A Birthday Brunch Plate!

Found a common date to have a brunch in honor of E's birthday at a convenient outlet of Craftsmen Coffee. It's always so fun to have a chat and a check-in with these girls. We didn't ask each other, but we all turned up with our 'Seoul bags'! Ooof. That's the best part about getting these fun bags — they're great for a casual day out and can withstand some rough handling — we simply just grab them and go. 

Poached eggs and ham on toast for S. I didn't feel like having bread and I'm not a fan of sourdough toasts. Opted for a ham and cheese omelette. Heh! That was suitable savory.

E is fond of ice-cream, but she isn't a cake person. So we skipped getting even a slice of cake here for her. However, we all needed lunch right? So we made this date, and plonked a candle on top of her brunch plate. Heh! She was most pleased with her birthday plate of eggs, avocado and toast. 

May you be much blessed with clarity of the path and walk in the direction God leads and your heart desires. Happy Birthday, E.

I can do all these things in him who strengtheneth me. 

~ Philippians Chapter 4:13, Douay-Rheims

Red, White & Blue Bag :: 紅白藍帆布袋

Since the 1960s, Wah Ngai Canvas (華藝帆布, established in 1954) and its founder Lee Wah 李華 are known as the maker of the iconic red, white and blue nylon bags, literally, 紅白藍帆布袋. Films used to have these bags to store corpses in, but nowadays they use suitcases. LOL I also have an actual 紅白藍袋 that I use to move bulky items around and when not in use, it's folded up. These are as sturdy as the IKEA bags.

Now, the popularity of these bags meant that they're an avenue to do social good. A concept shop run by New Life Psychiatric Rehabilitation Association have the disabled and mentally-challenged workers up their mental health by sewing these bags in workshops in Kowloon and sold all over the world. They're obviously priced a lot higher than what you can buy off of Taobao, Shopee and Lazada. As consumers, we then choose where we want to spend to get these bags. I simply want neat and tight stitching. It's meant to be brand-less. It's supposed to be the antithesis of a brand, or at least not a designer brand. 

I have some of those in nylon, and a mini version as a stylized tote made of fabric. The fabric tote was a fun buy from Hong Kong. I was in Cheung Chau and walked into a shop selling handmade fabric bags. The lady boss could make a few for me in the desired designs if I had another day to return to pick it up or 2.5 hours to wait for her to make one bag. I couldn't. So I simply took what was available on the racks. There was one in water-resistant frabic. The lady's stitching was top-notch, and she made an extra layer of fabric for the bottom of the bag. 

Sure, the nylon ones are used mainly for dog things and activities or supermarket runs. But this fabric tote — I'm very fond of. I don't just use it to carry random extra items around or as a shopping bag. On some days, I also use it as a bag-bag. I don't need to lug around designer bags all the time. They're just stashed at home. If I feel like taking them out, I will. If I don't, then I don't. I don't feel any social pressure to do so (got past that); I needn't live up to anyone's sartorial expectations. 

A Nifty Purse

M was ridiculously thoughtful. She bought bags from Psalm 136 for us. She knew our likes and preferences and picked the apt fabric design for us. Run by Nathan and Joycelyn, these handmade bags take about 3-4 weeks to arrive after placing an order. Ahhh... Psalm 136 — the right use of power. We see those four examples; every verse of Psalm 136 reminds us to give thanks to God, “whose steadfast love endures forever.”

M bought a big one for herself that's named 'Lisa'; it's easily converted into a backpack too. Mine is named 'Valley of Hope' by the maker. It comes with a brass chain, but M added on a PU leather strap. So clever. Since I always sling my bags as a crossbody and am rough with them, I prefer the thicker strap over a metal chain. Heh. I forgot to take a photo of S's bag which has a fabric print of red and white tassels, and a tassel at the side. Couldn't find a photo of it online either. Will grab a photo of it the next time I see her.

The bag is really quite well made. It holds up great during these casual and hot strolls around the city. At 19cm (L) x 5cm (W) x 20.5cm (H), it slings over the body well and sits nicely on my butt. Hahaha. The clasp isn't fussy either. It's the brass plated alloy frame's edges that might scratch if I slip my hand in too fast or force it wider than it can open. Otherwise it's a lovely bag that I will use often!

