INTERVIEW WITH K GETS ORGANISED

A while ago, Kelsie from K Gets Organised invited me to be a part of her Get Organised Series.

Me?! Organised?! By what miracle did this take place!?
My mom would especially love to protest against this … but then again, don’t most moms?

I am not someone who’s super organised, much less fairly, but I guess I do get by so I took on the challenge! It wasn’t very difficult to answer them apparently, because I managed to rattle on like my typical verbose self – something my mom would passionately agree to as well. Wait, why do I keep talking about my mom?!

At the dining table where I spend most of my time: working, Facebooking, snacking
(I also love collecting bright animal figurines in any form)

Click here to find out what song keeps me up and running! You’d be surprise, I promise!! To be fair however, it is currently this awesome tune by George Ezra.

Thank you Kelsie for this lovely opportunity! I can’t believe you picked me to be on the series – the other lasses you interviewed are all so cool.

 

 

 

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YOUR (ALMOST) GUIDE TO SINGAPORE

I know you’ve noticed I’ve been on a hiatus. In fact, I didn’t even finish posting about my Melbourne trip (missing out good ol’ Ballarat)!! After that holiday, I had been living alone – for the first time in my entire life. And things change when you live alone. I think I grew to be somewhat a recluse, preferring to take this whole “living alone” thing to another level by spending time mostly … well, alone (weirdo). I kept my verbose self occupied with Instagram (I’m a LOT more diligent with this thing) and stayed active by running marathons – the New Girl marathon and the Carrie Diaries marathon.

Now that I’m back in Singapore, I have a lot more interesting things to share on this page! I hope you’ll find a thing or two useful and/or interesting.

Wearing dress from Paper Scissors, $15.99

A few hours upon arrival, my family decided to bring me to parts of Singapore that I’ve never been before. I know – how can this be?! Singapore is so tiny! This was taken at the Woodlands Waterfront – literally across from Malaysia (in the background).

This January/February I also got to celebrate Chinese New Year with Iylia and his family for the second time (I missed out on the hong baos or packet money last year – dammit! Hahah!).

Donned in our New Year outfits: Iylia in a shirt I bought him from Pigeonhole and me in a dress from Grammah at Haji Lane. Both were at 50% off. #solucky

I also got to eat lots and LOTS and LOTS (!!!) of good food. What’s a “guide” (not really a guide, just lumping all my pictures together to be honest :3) to Singapore without having pictures of food!? Food is to Singapore what a tap is to a sink (I tried).

Mutton Chop and Bee Hoon Goreng Combo from Adam Road Food Centre, $5

Just about two of my favourite food ever – combined into one single dish!! And won’t you just look at that price!?

Cold soba from Koh Grill & Sushi Bar

Chocolate Hazelnut cake from La Marelle Café

Salted Caramel cupcake from Plain Vanilla Bakery, $3.50

Poached eggs on thick toast, smoked salmon, gruyere and hollandaise from Group Therapy Coffee, $15

Chocolate Sea Salt Caramel Tart from Carpenter & Cook, $6.50

Green Banana Cake and Caramel Popcorn cake from The Pantry @ Shop Wonderland

Food in Singapore is a lot more than these sweet treats. I unfortunately didn’t take enough photos of the food I’d consumed.

While in Singapore, I also did a lot of exploring – on my own, or with friends. I love feeling like a tourist in the city I was born in (though Death Cab for Cutie disagrees and I am also really lame).

Raffles Hotel

My cousin, Shafiqah, and I headed down to this popular landmark to visit an exhibition. I like being in here because I forget that I’m in Singapore – although ironically most tourists relate this place to this little island.

Windowshop exhibition by Dawn Ng

Ann Siang Hill

Probably one of the last places in Singapore that still boasts old world charm. It’s the perfect hideaway for drinks with friends at bars or cafés. Or you can follow our lead and pass through here to get from Chinatown to Singapore’s business district.

Wearing Zara top, Forcast pants, Kmart Clutch, Lovisa beads and watch

Haji Lane

No trip to Singapore is complete without a trip to Haji Lane and its surrounding areas. I love Haji Lane for its constant abuse of colours.

