Thursday, 5 December 2019

Magazine Madness: Sienna Miller: From Factory Girl to American Woman

ELLE UK November 2019 

The reason that I fall in love with fashion magazine, is not only due to it ‘documenting both the culture we live through’, (Storr, 45), but it a combination of piece of art: from the idea of inspiration, the choice of theme, the writings of words, the selection of garment and accessories, the realization of photography, the editing of every page turn and the cover of the girl, even the smell of the paper…. monthly while it released on the shelves, that I know I am the most happiest reader ever be. 

 

Next to Kate Moss, British designer/actress Sienna Miller is yet another cover girl I thrive to add to my magazine collection. She may, perhaps, be always seen as someone’s girlfriend, then someone fashionable, but while she performed in 2006’s Factory Girl as Edie Sedgwick, her several seconds of frowning concentration or the rather hoarse voices, I sense that she has the real deal. In 2012 Sienna Miller and her sister Savannah co-founded eponymous fashion line Twenty8Twelve, which I owned 2 or 3 pieces, I adore how sophisticate the materials and cutline they design, and their individual way to support British independent artists (by inserting the drawing in each clothing label envelope).


Her choppy ride into tabloid reveals that at private, Sienna Miller genuinely possesses both of her rock ‘n’ roll mixing with Bohemian trendy street styles. In ELLE UK November 2019 issue, under the lens of Cass Bird, Sienna is wearing Chloé jumper and skirt with Alexander McQueen military boots, walking boyish on the wooden boardwalk still she looks attractive and elegant on wearing transparent logo bodysuit by Fendi, hiding herself in a tremendous Gucci shopping tote ; those who truly understand their own bodies and develop the very honest fashion philosophy, without the mere sponsorship by stylists or commercial collaboration, definitely own certain level of rare talents, since a lot of homo sapien struggle onto it most of the lives. 

 

Surviving through the mercilessly media hound, it is always Sienna Miller’s goal is to continuously find rich characters with strong arcs, to become a serious actress. If Miller continues to score the role like American Woman, no longer she will be BAFTA or Academy conversations (though I also like her tough heroine image at G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra, 2009) The relief part is there is a rich tradition of women actors from the UK getting higher at career as they age, many securing their widest acclaim in their seventies: Judi Dench, Helen Mirren or Maggie Smith. The flip side of fame acts like double-blade, to reach the balance between the enriched celebrity life and sanity mother is what Miller is long-term game. For who we yearn her smiles and styles, we are pleased to see Miller glowing effortlessly, aging gracefully, shining constantly on the cover of fashion magazine. 

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Monday, 25 November 2019

Fashion Fun Cannes! Chanel Ballerina, Sonia Rykiel Tank Top & Acne Studios Wool Cardigan in French Riviera

November 19-24, 2019, Côte d’Azur, France 

November is my beloved birthday month yet the trickiest season to embark on a sunny journey. In 2016 Berlin provided me drizzling but highly artistic experiences, while the next following 2 years the busy working schedule occupied the travelling plans; therefore, 2019 Côte d’Azur travelling idea must be on execution.  

Choosing the accommodation in the neighbourhood of Nice Ville, commuting to the satellite cities by SNCF for full day tour is the comfortable programme to travel alongside French Riviera. Cannes takes merely 25 minutes away from Nice, return tickets 14, 20 Euros, though film festival season has already gone, Promenade de la Croisette and Le Suquet attract me to explore from the waterfront avenue of Canas. 


Outfits of tour day in Cannes are Sonia Rykiel 66% virgin wool with 34% viscose tank top; under the creative direction of Julie de Libran, the brand’s collections feel fresh, wearable and coolly Parisian. Made in Italy, the hollow design in ivory white matches well with mid-rise Zara Premium ripped jeans, and Chanel two-tone ballerina, which, have been popular since 1957, when Audrey Hepburn first wore them in Funny Face. Made in Italy, the lambskin materials keep style of day trendy while walking at Cannes Harbour and foot comfy during climbing uphill to Museé de la Castre. 