My Cosmic Wonder Sling

Randomly bought a fun leather shoulder bag from COSMIC WONDER. It's meant to be brought out when I go out with the dog. Hahaha. It works well when I have to carry the dog's lunch bag or the usual tiny backpack filled with her water bottle, bowl, snacks, wipes and such.

It's a drawstring, but I usually don't bother with it. The straps aren't that short, so I can still sling it across the shoulders. I love its compact size, clean lines and minimal details. It fits all my requirements of being a fuss-free bag.

If I'm headed out with the dog to the friends' homes or a restaurant, I wouldn't require a water bowl or even snacks. All I need would be wipes and a poop bag. So I clip the whole roll to the bag straps. A poop bag dispenser sits rather nicely on the COSMIC WONDER SLING too. Of course I carry other types of bags out with the dog. But the poop bag dispenser comes along and it's usually clipped to the straps for super easy access.

I have a slightly fancier poop bag dispenser from Cloud7 for days when I carry a more ladylike purse out. Heheheh. No bag of mine is too precious to be brought out with the dog. The dog is more precious ah. I'm just being very disciplined in purchasing things for the dog, because I am the one using them. It's amazing how many choices of dispensers I have. For holding poop bags.

Choya in a Tote

Since I don't drive, I fret about being mobile with a dog. I'm not about to keep her at home while I head out. I want to take her to places, to play and have some fun. Or to make an emergency trip to the vet. Sure, the friends who own cars (and if they're in town) could possibly answer a frantic last-minute request in the middle of the night. BUT, that isn't my preferred option. I'd like to be able to hop into a cab to get to the veterinary clinic or anywhere else for that matter.

To travel on public transport (cabs, mainly) or in friends' cars with Choya, she would need to be placed into a bag, for the driver's peace of mind. It would save me from the embarrassment of seeing her fur fly all over someone's car or have her nails dig into their nice plush leather seats. I wasn't going to crate her. Toting a crate around for an outing is ridiculous. She's not severely injured or half dead. I have a giant IKEA plastic bag at home. But I was sure I could do a more fashionable style than an IKEA bag to contain Choya.

The friends had great self-control and held back snarky comments when I mentioned about getting a pram for the dog. They snidely suggested that "Choya isn't a toy dog or that tiny, you know?", "Which other healthy and non-injured dog of Choya's size do you know that rides in a pram on normal days?", and the BFF's line was the best, "It's called 'walking the dog' for a very good reason." I wisely chose to take their opinions and heeded their advice. Dammit. All these people.

I wanted a backpack because it looked really easy, and there're plenty of backpacks designed to carry weight and yet let it rest easy on the shoulders. I don't want to accidentally strain a tendon. Hands-free bags are great when I'm out with the dog. But I wasn't sure if the dog would like that. Considering that she has patella luxation, I don't really want her to be sitting or squatting in the backpack all cramped up.

Found a solution in a huge canvas tote from Love Thy Beast. Most people would buy a medium-sized version to well, tote around. Less cumbersome. However, I needed a bigger one to contain this 7kg dog. The superb team from Vanillapup accepted my purchase as a pre-order, and speedily brought in the Rust & Chestnut for me in Large size.

Opened up the package and placed the bag on the floor for the dog to sniff around. I even threw in her favorite smeowlly toy to lure her inside. She was rather cautious about it. Choya was certainly bemused when I placed her into the bag and lifted it up. She didn't run away or yelp. Once she was in, she didn't struggle. But she had this look on her face that made us crack up so bad. She clearly wasn't impressed at all. But she didn't struggle or complained about it. She simply stood quietly in it. There's plenty of space; I assume that when she's in it proper out and about, she'll eventually lie down and continue to stick her head out.

The Love They Beast tote was a breeze to carry, even with the dog in it! I was quite surprised. The Large didn't overwhelm my frame, and even with a light towel at the base and the dog, it couldn't have weighed more than 10kg in total. The design is gorgeous and someone thought through the mechanics of weight-bearing. The straps are so comfortable and since I wouldn't be toting the bag for long distances, it felt really comfortable to haul the bag onto the shoulder. Importantly, it packs the dog in secure. Even if I don't attach her leash to the inner hook strap or secure it with a carabiner around the handles, she can't quite jump out.

