our W T house

Cropped

2013-07-04T04:37:00.000-07:00

Chengdu China

2013-04-22T19:26:00.000-07:00

Our trip to Chengdu was my very first trip to China. Although we initially thought that this is quite a non adventurous and tourist location choice, and well known for their panda sanctuary, we were pleased the city was a vast, interesting city, seeped with culture and insight into the local lifestyle. Including, group aerobics and tai chi morning, afternoon and night in local parks, antique flea markets, the ever popular visits to the various tea houses, with many locals using the additional services such as an ear wax removal treatment - armed with magnifying glasses, torches and various tools. Chinese opera entertainment including unlimited top ups of Chinese green tea.

The highlight was of course seeing the pandas, we could have watched the playful, lazy and sleepy bears for hours. For a minimum donation of CNY 2000 (minimum donation in 2012 was CNY 1000) you can experience holding a 6 month old panda cub. The overall experience would be approximately 30 minutes, of which the cuddle itself would only last for 1 minute, before being passed onto the next tourist. Another highlight was visiting the incredible Leshan Giant Buddha, just a short trip away from the city.

For our last night in Chengdu, we went out to the bustling wide and narrow lanes of Chengdu. The reconstructed 'traditional buildings' were wonderfully lit up with low lights, hoards of people, locals and tourists, weaving in and out of each other, and amongst the wonderful fragrance of all sorts of culinary delights filling the air. We opted to eat and drink at an outdoor restaurant, and chowed down and sweated on various chilli overloaded Sitchuan province dishes...even though we asked for 'No chilli'.

Our W T tips:

Flip Flop Hostel, Chengdu - Excellent stay. Clean, modern decor and very sociable atmosphere. Great central location and all private rooms are en-suite and spacious. They have a restaurant onsite serving food all day until 9.30pm. Staff spoke good English and were extremely helpful and happily supplied extra mattresses for us. Overall, one of the best hostel's we have stayed at and at fantastic value.
Chinese opera - ask your accommodation for a local Chinese Opera theatre nearby. The tickets are extremely cheap and also include a cup which gets topped up with green tea throughout the performance.
Leshan Giant Buddha - an awesome aspiring Buddha carved from the side of a sandstone cliff face. Climb the uneven stone stairs down to the Buddha's feet and get a view from the ground level as well as the from the top! You can also view the Buddha via the water with the boat trip option on offer.
Food: Sitchuan province food commonly includes an insane amount of chilli. They eat chilli's like a vegetable. Be sure to always state no or very little chilli. We found that despite asking this, they still gave us a lot. In which case, also order milk tea/water!

Enjoying the sights after seeing the Leshan Giant Buddha

Chinese Opera time!

An engrossed audience

But also a time to snooze

Antique markets

Time to exercise!

Copious amounts of jasmine tea :-)

Chengdu Panda sactuary

6 month old Panda cub sleeping in a tree

Koi Carp pond at the Chengdu Panda sanctuary

BuddidtTemple

Narrow and wide lanes

Panda-mania ..one of the many 'everything Panda' shops

Monochrome - Panda inspired

2013-04-21T21:34:00.000-07:00

After four days of panda madness in Chengdu China, I was in a monochrome mood!

I haven't bared my midriff since the cropped top days of the late 90's - but that included belly button exposure, which isn't such a good look these days. Well, not for me anyway! As soon as I saw this sweater in Zara Singapore I wanted it, as soon as I tried it on and wanted it more, but how could I wear this in the tropics without being in a sticky mess? I just bought it as I convinced myself the midriff exposure would provide a cooling effect...and it does! OK...only a little bit - but I love it.

Sweater - Zara
Leather skirt - H&M
Necklace - Topshop
Boots - Topshop

Location - Buddhazen Hotel, Chengdu China

Blooming Bright & Bold

2013-02-20T06:16:00.000-08:00

February is a special month. Not only is it the month of love (Happy Valentine's lovelies! ♥ ♥ ) but it's also the last month of winter! What better way to bring Spring that little bit closer than to wear florals - don't be shy, wear them loudly and proudly! Floral trousers - H&M, Blazer - Zara, Shoes - Bershka, Clutch - Miu Miu, Top - Sixties.