In order to keep warm during cloudy day, layering Chanel AW17 100% wool open cardigan, Acne Studios 38% nylon, 30% wool, 28% mohair and 4% elastane Raya long coat and Acne Studios 100% wool scarf atop of Sonia Rykiel tank top, combining the greyish tone but also casual look to cruise around Promenade de la Croisette. I apply Chanel Rouge Allure Velvet luminous matte No.3 and wearing Chanel AW19 Baroque earrings for the completion of focal outlook. 

As for the photography, harbor next to Palais des Festivals et des Congrès perch numerous luxurious yachts, the further backup with brownish of stony Le Suquet, all together merge into ashy pastel pigment. I kindly request a Chinese couple, a Russian family and an Indian group for the fashion fun photos taking. It’s low and quiet tourism season, the wind is strong after 17:00, occasionally drizzling, at the gate of last refuge of man of the iron mask, unexpectedly stepping a piece of merde, still, Cannes owns her elegant beauty, Cannes always allures me. 

TOP TIP 1: Apply the rouge lipsticks to enhance the greyish hues of outfit and the paleness of skin tone 
TOP TIP2: Layering multiple fine wool cardigans to omit the heavy winter coats during the journey 
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Thursday, 10 October 2019

Tea Time! When Jean-Paul Hévin Greets Jules Destrooper with Kaiser Porzellan

Was, am, and always will be the macarons fan, while me discovering the cute chocolate shop Jean-Paul Hévin at côté cour, 231 Rue de Saint-Honoré, is one of the unexpected mini adventure when walking at Paris rive droite. After a group of American tourists’ shopping, the macarons set of 5, chocolate tablette, sachet palets lait and caramel chocolate bar are coming home with me. 

Teatime in gloomy October with Jean-Paul Hévin from France, Jules Destrooper from Belgium and wild berry green tea from Finland, is the best remedy to stay in delight at very dark moments. Born in 1957, Jean-Paul Hévin, is a French manufacturer of high-end chocolate, who operates stores in Paris, Japan and Hong Kong, has been winning gourmet and pastry awards since 1979. The macarons set of 5, wrapped delicately with plastic stand on golden ribbon, offers crunchy texture but less level of sugar taste. With dark chocolate ganache, Normandy delivers the smell of coffee and sweet of caramel, Cremè Brûlée owns creamy vanilla biscuit and smooth bites, while Praline offers almond sprinkles and milky taste. Jean- Paul Hévin differs from Ladurée, is that the macarons ganache largely based on fine quality of cacao, could be up to minimum 74%; while even combining double-tone biscuits for each piece, the collection of macarons is in brownish hues rather than pinkish kawaii from Ladurée. 


For the chocolate, I love Jean-Paul Hévin sachet palets lait milk chocolate (cocoa maximum 40%) together with macarons, the slim and cute packaging is easy to insert one or two in daily sac and supply my energy whenever I crave for. Chocolate tablette is a perfect souvenir idea, from plain milk to 81% of cocoa, there are various selection from Jean-Paul Hévin chocolate shop. I reserve cocoa 74% Trinidad/Ghana/Ecuador tablette for my teatime, which, the woody and spicy notes, fresh and fermented bean taste balanced and persistent in the mouth, is perfect with wild berry green tea. 

In order to balance the sweetness and reduce the bitterness from macarons and cocoa, wild berry tea from Théhuone (tea house in Finnish) with ingredients of elderberries, strawberries, blackberries and raspberry leaves provides breezy odor, fore the brewing boiled water only requiring 80 Celsius degrees after 4 minutes, perfect together with Jules Destrooper waffle biscuits, for the switch of light and airy taste. The special vanilla ingredients from Jules Destrooper butter waffle, is that Bourbon vanilla pods, originating from the biological cultivation of the vanilla orchid in Madagascar, releases much more flexible and soft smells than the generally dry pods you get from the market.
 

As for the porcelain to enjoy wild berry green tea with a spoonful of rose buds from Varna, Bulgaria, I go for Kaiser Porzellan, established from 1872, Germany, discovered at second hand shop in Helsinki, a 80 ml cup decorated with royal blue of bell flowers, on the edge of cup mouth glazed a copper golden trim. In Germany, most of teacups or saucers are made with hard porcelain. Its main characteristic consists of a high percentage of kaolin (50%) and feldspar icing, which only melts at a temperature of 1,400-1,500 Celsius degrees. This leads to an extraordinary hardness of the glaze, as well strength of the body of teacup or saucer itself. For the macarons and waffles, I match the Kaiser teacup with Lomonosov ceramic plates, in order to create a royal blue tone of tea table. 

