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

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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