Advertorial - Blu Sunflower II

Heyyyy it's been a while! I hope everyone is having a great 2013 so far. For me, school's been the usual: but since i'm taking one less module this semester it's slightly less hectic and there's more time for me to digest my readings etc. Though i'm slightly sian that it can't be like that all the time, i'm hoping this will prep me better for the remaining years of law school.
But anyway, that's not the point of this post.

Life is so much more enjoyable when you have pretty clothes to wear, isn't it? And you can always count on Blu Sunflower for that ;) i mean, just check out this amazing ombre lace dress the lovely Jessica sent me: even the dreariest mood will be lifted by how fresh and completely Spring it is.

When i woke up to a warm Sunday sun last week, i knew i had to wear this dress. Debated with myself on the choice of belt and lipstick (i've been wearing my skinny gold belt way too much, the other belts are feeling neglected) but decided to go all out bright in the end with a pop of lime and bright fuchsia and yes, i loved how it turned out ;)

No fear even though i'm never getting enough sleep (let's face it, there's no such thing as enough sleep for a student, what more a law student), at least i look fresh as a daisy :D

I got so many compliments on the dress that day: very flattering, but the credit belongs to the dress. I remember congratulating myself for having the good sense to wear this pretty thing out instead of my bum around clothes, else the comments i'll be inviting would be more along the lines of: omg lihan, you look very stressed, please get some rest.

You can literally do no wrong with white lace coupled with a basic flare dress cut (flatters everyone; every girl needs at least one such dress in her closet), but the ombre really takes it over the edge. The calming turquoise just brings balmy sea breeze and clear waters to my mind: no wonder i look less stressed. Of course, its also fully lined; so no worries of peek-a-boo undies while you're busy feeling awesome.

It's no wonder that such a pretty dress is currently sold out, but the good news is that backorders are now open, so you still can get your hands on it ;) I mean, good things are worth the wait, right?

Don't hesitate any longer - check out Blu Sunflower now! I love how their collections are a eclectic mix of stylish basics with modern appeal and unique vintage picks. Definitely a one-of-a-kind online store worth checking out ;)

Be back again soon with more updates! x

New beginnings

I've put off writing this post for quite some time now, but figured i should get around to doing it before school starts else i will really never do it. Previously, i've always done a review post of each year when it ends, but the year-end of 2012 was such a complete whirlwind of emotions and happenings that i couldn't find it in me to sit down and think through the entire year. 

2012 was an extremely challenging year on all fronts - it was difficult, but i've also gained so much in the process. Despite spending weeks in the hospital accompanying my sister and mum respectively, those days really strengthened the familial bonds. Law school inflicted its usual damage, but the Lord has once again brought me through and showered me with blessings. I trust now, even more so than ever, that He will lead me through the rest of my journey in SMU and with that, i'm quite ready to face the coming semester. And of course, there was the end of something i've held on to and believed in for a long time. It was horrendously difficult to convince myself that the undercurrent of unhappiness and indifference was too deep to ignore any longer; you wonder if you've gone completely mad and doing things completely wrong. But i've been too tired for too darn long, and it was time to let go.

Despite it all, i still have so much to be thankful for in 2013 - for the Lord's blessings concerning school, for becoming best friends with my sister, for a stronger family, for amazing friends, for having the strength to face fears, and for hope of better things to come. I'm glad i ended 2012 on a thankful note.

I couldn't have wished for a better start to 2013 - kickstarted with an amazing countdown in church, followed by a simply extraordinary day with M. I really don't know what to say other than i'm so very blessed to start the coming chapters of my life with such an amazing person.

So, new beginnings. No apprehension this time round, just faith in His plan for me, and us. Gonna square my shoulders and march through 2013 strong! :) I hope everyone had a fantastic Christmas and new year, may 2013 bring many blessings and joy to each and every one of you. Be back next time!

It's where the stars line up
It's where the oceans touch
It's in a place you've never been but feels like home
It's in the air right now
It's when you give your all, and give a little more
I've never been so sure
That's where you find love

Hope.

The happiest people don't have the best of everything, they just make the best of everything.