Teatime in October after Paris trip, is dark chocolate, wild berry, milky waffles, tiny porcelain with together dried roses in between. 
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Monday, 30 September 2019

Souvenir Spree: Vogue Paris Août 2019, Chanel Baroque Jewelry & Saint Laurent Rive Droite, le Retour de Années 1960

Paris 25-29 2019

We see her through a haze. One of the greatest fashion icons of her generation, Kate Moss’s appeal has also proved unparalleled. From a cover girl to the CEO of model agency, Kate Moss once again returns to grace the front page of Vogue Paris No. 999 August issue, under the neon lens of Inez & Vinoodh, the rock ‘n’ roll muse is wearing glossy velvet blouse from Saint Laurent par Anthony Vaccarello, tipsy eyes and voluminous hair portrait the le retour de années 60-80. 

I have been collecting Vogue Paris & UK since 2005 as long as Kate Moss presenting as the cover girl. Vogue Paris always is in more of the sensual and sexual touch onto photography conveying the current French trend, while about the juicy gossip of Paris chic, is always standing avant-garde among the other social media. The address 213 rue Saint Honoré 75001 has been mythical since the legendary concept store Colette waved farewell since December 2017, in summer 2019, Saint Laurent boutique has grandly opened at the same location. Dubbed ‘Rive Droite’, this new fashion destination echoes the Saint Laurent ‘Rive Gauche’ collection, which played a major role in democratizing fashion and luxury in the 1960s. Imaged by the artistic director of Saint Laurent, Anthony Vaccarello, this boutique blends fashion, lifestyle, and the arts expression, includes exclusive limited stationary and groceries. According to the article from Vogue Paris No. 999, page 43, I set my footsteps at 213 rue Saint Honoré , and ‘Appelle Moi’ lighter is one of my facourite selections, surely I am going to light up scented candles with this black cutie. 

After the training in Paris, my souvenir shopping therefore locates at Rue Cambon 31, for a pair of AW19 Baroque earrings. With Chanel double cc logo engraved onto the oval shape of pearl, decorated with four bleak rein stones on the east-west-north-south direction, in between yet another four pearl de riz, this delicate design wrapped in off-white Rue Cambon 31 jewelry box, along together with the mini paper bag, fulfill my dream of Chanel Rue Cambon collection. 

For the photography of souvenir from Paris, Chanel AW19 Baroque earrings placing on the position of ears of cover girl Kate Moss, while the Rue Cambon 31 jewelry box situates at upper top right, the white camellia flower lightens up the rather darker tone of magazine cover, Rouge Allure NO. 4 gives out a bit of focal points of the flat lay. Saint Laurent ‘Appelle Moi’ lighter echoes Kate Moss wearing velvet blouse from Saint Laurent par Anthony Vaccarello, also as if Moss is whispering to our ears ‘call me’. Chanel Fall-Winter 2019-20 RTW pre-collection campaign photography postcards by Leila Smara, express the romantic touch of La Seine, and enclosed the negative film of these photo shooting is one of the marvelous design of postcards ever!
YSL 
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Friday, 20 September 2019

Fashion Fun Wien! American Apparel Disco Pants x Chanel Espadrilles on Month of Sundays in Vienna, Austria

September 13-16, Vienna, Austria 

Having been planning with parents to reunite in Vienna since August, not only do I schedule my own city tour, but also track the weather forecast, in order to travel trendy and light. Departure at 08:30 from Helsinki, carrying American Tourist cabin luggage and Chanel leather mini tote, safely and sound I arrive at Wien at 10:00 am, on Friday the 13 with 25 Celsius degrees. 

