White + Rose

Red My Lips is an organisation that runs a campaign every April to raise awareness about sexual violence. This year, I decided to take up on that challenge and wear red lipstick for the month. I invited one of my friends to join me because she loves red lipstick and could contribute to a cause. It also would push me to use some of the red lipsticks I own and finish off my Chanel. I only had three lipsticks that I would consider "red": I have yet to complete this challenge as the month is not over but so far, it has been a difficult endeavour. Everyday Lipstick: Chanel Rouge Coco Shine in Monte Carlo (62) Easy to put on when you just want a little bit of colour. This is not a true red, more like a strawberry-pink/red. I wore this most of the time. Day Out / Happy Medium Lipstick: Illamasqua Maneater Great colour if you like something suitable for day time. It's a classic cherry red. Formula's a little dry but that is what I expect from a complet...

I was invited to see my friend's collection in The Innovators earlier this week and to support her. I thought it would be nice to share with you the photos from my view.  Her collection was under the eponymous label 'Onticha'. Yeah, no crisp fashion shots here since it was all taken with a mobile phone camera. I wasn't even in my best outfit -- I came along with something I wear on a regular day. The only thing different was the makeup: my end-of-year ball makeup because one of my friends loved the look that she wanted to see it in person. Nevertheless, it was an exciting event because it was my very first experience of a fashion week. Also, I got to see my friends all glammed up for the event but I wasn't going to sacrifice comfort for fashion. Something I rarely ever say to myself but I knew it was a trek to the venue, especially on 4" heels. My two glamorous friends, all dressed up to support Onticha. I had to get their shoes in the shot. The ...

There had been a few good deals on for cosmetics recently, so I took advantage of them and picked up some. I also wanted to replace the poor Stay Matte powder that shattered on me, all over the floor and into the bin when I tipped the compact to remove some small pieces that had broken off. Lesson learned. I know powder could be saved but I wasn't fond of having a concoction of powder, dust and hairs and I certainly was not going to save the powder that landed on a pile of snotty tissues. Apparently, there are two types of packaging for the Stay Matte. One was designed to be a refill for compacts, with a hole at the back to allow for easy removal. That would've saved me the agony of prying into packaging and ripping out the plastic that surrounded the pan. I was particularly aggressive about the removal of the pan, hence why I had lots of trouble with my powder cracking. Priceline, offered a 40% off all cosmetics promotion. They hold 40% off sales a few times a year. I pi...

Ruby Red (Rubinrot) and Sapphire Blue (Saphirblau) are movie adaptations to the books in the Gemstone trilogy by Kerstin Gier. The general setting of the films were gorgeous. Some of the costumes were also very beautiful. While it is not a must-see film, I thought it was pleasant enough to pass the time. Gwendolyn Shepherd is the self-proclaimed Black Sheep of the family and comes from a lineage of time-travellers. On her 16th birthday, she discovered that she had the ability to time-travel. This had complicated matters for everyone because it was generally believed that her cousin, Charlotte, had inherited the ability and trained for many years in preparation. Gwen has the rocker-chic edge in her wardrobe, from the choker to the jacket. She's without the studded shirts and jackets, or her plaids. Don't forget the black eyeliner. It really makes her bright blue eyes stand out. As the "Ruby", she has a lot of reds and pinks in her wardrobe. I love that red pol...

Happy Valentine's Day! I recently made a purchase of a vintage sterling silver and turquoise ring on etsy. I had my eye on it for a while because I saw something special in it. I waited until the seller had the Valentine's discount but even then, it was still an expensive purchase. Much to my relief, the seller offered international shipping. Shipping was fairly quick for international. It was less than two weeks, which was great. When I received the ring, it was smaller than what I had imagined but photos tend to make things look larger than what they are. This ring is the first ring in my jewellery collection. I was worried whether the ring would fit me but in the end, it fit perfectly. I don't find DIY ring size matching methods are accurate. The only way you can be certain is to try on rings. Designs can make a ring feel loose or tighter. It certain makes it hard to choose rings online but sometimes you just have to take the risk. If anyone out there intends ...

Last week, I attended my friend's 21st. It was a large group of mostly her family members and only a few of us friends turned up. We were allowed to borrow and wear saris, which I thought was a treat. Her mother opened up her vast wardrobe of saris to allow us to find one to wear for the day. Cloth of many hues, little details like metallic sequins or beading -- it was all wonderful to look at. We all got to appreciate the beauty of the sari. I think the experience opened me up to more things than I expected. It brought up how unsatisfied I am, being so disconnected with my own culture. In the recent years, I've gained some interest in Chinese culture and with the help of the worldwide web and Youtube (in particular), I am able to get in touch with it. The only thing I am most dissatisfied with is that I cannot speak my language very well or read. It will be something I have to work on. It also made me realise how much fun it is to wear statement jewellery. I definitely ...

Semi-precious stones are making it big and have been for a while. They can be made to look more expensive than they really are. Jewellery made from semi-precious stones can be found in certain fashion jewellery chains such as Lovisa but I personally prefer to hunt them on etsy or storenvy. Some people believe that crystals have metaphysical properties that can heal the physical ailments and the soul. With jewellery made of semi-precious stones, you can have the aesthetic appeal as well as the healing properties! I also have a small collection of tumbled stones. Since I can remember, I've always been fascinated with stones and though I question their ability to heal, I often use them as good luck charms. The thing that I love most of all is the little imperfections, the crystal formations and the layers of the stone. They give character to the stone and make them one of a kind. I find it calming to have a stone with me in an exam so I would never be without my blue lace agate...