Secrets to looking younger

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It's been an interesting year so far. It seems that the closer I get to the big 4-0, the more shocked friends and acquaintances are when they found out about my true age. I've seen expressions ranging from speechlessness to the jaw drop effect to outright belligerence that I must produce my driver license for evidence.

All very flattering though baffling considering that it was only 2.5 years ago when my beautician in New Zealand let rip and told me that my then 37 skin looked a decade older due to neglect. It would've been better if my Korean sister in law wasn't there to translate because there would've been NO way she could communicate with me. Two hours later, I staggered out with my head reeling from the endless list of must dos, I vowed to look after myself better. I'm still pretty low maintenance (and I still don't brush my hair) but at least I've eradicated a few fine lines by hydrating my skin a little better. Here are my secrets to looking younger:

1. Live in the U.K because you will have minimal sun damage to your skin. Rainy days: 300 days. Sunshine: 65. Result: The pale faced Cullen family (Twilight). Downside: You may be subjected to SAD (seasonal affective disorder).

2. There are pros and cons to having a round shaped face because every ounce you put on goes straight to your face. It also automatically puffs up any fine lines without you having to resort to botox or getting fat from your arse directly injected into your face. Moon face is so in. Not. If you're Asian, your relatives will be the first people to tell you when you've put on weight.

3. Add a filter - preferably Amaro when you're instagramming. You look 10 years younger (at least!) at a click of a button.

4. Wear glasses to hide lines around your eyes. Don't bother with non-reflective lens. You want people to NOT be able to see your eyes clearly. Why not them see their own reflections on your glasses?

5. Dispense expensive anti-ageing creams or serums. Natural skincare works just as well if not better. And they're cheaper too........which means more money for shoes and bags. YAAAAY! (I use REN skincare and rosehip oil).

6. Find a mom and granny that do not have wrinkles. DNA rocks. My dad will kill me if he ever reads this......... he often gets asked if my mom is his daughter which pleases her to no end but the remark has the opposite effect on him.

7. Turn off anti shake or image stabilizer function on your camera or lens. Sharp and crisp images are detrimental to one's self esteem. You want blurry photos. I would also strongly advice you to overexpose every single shot before posting them anywhere. It eradicates any blemishes and wrinkles in a nanosecond.

Autumn/Winter 2013 collection

I had a chance to pop into Matches Fashion's townhouse on Welbeck St to check out their newest A/W 2013 collection. I headed straight for the coats, jackets, shoes and accessories. We haven't had a proper summer in 2 years so stocking up on summer clothes seems rather pointless. Instead, I've been drawn to outerwear which is something I wear a lot of. In fact, my summer dresses are stuffed right to the back of my drawers that it's become a bit of out of sight, out of mind kind of thing.





I was fascinated by these Mark Cross bags, particularly the blue trunk which is aptly named Grace as it was a favorite of Grace Kelly as well as Zelda Fitzgerald, wife of F. Scott Fitzgerald. The Fitzgeralds were close friends of Gerald and Sara Murphy, previous owners of Mark Cross who were also the inspiration behind the author's book "Tender is the night". Mark Cross has been relaunched with a bang three years ago but the American luxury leather purveyor was been around since 1845 till its closure in 1997.







You've had the ubiquitous Kitty cat but now Charlotte Olympia has created yet another eye catching flats - the owl along with a quirky perspex clutch "Book of Spells" which I have no doubt will become a bestseller.





I had an interesting chat with the ladies at Matches Fashion. Catchy heels, towering heels, stiletto heels... but the ones that fly right out of the door are low to mid heels. Shoe designers are finally listening to women. We want gorgeous heels that we can actually walk in evidenced in the photo above. I'm fascinated by Alex's arm swag. I'm in love with her double tour Hermes bracelets. LOVE!

Louis Vuitton Haute Maroquinerie

Outfit: Alexander Wang t-shirt (U.S here), Rick Owens biker jacket, Hermes belt (hidden), Zara boyfriend jeans, Hermes Cape Cod watch, Hermes Kelly (or here) and Halogen Bianca wedges

A few weeks ago, I was invited by a Louis Vuitton sales associate to take a look at Louis Vuitton Haute Maroquinerie (which directly translates to high leather goods) at the maison on Bond St. I decided to wait until my friend, Celest (who's an awesome bridalwear designer based in Asia and garnering a lot of hot press) arrived in London cos bag shopping is way more fun with a girlfriend, particularly one who's as bag crazy as I am. 

