let's take a brief moment.

Sunset, by the Seine.

I've closed many chapters in my life, started on one too many 'clean slates' and journeys just never seem to come around like I hoped it would. I am not much of a writer like my best friend is, so penning my thoughts for this summer may get slightly lost in translation, but I'll try. To begin with, I would like to clarify that this is by no means a travel piece. You will not find very useful information if you're thinking about heading to Paris / London (sorry about that), although I will give you a list of things / expectations, should you be deciding to head there at some point. But first, let me start by saying that while I am not a writer, I am a 'emote-er'. Pretty sure this word doesn't exist in the dictionary so by my definition, I travel with heightened senses. A gush of wind that wraps my heart up into soaring heights, a smell of fresh croissants that sends a rumble to my tummy, the taste of home-made ice-cream running down my dry throat, the sound that my boots make as I make my way through the cobbled streets of Paris, so many other memories that stays fresh in my mind till this very day. While it is one thing to marvel at The Louvre or Buckingham Palace, it is another to remember the tiny details of your adventure. THOSE are what real adventures are made up on. The smile from a stranger on the street, meeting fancy people at the market, vintage shopping and running your fingers through clothes that have a history and story to them. THOSE are the real memories that no one can create but yourself.

I closed a chapter in my life recently, and came on this journey with an appetite to learn. It was like I was starved from the world so when I embarked on this, I felt like I couldn't stop. I just wanted to know more, to see more, to take in so much that my heart could go into combustion. And I am so glad that I learnt not just about the world, but about myself. Just short of a few months ago, the thought of being alone was a fear that I could not face. Yet through these 14 days travelling through London and Paris, I regained the independence that was so fiercely taken away from me and finally I feel like I am living again. I know, it sounds all so melodramatic but when you've been numbed long enough, this is how you should feel. 14 days and now I have dreams and aspirations bigger than what I could have imagined for myself. I cling on to everything I have seen, heard, felt, tasted and smelled.

I created a Top-18 (because I don't like to do complete things) list for Paris, not one for London (yet) but for now, here is what I can offer.

18 Things that you must do in Paris:

1. Have Pierre Herme macarons (you MUST, and far better than Laduree)

2. Eat Bretollion ice-cream (Have it along the il-st-louis and watch amazing street performers)

3. Say 'Bonjour' and 'Merci' (at the very least)

4. Visit Centre Pompidou (I spent 4 hours by myself there, AMAZING ART)

5. Learn to open metro doors (and fast , cos no one's gonna teach you that's for sure)

6. Eat lots and lots of crepes

7. Buy lots and lots of bon bons

8. Lie about in a jardin (garden), book in hand and peace in mind.

9. Eat baguette by the Seine

10. Visit Montmarte (my favourite part of Paris, for sure)

11. Be rude to a rude french

12. Beware of pigeons

13. Go to Sacre-Couer and wait for sundown, amazing view of the Eiffel Tower

14. Have a cup of coffee everyday

15. Cycle in Paris

16 (a) ignore couples making out as best you can if you are single/recently heartbroken or (b) embrace l'amour parce que all you need in life is love! Oui!

17. Visit Chateau de Versailles (must do!)

18. Lastly, create an amazing playlist - Sigur Ros, Morrissey, Mumford & Sons, The Black Kids, Angus & Julia Stone, etc - because music is everything when you travel.

au revoir et merci for reading.

Pictures taken along the Seine and by the St-Michel fountain.

I made it, to Paris :)

Prayer

I pray to God every day, that we would go back to the way we were.

I am not too sure now.

Style Inspiration Friday

Everything about the Topshop SS 2011 Lookbook is lust-worthy. Channeling my inner gypsy lover, stat.

I especially love the white lace cut-out dress, very virgin bride and will probably have the stamp of approval from Madonna.

Credits: Topshop Facebook Page

Time to get groovy and listen to some happy tunes

Hallelujah, I just love her so.

Am doing this thing with my blog whereby I post a new song..especially songs that make me happy/sad/inspired. Love it/hate it?

long..

Has it really been that long since my last update? The lunar new year has come and gone now, I still feel the same. Same..in a sense that, it's the same you know? I have lost my marbles evidently. Feeling very disconnected and disjointed lately.. Hopefully I get my groove back on soon!

But if you really wanted to know..here are some things you've missed:

1. Did a new shoot for V+L ! It was a rad time just doing the one thing I love the most, Fashion, obviously. Launching soon!

2. Been rock climbing alot lately, my arms are crying and yelling at me saying 'why?! why?!'

3. Went to Laneway and danced in the rain, like a total maniac (very cathartic I must say)

4. Bought a pink ukulele and have been learning how to play 'You are my sunshine', the easiest song by far (Thanks, Ukulele Mike!)