The Editor's Market printed romper: 2 in 1

2013-02-01T02:34:00.003-08:00

With an ever-growing wardrobe, it's really important to me that whatever I buy can work with whatever I already have. I suppose I have quite a photographic memory, only of items in my wardrobe it seems, so I often instantly know what a potential purchase can be worn with. So when I saw this jumpsuit, I thought it was a statement piece on it's own, also fine for daytime with flats, or pair with heels and a jacket for the evening. OR, add a bold hued maxi skirt in a complimentary colour for formal occasions. At only SG$35 from The Editor's Market, I didn't hesitate.

Horspiration

2013-01-20T07:26:00.000-08:00

Birthday surprise treat! Telunas beach Indonesia

2013-01-18T07:42:00.000-08:00

It's the month of January, which means I'm another year older *sighh* but also means being spoilt rotten :-) This year I was whisked away for a romantic weekend to Telunas beach on Sugi island Indonesia. It was absolute bliss, complete R&R and was overall what I like to call simple luxe. Our accommodation was made completely out of wood, and our private chalet was set on barnacled stilts set in the middle of the ocean. Complete with a private balcony with an idyllic view of the sunset. We lazed and swung in hammocks, caught fish, ate the fish, drank, red wine and loose leaf tea, had private bonfires and toasted marshmallows and washed them down with Moët. At only a 3.5 hour journey by ferry and boat from Singapore, we would definitely go again!

Private bonfire + toasting marshmallows + Moët.

T - 6, W - 0

Double hammock

Ocean brekkie

Our private wooden chalet

View from our private balcony - amazing!

Taipei winter layers

2013-01-09T19:29:00.000-08:00

The Sanderson, London - Tea time treats and pampering bliss

2012-12-29T08:49:00.000-08:00

An ultimate light foodie treat would be a decadent afternoon tea, and one that I have been meaning to try is The Mad Hatters Afternoon Tea at The Sanderson Hotel London. There is something about crust-less sandwiches, pots and pots of hot tea (especially in the freezing British winter weather), an array of mouth-watering cakes which creates the perfect setting for catching up with a good friend. The Sanderson afternoon tea was wonderfully creative, very well presented, and most importantly - it was delicious!

To top off the tea treat, we booked a Deluxe Manicure (£50) at Agua Spa at The Sanderson, which was utter bliss. As soon as we stepped into Agua, the relaxation mood was immediately set as the dreamy creamy white and dimly lit swathes of fabric swayed throughout the luxurious spa. I have to say a really big thanks to Maja and Pauline for all of their help!

Selection of loose teas

Merrienge carrots

'Drink me' passion fruit panacotta

Popping candy mousse in an edible dark chocolate cup

Riddle me this?

Insanely creative white chocolate and Mango cheesecake
(Mango puree encased in a ball which burst as we tucked in)

A glass of flowering Jasmine tea whilst being pampered with a Deluxe manicure at
Agua in The Sanderson Hotel London

W Hotel Singapore - Madonna exhibition launch

2012-12-21T18:05:00.000-08:00

W hotel Singapore and Vitimin Water are showcasing an exclusive Madonna photograph exhibition, curated by Rock Paper Photo. We were pleased to be invited by a friend to attend the launch where New Yorker Graffiti artist Alec Monopoly worked his talents there and then on a print - of Madonna of course, whilst we observed, we chomped on incredibly fresh tuna, prawn tempura, Vitimin Water and exotic cocktails...all in the plush surroundings of W Hotel Singapore. Thanks for a lovely evening!

The Grey Goose Guild - Bespoke in SG

2012-11-24T09:20:00.000-08:00

Grey Goose hosted their annual Grey Goose Guild event with a 'bespoke' theme at the Alkaff Mansions in Singapore on the 15th November. The Grey Goose Guild selected three outstanding Singaporean fashion designer talent: Silversmith Carolyn Kan of Carrie K, womenswear designer Priscilla Shunmugam of Ong Shunmugam, and menswear designer Zin Cattell of Menswear Menswear - all specializing in bespoke goods. The invitation only event crowd were hydrated with various bespoke Grey Goose cocktails, and even Grey Goose infused puds - yum.

