Travel | El's Top 5 Favourite Areas to Shop in Hong Kong (Part Two)

Hello again!

Welcome to the continuation of my list of top 5 places to visit in Hong Kong! If you have not read the first part, click HERE.

Anyway, let's continue on with the shopping wonderland called Hong Kong!

Travel | El's Top 5 Favourite Areas to Shop in Hong Kong (Part One)

Hello everyone!

Welcome to the first part of my top 5 areas to shop in Hong Kong. I thought I'd split this list into 2 posts since it might be too much text to digest at once.

Hong Kong is known for its food, rapid pace of life and of course, SHOPPING! I love shopping in Hong Kong since there are so many kinds of shops available for people with different budgets. From cheap deals to great steals, there is something to be found in HK for everyone.

Having stayed in Hong Kong for almost 3 months, I have discovered some new favourite places to shop beside my usual hangouts. Being an avid shopaholic who loves a good deal, I thought that listing my top 5 shopping areas would be useful for fellow shopaholics visiting Hong Kong. The places I am listing here are all easily accessible by MTR. If you're curious to know more, read on!

4 Ways I Wear a T-shirt

Hi everyone!

It has been a while. Like the title says... this post will be featuring 4 ways I style a T-Shirt.

Why a T-shirt?

A T-shirt is a closet staple in everyone's wardrobe. It's comfy, stylish, and super versatile. Hence a wide range of T-shirts can be found from your nearby market to designer racks. Everyone has got their favourite shirt where every seam just seem to hit the curves at the right part. Plus, everyone has their own favourite way to wear their t-shirt, be it with jeans or shorts. So today, I will be showing you my own 4 favourite ways to wear a shirt.

Anyway, remember this look?

#Denim Jacket Showdown

It's from our very first #SSS Denim Jacket Showdown! This post will feature 4 other ways to wear this fabulous shirt which has been very well worn and loved.

#1- Simple and Straightforward

The ever classic, straightforward way to wear a shirt is to wear it with jeans. Except mine is the Singaporeanised version-- denim shorts! The T-shirt + Shorts combination is forever popular here in our sunny weather. Plus the colour scheme of this outfit is also simple but striking.

#2- Rugged Casual

Another T-shirt + Shorts combination! Except this time it's paired with a plaid button-down which acts as a jacket for me and black chunky boots. I was going for a rugged look so I added some leather bracelets. This look is wearable for everyday I would say. It's great for transitioning from the cold indoors(aircon!) to hot outdoors.

#3-Summer Casual Formal Style

Here's a look that ups the style of the T-shirt by incorporating it into a casual formal look! A straight cut skirt and a soft blazer makes the outfit appear more put together.

#4- Ready to Have Fun

Lastly, a look to wear when you're out for a night of fun with friends!

A pair of black skinny jeans + T-shirt + Heels= Ready to kick ass.

I love how my black jeans has this gold zip detailing which adds edge to the outfit. To brighten up an otherwise black and white outfit, I added in my bright coral heels and a neon yellow bangle. If it hasn't been noticed by now, I really like to dress simply most of the time. 

Thanks for reading! Hopefully this will give you ideas on how to wear your t-shirt next time! Also, I'm playing around with the colour filters options in the editing software a bit so that's why the colours look different from the usual. What do you think of it? Comment and share below with me how you would wear your favourite T-Shirt! 

Till next time.

Love,

El   xoxo

Mum's The Word | A What-To-Do Guide 2014

Mother's Day is just around the corner!
Literally 1 day to go.

There's this old Chinese nursery rhyme (video) exalting the greatness of mothers:

"世上只有妈妈好 

有妈的孩子像块宝

投进妈妈的怀抱

幸福享不了

世上只有妈妈好

没妈的孩子像根草

离开妈妈的怀抱

幸福哪里找"

The nursery rhyme is about how a child with a mother is the most blessed and how happiness is only found in the arms of one's mother. Mothers are the noblest beings in the world.

I'm sure you've seen this video floating around:

Indeed, a mother has the toughest job in the universe.

If you haven't been showing your appreciation to your mum, this IS the day to do it.

:)

This guide is for those who still don't know what to do or want to celebrate this day without breaking the piggy bank.

