer I get to the big 4-0, the more shocked friends and acquaintances are when they found out about my true age. I've seen expressions ranging from speechlessness to the jaw drop effect to outright belligerence that I must produce my driver license for evidence.

All very flattering though baffling considering that it was only 2.5 years ago when my beautician in New Zealand let rip and told me that my then 37 skin looked a decade older due to neglect. It would've been better if my Korean sister in law wasn't there to translate because there would've been NO way she could communicate with me. Two hours later, I staggered out with my head reeling from the endless list of must dos, I vowed to look after myself better. I'm still pretty low maintenance (and I still don't brush my hair) but at least I've eradicated a few fine lines by hydrating my skin a little better. Here are my secrets to looking younger:

1. Live in the U.K because you will have minimal sun damage to your skin. Rainy days: 300 days. Sunshine: 65. Result: The pale faced Cullen family (Twilight). Downside: You may be subjected to SAD (seasonal affective disorder).

2. There are pros and cons to having a round shaped face because every ounce you put on goes straight to your face. It also automatically puffs up any fine lines without you having to resort to botox or getting fat from your arse directly injected into your face. Moon face is so in. Not. If you're Asian, your relatives will be the first people to tell you when you've put on weight.

3. Add a filter - preferably Amaro when you're instagramming. You look 10 years younger (at least!) at a click of a button.

4. Wear glasses to hide lines around your eyes. Don't bother with non-reflective lens. You want people to NOT be able to see your eyes clearly. Why not them see their own reflections on your glasses?

5. Dispense expensive anti-ageing creams or serums. Natural skincare works just as well if not better. And they're cheaper too........which means more money for shoes and bags. YAAAAY! (I use REN skincare and rosehip oil).

6. Find a mom and granny that do not have wrinkles. DNA rocks. My dad will kill me if he ever reads this......... he often gets asked if my mom is his daughter which pleases her to no end but the remark has the opposite effect on him.

7. Turn off anti shake or image stabilizer function on your camera or lens. Sharp and crisp images are detrimental to one's self esteem. You want blurry photos. I would also strongly advice you to overexpose every single shot before posting them anywhere. It eradicates any blemishes and wrinkles in a nanosecond.

Autumn/Winter 2013 collection

2013-04-29T13:54:00.000+01:00

I had a chance to pop into Matches Fashion's townhouse on Welbeck St to check out their newest A/W 2013 collection. I headed straight for the coats, jackets, shoes and accessories. We haven't had a proper summer in 2 years so stocking up on summer clothes seems rather pointless. Instead, I've been drawn to outerwear which is something I wear a lot of. In fact, my summer dresses are stuffed right to the back of my drawers that it's become a bit of out of sight, out of mind kind of thing.

I was fascinated by these Mark Cross bags, particularly the blue trunk which is aptly named Grace as it was a favorite of Grace Kelly as well as Zelda Fitzgerald, wife of F. Scott Fitzgerald. The Fitzgeralds were close friends of Gerald and Sara Murphy, previous owners of Mark Cross who were also the inspiration behind the author's book "Tender is the night". Mark Cross has been relaunched with a bang three years ago but the American luxury leather purveyor was been around since 1845 till its closure in 1997.

You've had the ubiquitous Kitty cat but now Charlotte Olympia has created yet another eye catching flats - the owl along with a quirky perspex clutch "Book of Spells" which I have no doubt will become a bestseller.

I had an interesting chat with the ladies at Matches Fashion. Catchy heels, towering heels, stiletto heels... but the ones that fly right out of the door are low to mid heels. Shoe designers are finally listening to women. We want gorgeous heels that we can actually walk in evidenced in the photo above. I'm fascinated by Alex's arm swag. I'm in love with her double tour Hermes bracelets. LOVE!

Louis Vuitton Haute Maroquinerie

2013-04-25T18:01:00.002+01:00

Outfit: Alexander Wang t-shirt (U.S here), Rick Owens biker jacket, Hermes belt (hidden), Zara boyfriend jeans, Hermes Cape Cod watch, Hermes Kelly (or here) and Halogen Bianca wedges

A few weeks ago, I was invited by a Louis Vuitton sales associate to take a look at Louis Vuitton Haute Maroquinerie (which directly translates to high leather goods) at the maison on Bond St. I decided to wait until my friend, Celest (who's an awesome bridalwear designer based in Asia and garnering a lot of hot press) arrived in London cos bag shopping is way more fun with a girlfriend, particularly one who's as bag crazy as I am.