Located in the neighbourhood of St. Stephen’s Cathedral, The Plague Column (Pestsäule) is a Holy Trinity monument located in the Graben shopping area. Under the comment of Habsburg emperor Leopold I, erected after the Great Plague epidemic in 1679, the Baroque memorial with Nine Choirs of Angles, is one of the most prominent sculptures conveys the complex iconography of Austria. The basic message of the column is that the plague and the Ottomans’ Second Siege of Vienna (1683), both of them punishments for sin; In addition, the western face dedicated to God of Father, while the eastern face is associated with Son of God, and the northern face, which belongs to the Holy Spirits, all together  establish a connection between the sacral design and the Habsburg monarchy. 


Meeting parents, auntie and the other tour members at the most recognizable column, joining them the afternoon tea time and dinner, the outfit code of mine is casual but a bit edgy. American Apparel Midnight navy Disco Pants with 90% nylon and 10% Spandex is ultra flattering, with heavy woven fabric shaping and moving during the city walk is easy. Chanel glittering lambskin espadrilles with cotton woven logo provides the feel of holiday; together with straw knit top in milk white by Month of Sundays, balances a rather darker bottom tones. 

Milla Kettunen, the designer behind MONTH OF SUNDAYS, always greets me in lovely spirits while we meet either at her previous Helsinki studio or at Design Market 2019. The label’s can be traced back to the 50’s where the saying was used to define an unpredictable long period of time. Therefore, Month of Sundays refers to brand’s ageless with high quality materials; my knit top of the day was made in Italian-spun dry cotton, rolling hem design allows the piece reversible, which subverts the front-back concept of an item. The milky white colour is a great combination with Chanel SS18 100% cashmere dark blue/white stripe cardigan. 


As for accessories, Chanel leather tote with quilt and chevron patterns can restore Chloé sunglasses, cosmetic pouch, long wallet, map of Vienna, mini snacks, monthly schedule and even more, for instance, family souvenir from Taiwan and Czech Republic! The discreet design of 0-logo and ruthenium zipperavoid my worry of theft on the road, still convey the high quality of the house craftsmanship.

At Holy Trinity monument, I even instruct my dad how to dodge the photo bombs, nail the zooms for the fashion fun photography within 20 minutes before the group dinner at Gösser Bierklinik near Graben neighbourhood. This how I meet my parents during Autumn Festival (中秋節): They spend 13 hours from Taipei and I departure early from Helsinki. 3D plus my auntie share the funniest conversation in a month of Sunday, Vienna, Austria.  

TOP TIP 1: Bring a light weighted cashmere/wool cardigan to prevent the ultra sunlight without spreading over doze of UV cream 
TOP TIP 2: milk cream colour is good combination with midnight blue, hazel orange or pastel pink 

Special Thanks: Mom & Dad & Auntie 

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Sunday, 1 September 2019

Cuisine Crush: Street Food Festival Helsinki 2019

Asian Food Festival August 31st, 2019 

Street food market is becoming a trendy event in Helsinki after 2010s. They are held at Esplanadinpuisto or Kamppi Square, those open-air kitchens are from China, India, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Taiwan, Thailand, Vietnam or even Turkey; each tent gives exotic spice odor, various tones but the very same big smiles. 

Following the long queues without any clue is one of the best ways to discover something new at street food market. Those creaking sounds from one meter-length diameter iron pan are standing-by extra large size Tibetan momo dumplings. On the square table covered with poppy red cloth, the dough is rolled into small circular flat pieces. The filling is then enclosed in the circular dough cover either in a round pocket or in a half-moon or crescent shape. The dumplings are then cooked by steaming over a soup (either a stock based on bones or vegetables) in a momo-making utensil called mucktoo. Flavours choosing between buffalo, pork or cabbages, these crispy bottom with chewy thick-skin dumplings are juicy on the fillings; dipping with ultra chili red sauce and Tibetan pickles, merely 8 of a plate is making me almost half-full. The Tibetan chef lady moved to Finland during the 1990s, though not particularly fluent in Finnish, exactly similar to her young son, their cheeks are as happy as blushing apples. 

Being as Vietnamese popular street food, Phở is a bowl of soup consisting of broth, rice noodles (bánh phở), herbs, and meat (usually beef) (phở bò), sometimes chicken (phở gà), while the origin is poorly documented, it is believed that Phở invented between 1900s near Hanoi. Phở is homophonic to ‘rice noodles’ (河粉) in Cantonese, according to linguistic map, during the early 20th century, the South-eastern cost line of Asia reside millions of Cantonese speakers. 

