V, MMXII

Snow in the Silver City

2011-12-18T12:54:00.035Z

I absolutely adore winter mornings and even more so when there's snow about, so you can imagine my delirium when I woke up one glorious weekend to find the city transformed into its own little winter wonderland of white. And of course, when you're given opportune moments such as these, you don't just let them pass you by - I pulled myself out of bed, threw on my warmest coat and traipsed out into the blistering cold at eight A.M. on a Sunday morning simply to take pictures of winter's sublime tears (and have a peppermint hot chocolate at Starbucks after).

Despite how exceptionally grey it might seem to be on a gloomy day, Aberdeen looks magnificent in the snow,

Okay, now I'm feeling festive. And I love how quiet the streets are on a Sunday morning.

xo

PS. For a pleasant surprise, type 'Let It Snow' into Google and watch the snowflakes fall and frost up your screen!

Snowfall

2011-12-17T22:56:00.001Z

I wandered out into the lightly frosted world that is the city of Aberdeen in the winter just before it gets entirely enveloped in the snow earlier this evening, breathing in the crisp, cold air and taking in the glistening streets, the gentle mist and the glittering granite which actually shimmers ever so lovely in the light. Delicately falling snow tickled my cheeks when I looked up into the seemingly endless sky, almost like a slight sprinkling of (chilled) baby powder, snowflakes catching in between the strands of my hair. The cobblestones and pathways were coated with a clear iridescent sheen of icing synonymous to frozen glass, softly reflecting the beams from car lights through the translucent mist.

It was as if I ventured out into a completely different world, crystalline and icy, elegant and exquisite. It was absolutely beautiful, and at times like these, words can actually do no justice and I just want to do nothing but indulge in the present. Mm.

xo

& It Goes Like This

2011-12-17T06:56:00.013Z

Good morning, world! It's the first weekend (of sorts) of the year-end holidays and I'm going to start it off with a lovely hot cup of vanilla-flavoured coffee. December and 2011 will be coming to a close soon much to my bewilderment - mostly at how fast time just seems to pass by, but I'm excited for 2012 and what it'll bring although I'm still planning to indulge in and enjoy the rest of the year before it disappears in a quick blink of an eye.

Ten things to do during the Christmas holidays:

1. Blog, I've a few too many half-written entries which I want completed and posted up.
2. Read. A lot.
3. (Actually) Read the ridiculous number of magazines I've downloaded in PDF format which I've archived ever so nicely in my external hard drive.
4. Get more shoots done, especially since I've so many concepts I want to try.
5. Winter/festive photowalks!
6. Choreograph.
7. Spend time with Anthony Robbins.
8. Give my room and laptop a thorough spring (or rather, winter) clean.
9. Update my CV and work on my job applications.
10. Study, study, study!

Optional: Update my lookbooks.

Okay, the priorities vary in regards to this lot but I've to at least do a bit of each. Three to four weeks, plenty of time if I use it wisely. But first, a bit of breakfast and then a much-needed sort-out after.

Enjoy the gorgeous weekend, all!

/update

And it's finally snowing! Albeit just a little. Either way, I'll be having some good Chinese takeaway with Doniya on this wintery night, yums.

xo

Glam This Way: Lady Gaga for MAC Viva Glam

2011-12-16T10:58:00.007Z

Credits to Talking Makeup

Photographed by Nick Knight
Styled by Nicola Formichetti

I'm absolutely captivated by this picture. I love how romantically ethereal it looks with the dreamy nudes and how she seems to have this soft, luminous glow about her. It's actually quite mesmerising to be honest.

So mesmerising that I'm incredibly tempted to get my very own (limited edition!) Lipglass now, especially since all proceeds go to the MAC Aids Fund. You can get yours here, or watch the short film here.

#favouritephotographers
#inspiration

xo

Bring the Night On, Not Another Day

2011-12-14T09:08:00.003Z

..and it's already the middle of the week, which means the holidays are just two (or three if you want to count today) days away! I still have so much to do and think about before this week comes to an end (although I'm actually looking forward to it at the same time) and at times like these, I just want time to pause for a bit so I can sit back, take a quick breather and get everything done without stumbling over anything whatsoever along the way.