We were ushered upstairs through a lift which zipped us up to the top floor and then through to a lounge where large pieces of leather were displayed hanging on the wall. It's all done rather hush hush, by invitation only with an appointment to suit the client. I'm jaded enough to say that it's a marketing ploy to showcase the exclusivity of the handbag equivalent of haute couture - a massive push by Bernard Arnault to compete with Hermes. The customer service is exceptional - friendly and informative which is a nice and welcoming change to the snobby and patronizing attitude displayed by a number of Hermes sales associates at the Sloane St store.

Photography isn't allowed which is a bit of shame as everything has to go through to their press department for approval. The bespoke service allows customization of 5 bags - Milaris (Milan + Paris = Milaris), Neo Steamer, Noe, Lockit and Triangle where the client is given the option to choose the exterior leather and lining (lambskin or goatskin). Prices start from £4500 upwards. Bags made in crocodile skin came with a price tag similar to that of a nice compact Toyota. We mentioned this to Celest's husband whose face turned ashen, gasped and for once, was speechless, a condition which unfortunately lasted only 2 minutes (it was quite an achievement if you know him rather well).

The Milaris looked eerily like an Hermes Lindy. Hmmm..... The only bag which appealed to both of us was the Noe which came with a handle and an additional strap. Let me break down the pros and cons of this bag.

Pros 
1. beautiful luxurious leather comes in a nice selection of droolworthy colors
2. additional strap which is long enough for those who prefer to wear their bag crossbody
3. 4 feet on the base to protect the bag

Cons
1. the handle that is too long for hand carry and too short to be worn over the shoulder especially if you're wearing a coat.
2. the strap isn't adjustable. This just doesn't make sense particularly for a bespoke bag.
3. the thread used for stitches is a little too thin for my liking. I prefer thicker and sturdier threads as well as double stitching to ensure durability.
4. if I pay £4500 for a bag, I would like a handmade bag which is hand-stitched inside out, not machine stitched.
5. after sales service is a selling point for most people. I'm waiting to hear back from the sales associates in regards to this.

Verdict: I am impressed with the service but not enough with the handbag itself to fork out a sum equivalent to that of an Hermes Kelly for a bespoke Louis Vuitton bag. BUT who knows, I may change my mind if they tweak the designs more and offer a wider selection of customization instead of the current 5 models.

Bargain of the month

Thank you all so much for your support and vote as well as the encouraging comments. Apparently, I've got till May the something (I'm terrible with dates) to hustle everyone for votes so click here if you think my photos (erm...not including ones taken with my phone!!) are good enough to garner a chance in the finals of the Brilliance in Blogging Award 2013




Like most women who were hooked on Sex And the City, I had serious heart palpitations whenever I caught a glimpse of the infamous Manolo Blahnik Sedaraby beauties on SJP's feet. So on a trip to Hong Kong many years ago, a country professed to have size 34 shoes in abundance, I walked up to the Manolo Blahnik store to inquire about the Sedaraby heels. Apparently, I had to custom order which would take as long as the average gestation period of a human, pay an additional fee for the privilege of having them made for my pixie sized feet on top of handing over an extortionate amount which was enough to dissolve a shoe addict to tears.

I was trawling through eBay listings as you would when you're bored and found these secondhand Sedarabys. A HUGE thanks to my shopping buddy in the US, Lauraloo (thank you!!) for forwarding them to me. I'm £45 poorer as opposed to £600 so they're practically a bargain.

I was so thrilled that I'd managed to nab a pair of shoes in MY size for a change. BUT.....once the euphoria wore off, it dawned on me that I'm practically rendered handicapped when these 3.5 inch heels are on my feet. I've been practicing my catwalk by strutting from the lounge to my bedroom and back again or in my case, it looked more like a stickman shuffle. Just so you know, there's no way in hell I can survive walking 100 meters in them.Yet. Watch this space.........

**I know the reviews recommended sizing up but these are true to size for me.

T-Shirt & Jeans, 4 Ways

I've just found out that I've been nominated and shortlisted for the Brilliance in Blogging Award 2013 under the Photography category. Thank you, Avril of School Gate Style because I know YOU actually put my name forward despite refusing to admit the fact. I'm sending a massive virtual kiss and hug to you. This is a complete surprise because 1) I didn't even know this award exists  2) someone out there was kind enough to nominate me.