My bowl of Phở at Asian Food Festival Kamppi Square is served with a specific cut of flat rice noodles in clear beef broth, with thin cuts of beef (Medium rare fatty flank and lean flank), featuring slow-cooked tendon and tripe. The family from Northern Vietnam cook the soup made by simmering beef bones, oxtails, flank steak, charred onion, charred ginger and spices. I like how Phở soup is garnished with fresh ingredients such as green onions, white onions, Thai basil, fresh Thai chili peppers, lemon or lime wedges, bean sprouts, and cilantro. It is also customer’s choice to add up several drops of fish sauce, hoisin sauce, chili oil or hot chili sauce as wishes. The Vietnamese chef is serving Phở to my mini table, speaking a ton of local language to me, I only can reply and smile him in both English and Finnish: Thank you so much sir, I surely enjoy it a lot. 

TAPIOLANPÄIVÄ Street Food Festival August 31st, 2019

Being as working-class street food in the United States, the sausage of Hot Dog used is the wiener (Vienna sausage) or frankfurter (Frankfurter Würstchen, also called frank), which, the preparation and condiments vary regionally, typical condiments include mustard, ketchup, mayonnaise, relish, and common garnishes include onions, sauerkraut, jalapeños, chili, grated cheese, coleslaw, bacon, and olives. The term hot ‘dog’ has been used as a synonym for sausage since the 1800s, possibly from accusations that sausage makers used dog meat in between the buns. My choice at Tapiola Street Food Festival is German style, without cheesy garnishes, crumbles of bread are delicious to elevate the flavor of the Frankfurter Würstchen. 

All-year round available as Finnish staple street food ‘muikku’, also known as the vendace or as the European cisco, is a species of freshwater whitefish in the found in lakes in northern Europe in the Baltic Sea. The length of an adult is normally about 20 cm, while a school of pan-fried muikku in my dish is approximately less than 8 cm. Never ever as a fan of smashed potatoes, the basic portion supports me satisfied enough for the lovely street food day of August, 2019. 
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Saturday, 10 August 2019

Fashion Fun Suvilahti! American Apparel Disco Pants & Louis Vuitton Uniform Blazer Rock Together with The Offspring in Suvilahti, Helsinki

July 25, 2019, Helsinki, Finland 

Suvilahti was a construction area of steam turbine electrical power plant and gas plant in 1909/1910 by the architect Selim A. Lindqvist. While the power plant was closed in 1976 and gas production ended in 1994, the facilities were being renovated for the use by artists and other cultural activities, and the large courtyard is used for outdoor events. By taking metro at Kalasatama, Suvilahti is easily accessible from REDI shopping centre, perfectly for the music festival without worrying accommodation or public transportation for those who live Helsinki area. 

Come out and play, all I want is to mix and match with hot pants and blazer at The Offspring gig in July 2019! Made in the USA, American Apparel 90% nylon, 10% elastane disco hot pants, is an easy and comfortable pair for the punk rock event. Matching with Zara 100% cotton oversize V-Neck black t-shirt and baby pink fishnet stockings, the whole tone avoids too bleak during summer season but keeps the spirit of rebellion. Louis Vuitton 100% polyester black blazer, made in Slovakia, is a uniform souvenir while working at LVMH. Decorated with LV logo copper buttons alongside with hand pockets designs (where I can easily reach lipsticks and sunglasses without zipping my sac during the gig), this practical piece owns the understated luxury and multi-matching possibilities. 


Having been The Offspring great fan since the studio album Smash released in 1994, I am totally nodding my heads while Dexter Holland howling his Self Esteem to Come Out and Play, enjoying his nearly confession-diary lyrics. Indeed the small town life in Garden Grove, California may contain unplanned pregnancy, unemployment, drug addiction and suicide case, which, are never pleasant to raise the excitement of ears; nevertheless, Mr. Holland’s experiences are highly social realistic, the lyrics of The Offspring convey more powerful emotions in comparison to a lot of cheesy refrain pop punk bands. 

