Puerto Rico
It was so nice to get to make it to Puerto Rico for the first time ...
It was so nice to get to make it to Puerto Rico for the first time ... getting a chance to meet new friends and visit with good company. The island has a very uplifting and calm feeling to it. People are so full of smiles ... being so helpful in every way as none of us spoke much Spanish. I really enjoyed our little walks around exploring the warm beaches ... experiencing the different weather changes you get while being on an island. Changing from hot warm sunshine to cloudy and faded with little droplets of rain.
Island sunsets are so interesting to me. I love all the abstract shapes that are created from the trees and plants ... it always seems to have so much more energy and vibrance. During the sunsets, I often thought of the local fisherman ... catching the fish for the village and getting to enjoy the beauty of being on the sea. You could always feel when the night was approaching ... starting to hear the lovely frogs singing to each other with the breeze coming in from off the ocean.
Hope you enjoy the inspiration..
Slip On: Missguided
Cuff: & Other Stories Skirt: River Island
Hat: Sensi Studio
Ring: Fail Jewelry, StefanieSheehan Bracelet: Failjewelry
Captured using iphone with some light editing with vscocam app ...
Florida
It was so nice to visit Florida for my first time ....
For Thanksgiving we headed down south to spend a few days with Rob's family. It was so nice to visit Florida for my first time .... spending quality time with the family and seeing where Grandma and Grandpa lived for so many years. Hearing the old stories and memories from when everyone was younger ... and how much things have changed over the years. It was refreshing to be able to catch some sun and admire all the beautiful clouds ... taking our time, not being in a rush and filing the days with random beach walks. I feel thankful for times like this when we are able to get together because they always help put a smile on my face ... :)
The tropical climate reminds of being home in Malaysia ... soft white sands on the beach ... lots of coconut trees and green palms wherever you look. I was fascinated with all the different palms and lush green. It inspires me to think of what we can plant around our garden sometime ... and hopefully give it a little of that tropical feel of home ... ;)
Here's a few inspirational photos from our trip. Hope you enjoy ...
Dress: Pippa Lynn (similar here, here) Hat: Anthony Peto
Bracelet: & Other Stories, Aprilsoderstrom
Shorts: Target
Ring: Tiro Tiro Bracelet: & Another Stories, Tube Bangle
Sandals: Sam Edelman ( in black )
Getting Away
A recent ritual we've developed is getting away to spend time at home in the forest...
A recent ritual we've developed is getting away to spend time at home in the forest. It feels so much different than being in the city. The sound in the forest is so soft ... hearing the birds chirp and the wood peckers knocking ... the strongest roar being the wind blowing through the trees.
Winter is coming here in California and it's beginning to get chilly. It's such a nice time of year to walk the woods or browse around the garden ... sipping a warm cup of tea or morning coffee ... taking a minute to sit down for some inspirational reading. The misty fog in the mornings is my favorite ... it closes off the distance and makes things even more quiet and calming.
Here are some photos from our recent little shoot. Hope you enjoy the inspiration ... ;)
Hat: Lack of Color Sweater: Iris & Ink
Shirt: thousand piece puzzle Cups: Enamel Camping Cup
Drawing Pen: Fiftythree Jeans: Uniqlo
Shoes: & Other Stories
Magazine: Kinfolk
Black Dress: Kow Tow
Bag: Proenza Schouler PS11 Cuff: & Other Stories Bangle: & Other Stories
Ring: Fail Jewelry
Magazine: Cereal
Magazine: Kinfolk
Magazine: Cereal Volume 6 Ring: Alice & Leon
Outfit inspiration and collaboration with thousandpiecepuzzle.
Hope you enjoy this tune...
Oceans of Dreams
Growing up, I always enjoyed taking naps and listening to the white noise throughout the house ...
Growing up, I always enjoyed taking naps and listening to the white noise throughout the house ... fans constantly spinning to cool the hot humid air .... the clock ticking as I shut my eyes trying to fall asleep.