Elffin & Elffin café

Books at Soon Lee

Shop with the prettiest front at Wonderland

Wearing top from Zalora, Asos pants and Lovisa accessories

We also took a short stroll from Haji Lane to a Very Small Exhibition by The Letter J Supply at Shaw Towers on Beach Road.

I was being all picky trying to find a dolphin pin out of a whole container full of animals. No, I didn’t find my dolphin.

I did find these two cuties though for $5 a pin!

Wearing Zara top, vintage skirt from Editor’s Market and F21 clutch

Tiong Bahru

As one of the oldest housing estates in Singapore, Tiong Bahru was recently given the treatment it needed to inject vibrancy into this quiet and mellow neighbourhood. It is now filled with gems hidden in each and every nook. You can find plenty of cafés here as well as boutiques that offer local or exclusive products.

Plain Vanilla Bakery

Woods in the Books

The Dispensary

Remnants of Singapore’s past

Fell in love with the typography and attracted to the concept of these jars found at Bloesem Shop

Taken by the lovely Irene, owner of Bloesem. Here I’m wearing vintage yellow pants found in Northbridge, beaded necklace from a shop in Mandurah and Decjuba‘s clutch

Err, one pants two ways?

Coincidentally, I had worn the same pair of pants taken on my last visit to Tiong Bahru. What can I say? This girl’s been rotating her minimal wardrobe for a month now.

Speaking of wardrobe, here are some of my buys in Singapore:

Floral dress (worn earlier in the post) and candies from Grammah, botanical top from Bysi, tote bag and brooches from wheniwasfour and card by Teresa Lim

Parrots clutch from C.A.M, Bak Choy tote and 70s plates from Oddyssey – Odds & Whatnots

Pink Pointed Pumps from Charles & Keith, $79.90

I bought the above pair (trust me, there’s one for my left foot) to commemorate the start of a new job! Yes, I am moving on to a full-time, office working environment. Not exactly my childhood dream … but this will hopefully get me there one day!! Which also brings me to the next point: I’m moving back to Singapore come March, leaving practically a week to pack up my Perth life. Heartbreaking.

While I’m upset that I will be leaving my home of almost 6 years now, I’m very much excited to start this new life too! Singapore’s been good to me the past month and I can’t wait to discover more things about my hometown to share with all of you. For more instantaneous updates, look me up on Instagram! @thepocketissue (shameless plug, yay!)

I hope you’ve also enjoyed this post where I’d aimed to show all of you living abroad the good finds in Singapore and to those already here, to constantly keep our eyes open because Singapore really isn’t that boring if you look hard enough – me, included!

x
Hannah

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All images are mine

MELBOURNE – SHOPPING

Whoohoo!! Time to get wild! And by that I mean shopping!

Anyone you meet who’s either been to Melbourne or dreamt of going will tell you that you’lll most definitely have an awesome time shopping … unless you’re my brother. “Who goes to shop in Melbourne!?” – Yah! I know right. I got quite mad when he quipped this! Even if he was joking! >:[

I take my shopping very seriously! This is my curated list of Melbourne shopping. Said list could have been longer if we had more time there.

First up.

Chapel Street Bazaar 
217 Chapel Street, Prahran

Chapel Street Bazaar was one of the first few shopping places we went to. It is a secondhand store sectioned into individual stalls. At first glance, you wouldn’t notice this and would think it’s just one MASSIVE treasure trove but if you look closely, you’d realise the different labels tagged to pre-loved items. One thing to note is that you will most definitely get lost in here because there’s just so many things to discover. I navigated my way through using Google Maps. I’m kidding. But I should have … because I’m certain I didn’t cover every inch of the store. Due to the wide variety of items in here, which are mostly knick knacks, homewares and furniture, the price range is rather vast.

I was incredibly fascinated by this arrangement

Playing dress up at the store, pretending I’m in a You’re Invited To Mary-Kate and Ashley’s Party series

How purdy is that Tiffany blue dish?

There’s so many interesting things to see here at the market! I had a lot of fun showing my sister things from my childhood and fussing over toys we were both familiar with. Having a lot of things to survey can also be overwhelming, so though I really intended to, I left empty-handed at this store. My mom on the other hand, walked away happy with some lace placemats.