We were ushered upstairs through a lift which zipped us up to the top floor and then through to a lounge where large pieces of leather were displayed hanging on the wall. It's all done rather hush hush, by invitation only with an appointment to suit the client. I'm jaded enough to say that it's a marketing ploy to showcase the exclusivity of the handbag equivalent of haute couture - a massive push by Bernard Arnault to compete with Hermes. The customer service is exceptional - friendly and informative which is a nice and welcoming change to the snobby and patronizing attitude displayed by a number of Hermes sales associates at the Sloane St store.

Photography isn't allowed which is a bit of shame as everything has to go through to their press department for approval. The bespoke service allows customization of 5 bags - Milaris (Milan + Paris = Milaris), Neo Steamer, Noe, Lockit and Triangle where the client is given the option to choose the exterior leather and lining (lambskin or goatskin). Prices start from £4500 upwards. Bags made in crocodile skin came with a price tag similar to that of a nice compact Toyota. We mentioned this to Celest's husband whose face turned ashen, gasped and for once, was speechless, a condition which unfortunately lasted only 2 minutes (it was quite an achievement if you know him rather well).

The Milaris looked eerily like an Hermes Lindy. Hmmm..... The only bag which appealed to both of us was the Noe which came with a handle and an additional strap. Let me break down the pros and cons of this bag.

Pros
1. beautiful luxurious leather comes in a nice selection of droolworthy colors
2. additional strap which is long enough for those who prefer to wear their bag crossbody
3. 4 feet on the base to protect the bag

Cons
1. the handle that is too long for hand carry and too short to be worn over the shoulder especially if you're wearing a coat.
2. the strap isn't adjustable. This just doesn't make sense particularly for a bespoke bag.
3. the thread used for stitches is a little too thin for my liking. I prefer thicker and sturdier threads as well as double stitching to ensure durability.
4. if I pay £4500 for a bag, I would like a handmade bag which is hand-stitched inside out, not machine stitched.
5. after sales service is a selling point for most people. I'm waiting to hear back from the sales associates in regards to this.

Verdict: I am impressed with the service but not enough with the handbag itself to fork out a sum equivalent to that of an Hermes Kelly for a bespoke Louis Vuitton bag. BUT who knows, I may change my mind if they tweak the designs more and offer a wider selection of customization instead of the current 5 models.

Bargain of the month

2013-04-24T09:00:00.000+01:00

Thank you all so much for your support and vote as well as the encouraging comments. Apparently, I've got till May the something (I'm terrible with dates) to hustle everyone for votes so click here if you think my photos (erm...not including ones taken with my phone!!) are good enough to garner a chance in the finals of the Brilliance in Blogging Award 2013

Like most women who were hooked on Sex And the City, I had serious heart palpitations whenever I caught a glimpse of the infamous Manolo Blahnik Sedaraby beauties on SJP's feet. So on a trip to Hong Kong many years ago, a country professed to have size 34 shoes in abundance, I walked up to the Manolo Blahnik store to inquire about the Sedaraby heels. Apparently, I had to custom order which would take as long as the average gestation period of a human, pay an additional fee for the privilege of having them made for my pixie sized feet on top of handing over an extortionate amount which was enough to dissolve a shoe addict to tears.

I was trawling through eBay listings as you would when you're bored and found these secondhand Sedarabys. A HUGE thanks to my shopping buddy in the US, Lauraloo (thank you!!) for forwarding them to me. I'm £45 poorer as opposed to £600 so they're practically a bargain.

I was so thrilled that I'd managed to nab a pair of shoes in MY size for a change. BUT.....once the euphoria wore off, it dawned on me that I'm practically rendered handicapped when these 3.5 inch heels are on my feet. I've been practicing my catwalk by strutting from the lounge to my bedroom and back again or in my case, it looked more like a stickman shuffle. Just so you know, there's no way in hell I can survive walking 100 meters in them.Yet. Watch this space.........

