The New Classic

I went to a private all-girls school up until high school so I had to wear a uniform for almost half my life. Once I got to college, I was pretty much like a kid being released in a toy store. Does that make sense? For the first time in a long time, I got to wear what I wanted to school. Granted there were certain areas in my school wherein I had to follow a dress code but still. I had more choices now than a plaid skirt and white blouse. However, after a month, the novelty wore off. I started wishing I had a uniform again. I was running out of ideas on what to wear so I always just ended up wearing something black and it only got worse when I moved to New York.

New Yorkers wear tons off black not because we are lazy. It’s because we really have no time to worry about what we are supposed to wear everyday. Life in New York is hectic and fast paced enough. We do not have enough time to stop and worry about what to wear so we grab something that is as effortless as a black dress no matter what the weather and occasion is.

Even when I travel outside the city, I tend to unknowingly gravitate towards anything black. In my last two posts I was wearing something black and now, even though it was an extremely hot day, I decided to wear a black dress. Probably not the best choice I admit but I’m a creature of habit and it’s hard to break this particular habit.

Outfit Details: Black Dress - H&M, Demin Vest - Thrifted, Chuck Taylors Shoes

Accessories Details: Black Backpack - random store in Taipei, Sunnies - Sunnies

We Need A Resolution

If my first day in Taiwan was all about exploring the sites around me, my second day was all about exploring food. Tons and tons of food. I lost count of how many baskets of Xiao Long Bao we ordered and finished plus the constant flow of soup and noodles. Just thinking about all the food we consumed that day is making me full right now. Is it possible to go back right at this moment and just eat all those delicious food again?

No? Right. Ok. Fine. I'll just make some other arrangement then.

Outfit Details: Black Crop Top - Shop in Taiwan, Floral Shorts - ASOS

Accessories Details: Sunnies - Sunnies, Black Sandals - Shop in Singapore, Black Bag - Prada, Necklace - ASOS

P.S. My curls were on point that day. Lol

Bad Intentions

One of my favorite books of all time is The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho. In it, there's a passage that says "...at a certain point in out lives, we lose control of what's happening to us, and our lives become controlled by fate. That's the world's greatest lie." When I first read the book, I thought that makes sense because I liked to believe that we can control our lives and achieve our goals if only we work hard enough. However, recently I am not so sure anymore. Is that really the world's greatest lie? Now, I believe that somehow fate does have a say. We may work hard...really hard....but if it's not meant to be then what can we do? Maybe, the universe cannot really conspire in helping us achieve what we want. Maybe it can only conspire to help us achieve the little things like your friend being able to see you after months of separation. If that's the case then I'll take what I can get.

Like I said, after months of separation, it's time to finally head to Taiwan to see one of my very best. To say that I was mad excited for this trip is an understatement. I packed a whole week before my flight and I even got to the airport 3 ours before my flight even though I live close to the airport. As soon as I arrived to see her, we didn't waste any time catching up and doing what we do best which is eat and take photos (well more her than I...I'm not very good compared to her).

Outfit Details: Floral Top - Zara, Black Denim Shorts - Mango 

Accessories Details: Sunnies - Sunnies, Black Sandals - Shop in Singapore, Black Bag - Prada

Seeing as it was my first time in Taiwan, it really helped to have her there with me. She knew the language and her family really made me feel like I was part of them. They are some of the nicest people I have meet and I really am glad she is one of my best! All the photo credit goes to her so if you like the photos, be sure to check out her own website: inmyvisions!

I Wanna Be Yours

When all your friends are busy working, it is hard to find the time to meet and catch up. Even though you all work in the same city, you all get out at different times and go home in different places. Days can become weeks and weeks can become months since the last time you have all seen each other. So when you do find a common day and time wherein you are all free, it is a celebration that hopefully will go without a hitch.

It was an extremely warm day in the city in the day we decided to meet. It felt like the temperature was in the 90s even though they said it was only going to be in the 80s. Walking around was a struggle if you did not dress and drink right. As soon as I got out of the train station, I regretted not bringing a bottle of water with me. It was pure sunshine outside without a single breeze to be felt. Fortunately,  I was able to pass by a cafe and bought myself an iced coffee and all was right again especially when we went to the Bowery Mural after brunch.

Outfit Details: Floral Shorts - Brandy & Melville, Black Crop Top - TopShop, Black Kimono - H&M

Accessories Details: Oak Alexa Bag - Mulberry, Oak Sandals - J.Crew, Sunnies - Hugo Boss

I've had these floral shorts for a really long time now and I'm so sad that the garter is starting to loosen up. They're my favorite pair and I have worn them with everything and brought them everywhere. The same goes for my Alexa bag. I remember I begged my mother if I can get the bag when they first came out and I am so glad I got them then because its price today is almost double of what I paid. Even though it looks a bit worn out now ( because I use it all the time every summer), I still consider it one of my favorites and I will never give it away....sorry, sister. 

Arm Party-goers: Watch - Tag Heuer,  Everyone Else - Henri Bendel

Currently watching the Tony's and I really want to watch Book of Mormon, A Gentleman's Guide to Love and Murder,  Aladdin, and Hedwig and the Angry Inch more than ever now.

