Farewell to a great man..

Early morning today we received a sad news that Captain's dad had passed away.  He had been unwell for almost a year and this morning he lost the battle at the age of 83.  He was a great man, a husband, father, father-in-law and grandfather to us all.. we shall miss him dearly.  Rest in peace, Nonno..

Me and Captain will travel to Rome tomorrow for the funeral scheduled on Monday.

Chocolate Corduroy

Ok, the time has come for me to start my outfit post.  I have been sitting on that task ever since I started the blog.  I love going through other blogs and see how beautifully done the snapshots are.  The whole combination of locations, shots and poses blended so well together making them look like center spread of a glossy magazine.   I had to swallow hard thinking how in God’s name am I supposed to pull this? 

You see, I do not have a camera person that I could work with nor have I ever had any experience posing for camera.  So far all my pictures were taken by either Captain or my 12 year old sons and they were always taken in the ‘safe’ compound of our garden. 

So, make story short, me and Captain decided to take it to the next level:  photo shoot outside our comfort zone!

I have this corduroy blazer for a while now.  The color reminds me of dark cooking chocolate, yum!  It is perfect for chilly day like today and I thought the dark brown color would make the yellow in the background popped.  The platform wedges gives a bit of 60s feel to the folded jeans. 

The scarf is something I bought from a random shop at the 'souq' (arabic word for market).  I love the design and the mustard color.  I paid nothing for it but I use it a lot especially during the summer. 

This Louis Vuitton Speedy 30 Damier is one of the first bags I had.  I like it because it is understated and very durable.  I do not have to worry about scratching it or worst, transfering dirt or color onto it.  Definately one of my favourite.

Outfit

Top : Forever 21   

Bottom : Juicy Couture jeans, 

Shoes : ZARA (old)    

Bag : Louis Vuitton   

Vintage

Lets face it, it is not everyone’s thing to buy old used stuff from tens of years ago and for that reason vintage items are not for some.  Some even think why should  we pay that amount of money (these old things they are not exactly cheap, ya) buying old items when we can spend a little bit more buying new.   Well, opinion varies from person to person. 

I for one do not mind buying vintage; it is like buying a piece of history, piece that has a story behind it.  Through the years I have bought some vintage pieces on Ebay, Etsy and even antique shops.  They are in great condition and worth the hunt.  Bear in mind that some vintage can be pricey and takes a little bit of hunting down. 

I scored this vintage Chanel tassel bag on ebay.  I tell you, I was so much in love with the bag that I couldn't sleep the night before the auction ended.  The bag is from mid 90s and in a perfect condition.  I really love the asymmetrical flap pocket with the iconic interlocking CC and the tassel of course!

This grey vintage Chanel tassel bag with all chain strap makes me smile everytime I see her.  She was born the same year as my first born son, 1991!  She was first bought in Chanel boutique (by her previous owner) in Japan and when I bought her from a consignment store here in Dubai, she had been on the shelve for a while.  I guess we were meant to be together, haha!  I love, love, love the grey color, the softness of the lamb skin she's made of and of course, the tassel.   And if I care for her well, my son's wife might be able to enjoy her one day who ever she would be and she could say "This bag is as old as my husband" 

When we first came to Dubai, we bumped into this antique shop that sells all sort of things and there we saw this necklace/choker.  What we didn't like was the price.  So, Captain, knowing I really liked the piece, bargained with the shop owner.  The owner stuck to his gun and we left.  Through the year, we kept on going back and still the owner wouldn't budge.  About a year and a half from the first time we saw the choker  we went to the shop again and the choker was still there!  I guess the owner realized how desperate we were and that better for him to let it go at a lesser price rather than risk not selling it at all and gave in to our price! It was worth a wait.  

Ok, there was a phase in my life that I went really crazy over kimonos.  It's all Nicole Richie's fault.   So I started buying vintage kimonos online and wore them over a tee and leggings.  I still wear them and simply love the contrast of oversize billowy top and slim bottom.  This one is my favourite out of the few I bought.  She came from the 50's (post war) and in an excellent condition!  I bought this particular one from an online vintage shop that sells all things from Japan.

So, what’s your opinion on vintage items?  I'd love to hear from you : )

Wardrobe must have # 5 – Blazer

Frankly speaking, 80% of the time I would be in some comfortable t-shirt and  a pair of well-worn jeans but there are times that I need to switch from that to a more sophisticated look for some reasons like going to the boys’ school or visiting some government offices; and how do I do this?  I just slip on a pair of blazer.  It takes the whole outfit to another level and gives a more polished look.