**I know the reviews recommended sizing up but these are true to size for me.

T-Shirt & Jeans, 4 Ways

2013-04-23T12:26:00.000+01:00

I've just found out that I've been nominated and shortlisted for the Brilliance in Blogging Award 2013 under the Photography category. Thank you, Avril of School Gate Style because I know YOU actually put my name forward despite refusing to admit the fact. I'm sending a massive virtual kiss and hug to you. This is a complete surprise because 1) I didn't even know this award exists 2) someone out there was kind enough to nominate me.

Um....embarrassingly enough, I've reverted back to using my Samsung Galaxy Note for photos. I've managed to ~~bribe~~ persuade Lil L to help me with the photography. She agreed with the condition that I credit her work (geez, kids these days!!). So, if you have a moment and you think that my photography (or perhaps Lil L's) is up to par, please feel free to vote for me here.

Casual

Outfit: Alexander Wang t-shirt (U.S here), Hermes belt (hidden), Zara boyfriend jeans, Hermes Cape Cod watch and K. Jacques Picon sandals (U.S here)

The word "experimental" just doesn't exist in my vocabulary unless you slot in "non" in front of it. My brain just isn't wired that way. My brain cells literally self combust when I have to think too hard about getting dressed. So years ago, I devised a uniform based upon a foundation of t-shirts and jeans. The jackets, shoes and bags are swapped around depending on my mood or the events that I have to attend.

Currently, I'm addicted to Alexander Wang t-shirts - the dude seriously knows how to make the best t-shirts. I own 4 with another one swinging its way to me as I'm typing this out. They're best worn lopsided and half tucked in with an air of dishevelment (actually, I forgot to check myself in the mirror before being photographed. Doh!) And of course, let's not forget my infamous Zara boyfriend jeans which have been featured here so often that you're probably wondering if I ever peel them off my lower torso. Just so you know, I do wash these jeans - when I have to.

Smart casual
Outfit: Alexander Wang t-shirt (U.S here), Mango blazer (use 20% discount code GLAMOURISTDERHIT), Hermes belt (hidden), Zara boyfriend jeans, See by Chloe wedges (similar here and U.S here), Hermes Cape Cod watch and Hermes Kelly (or here)

I've mentioned about getting this Mango blazer previously in another post. I've avoided buying too many High St clothes because I find myself chucking them out more often than not. To my surprise, this linen/cotton blend blazer looks and fits remarkably like a piece from a high end line despite its £45 tag (lower if you use the discount code). The blurry and grainy photo just doesn't do it any justice. The only thing I don't like about it is the pink lining but then again, I'm allergic to pink. It reminds me of the two years (feels like a lifetime) when Lil L was addicted to those horrific looking, poofy, vomit inducing princess gowns. Euwwwww.

Chanel
Outfit: Alexander Wang t-shirt (U.S here), Chanel tweed boucle jacket (similar here), Hermes belt (hidden), Zara boyfriend jeans, Hermes Cape Cod watch and Halogen Bianca wedges (U.S here)

I'm not particularly ladylike, thanks to my years of involvement in martial arts. It's a wonder that I even managed to learn to shake my saggy booties a little when I walk. Annnnyway, that's waaay TMI. In an effort to make myself look a little more mature (I said look, not act), I like putting on a Chanel jacket but hey, a leopard can't change its spots and neither can I. I like the stark juxtaposition between my bada$$ ripped jeans and the more sophisticated jacket. Perfection is soooo boring. Imperfections are way cooler. Like totally.

Edgy
Outfit: Alexander Wang t-shirt (U.S here), Rick Owens biker jacket, Hermes belt (hidden), Zara boyfriend jeans, Hermes Cape Cod watch, Hermes Kelly (or here) and ankle boots (similar here)

This outfit rocks my boat because it's slightly androgynous, more edgy and appeals to my tomboyish tendencies. The Hermes Kelly is only handheld for the purpose of this photo but I normally wear it cross body.

What's your spring uniform? For those of us who live in this part of the colder continent, I know layering is the key to getting dressed but I'm curious if you have a uniform that you stick to.

Louis Vuitton Sully in the house!

