Shien

Taiwan's Love

2014-01-09T23:10:00.001+08:00

Taken at Taroko Gorge

Holiday has been beautiful, extremely beautiful.

As much as it was only a month long semester break, it was a productive and inspiring one. Even before the last submission, my family and I left for the perfect (A.C) weather in Hong Kong. It was good wandering back and forth streets from day to night, stopping by small dessert shops for a drink and a snack or two only because our feet were begging for a break. All we really do in Hong Kong was basically eat and shop. Even when we were in ocean park or victoria peak, we snacked from the hair raiser roller coaster ride to the crazy galleon, from watching couples do their wedding shoots to admiring the sparkling skyscrapers.

But the eating was only a warm up for the Taiwan trip.

You see, the family prefers Taiwan cuisine to Hong Kong's. We like almost everything that was along the street market including the smelly tofu. In fact, that is my favorite Taiwan dish. It's almost like, four squares of smelly tofu for everyday keeps the doctor (and everyone) away. Similar. We ate from day to night, starting the day with the best oyster noodles(蚵仔麵線) hidden in a corner near Taipei 101, and ending the night with a bowl of hot dessert. Of course, along our way while traveling, sightseeing and visiting, we saw food carts which we always stopped to do something we consider as "tasting" before we continued. I mean, don't you agree that mountains are greener and skies are more blue with a snack in the hand. Double happiness!

Taken at the (unknown) Lake

Definitely the trip was not only about eating throughout the day.

It was about the wonders of the Greatest's creations and blessings which were showered on us through the locals. The other half of the trip was spent in Hualien and there we received so much love, care and knowledge about the tribes and cultures there. At the home which we stayed by the pacific ocean was almost perfect. The host and staffs treated us as though their own family and it felt more sincere and homely than ever in another country. We had steamboat and fellowship when they shared with us about the history and culture of their tribes. The Truku tribe(太魯閣族) reminded me of the Maoris where facial tattooing is/was an important cultural practice. However, both differs in the significance and design of the tattoos. To the Truku tribe it symbolizes adulthood, eligibility for marriage and is a pass for them to join the ancestral spirits after death. Whereas, the tattoos on the Maori tells the story of the wearer's family and tribal affiliations, and their social status.

These cultures never bore me and i guess it is what intrigues me most about traveling.

Till May,

xoxo

p.s. Thank You, Dad & Mom<3

CHEERS(;

RACER LISA

2013-12-06T15:53:00.001+08:00

Mood board(left), Inspiration board(right)

The concept between modernization and traditional, with time, was derived while wandering in Chinatown. Despite of the fact that Singapore is only a dot on the globe, there is always so many things to look at, get curious about and draw inspiration from. The thought to make a pair of shoe that was considered as a wearable art struck as soon as I spotted a pair of Chinese clogs lying in the shelves of a lifeless provision shop. It mainly sells traditional kitchenware and some other necessary provision, which are rarely used by today households. However, that was the trigger to the simple concept of the work of time.

Below the layer of crackle silver paint is patched work using three different fabrics stitched onto the flip side of an old denim+canvas sneaker from Reebok. The rubber in front of the original pair of sneaker was detached and attached onto the clogs with the strap. Thankfully for many helpful, kind and loving people in my life, I was able to get the size and pattern of the clogs altered with the sawing tools at S's factory. Materials (such as nails, glue and rubber) and techniques to put the shoe together was taught and given by the best cobbler of Chinatown. He would let me sit at the corner at his tent for more than 4 hours for a few days, to watch him mend shoes, ask questions and listen to my idea. My dearest family, always supporting me in any and every way with the little things to help me save some time, effort and energy. Also, always (and forever) my model for projects. Without any help and advises, I would not have been able to complete these in three days. Thank God!

Finally, the paint will peel, revealing the patch work and reds of the beneath layer. As seen from above, on the bottom of the inspiration board, unrevealing the traditions that has been instilled…

Model: Alicia Lim

CHEERS(;

Greatest Gift

2013-11-19T23:32:00.001+08:00

Alicia Lim

Very inspired by her imaginations of the mystical mermaids in the deep seas, she has a lacey mermaid skirt with a bralet and a light piece of sheer top. As she strolls along the beach and rest upon the big stones close to the shore, her light clothing not only keeps her warm from the sea breeze. It also allows her to take everything else real in this world out of her mind and dwell into the mystical realm of mermaids, unicorns and horsemen.

“Dressing up is a form of expression”

Soh Li

In our Garden city, we have a youthful and adorable looking woman that is in her early 40s in a layered style that gives off the vibes of Japanese. Especially at a proudly and wonderfully man-made garden, how could one simply believe that this was not taken in any rural district with the most natural greens, with the different shades of reds and almost washed out looking denim that fits in comfortably with the breezy blues in the environment.

“让我回想年少时的天真可爱”

“Reminds me the innocence of my childhood”

Dara Lim

Bright and Beautiful, all she wanted was to play. With her grandmother’s old dress from the art deco period and a vintage floral head piece. To her most comfortable converse high cuts to skate around in her yellow penny.

With anything, to everywhere.

“I don’t care, I just want to play with fashion”

This family-my greatest blessing from above.

CHEESE(;

SUITCASE Magazine

2013-10-20T01:34:00.002+08:00

It can never get anymore exciting whenever i sit to share something on the site.