O/Fly On - Chicago, Day Two

My mother once told me that my lucky element is water. Water brings me good luck and somehow, I just always end up living by the water. My first apartment in New York was by the Hudson and now my second apartment is by the East. Whenever I'm by the water, I just always feel happy so it is no surprise that my favorite day in Chicago involved going to the beach.

One of the best beaches in Chicago is the Oak Street Beach. It's right at the beginning of the North Side and is also steps away from the Magnificent Mile making it perfect if you forgot to bring a pair of bathing suit or sunglasses. As soon as we get there, I was giddy with joy. I just love the beach. I may not like swimming in it but I love everything else about it. The sun was shinning so bright but not too bright that it became too hot. In other words, it was perfect and it seemed like we were not the only ones who thought so because the beach became packed a few minutes after we got there. 

Outfit Details: Bikini Top - Aerie, Bikini Bottom - PacSun, Wayfarers - RayBan

After two hours of laying under the sun, you can pretty much guess I got toasted. In just two hours at the beach, I got darker than when I was in the beach in San Diego last March for three days. I'm not complaining though. Toasted and tan is exactly what I was going for. I could have spent the whole day just laying under the sun but like I said...I was going for toasted and not roasted. After the beach, my friend and I decided to have a Chicago staple - deep-dish pizza and I was glad we decided to eat this after the beach because I would not feel comfortable tanning after eating such a hearty meal.

Outfit Details: White Dress - Forever 21, Tan Sweater - Forever 21, Black Sandals - American Eagle Outfitters

Accessories Details: Gold Grandfather Watch - Michael Kors, Gold Bracelet - J. Crew

When the other day we went to the usual tourist spots, this time around we went to somewhere off the beaten path a.k.a Williamsburg of Chicago a.k.a Hispterville a.k.a. Lincoln Park/Wicker Park. As soon as you get there, you will see boutiques after boutiques of interesting clothes and records as well as all types of cafes and restaurants. Too bad we were still full from our lunch because I really wanted to try all the foods they had to offer.

P.S. Have you guys listened to Coldplay's new album? It's so beautiful both lyrically and musically. Here's my favorite song in the whole album. It tugs something in my heart that I almost forgot about. 

I Got U - Chicago, Day One

In my last post, I mentioned how summer is just around the corner. I did not realize that the week after that was already Memorial Day weekend meaning summer was literally around the corner. For those who may not know, Memorial Day weekend in the US marks the official start of summer. To celebrate this, my friend and I had planned to go to Chicago and despite the rocky start (our flight was delayed by 2 hours and we had a problem with our housing situation), the weekend turned out really great - wonderful in fact.

On our first day in Chicago, my friend really wanted to do all the touristy stuff from visiting the Bean to walking along the Magnificent Mile. It was such a beautiful day that we did not really mind walking. Besides, I bought really comfortable shoes for this trip.

Accessories Details: Lavender Oxfords - Cole Haan, Gold Grandfather Watch - Michael Kors, Gold Bracelet - J. Crew

These shoes are from Cole Haan and it felt like I was walking on clouds. They were so light and comfortable making them perfect for traveling.

Outfit Details: High Waist Culotte Shorts - Zara, Sleeveless Button Down - H&M, Mustard Anorak - Jack Wills

This was not my first time in Chicago but I thoroughly enjoyed it nonetheless. Because it was my friend's first time, it felt like it was my first time too. We both tried WoNuts (waffle plus donut) for the first time and even went on an architectural boat cruise around Chicago River. When I first went to Chicago, I went with my mum and sister and we only took a tour bus and not a boat. Riding a boat around the Chicago River brought me back to when I also took a boat around the River Thames in London. Both equally gratifying.

P.S. Such a feel good song for the summer. I Got U by Duke Dumont.

Brighter Than The Sun

There's no denying that Spring is definitely upon us meaning summer is right around the corner and I couldn't be more excited. I hate wearing pants and finally I can let my legs free. Don't get nasty on me now. I just really prefer wearing shorts, skirts, and dresses than constricting pants (unless they are sweatpants though). In order to not waste this beautiful spring day, my friends and I decided to have brunch in our favorite spot in Brooklyn - Iris Cafe.

The Iris Cafe is a hidden gem located in Columbia Place. It's so hidden that you would definitely pass it the first time around because they don't even have a sign outside. They are known for their avocado toast which is to die for. I am not kidding. For something so simple as avocado on toast, they make is taste so much more. I'm not exactly sure what else they put on it but I'm think it's not legal because it is just too dang good. 

Kir Royale, Avocado Toast, and French Toast

After filling ourselves with good food, we decided to walk around my gorgeous neighborhood and even ride around in CitiBikes. Now, I'm not the best bike rider so this was tough. I almost fell so many times and I still have my bruise from last week to prove how hard it is. Actually...getting a bike was hard too. I had to get a new code five times because the code they were giving me was not working. I would definitely ride a bike around my neighborhood again but not a CitiBike. I don't think I would have the patience to try and get a bike again from them. 

