TRAVEL TIPS... FOR THOSE WHO NEED THEM.

Seeing as these past 2 years I’ve been traveling excessively from one country to another, mainly due to the fact that I go to boarding school in the UK and live in Switzerland, I thought it would only seem appropriate to dedicate a post on how to pack for plane journeys (both long and short).
I’m currently writing this as I am waiting for my delayed departure from London to Zurich, sitting next to a man who is talking obnoxiously loud on the phone… oh how lovely.

Anyways, let’s start off with the basics; luggage and carry on bags.
I always bring one suitcase, a trolley (depending on how much I have to bring) and a hand bag. I recommend having a large suitcase with four wheels as they are make moving around much easier and enable you to carry more too. Also, you want to look for a hard shell suitcase as they tend to be lighter and don’t get damaged as easily as soft shell suitcases. Here are some examples from Marks & Spencer, Samsonite, and Mandarina Duck.

As for when I bring a trolley, I usually use it to put in all of my school books and laptop as they weigh so much! But trolleys are also really handy for when you’re staying a couple days in a country so you don’t have to bring too much. Rimowa do a great selection of different trolleys and suitcases.
Your carry on bag, usually a handbag, should always be small enough to place under the seat in front of you but big enough to include all of the following items: wallet, passport, beauty case (including makeup, toothbrush, brush, face wipes, lip balm, hand sanitizer, hand cream and hair ties), boarding pass, cell phone, earphones, book, sunglasses, scarf, gum and water. I always make sure to have a pack of gum in my handbag because you never know what situation you may find yourself in!

As for what to wear when going on a flight, it really depends on the destination. Usually a good pair of jeans, t-shirt and a cardigan (or flannel) will do for flights all year round in any weather. If you’re traveling in the Winter you can accessorize it with a beanie and/or scarf and leather jacket. However if you’re flying in the Summer and know it will be hot wherever you will be going a pair of light-weight leggings or shorts will do the trick.

Remember to always arrive a couple hours (3 hours usually) before your flight so that you allow some time for yourself to explore the terminal and possibly do some last minute shopping. But most importantly making sure that you don’t miss your flight!!

Austria 18/4/2014-19/4/2014

I’m currently writing this in the car as we make our way back home to Zurich.

On Thursday evening, my parents surprised my brother and I by telling us that we were going to Austria for 2 days! I’ve always wanted to go since finding out that the Swarovski factory wasn’t too far from where we live! The first aspect of the factory, or more like exhibition, that attracted me to it was the entrance which consisted of a giant grass head that was also a fountain. It’s so amazing to visit it in person, not only because it truly is spectacular on the outside but also because of the hidden treasures inside. I definitely recommend you go and visit it if you have the chance!

After our visit, we headed off to Innsbruck which is a small town in West Austria by a river. It’s small, but has a lot of history so is great if you’re on the hunt for a typical Austrian town. The architecture is beautiful with old fashioned houses of every colour! Not to mention every church has it’s own characteristics and special traits to offer tourists. Our hotel was right in the heart of Innsbruck so it was easy for us to get around and everything was of walking distance.

We went to a French market which was situated in the town centre and had many French provincial foods and flowers on sale. Not to mention, of course we went to a typical Austrian market which had a very loud and exciting atmosphere! We were told that when in Austria you must try the Wiener Schnitzel (a typical Austrian dish, which consists of pan fried Veal). Although delicious, little did we know how big the portions were! Visiting Austria really made me realize how important knowing other languages because it limits you so much!!

Although short, the trip was definitely a great one and I really enjoyed discovering more about the cultural history of a country that I had never visited before!

SUMMER CRAVINGS

The Spring weather is making me feel like it’s already Summer and it’s driving me insane! With exams coming up in less than a month and moving to a completely different continent in July, you could say that these next few months will be rather hectic. Firstly, I can’t believe I’m moving back to what could easily be called my "homeland". I’ve lived in Singapore before for 10 years, basically my whole childhood, and to be going back is just a dream!