Weeks has passed and days has flown by so fast. I have lose track of the weeks I’ve been missing in action and I can’t feel anymore guilty for neglecting this space, again and again. There are so many posts waiting to be shared, I know I need to buckle up. Instead of dwelling in my sorry speech, I shall begin to share about an exciting feature that John and I did for Suitcase Mag- the first travel and fashion online magazine. It was done many months ago but I’m glad that nothing has been procrastinated to as far as a year yet (please excuse me while I try hard to maintain some optimism).

It is always a lot of fun being photographed by John and I (forever) wonder what sort of magical photography skills he holds that his pictures always turns out better than the reflection I see on the mirror. The editors enjoyed the photos so much that they even had it featured in the 4^th issue of Suitcase Magazine that has been on sale across the UK and across the rest of the globe. I hope this did not come out too late for anyone else to catch the feature on the mag. It was my pleasure to share with the rest of the world my favourite places to visit, food to try and shopping to do in our lion city. I really hope this helped many tourists and even locals to source for the best in our beautifully blessed city.

CHEESE(;

Small Fry

2013-09-06T15:21:00.001+08:00

Back to school, back to blue.

It's actually getting quite funny that i'm wearing so much blue even after having to wear blue pinafores to school for the past eleven years. It's as though i haven gotten enough of the uniform look but i can't help it especially since i feel most comfortable in that colour. I am aware of the number of posts on blue outfits, but i can't help that either, so please be tolerant. Maybe just some time, when i change a little bit more, something else may take over the blue clue's trend. When i stop being such an old fashion. Or never. Who knows, other than God.

So, small fry was loved by a super cool bean from Wellington. He has the most amazing clothing like a dragon baggy jersey that i was super tempted to grab despite of it being over over-size. However, due to my indecisiveness, some other cool lady took it off the rack. Other than that, he was giving everything away as though they were all such small fry. It's a pity that i didn't have more time in welly, if not…i would love to see his wardrobe. My blood would rush and my heart would beat so fast, i may just die in welly.

In fact, i almost went cuckoo.

Right, the weekend flea markets (and not forgetting the food markets) all around welly was amazing. There were so many streets to rushed to, food to taste, people to talk to, museums to visit and only three days in welly. It was surely not enough especially since there were so many job vacancies available for girls like us that even worked in an orchard. Nonetheless, I'm super thankful and glad to have made it during the weekends-when everything gets even more happz and loud in welly.

Dang. The alarm has gone and i should get up from (day) dreaming already. It's time to get back to my mundane assignments. Anyway, here's cheers to an exciting weekend!

CHEESE(;

Continuing to Mt M. & Rotorua

2013-08-14T01:10:00.001+08:00

MOUNT MANGANUI

Soon after three weeks of consecutive interactions with all forms of Kiwis, we decided that we wouldn't contain our excitement anymore but to begin part two of our trip-to travel. Besides, most of our friends had or planned to move on already so we thought might as well lift the light spirit higher and have fun all together! Our route were slightly more complex than general backpackers in NZ because we were accommodating to a couple other friend's travel dates so that we could travel together. Time is of an essence... So I wouldn't advice anybody to follow the sequence of my travel and please pardon the messy sequence.

Firstly, we headed to Mt Manganui and then was the start of our buffet craze but i'll come back to that again. We met a pair of loving Malaysians outside a restaurant and started a conversation until the end of dinner. We felt welcome on our first day and thought that the night couldn't get any better with their company. The pair shared with us lots of personal life stories that were engaging and even offered to bring us around in their car the next day. For the next few days S & P brought us on a mini tour around tauranga, invited us to their house and brought us to visit their newly bought section at welcome bay. Even until today, i'm still marveled at the kind of relationship we've forged, they treated us like their grandchildren and they called/texted every there and then until our last day in NZ. They even pre-invited our families over to their place to stay the next time we visit. The pair of old folks were so precious, they certainly were a great part of my great wonders in NZ.

Not forgetting our hike up the perfect scenery Mt Managanui, we stayed up there the whole afternoon to enjoy our mini picnic, spend some therapeutic time writing postcards to our loved ones and relax at the tip top of the mount with our story books until winter got colder in the evening. It was a perfect Sunday being in awe of His wonders.

1.Sunrise 2.Sea shells picking at the beach 3.Aging couples watching the scenery 4.Almost the peak of Mt M. 5.Golden Kiwis for picnic 6.Brunch at Cafe Eighty Eight

ROTORUA

Next, the bus brought us to the place that smells like fart. It has intimidating geothermal activities, relaxing hot spring to soak in, 16 lakes and a city rich in the Maori culture. O and it seems like a pretty good place for buffets too! In ten days we had 4 buffets-Indian, Mongolian, Chinese and Hangi. We were staffed to almost death but i'm proud to say that we have such adaptable tastebuds and invincible elastic stomachs. I rank that week best, including the activities we did like the 7m(highest commercialize)White Water Rafting, Maori Tour, Hells Gate(Mud spa), Waikite Valley Thermal Pools, hiked The Redwoods, hitch hiked around and visited the Musuem at the Government's Garden. Besides, we even experienced working for accommodation which was pretty good considering that Rotorua has the best YHA. Soon enough, we fell in love with that city despite of the occasional pungent.

But we knew that there were more waiting for us to venture to, so we left Rotorua with all good and fun experiences locked in our memories, as we travelled down to Napier the Art Deco City then to Wellington the Capital-which i will continue in the next post.