NARS - so happy to have you in Singapore!

2012-11-22T08:42:00.001-08:00

NARS has finally made it's way to Singapore. The hotly anticipated arrival of the cosmetics and skincare was marked with an invite only reception event at 28th Février. The venue was filled will an air of excitement which may have had to do with the eagerly anticipated arrival of the founder of NARS himself, Monsieur François Nars. The venue was also filled with an incredible spa like fragrance due to the lovely scented NARS candles burning throughout the venue (we had no idea NARS produced their own candles, what a perfect stocking filler! *hint hint to you know who you are*).

NARS cosmetics and skincare is available now at the TANGS Orchard beauty hall - perfect timing with the festive season upon us!

NARS Warhol pop art eyeshadow palettes and nail colours

Monsieur François Nars first time in Singapore

28th Février

Jacket - TOPSHOP, Vest - H&M, Shorts - ASOS, Silver shoes - Bershka, Bag - MIU MIU

Treats and that NARS candle!!

Aztec & blue

2012-11-18T01:19:00.000-08:00

Winter is on it's way, and the dark wintery shaded and festive sparkly fashions are invading the stores. So imagine my surprise to see this wonderfully colourful Aztec print skirt from H&M! Seems like H&M are not ready to let go of summery brights just yet, and neither am I (which may be due to the fact that we live in the tropics)..maybe I will succumb in a few weeks or so...

T-shirt - Aubin & Wills, Skirt - H&M, Necklace - ZARA, Suede boots - Aldo, Vintage Chanel bag, Bracelet and rings from Myanmar (Burma)

Location - Nosh Singapore

Chanel - Les Secrets Du Sac Singapore

2012-11-17T05:20:00.000-08:00

I was so pleased to hear Chanel had chosen Singapore as one of the tour stops of an exclusive exhibition Les Secrets Du Sac. Every inch of the exhibition space itself was completely Chanel. For example, the walls of the space was quilted like the quilted exterior of Chanel bags, and the interior of the mini-theatre was like burgundy leather to the effect of the interior of the 2.55 bag. We were shown the seven fascinating stages Chanel artisan's undertake in the creation of the 2.55 bag - who knew that only a female artisan's gentle hands can handle the delicate task of turning out the 2.55 bag to give body and volume to the 2.55? As we entered the exhibition, we were surrounded with flashing well known quotes from Karl Lagerfeld and Coco Chanel such as "Elegance is being equally beautiful inside and outside". We were then was greeted with a floor to ceiling image of the wonderful woman herself, the 2.55 bags owned by Mademoiselle Chanel flown in especially for the event, and also a range of vintage Chanel bags from the Chanel archives.

Many thanks to Melinda at Chanel, who kindly gave me a thoroughly informative and enjoyable tour. The exhibition was open to the public 10th-14th November at the Chanel boutique in Ngee Ann City in Singapore

2.55 bag owned by Coco Chanel

Chanel bags from archive

The mini-theatre showing the seven stages of creating the iconic 2.55

Vintage Chanel campaign with Claudia Schiffer

Chanel Cruise 2013 collection

Quotes by Coco and Karl

Wishin' and hopin' and thinkin' and prayin'...for this:

2012-10-31T02:20:00.000-07:00

I've developed a bit of an obsession for thigh split skirts/dresses - but in an elegant, and well balanced way exposing just the right amount of skin. By Malene Birger have put forward a wonderful creation that I absolutely love. The blush lace and chiffon is top is delicate, and the black maxi sheer chiffon skirt adds the right amount of contrast and edge to such a dreamy combination. I love it, and I want it. You can buy it here.

Myanmar & Me

2012-10-30T07:30:00.000-07:00

Q - When is the best time to go Myanmar? A - NOW. Go now before the tourists multiply by the thousands, and before the country changes to fit Western ideals and demands - Myanmar may lose some of its character and charm in the process.

