Modcloth's Retro Swimsuit / 4th of July / Tanjong Beach Club

Patriotic Bathing Beauty

You might have noticed this picture from my Modcloth Travel Bug post. You didn't think I just took the one photo and called it a day, did ya? ;-) 

This outfit would be my top choice for 4th of July festivities if I wasn't working on Saturday. At home, Independence day is always spent at either the pool or at the Marietta Square tailgating until fireworks time. 4th of July is one of my favorite holidays and it's not just because I can wear my favorite color-combo unabashed! 

This swim suit literally is the most perfect suit you will ever find. All the hype (if you've heard/read the reviews about it) is true true true. It's Modcloth's Ester Williams Bathing Beauty and it is the most flattering thing I've put on my body, swim suit or otherwise. 

I particularly love that they named it after Ester Williams. As a kid, I was obsessed with the movie Million Dollar Mermaid (I think we randomly rented it at the library) and after that, I almost thought I had dreamed up the movie because no one seemed to know what I was talking about when I brought it up. 

FYI, for this pear-shaped lady, I went for the size 14. Because of my big bottom, I was supposed to be a size 16 according to the chart but I was afraid the top would swallow me up. I'm glad I got the 14 - it's a little tight around my thighs but I've slowly and carefully stretched it out. 

Beach, Pool and Hamburgers 

Like I said, I've already written up a review for Tanjong Beach Club for Modcloth but let me tell you a little bit more! Because I have my "weekend" during the week, when we go it's usually pretty chill. However, on the weekends it has more of a party-vibe and I hear they put their beer pong tables to good use! They also have a volleyball net for those less lazy than I. 

For us though, we like to sip our beers on the large lounge beds and take dips in the pool and beach to cool off, alternating between the two. I've heard they have a lot of delicious seafood on their menu but for me, it's the burgers and truffle fries all the way. Forgive me for stating the obvious but Y'ALL. IT. IS. SO. GOOD. Their burgers are insane - flavorful and tender. 

I will warn you the prices can be a little intimidating but 1) so many cool places in Singapore are and  2) I think it's a very fair price for being able to lounge luxuriously at the beach all day. The TBC staff is very helpful and relaxed and they won't shoo you away after you've eaten your food. 

I feel like such a ritzy person when I'm at Tanjong Beach Club (though I'm most definitely a champagne taste on a beer budget kinda girl). I wonder if that's how you feel when going glamping…? 

Happy Fourth of July to all my American readers! 

And happy Canada day and Bastille day and Hari Raya as well! 

What are your plans for the celebrations? 

Swim Suit: Modcloth | Shorts: Forever 21 (Australian Goodwill) | Shoes: Modcloth (sold out, similar ones here and here) | Sunglasses: Cotton On | Scarf: Vintage

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Vintage Red Midi Around East Singapore

Eunos

Eunos was an area of Singapore I explored when I first moved here and then promptly forgot about when moving to the other side of the island. Luckily, Lauren from Fried Green Kimchi reminded me of all it's charm! (Lauren also took all of these stunning photos for me as well!)  It's a great spot in Singapore to see the quaint and iconic buildings of the region's yester-years. For me, I always think of the long corridors of shop after shop, where the paint and the tiles changes from each small business, but the crown molding and darling details are always present. Besides aesthetically, Eunos is a perfect place to explore the trendy cafes and restaurants. 

Sinpopo Brand 

Sinpopo Brand is a restaurant all decked out in mid-century decor and draws inspiration from traditional old-school Singaporean dishes. I love not only the vintage feel but the novelty of walking down retro Singaporean memory-lane. They had recently redecorated and while the 1950's vibe was still the same, they had changed from turquoise and red to grey and black. Not gonna lie, I was a bit bummed. But they were incredibly friendly and helpful and the chilled pandan soufflé was truly scrumptious. I want to go back next time and try their beef short rib horfun. 

Joo Chiat 

Lauren cleverly called these buildings "painting ladies". I have never been to San Francisco to see the real deal but it's still a perfect description of these absolutely adorable homes. On either side of the street are rows of colorful pastel two-story houses, each with their own personality. I can't even imagine how much run of these darlings would run ya, but a girl can dream! #housegoals  From what I've learned, this street is named after a man, Chew Joo Chiat who was a wealthy landowner of the area. He was part of the Peranakans - Chinese and Indian immigrants who married the Malay natives. There's a great museum in Singapore about the Peranakans and my one of my favorite part was seeing the intricate beaded slippers. 

As I'm starting to think of my next step outside of Singapore, I'm realizing I need to take advantage of the beauty and culture that is around me now! I wish I had done that when I was living in Korea for my blog but I guess ya live and learn! 

Once again, a very special thank to Fried Green Kimchi's Lauren for taking these gorgeous photos! Make sure to check out her blog - she'll give you serious wanderlust over her road trip in the Western part of America and you'll drool over her apple pie hotteok! 

Shirt & Shoes: Thrifted | Skirts: Choies | Headband: Korea | Bag: Bugis Market

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Rainbow Bus

Funny story about taking these photos: there's a little parking lot near my house that where all these 80's-looking buses park for the night. I've been eyeing the perfect one, making notes of the varying colored stripes to snap some photos in front of them (cause that's how my mind works - always assessing areas for future shoots). It was early so not all the buses were there yet but that was perfect because there wasn't a lot of activity going on. We were going along our merry way, voguing it up in front of this bus when a guy climbed in and drove off! Lol. I just had to laugh because there went our "shoot location"! But it doesn't matter, because I still got what I needed. :) 

For me, I guess it's not a weekend until I'm wearing a crop top. I try to buy clothes that could typically be worn for work so I can get more wear out of them and I feel more comfortable dressing somewhat conservatively. But for my days off, I just don't want to feel like an elementary teacher.  So I took this sweet floral button up and just tied it - voila! Ready to party. I love this top because with the pockets on the bust and the puffy wide-shoulders it reminds me of the 40's. 

This past weekend I've been working on my new upcoming Travel Bug post for Modcloth! I'm so excited to show you all the photos and show you my favorite places in Singapore. Stay tuned! 

What have you been up to all weekend? For my American readers, did you have a good Memorial day? 

  Shirt & Skirt: Thrifted (Forever 21) | Shoes: Uptown Cheapskate | Purse: Macy's (similar) | Earrings: Bugis Market 

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Red, White and Tokyo

These shorts were another find in Perth's Salvation Army. They're actually a romper but the top part tucks so neatly in, you would never know! Versatility at it's best. 

I've always had a hate/love relationship with shorts. It's one of those things I think are darling on 10 million other people, but I hate on me. It's hard to find shorts that fit my round rump, thick thighs and smaller waist. And that's even before worrying about length and coverage! 

If I had a choice, I'd pick a dress or skirt over shorts any day of the week. But y'all. I live on the Equator. It's FRIGGIN' HOT. Sometimes I just get so bored wearing the same things. So I'm trying to wear more shorts - cellulite and my neighbor's Asian sensibilities be damned. 

Of course, it helps that I found a pair that are too perfect - hello, polka dots! - and fit me spectacularly. Combine with a crop top and retro accessories and I'm in love. 

How do y'all feel about shorts? Necessity or not?

 Shirt: Cotton On | Shorts/romper: Salvation Army (Forever 21) 

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