Blogging about NZ is always so amazing, memories are so vivid, it's as though i've been teleported back to the country full of lovely people and sceneries all over again... As for now, it's bed time because school has officially began. Have a great day, we're half way through the working week! Cheers!

1.Lake Rotorua 2.Government's Garden 3.Maori Village Tour 4.Hangi Meal 5.Latin American food at Sabroso Restaurant

Photos by HuiZhen & Myself

CHEESE(;

First Month of The Adventure.

2013-08-03T22:48:00.001+08:00

Firstly, may i apologize for the possibly longest hiatus ever. Back packing in New Zealand has officially ended and I have had the craziest time of my life meeting all sorts of people from all over the globe, understanding cultures (especially Maori) from tours, interactions with the locals and working with them in the same orchid and factory. Never thought that I would ever do more grocery shopping than any, and even finding fun skating away on trolleys looking out for the best deals or promotions on the shelves.

The trip started off with a week in Auckland looking for jobs, sending emails for job availability, trying to grasp a bit of the lifestyles of the kiwis and extremely curious about the maori culture. Other than that, we were just being typical tourists doing impulsive shopping, snapping pictures of every other leaves that are not green and feeling fortunate about the perfect (pre-winter) temperature in Auckland.

Due to the lack of input on this space and overwhelming output NZ has drowned me with, i find it a little confusing as to how i should even continue blogging. So, i'm thinking maybe i will just post as my emotions and memories in NZ flow. I hope to share with you the magnificent sceneries and extraordinary experiences i've had throughout the pass 2.5 months.

AUCKLAND

That was a day at Mount Eden, then to Alleluya cafe for the brunch menu in the evening and our journey around was as though we were on a walkathon-the horribly sad fate of my feet. The view there was alright, it felt similar to being up on Mount Faber in Singapore, but knowing that we're on a volcano and technically the highest non-manmade point in Auckland made the walk all worth it. That was the born of our fruit on a mountain top "tradition" which lasted for as long as we had fruits stocked up in our bags.

OPOTIKI

It was our second destination, one small town where you could walk through in an estimated ten minutes (and i mean at an average walking speed). We stayed there for as long as we could earn some money and gained insane experiences and strength during the kiwi season-picking at orchids, packing and grading in factories. In a week at the orchid with my hands up picking 2-3 kiwis in each hands and a bag weighing 30kg in front (like a mama kangaroo) for 6 hours on average each day, my body grew tough and big. That one, i promise, is an once in a life time experience. Never in my life am i ever going to try working in an orchid again.

The locals would puff away early in the morning, following with a smoke of weed to give them a boost of energy before the tough work begins and to keep them warm in winter. In a full car with windows that were slightly wind down, the mind instantly switched to the thought of my poor lungs. How it would slowly fade into a dark colour as a second hand smoker…

The cycle repeated itself until we received a call from the factory after a week. Anything out of the orchid and out of the car made us really excited and thankful. Being able to work at the factory was like a miracle for us since they told us that the possibility of getting a place during the peak season was almost zero. Other factory workers would look at me and wonder about my joy and excitement since all we really do is pack kiwis into boxes for 10 hours everyday. But all understood as soon as i told them what i was trying to do previously.

At the factory, we met a big group of chinese mostly from china and malaysia-fellow backpackers on working holiday visa. They were a great bunch of people that made us feel welcome and in less than two weeks, friendship has been built. Despite a few random and weird (people related) incidents during our stay in Opotiki, I could never be anymore thankful for the people who have helped us and made life less difficult in an environment that we city girls were so foreign to.

During days when there was rain or no work, the library was our crib. Where we claimed our sanity. As well as the coexist hub. Other off days, we went to the bay of plenty to blow sea breeze, warf to watch sunset and borrow G's car to Whakatane with our first friends, P&M. Thankful for their company if not we may blame life for being too cruel.

Despite of the tough times we've had in Opotiki, it has still accommodated us and we certainly missed the community there. The locals were friendly and kind towards us even though we've self invited ourselves into their territory, used their public library free wifi and took up positions in their factory.

The future will come as I return to recollect my memories and possibly create more. Seeya!

Basically, these are the brief events that happened in Auckland and Opotiki during our first month in New Zealand. There were certainly more details along the way but some are for me to forget and the rest to lock it in my heart. As for the rest of the journey, i'll continue in the next posts! Cheers! (It's the kiwi's favorite word)

CHEESE(;

(not forgetting my own favorite word)

Urban

2013-05-31T12:46:00.001+08:00

This is another day in Opotiki while i reminisce my days in the urban district.

Along the street of Karangahape is where this vintage store lies. Most people know how bright i light up when i come across a vintage store, especially in a foreign place. These stores gives me a sense of familiarity and i just love the smell of the aging clothing, shoes and bags. It's a little strange but it's so comforting.

Vintage, craft and tea isn't exactly like those sort of stores that collects everything vintage, or thrifted, but the owner picks out just a few of a different kind of vintage clothing that she likes. It's mostly like her collection of clothing that she wants to share with people who has the same liking as her. I'm sure she gets customers that recognizes her store for her range of interesting and precious vintage collections. It feels as though she's living a girl's dream to set up a store that has her favorite clothing, pretty-artsy notebooks and a cup of tea for people who knows how to live life.

The day continues on as a tourist, everything a little bit more fascinating than the ones at home, we stop for a picture.

