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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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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Daisy May

These photos were taken almost a month ago (Eek! Where has the time gone??) when my bf and I went to Thailand. This was a fun outfit to wear from the beach to the beach bars. I found this tankini in a random bin in a Salvation Army. I'm pretty sure it's one of those awesome pieces from the 1990's that was trying to mimic the 60's (which consequently, is now back on trend!) I just love the daisy print. How do you feel about the 90's coming back in full force? 

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Polka Dots & Hearts in Haw Par Villa

Yesterday my friend, Prianka and I went to check out Haw Par Villa in Singapore. IT. IS. AWESOME. It's this kitschy park that has elaborate statues & scenes from Chinese religious stories. It took a million dollars to build in the 30's but you can now explore the surprisingly large grounds for the low, low price of free! These pictures don't even do it justice on how weird, crazy, and cool it was. If you ever get the chance, check it out! I can't wait to go back to take even more pictures. 

You are lucky because this post is two for the price of one - my style as well as Prianka's. I'd say in a lot of ways we favor similar things, especially on this day. We didn't even plan to be all match-matchy  but it worked out well! 

Skirt: Modcloth | Shirt: Cache Cache |  Shoes: Mustafa's (similar here) | Sunglasses: Bugis | Belt: Thrifted | Bracelets: Borneo

Halloween Make-Over: Katie as Norma Jean/Marilyn Monroe

This is my stunning friend, Katie.  Last weekend we were talking about Marilyn Monroe (particularly this video about her make-up regime - very interesting!) and Halloween costumes. Katie had said she didn't have a costume and was at a lost of what to wear for Halloween - especially because she has limited clothing and as I've said before, it's a pain to find clothes in Korea that doesn't fit a size 0. Luckily, somehow we got to the idea of her dressing up as a 50's girl. Easy to do, and most of the costume is all about the hair, make-up, and accessories. 

For her clothing, she picked out this fantastic mustard yellow turtleneck at Uniqlo, rolled up her jeans and wore cute little flats. Then she went to an accessory store and got the blue floral scarf, pearl earrings, and the big gray bow. 

For her hair, I used Lauren Conrad's vintage hair technique of curling the hair inwards. Then I gave her one victory roll (technically, this is more of a 40's hairstyle but who cares?) where I grabbed a section of her hair in the front and rolled it towards her face and secured it a bobby pin. There are a bazillion of youtube tutorials on how to do adorable victory curls. This was my first time doing one and I'm pretty pleased with the result (of course, doing it on someone else's head is always a little easier!) I pulled back one side of her hair with her big bow. For her make-up,  I used the scotch-tape technique of fail-safe cat eyes. I also put fake eyelashes on her but for fake eyelashes, I don't like to use the whole lash. I cut it in half and glued it just to the outer part of her eye to make them look really lush but not super fake. Last was really rosy cheeks and a bold, glossy red lip. Voila! We have Marilyn before she was Marilyn - or maybe Marilyn on her day off. 

It was pretty easy to do and Katie looks like a KNOCK OUT! In fact, she honestly could wear this on a normal day and I don't think it would look a Halloween costume at all. I hope she liked it because I couldn't be happier with how it turned out - exactly like I pictured! Of course, it always helps that my model is incredibly drop-dead gorgeous!

Vintage 1970's Bold-Print Dress

The other day I was trolling around my favorite part of my city, wandering in and out of thrift stores, killing time before I had to go to work. And man, I was striking out. I couldn't find anything that spoke to me. Honestly, all the thrift stores have pulled out winter clothes now and no winter clothes really excite me - except maybe a red plaid skirt that doesn't hit me in the middle of my calves (if ya see one at a good price, lemmie know!) But right when I was about to give up, I saw this little beauty. I noticed the print first. When I feel lazy, that's how I thrift shop. Just flick through the rack until a color I like grabs me. This geometric print with the primary colors - this dress can match with so many things! 

When I pulled it out to get a better look, I almost squealed (or maybe I did and just didn't realize). I love the 1970's housedress silhouette and probably even the best part... it fit me! The last one is always an unknown entity when thrift shopping in Korea. 

I'd say there are a couple draw-backs to the dress, though.  It's a wee bit tight in the arms, so all night I felt a little like Phil Dunphy in his hipster suit. It's also a tad too long for my height. It's made of polyester which is such a cheap fabric - it definitely didn't breathe well when I was running around trying to do a scavenger hunt. But I. Don't. Care! 

Styling this dress for the first time, I didn't add too many accessories. I wanted to keep it simple. Or rather, as simple as it can get while still wearing bright red lipstick and a red belt. I can't wait to layer a sweater over this when it gets cold. 

Dress: Vintage | Belt: Thrift Store | Boots: DSW | Leather Jacket: Clothing Swap  | Earrings: Gift