Lately we've been using a white noise machine when getting into bed ... choosing between ocean waves and forest rain to help inspire our dreams as we sleep. I've been having lots of ocean dreams ever since ... my favorite sleep sound currently ... ;)
Listening to all the waves throughout the night has left me thinking of the beach each morning when I get up. Here's a few pictures from our current shoot inspired by our ocean dreams lately. Hope you enjoy ... ;)
Sunglasses: Acne Studios
Shoes: Yes by Solestruck
Watch: Nixon
Perfume: Commodity
Sweater: Everlane
Jeans: Uniqlo
A Collaboration with Yes by Solestruck & Commodity
All photos taken with two lenses, Nikon D300s & 85mm lens.
Till then... here is a little tune for ya:
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High Contrast
We have another dream of someday building a room with high ceilings and all white walls ...
We have another dream of someday building a room with high ceilings and all white walls ... filled with glass and windows dedicating it to photographing ... our own little private studio ... ;)
A place to use natural light to manipulate shapes and shadows ... transforming the contrast and depth of the objects we see. Spending more time building and learning about props and what ways they are used best.
Lately we've only been able to shoot once a week ... making it more exciting each time we get to plan our next outing. Exciting to dedicate a day seeking a place to shoot ... talking over our concept and the feelings we want to portray. Brainstorming what is possible and allowing us to practice our styling ... hoping we get better each time ... ;)
Here's a few inspiration photos from one of our recent practice shoots ... a collaboration with SoleStuck and & Other Stories.
Top: Hokk Fabrica Dress: Urban Outfitters
Shoes: YES by Solestruck
Makeup: Chanel Iphone case: Case Scenario Perfume: Commodity
Hand Cream: & Another Stories
Ring: Shashi Bracelet: US - Heart & o - remember
Sunglasses: Acne Studios
Here is a some tune for you... till then..
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Minimal
Lately I've found that Rob and I have been talking a lot about living a simple life ...
Lately I've found that Rob and I have been talking a lot about living a simple life ... trying to practice everyday learning how to use less and have less. It's so interesting to see what you come up with trying to use only what you have around. It has helped our creativity as well ... looking a little deeper into things ... seeing what else they may have to offer.
If you follow on instagram, you've probably noticed we've been trying to create a more minimal gallery. It's been very interesting and challenging looking at photos in this way ... learning how to train your eyes to find simple space within the images we see ... the ease of tones that create a common calming feeling in the shot ... or things that you're able to enjoy in the most simplest form.
Here's a few photos from a little collaboration we had with YES by Solestuck.
Hope you enjoy them!
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The Little Cracks
It's always nice to have an off day with no plans....
It's always nice to have an off day with no plans. It's a free day when you can go explore anywhere and see what new experiences and situations you can find. As you know we really enjoy looking around and investigating old buildings ... with all their cracks, character, and accidental beauty. One particular spot we stop at pretty consistently is Urban Ore in Berkeley. A pickers paradise of old building materials, books, electronics, etc ... it's always a good place to get inspiration and every once in a while ... find a cute vintage diamond in the rough.
While exploring the alleys we came across this simple and aged property. Seeing all the cracks and lines ... it reminded me of the sweater I was wearing. Having the lines in my sleeves pair with the imperfections of the doors and walls behind me. Hope you enjoy the inspiration ... ;)
What do you like to do when you have no plans?
Ring: House Of Bourgeois Bracelet: Hermes ( similar here ) Kamryn Dame
Ring: House of Bourgeois | Vintage Ring Watch: Nixon
Dress: Missguided
Shoes: YES by Solestruck ( on sale )
Ring: House Of Bourgeois
Sweater: Alexander McQueen Shoes: YES (on sale) Hat: H&M Sunglases: ADSR
We also had the opportunity to work with Asiyami Gold for a featured post regarding our trip to Joshua Tree.
Take a peek if you have a minute. Till the next time ... ;)
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Undetected
We've been heading to the woods more lately ... walking around and seeing all kinds of greens.