Um....embarrassingly enough, I've reverted back to using my Samsung Galaxy Note for photos. I've managed to bribe persuade Lil L to help me with the photography. She agreed with the condition that I credit her work (geez, kids these days!!).  So, if you have a moment and you think that my photography (or perhaps Lil L's) is up to par, please feel free to vote for me here.

Casual

Outfit: Alexander Wang t-shirt (U.S here), Hermes belt (hidden), Zara boyfriend jeans, Hermes Cape Cod watch and K. Jacques Picon sandals (U.S here)

The word "experimental" just doesn't exist in my vocabulary unless you slot in "non" in front of it. My brain just isn't wired that way. My brain cells literally self combust when I have to think too hard about getting dressed. So years ago, I devised a uniform based upon a foundation of t-shirts and jeans. The jackets, shoes and bags are swapped around depending on my mood or the events that I have to attend.

Currently, I'm addicted to Alexander Wang t-shirts - the dude seriously knows how to make the best t-shirts.  I own 4 with another one swinging its way to me as I'm typing this out. They're best worn lopsided and half tucked in with an air of dishevelment (actually, I forgot to check myself in the mirror before being photographed. Doh!) And of course, let's not forget my infamous Zara boyfriend jeans which have been featured here so often that you're probably wondering if I ever peel them off my lower torso. Just so you know, I do wash these jeans - when I have to.

Smart casual
Outfit: Alexander Wang t-shirt (U.S here), Mango blazer (use 20% discount code GLAMOURISTDERHIT), Hermes belt (hidden), Zara boyfriend jeans, See by Chloe wedges (similar here and U.S here), Hermes Cape Cod watch and Hermes Kelly (or here)

I've mentioned about getting this Mango blazer previously in another post. I've avoided buying too many High St clothes because I find myself chucking them out more often than not. To my surprise,  this linen/cotton blend blazer looks and fits remarkably like a piece from a high end line despite its £45 tag (lower if you use the discount code). The blurry and grainy photo just doesn't do it any justice. The only thing I don't like about it is the pink lining but then again, I'm allergic to pink. It reminds me of the two years (feels like a lifetime) when Lil L was addicted to those horrific looking, poofy, vomit inducing princess gowns. Euwwwww.




Chanel
Outfit: Alexander Wang t-shirt (U.S here), Chanel tweed boucle jacket (similar here), Hermes belt (hidden), Zara boyfriend jeans, Hermes Cape Cod watch and Halogen Bianca wedges (U.S here)

I'm not particularly ladylike, thanks to my years of involvement in martial arts. It's a wonder that I even managed to learn to shake my saggy booties a little when I walk. Annnnyway, that's waaay TMI. In an effort to make myself look a little more mature (I said look, not act), I like putting on a Chanel jacket but hey, a leopard can't change its spots and neither can I. I like the stark juxtaposition between my bada$$ ripped jeans and the more sophisticated jacket. Perfection is soooo boring. Imperfections are way cooler. Like totally.




Edgy
Outfit: Alexander Wang t-shirt (U.S here), Rick Owens biker jacket, Hermes belt (hidden), Zara boyfriend jeans, Hermes Cape Cod watch, Hermes Kelly (or here) and ankle boots (similar here)

This outfit rocks my boat because it's slightly androgynous, more edgy and appeals to my tomboyish tendencies. The Hermes Kelly is only handheld for the purpose of this photo but I normally wear it cross body.

What's your spring uniform? For those of us who live in this part of the colder continent, I know layering is the key to getting dressed but I'm curious if you have a uniform that you stick to.

Louis Vuitton Sully in the house!

A near new and authentic (as always!) Louis Vuitton Sully in MM size just came in.  Click here for more details.

Two Miracle Products

I cannot NOT share this miracle ointment so bear with me while I gush about it. My mom bought this Lucas Papaw ointment for me on a whim at an airport. For those of you who live in Australasia, this ointment is probably as common as sheep over there.

Last year, I managed to get a self inflicted burn which was awful to say the least (never put your arm across a boiling kettle! The steam is deadly. Yeah, you know but did I know that?!). The roughly 4 inch burnt skin healed with such astonishing speed within 24 hours after I slathered the papaw ointment. And 48 hours later, the skin was smooth albeit a bit marked.