I haven't had a chance to put the tote through its paces yet. Perhaps I'll do so during the festive season when we go visiting, and if the friends are giving me a lift to and fro. This bag will be in heavy use come February when the man's manic back-to-back work trips begin, and it'll be just me and the dog out gallivanting.

A Fabric Tote from Lepas

The gift has sat in the drawer for a while. Decided to take it out for a spin. Stared at the two pieces of square clothes in different colors and its straps. The design is rather pleasing. P had sent a video of how to fold the two square pieces of fabric into a fairly sturdy bag. Okay, let's try it out.

I'm not sure the artist created a facebook page for this line of fabric bags and headscarves. Pattani artist and designer Emsophian Benjametha branded his fabrics as 'Lepas, Pattani' (เลอปัส). The instructional video was sent directly to P by the artist and it didn't even have a youtube link. The artist does ceramics too, mainly, inspired by the tenets in the Quran, of clay and man, branding it as 'Benjametha Ceramic'.

The brand at its exhibition booth at a Bangkok craft fair last month. 

Folded it up. It wasn't difficult to do so. But the first attempt was messy. Undid the knots, smoothened out the cloth and began again. The second attempt resulted in neater knots and folds, but a too long drop at the bottom of the bag. I was happy with the third attempt. The cloth was secured into a bag that kinda looked like what it was supposed to, as seen in the instructional video and the photos, and at a length that doesn't weigh down too much.

It's quite a fun bag to carry out. It complements a casual tee and jeans very well. However, it's not very practical. While the strap is at the right width to sit comfortably across the shoulders and doesn't cut, it's not made from waxed cloth. The bag wouldn't stand up to rain. Or perspiration. Hahaha. On some hot days, I swear the bag absorbed either my perspiration or the humidity. But it could carry some sort of weight, minus a water bottle and an iPad.

Leather Pouches

Clever and talented M made me a trio of leather holders. They're not meant to be a set. Hand sewn, her stitches are ridiculously neat. These leather holders are perfect for all sorts of purposes.

Pouches are useful. They go into all my bags. I especially appreciate the handmade ones. There's always a reason to swop out pouches daily. Best when I have them in different sizes and materials. Of course they don't need to be used together. Often, I also need water-resistant ones. I do end up using ziplock bags when I don't have a small-enough dry bag.

M called one a 'bak zhang' because of the triangular shape. Like a dumpling. Oof. It's a clever little pouch. Practical, soft and squish-able, it fits quite a lot of stuff and can go into even not-too-slim clutches. Really fun.

There's a card-holder without slots in olive green. Works great. All the cards can sit together. I don't own that many cards. I dislike grabbing membership cards of retail shops or wherever. If the discount is simply 10%, then I'd ignore it. I never buy that many items from a single store anyway. Unless it's a mall card or something. The last one is a bigger flat pouch in deep red with a zip, say about A5 size. The notebooks and pens, cables and all that fit in nicely.

What beautiful handiwork and so much effort to sew! Working with leather is taxing on the fingers. Thank yooou so much for these wonderful holders. Love 'em.

Many Presents

I took the bouquet of gorgeous wildflowers, gave Y a big hug, and grimaced. "Please don't tell me you spent extra on these flowers because the florists jacked up prices this week!" Y assured me she didn't. It was a bouquet from her regular florist who didn't charge her extra for this bunch. Whewwww. I'm not the biggest fan of flowers like say, tulips, roses, lilies, daisies, sunflowers or whatever, and will most certainly not bother about buying them this week, of all weeks in the year. I like wildflowers fine, but it's not quite possible to randomly pick them in the woods in Singapore. Love rustic bouquets. Y had a beautiful cotton-lace ribbon tied round the stalks to form the bouquet.

