I've always been attracted to construction sites and messy alleyways like outfits that appear a little undone. I figure maybe one of the reasons why I relate so much is because that's how I've always viewed myself and everything that I am and/or known for.
I landed in Tokyo with a single suitcase with an intended stay of 1 month. Of course, you're probably thinking that that makes a lot of sense for all that 'solid wardrobe' crap I've been preaching. And yes, if I really wanted to - that suitcase alone was well curated for even a two months stay. But of course, shopping was unavoidable especially when you're in an interesting country, as Japan.

There were over 5+ different outfits that I had in mind to wear with these ATP two-tone boots that I've been ogling over - and somehow none felt right until I decided to try these boots on with a hoodie I picked up from Uniqlo to wear for 7/11 or Family Mart runs in Shimbashi (typical).

It's a little fucked up, to be honest, that pretty much every single time I start to feel like I've settled on something, my mind wanders and it makes me all unsure again. Already hard enough that my brain is constantly overflowed with a million thoughts all somehow unrelated and disconnected from one another yet simultaneously demands my attention all at once. I feel like these days, my thought processes are all unfinished even if it seems like I'm done processing them.

Before I confuse you even more with my lack of better words choices for all the jumbled thoughts that are running on as I'm writing this right now - I'll spare you a few seconds to catch up on some slightly more normal things I've been meaning to type out since I barely have the time to hold a pen anymore.

These days, this space feels more like a journal than an actual blog. I feel like I'm writing so that I can have something to look back in a few months to keep track of it all since time has been passing by at a ridiculously fast pace. The more I start to figure out what I want to do more off, the more I lose sight of the things that I've been doing. Dare I say it, but I think I'm finally reaching the point where I'm over fashion...

But let's hold that thought.

Hoodie: Uniqlo
Pants: GRLFRND Helena Denim (alternative)
Shoes: ATP Nila Boots
Bag: J.W Anderson Mini Pierce Bag (40% off)

Photos by Shun S.

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Loewe Puzzle Bag Stone Blue

Loewe Puzzle Bag Small in 'Stone Blue'

If you caught my last bag review post on the J.W Anderson Mini Pierce bag, you'll know that I've also been eyeing this Loewe Puzzle Bag for a while now too. Now that my selection of bags has already fulfilled all of the classic shapes and occasion requirements, I'm so excited to finally start adding some statement bags to my rotation.

Aside from the multiple ways that you can wear this bag (up to 7 ways I've heard) - one of my favorite detail about it is this mellow blue color that I rarely see any other bags come in. Below are some of my pros and cons about this bag (per usual) to help you make up your mind on it if you're considering it too!

Pros:

• I am a sucker for the construction of this bag. I love all of the handcrafted details around the bags and how it folds when it's sitting or carried. 
• Similarly to my Proenza Schouler PS11, this bag's dimension is quite roomy and I actually don't mind the fabric lining at all since it barely shows with the small opening on top.
• I love the versatility of the strap on the Puzzle Bag. It easily adapts and adjusts and really changes the bag so much from shoulder length to arm length and cross-body length.
• Although the bag is a blue color, it's so neutral that it pretty much goes with all of my casual clothes for everyday wear.
• Another thing that I do really appreciate about this bag is the feet at the bottom that really help the bag hold its shape and stay sitting upright. 

Cons:

• For once, I really love this bag because it's quite low key and understated. Even though I really like it, I'm not sure if I consider this one a classic or one that will stay relevant over a long period of time. However, this is just something for you to think about and not something that personally affected my decision.
• While the bag is quite roomy, I find that the opening of the bag is quite small and inconvenient to fit something large inside the bag especially for this small size. Again it doesn't really bother me since I don't think I'll be stuffing this bag at all.

As always, I hope that you enjoy these super close up shots of this  Loewe Puzzle Bag. 

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By The Sea

As someone who can’t swim and is actually terrified at the thoughts of submerging myself underwater, I’m a sheer sucker for all types of waterfronts dwellings.
Something about Venice has always been captivating to me and I’ve always thought places like Positano were as close to dreamy as possible. Maybe it’s because I grew up in a fishing village south of Vietnam and something about being able to fall asleep to the ocean’s waves grew endearing even when the floods came often.

As Japan becomes a country that I frequent more and more in the past couple of years, I’ve started to appreciate this coastal city as well. As much as I can ooh and ahh at the pretty Japanese gardens and bamboo grove, I’ve been looking for a waterfront oasis like this place for a while.

I came across an article on Ine no Funaya during last year’s trip to Kyoto (which is technically this year since it was between December/January) and wanted to see it for myself since.

It’s rare to find a place that isn’t filled with tourists and flocks of people with self-sticks that often hits the back of your head or makes a cameo in all of your photos. But hidden gem and locally authentic aside - I was just really happy to be by the sea again for once and breathing in the fresh air of Kyoto both literally and figuratively.