A few days ago, I came home from London with a souvenir, presumably a flea who took great delight in feasting on various parts of my body. Have I ever mentioned that I hate ALL insects? I'm also allergic to this parasitic pest. Well, silly me applied the ointment on some bites but not the ones on my ankle and foot. Guess which healed and which didn't?  I walked around for days with a visibly swollen and disfigured ankle as well as HUGE red welts which itched like hell despite the fact that I was popping anti-histamine pills like candies. The Liberty SA who was assisting me while I was trying on Manolo Blahnik heels audibly gasped and backed away with a horrified look (I'm a natural human repellent). I came home, applied the ointment generously and by morning, my ankle has returned to its normal size with now nearly flat bite marks.

Despite its blab about using natural ingredients - yes, it's made of fermented papaya but it also contains petroleum. Since it has worked wonders on me and I only ever use it sparingly, it doesn't overly concern me. The Lucas papaw ointment isn't all that easy to find outside Australasia but so far, I think they're available at Pawpaw shop in London (they take online orders) or here for international orders without charging an extortionate amount for shipping.            

Lancome Hypnose Star mascara (U.S here)

I am a self confessed mascara virgin. The make up artist at my wedding discouraged me from using a mascara stating that the result would be practically invisible when I opened my eyes (Asian eyes and all). I took her word to be the gospel and never attempted to apply a mascara for the next 13 years UNTIL my friend aka make up genius, Christy placed a Lancome sample tube into the palm of my hand and insisted I gave it a try. I have dead straight and short lashes. However, the combination of the famed Shu Uemura lash curler and Lancome Hypnose Star mascara resulted in super long, curled and thick eyelashes. It made me want to go out and bat my eyelashes at everyone in town. And brought out my normally hidden narcissistic tendency - I can't stop admiring my long eyelashes in front of the mirror.

Pass It Forward: 1 Blogger 3 Blogs

The what seems like infinite number of remarkable bloggers out there continues to astound me. Who knew behind most seemingly ordinary folks lie extraordinary talents which they showcase to the world for free? But what about 1 blogger who runs 3 different yet successful ones? Here's the multi-talented lady, Jeana Sohn.


Jeana Sohn

Jeana Sohn is a personal journal filled with beautiful pictures where she regales us with tidbits of her life and projects. She's one of those women who looked beautiful pregnant (while I resembled a beached whale!).


Closet Visit



Jeana takes us on an adventure - inside stylish women's closets. Each person featured has their own distinctive style and the interview is always fun to read.



Bap Story

I call myself a Korean wannabe. After all, I've been mistaken for a Korean by Koreans more times than I can remember. I'm also addicted to the Korean cuisine (thanks to a Korean sister in law), so I always keep an eye out for simple recipes that I can replicate at home. Needless to say, I can't help but get drawn to the mouth watering ones on Bap Story.


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3 Types of Toxic Friends

I remember reading somewhere that for women, breaking up with a girlfriend is a demise apparently worse than a divorce. I don't know how true that is but what I do know is that it's a remarkably painful and long drawn process.

Lately, I've been thinking.....we cull our closets every now and then to discard clothes that no longer fit us or discover ones that you've forgotten but why don't we do the same with friends? It sounds rather cold and perhaps, harsh but why do we keep the ones that suck the very life out of us yet we spend little time with genuine friends? I'm generalizing here when I've divvied up unsuitable friendships into 3 categories even though there are too many to count.


1. The Victim
Though we've all gone through phases where we moaned, complained and whinged, the victim  is permanently stuck here and never moves on. The worst thing is, she verbally vomits on you and merrily goes on her way while you have to deal with the repercussions of her negativity. She thrives on drama (in fact, she should live permanently in a soap opera), fervently believes that she has been wronged and blames everyone for her misfortune yet takes no responsibility for it.

A close friend once gave me a much needed kick in the rear end and told me to shut up and stop feeling sorry for myself. And I did. These days, I try to instill in myself a sense of gratitude instead of entitlement because for every setback that I experience, there's someone else out there who's worse off than I.


2. The Taker
The taker or otherwise known as the helpless damsel in distress. They take advantage of your hospitality, kindness and generosity. All. The. Time. They pillage, plunder and loot from their friends, giving nothing back but lip service. Don't be fooled by the friendly facade for that's a camouflage. Don't expect your benevolence to be reciprocated in times of trouble unless the planets have aligned itself in perfect symmetry and the odds are in their favor.