The Myanmar people typically have a simple and humble life. Many socialise and chat in the streets for hours on end, young and old in the blistering heat, and don't mind when the passing motor traffic kicks up clouds of dust. Men and women wear traditional longi's, and the laquerware and sand paintings are as plentiful as the thousands upon thousands of temples and Buddhist monks in their distinctive saffron coloured robes amongst the Myanmar crowds. The week was a bit of a struggle with no mobile phone reception, and super slow WiFi connections (if it was available). This made us realise how much we sadly depend on such technologies in our daily lives!

Whatever souvenirs and local crafts you may be tempted to buy, be prepared to bargain hard. If you have limited time in the country, I would suggest you definitely go to Mandalay, Bagan and Inle lake. Here are are must see/do tips:

Mandalay - U Bein Bridge. 1.2km teak footbridge. Go at sunset! Walk across it first, and then get a paddle boat back.
Bagan - An archaeological zone. Go to see thousands of temples scattered everywhere you look. Stay at the Thiri Marlar Hotel - they provided a wonderful breakfast and candle light dinners on the rooftop terrace.
Inle Lake - a honeymoon hotspot. Very romantic, scenic and tranquil. If you ignore the odd motorboat engine noise here and there. We would recommend you stay in A Royal Suite at Inle Resort. Pure luxe with tonnes of Myanmar charm.

Sunset at U Bein Bridge in Mandalay - our favorite sight of the whole trip

Bagan - Cycling to and through temples

Made it after walking up 777 steps barefoot. Made more difficult having to dodge all the monkey poo on the steps.

Mirrored pillars were common decor with the Buddhist temples. Giving a wonderful sparkle in the sunlight - amazing!

Myanmar market purchases - sellers will no doubt see tourists a mile away so bargain hard! Only pay for what you think it is worth. The silver colored bracelet was US$ 7 and bronze colored bangle was US$ 1.

Inle Resort, sunset at their boat jetty

Inle Resort - Incredible carvings throughout

Breakfast with a view, at Inle Resort

Paul Smith launch - Singapore

2012-10-23T19:53:00.000-07:00

The first Paul Smith store in Singapore is now open, and in a prime spot right by the main entrance of the Mandarin Gallery. An English garden party was held to mark the occasion, complete with an Astro Turf lawn and bushes, a mini bar serving draft beer, and Champagne of course, and a hearty spread of British-esque treats including meat pie slices, cupcakes and tartes. I should have worn my boater hat...tipped to the side.

The man Paul Smith himself was there, and was more than happy to have his photograph taken with a long line of Paul Smith respecters and admirers. The spacious tore stocked the usual Paul Smith classics, and will no doubt be a hit amongst the preppy Singaporean crowds who appreciate the preppy English look and style.

Paul Smith amongst his many fans

Wearing leather skirt - PPQ Preen, Blazer - Zara, Coral Top (actually a dress tucked into my skirt) - Aqua, Necklace - Zara, Silver mirror shoes - Berksha, Chanel vintage bag

New York...finally!

2012-09-30T23:07:00.000-07:00

When my office asked me if I could go to New York with just a few days notice, I was a little hesitant due to prior commitments. But when I realised it was also NY fashion week that week, I immediately confirmed! What better week to indulge in the New York buzz and excitement?

After a horrendous 24 hour journey from Singapore via Hong Kong, I was a jet lagged mess. But I had a whole NY after-office hours week of sightseeing planned, so I had to get energised. As soon as I got to the hotel, I dropped my bags, got ready to go - but was then strongly advised to not go out due to the reported tornadoes in the city... :-( So I did as I was told and stayed put.

The next day was a gloriously sunny one. I swept my jet lag aside, and began my sightseeing tour as any typical first timer in NY would. New York...finally! The 24 hour journey was worth it. Statue of Liberty - tick, Empire State Building - tick, Trump towers (it was right there so why not?) - tick, Grand Central Station - tick, Chrysler building - tick, New York library - tick. After all of this sightseeing throughout the week I was exhausted, but I found my place in the city on my very last day in the meat packing district. Such a great atmosphere and buzzy vibe. The High Line, the views and the quaint stalls in the UrbanSpace pop up market. My favorite purchases in NY include a silver ring handcrafted in Brooklyn from Bora, and handy sized zip pouches by Pamela Barsky with witty captions pictured below (www.pamelabarsky.com) which can double up as a clutch. I chatted to the designer herself and couldn't decide which out of two to purchase, so I just bought both!