Swan Emporium
248 Brunswick Street, Fitzroy

I had heard a lot of great things about Fitzroy – on how it has great shops. I walked in to Swan Emporium because I was attracted to the colours I saw inside the store! It was so bright and wonderful.

Calendars by Rifle Paper Co.

I was thrilled when I saw these Rifle Paper Co. calendars. I am a huge fan of type and illustrations and practically squealed – before letting out a little whimper because I absolutely cannot afford to pay $40 for a stack of paper that’s most likely going to collect dust … even though they are so beautiful.

Besides loving typography and illustrations, I am also a full-on magpie. I was instantly drawn to this bowl of sequined ornaments!

Dressing Room at Swan Emporium

The store also has a saccharinely sweet range of pretty clothes! I fell in love with this dress below.

 Trying out the Underneath the Blossom Tree dress – $69

I really really liked the dress but it was a tad too small for me (Imagine if I had bought more Chez Dré cakes!!) My heart shattered. I was ready to part with $69. When I first jumped on to the site (on the very same day), I saw that my size was also out of stock there! But I’m happy to report that all sizes (except sz 10) are now back up online! If you are interested (;

I did however manage to purchase these deers online …

Deer Christmas Decorations, $12

I posted this same snap on Instagram asking if I should buy any of these deers. There was a resounding yes – but it was too late! I was out of the store by then. I kept thinking about them day and night, going back to my photo gallery and just staring at it, getting lost in their eyes … (freak!) So the moment Swan Emporium posted their ‘New Ins‘ on Facebook (see this is why I LOVE social media), I jumped at it straight away! And I didn’t regret my choice at all! Look at how cosy they are:

Cosying up to Typo skull and watermelon painting by Carris Creatures


Lost + Found Market
1-5 Perry Street, Collingwood

Lost+ Found Market is a lot like Chapel Street Bazaar, except that there’s a lot more clothes than knick knacks here. Tons and tons, and tons of vintage clothes. I was spinning with delirium.

How beautiful are they?

Even though there were a lot of awesome home wares I’ve come across in Melbourne, they were not my top priority. Clothes, shoes and accessories were (sadly but unsurprisingly) and … I was afraid if I’d bought these pretty decorative items, they’ll add weight to my luggage. It turns out that my luggage barely hit the maximum allowance! Dammit.

A bargain queen always assesses the price tag first

I told you I take shopping very seriously

Me in delirium

It was a hot, hot, hot Summer’s day when we visited Lost + Found. I took a while to scavenge through the store leaving my poor family downstairs gasping for (stuffy) air. I’m eternally grateful for their patience as I managed to get an awesome 90s stripe jumpsuit and a hot pink 80s dress! They weren’t particularly bargain-worthy, but I thought, “Hey, it’s my last day in Melbourne. I don’t know when I’ll be back. I’ll probably never see these clothes again so … YOLO!” Uhm, yeapp. So I walked out being almost $100 poorer. 

Camberwell Sunday Market
Station Street, Camberwell 

If there is one advice I could offer about the Camberwell Sunday Market, it’s to head there early enough so you can have plenty of time to browse through the whole two carparks but not too early so as to miss out on the last minute bargains. Simply put, try to get there at about 11am. Trading ends at 12:30pm.

There’s SO many things to look at here. I know I’ve been like a broken record repeating this throughout the post but honestly, there’s no better way to describe it. It is like a ridiculously huge junkyard with awesome stuff. And the most random things. During closing time, a stallholder was fiercely trying to sell off his last items – a big box of old magazines. Now, think about it. Why would anyone want a huge stash of old magazines (where there could possibly be a hell load of silverfish stuck in them)? Well, apparently a lady did. For $1. Or maybe it was because it was just a dollar that she got it? Out of good will? Who knows?

PLENTY of random things huh?

I didn’t take pictures of clothes here because well … I was too busy studying them. I grabbed my buys at the last minute so I guess I had really good bargains: a fairly new Zara blazer for $15, a polka dot top for $4, and two brand new in packaging dress for $31. Whoo!

So very happy!

Lark Store
94 Gertrude St, Fitzroy

Lark is probably the smallest out of this whole list but it is easily my favourite. Lark is full of glitter, colours, girly things, kitschy things, things I can wholly associate with. I felt right at home!