Quote and photo credits to Aimee Song

This particular holiday is both too short and too long - too short because it'll probably the only proper rest from law i'm going to get for quite some time, and too long because in the past weeks i'd to make an extremely difficult decision and it helps if i have school to distract me.

Amidst everything, i've once again realised how blessed i am to have to have the most supportive bunch of friends and family ever. They're always willing to listen without judging, and offer advice without being pushy. Above all, i am glad to have the best sister in the world, who's been my pillar of support, always encouraging me when i begin to doubt myself and my decision. 

I've been going out quite a bit, but am usually not in the mood to take photos etc. It feels extremely nice to be hanging out with people you miss, people who are equally glad to be chilling and talking about stuff other law for a change, people who just want to see you smile. Add in lots of good food, heart to heart talks, laughter, and i'm pretty sure that despite everything, this will be a holiday that i will remember and hold close to my heart.

Honestly, the future has never been more hazy to me. But somehow, the apprehension is minimal - what i mostly feel instead is a sense of hope of better things to come. I've always believed in everything happening for a reason, and despite regret and reminiscing about memories past, I know that it helps to shape who i am as a person, and ready me for the future battles i'm going to face. It's a tough journey ahead of me, but i know i'll make it through.

So, Christmas is next week; my favourite holiday of the year. This year's probably gonna be a quiet one, just staying at home with the family and cooking up a storm with the lil' sis. I'm still looking forward to it though - somehow curling up on the couch with mum, dad, sis after a home-cooked Christmas dinner watching Christmas movies with apple cider in hand sounds like the perfect evening to me this year. Just thinking about it makes me feel warm inside already.

I'm also really looking forward to youth camp next week, and catching Les Misérables. Been listening to a couple of the songs ever since i came across the trailer and i'm really looking forward to it! I never knew Anne Hathaway could sing so well though. Watching the musical is now on my bucket list.

Will try to update this space with my Christmas cooking exploits next :) till then, i hope everyone makes the best of everything and spread the joy this happy season.

Advertorial - Blu Sunflower

Fretting because its the party season and you can't fathom the horror of being seen in the same dresses as every other online shopping savvy girl? Here's where Blu Sunflower comes in ;)

Blu Sunflower is a online clothing store that offers an eclectic selection of apparel ranging from modern peplum tops that are all the rage now and one-of-a-kind vintage pieces. that's definitely something new from the mass-manufactured apparel - you have to admit that sometimes, seeing similar designs in every other blogshop is kind of boring. 

So Jessica from Blu Sunflower very kindly sent me the dip-hem cocktail dress in wine, and it couldn't have come at a better time. Wine (or oxblood, which appears to be the more fashionable term at present, though i still prefer calling the shade wine) is such a beautiful Fall/Winter colour that just brings to mind   sipping wine with cozy dinners on chilly nights and the glitz of Christmas parties. 

There's just something about the dip hem that i love - i can't decide if its the flow of the fabric against my legs as i walk or how it seems to make me look ever so slightly taller. Or maybe i just love it irrationally and am just finding random reasons to justify why. After all, fashion isn't supposed to be complicated, right? We just like what we like.

Decided to break out my new black strappy sandals from ASOS to complete the look and i really like how it looks overall, despite the fact that i could barely walk, haha. i'd contemplated sending them back (the shoes, not the dress), but my sister convinced me they were so gorgeous i needed to learn to walk in them. i guess, no pain no gain?

I was also happy that my deep red lip shade - NARS Terre de Feu, went perfectly with this dress. Subtle class has never been easier; even if you feel terrible inside, slipping on a pretty dress and red lipstick makes you look like a million bucks on the outside.

Delicate ruches and draping, for a soft touch.

If you like what you see, do check out Blu Sunflower! Random, but i think their model is exquisite, i love her delicate 气质 that complements the vintage apparel so well. If you're tired of the mainstream blogshops, you definitely should check out Blu Sunflower for a breath of fresh air :) Their upcoming pieces on Facebook look amazing, and i know i'm definitely gonna be following them on Twitter for more updates ;)

Thanks for reading; be back soon!