On a more sumptuous note, Marina dragged me out for steak night at Archibald Simpson's yesterday despite my initial intention to get an early night in curled up under the thick covers with a good book. The boys couldn't make it this time around so it was just the two of us, sharing a lovely conversation over dinner, drinks and dessert (delicious, delicious hot crumble which almost melts in your mouth) - definitely one of the best things about winter: the hot desserts and how they make you feel in frostbite-worthy single degree weather.

Oh, and I'm meeting Mingaile in a bit to discuss some very exciting plans for next semester, so fingers crossed! Enjoy the midweek meanwhile!

xo

Ha-Ha-Ha-Ha, We Radiate

2011-12-09T11:26:00.005Z

I got up at five in the morning today, made some steaming hot coffee (I'm not addicted to it but it has become somewhat of a routine these days) for a quasi-breakfast, listened to Goldfrapp while going through what I had to do for the day, and I'm now working on my career mentoring programme application so I can submit it before noon comes around - fingers crossed I'll be successful!

On another note, the holidays start the following week (or at the end of next week to be more precise) so this last week at university will be busy, busy, busy! I've also got to finalise my Christmas plans and book any necessary tickets before they get a little too pricey for my liking - I've decided to stay in Aberdeen for most of the holiday to study and get some shoots done, although I might venture out for a bit because it's Christmas, after all.

Digressing again, I've to prepare for tomorrow's shoot: Black Swan-inspired, and it's going to be my first time ever working with a fashion designer and an accessory designer, along with a full creative team (photographer, makeup artist and hairstylist) so I'm incredibly excited! Lots of black, lots of feathers, it's going to be absolutely amazing.

Oh, and for the record, it hasn't started snowing yet. Pft.

(I'm actually hoping it will tomorrow so it'll give the shoot a frosty look)

Have a lovely day, all!

xo

Entre Flores: Isabeli Fontana for Spanish Vogue, May 2011

2011-12-09T10:18:00.004Z

Credits to My Luscious Life and Brusday

Photographed by Greg Kadel
Styled by Katie Mossman

Personally, I think this is what a spring editorial should look like: a dreamy, whimsical and romantic ensemble of feminine, floaty fabrics and lovely florals with an almost ethereal touch. Very soft, very sensual, definitely one of the most beautiful editorials I've seen to date.

#favouritephotographers
#inspiration

xo

AUDS Winter Wonderland Social

2011-12-07T19:07:00.051Z

Just because it's (almost) Christmas, I'll spare most of the words and let the seemingly countless number of pictures do the talking!

..and from the official coverage of the event,

Some cheeky mistletoe!

Credits to Chris Henderson

We tend to indulge more and more in shameless extravagance as our socials go by, this time absolutely going all out by decorating the entire place in twinkling fairy lights entwined with metallic lengths of tinsel, heavenly scented tealights which warmed your cold hands up almost as much as the hot mulled wine cocktails (our signature drink for the evening!), and lots of festive glitter everywhere. Initially, we even wanted to cover the place completely in faux snow! All in all, it was a lovely night. I'll definitely be missing this lot tonnes until I see them again in 2012!

xo

Ha-Ha-Ha-Ha, You're Heaven

2011-12-01T07:13:00.005Z

I've grown accustomed to waking up in the wee hours of the morning at around five to six a.m. every day and I'll have to admit, somehow, it makes me feel so good. December's off to a great start, I'd say - I made a hot cup of coffee, turned the heating up (it's getting incredibly chilly outside, winter's just around the corner if not here already), snuggled up in my fluffy robe and spent the entire morning watching fashion videos, mm. I absolutely love times like these, when I can lounge around (almost) without a care in the world, indulging in much-needed and cherished me-time, cosy room complete with warm lighting, comfy throws and pillows optional but highly recommended.