Of course we got to dessert. The girls had space for two cakes! One as requested by Lil'Missy, and another that was a pleasant surprise sent over courtesy of Y's friends who were coincidentally at the restaurant too. This date included Lil'Missy who zoomed to town straight from school. She excitedly showed me what she learnt in January's classes. Then, as little girls do, they get bored of sitting down. So we went running round and round the rather empty mall. It was a casual day in the office, so I had on flats with rubber soles. Fine for zipping around with a little one, and keeping five steps behind so she kinda won every round. Hahaha.

It was just in time to wish Y for her birthday too. :) She said "No presents please." I conveniently ignored that and prepped a small token cute and practical. She had a fantastic retort. She and the husband conspired and baked a big jar of granola bars for the man and I. There were the wildflowers she picked out and put together; she also bought me a gorgeous filet from Filt. I had one till it broke apart from years of usage. This new filet is perfect for my everyday. xxxooo The color palette of the bouquet and net was simply pleasing. Found a complementary wall. Had to ask Y to help me take a photo. Heeeeee. Happiness, much.

The MIL Buys Me Orange Boxes

I teased the man, that he's really lucky that I don't bug him about gifts for me. His mom sorts that out fully. I simply appropriate all his Telecasters. Heh. Well, I'm perfectly capable of buying my own bags and whatever, but his mom, has fully taken over that function for me too. There isn't any need to even step into the malls at all. Yes, I like bags enough, but not obsessed over it. The mom keeps me updated on all fashion happenings. She has even somehow managed to find three stylish totes that could double up as practical camera bags when I place Aide de Camp's Bailey insert within.

The MIL has singlehandedly and splendidly filled up my whole cupboard with the iconic orange boxes from the fashion house. Mainly belts, scarves and many many bags from the local outlets and from her overseas jaunts. She's super sweet lah. She knows I'm not keen on its shoes, bracelets, pouches or wallets. She generously buys bags for me. Whatever the MIL has, she insists that I have a version of it too, especially when she knows I always pick out a different color from her. I go for boring colors. We don't share bags. She offers to pass me a bag each time she spies me heading out, but I rarely take her up on it.

The bag cupboard has become a collection of monotones. Hahaha. Even for the scarves. I prefer Hermès' solid colors and none of those floral stuff or prints. Even before the MIL returned from this trip, she already sent along a box as "a mid-trip hello", the note said. :) A cheerful new scarf in one solid color. WOOT.

A Day of Prints

Had a happy breakfast date with Y and Lil'Missy on a rainy morning. Can't believe the little girl is going to be in Primary One next year. Wow. I've seen this girl grow up as a wee baby to the articulate little Missy. Before our next appointments we had time to pop into Bloesem for a quick spot of shopping.

Y is a huge fan of bookhou as well, and wanted to check out its tote bags to see how the measurements come up in real life and how those dimensions fall as a cross-body bag on her. A pity the prints she wanted didn't come in the designs available at Bloesem. 

Lil'Missy saw the pouches and looked earnestly at them. I asked her in a conspiratorial tone which print she thought her mother would like. She told me. Hahahaha. Good girl! She was holding on to her mom's phone to take photos all over the shop. Oops. She has a keen eye on what's 'pretty' based on her mom's styling preferences and all those flipping of Kinfolk, Frankie and the likes. We came away with pouches and all. She was thrilled to own pouches in prints and colors she likes, and have one that matches my tote bag.

In Love With Bookhou

Been a fan of bookhou's creations for years now. It was a label first flagged by the friends in Toronto. Love what they've been churning out. Helmed by John Booth and Arounna Khounnoraj, bookhou is "a multidisciplinary studio that emphasizes natural handmade materials and small production pieces".

But I've not bought any of their items till recently. Procrastination, I suppose. There wasn't any urgency to own these pieces. Was trying to hunt down some unique pieces in Seattle. Saw a few nice ones, but didn't fall in love. I still prefer bookhou's designs and feel. Decided to grab five items of bags and pouches online. Opted for ultra speedy shipping and the items arrived mint.

Photos really don't do these pieces justice. The stitching is tight and and finishing, perfect. The ink print on the canvas appeals to a minimal sense of aesthetics. The colors aren't offensive to me and importantly, they lean towards a sombre palette I'm fond of. Clean lines. Sometimes stark, and sometimes sweet, the prints match my clothes better than most other labels. At the end of the day, I like subtlety when it comes to bags.