Sometimes, spending time with your mother is the best gift for her.

Your presence is what she wants and values the most.

So, here are 5 things (take your pick) to do with your mother on her special day, special only because of your existence!

Click to read the guide!

5 Questions to Ask for Girls on a Shoestring Budget When Shopping

Hey fashion lovers!

It's spring and I'm sure many of you are shopping (or have already shopped) for new pieces to add to your wardrobe! There are so many spring trends that you may be excited to try, and you just want to buy every floral/pastel/chiffon thing out there. Sure, go ahead. But for those girls out there who are on a tight budget, you can't just buy everything that attracts you. Hence here's my list of 5 questions to ask yourself before buying something.

1. How many times will I wear this? 
Why: It's important to ask this question because if you're going to splurge on a piece, it is a waste of money if you're only going to wear it once or twice. You'll only end up feeling regret when you feel like the money you splurged on that piece of clothing can be better used to pay your (upcoming) rent.

Left: Mango Scarf Print Chiffon Dress,SGD114.96; Right: Forever 21 Vibrant Scarf Print Tank,USD15.80.

The design of the dress on the left has a beautiful and artsy print which I adore. However, the number of ways that I can style the dress is limited compared to the tank. I can wear the print tank in many different ways - e.g. with pants/over a shirt/skirt to get the look I want. For the dress, I can only style it with accessories or jackets and shoes to change the look of it.

ASOS's Glamorous Swing Dress in Summer Stripe,SGD42.36
Basics with interesting designs are always good to splurge on. The interesting design will give your outfit a quirk while also being easy to style with many other pieces since it's a basic. Like this, which has a quirky swing-style skirt but it is also in monochromatic stripes, making it a classy and fun dress to have.

Solution: Find something that you will wear frequently. Calculate the number of venues and occasions that you can wear that piece to. Think of the number of outfits you can create by pairing that item with other articles of your current wardrobe. If you can form quite a few outfits with it, then chances are that you'll wear it lots since it matches many things in your wardrobe.

2. Am I buying this because it's on sale or because I really like this?
Why: It's easy to go overboard when things are on sale. I know that feeling myself. It's like when you see a t-shirt on sale, even if it's not something that you'd usually pick, you buy it because it's 50% off. I make this mistake once in a while. In the end, you end up with clutter in your cupboard and less money.

Solution: Think first before you buy. Don't get carried away by the idea of "OMG 30% off is such a good deal!". Ask yourself questions 1, 2 and other questions on this list first. Another way is that you wait for a day or two. If you're still thinking about it, then go and get it.

3. How many times can I wear this?
Why: If it's a statement piece, like a neon pink trench coat, then there's not many times you can wear it without feeling like you're repeating your outfits. Even if it's something that you really love, a statement piece can only be worn a few times without looking old. Plus, you might be limited to wearing it for one season and you don't wear it anymore because the trend has changed.

Left: White 3D Flower Embellished Jacquard Skater Skirt,USD54.90; Right: Forever 21 Romantic Floral Lace Skirt, USD17.80.
I am enchanted by the 3D flower skirt from Chicwish, but the elegant design of it and the statement it makes results in me choosing to only wear it for formal and special occasions. It's a skirt that people will remember, hence one can't wear it frequently. The skirt also follows the white-on-white trend that is currently popular. If you want floral skirt in your wardrobe but still have that romantic element to it, the F21 lace skirt is a good substitute and you can match it with many outfits.

Solution: If you're looking for statement pieces, try to go for pieces that have attractive details but, at the same time, not too outstanding such that you can't wear it when the trend is over.

4: Is this too expensive? Can I find cheaper alternatives?
Why: Sometimes (or often), things that one is attracted to might not be wallet-friendly. A white T-shirt from a high-end brand may cost $100 compared to the one at H&M going for $7.90. Sure, a T-shirt from a high-end may be made of better materials or whatnot, but nobody will be able to tell the brand or the difference in quality unless they touch you or see the label. It's like makeup--no one can tell whether you're wearing a blush from Chanel or from ELF unless you reveal it.