After ‘Come Out and Play’, at the break, the guitarist Noodles, interviews with the front man: ‘Dexter, if you could play cover of any band, any band of the world; what band would you cover right now? Mr. Holland quickly jokes, ‘Ed Sheeran, is that kind of the band?” The audience is humming; undeniably, it is a great sense of humour just right after Divide Tour held in 23rd July, though never offends me as being Ed’s huge fan. 

The most touchy part of the whole gig, is that Dexter playing piano solo for A Lot Like Me, while the studio version fromRise and Fall, Rage and Gracestill holds rather heavy guitar layers, nearly the feels of Linkin Park; while the live version in Suvulahti is more of melancholic sonata. ‘Why Don’t You Get A Job’ gathers most of our laughter, ‘Pretty Fly (For a White Guy)’ prolongs the guitar prelude, after ‘Uno Dos Tres Quatro Cinco Cinco Seis’, the stage lights turn peachy pink, and ‘you know it’s kind of hard, just get along today.’ 

From 1984 to 2019, Dexter and Noodles’ bad jokes and boyish voices remain as playful as the Americana era, indeed the members are not jumping or running around as energy overload pink rabbits, the whole gig lasts merely 90 minutes, as yet, All I Want is some great Smash for Time to Relax. 

Special Thanks: JMH
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Monday, 5 August 2019

Accessories Accede: What’s In My Miu Miu Matelassé Camera Sac?

Q&A in Helsinki, Finland 

Miu Miu is for Music! Tell us about Miu Miu Matelassé Camera sac. 
Matelassé is a weaving or stitching technique yielding a pattern that appears quilted or padded, which is a heavy, but actually has no padding within the fabric. The name meant to mimic the style of hand-stitched quilts made in Marseilles, France. This poppy red Miu Miu Matelassé camera sac was purchased at Nina’s final sale in summer 2018, until Ed Sheeran Divide Tour in 2019 is its maiden exposure. 

Tell us how to make the mini sac as the most spacious dimension. 
Collect the sample-size of cosmetics or perfume while requesting at counter, take the thick mobile cover off, remove the metallic chain of keys and wear sunglasses as the hair band! 


Chloé ivory white acetate sunglasses have been always my favourite on the go. 

IPHONE SE is yet another backup plan while IPHONE 6 PLUS is at low battery. 

Ed Sheeran 100% cotton wrist bracelet is my very own souvenir besides large amounts of photos, videos and great memories. 5 EUR is over pricing, while the embroidery of Divide Tour logo is still detailed made. 

Chanel DIMENSIONS mascara noir 1,5g offers sufficient amount to survive at least an entire weekly need. Though a sample with a mere length 7cm, the cap of mascara is still delicately carved with Chanel CC logo. 

Chanel HYDRA BEAUTY CRÉME is perfect for normal to dry skin. Exposing under the Nordic summer sunshine at music festival, my facial skin requires hydration protection as an instant moisturizing facial mask. 5ML is also the good travel companion while having a weekend getaway. 

Chanel ROUGE ALLURE liquid powder 958 Volupté owns hydration function prevents the dullness of lips, quick lip colour for the snap shot, and the coherent cheek blush to enhance the big smiles while watching Ed Sheeran on stage! One tube two ways!

ROHTO Lycée Blanc eye drops, purchased in Okinawa, Japan, improves metabolic activity of eyes with Vitamin 6 and treat eye itchiness, is the rapid remedy during the long hours outdoors. 12ML with cheery pink tone, its unique micro-emulsion formula delivers relief in non-blurring drops, more of a skin-deep cutie item. 
LANCÔME le crayon khôl 01 noir is both eyeliner and brow pencil. With size 10CM, 0,7 grammes, is the freebie from the 2018 Christmas gift set. 

BYREDO SUNDAZED eau de parfum 2ML is the freebie while purchasing scented candle in Helsinki. Launched in 2019, this unisex fragrance owns Californian lemon and Mandarin orange as top notes, neroli and jasmine sambac in the middle, completes with white musk and cotton candy as under tones, lasts on skin around 5-hour term. 

HSBC platinum credit card and apartment keys are no doubt the tiniest essentials in my Miu Miu Matelassé Camera Sac. 

