LET THEM EAT CAKE!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Photos by Mr. T

On me: Skirt Josh Goot, Shoes Christian Louboutin, Top 3.1 Phillip Lim, Bomber Nannette Lepore, Bag Givenchy, Jewellery Jules Smith

Hi All, it's been a while! I know I keep saying that... sorry...but seriously, some exciting news to share. I've finally locked in a date and will be back home next week woot! Oh Melbourne, how I've missed you. Can't wait to tuck into the food, wine, shopping and, of course, catching up with my loves..ahhhh be still my beating heart, my mouth is watering as I type this!

Before I get too lost in my Melbourne dream, I thought I'd post these picts. I've taken these about a month ago, and totally forgotten about them. I'm in love with this Josh Goot skirt, it's got a great cut and structure and oh I love the colours and marble effect - it's so pretty (and for those of you who know me know I don't usually do pretty) it reminds of Versailles and the colors of Sofia Coppola's Marie Antoinette.

I also wanted to show off my graffiti Louboutin's which was the best ever Valentine's day present, gifted while we were in the city of love herself (actually, come to think of it, I think this outfit post is to show off all the individual pieces).

This 3.1 Phillip Lim top has been quite popular in the blogosphere - but I thought it was also the ideal piece to highlight the lace details of this Nanette Lepore summer bomber (I'm so obsessed with bombers at the moment, but I'll save that for another post).

Ok, aiming for another post before I jet off... warning: You may be bombarded by me in the next two weeks with everything Melbourne! Or it could go the complete other way with me living it up, you may not hear from me haha. Either way, remember to follow me on instagram to share my little moments!

xOxo



  

JUST HANGIN'

 

 

Photos by D.W.

On me: Tee Zoe Karssen, Shorts Zara, Glasses Quay, Bag Stella McCartney, Shoes Brian Atwood, Jewellery Yuki Mitsuyasu

A quick hello! Sorry I've been a little MIA, but I've been busy locking in my annual ski / snow board trip (USA this year - my fav and during Christmas / new year - double yay!), and been a barre pilates & yoga fly devotee - good to get my fitness back up.

Just thought I'd show off these cute sunnies paired with my off duty go-to designer at the moment Zoe Karssen. Everything on me felt so light today it almost got whisked away by the wind (photo 2). By the way, how cool are these sunnies? A modern twist on a retro shape... I can't stop thinking about how many different outfits I can pair these with.

Speaking of snow trips being booked, I'll be posting up some ski resort and alpine reviews in the next 4 weeks on recent places I've visited. I've only taken up snow boarding in recent years (only skied when I was a kid) so sorry in advance if I don't write too much (at all) about the black diamonds runs. Will keep you posted.

xOxo

GRAND!

 

 

 

 

 

 

Photos by me

I was in Kuala Lumpur for a work conference last month and stayed at the Grand Hyatt. This is my second time at the relatively new hotel  (opened in August 2012) and countless times in Kuala Lumpur. I chose the Grand Hyatt not only because of its location, but after a not-to-satisfaction first stay, I thought I'd give them another try. I wished I had more time to take pictures of the hotel (beyond my suite) but as you can see, I was lost in the suite they gave me.

Location: Ideally located in the city centre, literally 15 meters from the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre (the iconic Petronas Towers), walking distance to the next major shopping centres (Pavillion, Star Hill Gallery), famous food areas & restaurants (Jalan Alor, Bukit Bintang) and swanky bars and clubs (No Black Tie, Butter Factory, Marini's on 57).

Rooms: OK, so the pictures above are that of their suite room (which is bigger than my actual apartment at the moment), but the first time I was there, I was in a regular non-smoking room and even that was big enough to make my voice echo haha. Oh, and they have a separate vanity stand in the rooms. The rooms, as like the rest of the hotel, has a 360 degree feel to me, that is, the room feels more like a Soho loft with partitions to divide the bathroom, walk-in robes and sleeping area (rest assure privacy is not compromised). The king size bed feels a lot smaller than usual though (I'm a star fish style sleeper). It is adjacent to the Petronas Towers, hence only some rooms have the view.