Hello Doormat, $75

I first learnt about Lark through @honeyandfizz on Instagram (don’t you just love social media!?) when she bought this very doormat for her home. Her Instagram feed is lovely too by the way. Her home styling is sick. The kind of sick where it’s all light and bright and full of colours. You know, my kind of sick. Anyway, I have been stalking @larkstore ever since and was dying to get myself one of these doormats! That was before I actually got there and Mr. Conscience asked, “Do you truly need a $75 door mat to welcome people into your home and get stepped on just because it’s so pretty? And I know you love type and all but seriously? Your wage isn’t that fantabulous yet,” he challenged. Mr. Conscience has a point. And also he sounds gay. Fantabulous.

But honestly, Lark is full of pretty things that I can’t rationally afford just yet. That doesn’t stop me from loving it though.

These colourful ceramics were so hard to resist! If only there weren’t so fragile, and so expensive.

Decked out in buys from stores not featured in this post but are just as awesome.
Necklace and sandals from Quick Brown Fox Clothing | Bag from Decjuba

If everything to you is expensive, what did you carry in that big bag? I hear you ask. Well, I got this as a gift for my gardening-loving friend and a spotty washi tape. I kinda just wanted to get something you know?

Last but not least, an honorary mention to Pavement.

Pavement
Various locations

My sister and I stepped into Pavement by accident. Or maybe it was destiny because it was a really good kind of accident. Pavement is actually a store for children between 8-16 year old. The clothes are uber cute and wearable for me (perks of being a shorty) and the stuff there are so girly and just amazing. I immediately felt like I’m 10 all over again. They also do stationery, accessories and perfume/spray ons (that smell really good by the way – better than those celebrities perfumes, if you ask me!) If I had a kid, Pavement would be my go to place! I am also happy to mention that there are stores in WA! Ahh!!

Shopping in Melbourne was really a great experience for me. I just wish I had more time to discover a whole lot of other amazing places too. I’ll be back for sure. For now, I would highly recommend jumping on one of these sites to get your last minute Christmas shopping done!

x hannah

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Images are taken using my iPhone or by my brother, Hafiz

MELBOURNE

The famous Flinders Street in Melbourne CBD bustling at 10 am

Melbourne is the epitome of eclecticism. I’ve been to the capital of Victoria twice before, but all before I was 13 – and honestly, the city is wasted on the young (unless you’re a cool kid like my 10 year old sister who lists “Indie Folk” as her favourite music genre). I have been waiting to go back in years, literally. And I was super super thrilled to finally be there a few weeks ago. I didn’t want to leave! And only did because I spent most of my savings in the city and really should get back to work and start saving again (the cycle never ends).

Our AirBnB accommodation at St Kilda’s – so Scandinavian chic

It was so hard looking for a place to stay in Melbourne only because on airbnb, there’s too many incredible places to pick from! I’m quite sure it took me a week to finally make my decision (“Are you finding for a place to stay or are you after a place to buy?“, asked my charming-but-also-not-very-amused boyfriend). I chose St Kilda because it’s away from the hustle and bustle of the CBD, which my parents indefinitely enjoyed (save for the weekend partying) yet still boasts vitality and character.

This is a lovely apartment with high ceilings and it’s equipped with all the things you’d need – including washing machine, clothes dryer, cooking utensils and even free wifi and Apple TV! Oh, but they don’t provide any hair dryer (which was initially a problem for my mom).

 IGA Supermarket literally just across the street from the apartment

I would definitely recommend staying here if you’re not going to be in the CBD area the whole time. It’s easily accessible with just 2 minutes walk from the tram stations, supermarket is just across the street, a stone’s throw from Luna Park and St Kilda’s Beach, about 6 minutess drive to Chapel Street, 15 minutes to Chadstone mall, 10 minutes to CBD … you get my drift!

Sold? Jump on here if you’re interested. (Seriously, not sponsored or anything – in case you were wondering). Even if you’re not going anywhere for holiday, go ahead and browse through all the different homes up for rent worldwide on airbnb. I LOVE looking through places that I can only dream of going and seeing the different ways people live and decorate their houses across the globe.

