accessoryofcrime.

dip

2013-05-04T23:24:00.000+12:00

Things got pretty dark back there.

A couple of weeks back when I originally wanted to share these with you, the sight of these pictures would remind me of a time and a place that felt a world away, at complete odds to where I was. That fact totally gutted me at that point in time, sitting in my apartment in Singapore, 3am in the morning, I was truly about to write something like the following:

Life is becoming an endless list of chores.
Feeling drained of energy and inspiration. I yearn to come back to this fall and just lay still, breathe and listen to the sounds of the fall and feel the trickle of the fall.

After that little draft, things got in the way, the said 'endless list of chores' got the better of me; some part of me shirked from the thought of sharing this pitch-dark moment. Two weeks later, I'm here once again. Wouldn't it have been nice to share a simple story, an enchanting experience, and immerse you all in a little escapism?

But that's just not possible this time. Too many triggers, too many mixed feelings attached.
This time, you'll have to take the 'light' with the 'dark' aftertaste.

the fall

2013-04-07T01:38:00.000+13:00

Every time Amanda's back in town we really try to make the most of it. It's become a ritual of sorts: short little hour drives around Auckland, exploring new little gems of nature, de-stressing with impromptu swims, absorbing every single scene of nature that unfolds. This time, we were blessed with this incredibly long summer; in fact Autumn has only really begun to creep in now. One particular late afternoon drive brought us out to the West Coast (one of our favourite areas, actually). We ventured through the many walking trails near Piha and by sheer luck chanced upon this Fall just as the sun was setting.
It was perfect.

Every time. We rediscover simple reasons why we'll always love this place.

a perfect Valentine

2013-02-14T23:30:00.000+13:00

tea for two
sweet and simple
minus the gimmicks
a happy valentine you all.

my little piece of heaven

2013-02-13T21:00:00.000+13:00

One-and-a-half years ago, I moved into this apartment. Some of you may remember my first nights; a completely empty space, blank walls and no lights. Sleeping on the floor.
This is that same apartment now. A space that I want to rush back to after long hours of work. Literally a conglomeration of pieces from all over the world, that's constantly evolving. I can't wait to share more moments in it.

p.s. Now I can finally say, I can co-exist with pot plants. Though, unfortunately, the lives of four plants were compromised in the process. Ironically enough, now it's just not home without them.

27 days on...

2013-01-27T21:30:00.000+13:00

Daym! This year - it just kicked off with a bang! Definitely no half-arsed year to be had here, it's telling me. Funny how you can taste these things, huh? Better grab the horns, quick.

Our year to date? Well. If you'd actually like to know. Been chomping through lists of to-do's. Oh, the frontal cortex? Yeah that's coming along nicely too. Same with the wisdom teeth. Slowly but surely.
No, Lisa, we haven't up-ed and de-rooted off to Italy... but i see what you're doing there, seeds. Planting little seeds...i like it! We're both still very much grounded in our Southern Hemisphere/Equatorial positions. Some of us are, however, plotting little adventures into the European Continent. Others are plotting adventures into the hot sun for Laneways tomorrow.

You know what we miss most about blogging? It has to be this constant need for self reflection, self justification and just, generally keeping your perspective in check. Inevitable when you're constantly putting your words and pictures out there. That stuff keeps you sharp and true. To Yourself. So in the spirit of being alive, and for our personal sanity. We bloody hope to get back on this pony.
dozo yoroshiku.

Dress: h&m

Pants: vintage

Sandals: pull & bear

Hat: The Warehouse

a fresh start

2013-01-01T10:13:00.000+13:00

I saw. I heard.

2012-12-31T23:03:00.000+13:00

We know, we've been quiet on this space this year, but we'd still like to finish off 2012 by sharing with you the soundtrack to our year.
On reflection, this year has been about making something out of the unexpected. Doing grown up things in our child-like non conforming ways. Obviously, this is not a cutting edge compilation of the best tracks of 2012 but just songs that capture those moments, songs that transport us back in time and space. Even if its just for one breath.