Lobby: It's a top floor lobby concept, meaning you go all the way up to check in and out, and guest rooms are below the lobby. Although not a new concept, you will see many confused hotel guests and or, what I coined, 'elevator-coasters' - guests riding up and down the elevator (not for fun, but because they are lost, forgetting that the hotel lobby is on the top floor and the need to get out of one set of elevator, walk around, to the next set to take it back down - separate elevators to the guest rooms and the ground floor to exit the hotel).

Amenities:

Gym: New and five star equipments (think Internet connected screens) with Personal Trainers on site for you to book sessions with (not complimentary). Although, I disagree with browsing the Internet while running or riding the stationary bike, this is a win for some of the pathological social - media - I - like - to check into - everywhere - I - go type. The swimming pool is reasonable size for laps, however, at peak hour (4pm - 7pm), you may find it a little hard to clear a full lane for laps. Separate sauna and steam room and jet spa are in the locker rooms.

Spa: Combination of separate and couples' treatment suites. I got the 60 min traditional massage, although the pressure from the masseuse was not as hard as I requested, I was, nevertheless, totally unwounded (I think at some point I fell asleep).

Executive lounge: To be honest, whenever I'm in Asia, I don't make much use of the executive lounges' cocktail hours as food and drink choices are always aplenty and a step away. I did use the lounge for meetings during the day which were great as it was private, spacious and staff were cheerfully attentive. The breakfast selection was enough to satisfy the fussiest of diners.

Restaurants: THIRTY8, JP teres and Poolside. I didn't get a chance to try THIRTY8 for dinner but I had a breakfast meeting there, and it was a FEAST! I would recommend the made-to-order omlette (one of the few places that can cater an egg-white omlette without much fuss), if you are feeling adventurous, try some of the local breakfast fried noodles. I was a little pushed for time this time around, so stuck to JP teres for dinner (and room service) - I only order local delights, the roast chicken rice (or you can request half roast and half steamed) was perfectly cooked (portion size is very generous, so beware of over ordering) is one of my favourites.

Tip: The rooms are light filled, thus any mirror is good to use for applying make-up. In the evenings though, I recommend switching on the lights in the shower to balance the white lights atop the vanity. I didn't try the cocktails at THIRTY8, but I would recommend you walk across and try Marini's On 57 (one of the few places in KL that enforces a strict dress-code, do go back to your hotel to change, especially in appropriate footwear, after a day of site seeing). Marini's is a sky bar (indoors) with spectacular views of the Petronas Tower and Kuala Lumpur - if you like your gin, vodka and rum, you must try their G&T, Dirty Martini and Mojito...

Until next time xOxo.

TURKISH DELIGHT & MAGIC CARPETS

 

 

Photos by missjingntonic & Mr. T

On me: Top Topshop, Jeans Abercrombie & Fitch, Glasses Karen Walker,
Bag Jamin Puech, Shoes Brian Atwood, Jewellery Jules Smith & Sass & Bide, Camera Samsung nx300


These are some of the photos from my exploration of the Arab quarter in Singapore. If you haven't been before, I do recommend this. It is a step away from the usual clean, air conditioned shopping centres into a vibrant pocket of Singapore, full of  character and old world charm. Here, all five of your senses will be touched, especially that of smell with the scent of sweet grape shisha lingering while I spent the afternoon weaving in and out of the little stores that sold everything from Persian carpets, perfumes, bicycles, antiques and home wares to jewellery and souvenirs.

Here's my guide to the Arab quarter below. Although all the shops are unique, and I would encourage you to visit each store down Haji Lane, Arab Street, Bussorah Street and Kandahar Street, I have short listed my favourites...


Nosh...

Coffee, brunch and sandwiches at Maison Ikkoku
Dessert at Fika Swedish Cafe
Turkish coffee and mezze at Cafe le Caire
Open air food market at Mustcat street (follow the crowd and the Mosque)
Lebanese at Beirut Grill
Cocktails at Bar Stories
Cocktails at Maison Ikkoku
Fusion dishes at Bushra Cafe


Shop...