Left: Chicwish Hot Pink Contrast Cuff One Button Blazer,USD56.90; Right: Forever 21 Statement Making Blazer,USD27.80. 
Both blazers look similar except for the cut and the cuffs. However, if all you want is a bright coral blazer, then F21's blazer is a pretty and affordable choice. It all depends on whether you want to save or splurge. If you love coral and wears blazers lots, the Chicwish's one is worth investing. This is just an example to show that there are similar designs with cheaper prices. 

Solution: Decide if you can really afford such a splurge when you can save by buying cheaper alternatives. Shops like Topshop, Forever 21 and Miss Selfridge offer clothes in designs similar to the clothes seen on the runway shows of high-end fashion brands. Or you can always go online shopping to search for it. 

5: Do I look good in it?
Why: This is the most important question of all to ask yourself. What's the point of getting on-trend pieces or cheap deals if you do not look good in it? If you don't feel like you look great in it, chances are, you will hardly wear it out.

Solution: Try the clothes on and take a photo of yourself in it. Ask yourself:"Do I feel or look good in it?" Ask other people for their opinions if you need one. Honestly, if you've got doubts about the clothes, take a while to think before making the purchase. Unless the store has a really nice return policy like H&M, you need to take the time to learn and see what you like and look good in. Usually when you feel good, you'll look good. And when you look good in it, you'll definitely wear it more often! Hence don't hesitate to splurge on clothes that you feel that you'll get alot of wear out of once in a while. 

I hope this list of questions may be helpful in your next shopping trip! Calculate the amount of money you can afford to spend on shopping that month before heading out. Usually, I go out shopping with an idea of what I might want and what I don't need in my wardrobe. Thus, I usually end up buying clothing that fit along those requirements. What other tips do you have when it comes to controlling your shopping budget? I'd love to hear from you in the comments or through twitter (@ChapalangGirls).

Till next time.
Love,
El   xoxo

Single? Here're 5 ways to ENJOY Valentine's Day

Hello people!
It has been quite a while since a post has been up. Afterall, there was this big event called Chinese New Year, which I shall blog about in an upcoming post.

As you might have noticed from all the blogs/videos/twitter etc, Valentine's Day is coming. There are lots of people excited about Valentine's Day and there are just so many Youtubers etc who are producing content about looking good for V-day. Restaurants and cafes start promoting their Valentine's specials, shops start advertising on the perfect gift for your special half, florists jack up their prices and so on. It gets a little annoying for those who are not celebrating Valentines to go out because it's so expensive to go anywhere(and also because looking at all the couples engaging in PDAs can be sickening). I never really understood what makes Valentine's Day so special, since if you love a person, shouldn't you be treating that person nicely everyday? It's like Mothers' Day--what's the point of showering your mother with love and gifts when you treat her like s*** for 364 days of the year(or maybe 362 days, if you treat her nicely on her birthday and for christmas...). Anyway, if you're single and you want to still celebrate and enjoy Valentine's Day, keep on reading!

1: Get a friend to share in your'misery'. True friends stick with you through thick and thin.  (or get many friends. The more the merrier!)
If you're one of those people who feels extra lonely on Valentine's Day, get some friends and get together for some fun! (According to Wikipedia, Feb 14 is also when Singles Awareness Day fall on.) You can be like the character Kara in the movie Valentine's Day who invites her friends to her annual 'I Hate Valentine's Day' Party or you can ask your similarly single friend(s) out to hang out. Have a movie marathon, or go out for food and drinks together. Since this year's 14/2 falls on a Friday, why not take a short weekend trip and celebrate your single status? Celebrate your single status on this day of love.

2: Disturb Couples who are PDA-ing
This is for those brave-hearted(or really bored) people. This may be a little childish, but it is a lot of fun. If you've got no idea what PDA means, it is an acronym for Public Displays of Affection. This includes couples kissing, fondling, hugging etc. One of the easiest way to disturb them is to just STARE and make it really obvious that you're staring at them. Let them feel the hair on their necks raise up from your creepy,unembarrassed stare. If they confront you, you can tell them that if they're not embarrassed about their disgusting actions, then you're not ashamed to be staring at them. Or you can tell every couple you see engaging in PDA to 'get a room!' or cheer for them. Haha. Their reactions can be quite amusing. Pretend you're drunk if you're feeling a little scared or just sincerely tell them that you wish them the best in their relationship(if they're angry that they got disturbed).Make up a stupid reason. Why? Because it's fun. :)

3: Gift your friends
V-day is not just limited to couples to celebrate. It is also a day to show your friends how much you like them. Make a tiny gift bag for them to show your appreciation, like giving them lip gloss, chocolates, friendship coupons or just a hug. I am sure your friends would love receiving things from you on V-day. Seeing your friends happy will definitely make you happy (for me at least.)