We've been heading to the woods more lately ... walking around and seeing all kinds of greens. It feels good each weekend to get out, since we all spend so much time on our computers through the work week. It makes me feel like I can more easily rest my eyes with the greens you get to see in nature ... :)
If I could have one super power ... I think I would choose the ability to be invisible. Being hidden is very interesting to me and makes me very curious about what I would see. You would be able to see true honesty and picture things completely uninterrupted in their natural state.
Honesty can be tough sometimes ... which is the only thing that makes me wonder if I would really want to experience it. For now we'll just have to practice trying to camouflage into our neighborhood. Here's a few photos from a recent hide & seek walk. Hope you enjoy the inspiration ... ;)
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Lines
When I was drawing in art school ... one topic I found so much fun and challenging was lines and shapes...
When I was drawing in art school ... one topic I found so much fun and challenging was lines and shapes. I enjoyed learning how to combine repetitious lines and other forms ... creating symmetry and pattern into my art.
When I see graphical patterns or lines ... it reminds me how much I appreciate these designs and the flow they have. Thinking about each of the separate pieces and the form produced ... giving a different sense of movement to the piece when you wear it .... it also makes things so much more fun too ... ;)
Hope you enjoy the outfit ...
Top: House Of Sunny
Bag: Celine
Sunglasses: Prada ( similar here ) Bracelet: H&M ( similar here )
Ring: Alice & Leon Bracelet: Hermes ( similar here )
Shoes: Vagabond
Also pick a few fav:
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White Out
Recently I've been practicing taking things slow and being more careful ...
I'm always afraid of wearing white due to how clumsy I can be ... hehe
Recently I've been practicing taking things slow and being more careful ... trying to be more lady like keeping my dress clean. I love the refreshing and clean feeling that wearing all white brings. It's one time when we can all feel a little more elegance about ourselves ....
While up on the Northern California coast we passed by this wonderfully aged barn. The rust and weathering gives things so much texture against the white misty fog. Driving by I was picturing myself wearing all white and running around. Here's a few photos from the scene I was picturing in my mind .... ;)
Hope you enjoy the inspiration ...
Bracelet: Tiro Tiro
Hat: Rag & Bone Jacket: Missguided Dress: Missguided Sneaker: Missguided
Ring: Fail Jewelry Bracelets: Aprilsoderstrom Sunglasses: Acne Studio Shoes: Missguided
Here are a few white out pick for you:
All photos taken with two lenses, Nikon D300s, 18-200mm and my 85mm
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Misty
Mist creates such a mystery for me ... things seem to always become more peaceful and quiet, slowing time...
Mist creates such a mystery for me ... things seem to always become more peaceful and quiet ... slowing time. It's often chilling, but provides such beauty and comfort to the eyes making things so much more magical and inspiring for photographs. Moments and views change with the fog lines ... blocking the distance, allowing you to only imagine what it could be. Giving you a moment to paint pictures in your mind ... ;)
On our recent trip we wanted to be more spontaneous ... allowing us to take our time and adapt along the way. Taking turns down smaller local highways and country roads that we always miss today using the larger interstates.
Last weekend we ventured up Hwy 1 with no reservations of where we were going to stay for the night. Heading north we ended up at a wonderful spot camping by the fire in Manchester State Park ... eventually making it all the way to Fort Bragg with many stops along the way. Each time I adventure along the coast it makes me love it so much more ....
Hope you enjoy these inspirational photos ... ;)
Shoes: Hudson Sunglasses: Acne Studios Bracelet: Failjewelry
Dress: Thakoon Addition
Shoes: Hudson
Top: St&Ard
This time I packed light, only took the Nikon D300s & 18-200mm lens.
Till then here is a little tune for you..
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Into the Woods
Lately I've been feeling a draw back to nature ...
Lately I've been feeling a draw back to nature ... a little urge or itch to leave the city and adventure into the woods. To see more trees and greenery ... take in some of the refreshing coastal air and slow the pace of the weekend. It always makes me feel refreshed and re-energized each time I connect with nature.