Our WT NY tips:

Lunch/dinner - I would highly recommend Antique Garage in Soho which had a relaxed and quaint atmosphere. Old antiquey chairs and tables, an exposed brick wall covered with frames of all shapes and sizes. It was a balmy evening so the doors were opened out onto the street. I ordered the seared tuna which had to be the largest portion I have ever been given in a restaurant. I would also recommend Cabana Nuevo Latino in Seaport. The sizzling steaks were mouth-watering, and I like how Seaport felt like walking through the streets of Brighton.
Pampering goods - Sabon - The body scrubs (salts sourced from the Israel dead sea), butter creams and the blocks of rich body butters in the various fragrance combinations were incredible. My favorite scents have to be the Vanilla Coconut, Ginger Orange and Jasmine. These products aren't cheap, but they are worth every penny. All products have pure and natural ingredients, strictly no parabens, mineral oil, paraffin wax, DEA and PABA, all encased in oh-so-pretty packaging (mainly glass containers which are also refillable with a bonus of 10% off the price of the contents). Stock up, I wish I did as I discovered they only ship within the US!
Wandering - The High Line - Great views and a great vibe. Various tea and cake and ice cream stalls were dotted around the High Line, plenty of seating to relax, soak up the elevated moments of calm as the meatpacking hustle and bustle continue below.

Witty captions on these zipped pouches by Pamela Barksy, bought at Urbanspace in the Meatpacking District. I chatted to the designer herself and it was not easy trying to decide which one to buy - so I bought two! www.pamelabarsky.com

This ring by BORA was one of my favourite buys, also purchased in the Urbanspace in the Meatpacking District - Handcrafted in Brooklyn NY. Chalcedony stone, sterling silver with brass overlay around the stone borajewelry@gmail.com

ourwthouse love at UrbanSpace in the Meatpacking district

Pizza in the meatpacking district is gooood

Antique Garage seared tuna - the largest piece of tuna I have ever had in a restaurant, Soho New York

Seaport New York

The High Line at sunset

Empire State building view from The High Line

View from the High Line

Antique Garage restaurant decor, Soho New York

Two beams of light shine on the September 11 2012 to mark the twin towers that fell on September 11 2001

Manhattan view from the Empire State Building

J W Anderson for Topshop event - Singapore

2012-09-30T22:53:00.000-07:00

J W Anderson for TOPSHOP is finally in Singapore city, so to mark the occasion, naturally a big private launch party should be thrown! The event took place at Heaultran's on 29th September. A large warehouse space filled which included an exclusive mini shop where guests could purchase J W Anderson for TOPSHOP pieces before it hits the shops the next day. And a stage prepped for CHEW LIP specially flown in from London for the event. The collection had plenty of British quirkiness. The bat jumper worn by Alexa Chung was certainly popular, but so was the Ghoul jumper. I especially loved the Zebra head print items, but clearly so did everyone else as there were no zilch Zebra print trousers left in my size! My elbows are not as sharp as they were once upon a time.

A great evening filled with mini Topshop red velvet cupcakes, a dress up photo-booth, and fantastic music (hindered by such an unfortunate venue - the acoustics were not great!). Regardless, Chew Lip put on a great show and Tigs looked great in J W Anderson TOPSHOP Zebra print skinnies.

Chew Lip

Wearing TOPSHOP coated Oxblood red Skinny jeans, Primark T-shirt, REISS shoes, CHANEL Vintage bag, COTTON ON gold collar neckalce, H&M ring and bracelet.

Siem Reap - Cambodia

2012-09-15T05:44:00.000-07:00

Our latest weekend getaway destination was to Siem Reap Cambodia. We were completely overwhelmed with the beauty and architecture of the town, the temples, the culture and the people.