It was quite a pleasant surprise to discover that the beautiful creative studio Bloesem in Singapore stocks bookhou. Come 28 - 30 August, Bloesem is hosting a Shibori dyeing class led by Arounna Khounnoraj. As much as I'm a fan, I'm not likely to join this class. Making things...doesn't appeal to me. :P I possess no artistic or creative craft inclinations.

Bears in Bags

When I meet Y and Lil'Missy, sometimes Lil'Missy's bear comes along. The gender of the bear changes according to the little girl's mood. Hahaha. It's usually quiet and obedient. All good.

The thing is, she's not going to carry that bear all day. So I end up carrying it at times. Which is fine, as long as Lil'Missy is in sight, to stop weird looks being shot my way. A grown woman carrying a bear in her arm and walking all around doesn't look all that hipster-cool. :P

A few more bears will travel with me and sit on the bed in the hotel rooms. But I've this paranoia about bed bugs. I run a bed-bug-check before I take out the stuffed toys. It'll be a nightmare to haul back bed bugs, and even worse to have to de-fumigate the stuffed toys or have them burnt. However, rather often, a tiny bear sits in my bags, especially if I'm taking out the bigger totes. Many of the girlfriends have learnt to stop rolling eyes at what's inside my bags. The contents are usually innocent, or necessary. But once in the while, they still do a double-take each time they peep in and see a bear staring right back.

At the shops in Seattle, I spotted a tiny bear wearing the Seattle Seahawks hoodie, right up to the point of departure at the airport, but dunno why I didn't grab it off the shelf. Not a football fan, but the game I saw in Seattle hinted at a top form team and they went on to take the season's championship. Hurrah. Now I can't stop thinking about the bear. Dunno if it's available. Shall hunt it down.

This cutie in the photo below is a gift from a dear girlfriend. Instant cuddles. Not like I'm a huge baseball fan either. Not even for X-Files S6E19 'The Unnatural'. The bear wears a New York Yankees hoodie. I keep him hidden. If strangers spy him and begin baseball talk with me, I'm so gonna sound like a loser. At eight inches tall, he fits comfortably into most totes. Heh.

Wearing Local

You know me and my aversion towards bright colors, messy prints, florals and whatever. My clothes are boring. Dresses are worn occasionally, and while interesting, I'm not particularly bothered about them. I live in tees and jeans most of the time. Clothes are bought if there's a purpose, and it has to be a stronger reason than liking the design. So I guess that's why I've an aversion towards themed parties or fancy-dress things. I don't like being told to adhere to a dress code at whatever occasion. I'd rather not attend.

Since this is the season for cheongsams, I don't mind wearing them, only if they're belong in the category of solemn colors and staid prints. Plain. No beads, sequins, frills or lace. Minimal. Skimming but not tight. Predictably boring would be the description. Shantung silk or Thai silk is fine. But in a dark monotone preferably. Not experimental like that. Importantly, it feels really weird wearing something I'm not quite hot about.

Not like I care so much about fashion. In conversation, often the topics of fashion make me zone out. Not too keen on a discussion about the finer points of anything. But there's a concerted effort to wear items proudly made by Singapore designers. Plenty of good stuff floating out there. Great designs, good quality, decent price points. (Okay, not so sure about the 'made' portion since costs are prohibitive here and it's prudent to outsource. Heh.) 

This Lunar New Year, without even planning for it, I ended up with a full wardrobe that could last all 15 days. These items aren't bought with the Lunar New Year in mind. They've been steadily bought over the year(s), but many pieces haven't been worn more than twice or strutted out often. Didn't even think about what to wear on the first three days of the Lunar New Year. Simply threw open the wardrobe and pulled out a cheongsam. For many years, I've worn sports wear. It's just too hot to be in anything else. Should people ask, super happy to announce that I'm wearing Singapore labels presented by talented local designers.