If I were to choose between biking or walking, I would choose walking. Yep. I prefer to walk because I feel like I get to appreciate my surroundings more when I walk. I get to stop and smell the roses. I get to notice how the leaves fall and how the vines stick on the walls of houses. When I bike, I need to concentrate on not falling and getting hit by a car. If I biked, I probably would not have noticed this lovely stoop and how much I want one for myself. 

Outfit Details: Lace Dress - H&M, Trench Coat - J. Crew, Flats - Tory Burch, Fringe Bag- Brandy & Melville

Accessories Details: Watch - Tag Heuer (from my mum), Bracelet - Henri Bendel (from my brother)

From brunching to biking, I'm glad I did not waste this beautiful day by just staying in bed which I have been doing a lot lately. I can't help it. My bed is my safe haven. Even my friend complimented on how comfortable it is.

On a final note, doesn't this red post remind you of a telephone booth in England? God, I miss it so much. :(

What I Might Do

Last Monday, New York elites and worldwide celebrities climbed up the steps of the Metropolitan Museum of Art for their annual Costume Institute Gala honoring the irreplaceable couturier Charles James. For those who do not know who he is, Charles James is credited to be America's First Couturier for his highly structured and elaborate ball gowns that showed a woman's figure in the most elegant way possible. With that said, for a gala that is honoring a man know for ball gowns, you would expect attendees to honor that dress code. However, what I saw in the red carpet was a flurry of disappointing and unflattering dresses.

Seriously, this was their chance to actually dress up in a ball gown and they let it slip. What happened to wearing ball gowns???  It was hard to pick a favorite when there were just so many people wearing such hideous dresses. Here are just a few of the worst dressed attendees: 

 Alexa Chung - Nina Ricci

I know Alexa Chung has always been a quirky dresser but no. Just no. 

Kate Upton - Dolce & Gabbana

All boobs. No brain. Next.  

Kristen Stewart - Chanel

I maybe bias here because I absolutely hate her with my whole being but seriously. Your face plus the hair and the dress...I just can't deal with you. You're wearing Chanel for crying out loud.  

 Lupita Nyong'o - Prada 

Lupita, girl, what are you wearing? You were doing so well in the red carpet. You looked liked a princess at the Oscars in your gorgeous cerulean Prada gown and now you look like a hot mess. Why? You were my favorite. 

Shailene Woodley - Rodarte

Shailene Woodley is a pretty girl with an amazing talent. I honestly cannot wait for The Fault in Out Stars but this look has got to go. Her make-up is too harsh and I can't wait for her hair to get long again. 

And now my favorites: 

Arizona Muse - Ralph & Russo

YES. FINALLY. A BALL GOWN. Epitome of Charles James. Enough Said.  

Bee Shaffer - Alexamder McQueen

Bee Shaffer looks more and more like her Mum every year and this pale blue half-ball gown by Alexander McQueen with the mermaid tulle cut is perfection. 

Suki Waterhouse - Burberry

I am obsessed with nude gowns so I maybe bias again here but just look at this. It is absolutely exquisite. It reminds me of my all time favorite Oscars gown worn by Penelope Cruz when she won the award in 2008.

Reese Witherspoon - Stella McCartney

It's not a ball gown but she carries this dress really reeeally well. It fits her like a glove and everything about this look just works. 

Despite the horrendous red carpet, I really hope this exhibit does Charles James some justice. He's one designer that has done so much for fashion but is never really credited enough. I'm looking forward to visiting it this weekend and to be blown away.


P.S. All photos are from British Vogue so please do not sue me.
P.P.S. Another post, another song. What I Would Do - Ben Pearce

2 On - Tinashe ft. Schoolboy Q

I've been meaning to post this in a while but I always feel stuck. I know this is my excuse every time but it's really hard and I thank everyone or anyone who has been patient with this blog. Sometimes I stare at the screen and think of what to say. I go look at other blogs for inspiration but I don't want to just write for the sake of writing. I want to write something that would at least mean something but let's face it. I'm not going to shake the world with this....at least not yet. For now, let's stick to sharing a few nice things about this world of ours and one of them is seeing cherry blossoms..well...bloom.

A few weeks ago, I was lucky enough to be in Washington, DC to catch the Cherry Blossom festival. The last time I caught it was 4 years ago so I was really excited to see it again especially since we were promised a beautiful spring day and the weather report did not disappoint. It was sunny, warm and for the first time in a long time, I was able to wear just a dress and sandals. After such a long and harsh winter, this was a nice break from it all. As soon as we reached the mall, we went crazy taking pictures of the trees and flowers falling on the ground. We took too many pictures and videos that as soon as we got back to New York, I had to upload them all to my computer so I can have space again in my phone (not that it matters to anyone but bare with me). I wish I can share them all but here are just a few of them:

Outfit Details: dress - Zara, sandals - American Eagle Outfitters, bag - H&M, shades - RayBan, rings - ASOS

Being back for the second time around was amazing especially with good company. It was a much needed trip for my friend and I after having a difficult couple of weeks. Looking back at these images, I wish I can also go back to when the sun was shining bright and when I didn't have to worry about anything. *le sigh*

P.S. In the spirit of naming and ending my posts with songs, please listen to this one. It's been on repeat since I first heard it.