Ultimate Christmas Gift Guide

It's less than two weeks till Christmas and I don't know about you, but 2017 flew by very very quickly. But then again, I say that every year!

One of my favourite holiday season is Christmas (aside from Chinese New Year). It's the time of the year to buy Christmas presents, hang up decorations, come together with loved ones to celebrate the festive season, admire the pretty shopping windows and the best excuse to dress up for every Christmas event.

Christmas Tree in Singapore (Ion Orchard)

So like you, I've been searching for Christmas gift ideas and honestly, it has not been easy. But to make your life easier or provide some inspiration, I've put together a list of gift giving options. You might even find something for yourself along the way - and I'm all for supporting self-indulgence and buying presents for yourself (you know you deserve it!).

FOR HIM

Even though he says the five shirts he owns (on rotation) is good enough or the only things he wants are 'practical' items only, it never hurts to buy other 'practical items' with a touch of fashion or luxe.

Sunglasses just in time for Summer - ticks the 'practical' box (no arguments there)

Shop: Ray-Ban Sunglasses

Stylish windbreaker jacket's or any casual blazer's/jackets for the cool summer nights

Shop: Polo Ralph Lauren Windbreaker Jacket

FOR HER

I'm a huge fan of the Slip Silk Pillowcase - if she's into beauty, I would highly recommend this! She'll feel like royalty sleeping on this.

Shop: Slip Silk Pillowcase

Pottery Barn

GIFTS UNDER $50

Jewellery boxes are great decor items - both functional and pretty at the same time (you'll win brownie points) 

Shop: Pottery Barn

Kikki K Diary

Christmas can be expensive and having a budget is always smart. Chic or simple diaries with gold detailing creates the perfect luxe item and it's also wallet friendly!

Shop: Kikki K Diary 

Koko Black Chocolate

Everyone loves chocolate. Take chocolate gifts to the next level by personally hand picking chocolates. Add a handwritten card to make it more personalised. It's always the thought that counts!

Shop: Koko Black

FOR THE SIBLING

Whether its for your sister or brother, a small (or large) gift will go a long way (even though they can be annoying at times). A pool floatie is always a good idea (plus you can use it too)

Shop: Sunny Life Flamingo

The everyday duffle bag which can fit almost anything. The detachable strap makes it easier to carry around for travel or even to the gym.

Shop: Country Road Duffle

IF YOU WANT TO IMPRESS ...

All girls love jewellery. And love it more when they see a blue box under the tree. One of my favourite from the Tiffany's collection is the Tiffany T and is one that she will love.

Shop: Tiffany T Smile Pendant in 18k Gold Mini

Headphones for the tech guru - these wireless headphones will impress.

Shop: Bose Wireless Headphones

Classic time piece that can be worn through the seasons and for every occasion.

Shop: Tissot Everytime Swissmatic

The list of potential gifts are endless but these are my top picks and I hope this inspires your Christmas shopping. Enjoy it - Shopping is meant to be fun!

This is post is not in any way sponsored.

Japan is always a good idea.

Hi everyone!

So I've had a chance to go through all my Japan photos and put together a photo diary and Japan is always a good idea for a travel destination. Those who know me well will know that I love Japanese food - probably nearly as equal to my love for chicken rice. So you can imagine how excited I was to go to Japan land straight after exams.

We stayed in Osaka for about 5 days, went for a day trip to Nara to visit the temples and deers (they were so cute!), a couple of nights at a nice and relaxing ryokan in Kameoka and 4 days in Kyoto. It was basically, eat, shop, relax, sleep, sightsee, eat, shop, relax - a good start to the holidays. I would highly recommend staying in a ryokan - it is definitely a worthwhile experience and probably has the best service I've ever encountered throughout my travels.

Osaka

Dotonburi 

Breakfast Dining Room at the Hotel 

Ichiran Ramen 

  Cremia Softserve                                                                         Unagi Eel Don

Nara

Deers roaming Nara Park

Nara Park

 Universal Studios

Butter Beer

Minion Char Siew Pau

Kameoka 

 Private Onsen at our Ryokan (Yunohana Hot Spring Resort Suisen)

 Breakfast Spread 

Arashiyama Bamboo Forest 

Onsen resort gardens

Kyoto

When modern meets traditional - Kyoto Roads

Tsujiri Parfait Ice cream

Fushimi Inari-Taisha Shrine

Gyukatsu Don 

Kinkaku-ji Temple

Dessert at Michelin Star Restaurant Länka

There were too many photos to choose from but I hope this inspires you on your next adventure.

x

All photos taken by a Fuji-film x10 and Iphone 7.

May Trend Report

Don't know what trends are going on at the moment? At least you can be relieved that clear jeans will not be on the top trends for this month. I don't really know how that became a 'thing' but regardless, here are my top trends for May.

Embroidery
It's everywhere. Jeans, jackets, bags and dresses. A touch of embroidery can make a dress look playful and different. Even if the embroidery is small, remember its the small details that counts (and people do notice!).

Velvet
Velvet is back and is staying for the colder months. Its bold, it feels expensive and it looks good. My personal favorite is pairing a velvet camisole with a pair of jeans and heels for a simple yet sophisticated look for dinner.

                                                  

                 Ralph Lauren Collection (left), Vanessa Seward (right)

Pleats/Midi skirts
Pleats + knitted jumper + boots or sneakers can take your look from day to night. Balance the outfit by making sure you don't wear too baggy on the top. Stick to simple tops/tees/jumpers as the main focus is on the skirt!

Valentino (left), Selena Gomez (right)

The 'it' Coat

Doesn't matter which year it is, the coat will always be a must have for your fall/winter wardrobe. It's the last thing you put on before heading out the door, but trust me, its the first thing people notice when you're walking down the street. Whether it be a fur coat, a cape or an oversized coat, I would keep an eye out for any coats that can be used every season without going out of style. To be safe, stick to neutral colours but once in a while, play the wild card and get a bright colour.

Bella Hadid (left), Hailey Baldwin (centre), Miranda Kerr (right)

Mules

Meet your new shoe obsession - the mule. It started off with the infamous Gucci Fur Mules and suddenly it was everywhere. Chanel jumped on the bandwagon and put a classic twist on their mule with a pearl studded heel. Who knows what's next but these heels are coveted by many.

Aimee Song wearing Chanel Heels (left), Alexa Chung wearing Gucci Loafers (right)