#OOTD
Cheongsam: PurpleCloud
Clutch: Klove
One of the bangles: Edge of Ember
One bracelet: Bellee Beadz

Brought Too Many Bags

Unpacked the suitcases, shook out the bags and grinned. I must have been not thinking very much when packing. Must have been too thrilled with SQ's increased baggage allowance, which brought it to a reasonable comparison with other airlines. Mindful of the US domestic flights' baggage allowance, I had to triple-check with all airlines concerned what's the exact weight one could carry. Although, I'm not sure what I would be using the extra allowance for. Not intending to shop here. Not when Customs at home is so anal about GST and left gaping loopholes in this particular policy towards returning Singapore residents and the definition of overseas purchases. Bleah. Plus I really don't have time to shop. Hahahaha. Too many exciting things planned.

So. In one suitcase, I brought four purses in total. Why would I need so many??! Yes, back home I change bags daily, but when travelling, I'm usually good with two. Anyway, brought one with a long strap which works great with unwieldy winter coats and leaves my hands free. Getting rather fond of bags with long straps on the shoulder or cross-body. It's the most practical option when travelling. Perfect for walking long distances in a city. Although I don't mind bags in jewel hues, these 'travelling bags' have ended up being bought in mostly black.

Especially happy because the dear friends gave the man and I LEGO LED Pirate keychains. We hang them off our bags. Added an additional ring which makes it easier to remove and attach the Pirate to any bag any time. Super useful in darkened cabins in-flight and long winter nights.

MIL's Birthday

The MIL's colors for the evening.

My blur partner doesn't know how old his parents are or any details about their wedding anniversary. He clearly hasn't filled out enough administrative forms for them. And I've been too polite to ask around to ascertain specific dates.

Anyway. Although the man doesn't know their year of birth, at least he knows their birth dates. A quick count would put his mom's age at about 65, at the minimum. I'll keep it at that.

Glad that I made time for the man's mom's birthday dinner. There's another bigger Chinese-style dinner celebration with the extended family though, of which I'll merrily miss. :P We took the man's mom out for a quiet dinner at Brasserie Les Saveurs where food is usually better than most hotels' cafes. Service was good. The man and the parents enjoyed their orders. Kitchen made an effort to go even lighter than usual on the oil. My sole meunière was excellent. The restaurant took my request seriously- to serve one small slice of a birthday cake in the lightest sponge and fruit, with one candle. Accompanied by a beautifully sung birthday song by the resident singer.

She and the FIL, have always been husband and wife first, and in the age of nannies with their invaluable help, identified themselves as 'parents' second. That's largely why they had a child late (in that era) and chose to only have one. Heh. It's a wonderful position for them to adopt because it meant that they're way cool regarding the man, or the man and I, and all our life choices. My incredibly elegant and stylish MIL is one of those who didn't bat an eyelid when I moved in with the man seven years ago without the intention of marriage. I'm not very sure what transpired between the man and her all those years ago, but I definitely didn't have a conversation with her along the lines of "By the way, I'm moving in. Thanks." There wasn't awkwardness back then. There hasn't been, so far. Whewww.

Happy Birthday Mommy! To your health and happiness.

A Bag of An Ikat Design

Was at The Little Dröm Store for tea and spied the displays of items with ikat-designs on them. Stepped in for a closer look. These product were brought in by A Craft Initiative.

Its current batch of products are themed "ikat collection" because they feature "hand-woven cotton ikat fabrics made by weaving communities in Laos." Apparently this is part of a larger research project by design for entitled "From Anthropology to Design: A Heritage Management Project in the New Silk Road", funded by the Nanyang Technological University. What a mouthful. At the end of the day, I'm simply the consumer. As long as I see something I like, and the background is complementary to my reasons of shopping and buying, it will do.

The ikat warp weave is used by so many communities in the world. So many different techniques exist. All that remains is for buyers to decide if they like a particular design. At the store, there're a few designs made in the forms of pouches, Macbook covers, etc. I've a very soft spot for Laotian design and products. Quite tempted by many other items, but in the end, chose the bag-pouch. It's not practical for days when I need to lug lots of stuff around. But perfect for little jaunts when I don't need to carry around too many items. Took it out over the weekend. It was quite the cheerful lump.

