Monthly Archive for April, 2009

Shopping Hopping: Auckland, New Zealand

Published on April 30, 2009 in Brands, New Zealand and Travel. 0 Comments Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , .

Spare me! This is a very belated blog post about my shopping adventures in Auckland, New Zealand over the Christmas break in 2008. Better late than never! Tokyo has raised the ’shopping’ bar up so high – it is literally incomparable with other major Australasian cities I’ve ever been to. However, I do like to discover local labels in every city I visit. Auckland is not a major shopping hub but there are many little boutiques, shopping lanes that intrigue me. I wish I had more time in Auckland – rather than day trips. So far, here are some of my favourite boutiques or labels from down under:

Glassons is always my first stop whenever I go to NZ. Think Topshop but more affordable. I was fortunate that the SGD was higher than the NZD during my trip in December!

This Glassons black one-shoulder dress was only NZD$20 on Boxing Day!

For indie NZ fashion, do check out Storm or Zambesi. I’m such a fan!

I love this silk dress which I tried at Storm, but too pricey! And, dry cleaning is alot of work.

Route 66 calls itself “The Ultimate Jeans Store”. Of course I didn’t buy a pair of jeans. They also carry alot of other labels which I have never seen before. Interesting stuff.

I got this Ketz-Ke top, it’s the most comfortable ever!

Other boutiques worth checking out in Auckland includes the following:

Kate Sylvester – one of the hottest, quirkiest NZ fashion designers.

Moochi is a NZ fashion label which defines “everyday cool”.

The Qubic Store celebrates streetwear, sub-culture, sneakers – you get the pic.

Annah Stretton is one of NZ’s top fashion designers and labels.

I’ll put together a more comprehensive shopping guide to Auckland, New Zealand after much research and guilt-free shopping – the next time. Tomorrow is a public holiday! HURRAH to the long weekend! I’ve got a wedding to attend and play bridesmaid for the first time. EXCITING STUFF! Photos to come :)

Chase Away Swine Flu!

Published on April 30, 2009 in News. 1 Comment Tags: , .

I have so much to blog about Japan – but I think I’ll take a break from it and focus on something else. I am worried about the swine flu possibly-global outbreak. My prayers go out to the victims and their families. Lesson learnt from 2003’s SARS: Prevention is better than cure. I am sure the Asian countries are more well-prepared this time. When I arrived in Changi Airport on Monday morning, all the screening systems were setup. I really appreciate Singapore’s efficiency to contain or prevent this pandemic.

To all the Swine Flu victims: GET WELL SOON AND STAY POSITIVE!

Tokyo!: MUJI in Shinjuku

Published on April 29, 2009 in Accessories, Asian, Brands and Japan. 0 Comments Tags: , , .

Most of you are familiar with the minimalistic Japanese design label, MUJI. This label clearly stands-out due to its “design minimalism, emphasis on recycling, avoidance of waste in production and packaging, and no-logo or “no-brand” policy”. DId you know that the name was derived from a Japanese word which translates as ‘no brand quality goods’? True to its name, MUJI offers a range of household products, consumer goods and even no-frills range of clothing. The outlet at Shinjuku is obviously much bigger, and has a clean store layout that makes you feel – at home, ironically.

I’m currently back home in Malaysia – loving the peace and tranquility. It’s the first time I’m back this year. It’s wonderful to catch up with my mum, sis, grandparents and friends. I’m so happy. There is no place like home :)

Rock Your Style: Coachella 2009!

Published on April 27, 2009 in Music and Street Style. 0 Comments Tags: , , .

I arrived in Singapore at 2am – and I woke up at 12noon. I’m missing Japan already. Tonight, I am heading back home – good ol’ Malaysia for my friend’s wedding. I’m one of the bridesmaids for the first-time ever! It should be loads and loads of girly fun. That’s my update on my boring little life.

Coachella is back! It is the music event of the year (at least for me!) for the best street style spottings. Style.com compiled the best of Coachella style – rain or shine, everyone has to look chic!

Love her Indian headpiece and funky sandals!

1.. 2… 3… I’m counting her colours.

Very Harajuku-ish.

I like the fact that she’s wearing a sarong from her hometown, Rwanda.

Cute parasol, Spice Girl!

Spotted: Japanese at Coachella.

Shoes not required.

This girl is a walking vintage collection.

source

Tokyo!: Francfranc DESIGN FOR LIFE

Published on April 26, 2009 in Accessories, Asian, Furniture and Japan. 0 Comments Tags: , , , , , , .

I discovered Francfranc while shopping in Shinjuku. Francfranc is a Japanese home furnishing store – think IKEA but wayyy better! Well, it is more ‘girly’ if you ask me – but hey, I love it! I could furnish my entire apartment with Francfranc stuff. There are three types of store concept: Francfranc DESIGN FOR LIFE, Francfrancfranc and Francfranc BAZAR. I went to Francfranc DESIGN FOR LIFE in Shinjuku and I refused to leave the store without a full basket of cute nonsense! LOL. Trust me, you’ll go crazzzy in here.

My Japan adventure has finally come to an end (sobs sobs). But, I’m definitely going to come back! Tokyo is THE ’shopping mecca’ for me – I love the mixture of streetstyle, quirkiness (or some say, freakiness) and of course, the Japanese have been incredibly nice and friendly. Right now, I’m stuck at Narita airport for seven hours (sigh) thanks to some instrumental faulty on Cathay Pacific. Bubster and I have to take another flight via Japan Airlines because there are no more flights out of here for today! I was tempted to extend my stay but I think my magic card will be overstretched!

Look Book: Seeking Peace in Kyoto Temples

Published on April 24, 2009 in Uncategorized. 0 Comments

Thanks to a beautiful sunny day, I continued my Kyoto adventures by visiting some historical temples. I made a vow to do more touristy stuff rather than mindless shopping (well, have to mind the pocket right!). It was a fruitful journey as I hopped on trains, subways, streetcars, buses just like the locals. I felt like this could be ‘home’… haha. Plus, did I mention that Japan is full of HOT MEN??? Well, I digress. Hee.

Tokyo!: Funky802 Digmeout Exhibition 2009

Published on April 23, 2009 in Asian, Event, Illustration and Japan. 2 Comments Tags: , , , , , , , .

Let’s divert from fashion to art for a moment. On the first day, I was mesmerised by the artworks of indie/modern Japanese artists at Funky802 Digmeout Exhibition 2009 in the infamous Sony Building in GInza. Just a brief background, “digmeout” is an art project organized by Osaka’s radio station FM802 to dig-out and support fresh talented artists to kick start their art career. I think it’s a brilliant idea especially when there are so many talents brewing in this country. Everyone wants to be discovered and this is the perfect platform for the Japanese young artists to showcase their works. So far, I was ultra-impressed!

Look Book: I’m in Kyoto!

Published on April 22, 2009 in Uncategorized. 0 Comments

Kyoto is such a beautiful city. It’s a complete opposite of the bustling city of Tokyo. Unfortunately, the weather wasn’t pretty yesterday when I arrived. I ended up walking in the rain (which turned out to be really beautiful, for some strange reason). I headed straight to Arashimaya to check out the famous bamboo grove. Apparently, Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon’s ‘bamboo’ scene was shot in this very location. It was probably the most gorgeous thing I’ve ever seen. I had tears in my eyes. I wish I had a better camera. Anyway, I shot this on top of the famous Japanese garden called Okoshi-Sanso villa. The misty hills and rain added to the surrealism of the place.

I literally found peace and happiness.