Oh by the way, the trams? You have to make sure you purchase your myki card before traveling on them. We weren’t sure how the systems operate in Melbourne and I had innocently thought we could purchase our fare on board the trams … only to find out that there is no such thing. And then it made me wonder if tram rides were free (great if they were!) because I carefully studied the people jumping on the carriages and nobody tapped on their cards. Well, anyway, those were free-loaders. Get your myki cards and pay responsibly to be safe from fines.

In front of the GPO, where you can find brands such as LifewithBird, Acne, Zimmermann and Gorman.

My first day in the city, not knowing where to start!

On Degraves Street where cafes and little businesses are lined

Little Cupcakes on Degraves St

It’s also where you can find Little Cupcakes! We had a little breakfast here before taking the free shuttle to Chadstone Fashion Capital from Flinders Street.

Federation Square, just opposite the iconic Flinders Street station

Federation Square just a few days later

Flowers from Chapel Street and Queen Victoria Market

Florists are abundant in Melbourne, as with street art!

Perry Street in Collingwood, Queen Victoria Market and Ackland Street in St Kilda

We also managed to squeeze in a trip to Luna Park just a day before we left! It’s a pretty small themed park with limited amount of rides, but my siblings and I had a lot of fun! Mostly thanks to my dramatic sister, I guess. She’s afraid of taking big rides so we joined her in taking the little ones – and tried to make them feel frightening – by screaming of course! Though to be honest, some of it were actually pretty scary! Making the best out of circumstances, I’d say (;

Luna Park in St Kilda – free entry but tickets to rides have to be purchased

I love this shot my brother took of us in the bumper car ride.

My sister (in the green car) was hilarious! She was practically stuck in that position for ages no matter how many times she steered the wheel.

Brighton Beach with the colourful bathing boxes

Jumping around like a monkey

I was really happy. Brighton Beach had been on my bucket list for a long time!

St Kilda at sundown

On one of the days, we headed to the St Kilda Beach to watch the sunset. It was amazing. There are restaurants nearby, buzzing with happy crowds, people were laughing, playing on the beach. So cliché, but a great way to end the day, really.

Of course, a trip to Melbourne wouldn’t be complete without having their coffees and dessert! The café scene is ridiculously large in Melbourne, there simply wasn’t enough time to check out even a pinch of it!

 GB Espresso in St Kilda

Seven Seeds, near Melbourne Uni

Sensory Lab on Little Collins Street, Melbourne CBD

Epicure Kitchen Cafe

La Belle Miette – macarons recommended to me by friends

Two of my friends highly recommended these macarons. I always only order and eat Salted Caramel flavour because a) it’s my favourite and b) to keep it constant for comparison. La Belle’s Salted Caramel didn’t particularly blow my mind. I’m still quite happy with the ones we have here in Perth by Maison Saint Honoré.

I got hungry

N2 Gelato in Fitzroy

I know you probably have tried gelato … but have you tried liquid nitrogen gelato? Whatever your answer may be, this pictured cup will definitely Make You So Happy (non-fictional name of said gelato cup)!! It’s made up of milk gelato, miso and caramel peanuts!

Chez Dré on Conventry Street, South Melbourne

Chez Dré was another dessert place that my friend could not speak any more fondly of. I snuck in a visit when we headed to the South Melbourne Market.

Sweet treats

I don’t know if you’ll believe me when I say this, but I am really not much of a dessert person. Shocker? Sure I have the occasional sweet tooth but I’m not one of those “Ahhh!! Dessert!? Yes please!!” type of girl. But … these cakes looked divine. Seriously, just LOOK at it. STARE, if you must.

I bought the strawberry cheesecake to-go even though I’d really wanted to take a lot more than that. At $9.50 a pop though I thought I should just get one to try … because you know, what if I don’t like it? Uhm … SO WRONG! Honestly, I picked the cheesecake with my dad in mind because he had been craving for one, and I bought it to share. In the end, I ended up wolfing it down all on my own, wishing I had bought more. Ugh, it was so perfect. I really shouldn’t let the $9.50 (for a piece of small cake) throw me off!

I will be sharing the places that sucked my money dry in the next post. They’re pretty good though. So good that the things I didn’t physically buy whilst in Melbourne, I purchased online. I know right.. I’m too good of a shopper.