In the danger zone

If you still visit this deserted space that is my blog, let me just shake you very warmly by the hand and offer you a virtual hug. thank you for sticking around though i have been completely MIA from the blogosphere because I was sucked into the insanity that is law school and barely keeping my head above water. time check - slightly less than two days to the end of my finals and i really.cannot.wait. i say that all the time but i really couldn't mean it more - this sem has been the most exhausting by far and has made me doubt my capabilities so much its a wonder i managed to hold on at all.

If you've emailed me and i haven't replied - i am very very sorry, but i will get around to it once my finals are over. I really miss blogging and will definitely be updating this space with my holiday exploits (have already promised self to make the most out of this december) and stuff so do check back! ;) 

Well, my last paper beckons. i will be back soon - in the meantime remember to smile more and be kind to one another :) Happy December!

Sponsored review - Jaynelles

Hi everyone! :) i've been busy as ever, but here's a quick review post on some lovely dresses i received from Jaynelles recently ;)

Ann from Jaynelles recently offered to send me a couple of dresses to review, and i really love the pieces she picked out ;)

Rivera dress in black

(it looks a little blue in this pic cos of the effects but its actually really pure black irl)

Busted out this lovely dress last saturday for a family dinner! :) was feeling like dressing up since my midterms were just over (not that i don't still have a TON of things to do) and this dress was my first choice! i like how the black and gold contrasts with the red lips :D

My dad said he felt under-dressed when heading out with me, haha! I'm not usually one for bodycon dresses since i'm quite body-conscious and i have a rather cylindrical torso, but thankfully this black piece is very forgiving and the studded pattern also gives the illusion of a smaller waist. The material is thick and stretchy, and while there is inner lining, the dress is not sheer at all and barely needs it ;) yay for flattering bodycons for those of us who don't have perfect figures!

Bianca dress in violet, size S (self-manufactured)

Wore the other piece out to church the very next day! my mum couldn't stop complimenting me on it haha cos she likes me to wear such demure-looking dresses. I'm truly impressed by the quality of this dress, the violet portion is made of a thick textured material that is very similar to the one of LB's Covet Winning Bustier that i used to own, and the chiffon portion is made of quality georgette chiffon characterised by the rough texture. The slight bell sleeves and shift dress cut comes together to make for a really classy dress good for school and work (and in my case, church) :)

Some Instagram fun ;)

If these dresses are up your alley, do remember to check out Jaynelles! They offer a combination of imported and manufactured apparel which appeal to a wide range of ladies and are priced affordably so you won't have to break the bank while keeping fashion forward. Do like their Facebook page and follow them on Twitter so you can be notified of the latest updates and previews! ;)

That's all for now, be back soon! <3

Universal Studios Singapore

Well. School got the better of me again and i can say for a fact that law school does indeed get worse sem by sem. There are moments when i feel i'm going abso-frickin'-lutely insane, but thankfully i have the most amazing family, bunch of friends, and bf that keep me rooted and sane.

When in bad times, think of the happy moments in life to pull you through! So now i shall blog about USS since i finally managed to find time to finish editing the photos :)

A wonderful way to end my summer :)

GG moments? hahaha.

FAR FAR AWAY 

Love this shot i managed to capture of Shrek and Fiona while they were walking around!! :)

In matchy colours though we didn't coordinate our outfits hahaha :D

Scary as hell rollercoasters that we didn't take because i really think i will throw up my digestive system if i went on it. i'm a super scaredycat!!! already very proud of myself that i went on the Mummy ride, though i think a large part was because i didn't know what it was like until i was on it and it was too late hahaha :(

We like to move it move it

the obligatory shot with the famous globe :)

And after that we just holed up at Vivo's foodcourt for a simple but warm dinner of beef noodles :') awesome day.

I'm quite a conscious person so it's not often that i really let my hair down and play so i really really enjoyed the day with HX just being a kid being excited about rides and taking touristy photos etc :) now that school is in full swing i really regret not playing more during summer, but there's always the next holiday to look forward to and i sure hope that i make it through another semester unscathed!

I can do all things through Him who gives me strength.

Philippians 4:13