Pure and simple, our 2012 sounded like this:

Nujabes - Kumomi

Mara Hruby - Character

St. Vincent - The Party

The Rapture - In the Grace of your Love

Grimes - Oblivion

1.Passing endless vineyards driving through Cianti, Italian countryside. 2.Rustic interiors in our Tuscan home, Fattoria San Martino. 3. Humid and sweaty early evening by the Colosseum. 4.Wandering the streets and courtyards in Milano. 5.Ladies in Saigon. 6.Bathers, trekkers and tourists in Vernazza, Cinque Terre.

reindeer says: merry christmas

2012-12-25T06:34:00.000+13:00

We're making new traditions here.
It's a tropical Christmas. In Singapore.
Overcrowding the apartment, packing it full of family.
With plans on covering all the newest touristy sights i've been intending to check out all year.
Found reindeers at Gardens by the Bay.
Had the most appropriately local Christmas Eve dinner EVER with Crabs as Turkey, fresh coconuts as mulled wine, plus, an entourage of many many sea friends!
We're having a blast here. Hope you are too.

Merry Christmas All!

( hush hush )

2012-11-18T18:37:00.001+13:00

It's cut back, and stripped down to the essence. Arcs. Angles. Darts. Curves. These little accents i've discovered by another feather just resonate with the perfect notes of simplicity, minimalism, dynamics, with elegant yet nonchalant geometry. Without a doubt, they'll soon be joining my daily collection. Finding it hard to choose though, i mean, each of the subtle variations just make us melt. AND even more so, worn all at once!

Oh yes we did. Once in a while we actually do go to work and do our job as title suggests. accessories.
Only on very special days though.

Source: another feather

tranquilize

2012-10-24T15:54:00.001+13:00

Can - Mary, Mary, So Contrary

Postcards from days so free of care ~ well at least it always seems this way in photographs. Bathing in the late afternoon lull and gazing up above at clouds passing by; feeling the calm that spreads into every dark corner as your lungs draw in the gentle perfume of lavender fields in the tuscan countryside.

Mind if I rest for a moment here? Let time race by just for a bit while I let my breath catch up...?

Dress: chocol raffine

Bag: Chanel

Take these quiet moments.

2012-09-27T01:13:00.000+12:00

Breathe them in. They're hard to come by.

So often I find myself drifting into deep thought, the xx was playing softly in the background. So many hours in-between, the xx also played. To a point that every word, beat, breath, gasp, silence gained its own weight and meaning. Played to a point that a single chord is capable of striking up a whole sequence of emotions, a specific moment.

Listening to coexist - these teleporting moments are already happening.

The XX - Angels

1 . Morning's peacefulness in Vernazza, Cinque Terre.

a silent devotion

2012-09-05T22:40:00.004+12:00

This remains a space we keep wanting to come back to. And being reunited with each other again. In this land. With the family. And the camera. With the last chill in the air. Feeling a warmth that I remember.

Top: otis & maclain

Pants: thrift

Turban: vintage

dream of Florentine

2012-08-19T15:23:00.002+12:00

Here is the first of our Italian offerings:

Florence.

A city we fell in love with.

Well, it seemed impossible not to.
What, with its glorious golden sunsets,
soaking the streets through and through,
bathing the Arno in warmth.
Racing up its many heights, and domes,
breathing-in the rich Renaissance city of Michelangelo, Giotto & Brunelleschi;
wandering the intimate cobbled streets,
discovering its bohemian heart, its craftsmen, its collectors of vintage and antiques.

under the Italian sun.

2012-07-04T09:16:00.010+12:00

milano.vernazza.firenze.val d'orcia.roma. maybe that explains why we've been away?

the Mamas and the Papas

2012-05-13T22:56:00.014+12:00

c.1974 - A grand engagement.

It's Mother's Day. Treasure your parents today & everyday. Ours are halfway around the world, on a Safari.

xox

grain to soothe the soul

2012-05-12T22:58:00.011+12:00

Mara Hruby - Character

Doesn't it seem logical to share sights & sounds that are contrary to how one is feeling?

Since this space is therapy, I think it's the right thing to do.

I've been watching rain beat down on the glazed alcove, wind-swept rogue palm leaves hurtling from all directions, and the usual sight of deep blues & greens turn into an envelopment of greys that stifle any chance of warm daylight seeping through to us.