When we finally made our way through the park, supposedly the shorter way to the central district, we found our oyster bar. Depot eatery serves fresh-salty-ocean oyster ever. I mean, it's not like i'm even a food critic but i'm confident of making a distinction of the "ah, this is fresh and okay" ones from the "oh man, this is FRESH AND REAL". It was awakening and the best starter for the rest of the meal. The fish for the main course tasted like an indian cuisine which i absolutely enjoyed but i didn't expect such flavors in an oyster bar in new zealand. Everything at depot was fresh and exciting.

The day ended well with all the amazing finds and it rounded off even better after getting a taste of the nightlife at the social bar along Ponsonby. The local beer was enough to keep us warm while we journey back to Freeman's, down the slopes only. That's a picture that we took with a warm and friendly kiwi that we chatted a bit with on the streets.

CHEESE(;

Auckland City-Day1

2013-05-23T10:33:00.002+08:00

Now that i have settled down a bit in new zealand, i can finally try to coexist. It has been a week in Auckland city and the weather is almost perfect over here. Although the day ends earlier since it's almost into the winter season but there was still enough sun to help us find our way back to our hostel. The backpackers hostel that we lived in during our stay in Auckland was really good. Freemans Lodge is a pretty homely place where people are mostly friendly and outgoing. The free wifi allowed us to send tons of emails out for job applications and we could search our ways around to visit around the city. Additionally, the kitchens and toilets are considered clean and good for living in hostels. Infact, it was so good that me and my cousin were afraid that we wouldn't be able to accept the others as we continue our journey down south. I don't want to miss you, Freemans.

The focus of this picture is definitely not about me getting excited over a tree trunk but the camouflage patterns on the trunk. It was one of the most amusing things i saw after the beautiful leaves seen along Wellington St, outside Freeman's. Isn't the trunk something interesting?

O yea, one other thing about the city is that there are so many slopes that you have to conquer. I actually think Freeman's was build on a valley which means in every direction we head to, we always have to climb uphill. So when we get to the CBD area we'd look for treats like this deep fried cheese churros (that is still making my mouth water just looking and thinking about the time we shared). I am sure to get a few more tries when i return to auckland city in July. Wait for me, Churros.

We continued our journey around the CBD area along queens street and we were looking for a place to settle our dinner, hoping to walk into one with a slight crowd. But the thing is that there isn't many people around and the city isn't that happening during the weekdays so we decided to let our senses make the call. Nearing the end of the street, we found a mexican restaurant with hipster graphic designs on the brick wall and really fresh food behind the counter. Hoho. Look at the cheese towering like the volcanos around. California Burrito was it.

Then, it was a happy first day already.

I was scooting around on the trolley in New World (the common supermarket in NZ) to get breakfasts and dinners for the week in Auckland. And Z was so happy when we reach the cheese section. Look at how satisfied she is with her brilliant idea to use margarin to cook instead of getting oil, since it was more convenient and pocket friendly. But the 10 litres well that i impulsively decided on getting before checking if there was a water dispenser in the hostel had Z furious to the maximum. She was so unwilling to drag the grocery bags back up and down the slopes back to our hostel because of my (water) buffalo bad decision. I'm sorry ya.

Although it was a tiring and enduring walk back to the hostel in the cold night without our coats, it was still quite entertaining listening to Z whine away like a big baby. Overall, it was quite a good and productive day 1 because we think that we may have finished the main street in the city.

*Photos by HuiZhen & I

CHEESE(;

Stripeology

2013-05-09T21:52:00.000+08:00

For the past few weeks before school ended, this was what i was working on. My specialism project, which was to create a garment through upcycling methods. With the concept of "Space on Earth"- stiffness of the garment and the pin tucks detailed high neck that feels like an astronaut suit, being on earth which consists mostly of water, leading to the aqartic influence…

Er, i hope you can grasp the brief idea.

Moving on, the few pre-loved clothing that were converted into this(two piece) garment are the diving suit, cashmere sweater, aquatic printed boxer, ties and a peplum top. They are actually materials that don't really suit the all-time summer season in Singapore but i guess it's still workable since most places have AC. However, it still wasn't exactly cool to do the photo shoot outdoor when the sun rays were penetrating through the garment, and almost through me. Thank goodness it wasn't another model that had to do the shoot for me if not i would feel so terrible about my own work. (I almost melted in the garment.)

Anyway, the project wouldn't turn out as pleasing as i wished if i didn't have the help from Zhi Wei(photographer) and Sandy Ee(makeup artist). They made this project turn out more professional than it should have been if i had to do it all by myself. Thank God for amazing talents who were very kind to help.

I hope you like it!

CHEESE(;

May, i've missed you

2013-05-02T23:52:00.000+08:00

Hebe's here, May is here.

The air is fresh and the the birds are free.

School's out, let's scream and shout, it's time for a party theme!

I thought i was going to be excited to party but my senses are telling me to chill bananas instead.

Maybe a trip to an art cafe to paint with a friend or do (bad) portraits for people at 10cents in 1 minute.

Just a few things i want to do before i work and travel at NZ.

Unfortunately, i haven gotten enough of canvases and painting from school.

Anw

The houndstooth blazer is starting to make me feel comfortable after keeping it warm in my cupboard for a year since my last trip to LA. It's quite __ because there are still a couple more clothing bought since last year that i haven worn. I don't know why i never pulled them out of the wardrobe too.

Here

Are some accessories that are sentimental to me, mostly pass down from different old people with different stories of their jewelries. The gold patent bracelet has the ten commandments and every word is well inscribed. It probably is the most meaningful jewelry i own thus far. I mean, really, it's the ten commandments right. What can beat it.

