preppy

You know it still puzzles me how I still see some girls wearing sandals even with this monsoon weather we've been experiencing almost everyday now. It's just not practical (not to mention gross wet feet.) Sudden downpours is so common here in Singapore that I expect people to be more prepared to face the wet weather.

For me, on days like these, I stick to my good old Chucks:

On rainy days, the office also becomes Siberia so I decided to wear my warm, cozy knit. Didn't I tell you fall staples can work in the tropics too? ;P



I surprisingly channeled preppy with the knit+Chucks combo. Adore this look - super comfy and perfect on rainy Friday mornings. 


I was wearing: Forever 21 skirt, white tee from Mango, H&M knit, shoes from Converse.

december

December has finally arrived - the month of eating, drinking and being merry. I'm already working out doubly hard at the gym whilst listing in my head the things I am going to eat when I get to Manila - puto bumbong, bibingka and empanada - are the top 3 things I am craving for now.



Thought I'd welcome the festive month with something equally festive - this hot pink skirt. I've had this in my closet since April and haven't had the chance to wear it until now.



Kept the shirt partly tucked to display the skirt's ruching.



Pairing a girly, short skirt with an oversized men's basic like this pullover is one of my favorite looks. 


Sorry for the bad pictures, folks. 


I was wearing: skirt from H&M, Forever 21 pullover, open-toed ankle boots from Romwe.

no sunlight

It's almost the end of the year and as expected, Singapore is again experiencing monsoon season. It's been raining almost everyday now - like clockwork too - usually in the afternoon just after lunch, the skies start turning gray and downpour ensues.


Well on seasons like this, I never take risk wearing my well-loved pairs of shoes. I either bring out the Chucks or wear these:



Because it's patent leather, water practically slips off. There's no reason to lose another pair of good shoes to this wet weather.

salmon

Remember Spring when the color salmon was everywhere? The color's pretty versatile - works well as a color-blocking piece or with basic black, navy or even white.



Today I decided to pair with a printed top.



And with colorful bracelets for color-overload!



Initially, I hesitated with a pair of high-waisted, pleated pants (that's a double-whammy right there) but because this particular pair tapers at the bottom, it avoids looking too baggy.



Going for the 80s working girl look with my gray boyfriend blazer. I should've taken a better photo with the blazer to properly show you so please excuse the bad angle and the exhausted look (took this at the end of a long day).


I was wearing: Zara high-waisted pants, printed tank top from Cotton On, Topshop boyfriend blazer and Charles & Keith shoes.

beauty post: breakouts 911

I've said this before but let me say it again. The best thing about being in my 30s is that my skin is less prone to breakouts (or maybe I've just started using better skincare products) but with an oily T-zone and life's little stresses, it can't be helped that my skin breaks out occasionally. 


I was suffering from crazy breakouts this weekend so I was glad I always keep my little secret in the form of The Faceshop Tea Tree & Bergamot mask in my stash. I woke up this morning and my skin is looking much better - even the zit on my cheek threatening to be full-blown acne has vanished. (I swear this is not a testimonial nor an ad. I just really love this product!) I've been a fan of the Faceshop products for the past 2 years and using their face masks has been a part of my skin regimen. 


I use a mix of different types:

Image from Faceshop website


Since I am not getting any younger, I use this collagen to rejuvenate my skin. I also alternate this with Vitamin C to keep the skin looking fresh and the Aloe to clear the skin and of course the aforementioned Tea Tree & Bergamot to clear skin breakouts. 


It is recommended that you keep this on for 20 to 30 minutes but for me, I just keep it on even as long as an hour. 


In my years of experimenting with skincare products, I've reached one conclusion that they all work differently for each person, even for people with similar skin types the effects are varied. So use with caution. 

tis the season

It's the first Sunday of Advent and only 28 days to go before Christmas. (Oh Christmas, your sneaky little!) I'm at the homestretch of Christmas shopping now and have just a few more to go.


In the hopes that the Internet Santa is reading this, let me share my own Christmas wishlist:


1. Denim button-down

From Zara.com
I've been craving for a denim shirt since Spring's color-block (I wanted to color-block with salmon shorts) but I couldn't find one with the perfect fit and the perfect shade. This shirt from Zara is my favorite so far.


2. Skirts

From Zara.com
You've seen my latest fixation with pencil skirts here and here. For Christmas, I want to get my hands on printed or colored pencil skirts.



From Zara.com
I've also been after this draped mustard skirt from Zara and dreaming about pairing it with a simple tailored button-down shirt. *drool*


Actually, I've already requested Cuz for a printed pencil skirt for Christmas. You see, every year, Cuz and I always tell each other what we want for Christmas. It eliminates the surprise but at least it guarantees that you get at least one gift that you really, really love. :P


3. Chunky silvers

Because I can't live without them lately, I've been piling up on my chunky silver collection. Forever 21 has surprisingly awesome silver accessories available at a very reasonable price.


4. Black court shoes

I am super in love with this pair of black pumps. I practically live in them as the style and color can pretty much go with anything - dressed up or down, like in this shot. They also have kitty heels which make them very comfortable. I got this pair from Charles & Keith, a brand not exactly famous for its durability so I need another pair as back-up. 


How about you? Have you started on your Christmas shopping list?

the blue route

While color-blocking is fun and inspiring, I also equally like wearing one bright piece with a neutral palette. 

I fell in love with this shade of cobalt blue that  I decided to pair with a simple white top to let the pants take center stage.



The white makes the pants even brighter and bluer.



The accessories are neutral too - almond loafers instead of yellow wedges



Dark brown belt and chunky silver bracelets instead of colorful leather ones.


Happy weekend everyone! I'll probably be spending mine doing more Christmas shopping - only 30 days to go now!


I was wearing: Colored pants from H&M, Cotton On button-down, Uniqlo belt, loafers from Trois + Inch, Forever 21 silver bracelets.