I wiggle my toes in my fluffy bedroom slippers - the fluffier, the better when it comes to winter I think, listening to Goldfrapp on a somewhat elated high and feeling as though I could take on the world. Or the month, depending on how you want to look at it. Either way, I'll be spending the day endlessly browsing for inspiration, constantly coming up with new ideas and concepts for anything and everything I can possibly think of, along with some reading, writing, blogging, maybe even a bit of photography. Simple, yes, but so utterly fulfilling. Most of the time, it's these little things which keep me going in (and to, at times) the end. Avenues for expression, you could say.

Have a lovely December, beautiful world!

xo

AUDS Masquerade Ball Social

2011-11-17T19:56:00.216Z

Yes, we brought the Carnevale to Aberdeen for a night!

And here are a couple from the official coverage of the event,

Credits to Chris Henderson and Carmelo Establier Sanchez

A kaleidoscopic night of coquettish marabou feathers, sparkling shimmer-dusted filigree and glittering sequins in almost every colour imaginable everywhere, part Carnevale, part Mardi Gras. Mhm, we do so love our extravagance (and you haven't even seen half of it yet!). And just like any other AUDS social, the music was the best, bar none, and the people, beyond amazing.

Our signature cocktail for the night this time around was an icy pink concoction chilled to perfection with crushed ice in a tall glass. To be completely honest, I had absolutely no idea what it was and what it was made out of but it was very, very sweet to say the least - almost cotton candy-sweet. No one actually knew what it was so we simply ended up calling it the Pink Drink. Note: Ask the bartender at the next social.

So, wondering when's our next social? Come on down to Orchid on the fifth of December, it's going to be a Winter Wonderland, baby. Oh, and do bring some tinsel along with you!

xo

Versace for H&M

2011-11-17T11:43:00.051Z

Just a quickie because I'm literally in the middle of an essay (yes, I actually paused for the nine a.m. Versace for H&M rush),

This little Midas baby belongs to me now! I'm an absolute freak for accessories if you don't already know.

The other pieces I would've picked up from the collection if I could actually afford them (although they're still considered high street!),

Credits to H&M

Mm, I now have my very own quasi-designer piece from the coveted (and almost sold out) collection! And it's back to essay work for me.

You can view the entire collection here, or watch the (psychedelic) official commercial here.

xo

Get Your Mask On

2011-11-16T19:02:00.015Z

Guess who's all set for the masquerade tonight? See you there!

xo

Heather's Twenty Secondth

2011-11-13T07:54:00.059Z

From darling Heather's twenty secondth in Soul on a lovely Friday night,

I'll let the pictures do the talking this time, here's to the birthday girl!

xo

11.11.11, 11:11; Make a Wish

2011-11-11T11:11:00.007Z

I wish..

(it's supposed to be a secret!)

Make a wish, everyone!

xo

The Quiet Place

2011-11-04T06:43:00.001Z

..sometimes we all just need to,

click.

xo

Maybe I'm Gonna Have to Get High Just to Get By

2011-11-03T08:39:00.008Z

So it's an early start to the day for me this morning, cuddled up in the library at eight fifteen to run through and print out my Evidence essay due in before noon today. I like it when the library's like this - quiet in the wee hours of the morning, still slightly chilly from the previous night. It's raining outside so I'm even more inclined to stay indoors where it's warmer.

Frosted glass from the cold, wet, glistening streets, car headlights a blur through the mist and the seemingly infinite droplets of water - it's beautiful in its own way, I'd say. I've always wanted to take a picture or two of the city lights (or the aforementioned car headlights) in the pouring rain, but I still have yet to find an opportune moment: preferably in the night, and when I'm actually willing to brave the shower just for some captures. #thingstokeepnoteof

Digressing, it's also about time I started working on my applications. Most of my time these days are spent reading up on career prospects, graduate schemes and job vacancies, constantly working on my CV to enhance my employability. I'm so frightened by this uncertainty and sometimes, it's something even a cup of hot chocolate or frothy latte can't fix (and they can fix a whole lot, believe me). But I'm past wishing for a chance to do my fourth year, channelling my focus instead to what I actually need it for - the current point in time.