Investing in a blazer is a smart thing to do as it can be matched with absolutely anything, from a casual outfit to a more elegant one.  I love blazers in colors but if you must have only one, have it in a darker color like navy blue or charcoal or even black.  These colors are easy to match with and you can never go wrong with them.  When buying, make sure that they are not too big or too fitted.  Too big it will look too boxy and too fitted you might have problems layering.  Besides we all should avoid the ‘Bruce Banner turns Incredible Hulk’ stretched look especially on the back.  Wear blazers with anything: with a pair of distress, ripped boyfriend jeans, with a pair of colored skinny jeans, with a pair of shorts or even a cute mini dress.  I love blazers and I am happy that they do not come with those awful shoulder pads from the 80’s anymore.  

http://www1.bloomingdales.com/shop/product/aqua-blazer-girlfriend?ID=598192&PartnerID=LINKSHARE&cm_mmc=LINKSHARE-_-n-_-n-_-n&LinkshareID=J84DHJLQkR4-BOzxIA7nyGv4jFhcXIhZeg

http://www.shopbop.com/draped-jacket-bop-basics/vp/v=1/845524441928497.htm?folderID=2534374302066388&colorId=12867&extid=affprg

http://www.jcrew.com/browse/single_product_detail.jsp?PRODUCT<>prd_id=845524441815905&FOLDER<>folder_id=2534374302049382&srcCode=AFFI00001&siteId=J84DHJLQkR4-iyeKQwZM7WyWgMd6CDCYoA

http://www.jcrew.com/womens_feature/NewArrivals/blazersandvests/PRDOVR~70611/70611.jsp

http://www.charlotterusse.com/product/index.jsp?productId=12302612&cm_mmc=PJ-_-20648-_-352386156-_-ADZCHIC

http://www.charlotterusse.com/product/index.jsp?productId=12326597&cm_mmc=PJ-_-20648-_-352389222-_-ADZCHIC

FOODIE WEEKEND - Chinese, tonight anyone?

Deciding on what to eat in our household could sometimes be a problem.  I like light simple meal , kind of anything goes, while Captain has his days.. Sometimes he’s very choosy, and sometimes very simple.  Normally at night we stick to protein and salad like a piece of steak, chicken, fish or even lamb once in a while.  The boys are easier,  a dish of pasta or burger or burrito and they are set.  

So, yesterday was one of the fussy days.

 

“Amore, what’s for dinner?”  he asked.

“How about grilled salmon?” I suggested

“Umph” It was a no go.

“We have some steak we bought the other day, I can thaw that”   trying again.

“Naahh, I’m not in the mood to look at a piece of meat on my plate.., can you make a stew or something instead with the steak?”

“Babe, stew with the steak? We’ll end up eating beef paste instead!  What about some Chinese style stir-fry instead?  You can have it with rice” 

After a long pause, Chinese stir-fry it was.   Since I haven’t posted anything on food in a while, allow me to share this simple dish I used to cook a lot during my bachelor days many, many years ago.   The dish is really simple to make and takes just a few minutes!

Stir-fry black pepper beef with carrots and french beans

Ingredients (serves 3-4)

3 pieces of steak (I used the lean cut) sliced thinly.

Vegetable (Well, ideally capsicum and carrot would be the best but since I did not have capsicum in the fridge I used whatever was available i.e. carrots and french beans)

Dark soy sauce (sweet or not up to you, but if you use sweet, do not use sugar in the cooking)

Thick oyster sauce

Ground black pepper (amount depending on your taste.  We love black pepper so, I used about 2 teaspoon)

½ an onion sliced quite thickly

½ an onion, 3 cloves of garlic dry blend or pound

1 teaspoon of ground ginger

Sugar, salt

Spring onion for garnishing (optional)

Method

Heat the wok and pour in a table spoon of vegetable oil (sunflower or corn but not olive oil)

Once hot, put in the pounded onion, garlic and ginger.  Stir-fry until fragranced.

                  Add in the sliced beef and stir making sure the beef are coated well.                             
Cook for 1 - 2 minutes

Throw in the vegetable and stir again for about 1 minute.

Add in the soya sauce, oyster sauce and black pepper.  At this stage, if the mixture is a bit dry, you can add a little bit of water.  Your dish will end up with a bit of gravy too!

Add in sugar and salt and cook until the beef is tender.

     Finally add in the sliced onion and cook for another minute before turning off the fire. 

If your dish is a little watery, mix a teaspoon of cornstarch with a bit of water.  Mix well until the mixture is smooth and add it to the dish before turning off the fire.  This will thicken the dish and you’ll get a more saucy gravy rather than runny.

Garnish, serve with plain steamed rice and enjoy!

Captain was happy with his meal and he had the leftover again before going for his flight the next day.  Big success!   Happy trying!

Getting in touch with the wild side - How to wear animal print?

Animal print.. when we think about animal print some of us will have Cruella De Vil in mind.  Clad from head to toe with prints from leopard to tiger to dalmatian!  Well, there are ways to do animal prints without channeling Cruella De Vil but sophistication with a subtle pizzaz!

Cruella De Vil

When wearing animal print, the number one rule to go with is 'Less is More'.  Pick only one item of which you are wearing in animal print and leave the rest to the minimum.  For an example, if you are feeling very casual that day but need something to lift up your outfit,  try pairing a pair of animal print pumps with a simple tee and jeans or a simple black sweater dress with animal print skinny belt.  For a night out in town, a nice animal print little clutch will jazz up your outfit instantly.  In trend now are the animal print stoles or long scarfs which I love!  Louis Vuitton has some fantastic selection at EUR 570 a pop but again, that does not mean we have to spend that amount of money to be in trend.  A lot of high street brands have their own version of animal print scarfs.