The temples were incredibly are-inspiring. My favourite temple would be Ta Prohm, with the wonderful trees that invaded the temple - in, out and through the walls. By the end of our four-day trip, we were completely templed out. Four days in Siem Reap is a sufficient number of days to stay. To avoid templed-out fatigue, indulge in some spa treatments, or perhaps put your creativity skills to good use by going to a pottery class at Khmner Ceramics Centre. We are rather proud of attempts!

Avoid boring western food, and sample Cambodian cuisine - rich in local spices. There were far too many western and touristy areas, such as Pub street, where you can even order an Angelina Jolie cocktail. We tried to steer clear, but were very surprised to find a fantastic, well priced, restaurant called Traditional Khmer Food in the thick of it all. Although the name of the restaurant reeks of 'tourist trap food' - take my word for it, the food was amazing. Order the fish Amok and the traditional fish soup.

Ta Prohm temple

W Singapore Hotel, Sentosa

2012-08-31T00:58:00.000-07:00

We were so pleased to have a friend invite us to the Pre-opening party of W Singapore Hotel, Sentosa. Although we didn't see much of the hotel itself, we enjoyed cocktails and fantastic canapés (whoever invented chocolate mousse 'push-pop' style is a genius) in the Glass House and the outdoor area on the water front. We were treated to a fashion show by Mae Pang, showcasing a collection of graphic, bold silhouettes, in textured fabrics of blues, greys and neon yellow. Music was provided by DJ set Gigamesh + Mr Has, and we were also given a fantastic performance by the Urban Drum Crew who were very entertaining and visually stunning! Great event entertainment!

Double Daisies

2012-08-26T18:38:00.000-07:00

I wore double 'daisies' to brunch today, I bought the shorts a few months ago at Zara, and was incredibly pleased to find the matching sheer chiffon blouse just a couple of weeks ago in the sale! I always have to think twice/thrice about purchasing full price items at particular global high street stores in Asia, as I know how much cheaper they may be in Europe. It's always disheartening putting back that item which I love so much, but with my salary - I cannot justify it. So yes, I was pretty happy to find this pretty print blouse in the ZARA sale to go with the matching shorts I bought a few months earlier! I complimented the busy print with simple accessories: simple nude mary-jane flats, my trusty Vintage Chanel bag, and my simple fan gold tone vintage necklace, bought in a small vintage boutique in Notting Hill London.

Robertson Quay Singapore - Brunch @ Hummerstons

2012-08-26T06:23:00.001-07:00

It was a hazy and lazy Sunday afternoon...we missed breakfast and decided to make up for it by going out for brunch. We've heard some mixed reviews of Hummerstons, mainly that it's too expensive for what you get, and also lacks local Singaporean atmosphere being in the heavily expatriated area of Robertson Quay. Putting such comments aside, we decided to try a Hummersons brunch for ourselves. It's slightly hidden and is located on the 2nd level of 11 Unity street. (Take the escalator which is situated by the taxi rank by Wine Connection, turn right at the top of the escalators and Hummerstons is at the very end of the walkway). We ordered the Breakfast Tostada, Hummerstons Brunch Burger and the Tarte a Roon to share for dessert - all of which were fantastic. Although the total bill was quite high at SG$88, we thought it was worth it as an occasional treat. I would definitely recommend the burger, and the dessert Tarte a Roon was absolutely to die for - warm caramelised apple and raisins with a hint of cinnamon spice atop a large macaroon, finished with pecan ice cream!

We really liked the indoor decor of Hummersons, which had a retro laid back vibe, and the alfresco section, where we sat, was a nice people watching space. It overlooked a pleasant pedestrianised square, with several water features and many characteristic arches and even had a charming footbridge.

Denim + Metallics

2012-08-13T09:37:00.000-07:00

Call me a magpie but I can't help but be drawn to shiny metallics and metals. Extending on from the obvious jewellery - I love it on my bags and shoes, including these silver Steve Madden brogues from Nordstrom. I've toned down the metallic overload with soft washed denim. Here we are on Tanjong Beach Club on Sentosa Singapore for a perfect after dinner sunset beach side stroll :-)

Denim dress - H&M, Gold disc necklace - ALDO, Silver Brogues - Steve Madden, Vintage Chanel bag

Happy 47th Birthday Singapore!

2012-08-09T07:42:00.000-07:00