Anyway, it's ten to nine and I've got to make a move. Today: lectures, Evidence essay submission, tutorial work, a career fair in Elphinstone Hall at eleven, where I'm hoping to get some insight into the other fields I'm interested in. And then some. Happy November, all!

xo

PS. Music: Space Cowboy by Eve St. Jones, good stuff.

Thrill the World 2011

2011-10-30T11:07:00.042Z

In a dingy, old flat (complete with creaking floorboards) just off Langstane Place on Bon Accord Terrace, a few of us went to the dark side,

..in preparation for Thrill the World 2011!

(more pictures to come, so watch this space)

Two hundred and eighty seven zombies (and countless the world over) roamed the chilly city that night, blood-soaked and hungry for just one thing: dance. We do Michael Jackson proud, baby.

xo

Lose Your Mind

2011-10-29T08:42:00.009+01:00

I revisited the dance floor at a party last Thursday night and suffice to say, the familiar rush which I haven't felt in ages left me absolutely breathless. It's been so long since I last did it and it felt so good to be back there - in the middle of it all, the center of the circle, a little exclusivity you get to indulge in for an exhilarating minute or two. The cheers fuel you, take you higher, a sort of empowerment galvanising your senses while the music carries you and pushes you forward, urging you on along with the crowd. You feed off the energy which surrounds you, envelops you, taking it all in and savouring it before letting it all back out again. It's a little ad hoc display, a little impromptu show unprepared at best, each seemingly competing with the other. But au contraire, it doesn't feel like a competition - it just feels like a group of people coming together to do what they love on their own terms, incorporating their own individually unique styles. It was incredible to say the least and goodness, how I've missed it so. Dance has been, and most probably still is, such a big part of me ever since I became so involved in it a good couple of years back. I might have much less time for it now but I don't love it any less, not one bit.

On another (relevant) note, Thrill the World is today! It's time to thrill the city of Aberdeen, dance-zombies - see you tonight at midnight!

xo

Nippon Connections Halloween Party

2011-10-28T15:33:00.144+01:00

..hence the geisha-inspired look! Bits from the night,

Fusion, of sorts. Black-clad ninjas wielding gleaming katanas succumbing to the pull of modern technology by leaping up on bar counters and whipping out their digital cameras to take snapshots of the party people, a seemingly infinite plethora of cold sushi served delicately on polished silver platters to tickle everyone's tastebuds, (washed down with) deliciously chilled Sake-based cocktails shaken with Western names like Baileys and Malibu, Halloween costumes and cosplayers out and about, sipping from their martini glasses and partaking in all forms of camaraderie imaginable, all in the midst of burnished gold goblets, fine cotton cobwebs and crunchy papier-mâché bats. This probably goes without saying, but still, I had an absolutely amazing time.

So this is how Tokyo celebrates Halloween, ey? Or so I'd like to think anyway. I've already made plans with Maritxu to return to Konnichi for more of their cocktails!

xo

Orient Express

2011-10-27T23:53:00.004+01:00

@ lookbook.nu
@ Chictopia

For the Nippon Connections Halloween party at Konnichi, a chic Japanese bar and restaurant at The Academy on Belmont Street. I didn't actually plan a costume for this year so I just rummaged in my wardrobe and came up with a geisha-inspired look, using a black lace fan as an accessory.

xo

AUDS Black & White Social

2011-10-14T08:14:00.119+01:00

My favourites from the night,

I hand over three quid fifty to the smiling tie-clad bartender for a creamy black and ivory concoction which smelled strongly like milk and coffee - our signature cocktail for the night. I raise my eyebrow questioningly and with a chuckle he tells me it's actually a White Russian: a sweet mixture of vodka, Kahlua, milk and cream on ice. I take a sip, and it's delicious. The night was, in a nutshell, a flurry of monochrome (with the unavoidable pops of colour here and there), mingling and of course, dancing to good music.