3. The Frenemy
Is she a friend or an enemy? Well, both. Unfortunately, your lives are kind of intertwined which makes it even harder to extricate yourself from her. She's fooled you into thinking that she's your best friend but turn your back and you're likely to find a few daggers embedded into your spinal column. You go through elation (she's THE best friend anyone could ask for. EVER) to confusion (why did she do that to me? Why? Why?!!) to guilt (she's the master of emotional manipulation) to anger (how could she?!).


All three - the victim, the taker and the frenemy are products of the Generation I also known as  Me, myself and I. What they've done is provided me with several important life lessons which are
1) don't take people for granted for they're not stupid and will eventually avoid you like the plague
2) invest in the ones you love and you will reap what you sow - with compounding interest ( (love grows exponentially) 
3) count your blessings for there are many

Do you similar unhealthy friends?

Keeping It Real

Outfit: Rick Owens leather jacket (US here), Helmut Lang t-shirt (US here), Petit Bateau track pants (similar here), ankle boots (similar here and here)


To say I am astounded by the positive feedback I received on this post (what do bloggers REALLY wear?) from all of you is an understatement. I was initially rather hesitant to click on that publish button because for the most part, it's far more palatable to show a glossy representation of myself which always works as an ego booster. This was a gradual decision after a long chat with Heather, a friend of mine last year about how it can be rather depressing to see the glamorous lives of popular bloggers but often it's far from the truth.

Based on the comments and tweets that I've received, I gather that most of you like
1) interesting but more realistic outfits

2) outfits with pieces on heavy rotation in order to see how something can be worn in various ways

3) real people with all the extra bits and bobs attached (err... you know what I mean)

Since we're on the topic of Keeping It Real, here are a few extra tidbits about moi.

1) posing is NOT one of my talents nor will it ever be. Neither is singing. Just ask any of my siblings. Actually, don't because the caterwauling is horrendous.

2) I still struggle to make sense of primer, eye primer, foundation, pressed powder, loose powder, bronzer blah blah blah blah. Don't get me started on the eye shadow or anything to do with contouring because they all look colored powder to me at this stage. And I used to think calculus was a form of mental torture. That is until I discovered the world of cosmetics.

3) I come from a family of hairdressers, from my mom's side. Needless to say, the genes somehow mutated because other than a ponytail, I've never figured out what to do with my hair. I hear that there's a thing called a sock bun now. Just so you know, you will NEVER get a hair tutorial from me. Ever.


4) I may not comprehend Rick Owens' radical lifestyle but the man is a genius when it comes to designing one of the most flattering leather jackets I've ever tried on. My bat wing arms look positively skinny, thanks to a panel of rib knit that runs along the arm. The jacket is constructed to drape, flatter and fit all the right places. It even gave this apple figured wearer a waist which is a miracle in itself. Just so you know, they run small. I do mean verrrry small. I wear a 42 which is a medium and I normally wear a EU 36, UK 8 or US 2/4.

5) I love my track pants so much that I'm thinking of starting a Sweat/Track Pants Club. Just kidding. Maybe not. I may wax lyrical about my favorite attire till the cows come home but I certainly don't believe in paying designer prices for them.

Pass It Forward: 3 bloggers

The school holiday is finally coming to an end. If you're a mom with school age kids, you know what a relief it is to have our beloved and precious little darlings back in school where they can spend quality time with their teachers and friends.

 Angela of Lattes And Juice

Angela's an American expat living in London and a mom of 2.  I was hooked the first instant I checked out her blog, thanks to her leaving a comment on mine. This is a lady after my own heart. Sure, she's a mom but that's not all what she writes about. There are tidbits on amazing patisseries and eateries around London, ones that I have just found out from her blog and am anxious to check out. She has a wonderful sense of style, be it travel, interior decor, fashion, food or jewelry. My head spins whenever I'm presented with a plethora of choices so I'm immediately grateful when I read a blog that has a well edited content.



Cecilia of Cecilia's Closet

I stumbled upon Cecilia's blog while I was googling Rick Owens. She owns a stash of the most beautiful Rick Owens jackets that I've ever seen. Her closet is simply to die for - Hermes, Chanel, Bottega Veneta, Celine etc etc. There are tons of reviews about every brand that I adore on her blog. She's honest and informative so head over there if you're a fashionista.

There's also a veritable wealth of information about fixing shoes, dealing with heels that are too big or small etc etc. It's a must read for shoe addicts out there. What's more, I have just found out that we joined the Purse Forum about the same time (2006).