2013-04-22T22:17:00.002+01:00

A near new and authentic (as always!) Louis Vuitton Sully in MM size just came in. Click here for more details.

Two Miracle Products

2013-04-22T13:25:00.000+01:00

I cannot NOT share this miracle ointment so bear with me while I gush about it. My mom bought this Lucas Papaw ointment for me on a whim at an airport. For those of you who live in Australasia, this ointment is probably as common as sheep over there.

Last year, I managed to get a self inflicted burn which was awful to say the least (never put your arm across a boiling kettle! The steam is deadly. Yeah, you know but did I know that?!). The roughly 4 inch burnt skin healed with such astonishing speed within 24 hours after I slathered the papaw ointment. And 48 hours later, the skin was smooth albeit a bit marked.

A few days ago, I came home from London with a souvenir, presumably a flea who took great delight in feasting on various parts of my body. Have I ever mentioned that I hate ALL insects? I'm also allergic to this parasitic pest. Well, silly me applied the ointment on some bites but not the ones on my ankle and foot. Guess which healed and which didn't? I walked around for days with a visibly swollen and disfigured ankle as well as HUGE red welts which itched like hell despite the fact that I was popping anti-histamine pills like candies. The Liberty SA who was assisting me while I was trying on Manolo Blahnik heels audibly gasped and backed away with a horrified look (I'm a natural human repellent). I came home, applied the ointment generously and by morning, my ankle has returned to its normal size with now nearly flat bite marks.

Despite its blab about using natural ingredients - yes, it's made of fermented papaya but it also contains petroleum. Since it has worked wonders on me and I only ever use it sparingly, it doesn't overly concern me. The Lucas papaw ointment isn't all that easy to find outside Australasia but so far, I think they're available at Pawpaw shop in London (they take online orders) or here for international orders without charging an extortionate amount for shipping.

Lancome Hypnose Star mascara (U.S here)

I am a self confessed mascara virgin. The make up artist at my wedding discouraged me from using a mascara stating that the result would be practically invisible when I opened my eyes (Asian eyes and all). I took her word to be the gospel and never attempted to apply a mascara for the next 13 years UNTIL my friend aka make up genius, Christy placed a Lancome sample tube into the palm of my hand and insisted I gave it a try. I have dead straight and short lashes. However, the combination of the famed Shu Uemura lash curler and Lancome Hypnose Star mascara resulted in super long, curled and thick eyelashes. It made me want to go out and bat my eyelashes at everyone in town. And brought out my normally hidden narcissistic tendency - I can't stop admiring my long eyelashes in front of the mirror.

Pass It Forward: 1 Blogger 3 Blogs

2013-04-19T13:05:00.001+01:00

The what seems like infinite number of remarkable bloggers out there continues to astound me. Who knew behind most seemingly ordinary folks lie extraordinary talents which they showcase to the world for free? But what about 1 blogger who runs 3 different yet successful ones? Here's the multi-talented lady, Jeana Sohn.

Jeana Sohn

Jeana Sohn is a personal journal filled with beautiful pictures where she regales us with tidbits of her life and projects. She's one of those women who looked beautiful pregnant (while I resembled a beached whale!).

Closet Visit

Jeana takes us on an adventure - inside stylish women's closets. Each person featured has their own distinctive style and the interview is always fun to read.

Bap Story

I call myself a Korean wannabe. After all, I've been mistaken for a Korean by Koreans more times than I can remember. I'm also addicted to the Korean cuisine (thanks to a Korean sister in law), so I always keep an eye out for simple recipes that I can replicate at home. Needless to say, I can't help but get drawn to the mouth watering ones on Bap Story.

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3 Types of Toxic Friends

2013-04-17T13:57:00.001+01:00

I remember reading somewhere that for women, breaking up with a girlfriend is a demise apparently worse than a divorce. I don't know how true that is but what I do know is that it's a remarkably painful and long drawn process.

Lately, I've been thinking.....we cull our closets every now and then to discard clothes that no longer fit us or discover ones that you've forgotten but why don't we do the same with friends? It sounds rather cold and perhaps, harsh but why do we keep the ones that suck the very life out of us yet we spend little time with genuine friends? I'm generalizing here when I've divvied up unsuitable friendships into 3 categories even though there are too many to count.