Oh, I will also let you in on a magical place in Victoria that I fell head over heels for. Trust me, you’d wanna know!

Till then,
x hannah

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All images taken by my trusty iPhone or by my brother using his fancy DSLR (don’t know about models)

#MEGHANPLOWMANWORKSHOP

Last Saturday, I had the opportunity of attending an Instagram workshop organised and conducted by the incredibly talented Meghan Plowman at The Tenth State in Crawley.

I know what you’re thinking … a workshop … for Instagram? Are you serious!? 

Yes, in fact, I really am. While Instagram is the popular app where you find pictures of #food, #cat, #dog, #sky and of course, #selfies, it is also at the top of my go-to place to find #inspiration. Styling inspiration to be exact.

Still unsure why would anybody attend a freakin INSTAGRAM workshop? You’re not the only one. My boyfriend was puzzled too.

 Workshop includes free goodies, free coffee and free cupcakes (not pictured)

When I first downloaded Instagram on my phone 3 years ago, I never imagined how big of a thing it would become. No, seriously. I honestly only downloaded it because there wasn’t much of photo editing apps available at that time and Instagram filters were one of the firsts for me! I barely followed anyone and had any followers – it was solely for me to make use of the filter features. Looking back at them now, I think Eugh!!  Photos in X-Pro II – gross! Earlybird? Hipster wannabe! Kelvin … what in the world …
You have to see it to believe it. Do a compare and contrast and you’ll know what I mean.

Default Instagram filters no more!

Now, Instagram is an exceptionally powerful tool in terms of getting buzz and increasing hype. Instagram is such an easy, convenient app, especially when compared to Facebook. Posting photos are easy as and showing appreciation towards them is as simple as a “double tap”. I’m sure I speak for many when I say that I’m so addicted to Instagram that sometimes I would “double tap” to like photos … on Facebook. No, it doesn’t work. But that’s exactly how powerful Instagram is.

Even if you don’t have an Instagram account, as long as you’re hooked on to a social media platform you’re bound to see an Instagram post somewhere – thanks to the “sharing” feature on all these social media avenues.

Some of WA’s creative mummies at the workshop

I attended this workshop alongside other creatives and businesses. We want to make our pictures pretty for a reason! Businesses gain so much from Instagram not only in sales and a wider customer base but also to build rapport with customers themselves. Creatives get to keep in touch with other creatives and along the way gather inspiration from their palm-sized screens and make more magic!

Most of the photos on the blog are taken using my iPhone – and that’s exactly what I use my Instagram for as well. To take pictures and share them. A little like ‘on-the-go’ blogging (let’s not bring in Dayre just yet).I rely heavily on Instagram to get connected. The app makes it so easy to be in the loop of things, and even make new friends! It’s awesome.

Exercising what I’d learnt from the workshop

Meghan’s workshop helped to instil this for me (and for the rest too, I’m sure of it). She gave us tips on how to use Instagram cleverly to help our career goals. Also, to not be a pain in the ass (LIKES 4 LIKES!!! SHOUT OUT FOR SHOUT OUT!!!)

Getting my addiction on

Surprisingly for me who’s already on Instagram 24/7, Meghan’s workshop made me even more addicted to the app. I never thought it would be possible. So now I’m on it 25/7. I even took a picture of the freakin candle in the TOILET at The Tenth State!! It smelled really nice.

Pushing my addiction further

But like I said, Meghan is an incredibly talented lady. And I would highly recommend her workshops in the future.

It doesn’t actually. Just an excuse for me to post up another picture.

x @thepocketissue

ps. that’s “the pocket issue”, not “the pocket tissue” :D

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All images taken using my iPhone

TANGERINE

 

Visited a street lined with Jacaranda trees a few weeks ago. The Jacaranda is possibly my favourite tree right now! How magical does this street in South Perth look!?

 

I purchased this dress from Valleygirl. It comes in lime too, and I had such a hard time deciding on the colour – went with this one because I haven’t had orange in my wardrobe since I was 12.

 

 

 

And in true Hannah style, there must always be one wacky shot.