I switched on the lights. And turned on some warm beats. Filling the cold empty room with Mara Hruby's rich smooth sounds is a necessity for surviving. (she's been giving away her album for free, so hurry to her Bandcamp!!)

In the same way, this series of medium format, black & white double exposures we came across (here) hit home. The gutsy grain, the pure silhouette-like exposures, simple and raw, played a similar harmony. They make us feel warm and grounded.

Source: Eleanorrigby236 via CGSF (Kiev 88 + Shanghai GP3)

darkwater

2012-04-24T17:30:00.003+12:00

I'm not too sure which comes first.
The photo: taken at the beach near my brother's apartment in sydney;
or the first track of this playlist: casual diamond - sleep ∞ over.

Maybe it was just by a happy accident, these two things coincidentally occurred in the same time. So its only natural that this chance meeting would spiral into a 9-track/36:25-minute session of moody music that may well have you drifting off in deep-thought or deep-sleep. Either way, we hope you enjoy. If you like, listen to it over and over, here. If you love love, let us know, we'll see what we can do so you can listen to it 24x7 without topping out your data limit.

// casual diamond - sleep ∞ over
// skippin buddy - chromatic flights
// no more sorry - my bloody valentine
// i sing you - hanne hukkelberg
// the party - st vincent
// maundy thursday - air france
// way too fast - active child
// know where - holy other
// backwords - porcelain raft

sunbleached

2012-04-11T00:01:00.024+12:00

Summer is only now whispering its final goodbyes. Feeling chillier toes, goose fleshed-arms and the need to reach for a source of warmth more tangible. This is how I've stayed alive and warm.

Easter Weekend flew by.
For three nights, we left our quiet airy homes, got off the cold empty streets and stumbled down below St Kevin's Arcade into a labyrinth of cosy spaces, dimly lit in orange + red, filled with the low-hum of private chatter, smoothed over with the sounds of guitars, cellos and harmonising vocals. Over those nights at the Borderline Festival I excitedly started on my first-ever roll of ISO 1600 film. And to my utmost delight, one of our most beloved New Zealand artists, Chelsea Jade, performed with her band Watercolours. Listen here. You may recognise this track, we seem to love posting it, often.

Skirt: Vintage (R.I.P. this is not a love shop)

Top: Pull and Bear

Florals: Souvenir from Vietnam

Paris: A/W 2012

2012-03-28T09:24:00.005+13:00

With the dust of fashion month settling, we have intermittently been delving into these recent fall fashion offerings. And to be honest, the said 'delving' has occurred mostly through some seriously tired, jaded, and glazed eyes. Maybe I just haven't been in the best of moods or maybe my senses were still recovering from a strong shot of anaesthetic. That's not important. Significantly to me though, it was at first sight of this AF Vandevorst collection that I finally came to my wake.

Source: vogueUK

Warm even-light skimmed the soft fur and wool as they drape round and round their necks and faces. Dark shadows were cast by the fold and the artfully tipped black hats. Together they acted as a mask. As the figures slowly glided down the runway - elegant, completely anonymous and somehow timeless, I sensed my heartbeat calm down, breath: deep and smooth. Mesmerised, I likened them more to 'art' than anything else. As the figures appeared and disappeared in sequence; the qualities, at moments reminded me of still life paintings, sculpture and at times even renaissance portraiture (of those delightfully lit humanists). A perfect composition of parts.

They pose a question, asking us to slow down and reconsider. In an admirable and refreshing way, they reject 'fashion' as power dressing and 'image' making, and instead reach for a quiet beauty, and timelessness that is undeniable.

These photos are only an entrée, have a look at the whole lot, here. Better yet, watch the video.

(backspace)

2012-03-12T23:18:00.003+13:00

near-calamity

2012-03-05T21:03:00.004+13:00

"Stay indoors and do not walk outside or drive unless absolutely necessary", the weatherman had warned. Apparently we were in for one hell of a storm. As one of my last days in Auckland, there was no way I was gonna let any storm interfere with my plans. I definitely couldn't.