Trousers-Uniqlo, Blazer-Forever21, Boots-Aus, Bag-Coach, Vintage accessories

TGIF!

Although tgif doesn't really gets me excited because for three months it's just going to be HOLIDAY. But i wish you all a happy last day at work and remember to do all things in love!

CHEESE(;

CATCH Magazine:The Oriental Issue

2013-04-21T17:14:00.000+08:00

Here i am on a rainy sunday afternoon, feeling too chill to be bothered with anything serious like school work. It has been awhile since i blabbered on this space and hola, i'm back again. If anyone of you following on my Facebook page remembers the sneak peek that i posted of a photoshoot that i did for NYP's Catch Magazine, the issue is out. In fact, i am a couple months late from the completion of this issue because of some technical issues that doesn't really matter anyway. Thankfully, Charlotte Hand(editor) and Rebecca Mai(photographer) were tolerant with my unprofessionalism as a model, if not the experience wouldn't be as enjoyable as it was.

For the digital copy of the issue, click here.

CHEESE(;

PINK TOAST

2013-03-19T00:23:00.000+08:00

Just two days ago, the four ladies at home were doing shopping over whatsapp as early as 5am because the man was doing some last minute shopping before he catches his flight back home. For 3.5 hours the father went around, took some pictures in the shops and we'd pick what we want over the family whatsapp group. Come to think about that morning, it was actually quite strange because the house was still dark, everybody were in their own rooms and it seem like the house was still on snooze. Yet the most active thing in the house were the iPhones. It was so busy i thought the radiation might just kill me before i get to meet and embrace my new loves- the dress, bag and shoe of course.

Thankfully, everyone survived that morning.

By the way, those are peanut butter & banana toast on my ears, they're a pair of earrings by a beloved friend for Christmas. They don't only work as earrings but are really amazing in the mouth too. Like the real spread and the real fruit and the real toast. Either that, toast with nutella & banana or strawberry are equally fabulous. Take my advice, your day will surely be made as soon as you treat yourself to the awesome mix.

These days, i've been eating, catching up with precious friends and eating even more while exercising my jaws away. I have finally visited some great cafes with even greater lemon tarts that "tastes of pure lemon flavour, it has that zingy sharp awake-your-tastebuds kind of flavour, with enough sugar to make the bitterness palatable but still allowing the sharpness of lemon to linger on. The custard melts as if thick cream and the buttery pastry delivers a crumbly contrast. This is my perfect lemon tart." That is just the right way to describe the lemon tart that i had from Bakers & Cook. Although it was quoted from a food blogger, AZÉLIA, i could completely comprehend every word that was typed to describe the memory i had of the tart. Yumz.

Before i go on and try to be a food blogger and tell you about all the quiche, waffles, danishes and other pastries that i had in the last two weeks, i shall put the food talk on pause. May you not feel too hungry after reading this post if not then drop everything and go make yourself a toast right now.

Have fun growing a tummy with me!

Loafers: Bass, Orange mini skirt+pink socks: h&m, Watch: Adidas, Long sleeve top: Vintage

CHEESE(;

White Head Structure

2013-03-08T11:48:00.000+08:00

Black maxi dress: Miss Selfridge, Earrings: Topshop

It has been so many weeks, i could barely remember when was the last time i had my last post up and i'm so sorry about the really long hiatus. This time i'm done with my submissions for foundation and here i am about to show and tell you a bit about what have been taking up my time away from you all.

This project was called the "White Wearable Head Structure" and we were only suppose to work with any kind of typically white paper. As for the joint methods, if i remember correctly, we could use any way except for tying. For my headgear, i chose the baking(off white+semi hard) and tissue paper(blueish+soft) mainly for the difference with the colors. Used the white glue, hot glue, stick glue and masking tape as the joint methods, and wires to build a strong structure below all the whites.

If you're wondering how it should be worn, the neck area of the structure was made to the size of my neck and the continual flow of the form rests on the shoulder. A wire ear support is also attached with the whole structure for it to stay steadily on the head.

Overall, this headgear was inspired by the research that i did which came out as mostly organic forms and the texture from the fish scales. The most laborious process of this project was probably the rolling of the papers, stripes of thick and thin, tissue and baking papers for the fish scale inspired texture and the irregular size stripes to wrap around the wires.

Personally, it was an enjoyable project to work on and if i were to create another headgear i would consider making one that gives more three dimensional impact. What do you suggest?

CHEESE(;

Feeling the Blues

2013-02-16T01:39:00.002+08:00

Photo by John

So i went onto John's tumblr and recognized this outfit that i put together last year. It's quite funny hearing people telling me that the outfit was well put together because the thing about this outfit that was screaming were the rain boots. Can you continue to draw an imaginary lower body with a pair of floral rain boots matched with all the blues? I looked at myself through the bus doors and i giggled at my own reflection. O well, the weather was nasty and i just couldn't think of getting out of the house in anything else but the rain boots.

You would probably know how comfortable i was feeling that day, looking at all the blues i've layered myself under. Again, i just can't tell you how blue helps me to chill bananas. I mean, blue is the colour that i've been drawn to ever since i was a child and after changing my favorite colors for a few times, i'm back to the blue square.

Anyway, the pleated shirt is from American Eagle and i've been wearing it even before i found myself in love with clothing. I know the knitted cardigan is slightly too short for my arms and a bit too tight to button up with layers below, which probably explains the expanded button holes, but c'mon it was from kids section in H&M. It looks just fine with less layers.

