Mona Lisa Smile

I mentioned in another blog post that I went to see the younger Mona Lisa painting at a fantastic exhibit at The Arts House in Singapore. The entire exhibit goes into meticulous detail on how the Younger Mona Lisa is a Da Vinci original. It completely convinced me and I enjoyed seeing Da Vinci's tedious process in creating a painting. The most interesting things I learned were actually about math (a subject I usually stay very very far away) One point was how Da Vinci used the Golden Ratio to create composition in his paintings. I could try to explain the other points but I think I would just end up confusing you more! Either way, it was exciting to learn the behind-the-scene of Da Vinci's mind as well as all the scientific research to further prove who created the first beautiful Mona Lisa. And then of course, it was incredible getting to see her so up close and personal! 

I just had to get a t-shirt with her iconic face on it. Every time I wear this shirt, I see strangers pointing at me and whispering "Mona Lisa" as I walk past. Even my little five-year-students get excited to see this shirt. 

I'm half way tempted to write something funny or iconic on this shirt (perhaps "I woke up like this"?) like in Fly Art . 

Skirt: Modcloth | Shirt: Mona Lisa exhibit
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Winter Wheat

My house back home (I guess it's technically my parent's house now but I will always think of it as mine) is filled with all these delicious vintage things. I was bound to love all things old when you have old ships, Grandfather's varsity jacket, and deteriorating books hanging from the walls and on the shelves. I really really wanted to do a photo shoot with our vintage typewriter, but alas time just slipped away from me. Luckily, I got these shots! My mom has 3 brownie cameras. As a kid I was fascinated by them and wanted to fix 'em up and use them. 

My brother took these photos at a field near our house. After living in cities for four years, I keep forgetting how rural everything back home feels in comparison. I always think of the suburban shopping centers and the busy highway with all the restaurants, Wal-Marts and such but I forget that when you turn down a road you run into beautiful hilly fields and maybe even a few horses, goats or cows! 

Skirt: Korean Thrift Store | Tights: Target | Shoes, Cardigan, Blouse, Scarf: Mom's closet
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Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas

This post was so much fun to shoot with my mom. Looking through her closet she didn't have anything red which is what I really wanted to wear with these fabulous shoes. After combing through her closet, I remember I had a summer dress I had left here. Put a long sleeve shirt underneath and a cozy flannel scarf over and summer is a long, distant memory! 

Now back to these shoes. The heels are so high but they are so comfortable! And THE BOWS. And it's animal print. They make me feel so glamorous! 

I sincerely hope that you have a wonderful Christmas filled with love no matter where you live and who you are with. I am so blessed to be spending the holidays with my family and my heart feels so full. 

To all my readers, Merry Christmas! 

Dress: Thrift Store | Shoes: a department store (I don't remember! Maybe Belk's?) | Scarf, Belt, Earrings: Mom's closet | Shirt: Target 

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Just Slip a Sable Under the Tree

Saturday night I went to a Christmas party and knew exactly what I was going to wear. My mom has had this amazing tartan wrap skirt in her closet - it's excellent quality wool, with the blanket-like fringe running down the edge of the wrap. The pictures don't show it, but it's pretty sexy (more so that I was anticipating!) because when I walk, the skirt opens up to show a lot of leg. 

To give the outfit a little funk, I added my mom's animal print sandal heels over tights. Then to add to the holiday feel, a necklace of pearls and gold chains and I pinned a gold bow to my shirt. Finish it off with a red lip and my little tassel purse and I'm ready for some holiday cheer! 

Hope your holiday season is going just as glamorously! 

Shirt: Target & Tights | Skirt, Shoes, Jewelry, Purse: Mom's closet
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Happy Thanksgiving!

I've been trying to do a fall appropriate outfit here on the equator and third time is a charm! It was raining the other day so I took the opportunity of the cooler weather to wear one of my favorite long-sleeve shirts (and I only have three here!) Everyone says that animal print is a neutral so I tried out that theory with this cheery Modcloth polka dot skirt. It's a bit much but I ended up really loving the combo. To go along with the prim look, I put on my Mary Janes and tied a ribbon around my collar. 

I'd like to think that if I was home for Thanksgiving, I would wear something like this. Instead, my boyfriend and I ate pasta at the National Museum and then watched a modern dance performance (and NO, I did not drag my boyfriend - he really likes going to new things like this). The museum is so beautiful at night and the area is all decorated for Christmas. Although, it's definitely weird seeing Santa in his suit when it's blazing hot outside. Even though we had a yummy meal, extraordinary entertainment and I was with my boo, don't get it twisted - what I wouldn't do for some green bean casserole, buttery mashed potatoes, squash casserole and pecan pie. Mmmmm! Eat some for me! What are you doing for Thanksgiving? I hope everyone has a lovely time with their friends and family and has bunches to be thankful for! I know I do. 

 Skirt Modcloth (it's on sale right now! If you hurry, you can get it for $13!) | Shirt: Liz Clairborne (Goodwill, America) | Shoes: Homeplus, Korea 

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Take me to the Bus Stop

Ya know when you see something and you just gotta have it? That's what happened with this dress. Outside my new job are a bunch of little vendors that sell cheap clothing, shoes and bags. I always walk by there practically breaking my neck perusing. While I see a lot of things I like, nothing has compelled me to pull out my wallet. Until this dress. It's pretty near perfect and is something I've been wanting for a while. Last week, I saw a girl on the street wearing a white and red striped dress and I instantly fell in love. The dress looked so fresh and polished but yet casual. When I was walking past the vendors on Sunday, I saw this and instantly bought it (for $15!) 

Another reason why this dress is so perfect is the functionality. Dressing in Singapore (my new home by the way!) presents some new challenges: 

1) finding work-appropriate-wear that's not skimpy but still keeps you cool. 

This dress is sleeveless but still covers my bra, isn't too low in the front, and covers all my back. Check! 

2) finding work-appropriate-wear that is acceptable to sit the floor with kids.

It's just past my knees making it very comfortable to sit and play. Check! 

3) finding work-appropriate-wear that I would love even if I didn't wear it to work! 

I absolutely love the retro-nautical feel to this dress. I'd wear it with heels, to the beach... Yes, check! 

In Korea, I was a university professor; I could dress up pretty snazzy and because I was standing lecturing in the front of a classroom, I wasn't as limited in clothing choices. But now I teach little children and I'm running around all day. For the first few weeks, I was just wearing whatever worked. My thinking was, "Why am I going to get dressed up for 6-year-olds?" But then I realized I started not liking how I looked, I'd get this blah attitude. Then it occurred to me, I just need to do me for my own sake. Dressing up and feeling polished makes me feel better. And it worked! But man, wearing the jewelry, the make-up and the outfit really threw some of my little ones for a loop. One little boy stared at me for a while and kept pointing to his ears, lips, cheeks and hair saying, "Teacher... what... why? What... is... that...?" Like he couldn't decide what issue to address first. Finally he got out the question, "What is that on your ears?" Lol. Too cute. 

How does the way you dress change your attitude at work? Or does it?

Dress: Outside vendor, J-Cube | Tote Bag: Chinatown | Belt: Charlotte Russe (old) | Shoes: Goodwill | Scarf: Clothing Swap | Hat: Daiso | Earrings: Naughty Cat | Sunglasses: Modcloth.com (red no longer available)