CHAO AND EERO Bubble rings composed with fresh water pearls from Japan and 18K gold from Finland, are always the elegance touch of hands. 

CHANEL Byzantine crimson stones and dangling pearls give my music festival outfit the additional fun! 
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Tuesday, 30 July 2019

Fashion Fun Avec Ed Sheeran! Galway Girl Look: Alice + Olivia Silk Dress x Louis Vuitton Uniform Blazer x Chanel Sequin Loafers at Ed Sheeran Divide Tour, Helsinki

23 July, 2015 Malmi Airport, Helsinki 

Helsinki Malmi Airport (Helsinki-Malmin lentoasema, HEM) located in the North Eastern of the city centre. After the opening of Helsinki Airport in 1952, Malmi Airport is still actively used in general aviation and flight training nowadays. In July 2019, exceptionally used as a concert venue for Ed Sheeran’s Divide Tour, which became the most attended in music history of Finland with over 100.000 visitors over two days. 

The group of four of us finally arranges to drive to Malmi from Kamppi, Helsinki. We have lunch together at Sushi Bar + Wine, after half an hour of reviewing Ed Sheeran’s hits and exchanging conversation in car, we arrive at the gate of gig around 16:45. 

Outfits of the day at Divide Tour is inspired by Ed Sheeran’s multi-platinum smash Galway Girl from his 2017 album ÷, the Irish folk style of the lyrics and violins bring the touch of campus freedom; therefore, made in Slovakia, Louis Vuitton 100% polyester 2015 uniform black blazer (the lining is 67% acetate and 33% polyester) with soft-shoulder padded and shining copper buttons, is the practical piece to style up with Alice + Olivia 100% Lilla washed-silk black mini slip dress. 


Launched by Stacey Bendet in 2002, Alice + Olivia has become synonymous with NYC glamorous tailoring and flattering cuts. The label’s playful and feminine silhouettes are enhanced by its use of exquisite fabrics and intricate embellishment. Purchased at clearance sale via theoutnet.com, Lilla slip dress provides 100% silk lining for the comfort wear during the high temperature at gig, while at the back of the dress attaches the tiny metallic plate carved with A + O abbreviation of the brand. Owing both carefree and cute elements, the silk dress is perfect together with Chanel patent leather sequin loafers. The low heels are easy to walk around at Malmi Airport, the shining details of the sequin contrast the black blazer and slip dress, and the point-toe shape with CC logo bring out a slight feel of pop-rock while completing Le Look by adding up the black fishnet stockings. 

As for the accessories, Chloé ivory white acetate sunglasses are my all-time essential; Chanel Byzantine crimson stones with dangling dew pearls are matching with the rosy Chanel ROUGE ALLURE liquid powder 958 Volupté, for both cheek blush and lip colour. All the music festival needs are available to restore inside of the pockets of Louis Vuitton uniform jacket, easy to move while the opening artist, James Bay shouts ‘If You Ever Want to Be in Love’, oh indeed, I am around.

On stage (only 20 meters away from Ed!), Ed Sheeran chats, croons, hosts, sings, plays, synthesizes all by himself: “This is so cool! Thank you so much for coming up at the airport!” I first get to familiar with Ed’s folk-pop while traveling in Madrid, 2011. From + ‘The A Team’, 2014 x ‘Give Me Love’, 2017 ÷’Shape Of You’, Mr. Sheeran’s slightly husky voice warms up our memories. During the performance of ‘Thinking Out Loud’, the injection of blue-eyed soul in the song is romantically enjoyable, the lyrics stabs the reality in bold (‘When my hair’s all but gone and my memory fades/And the crowds don’t remember my name’, we audiences are moaning a bit), and ends the notes with key D major in slow tempo than the original 78. The visual background of ‘Thinking Out Loud’ is a couple’s silhouette animation, with the pinkish effects of thousand stars and movement of planets, from the juvenile to eldership. Ed plays guitars in tender way, completes ‘And we found love right where we are’ in firm and sweet smiles. 