5. I said goodbye to my best friend and missing her terribly.

6. I cut my hair and attempted to dye it green but it failed, sad about that.

So here are some pictorial evidence that I've been alive and kicking for the past month? (or so)

Okay I like balloons.

Now, get down and boogie!

Pausing for an intermission

Diana of Miss Moss is an exquisite blogger with an eye for good design, photography, colours and so much more. These photos are already amazing as it is, but yet she has somehow managed to give them a new lease of life as she presents them in a new way, juxtaposing these street style shots with fine art and vintage posters.

These shots taken from 'The Sartorialist' truly have something different about them now that they are paired with these prints, don't they? Next time, I would like a wall filled with these prints, that'd be rad.

Funny how things that strangers do can inspire you, beyond what you expect.

Read more here.

Heavy thoughts

It's been a hectic start to the new year with an impending move coming. Packing up 20 years of your life into boxes is truly a challenge. Especially when you're downsizing. Tonight marks the last night here at this place I've called home for the past 20 years of my life. So many memories attached to this place (not mentioning the boys I snuck into my bedroom) - sleepovers, bbqs, my first (and only) dog that has since then passed, the first time I rode a bike, the first time I bladed..getting slightly nostalgic here.

And unpacking a wardrobe that has been berated by my parents time and time again that there's just too much clothes, has only proven one theory - Your parents ARE ALWAYS right. This is Confessions of a Shopaholic 101. It's safe to say I feel immensely guilty now for giving into consumerism and wasting SO much money on shit I don't even use anymore. It's a very sobering experience to say the least. From now on, if I go on about how I need a pair of useless $10 shoes/a bag/a dress that is on 'sale' at far east plaza, please shoot me. You are given permission to.

Now I know, investment pieces are the ONLY way to go. ie. Those A. Wang Chukka Boots still deserve a place in my wardrobe. -Resolute-

The first day.

I remember the thrill of first days of every new year. There are lots of expectations pinned onto that very day, expectations and also fear. Fear, but also hope. It's a jumble of mixed emotions that usually determines the rest of the year, or so we believe. 01.01.11, a significant date (in more ways than one) that marks the start of the big 2011. 2010 has passed by in a flash, in a very unbecoming type of way. 2010 marked some significant turning points in my life that will potentially change the way I see 2011 I am pretty sure. The pitfalls of my decisions in 2010 has had some serious backlash that has caused me to look at that year in a pitiful and disdainful type of way. Alas, what has passed has passed. The only way to go up, or so they say.

Resolutions are always a must. Trust me, I've considered going through this year with no resolutions but I think they'll help me set some kind of direction in life. So well, here they are:

1. Pursue a career in fashion

2. For villains + lovers to be bigger and better

3. Spend more time with my family and friends

4. Be a better Christian

5. Try to love life with every ounce of energy I have

6. Reduce my carbon footprints

7. To forgive and to do unto others what I would want others do for me.

8. Go to Paris.

9. Travel.

10. Go purely vegetarian (no fish/no seafood).

11. Bake, read and laugh more.

12. Discover a new band every month.

13. Pay my credit card bills on time.

I think they are all pretty achievable. :) The #1 on my list is to truly, truly breathe fashion every single day. Fashion is not just my passion, it's my calling. Now, you can quote me on that.

Let's toast!

Rain and cold feet

Navy blue dress from a random shop in Bugis; Waisted belt from Cotton On; Oversized faux leather tote bag from Rubi; Bowling alley white socks; Camel heels from Korea; Turquoise green square bangle from Bangkok; Rings from Bangkok and Bali

Cranberry + Orange Zest shortbread I baked last Saturday

It has been quite a whirlwind of a week. The rain has been nothing short of depressing and only makes me want to curl up under covers and go to sleep all day. Unfortunately, work has been massively busy and I haven't had much time to blog much less take outfit pictures. I've been working on a 'style' post, but gave up cos it's been so mentally draining all around and figured that this blog is meant to be relaxing rather than stressful.. in due time, in due time, promise.

Did a photoshoot for Villains + Lovers last Sunday and it was too much fun. Again, I have to say, it is the only reason why I would wake up so early on a weekend. More and more I am beginning to believe that fashion is my calling and I just have to DO IT. I just wished I had more opportunities, but I just have to be patient right? Yeah, in the meantime, I get to shop and experiment in my own wardrobe which is expanding exponentially and needs some major de-cluttering but YAY me!

I am loving more and more each day this socks and heels look, plus it makes wearing heels ten times more bearable, also, not to mention it keeps my very cold feet warm. I also believe that accessories maketh an outfit. This turquoise square bangle from Bangkok is possibly one of my greatest find ever and only..$4! I may not have the latest Miu Miu handbag or Gucci heels but I do love a good fashion find that is cheap and of amazing quality, that's just the type of 'gal' I am. :)

Lookbook for V + L coming soon!