Another uniform item Rob typically loves to wear is prints. Half of our closet is now filled with prints in all forms ... t-shirts, shorts, button-ups, pants ... most of them have a vacation theme. This one in particular is one of my favorites ... who doesn't love a Hula Girl?... :)
It brings back memories of the one time we got to visit Hawaii together ... hiking around the island in the mist and rain. I hope to go back there one day. Until then I guess I'll have to explore more of this wonderful coast.
Hope you enjoy...
Rob also made a mix theme retro vacation. Hopefully it helps you take a little retro vacation for awhile and keep you smiling :)
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Around the house
Growing up in Malaysia, most of the things we bought or purchased were necessities...
Growing up in Malaysia, most of the things we bought or purchased were necessities. Only a few times a year on special occasions (Chinese New Year, Birthdays, etc.) we bought gifts and the things we really wanted. This allowed us to think about things and figure out if it was truly what we wanted. I've been trying to take this same approach with things I purchase today. Thinking about the quality of the item ... picking something that will last a little longer.
I always remember my mom displaying her favorite things .... spending time cleaning and appreciating them. Only using them occasionally and really taking care of them to extend their shelf life. I like the idea of how all things have a life to them. Too often today we get caught up in sales and deals ... focusing heavily on price and not thinking about the overall quality in the item. I often find these purchases crumbling after a few weeks or looking very vintage after a couple of trips through the washer/dryer ... ;)
I've been taking the quality over quantity approach recently ... starting to only look for items that I genuinely need or want ... asking myself those few extra times if this is something I "really" want. It's allowed me to cut down my purchases and actually have more with less. I take care of things much better and I'm able to hold on to things longer.
I've been wanting to learn more about how to style the things I share and practice my product shots. It's a pretty interesting process compared to taking pictures of nature or food porn. With product shots you are able to curate everything about the photo. Showing it the way you want it to be seen and felt ... telling the story you want to tell. I've found while cleaning the house is the best time to take these photos ... hehe
Hope you enjoyed this inspiration... here are some of my recent favorite things to share ... ;)
Hat: Monki Bracelet: Jenny Bird, Kamryn Dame,The Leather Atelier
Top: House of sunny
Shoes: Missguided
Bag: Celine Light: Match Light
Vinyl Record Player: Crosley X UO Clock: Fartech Bag: Proenza Schouler
Top: Asos, Missguided, McQ Alexander McQueen, Monki, Ted Baker (similar one)
Shoes: YES
Ring: Luv Aj (other shark teeth inspire jewel) , Alice & Leon Watch: Nixon The Kensington
Clutch: Issey Miyake Zara ( really like this one )
All photos taken with two lenses, Nikon D300s, 18-200mm and my 85mm
Till the next time ...
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At the Edge
Whenever we get to take walks along the coastline, it makes me think of being at the edge of the universe. Standing on the cliffs and looking out into an endless body of water...
Whenever we get to take walks along the coastline, it makes me think of being at at the edge of the universe. Standing on the cliffs and looking out into an endless body of water. It makes me think about all the possibilities and wonders that have been created in this world ... both naturally and manmade. It helps my imagination grow and reminds me that anything is possible.
I wanted to introduce our little buddy Koda ... he is one of our friend's cute little dogs staying for a short visit. Each time I look at him, I imagine him speaking with a strong british accent and sounding like a wise old grandfather with his white little beard. He loves to take his time while we walk ... investigating everything along the way ... checking each little sound he hears and hidden corner we pass. I really think he has human thoughts just like you and me ... ;)
It's always a guessing game trying to predict bay area weather. There are so many micro climates allowing you to pick and choose what fits your mood. Living in SF for the passed several years I've learned to go out prepared. One of our favorite getaways for a short walk is Rodeo Beach and Fort Cronkhite. It's too often that you become both warm and cold within a same minute, but it always such a treat with the wonderful views that you get to enjoy.
Here are some photos taken with two lenses, using my Nikon D300s, lenses 18-200mm and 85mm ...