 

 

Dress – Valleygirl, $24.95 | Clutch – Kmart, $12 | Necklace – Lovisa Harbour Town (5 for $20) | Sandals – Melissa, $33 (from Myer)

It’s summer now and Jacarandas are fast-shedding their purple flowers. I’m so lucky to live opposite a few of the trees.

Posting about my trip to Melbourne soon (:

x Hannah

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All images shot with my iPhone

HEARTLAND

“Heartland” is the AW 2013 range by Singapore’s womenswear brand, hansel. Designer Jo Soh was largely inspired by HDB buildings, which are essentially the island’s public housing system. Most of us Singaporeans live in HDB apartments or at least grew up in one. They are the nation’s solution for a country challenged with limited land area.

Life living in a HDB is incredibly vibrant as you experience different cultures melted under a big roof. Boasting a sense of quirky minimalism, I found the Heartland campaign to be a rather accurate interpretation of this with a whole lot of nostalgia thrown in.

If you have never been to Singapore, I would strongly recommend to take a walk around the “suburban” residential areas of the country – it’s a far cry from the bustling and sometimes claustrophobic nature of Orchard Road. Most of the time, heartlands are your go-to places for hidden gems – from food to beauty services. In fact, in Singapore, kitschy cafes are fast sprouting in the nooks and crannies of these HDB estates. So it is actually befitting for a stylish and sprightly brand such as hansel to take on this concept for their latest collection.

And let’s just say, I never thought I’d sport someone chic wearing printed blocks of flats on her tee or dress … especially not the HDB flats! It just isn’t cool! But hansel has hit home with this range, tugging at our old aching hearts that would cling onto any remnants of our youth.

What do you think about this collection? Would you wear any of these pieces out? I personally like the monochromatic skirt and top best! You should also hop on over to their website and check out their other campaigns – cute as hell!

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All images taken from hansel’s facebook page

CAMBRIDGE STREET

Iylia and I hit up Cambridge Street a couple of weeks ago to have brunch at Piccolo’s Corner in West Leederville. Ugh, I don’t know why we didn’t go to this place sooner but it’s hands down our favourite place to eat in Perth now … yes, even though we’ve only just been there once.

I absolutely fell head over heels for the eclectic interior style. And I’m also a sucker for small cafes like this. Piccolo’s Corner is neatly tucked in a quiet and pretty residential area.

Service is amazing as well! Iylia was interested to purchase another bowl of my avocado mix/salad … and Shanel, the owner, personally came to our table and gave him a quick guide on how to make it at home! How sweet, right?

They even sell NERDS!!

Bluebird Vintage was definitely in the itinerary after brunch. I’m usually good with directions and navigations but this time, I swear I had no idea the store was literally streets away from Piccolo! Score!! Bluebird Vintage is located on Cambridge Street, Wembley while Piccolo’s Corner is located on a road off Cambridge Street in West Leederville … hence the title of this post. Hehe.

Isn’t the changing room pretty at Bluebird!?  A little small, but entirely lovely. Most of the mirrors up on the wall are for sale … but what I really wanted was that Tiffany blue wrought iron chair. I think that’s for Bluebird to keep! ): The store has all sorts of vintage goods that are reasonably priced! From toys to branded shoes.

Words cannot describe how happy I feel when stores have chairs that customers can actually sit on! Whenever there’s somewhere for Iylia to stay comfortably and submerge himself in Scramble and Songpop (two of his favourite iPhone games), I feel at ease shopping! No pressure! Because men who are comfortable are men who won’t complain! HAHA. It’s true. Unless you take like 2 hours to shop … then that’s pushing it.

 Dress – flea market in Singapore, $3 // Necklace – Lovisa, $3 (on sale) // Bag – thrifted from Anglicare, $9 // Shoes – Big W, $15

I purchased a cute 1960s lace shift dress with a not-so-cute price tag so I won’t reveal the cost. Ha! It’s not as bad as you think, but as a bargain queen I am pretty embarrassed at the price I paid. Can’t wait to share it with you!

x hannah

PLUM IT UP

I have been obsessed with repinning images with this rich, dark purple hue. While traditionally suited for Fall, after seeing my friend Michelle wear it as part of her everyday look, I’m honestly convinced it’s made for all seasons! Plum is definitely something edgier and more interesting than your regular pinks, reds, and nude lippies.