Coat: Mute by JL
Top: Robert Rodriguez
Pants: FRAME
Bag: JW Anderson
Shoes: Common Projects

Photos by Shun S.

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Another Navy / Fall Refresh 02

It’s been quite a rollercoaster of temperamental struggles getting dressed for ‘fall’ these past few days. More so than any other years that I’ve experienced fall in New York so far.

So, despite the 78-degree weather this past weekend, I threw on a few things that I haven’t gotten the chance to wear since last fall/early spring as a continuation of my ‘fall refresh’ series.

It’s safe to say that nothing is more versatile than some really chunky knits. See how I wore this one last April 2016.

Dress: & Other Stories (similar)
Cardigan: Oak + Fort (similar)
Shoes: Aldo (similar)
Bag: Proenza Schouler PS11 Mini

Photos by Ying C.

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October Blues

Time seems to be flying by but October feels like forever. This eternity mixed with humidity and my lack of excitement for anything Halloween related only makes this all feels even longer.

My personal motto is - if you can’t beat it, endure it. So, I went and got myself this Puzzle Bag I’ve been eyeing for a while (you’d know that if you read my JW Anderson Mini Velvet Pierce bag review).

You’re probably thinking, really? A crop top in October? And you’re right. I’m not crazy; it’s the weather. I know I shouldn’t be complaining about the warm feels, but I’ll be the first to shamelessly admit that you’re not a real New Yorker unless you make some sort of remarks about the temperature every day.

Bet you’re already thinking — “she’s going to probably complain about how cold is going to be for the next 6 months or so.”

You’re so right.

Top: Zimmermann (previously worn here)
Pants: Tularosa via Revolve
Shoes: Nicholas Kirkwood
Bag: Loewe Puzzle Bag in 'Stone Blue'
Accessories: Majorica

Photos by Sandra L.

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Cycle / Fall Refresh 01

With this idea in my head for quite some time now, a series like this one I'm about to share with you is long overdue. I'm calling this my 'Fall Refresh' series, but really, it's more of a recycling set of posts on how I'm restyling some of my favorite pieces again for this fall.

In the recent months, I've been spending more time reading up on sustainable fashion and reflecting a lot on the differences between sustainability in the various methods that have been advocated with the fashion industry. For me, 100% sustainability is just not realistic or possible at the moment, and it has been something that was really hard to come to terms with. However, I've also figured out that while I can't commit to sustainability fully, I can at least contribute.

One of the ways in which I can support sustainability is by choosing more quality clothing and buying less to avoid getting caught up in fast fashion and creating extra waste when it comes to garments and clothing. Quality clothing is quite subjective and can mean a variety of different things to different people - but for me, quality clothing depends on two factors. One, how much wear I can get out of it and two, how timeless is the piece.

If you caught my #OOTD 101 post earlier this year, you're already familiar with how this works. You'll also know that I've been working really hard at this for the past few years. It's simple. I invest in really quality pieces or pieces that I really like and make sure that I'm able to wear them often to fulfill either or both of the standards in 'quality' clothing that I've set for myself.

For the fall season, I couldn't think of a better piece to kick off this series than with a knit that I got through a collaboration with a sustainable fashion brand, Gudrun & Gudrun. I thought it would be a good starting point, as this was a sweater that I wore at the beginning of this year while I was visiting Kyoto in the cold.

When it comes to sweaters, it can be quite tempting to have as many as possible. I totally get it. They're soft, cozy and comfortable. But for me, I've learned over the years, that no matter how many sweaters I own, there are just a few that I tend to wear over and over again. Keeping this in mind, I'm constantly turning myself away from another black or grey sweaters, and even camel as of late. The trick is to find a really unique one so that it stays fresh and does not collide with trends and easily go out of style. Most importantly, go for a sweater that you just feel good wearing and one that you wouldn't mind wearing over pants, skirts, and any kinds of denim.

I'm a sucker for monochromatic creams and beige when it comes to knitwear in the colder months, so this look is pretty much my first outfit, but for a warmer fall day.

The whole point of this series is basically to show you something that the fashion industry really doesn't highlight on because it could possibly hurt the business aspect of fashion. There aren't many fashion 'bloggers' out there, that I've seen, happily flaunting something that they wore more than once. But I think personal style is different. There are already so many walking mannequins out there that instead of trying to get the latest designer items or the trendiest pieces, it's more important to add value to the money you spend and the time you invest into fashion if you care even just a little.

You can catch this sweater I'm wearing here in a previous post from Kyoto earlier January this year.

Knit: GUÐRUN & GUÐRUN
Skirt: Aritzia
Shoes: Common Projects
Bag: Givenchy

Photos by Christina L.

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