Checking out animal print stole at

Louis Vuitton flagship store, Paris

Whatever your preference is, be it scarf or pump or clutch, animal prints will surely push your outfit to another level and spiced up your day! Just wear it sensibly!

Leopard print scarf from Zara

YSL Booty

http://www.neimanmarcus.com/product.jsp?isEditorial=false&index=67&masterId=cat2720733&itemId=prod134500086&cmCat=cat000000cat000141cat000149cat000226cat2720733cat7040732&parentId=cat7040732

Alexandre Birman Open Toe Pump

http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/alexandre-birman-open-toe-pump/3289423?origin=keywordsearch&resultback=1357

Alexander McQueen Clutch

http://www.ssense.com/women/product/alexander_mcqueen/leoprad_print_classic_skull_clutch/47589?utm_source=2178999&utm_medium=affiliate&utm_term=10569670&utm_campaign=generic

Louis Vuitton Stephen Sprouse Stole

www.louisvuitton.com

Current/Elliot Stiletto Skinny Jeans

http://www.neimanmarcus.com/p/CurrentElliott-Stiletto-Leopard-Skinny-Jeans-Denim/prod135110086/

Tadashi Shoji Animal Print One Shoulder Sheath Dress

http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/tadashi-shoji-animal-print-one-shoulder-sheath-dress/3258562?origin=keywordsearch&resultback=2487

Nordstrom 'Animal' Fedora

on sale:  http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/nordstrom-animal-fedora/3187957?origin=keywordsearch&resultback=4527

From Paris with love! : Balenciaga City SS 2012 Gris Poivre

If there is a bag that goes hand in hand with my personality at all, it has to be the City from Balenciaga.  It has that under the radar feel to it with a bit of rock and roll flair.  No logo screaming, no fussy details, just good quality leather.   I don’t know why I never took a second look at the City earlier because that would have save me a lot of dollars and cents that was spent to buy expensive bags that I hardly use.  I guess looking for the perfect bag is a bit like  searching for a soul mate...  the journey is painful but eventually you’ll find your perfect match!

This is my third City after the black and bordeaux from last year.  I am still waiting for the perfect beige and magenta before I call it a ‘khalas’ as they say it here in Dubai or 'that’s it'!  This Gris Poivre color is best described as grey with a slight brown undertone.  The leather is as all of Balenciaga bags, divinely soft, smells heavenly and as light as feathers!  It just needs to be broken in and it will be perfect everyday bag.

Have you all found your ‘soul mate’?  If yes, what is it?

From left to right : Bordeaux, Gris Poivre and Black

Match my Gucci flats by chance! 

Wardrobe must have # 4 - A pair of well fitted jeans

Jeans are so versatile, anybody can wear them!  They are good for any age, man or woman.  They can go from day to night and can be casual or dressy.   But when choosing a pair of jeans, a few points have to be considered.  Here are my key points to a great pair of jeans :

1)      Color - choose a darker hue like black or dark blue for a dressier look.  Stone wash or faded jeans or even grey are best for casual look.  Darker colors give a more slimming look while faded patches are less forgiving.

Straight cut

2)      Style – choose a style or cut that flatters your body shape.  If you are heavier on the bottom, a boot-cut with a slight flare gives a more balance look.  If you are shorter and would like to play with optical illusion, floor skimming pair of wide legged jeans worn with a pair of high heels is best.   Straight cut jeans can fit any body shapes and skinnies, don't be fooled by the name as skinny jeans too can be worn by most body types!  They  basically are a pair of straight cut jeans with more tapered calfs and ankles.  BUT beware of the color/wash you choose.

Flare legged

3)      Back pocket – Now, this may not be an important factor for many but for me personally the position of the back pockets is important to give that balance and perky look to your behind.  If the pockets are too low, it will give the droopy look and that is a big no!  Another thing to consider is if you are ‘generously’ built back there, you might want to avoid any embellishment or fancy designs as this will enhance the already generous behind.

Low pockets

High pockets

 

 

 

4)   Fit – your jeans should fit you nicely, not too snug.  Choosing a pair of too snug jean would lead to what I call ‘the Michelin man’ look which lead to ‘the muffin top’ situation.     Therefore, choose a pair that fits comfortably.  If you are in between sizes and you tend to fit nicely at the thigh area but loose at the waist, you can always have the jeans altered at a good tailor.  Some stores even offer free alterations with purchases.  Do not compromise the fit at the thighs just to get a pair that fits you well at the waist.

Bootleg

5)   Waistline - your jeans shouldn't sit any higher than your navel area.  Bear in mind that the higher it sits, the longger it will make your bottom look and that is not flattering.  Remember the famous mummy jeans in the 80s?  Mummy jeans are in the past and they will never make a come back.

Skinny

Personally for me it doesn’t matter how much you spend on a pair of jeans, be it $10 or $100 or even more but what’s important is that you find a perfect pair that would fit you well and be  in your wardrobe for a long time.  Hope these tips will help you find your perfect pair!

Siwy jeans, ZARA jacket, Mulberry Alexa bag

and BCBG Max Azria shoes

My favourite pair of Siwy