We're collaborating with Orchid for most of our socials this year and they've cheekily decided to play along by dressing up according to the themes as well as creating exclusive themed cocktails specially for each of our socials. The masquerade's up next (I've always wanted to go to one!) so I'm very excited to see how the night will turn out. We've also got Chris Henderson as our official photographer for most of our events and socials, so it's going pretty good so far.

Already looking forward to the next one! I wonder what mask I should get?

#placestoshootat

xo

After Hours

2011-10-13T08:35:00.005+01:00

@ lookbook.nu
@ Chictopia

For the AUDS Black & White Social at Orchid.

xo

Just Shoot for the Stars, If It Feels Right

2011-10-12T12:03:00.139+01:00

Bits from my fall haul,

November glossies, a little something to keep me smelling nice twenty four seven, some teal and turquoise satin and chiffon from London, gold chunkies for my collection and the ringleader/ringmaster shoot I'm planning, lovely additions to my treasure chest, delicious body butter, and my newest obsession (relatively anyway) - brushed gold spikes for a bit (or a lot, depending on how many you want to put on) of edge.

I ventured (up) to the Starbucks around the corner on Upper Kirkgate this morning, ordered a Crème Brûlée Macchiato takeaway, the latest addition to their family - I love Costa's so I just had to try Starbucks' since I'm more of a Starbucks person - and it was so, so good. Shots of espresso, crème brûlèe flavoured syrup, hot steamed milk and sweetly roasted caramel in a signature Starbucks paper cup and coffee collar, warming up my cold hands as I sat down at a table for a good five minutes, looking out the full length window at Marischal College in the sunshine. Probably the best coffee place view for now, mm.

Oh, and see you at the black and white party tonight!

xo

Open Books, Not Legs. Blow Minds, Not Guys

2011-10-11T10:03:00.003+01:00

Your time is limited, so don't waste it living someone else's life. Don't be trapped by dogma - which is living with the results of other people's thinking. Don't let the noise of other's opinions drown out your own inner voice. And most important, have the courage to follow your heart and intuition. They somehow already know what you truly want to become. Everything else is secondary.
- Steve Jobs

I went to campus at eight thirty in the morning today just to find out my lectures were cancelled for the day, so I headed to the library instead for a nine a.m. hot chocolate with marshmallows and cream and some reading on public relations. I've somewhat become a coffee collar collector since I keep on forgetting to get the ones I have stamped (for a free tenth cup of coffee! I know, I'm such an Asian) so I now have three of them from the library cafe with one stamp each.

Enough about coffee collars, I digress.

I absolutely love sitting at the library cafe in the wee hours of the morning (on campus time anyway), either on one of the black modernist couches or the white, just as modernist chairs - yes, it's all very minimalist, I love it - sipping from my cup of hot goodness on a chilly morning. Suffice to say, I've been such a morning person these days, usually waking up between five to seven a.m. every single day.

So here I am today, writing down the minutes from yesterday's AUDS committee meeting - I love how we keep our meetings informal in Bookends, a quaint secondhand bookshop tucked away in Butchart, with all of us sprawled out on comfy couches and beanbags, the smell of secondhand books (and coffee from downstairs if you opened the windows) all around us. I also watched Limitless with the flatmates yesterday night after our first round of Blood Diamond last week and thanks to them, I'm now quite a fan of (slightly) political thrillers.

Digressing once more, I'll be going to my first black and white party tomorrow night! It's an AUDS social held in Orchid, a gorgeous late-night cocktail bar just off Union Street. I'm pretty excited to say the least and I'll definitely be taking plenty of pictures, so be there!

xo

To Those Who Stay Put, the World Is but an Imaginary Place. But to the Movers, the Makers, & the Shakers, the World Is All Around, an Endless Invitation

2011-10-07T23:46:00.001+01:00

Words to live by.

xo