Now, the dotty tie... was supposedly for a friend but he soon disappeared from my life so it's mine now. I realized that i've the tendency to get people things and keeping them in the house due to forgetfulness and some other lame reasons. Until i realize that those gifts were still not given out, some of them were already out. I guess it's not too bad a thing afterall, the gifts will still be given to those who never walk away.

Enough about everything related to blue for the night… TGIF! Have a good weekend while i hide under my smelly blanky during this rainy season in the supposedly sunny island.

CHEESE(;

Back from the Mess.

2013-02-08T03:35:00.000+08:00

Hola, my friends!

Last few weeks has been insanely busy for me and i apologize for me absence on this space.

Here i am, with some free time, all thanks to the Chinese New Year public holiday next week. It's finally time for some rest before i watch the next few months fly pass, when i get back to school on wednesday again.

Let's begin with the move to the new place. This is the fifth time i'm moving since the day of my birth but the last four times have been in the same district-South. This time round, my family have decided to be adventurous and we're all the way to the North West of Singapore. It is a pretty lovely place because of the obscurity but one thing that's really strange is that the house gets extremely dark by 5pm. It's quite funny that the sunny island isn't that sunny in some areas. O well, as long as it's still windy, we're all good.

Took a picture from the favorite spot in the house.

Next, the end of all the workshops that are compulsory for me to take in school. Google Sketch Up, Photography, Photoshop, Illustrator and Clay Modeling. We were given 5 weeks to learn each programs and present our final project on the fifth week. Honestly, they weren't too bad after looking back at the progress i have made but the process during the five weeks weren't that fun too. To know when is your deadline before getting to know anything but the name of the software doesn't make learning that enjoyable.

This week, i had two submissions on consecutive days and before each submissions i don't normally get any sleep. By the end of the third day of the week, i was almost a zombie already. Below is what i did for illustrator after five weeks. With zero knowledge and understanding of the program and for being a complete loser with softwares, may i present to you a portrait of myself(or at least the mole above my lips if you violently disagree that it's a portrait of myself) in a vintage poster.

Lastly, it's the outfit to represent the end of a stressful week in school! The favourite hand woven silk scarf from India, blue stripes dress from Malaysia and the velvet red flats from Charlotte Russe. An interesting fact about these three is that they for kept warm in the wardrobe for about half a year before i wore them out yesterday. I wonder what took me such a long time before taking them out to the streets…

Ah, this a vintage bracelet that i brought back from new jersey. It has the name of the aunty that loved me best between my sisters, she says that's because i was the first to be given birth to and so i'm her favorite. Neither of my sisters understood that but they just lived with the fact that i was favored by her, while i enjoy being pampered. The last time we met was 4 years back or so, i missed her but i would not call her. I can't wait for house warming, maybe she would come.

I hope this long post made it up for the weeks i disappeared from this space.

Have a good weekend ahead and happy Chinese New Year to fellow chinese people!

CHEESE(;

A Hyperactive Night.

2013-01-16T23:07:00.000+08:00

I've missed this page for a week and a half already, here are some pictures for your pleasure and a little blabbering session for myself!

School has started, projects are flooding in and here i am trying to get back on track, getting back my momentum. Just a couple week ago, i was rolling around and when the last day of the year came, i conveniently rolled over to 2013. Who knew rolling brought me to the restless and aimless YOLO mode. First week of school passed and my weekends, supposedly spend doing projects, were spent merrily on the ice skating ring and getting myself bothered with the renovation for the new house the family is moving into. Too much time not spend doing homework but well spent time with the people i love. <3

These was at Depression's Christmas Party 12', it was a good night catching up with a couple of cool friends. Besides, i made a few more friends with interesting names before the year came to an end. Thank You to Kenny & Andrew and the Depression team for the hyperactive night!

And a big thank you to John for being the most spontaneous photographer!

Kenny

Jia Jing

Serene

Chris

John & his pictures.

CHEESE(;

Marching On

2013-01-04T14:33:00.003+08:00

SoldiersNecklace: Grammah

Marching into twenty thirteen like a warrior and flying the badass to uranus because i'm two months away to the nineteenth year on planet earth. New challenges accepted and another step closer towards the goal is what i will pursue. We'll see about the rest when it comes along but i mustn't waver. My lovely friends, pray for me when you think about me that i will be strengthened every morning. The one above will hear and i will receive your blessings. Thank you in advance for everything that's coming.

As for the (almost) psychedelic printed tube dress from Billabong and the blue basics that my mother passed down to me, that may also seem familiar to the eyes of some, is a mix that i reused since the last time in the states. Except for the soldiers necklace that has just joined the family, everything else are familiar on the blog. Those soldiers from Grammah definitely made lazy days so much easier for me because all eyes are fixed on them, everywhere. You may not be able to find the same group of loyal soldiers in the shop anymore but good things never stop appearing in there anyway, so be hopeful! May you get a pleasant surprise from Grammah when you do visit her the next time, she always have something ready for the grandchildren.

Just do everything you wanted to do in twenty thirteen.

Don't let the thinking kill your energy.

PhotoCredits:John

PsychedelicPrintedDress:Billabong, RedHighCut:Converse, BlueSocks:Daiso, Clutch:Shien

CHEESE(;

The Crowded Mind of Mine.

