Haider Ackermann Fall 2011

Rumours are swirling about Haider Ackermann being a possible John Galliano's successor at the House of Dior. With Ackermann's sleek and somewhat futuristic vision, it's a little hard to imagine him follow Galliano's high octane glamour. But no doubt Ackermann is a master of his own. P.S Other targets of speculation on Galliano's replacement includes, Alber Elbaz, Riccardo Tisci, and even Hedi Slimane.

Dear...

Dear tall, brooding, stylish Asian boy, who was so stylish, I kept following because of your stylishness,
I didn't even get to see your face, maybe just the tip of your nose? It was your messy hair and effortlessly cool clothes and vintage leather bag and your individualist attitude that captured my attention. Without realising, I followed your slouchy minimalistic, subdued colour-cordinated, perfectly proportioned outfit from Soho, all the way to 36th street.


Dear New York City
I miss the concrete jungle where dreams are made of. You were my eye-opener, and dream catcher. I'm losing my motivation to study and get ahead. Help!


Dear lecturer
I'm in disbelief. I can't believe you said statement shoulders are in fashion now, like now. Um, no. According to the runways, they are a long gone trend. I mean they are so two-thousand-and-ten! I am just seriously disappointed. And I can't get over the fact that you're not trend aware. I know I'm overreacting, but I can't help that it bothers me. Probably because it is a passion and obsession of mine, and is to be a profession of mine in the future.


Dear Susan, Christina, and Jessica,
We remind me of The Sisterhood of the Travelling Pants. I love our weekly catch-ups, and deep and meaningful conversations about boys, future husbands, life, natural disasters (well, in today's case), Bear Grylls, boys, self-esteem, insecurities, family, wedding dresses, boys and finding the right one. Let's continue to encourage each other, and grow (up) together as beautiful and confident women.

Man vs Wild (Born Survivor) Bear Grylls

Dear Autumn,
When are you officially here? Until when do I have to sweat it out every morning just to walk to the train station?


Dear readers,
Leave me a comment or two?


Dear future husband,
Every year, my window of hope just gets smaller and smaller. But I know you're out there, so I won't lower my standards.


Dear God,
You are my hiding place and safe refuge.

Inspiration: Unexpected Colour

A totally unexpected combination of colour, or that pop of neon, can do wonders to your overall outfit. I'm taking cue from leading trendsetters spotted at Paris Fashion Week. See how the sandal and sock look is done. The French does it superbly, bold and fresh!

Sources: chicmuse, facehunter, manrepeller, google image

Monthly Recap: February '11

Today was March the first, already the third month of the new year. 2010 ended, and 2011 really started with a sort of an anti-climax.
Alone on Christmas Eve
Betrayal of a close friend
Alone on New Year's Day
Alone on Valentine's Day
Stranded in New York storm storm
Homeless for a few of days
Loss of money and valuables
Grandpa passed away
Physical change
Cried way too much tears


But I know, still, 2011 is going to be better than 2010. I will wait in patience and anticipation,
Because I'm hopeful. I learned that people with hope are better influencers and greater reformers.
Because I'm going to be a geek.  With my nerd-glasses, I will follow that high-disctinction student around. Maybe I'll pick up a thing or two.
Because I'm inspired. Creative ideas come from vast experiences.
Because I'm determined. I now have people to prove myself to.
Because I've matured. I've seen a  lot, I've felt a lot, and I think I've matured ten years.
Because I'm satisfied. In who I am, and what I'm called to do.
Because I'm a year closer to meeting my version of Mr Darcy. I started a marriage book of all my favorite quotes, poems, ideas for kids names and date night ideas. I even have a section: "To read when we get in future disagreements." Honestly? It's one of my most favourite books in the world.


And with all my rantings, self-encouragement and embarrassing confessions out there,
my March can officially begin.

Rest in peace Grandpa

Rest in peace Grandpa
I'm at peace knowing you are
Singing, praising and skipping along
Freely exploring the glorious wonders of Heaven
in His presence

Good bye to you Grandpa
You who created a beautiful family
With your quiet patience, wonderful humility,
Thank you Grandpa for passing on the most valuable thing to your offsprings
Your faith

Gone but not forgotten Grandpa
Seeing you die to your rights in your marriage
It has left an impression on me
Your fight and struggle with your sickness and pain
Your love and joy for your grandchildren


Remember me Grandpa
For I will meet you soon
Because time probably goes quickly there
Watch over me, cheer me on
I will be victorious too

R.I.P Grandpa Eum (1932-2011)

Naomi K. L.

I just haven't met you yet

I'm not surprised not everything lasts

I've broken my heart so many times I've stopped keeping track

I talk myself in, I talk myself out

I get all worked up, then I let myself down

I tried so very hard not to lose it

I came up with a million excuses

I thought I thought of every possibility

I just haven't met you yet

I might have to wait, I'll never give up

I guess it's half timing and the other half's luck

Wherever you are, whenever it's right

You'll come out of nowhere and into my life

And I know we can be so amazing

And being in your life is going to change me

And now I can see every possibility

I just haven't met you yet
Michael Buble

Jason Wu Fall 2011

Jason Wu, best known for providing clothes for the first lady, Michelle Obama, makes a collection that is androgynous chic infused with proportionate sized feminity. In other words, prim, polished and pretty mixed with a bit of tomboy, with added embelishments and lace for the rich and regal effect. In two words, female dandy (a reinterpretation).

Source: fashiongonerogue

My Appreciation Speech

I'm nearing the end of my independant 4 month long, soul-searching, spiritually maturing, physically transforming (widening) journey. And before I touch down home, I'd like to give my thanks to numerous people and things. According to my trusty Period Tracker (iPhone app that marks my PMS), I'm supposed to be feeling sentimental these days. Hence, I'm doing this now before the moment passes!



