Finding Neverland in Hong Kong Part 1

On the last week of Hong Kong, i was so lucky and happy  to be invited to a new friend's house. Although we have not known each other for very long or very well, we both share the interest for collecting, sustaining and appreciating old antiques. My dear new friend KK is simply one of the most interesting and exquisite characters i have met during my time in Hong Kong. His great passion for preserving Hong Kong's past in the form of collecting and sharing precious pieces from the past is truly respectable. It is a big project that not many can endure. Upon arriving at his place, the interesting and artistically put together entrance already excited me. I could have happily sat there in the sunlight for a few hours. Greeted by an antique Monkey toy and his tiny crocodile pal, i already knew i would be stepping into the somewhere quite special. Through the doors and it was a step back into time. It was a great education for a BBC (british born citizen) like me. I got a feel for what life was like back in 60s to 80s of Hong Kong. 

KK kindly took me on a tour around his house and talked me through every piece he had. He is simply not just an antiques collector, he has taken it a stage further and has become a family with these treasured pieces. Unlike most museums where things are guarded in glass box, Kk allowed me to play with everything...it was such an interactive experience. Every piece of furniture had it's own story. Every toy bought a smile to my face. There was surprise after surprise. In every drawer, there was something new to excite me.

 The reason i called this post Finding Neverland is because i truly felt that i had stopped in time... to somewhere very blissful, joyous and simply a lot of fun! At least it was my Neverland for day...

A little excuse to dress up!

I just love dressing up so much. Some may call it pointless, but for me, it's a chance to break away from reality and become many different characters. I can be not just one Elle, but many. Any excuse for me to dress differently and i will go all the way! Halloween has become one of my favorite holidays because of that! Just before i came back to UK,  My friend and I decided to play a little dress up in Sheung Wan. Well, i was the only one who actually got dressed up... buy he was lovely and weird enough to accompany me on this little adventure. The dress code was 1940's british war girl and the theme was 'Lost in the city'.  See my next post for some of the photos!

Next time in Hk i am hoping people will join me for a little fun and play a little dress up! Let's revive 'cosplay' in HK!

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?

Goodbye Hong Kong, Let's see what England Brings!

Thursday evening... goodnight and goodbye Hong Kong! I've been back in England for a few days now and finally I'm starting to adjust to life outside the concrete jungle. Life couldn't get anymore british as i kicked start my return with a full English Breakfast, as soon as i got off the plane. I was greeted by a blanket of snow... not sure if that was lucky or unlucky as i now have frozen toes constantly. Obviously there are lots of things and people i will miss in Hong Kong, but it's also so delightful to come back to so many special things.

Travel with Elle: Back in Time! The British Garden

Beamish Museum showcases the best of what the British garden has to offer. Flowers blossom all over the museum, bringing you the sweetest scent. The farmland grows organic vegetables that are then sold during special market days at the museum. After a long day, i spent sunset at the 'lavender' hill top, where i said goodbye to the English summer. At the peak or the hill, i came across a beautiful wooden bench with a sign that read 'In memory of Les and Ena Crossman. Many happy  hours spent here. Our favourite seat'. I imagine this special couple watched many sunsets together, hand in hand, sitting on that spot, where time stops and the world was  just the two of them. As i watched the sunset that afternoon i felt a bittersweet feeling that made me treasure life with my loved ones just a little bit more. Thank you Mr and Mrs Crossman for letting me watch the sunset together with you on that perfect afternoon. 

Travel with Elle: Back in Time! Back to School!

One of my favourite places of the museum is the Country Village.. at the local school! It reminds me of my infant and primary school experience. My primary school was a very traditional English school, with strict values. When i was there it celebrated it's 100th birthday... i remember the biggest cake where every student got a piece! I was the only asian (or foreign) student at the school! All my friends were westerners, who were all extremely friendly and took care of me when i first arrived. I met my very best friend of 20 years on my first day of infant school, and we have not gone by a day without contacting each other.

I was a quiet child, who was rather shy and still adjusting to the culture. It was in high school when i came out of my shell and quite frankly, became one of the loudest students in my year! I was definitely one alternative/ troublesome student... sorry Sir/Miss!