1. The Victim
Though we've all gone through phases where we moaned, complained and whinged, the victim is permanently stuck here and never moves on. The worst thing is, she verbally vomits on you and merrily goes on her way while you have to deal with the repercussions of her negativity. She thrives on drama (in fact, she should live permanently in a soap opera), fervently believes that she has been wronged and blames everyone for her misfortune yet takes no responsibility for it.

A close friend once gave me a much needed kick in the rear end and told me to shut up and stop feeling sorry for myself. And I did. These days, I try to instill in myself a sense of gratitude instead of entitlement because for every setback that I experience, there's someone else out there who's worse off than I.

2. The Taker
The taker or otherwise known as the helpless damsel in distress. They take advantage of your hospitality, kindness and generosity. All. The. Time. They pillage, plunder and loot from their friends, giving nothing back but lip service. Don't be fooled by the friendly facade for that's a camouflage. Don't expect your benevolence to be reciprocated in times of trouble unless the planets have aligned itself in perfect symmetry and the odds are in their favor.

3. The Frenemy
Is she a friend or an enemy? Well, both. Unfortunately, your lives are kind of intertwined which makes it even harder to extricate yourself from her. She's fooled you into thinking that she's your best friend but turn your back and you're likely to find a few daggers embedded into your spinal column. You go through elation (she's THE best friend anyone could ask for. EVER) to confusion (why did she do that to me? Why? Why?!!) to guilt (she's the master of emotional manipulation) to anger (how could she?!).

All three - the victim, the taker and the frenemy are products of the Generation I also known as Me, myself and I. What they've done is provided me with several important life lessons which are
1) don't take people for granted for they're not stupid and will eventually avoid you like the plague
2) invest in the ones you love and you will reap what you sow - with compounding interest ( (love grows exponentially)
3) count your blessings for there are many

Do you similar unhealthy friends?

Keeping It Real

2013-04-15T10:00:00.000+01:00

Outfit: Rick Owens leather jacket (US here), Helmut Lang t-shirt (US here), Petit Bateau track pants (similar here), ankle boots (similar here and here)

To say I am astounded by the positive feedback I received on this post (what do bloggers REALLY wear?) from all of you is an understatement. I was initially rather hesitant to click on that publish button because for the most part, it's far more palatable to show a glossy representation of myself which always works as an ego booster. This was a gradual decision after a long chat with Heather, a friend of mine last year about how it can be rather depressing to see the glamorous lives of popular bloggers but often it's far from the truth.

Based on the comments and tweets that I've received, I gather that most of you like
1) interesting but more realistic outfits

2) outfits with pieces on heavy rotation in order to see how something can be worn in various ways

3) real people with all the extra bits and bobs attached (err... you know what I mean)

Since we're on the topic of Keeping It Real, here are a few extra tidbits about moi.

1) posing is NOT one of my talents nor will it ever be. Neither is singing. Just ask any of my siblings. Actually, don't because the caterwauling is horrendous.

2) I still struggle to make sense of primer, eye primer, foundation, pressed powder, loose powder, bronzer blah blah blah blah. Don't get me started on the eye shadow or anything to do with contouring because they all look colored powder to me at this stage. And I used to think calculus was a form of mental torture. That is until I discovered the world of cosmetics.

3) I come from a family of hairdressers, from my mom's side. Needless to say, the genes somehow mutated because other than a ponytail, I've never figured out what to do with my hair. I hear that there's a thing called a sock bun now. Just so you know, you will NEVER get a hair tutorial from me. Ever.

4) I may not comprehend Rick Owens' radical lifestyle but the man is a genius when it comes to designing one of the most flattering leather jackets I've ever tried on. My bat wing arms look positively skinny, thanks to a panel of rib knit that runs along the arm. The jacket is constructed to drape, flatter and fit all the right places. It even gave this apple figured wearer a waist which is a miracle in itself. Just so you know, they run small. I do mean verrrry small. I wear a 42 which is a medium and I normally wear a EU 36, UK 8 or US 2/4.