Thank you Eum sisters's families, for your unconditional love, never-ceasing encouragements, ever-flowing blessings, impartation of faith and boldness, lots of memories and crazy fun times.

Thank you beautiful newly weds, for a VIP dinner at the wedding reception (I was over the moon about free refills, and even doggy-bagged some home), and because you two promised to be a role-model couple and family.

Thank you handsome manager of Jinny Kim Shoes, for free cute shoes, buffet lunch, movie, Starcraft games, coffee, Korean BBQ, and transport in your strawberry-scented car.

Thank you poo-poo face cousin, for putting up with my, well, how should I put it, awesomeness, and even as far as to worry about my future husband. You were like the little brother I never had. Although, if you really were my little brother, I would burp into your ear whenever I got the chance.

Thank you 120% Cool Hair Salon, for my free hair perm. To be quite frank (who's Frank?), I wasn't too fond of my new look (understatement - I almost cried), but the curls have grown on me.

Thank you In&Out, for your weekly friendly hospitality, and intense, finger-trembling, games of Jenga.

Thank you big mama, for having me stay at your house and eat from your fridge.

Thank you Manhattan, for keeping my dream alive.

Thank you Starbucks, for being a friendly, familiar face whatever country I'm in.

Thank you Build-a-Bear Workshop, for helping me create my cuddly little friend Bearemy.

Thank you East-coast snow storm. Never had I literally walked waist-deep in snow. Unforgettable experience!

Thank you Panny Pan, for your detailed New York "must-eat" list.

Thank you Nick and Rozanne Savoca, for having me in your beautiful Long Island home.

Thank you Debs, Ange and Grace, for being lovely roommates at the YWAM base. God bless you.

Thank you La Maison du Macaron, for your scrumptious macarons, with egg shell-like crust, and soft meringue-like texture that makes me melt.

Thank you TKTS, for discounted tickets to Broadway shows. You made my day. No, you really made my holiday!

Thank you iPhone, for being smarter than me.

Thank you long-lashed angel that slept next to me on the cold and lonely night we were stranded at Penn Station. Your presense made me feel safe from the perverts.

Thank you Bro, for sending me dough (rhymes!) in my most urgent and desparate of times.

Thank you Mummy and Daddy, for always sending hugs and kisses my way, and being with me in prayer. In our daily phone conversations, Daddy, you lift up my spirit with encouragments, and Mummy, you leave me with warm and fuzzy feelings.

Thank you Kanye West, for not buttin' into my thank-you speech.

Thank you God, because there is always, always, always, something to be thankful for. And because it is impossible to feel thankful and depressed at the same time.

Inspiration: 1970's luxe

We all want that vintage vibe in our wardrobe. The essence of an era gone by. The 1970's are being reinterpreted, hence there is so much inspiration from different sources. And of course, there are so many varients, from 70's boho to 70's sophisticate. What's not to love about this trend, when it's all about prints, soft blouses, high-waists, shiny dresses and bold accessories?

1970's style icons Bianca Jagger, Anjelica Huston, Vogue Nippon August 2010 (Freja Beha Erichsen), Harpers Bazaar Korea February 2011 (Sera Park), Wonderland February/Marcg 2011 (Jessica Stam), Koton Fall campaign (Sophie Holmes)

In Lieu of Valentine's Day

I've started seeing reminders for it since January, and have been ignoring it. (I am going to plan well in advance to do something that will not place me in the path of cooing couples.) But you know what? V-day wouldn't be too bad this year, even in lack of "a Valentine".

Because I'm in love with:
sunsets
romance films that make me cry
the fluffy stray cat that rubbed against my leg this morning
heart-shaped leaves
James Franco's crowsfeet (127 Hours)
snowflakes
warm fluffy socks
Ryan Gosling - I might spend the night with him (by treating myself to an eye-candy marathon)
the one and only english used bookstore in Seoul
silky, smooth, coffee
bed with multiple pillows
cafes with free wifi
my bright orange lipstick
facebook notifications
the book of Psalms
that Proenza Schouler blazer
The Phantom of the Opera (saw it on last week, on it's 25th anniversary on New York's Broadway)

people who take me places (to eat and/or for fun)

the sound of rain and thunder

earl gray and blueberry macarons

and you, yes, you.

And to think that I kept telling everybody I don't have a Valentine -

I have plenty.

Because I have so many things to be in love with.

Happy Valentines Day

Obsession du Jour: 2011 Trends

Being in the know, in terms of trends, has kind of naturally developed into an obsession of mine. This means I study the collections, pour over editorials, and stalk style bloggers. These days and weeks, my mind had been on the 70's-inspried jeans- a major 2011 trend due to the re-revival of the 70's. That is, a high waisted silhuoette and a clean monochromatic rinse (no holes, no rips, no distressed wash or details, sil vous plait!) And I think I may have found the perfect pair yesterday, in the perfect shade of classic mid blue, by MiH. I also couldn't resist buying a sheer, cream with tiny, black, polka-dots, chiffon blouse, to tuck into my new high-waisted 70's jeans. You can count, sheer blouses still among 2011's fashion trends. A pair of nude cat-eye sunglasses from H&M has also, without further ado, been added to my wardrobe. (This trend that designers featured prominently in fall, has continued on the spring 2011 runways) Now call me mad, but naturally this 2011-crazed attitude has got me to crop my hair to a collar-bone length, shoulder-scraping cut. And finally, this post cannot end with my finishing the look with up-to-the-minute lip colour. I am going to be putting away my nice nudes (so sad to part with it) for a tangerine smile, this spring (autumn in Australia). Neon lips are the next big thing. Go see Jil Sander Spring 2011, Fendi, and Marc by Marc Jacobs, off you go, while I dream of pistachio and passionfruit macarons.