All morning the rain and wind onslaught just kept swinging between 'intense' one minute then eerily peaceful the next. So, in one of those peaceful periods, we decided to take a chance. There we were, 3:38pm on Saturday afternoon, in the car, on our way to Bethells Beach. One of the many spots around Auckland that I wonder if I could ever truly get bored of. Every time we come here in rain or shine we're always left wondering how it manages to be so mind-blowingly dynamic and beautiful. This time was no different.

Shame, the little motor van cafe usually tucked in the shade on the lee side of the beach wasn't there that day. I was seriously missing their tasty hot chips and that red velvet cake! I guess you can't always have it all.

1 , 2 + 3. Calm moments on a stormy day at Bethells Beach, 45 minutes out from Auckland.

chilling in the long white cloud

2012-02-29T23:27:00.005+13:00

The WBC - Recline Dub

After working in Singapore for 6 months, a trip back home to good ol Auckland was way overdue. Touching ground and seeing the fluffy white clouds floating past, followed by the rich greens and blues below, it's instantly soothing to me.

I'm home! And boy, do I miss the intense blue skies, breathing in cool air, the feel of carpet under my bare feet, playing with my lil niece, rummaging through thrift stores, the smell of thrift stores, eating (heaps of) yoghurt, hot chips, tamales, ceviches, mojitos from all my favorite stores, getting back into my old 'comfort' routines, driving to random beaches, listening to my old trusty radio stations and the sensation of a windy day.

Now, its Wednesday. And I leave all this goodness on Sunday! No way, too early right? So in response to that, the last shot is pretty much my personal version of Edvard Munch's 'The Scream'.

(By the way, anyone have a good recipe for tamales they can share?? my current favorite food.You'll really make my week!)

Cap: Gap

Dress: Browny

Boots: Nike

Neon Tourist

2012-02-14T22:11:00.001+13:00

This is proof of the hardcore tourists we can be.
We (pretty much) NEVER EVER join tour groups. We have a theory that (almost) everything is better done DIY. Though we'd never argue with having a good knowledgeable insightful guide to bombard with 101 of the most complex and difficult questions, including the meaning of life in their society. But otherwise, isn't wandering around by ourselves in strange cities all the more exciting, exhilarating and rewarding?

So this time was no different. It was the first day of the lunar new year. We planned a trip out to Yehliu, these wacky geological formations shaped by the onslaught of wind and wave on the north eastern coast of Taiwan. After confirming with the concierge that the site would be open for visitors, followed with looks of pure concern and worry the moment they discovered we were making the hour-and-a-half long journey on the public regional bus system, we headed out under the grey swelling clouds armed with an umbrella each. How do you truly prepare for a day of chilly rainstorms and wind lash anyway?

Somehow, in the name of adventure and interesting experiences, braving the wind and rain was well worth it. By the way, happy valentines day.

1 - 8. Yehliu Geopark on a stormy day.

A Very 'Lunar New Year' To You Too.

2012-02-04T10:52:00.002+13:00

A taste of our lunar new year in Taipei.
It's been a long time since we've spent new years in Asia. Lanterns in the middle of nowhere towns. Touristing in the rain, armed with ponchos and umbrellas. Nightmarkets and foggy towers.

By the way, our next adventure starts today.
Saigon here we come!

And it's morning.

2012-01-11T10:04:00.004+13:00

It's been ten sleeps since New Years Day. And if any of you would like to know..... our resolutions are happily incomplete - sitting inside a .doc file on my computer desktop. But we're optimistic. Good honest resolutions are like fine wines.

Amanda's been working her butt off in a little island called Singapore. And me, well ..... I've been around? Hung out in Singapore and China in November and spent Christmas in Sydney. Now i'm back home in Auckland for a short while.

But more importantly, you and I, we have hell of a lot to catch up on. Like, what on earth have you been up to, where the hell are you and what on earth is going on?

Andwhyhaventyou returned our calls?

Let's try to start the year with a clean slate and everything on the table. Time to get that blogging muscle back in ship shape again.

Youth Lagoon - seventeen

Grid Dress: Vintage

Shoes: Muji

Sweats: Muji

1.Quiet Saturday morning in singapore's CBD.