With the weather getting warmer, and Summer coming closer I’ve already gone out and bought some Summer must-haves. I don’t know if any of you have been caught up with the latest fashion trends, but lace bralettes seem to be making a special appearance on the hottest celebrities from Nicole Richie to Kendall Jenner. They’re perfect for those warm Summer days paired with a loose tank top and high waisted distressed denim shorts, I’m personally a big fan of the ones from One Teaspoon. Lace bralettes add more of a delicate and sultry element to your outfit, if paired well, and are so comfortable too! Shop a couple of my favourites here from Monki, Free People, Urban Outfitters and Lonely Lingerie.

When I went out shopping the other day, I knew that it was time to stock up on my basics list. You can never have too many block coloured t-shirts, they’re so easy to pair with literally anything and stores like H&M and Monki have really affordable ones!

Now, as I’m moving to Singapore in the Summer, it was no question that I needed some more swimsuits! I’m one of those people that finds it quite difficult to go swimsuit shopping because I am very picky with the colour, cut and design. This time when I went to H&M, I was so impressed with the wide range of bikinis that I ended up buying two! If you’re having trouble finding a good bikini for the Summer, here are some which I really like from Triangl, Frankies Bikini’s, Eidon Surf and ASOS. 

xo

VOGUE FESTIVAL 2014

This weekend was very exciting for those who love the world of fashion! As some of you may be aware, over the course of this weekend it was the Vogue Festival in London. The festival consisted of many different talks given by people working in the fashion industry. The atmosphere was amazing, featuring a Vogue pop-up shop, the chance to get your make-up done by the Burberry make-up artists themselves as well as getting your hair done right there. It was great to have such a vibrant atmosphere with experts in fashion as well as those who are curious to learn more about the industry itself.
In between talks there were some mini sessions featuring the people behind British Vogue. There was one talk dedicated to denim and how it's pretty much an everyday clothing item but can be styled in so many ways, especially seeing as it's one of the hottest trends at the moment.

I was lucky enough to be able to attend the 'What's It Really Like To Be A Model?' talk, with Edie Campbell, Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, Karlie Kloss and Jourdan Dunn. They talked about how they started their career as models and gave tips to aspiring models who were in the crowd. It was great to hear about their experiences with the many people they've met and what they're favourite moments in modelling have been so far. They also placed a great importance on how to keep a healthy balanced diet and to always follow your dreams.

FLAT SEASON... LITERALLY

The time has come to let your shoes do all of the talking. This season's greatest accessory are shoes, and this is probably a great relief for us women who already probably have an obsession with great shoes. However, it's not time to take out your highest pair of heels. This season we're talking about flats. Yes, you read correctly, flats. We've seen it on the runways last year. From Topshop to Tory Burch, the runways were flooded with them in the S/S '14 Fashion Weeks all over the world. 

Whether you opt for a flat sandal, the Birkenstock for example, or for a pair of brightly coloured ballerinas, there's no doubt that you will be ready to show off some more skin as the warmer weather hits. Get ready to pair your fave pair of skinny jeans, midi skirts and dresses as you adjust for this seasons shoe mania.

BURBERRY PRORSUM: STREET STYLE

There is no doubt that every year there is always much anticipation for the Burberry Prorsum shows, and even though there was no way of attending the show myself, I love hanging around looking at the street style. Everyone is dressed differently and there are such a range of styles, from quirky to classy. It's great even just for inspiration! Now I don't think you'd find me wearing most of the looks that caught my eye, but their are some pieces which play a good role for timeless items in a wardrobe.

I find it amazing before the show starts, how everyone is so excited for it, and once it's ended people rush off to their next destination. There is such a buzz when people arrive and when they leave, it seems like fashion photographers can't get enough - and I can't blame them! When you want a good shot, you go and get the shot!

*All photos taken by me.

WE'LL NEVER BE ROYALS

Sweater: Zara. Jeans: Topshop. Scarf: Zara. Jacket: Zara. Shoes: Kurt Geiger. Bag: Mulberry.

The other day I went to see Quidam by Cirque Du Soleil in London, and I must confess that after having waited five years to see one of their performances, it was well worth the wait! The Royal Albert Hall is such a magnificent building, would love to actually live near ther and with a sunny day like yesterday's there was absolutely no complaining, especially after having a week of thunderstorms.

As for my outfit I've gone back to mixing prints. Pony hair leopard slip-ons and a classic tartan scarf. Of course having to keep it simple with an all black outfit, including a turtle neck sweater!