Naomi of Bakers Royale

This talented baker and photographer will blow you away. I have to physically limit myself to only reading her blog for no more than 10 minutes at a time or else I'll just fritter the entire day just trawling through from one recipe to the next. I am just in awe of the exquisitely executed desserts and the simply breathtaking presentation of each one of them. 

Summer Uniform

Mango blazer, Saint James mariniere, Current Elliot boyfriend jeans, Chanel WOC, Saint Laurent neon yellow heels, Sam Edelman Trina (UK & E.U, here) and K.Jacques sandals

You cannot believe the elation I felt the minute I saw the weather forecast for this Sunday - 17˚C!!  Woooohooooooo!!! If you live in the UK, you will totally understand how weather obsessed we are over here. Perhaps I can finally stop popping vitamin D tablets like candies. I spoke to my family back in New Zealand recently and they were complaining about the looooong summer. I mean....really??! Pfffffffft. I'm happy to shift the snow, hail and rain to the other side of the world. Pronto. Fingers crossed, I haven't jinxed the weather forecast. 

Anyway, enough about the weather lest I put everyone to sleep. I can't wait to put away all my coats and thick sweaters to get started on the summer clothes. After numerous attempts on my part to introduce colors into my wardrobe and failing miserably, I've decided to stick to what I feel most comfortable in. I'm a girl who's stuck with 3 colors in her wardrobe. Okay, maybe 4 - grey, black, navy and ....... errrr... light grey? The weird thing about this obsession with a monochromatic wardrobe is I prefer to have accessories and footwear in blazing neon colors.

I love the idea of a pair of bright yellow heels because they're surprisingly easy to pair with. Or bada$$ gladiator shoes. And a bright colored bag. But when it comes to my clothes, I like the blazer, breton top and boyfriend jeans (are you sick of the jeans yet?) combo which appeals to my Francophile self. After a long search for a navy blazer, I've found this one from Mango which is easy on the pocket and made of a linen/cotton blend. 

Stripy boat neck, tropical applique t-shirt, summer kaftan, retro print skirt, spotty shorts, easy printed dress, Salt Water/Sun San sandals (UK & EU, here)

I don't usually talk about childrenswear but lately, Boden has started sending me catalogs. Talk about a smart marketing move because before I know it, I'm £60 poorer. My excuse is their clothes are incredibly well made and far cheaper than Petit Bateau. I now totally get why my friends here gush about this brand. I mean they talk in the most reverential manner about Boden, the way my mom talks about the pope. You'll notice that there are every color under the sun here. That's because my 3....oops, I mean 4 color scheme wardrobe doesn't apply to kids.

3 New Discoveries

1. Ghosts
I don't mean that I don't believe in them but to live in a medieval town where they have been countless sightings is rather unnerving. In fact, I chanced upon a book about that very topic only to flip to the page where there have been reports about the *ahem* haunting the at very bookstore I was in. So anyway.....there's a point in this long winded explanation. I met up with a couple of good friends over the weekend and one of them mentioned that one of the two buildings in the photo above is haunted. It is in fact, written in every employee's contract that it is strictly forbidden to work late. In this case, ignorance is bliss...........!!








2. Antique market
Riiiiight, let's move along lest I scare myself s**tless writing this post. I stumbled upon the antique market which is held every so often on High St. I've always been strangely drawn to French style furniture but the trouble is, they're prohibitively expensive in New Zealand.  Perhaps it's a product of reading Peter Mayle's A Year in Provence. And hubby's style, unfortunately, is polar opposites to mine. Modern, sharp edges..... pfffffft.

3. Khan Academy
A friend of mine suggested that I tap into the infinite YouTube videos from Khan Academy, a not for profit organization which change the way we educate children. His stuff is a lifesaver. Salman Khan, a former hedge fund analyst started these videos as a supplement to his tutorials for his cousins but his popularity grew and grew and grew. He teaches math, science (from Year 1 to adult), history and finance in such an entertaining, creative and easy to understand manner that the kids don't even know that they're studying. I'm generally a calm chameleon but have a tendency to metamorphose into a fire breathing dragon when helping Lil L with her homework. So yup, using these videos help keep the home from turning into a battleground.

Pass It Forward: 3 Personal Style Bloggers

Blogs are a dime a dozen these days so readers can descend en masse or flee if one doesn't tickle their fancy anymore.  They come because they can relate to the blogger but they stay because of the interaction. If anything, as a blogger, I'm still thrilled to read your comments because it's through this dynamic interaction that I gain a different perspective and learn something new everyday. As found in one of my favorite daily reading on UCB - "the moment you think you know it all, you've merely stopped thinking".