With that said, I personally feel that for a woman to pull off this hue, she has to have a certain je ne sais quoi. It’s bold – but of a strong, quiet profile and I … am pretty certain I don’t fall into that category. I probably belong to the happy and bubbly department – plum lips won’t look as cool on me hence diminishing that edgy effect, yet I’m more than willing to give it a go! You just gotta make it work somehow, right!?

Literally making a bold statement with the lips by having subtle makeup everywhere else.

This is more of a dark wine shade – a safer option if you’re not as adventurous! Feathery lashes, strong brows and gold dusted on the eyelids make for a great night out!

When wearing a dark bold lip like plum or burgundy, it’s best to keep your colour palette as neutral as possible. This means dressing in blacks, whites, or browns accented with gold or even pewter to keep it current and elegant … while you turn edgy and daring all at once! Just look at the picture above – it IS possible – without looking OTT either.

If you’re itching for a change, definitely try a little dark lip to update your look! Here are some pretty amazing deals you can get to help kick things off:

I actually own the exact lipsticks of #1 and #2, purchased during my experimental/adventurous phases. The Revlon Just Bitten Lip Stain comes off as a dark wine/berry colour depending on how intense you want it to appear. It’s my go-to product for lazy days! Seriously, super easy wear. Not that long lasting, but crazily convenient to slide on your lips that you wouldn’t even mind touching up the whole day! I’m seen wearing it in this post.

1. Revlon Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stain in Crush, available from Priceline at $17.95
2. Maybelline Color Sensational Lipcolor in Plum Perfect, available from Priceline at $16.96
3. Rimmel London Kate Moss Lasting Finish Lipstick in 004 (Little Black Dress), available from Priceline at $11.95
4. RiRi Hearts MAC Lipstick in Talk the Talk, available from MAC Counters at $36

Dare yourself to get a re-vamp today (get it? cause purple lips are so vampy) and let me know how it goes!! xx

–

Images taken from Pinterest, Google Images Search, Gary Pepper Girl and The Atlantic Wire.

ps. Reliable Youtube Beauty Guru Michelle Phan just released a tutorial on How To Wear A Dark Lip! Great timing, huh?

ACCORDING TO INSTAGRAM …

Oh dear. I’ve been naughty – neglecting this space.

To make up for it, this is my week (or two) in gist. Or in other words, according to Instagram.

#OOTD

Left to right:

1) Perth Glory vs Melbourne Hearts soccer match (1-0 score, fyi)
2) Perth Glory vs Sydney FC soccer match (exact score, if you’re interested)
3) Araluean Botanic Park

Places

1) Toilet in Sayers Sister – one of my recent favourite cafes in Perth. Considering moving in.
2) This is where I have lunch on days that I do my internship – isn’t it charming!? I LOVE this space.
3) Took a much needed cooling down at San Churro Mandurah – it was SO hot that day!
4) The only vibrant flowers I saw at Araluean Botanic Park – the rain started to pour at this point.

COFFEE

I am an avid Flat White drinker … though it doesn’t necessarily mean I am a coffee connoisseur. That’s also because I usually have about 1.5 – 2 teaspoons of sugar with my coffee. Yeapp, I know. I have a sweeth tooth.

1) I tried the Adventure Blend at Sayers Sister which apparently has a mix of floral and fruity notes.
2) Casa Bianchi Flat White matches my iPhone cover – heck yes!

LOML

I don’t know if you are interested in this (ha!) but Iylia and I have been spending our weekends watching soccer matches supporting Perth Glory (of course), as well as ticking off places on his WA bucket list before he goes back to Singapore for good </3. While I’m very happy that he’s finally completed his honours dissertation, I am doubly sad because I will no longer have my favourite buddy. Tears aside, I thought this will be the best time to maximise his WA experience.

We’re always keen to try new places to discover. I’m thinking of going for dinner at KiRi Japanese in Shenton Park over the weekend as well as a day trip to Rottnest Island (can you believe I’ve never been?! Apparently it’s one of the BEST things about WA!!).
If you are a Perthie, share with me your favourites!

Follow me on Instagram @thepocketissue!

x Hannah