5) I love my track pants so much that I'm thinking of starting a Sweat/Track Pants Club. Just kidding. Maybe not. I may wax lyrical about my favorite attire till the cows come home but I certainly don't believe in paying designer prices for them.

Pass It Forward: 3 bloggers

2013-04-12T15:59:00.001+01:00

The school holiday is finally coming to an end. If you're a mom with school age kids, you know what a relief it is to have our beloved and precious little darlings back in school where they can spend quality time with their teachers and friends.

Angela of Lattes And Juice

Angela's an American expat living in London and a mom of 2. I was hooked the first instant I checked out her blog, thanks to her leaving a comment on mine. This is a lady after my own heart. Sure, she's a mom but that's not all what she writes about. There are tidbits on amazing patisseries and eateries around London, ones that I have just found out from her blog and am anxious to check out. She has a wonderful sense of style, be it travel, interior decor, fashion, food or jewelry. My head spins whenever I'm presented with a plethora of choices so I'm immediately grateful when I read a blog that has a well edited content.

Cecilia of Cecilia's Closet

I stumbled upon Cecilia's blog while I was googling Rick Owens. She owns a stash of the most beautiful Rick Owens jackets that I've ever seen. Her closet is simply to die for - Hermes, Chanel, Bottega Veneta, Celine etc etc. There are tons of reviews about every brand that I adore on her blog. She's honest and informative so head over there if you're a fashionista.

There's also a veritable wealth of information about fixing shoes, dealing with heels that are too big or small etc etc. It's a must read for shoe addicts out there. What's more, I have just found out that we joined the Purse Forum about the same time (2006).

Naomi of Bakers Royale

This talented baker and photographer will blow you away. I have to physically limit myself to only reading her blog for no more than 10 minutes at a time or else I'll just fritter the entire day just trawling through from one recipe to the next. I am just in awe of the exquisitely executed desserts and the simply breathtaking presentation of each one of them.

Summer Uniform

2013-04-09T18:53:00.002+01:00

Mango blazer, Saint James mariniere, Current Elliot boyfriend jeans, Chanel WOC, Saint Laurent neon yellow heels, Sam Edelman Trina (UK & E.U, here) and K.Jacques sandals

You cannot believe the elation I felt the minute I saw the weather forecast for this Sunday - 17˚C!! Woooohooooooo!!! If you live in the UK, you will totally understand how weather obsessed we are over here. Perhaps I can finally stop popping vitamin D tablets like candies. I spoke to my family back in New Zealand recently and they were complaining about the looooong summer. I mean....really??! Pfffffffft. I'm happy to shift the snow, hail and rain to the other side of the world. Pronto. Fingers crossed, I haven't jinxed the weather forecast.

Anyway, enough about the weather lest I put everyone to sleep. I can't wait to put away all my coats and thick sweaters to get started on the summer clothes. After numerous attempts on my part to introduce colors into my wardrobe and failing miserably, I've decided to stick to what I feel most comfortable in. I'm a girl who's stuck with 3 colors in her wardrobe. Okay, maybe 4 - grey, black, navy and ....... errrr... light grey? The weird thing about this obsession with a monochromatic wardrobe is I prefer to have accessories and footwear in blazing neon colors.

I love the idea of a pair of bright yellow heels because they're surprisingly easy to pair with. Or bada$$ gladiator shoes. And a bright colored bag. But when it comes to my clothes, I like the blazer, breton top and boyfriend jeans (are you sick of the jeans yet?) combo which appeals to my Francophile self. After a long search for a navy blazer, I've found this one from Mango which is easy on the pocket and made of a linen/cotton blend.

Stripy boat neck, tropical applique t-shirt, summer kaftan, retro print skirt, spotty shorts, easy printed dress, Salt Water/Sun San sandals (UK & EU, here)

I don't usually talk about childrenswear but lately, Boden has started sending me catalogs. Talk about a smart marketing move because before I know it, I'm £60 poorer. My excuse is their clothes are incredibly well made and far cheaper than Petit Bateau. I now totally get why my friends here gush about this brand. I mean they talk in the most reverential manner about Boden, the way my mom talks about the pope. You'll notice that there are every color under the sun here. That's because my 3....oops, I mean 4 color scheme wardrobe doesn't apply to kids.