Hope you enjoy and all have a wonderful week!
Jacket: House of Sunny Beanie: Opening Ceremony (similar here)
Bag: Proenza Shoulder Bracelet: Jenny Bird
Sandals: Michael Kors (similar one in different color here)
iPhone Case: Seconda Base
Shirt: Paul Smith Tee: Everlane
Jacket: House of Sunny Shorts: Zara (similar here)
Ring: Alice & Leon & Luv Aj (other shark teeth inspire jewel) Watch: Nixon The Kensington
Sunglasses: Ray-Ban
Shorts: Ted Baker (similar one here in Pairot Embroidered)
Till next time, here are a few links that we pick out.
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Shapes
When I was little, I use to play this game with my mom growing up. We would simply just look around the room, trying to find all kinds of different shapes and patterns...
When I was little, I use to play this game with my mom growing up. We would just look around the room, trying to find all kinds of different shapes and patterns. Looking into every corner or little nook and cranny ... finding cracks along the wall and tracing where they went. Using our imagination to create as many shapes and sizes within the room as we could. I do wish I had a camera back then ... I wonder how many more photos I would have taken ... hehe
I still play this game alone in my head when I get the opportunity to visit new and interesting places. I find myself especially doing this in any place desert or mountain. They are both places where you can create infinite shapes and loops ... tying them together and extending them for as far as the eye can see. Since we were in the mood of playing dress up, I started to put on some funky prints to merge my outfit into the inspirational shapes around me. Here's a few pictures from our little stop off in the desert. Hope you enjoy ...
Bracelet: Kamryn Dame , The Leather Atelier Bag: Proenza Schouler PS11
Top: Frontrowshop Skirt: Asos (similar here) Bag: Proenza Schouler PS11
Sunglasses: Kenzo (similar here) Hat: Rag & Bone Shoes: Zara (similar here)
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Melting Away
Whenever I see big rocks and sand all I tend to think about is the Flintstones ... the modern day twist on stone age living. How they have their home and the outfits they wear...
Whenever I see big rocks and sand, all I tend to think about is the Flintstones ... the modern day twist on stone age living. How they have and keep their home ... and the outfits they wear. Such a simple and rustic way they live their life with imaginative modern conveniences. I always enjoy those vintage hand drawn cartoons from the past. They are so less realistic than todays ... having to be more creative and imaginative.
Being there also makes me think I'm on a Safari ... inspiring me to wear things that I can camouflage, or in this heat ... melt into the nature. If I stand still enough maybe the animals won't notice me? ... haha
It almost makes me feel that we are having a little costume party with nature for a hot second.
( ^-^ ) ...
While feeling like I'm melting from the steamy sun ... and day dreaming of my ice tea (extra ice) at the homestead cabin ... I really did enjoy trying to melt my outfit into the rocks and become a part of the desert scenery that is always so beautiful to me.
Hope you enjoy ... can't wait to share more photos of our other stops too ...
Bracelet: Tiro TIro / Vintage Bangle (similar one) Ring: Stefanie Sheehan
Bracelet: Eddie Borgo Bag: Proenza Schouler PS11 Mini Ring: Fail jewelry
Hat: Rag & Bone Kimono Top: Asos Tank Top: Walter Baker Shorts: Express
Bracelet: Alexander Mcqueen
Shoes: Hudson
Dress: Front Row Shop ( similar here )
Sunglasses: Acne Studios Ring: Fail jewelry Bracelet: Vintage YSL
Thank you for stopping by ... you can also check out some picks here:
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Uniform
It was a hot hot hot desert day full of sun. We were relaxing taken our time in the morning at the homestead cabin...
If you follow me on instagram, you've probably seem some of our recent pics ...
It was a hot hot hot desert day full of sun. We were relaxing taken our time in the morning at the homestead cabin and then decided to go out for a little adventure on the 4th. Driving around stopping at little shops we picked out this little rubber duck. The heat made us dream of jumping into a cooling pool or lake. Since we can't do that in Joshua Tree Park, why not imagine right?