2012-12-27T00:28:00.000+08:00

The Christmas season is over, church camp has ended, did a photoshoot for NYP's fashion spread, caught up with a few close friends, knitting has begun and holiday is coming to an end. These were the happenings for the past week and i've been trying to do more but tiredness keeps getting to me. My apologies for neglecting the blog for a week and a half but i will always come back because i miss it everyday. In addition, i have to confess that i did not transfer my images before my sissy brings the camera with her to the UK for holiday. Please forgive me for my carelessness, i hope that the fruityappleiphone5 will help!

Truthfully, it doesn't seem like i have done a lot of things which produced tangible results but i am very pleased with the intangibles that has happened. I had time to develop myself in many aspects in life during this holiday, including physical horizontal growth due to the intake of turkeys for two consecutive days. Seems like i never really need to learn how to cook well since i am so blessed with excellent cooks in my life! Reflecting on the past week, while i may seem to be missing in action, actually makes me feel less lost in the maze in my head. The year is coming to an end, there are many things i tell myself i have to complete before the new year approaches yet fighting with time becomes a waste of everything from energy to time itself, so i just go with the flow. We just gotta keep swimming.

Below's outfit is what i call the mix. Shien's own DIY clutch, vintage bow tie and floral dress shirt, blazer from H&M, a casual jeans from japan, men socks from Brooke Brothers and desert boots from Clarks. These is exactly what i love to do most, mixing the new with the old and the own. It's exciting when you have the outfit conversation because there is always so much to tell. From vintage in LA, to Clarks in Hong Kong, to DIY at home. Everything counts.

I'm eager to talk to you patient and lovely readers soon. But it's time i end off here and start on my research for school before i end my day. Have a productive and peaceful week ahead as we courageously welcome the new year with open arms!

Photo credit: John

CHEESE(;

Dearest Grandchildren,

2012-12-14T03:17:00.000+08:00

The long awaited Grammah post that i've been wanting to share is finally up. I apologize for the times i referred to Grammah like as if everybody should have known about it. There is really no reason why i took such a long time to get this up but i hope the introductory of Grammah will help. Fingers crossed.

Best Introductory:

Grammah is the finer and lovelier version of the typical vintage shops that i've been to in the states, like American Vintage in LA and a couple others that i mentioned before. I was born in the 90s, never belonged to the vintage era but the atmosphere(design of the shop and the music played that were popular during the era) led me to imagine myself living in the 60s. Grammah actually gives me an impression of how shops in singapore looked like back then, which most vintage shops around don't.(Notice the keyword: singapore)

The pleasant, rustic and surreal feeling that i get every time i enter the shop allows me to have the best shopping and playing experience. Despite the fact that i enjoy shopping for vintage things very much, situations in vintage shops can be quite daunting, the eeriness that gets to me helps with the curiosity and appreciative or sensitivity to things because of the tensed up nerves. Curiosity now aroused, things were to get even stranger, you know.

Anyway, Grammah is having a twenty-five percent discount off apparels and homewares because it's the year end- the love of a grandparent to the little grandchildren. Isn't tis the season to be jolly!

Fa la la la la, la la la la!

Photos by John Tan

Vintage Everything.

Earrings & dress from LA-Pasadena, Bag from NJ, Shoes from NY

CHEESE(;

Off We Go Into the Wild Blue Yonder

2012-12-08T11:31:00.001+08:00

This is a part of brooklyn( somewhere close to Graham Ave to be particular) that i've brought back with me, it's a pair of vintage heels that i adore very much for the different shades of blues and perfect fitting. I don't even know how to begin to express my thoughts and emotions about vintage shoes that fits well and comfortably. The fact that it was also the most favorable pair in the entire store was the greatest thrill. It's times like these when i feel like the most fortunate person and then i stare into the mirror, look at the shoes and think, "have these shoes been waiting for me all these while?" Because the thought of something waiting for you and me makes the whole experience even more magical, for us. (Whether is it that you're in some denial or not, it's not that much of a big deal.)

And this is how i blabber when it comes to talk about the blue cowboy vintage shoe. Pardon me if you can't tolerate the exaggeration but those words are honest.

Follow by the next part of brooklyn, the Williamsburg Flea was where i adopted this floral printed vintage outerwear. I like the femininity of the coat and the rose prints on cotton that looks like painting on a canvas. You know, when your country is going through a wet season, the polyester fibers really makes you not want to take it off at all. With a pair of jeans, basic inner wear and the cutting of the swanky looking vintage coat would be enough to pull the weekends off. It is the alternative of my blanket.

Now it's my time to end this post and get out of my blanket before i waste a precious day of my holiday away. Have a fruitful weekend and be reminded that Christmas is round the corner, get your presents ready for the 25th!

Vintage shoes and coat:Brooklyn, Jeans:Forever21, White dangling earrings:Bebe, Book:Ways of Seeing by John Berger

CHEESE(;

'BLACK OUT'

2012-12-05T02:44:00.002+08:00

Hola! It has been too long since my last post and here i am back with more space on blogger. Please accept my sincere apologies for taking such a long time to figure out that using back what i first had was the best option. Trying to find themes and website designs on tumblr, webs.com and a few other web hosting sites that are more comfortable than this current one that i have was exhausting and a difficulty. It definitely isn't because none of them were good enough for Shien but the reason of me taking eon to get over something that I've been so attached to, rolls me back.