Home wares at Salad Shop & Shop Wonderland
Lifestyle, Clothing and Jewellery at Hide & Seek
Vintage and Antique at World Savage
Books and Lifestyle at Soon Lee
Cool bikes at tokyobike
Men's wear at Maison Ikkoku
Optical at Define Happiness Sunglass Shop


Experience...

Shisha at any of the Turkish teashops
Manicure and Pedicure at The Nail Artelier
Museum showcasing the history of Singapore Malays at Malay Heritage Centre


Tip...

The shops here are open until late (10pm), and naturally, most will start later... I would recommend that you start the day after lunch and during the weekdays as some of the boutiques are by appointments only during the weekend.

xOxo

CHRONICALS OF THE BOBCATS

 

 

  

 

Photos by Mr. T

On me: Shirt Anine Bing, Pant Ellery, Clutch Proenza Schouler, Shoes my mother's vintage, Glasses Celine, Jewellery Miansai

I'm living in these Ellery Bobcats Classic Cigarette pant at the moment. Its 100% silk, so it's light for summer (not to mention easy to pack for short trips), effortless cool, yet undeniably chic. For dinner, I dressed these up with heels and a crisp white shirt. Word of warning, there will be a lot more outfit posts with these babies in them...

xOxo

SKINCARE

PREP: Directly after I wash my face, morning and night, I splash some of this on. I swear, my skin is addicted to this...
 

MORNING: I mix a pump each of firming serum, vitamin C and vitamin B
Photos: Advance Skin Technology




PROTECT: This is one thing I can't leave home without and it's the best sunscreen I've used in my life (does not clog pores)

 

CLEANSE: This face washer is exactly as it's name suggests, and the cleanser is so gentle, your skin will not be striped of its PH levels
Photo: Jane Iredale and Advanced Skin Technology



 

NIGHT: I alternate between this combination and the one below; I use RedLess 21 to calm my rosea, I used to use this daily but as it healed my rosea, I now just use it on days I get patches of dryness or on top of the Retinol Brulee (not every time, either). Retinol Brulee, I use 2 times a week on average (evenings when I know I won't be out the in sun the next day)
Photo: Advanced Skin Technology



NIGHT: I alternate Exfol (layered with Extreme C20) with the Retinol Brulee - I usually use it on evenings after I've been outdoors most of the day, exposed to the environmental pollutants. Jungle Brew is only used rarely now for breakouts (affected areas only)
Photo: Viva Wellness

Those of you who have emailed and asked me about my skincare regime and products, this one's for you. Oh, and those of you who have asked, my freckles are real and I've had them since I was a kid. I used to hate them so much because I wanted flawlessness, but travelling through parts of Asia, being swarmed by sales girls that want to rid me of my imperfection has made me totally  embraced them..

OK, down to business...now for me, clean, bright, glowing skin and teeth are the two most important signs of health, hygiene and self respect, and the first two things I notice on people when I meet them. 

You will notice that most of the products above are serums and are also 'cosmeceuticals'. Until a few years ago, I was a devoted user of creams...then I discovered serums! What's the difference? Serums are lighter weight and tend to be water based (more liquidy) making it easily absorbed and the most concentrated way for the skin to drink up all the key ingredients and vitamins.  

Cosmeceuticals are essentially a formulation of cosmetic and pharmaceuticals containing the highest concentrated form of active ingredients. Needless to say, these products are not readily available at any cosmetics counter, but usually only at specialty stores with licensed beauticians.

The combination of the above (cosmeceutical serums) also means that, generally, it can be layered on / mixed without adverse effects. Also, you must definitely go and consult with a beautician for a skin assessment so that the best concoction can be recommended for your skin type.

My skin has always been sensitive and, in the past, have had the occasional breakout. But, I can honestly say that since I've been using my brew, I've not had a facial for two years. I'm so glad that now, facials are really a choice and little moments of self indulgent, rather than an emergency booking to rid the break out and or dullness.

To make things easier, I've grouped products that I use different photos (combinations) with little captions below it. Again, I will stress to you that the above is the combination I use and as everyone is different, see a licensed beautician and let them work out what is most suited to your skin.

xOxo

P.S. If you are having difficulty locating a licensed beautician, around your area, that stocks the brands mentioned above, email me.