4: Treat yourself
Book yourself an appointment at your favourite beauty place or spa or salon and pamper yourself with massages, manipedis or a beautiful hair blowout. They'll make you feel special and beautiful if you feel like you need a little encouragement. For those beautiful girls on a budget, go home early and have your own DIY pampering session. Do a face mask, exfoliate and massage some body butter into your skin and do your own manicure! Even better, get a friend and you can do each other's nails (and have a sleepover too!).

Use Soap&Glory's body butter! It smells amazing and makes my skin uber soft! (Pic from Soap & Glory)

5: Sleep
For those of you who have been dealing with deadlines and have lists of things to do, sleep is the best thing to have. Instead of doing things when you reach home, go and grab an extra few hours of sleep. It'll give you a good recharge and you'll feel wonderfully refreshed when you wake up :) Lack of sleep can cause mood swings and you really do not want to be grumpy all the time due to insufficient sleep. Those extra few hours of sleep might just give you the extra glow that will attract a potential guy! ;)

Alright, that's 5 ways to have fun this Valentine's Day! I'm sure you probably have many more things planned for valentine's day. Well, for those who've not (and are not going to) signed up for singles' meeting events and speed dating etc for this V-day, you're not alone. I'm happy being single and these 5 tips are probably what I'm going to be doing this Valentine's. I hope you've enjoyed reading this post and have a good Valentine's day(whether you're single or attached)!

Till next time,
Love
El   xoxo

Christmas Outfits by El

Hello people!
So who's excited for Christmas? I hope you are! Unless you're like me. I'm actually starting to feel tired of waiting for Christmas, since I got all too excited waaaaaay too early(like in October). I started planning my gift list and singing Christmas carols in the shower in October because I knew my essays and exams will eat into my time later. It's starting to feel like Beckett's Waiting for Godot for me, where everyone just keeps waiting for Godot to appear but he never comes...

Seriously, 2 more days to Christmas and it feels so far away! I'm actually not doing anything special on Christmas day itself(but I do get to go out with friends the next day yay!). But this post is about what I'd wear for Christmas, so let's all pretend that my life is quite happening and I've got some great gathering to go to. I'm gonna show 2 outfits (one casual + one glamorous) that I think would be great outfits to wear for Christmas.

OUTFIT #1-Street style
First up, a more casual outfit that is on a bit of the cool side:

Outfit- Asymmetrical white tank: NA; Dark green skirt: Forever 21; Black buckles boots: taobao, brown sweater: Cotton On, Black bag: NA.

So I decided to have a skirt+boots combination because I like that it gives it a sense of edginess(I think my boots look like what I'd imagine knight boots to look like haha.) For contrast, I chose a white, flowing, asymmetrical blouse which is partially translucent( there's this shimmery translucent section at the side that is reveals my body). Asymmetrical tops also has a good slimming effect because it elongates the body. I thus have a bit of feminine elements to soften the hard edges of my knight boots. I put on 'tough' accessories like my yellow studded bracelet and black triangle earrings to round off the look. 

Yellow studded bracelet: Cotton On, Black triangle earrings:H&M.

In case you were wondering about my brown cardigan, I brought it along because I thought I'd be cold that day. It's one of those long, drape-y cardigans that I think is quite cosy.  I tied the cardigan around my waist to create a relaxed vibe and also to make my legs look more flattering.

Yay Kate Spade Saturday is coming!

As can be seen from the picture above, the cardigan will cover the outer edges of my thighs, giving the illusion that my legs are slimmer than they are. I chose brown because it goes well with the green of my skirt. Overall the look is quite cosy and comfortable. It's suitable for a day out of watching movies with friends or gobbling down cakes at cafes. 

OUTFIT #2-Decked in Lace

For a more glamorous look, one can always trust lace to up the wow level in your outfit.