Rob loves wearing standard uniforms ... so I recently started trying to find new pieces for him to start including in his collection ... or perhaps something we can share ... hehe
Here's a few from our little desert shot ... hope you enjoy the photos ... ;)
Currently obsessing over Ami Paris
Top: D-Struct ( similar one ) Shorts: Uniqlo Sneakers: Converse
Here is a few inspiration pick for some overloaded tropical pattern theme:
Can't wait to share with you more pictures on our trip.
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Faux Leather Jacket
Last week on our morning walk I was excited to wear this faux leather jacket. It's been in my closet for a quite a while...
Last week on our morning walk I was excited to wear this faux leather jacket. It's been in my closet for a quite a while and I haven't felt brave enough to wear it out.
I don't normally wear leather jackets ... It's a rarity that I could count on one hand ... :0
They're starting to grow on me though ... I've typically shied away because of feeling comfortable ... and often they are not. I don't want the look of a wannabe cool biker chick or an asian black leather burrito wrap. I was glad I had this jacket though, it got so windy and cold while at ocean beach as it often does ... they're so warm ... ;)
Jacket: Walter (on sale) Silk Tee: Vince (on sale) Texture Legging: Asos
Bag: Vintage Coach Sandals: Sam Edelman
This vintage coach bag is one of my favorites. It fits my Camera and an extra lens when I go for walks. What is your favorite bag? I have too many ... ;)
Ring: Alice & Leon Watch: Nixon The Kensington Hat: Monki Sunglasses: Acne Studios
I'm also glad I've got this hat to help with the wind and my hair ... not letting it fly around like a mad crazy women always trying to get her hair away from her face ... hehe...
Also, here is a tune we picked out that's been on the playlist lately ... we'll try and add more from time to time when we stumbled across them. Hope you like and thanks for reading ...
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Snake Print
I recently noticed that in my closet I have a bunch of animal prints...
I recently noticed that in my closet I have a bunch of animal prints ... leopard, cheetah, zebra.
It only makes me wonder if I may have been an animal in a past life ...
Animal fabrics and prints are always so much fun. I get so happy to see the excitement of peoples faces when they get to dress up in their favorite fabric or fur. A print I really love and admire is snake skin. It has so much detail and can be worn to make you look either tough or elegant.
So today ... I am pretending to be a snake :)
What kind of animal do you wanna be?
Top, Bottom: Missguidedus Jacket: Tokyo Bay ( similar oner here, here ) Sandals: Michael Kors
Sunglasses: Acne Ring: Tiro Tiro Ring: Fail Jewelry Watch: Michael Kors Bag: 3.1 Phillip Lim Bracelets: Aprilsoderstrom
Thank you for stopping by ... :)
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Texture
I've only had a few posts featuring looks of myself, but I'm beginning to learn more...
I've only had a few posts featuring looks of myself, but I'm beginning to learn more about the outfits I really enjoy wearing and make me feel good. I've determined I'm a hat person ... because they are always on my mind. I tend dress up like ninja fairly often too. All while allowing my inner rapper to still show his face every once in a while ... lol
Earlier this year I decided to set a goal for myself of only wearing monochrome outfits. Allowing for some brown or skin tone colors, but focusing mainly on only black and white. Choosing from only these basic colors and tones, it's been interesting how I've slowly developed a stronger love of texture and pattern ... allowing me to focus more on all the mini aspects of the design.
I also enjoy the mix and match my outfits game. Laying them all out and seeing what works ... just making a small change to one piece of an outfit can make all the difference. Don't forget about the details ... they're the most fun part :)
What about you?
I hope you enjoy too ...
Jewelry: Alice & Leon Watch: Nixon Bag: Proenza Shoulder
Hat: Asos Leather Cap Top: River Island (similar here, here, slurge) Tank Top: Needsupply SunGlasses: ADSR Legging: Asos
Sneakers: Converse Bracelet: Jenny Bird
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