Daniella of Lella Victoria                      




I happened to stand in line to get into a fashion show and somehow Daniella who was standing right behind me and I got chatting. She's petite, exceedingly pretty (I couldn't stop gazing at her luminous skin and shiny blond hair), remarkably down to earth, friendly and warm. She would be what I call the epitome of a person who's beautiful inside out.

She has been photographed by Scott Schuman of The Sartorialist, Elle, Vogue, etc etc (too many to count) but you wouldn't have known it since she downplays her success during the London Fashion Week. I'm not surprised at all seeing that her outfits always blow me away. They're chic, edgy and creative.


Catherine of Not Dressed as Lamb




I met Catherine at a workshop months ago and then bumped into her again at the train station. You know what they say about the eyes being the window into a person's soul? Well, she's warm and kindness personified. I love that she represents women who've entered into 40s and beyond and refused to wear stodgy middle aged clothes. I'm fascinated by the way she experiments with colors and textures which has helped me to get out of my monochromatic rut. You're talking to a girl who thinks black, grey and navy are "bright" colors.

She's an amazing photographer as you can tell with these beautifully composed and vibrant images on her blog. Go take a look and don't forget to vote for her!


Tiffany of Tiffany Wendell



Tiffany is a stylist based in the U.S who has made TV appearances and contributes to several magazines as well. Sue of Susiesoso developed a massive girl crush on her and practically broadcasted Tiffany's blog at every opportunity. So yes, I'm including Tiffany on this week's PiF series.

Her chic and comfortable androgynous style really appeals to me. She's a mom of 2 so sensible dressing is part of her DNA now. Most importantly, she pairs most of her outfits with flats. YES!

What do bloggers REALLY wear?

Outfit: Zara boyfriend jeans, Helmut Lang t-shirt, Chanel tweed boucle jacket (similar here), Halogen wedges, Chanel timeless clutch

You know, it got me thinking the other day after spending a bit of time lurking on forums. There are the same few questions that pop up nearly every single time. Okay, so I'm going to keep this real cos you know, being a Kiwi and all, I haven't mastered the art of being PC or beating around the bush all that well. Now bear this in mind that
1) I'm not a personal style blogger. I think someone categorized this blog as lifestyle, meaning it's like a bowl of coleslaw with every imaginable veggie/topics mixed together.
2) I'm not a professional blogger

Right, so now we've got that sussed, let's get to question number 1.

1) What do bloggers REALLY wear?
Umm... Isabel Marant, Chanel and Helmut Lang? And heels. Very VERY high heels. mwahahahaha....... if you want to know what I REALLY wear, check out the photo below.
Just so you know, I didn't upload the photo to show you my no-longer-perky butt/bottom but to glorify the beautiful construction of the Chanel jacket.

2) How come bloggers never seem to wear the same outfit? How do they fund their wardrobe?
You see that pair of ripped boyfriend jeans from Zara? I'm embarrassed to say that it has been featured in nearly every outfit photo in the past year. And the Halogen ankle strap wedges. And the Helmut t-shirt. Ditto for the outfit below.

As for my style? If I want to sound particularly educated, I'd call it non-experimental. In layman term, it's known as sticking-to-my-uniform (I'm channeling Emmanuelle Alt. You go girl!). My tiny closet fits into a small corner in the bedroom. I can personally count with 1 hand how many jackets or coats I own. My excuse is quality over quantity. So I'm afraid my clothes are in heavy rotation which may bore most people to death (including me). However, I often get rid of any accessories or clothes I no longer wear on eBay to fund new purchases.



Outfit: Zara boyfriend jeans, Helmut Lang t-shirt, Chanel tweed boucle jacket (similar here), Halogen wedges, Chanel timeless clutch, Hermes Cape Cod watch.

As you can see, I subscribe to  the "no make up make up" look in the most literal manner. The "fan" effect was due to the horrendous wind. As for the double chin, I can only blame the chocolate bunnies. Um...I did say, I was keeping it real?



Outfit: The Kooples wedge trainers (similar here), The Kooples track pants, Isabel Marant sweatshirt, Chanel glasses, Hermes Cape Cod watch

AND....... this is what I REALLY wear everyday. Not Chanel, not Helmut Lang but track pants and sweatshirt.