Outfit- White chiffon top: Dorothy Perkins; Lace see-thru skirt: H&M; Red bag: Korea; Heels: Bata.

This is an ultra feminine look to me. Not only does the blouse has chiffon, it also has crochet details AND sequins. That is one huge amount of feminine details packed into it. The feminine air is further enhanced by the see-thru lace skirt I have on. I seriously adore this skirt for the lace details and the fact that it is see-thru. The lace details are really pretty and the lace skirt veils my legs, giving this air of mystery and-- (may I boldly suggest)-- sensuality to the outfit. The purplish grey colour also softens the look, making this outfit great for a fancy dinner party. I wore my coral red heels and took my red quilted bag for a pop of colour so that I will not look too washed out. I find that I neutrals always need pops of colour to brighten the look or else you'll fade into the background (and nobody wants that). A more comfortable shoe alternative would be a pair of ankle or chelsea boots, which will also create a chic look.

A quick look overall at my outfit. I pinned my hair with my favourite pearl clip that I also wore in my monochrome affair post. I also wore a gold bangle but I did not have a good close-up of it >.<. 

And here's a closeup of my top becaue I think all the lace and sequins deserve a picture on its own! 

Makeup

For makeup, I did a red lip with neutral/burgundy eyes and mascara. Red lips always scream festivity on its own, but is pretty high maintenance. Feel free to go with your favourite red tinted lip balm or lip tints that are more fuss-free.

My bareface! I'm actually pretty happy with my skin now since my pimples are clearing away. 

I actually used burgundy eyeshadow but it just did not show up in the camera. Anyway, it's mostly neutral eye makeup as you do not want to have anything else fighting for attention with those red lips! 

These are the makeup I used:

1. Revlon Colorstay Concealer (03 Light Medium). I use this everyday to cover blemishes. 

2. Shiseido Perfect Refining Foundation SPF 15 (O40 Natural Fair Ochre). Awesome foundation that gives medium coverage even though it's liquid.

3. Bourjois Blush (16 Rose)

4. Essence All About Matt! Fixing Loose Powder

5. Catrice Cosmetics Re-Touch Light-Reflecting Concealer(010 Ivory). I use this to cover my undereye area

6. Benefit Browzings Brow shaping kit (medium)

7. Sleek i-Divine Eye shadow Palette(au Naturel 601). For my eyes, I used the colours Conker to line my eyes and a little Mineral Earth to blend the edges.

8. NARS Smudgeproof Eyeshadow Base. This is great as a primer.

9.NYX Single Eyeshadow (Rust)

10. Fasio Hyper-stay Mascara Magne-plus curl long. This has a comb brush with lash fibres that gives me long lashes that do not flake or smudge at all. 

11. NYX Extra Creamy Round Lipstick (Electra)

12. NYX Jumbo Eye Pencil (Pure Gold). I used this as the base colour.

13. NYX Loose Pearl Eyeshadow (Oro). I used this in the middle of my eyelid because it just pops out.

Products that aren't shown:

NYX Slim Lip Pencil (Deep Red). You definitely need to line your lips if you're gonna use red. 

Holika Holika Makeup setting spray. This is pretty good and affordable to use for setting makeup. 

To add an extra oomph to your makeup, add in a pair of false lashes if you're able to. I don't enjoy wearing false lashes so I didn't put on any. You can also swap the red lips with a pink shimmery gloss to add an extra sparkle to your face. 

Well I hope you enjoyed this post! Hopefully it gave you some inkling on what to wear for your Christmas this year! This will be my last post before Christmas so I'm gonna wish you all lovely people a blessed Christmas! Have a great time during this festive season and eat all you want :)

Merry Christmas!

Love,

El   xoxo

P.S If you're wondering about my hair, I permed and coloured it. I'll blog about my experience some other time :)

"Oh no! I'm late!" : A What-to-Do guide for Late Days

Hello everybody! Here's a post those suffering from Monday blues and have overslept: a guide to getting ready for late days! Firstly, let me just say that the things I'm about to suggest are things that I do when I am late. These work for me, if it doesn't work for you, try a routine that suits your style. I'm always oversleeping, so I have to get ready quickly to go out, especially for those early morning classes. However, I cannot ditch bathing or any other hygiene routine( like brushing teeth) because that would be too disgusting... although there was a point in time when I used to skip the brushing and use mouthwash when I was hopelessly late. I know that sounds gross but at least I got rid of the bad breath :P Anyway, this is a guide for those people who are running late but wants to look and feel presentable. It's a list of some of the things I do to cut down my preparation time so that I can quickly rush out. Hopefully, this will be useful for you too for days when you are late for school or work.