‘Thinking Out Loud’ is, and will be, one of my favourite songs from Ed Sheeran, in order to indicate a beloved soul of mine, to record several great Karaoke nights we enjoy, and those insightful but funny moments we share in a mysterious way. I almost also shed tears during Ed crooning ‘I See Fire’, which, a soundtrack of the 2013 film The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug. This surprising choice reminds me those good old academic days doing research on J. R. R. Tolkien masterpieces, running back and forth to the library and professors’ offices. Despite having any cello player on stage, Ed delivers the heroic stories of brotherhood from the Shire to Helsinki the reality, by characterizing with gently strummed acoustic guitar and melancholic sound, the silence is lingering beyond the Middle-Earth. 

TOP TIP 1: Loafers, ballerinas or espadrilles are flat and confortable at gig, the full coverage of the design protects the toes among the crowds 
TOP TIP 2: Shorts or mini dress are effortless to mix and match with denim or uniform jacket for the Irish campus style

Special Thanks: Aimee & Chen, Eva  
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Saturday, 20 July 2019

Fashion Fun Riga! Chanel Sequin Loafers & Wool Cardigan with Armani Exchange Vintage Cruise in Riga Old Town, Latvia

June 30-July 2 in Riga, Latvia 

Silja Line offers the summer special route from Helsinki to Riga; accommodation, four buffet meals and various entertainments are inclusive, departures at 17:00 from Helsinki West Harbour Terminal 1, arrives at Riga 11:30 the next day, we have in total 8 hours on land. Focusing the old town region, along River Daugava, House of Blackheads, St. Peter’s Church, Riga Dome Cathedral, Latvian National Opera and Freedom Monument are definitely not missed, and more of my favourite is to cruise around at the pebble roads, searching the beautiful doors and café, and Three Brothers is the must-visit for the fun of fashion. 

Riga reaches up to 25’c on First of July, combining easy and trendy dressing code in old town is to mix and match with Chanel, Armani Exchange and Zara. Chanel 18P with 54% wool and 46% cotton dark blue cardigan is the courtesy from the House of Chanel, it can be worn as single piece or button-opened as casual blouse; Zara V-neck black t-shirt is the summer bargain, 5 EUR, is always good to tie a knot, mix with either a mini skirt or ripped jeans, to create a more of cool feel. Armani Exchange 100% polyester mini skirt is a rare choice when I was staying in Kaohsiung City (2006-2012), since normally I do not go for non-degradable materials. While Armani Exchange mini skirt has a rather sexier length, matches with fishnet stockings, it’s easy to move and at the same time a bit touch of Rock ‘n’ Roll. 


Choosing sequin than soft calfskin, Chanel 18AW lace-up derby stretch loafers provide both comfort and style. The shining copper, and black lambskin inner sole hot stamped the gold tone of CHANEL font with blue and black sequins hand-sewn on the patent calfskin, lightens up the dark side of the outfits. The only concern is that the bottom sole is made with 100% calfskin, therefore, piling up several layers of 3M tapes is the fast way to protect the delicate craftsmanship. 

Located at Maza Pils Street, the legend of Three Brothers due to the buildings were built by three men from one family in the 15th, 16thand 17thcentury. The building at 17 Maza Pils Street is the oldest, which the exterior is characterised by crow-stepped gables, Gothic decorations and a few early Renaissance details. Originally the building consisted internally of one large room and an attic in use as a storage space. The house was restored in 1955–57 by architect Saulitis.


The neighbouring house, 19, has an exterior dating from 1646, with a stone portal added in 1746. The style of the building shows influences from Dutch Mannerism, and the last house of the three, located at number 21, is a narrow Baroque building. At 21stcentury, the premises house the Latvian Museum of Architecture and still retain their original charms. 

For the photography, it’s a pure luck to have a fewer tourists getting closer around noon. The darker side of the outfit of day with Chloé ivory white sunglasses, Chanel 17 Cruise collection lambskin dark blue and evergreen flap bag, backing up with the greenery and pale yellow walls of Number 19 and 21 Maza Pils Street, after the pose striking, the adventure of Riga Old Town is to be continued. 

TOP TIP1: Wearing a light weighted cardigan to prevent the UV and the possible changes of weather during the trip
TOP TIP2: Mix the feminine look with a touch of unisex accessories: derby loafers or a pair of aviator sunglasses 
Special Thanks: JMH
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