Life in a few words and a few more pictures

Flash update of my life in the past few months. I have encountered...

A few project hand ins... so a lot of geeky time.
A birthday... I wish i was Peter pan :( 
A week long celebration in London
Near 100 cups of tea/ coffee
Some Jazz
Family time (the wonderful meals cooked by Grandma Diane)
A vintage Burlesque show (wow!)
LOTS of Cakes
Engagements (unfortunately still not me)
Endless books (pleasure and work)
Food (LOTS OF FOOD)
Hanging out with my Favourite sis Rosie Fong
New Year
Chinese New Year
Excess drinking (sorry Mum)
Dressing up, Dressing down
A hair cut (around 12 inches of hair!)
Missing my pug insanely 
A certain obsession with a Zara B&W jumper (I do wash it!) 
An International food party
Meeting new friends
Some sweat
Some laughs
Some Tears

And most importantly... the birth of my nephew Mr. Alvin Lau! Words simply cannot explain how much i love him and I am so proud to be his Aunt for the rest of my life.

Happy 100th Birthday Sir Norman

Although this one amazing photographer is no longer with us, lets celebrate some of his amazing work on the day that would have been his 100th birthday. Born 21st April 1913, Sir Norman Parkinson is one of fashion photography's pioneers. He changed the history of the fashion industry. He had worked with the most prestigious publications like Harper's Bazaar and Vogue. He has also worked with the most influential people in the world such as The Beatles, The Queen's Mother, Margret Thatcher,  Miss Audrey Hepburn, amongst many others. Whether black and white or colour images, his craftsmanship shows through in every shot. His work tells stories, whether through humour or glamour, they will sure capture the hearts of any viewer. Happy Birthday Sir Norman! Thank you for inspiring my generation... and many generations to come!

The Breton Top

It's finally starting to feel a little like spring over in England! I really do hope the snow is gone for good! It is finally time to transit my winter wardrobe into something more playful and fresh. One of my favourite wardrobe piece to wearing during this tricky transition period is the classic Breton top. Pair it with simple skinny jeans and ballet pumps, this look never goes out of style.

The Breton top originated from the Brittany Navy uniform, where people believed that by wearing this distinctive pattern, sailors could be easily spotted in the waves. The Breton top was made famous by Coco Chanel's Nautical collection in 1917 and since then it has become a staple in every girl's wardrobe. Chanel had changed the history of women's clothing, where clothes had previously been heavily fitted and restricted. She gave women a sense of freedom and empowerment to be able to dress the way men did. 

Fans of the Breton top include Audrey Hepburn, Pablo Picasso, James Dean and many more...

This is my version of the Breton top i bought a few seasons back. This adorable Sonia Rykiel cotton top simply goes with everything. It's effortless chic. The cute detachable Eiffel Tower neck piece gives this classic top a little edge and makes it ever more Parisian.  OOo la la.....

Testing the Audrey Brow!

Ahhhhh my dear Audrey..... after seeing an animated Audrey in the new Galaxy chocolate adverts, i was inspired to try out her signature eyebrow! Audrey's eyebrows were well known to be full and straight. They framed her pixie face perfectly, bringing out her beautifully deep set eyes. 1950s Audrey had a much thicker, stronger brow... which was  heavily drawn on. In the 1960s, Audrey had a much toned down version of her signature brow. The make up artists for Breakfast at Tiffany's cleverly bought Audrey to a much more modern look by lightening her brows by a few shades and gave them an overall more groomed and sophisticated shape.

This time, I went for 1950s Audrey look. Although my brows might not look too over the top in these photos, in real life, they were so bold and a little comical! If you saw me close up, you would probably laugh since i looked a little like i was starring in a pantomime play. On the plus side, they made look me a bit more youthful right?! No need for surgery my girls... just thicken up your brows for a innocent, young girl look. If you choose to wear these eyebrows... remember to keep the rest of your make up minimal and voila... bold yet innocent, strong yet sweet! 

For the styling, i just put my hair into a high ponytail and added a ribbon for a very girly look. To imitate Audrey's fringe, I side swept the front of my hair for an illusion of a side fringe. White shirt and a sheer red lipstick completes the look.

Audrey is Back!

The first surprise i got from returning to the UK was seeing my idol coming back to life in a one minute TV ad, that aired just a few days ago. I was seriously falling in love with Audrey once again when i saw the new Galaxy Chocolate advert. Audrey is that you? I asked myself in awe.  Her essence was bought to life by amazing CGI computer technology. Her elegance and grace captured again. Her lovely polka dot dress was simply delightful! Chocolate and Audrey is simply the best treat any fan could get!

This is not the first time CGI technology has been used to bring icons back in advertising. Marilyn Monroe and Grace Kelly have also been computer generated to star alongside the beautiful Charlize Theron in a Dior Perfume Ad campaign. Amazing right?

Antiques: Brighton

I found this wonderful little shop off the main streets of North Laine. Filled with adorable little toys, packing, old photos and magazines, thousands of match boxes... i managed to spend about two hours inside the tiny little shop! The owner was lovely, talking me through every little piece he has collected during the past 40 years of selling antiques. He knew every detail of every item and a lot had sweet little stories that came with it. Mr.G... Thank you for some wonderful memories! 

By Beloved Muses...my inspiration

There are many people who inspire me in life, but these two beautiful stars are truly influential to me. They are beautiful in their own ways... two completely different and not comparable. I would love to have the poise and grace of Audrey and Norma Jean's (marilyn) radiance and charm. Their admirable personalities on and off screen has truly captured my heart.