Getting back to what i've been excited to share with you all, let's say 4 weeks ago, is Depression's SS13 collection. The HTC x DEPRESSION Fashion Show that was held at the Sky Bar was magnificent. Anybody's mood would be lifted when they approach the 55th level of ION Orchard because the view of the heart of Singapore's shopping, tourist and entertainment district is an unparalleled experience.

'Inspired by 'dizzy spells', the new 'Black Out' collection features odd-shaped pieces that mimic 'bumps' and bruises', while graphic prints in 'motion blur' re-creates the moments before a person blacks out. Colour follows an equestrian theme, contrasting the neon brights of the unicorn against the monochromatic zebra. All apparel made from rayon, cotton, spandex and polyester, while shoes and bags are crafted from a mix of high-quality calf leather and canvas.'

One thing that i really appreciate from the designers are the different elements they emphasize on and bring out in each collection, while retaining something very crucial, their individualistic way of designing clothing. For instance, 'Black Out' emphasizes more on graphic prints than the cutting of the clothing which was the focus of the previous collection, Plastic Surgery. Every new collection seem fresh and youthful yet at one glance, you know they are designed by the duo. The endless excitement for more designs and the following collection is simply inevitable. Truly, if you can't grasp anything i have typed till so far, begin to scroll down and understand the goodness of the 'Black Out' collection, then take a look at their previous collection, 'Plastic Surgery'. If you still feel that i haven proved my point from those two collections, allow me to bring you back to 'Clouding Of Consciousness'.

Then, you'll see what i'm talking about.

Hope the images taken from my dearest iPhone 5 didn't do too much injustice to collection.

Have a good day while i enjoy my december holiday(;

Bless you, lovely.

CHEESE(;

Time Out.

2012-11-22T02:06:00.000+08:00

Adieu.

I guess blogger had enough of me and my maniacal pictures that it would not tolerate anymore, unless i bribe them with a slice of peanut butter and banana toast. But then again, that would only work if i were the in charge of Blogger.

Due to the issue of not being able to upload anymore pictures on blogger, i have decided to use the last bit of photo space to express my sincere gratitude towards the site, with another well composed picture taken by John.

Actually, this picture is also a sneak peek of Grammah's lookbook. I won't blame if you haven heard of it because i feel responsible for not breaking the good news of the opening of the new store before showing you a sneak peak of the photoshot.

Here is a little pinky promise that a better introduction of the store will definitely be shared when i'm done fixing the layout of the website on another site. Please be kind and show mercy to the none techie person, that is always in a tiff with codes when it comes to designing a website. It's ever so frustrating ever since day one…

O well,

november's bleakness will soon pass.

I'd be done with semester one.

The website would be fixed.

India, i will go.

CHEESE(;

Lim Kopi-3in1

2012-11-11T00:50:00.001+08:00

Love, promise me you'll go to sleep after this.

Mama lisa has decided to dig out a couple of overdue pictures taken by a photographer, Johnneh, who has a passion for making people beautiful. These are three different outfits i appeared in Lomography's Blue Hour Party, School and Parco's AW12/13 Preview.

Tie:Ferragamo, Handphone pouch:H&M, Butterfly pin:NJ Vintage, Fishy men shirt:ROSS, Tattoo leggings:Bugis Street

TheTie.

Go to your dad's wardrobe.

Pick the funkiest and cutest one with snoopy faces all over the tie.

Decide where you want to wear it on, the neck, the hair, the waist, the ears or the arms.

Wherever.

Put on the tattoo leggings.

Incase somebody steps on your toes, you could slap them with the flab on the thigh.

Blue Dress+Clutch: Shien(DIY), Socks+Stockings: random, Red heels: Irregular Choice

Let's blue the day again.

With some dress and clutch by Shien.

Oh yes, those are my work.

In addition,

i had to print my socks and shoes a little.

They complained that i would be too boring without them.

Floral dress+White bag+Ferragamo shoes: LA+NJ(NYC) vintage

Vintage.

Everything was overdue that day.

I decided to visit the present by doing something different with my waist band.

You know, the present is to do something different.

So i tied the band on my head like a semi turban.

And i said,

CHEESE(;

P.s Johnneh is John

It's All About Love.

2012-11-03T02:01:00.000+08:00

vintage butterfly pin from new jersey

Oh my love, i know i have been a bad lover but i'm back here spending some time with you right now. Please, understand that it's difficult for me to handle all the different love that i'm fanning everyday to keep alive. But there is something i want you to know full well and they are these, you are always in my mind and i'm constantly thinking about you. #Pinkypromise

So, what do you think about sunflowers being black and white? I was drawn to this vintage size 8 top, with paddings that potentially makes me look like a sumo if i didn't have it tucked into my skirt at the front, for the black and white sunflower. Despite of the negatives of the top on me, there was a sense of "everything is gonna be alright" feeling when i set my eyes on it. I guess it's just this thing about sunflowers, other than being yellow and radiant, maybe it's the inflorescence effect. It was an uncertain emotion but i'm pretty sure my emotions for it will reveal with time.

At the mean time, i would like to confess my feelings for this pair of stilettos. It has been some tough love happening because it was my first time. But "i won't give up on us even if the skies get rough"for my love towards this pointed pair of Michael Antonio's is absolutely undeniable. I will keep walking till i master the skill of planting my heels before my toes, for every step that i take. Yes, if you don't want to walk like a duck, you better be on course with me!

Stilettos from Michael Antonio

vintage sunflower top:haji lane

Lastly, TGIF and here's a GIF of the two pictures above for you to keep that smile throughout the weekend!

CHEESE(;