*****

#1: Dry Shampoo is your best friend.

I find that washing my hair takes the most time in my shower routine, since usually I shampoo and condition and then have to blow dry my hair. I must blow dry my hair since it'll take hours for it to dry by itself and I hate having the feeling of my scalp being smothered by the moisture in my hair. Sadly, blow drying would usually take out a good 5-10 minutes of my time.  So, the easiest and fastest way to solve this problem is using dry shampoo. I find Batiste's dry shampoo works the best for its price, and it keeps the oil on my scalp at bay for a good 5 hours at least. There's also a mini travel size bottle, which you can put in your bag and spray when you feel your hair getting oily. For me, this cuts down my shower time to 3 minutes instead of the usual 20 minutes. Long haired girls can just braid their hair on the train etc after using the dry shampoo if you're still worried about the smell. Braiding also makes you look like you spent time getting ready and not hurrying around like some madwoman.

Batiste Dry Shampoo's here to save the day! Currently retails at Watsons for arounf $11+ I think.

#2: Always have a go-to outfit ready.

Just cos you're late doesn't mean you have to dress like crap. I'm sure everyone has done that at least once (I know I did. I felt terrible the whole day when I felt like I was dressed to go to the market when I was supposed to go to school.) What I do is to always have a couple of outfits that I know I can count on wearing without looking like a hot mess. Like have a 'uniform for late days', so wear that outfit whenever you're late. Try to have a few if you're frequently running late like me, so you can switch it up and also have a clean set of outfit ready. I tend to pick a dress as it is easy to wear and match. I just slip it on and pair it with a scarf or jacket and I'm ready!

#3: Skip the Makeup Routine

This is for those who put on makeup for school. Don't waste time doing your makeup at home. At most, do the essential step: eyeliner/ mascara (also because I find it embarrassing to put on eyeliner with everyone on the train staring at me). Have a small pouch to store your makeup essentials like mirror, sunblock, BB cream/foundation and lip product etc and bring it out with you to do the rest on the bus/ train or in a toilet at the meeting place before you meet your friends. If you want to travel light, stick to the bare minimum: a compact powder with SPF and a tinted lip balm.

These are usually inside my makeup pouch: 
Etude House Lovely Cookie Blusher in 03 Orange, Bourjois Liner Stylo in Brown, Silky Girl Hi-Definition Brow Liner in 02 Dark Brown, Physicians Formula Conceal Rx in Natural Light, Skinfood Peach Sake Pore BB Cream SPF 20 PA+ in shade 2 and Bourjois Color Boost Lip Crayon SPF 15 in shade 04 Peach on the Beach. Of course you can have different things in yours. :)

#4: Wear comfortable shoes that you can run in.

This is pretty obvious right? Don't wear heels or wedges or anything hard to run in if you're running late(flip flops are not good for running. You'll trip over eventually)--unless you're going to take a taxi or drive. Wear comfy flats or sneakers or sandals( those that strap your feet to the shoe), since you probably will be brisk walking/running to catch the bus or just rushing to the place. Usually I'd wear my flats or converse sneakers because they're easy to run in and matches almost every outfit.

My favourite shoes. Left: Dark red sneakers: Converse, around $30+(sale price); Right: Floral Flats: Rubi, $5(sale price)

#5: Have bread buns or muesli bars at home.

This is only applicable if you're like me, who doesn't have someone to prepare breakfast for me and your first lesson of the day is a long 3 hour class during which you'll starve if you don't get any sort of food. I think buns and muesli bars are quick and easy solutions to breakfast, as I can just grab them from the box and dump it in my bag quickly before leaving my house. It's not good to skip breakfast, since you will eventually be focused on the agony in your stomach and not your lessons etc. This is my experience anyway. (On the bright side, I don't doze off when I'm starving thanks to my thoughts on food.:) )