A Whirl of Colors

The girlfriend already said her gift wouldn't make it in time for my birthday. Who cares. A present is a present. I want it anyway. Heh. There wasn't any rush for it. She was a bit perturbed by whether I'd wear a bright glitzy top. I told her yes, but secretly I was worried it'd be TOO GLITZY. You know me and colors. Still, I trusted her taste.

When the present was unwrapped, I grinned. A summer blouse! It wasn't that glitzy. Heh. Colorful, yes! But nothing I couldn't deal with. Granted, it's nothing I'd have chosen on my own simply because I shun colors in general. But the girlfriends know, and one by one, they've proceeded to stock my wardrobe with colors that they know I'll be pressurized to wear. Muahahahah. 

Great quality cotton in a chirpy print from Alexander Henry. Slipped it on. A perfect fit. Fantastic for our hot hot hot weather. This girl has never taken my measurements. She definitely had to work with an estimate. Unless by purely hugging me, she knew immediately what fit I am; which is not impossible. She's magical that way. And if I haven't been clear enough, she made this blouse.

Found the breeziest and sunniest Sunday to wear it out. The friends raised eyebrows at the top and figured it was a gift or made by a familiar friend. True. I rarely buy colors unless they're gifted by friends. Sometime in the afternoon at Forty Hands, while we waited for our coffees-to-go, asked the man to help me grab a photo of the top. Scrolled through them. Out of like...five, they were ALL blurred. Couldn't be bothered to take more. There was this one unglam shot. Tsk. 

In Vogue Again

Was unexpectedly gifted a lovely handmade brooch. In pink! Heart-shaped! Heh. Its maker thought it would come in handy for next year's Pink Dot, so that I wouldn't have to run around looking for pink accessories. Yay! I've got so few colors in the wardrobe. Refusing to add them unless they're gifts. More meaningful that way!

Decided to wear out the brooch sooner than June 2014. Quite a cheerful little piece that would go well with all the dull monotones in the wardrobe. Had to complement the day's outfit with the brooch. Dug out a box-bag that I haven't used in ages. It's a vintage Chanel. Supposed to be an evening bag I think. Not too sure about that. It opens from the top. Exactly like how a box would. With an old-fashioned clasp. Quite cool.

The bag is at an impressive (approximately) 30 years of age. Looks gently used. Imho, it's in mint condition. Slightly wrinkled of course. Nothing's tarnished; nothing's even torn, not a stitch loose in its signature quilted leather. Used to play with it as a kid, thought it looked stupid when it was given to me in my teens. Then now, I'm looking at it with a sort of nostalgic eye. Perhaps it's an age issue... More shocking, I possess the clothes to match it. Not sure if that's a good thing.

Found It, Grabbed It

Finally saw the perfect envelope clutch that's suitable for day use. It felt good in my hands. Quite nifty and comfortable. The hues of mauve and vague brown-pinks were acceptable. Of course I grabbed it.

The Inedible Orange Cake

Another bunch of girlfriends decided that birthday celebrations shouldn't be subsumed within the lunar new year festivities. For whoever in town, we arranged a separate dinner date, and would at some point call whoever not in town. They decided everything. I simply showed up.

Of course the other bunch of girlfriends decided that there was no way to top the fishcake. (Oeh, not a competition!) So they went for an inedible cake instead. They announced, "We brought you no cake." Then turned on Skype video on the phone to talk to other humans across time zones, and took me to the table that was piled high with boxes. "Ta-daaaahhh! Orange cake!" 

I rolled my eyes. "Why???!" They said "Mid-thirties. Special. 35, you know?" Another whispered, "We know you're on a rampage of mad acquisition. But we wouldn't have known how to pick out teapots for you. You get your own." I LOLed. My girlfriends. Of almost two decades. My precious oasis. There were candles surrounding the Inedible Cake on a silver platter. But I had no time to whip out the camera. Was made warble a silly haiku that they had composed in 15 minutes. They were already on the piano and guitar; no running away from it. Something silly and rude about being 35 and the wrong side of 40. Anyway, after that, I blew out the candles. There was really, no other edible cake. Oof.