Living far away from home means I'm constantly craving for some quality time with my family. That explains why whenever my parents visit Singapore, I'll try my best to create and capture as many memories with them as possible. The last two weekends, we visited Gardens by the Bay, Universal Studio Singapore, Singapore Zoo, Marina Bay Sands. We had endless fun and laughter which are priceless to me. 

While my Dad loves having profound conversations with me while having a cup of tea at home, my Mom enjoys some outdoor activities otherwise. On last Saturday, I brought her out for shopping and had her join me in my quick photo shoot (she loves doing these activities as much as I do). Not only did we have a great time shooting some photos together, but we also scored some great deals (Thanks to the Black Friday!). 

Speaking of Black Friday, I hope you managed to grab some great items on REVOLVE that I shared in the last blog post. But if you didn't, not to worry because CYBER MONDAY is here and it's even sweeter. 

From November 29th to November 30th, REVOLVE is having ADDITIONAL 20% OFF sale items plus FREE SHIPPING. All you need is this code: CYBER20. 

Hope this will brighten your blue Monday! Thank you so much for reading and good luck with your Cyber Monday hunting!  

Photos by: Zoey Bui

::Outfit::

NBD Eva dress- Thanks to REVOLVE! Also love these NBD dresses here

Giuseppe Zanotti heels

Salvatore Ferragamo embellished 'Ginny' Crossbody bag

DW watch (Thanks to Daniel Wellington)

Lovisa jewelry- Similar here

Carolina Herrera gold bracelet- Similar here

The most anticipated day of the festive shopping period is here: Black Friday! Believe it or not, some people have been saving their entire year for this day to shop. Others have been checking the websites every minute to make sure that they don't miss out any great deals. That's why shopping on these few days can be very crazy and stressful. 

I'm not the type of person who can spend hours queuing in the store for checkout. Neither do I have the energy to walk to every shop and find out what deals they have. Over the last couple of years, my preferred shopping style has always been online, at my comfortable home. I can pick whatever item I want, check out, and wait for it to arrive at my house a few days later. It always feels like Christmas comes early whenever I receive a parcel. The only problem is I need to be as fast as possible as sales items are always sold out so quickly. Once you lose it, you'll never see the same deal again. 

Another challenge would be "How do I know which website has the best Black Friday sales?". If you are reading this blog right now, you are in luck because I'm about to share with you a whole list of best Black Friday sales that will make your life so much easier. Are you ready? 

Bluefly- Up to 80% site wide

Forward by Elyse Walker
Designer items up to 80% off. 

The Outnet

Up to 80% OFF on Designer labels. 

3. Boohoo 

Planet Blue

ASOS

Up to 60% off casual looks for men and women from Nov 24th to Nov 26th (2 days only). Use code BLESSED.

H&M

Black Friday sales up to 60%. Only on Nov 27th.

La Redoute

Macy's 

Ralph Lauren

I used to think a work handbag doesn't have to be expensive. It just needs to be practical. Because a work handbag is worn on a daily basis, it can be damaged easily. That's why my budget for a bag was always below $100. I like work bags that are big so that I can put a lot of my items in, laptop, charger, make-up pouch, diary, handphone, emergency sewing kit, and sometimes, a DSLR camera. But that also means they can hurt my shoulders over the long term as the more stuff I have, the heavier my bag becomes. Besides, they don't have a great support for my shoulders. 

That was my story 5 years ago. 

Today, instead of buying 10 different handbags for $40- $50 each, I started saving money and buying an investment bag because I do believe quality always comes with prices. This Proenza Schouler handbag is the first one I bought. I can still remember how happy I was when I first got it. I was so addicted to the leather smell that I had to smell my bag every day. It's weird, I know. Only after I started using some good handbags, I realized why every woman is always crazy about them. 

Whenever I choose a handbag for work, I'll always look for a few things: structure, space, and compartments. I like my bag to be spacious with many compartments so I can put many things inside and they are still organized. A structured handbag with clean lines and distinct shape always makes me look (and feel) professional and sharp. When it comes to bag sizes, I'll usually pick handbags that are 14"- 15" width maximum as they are proportional with my petite frame (I'm 5"3). I think it's important to know what bag size fits you so that it neither looks too overwhelming (when it's too big) nor inappropriate for work (when it's too small). Black, brown, dark blue, and white are the most common colors for work bags, but that doesn't mean we can't have some fun with attractive colors like red, yellow, or pink. 

Because this is our everyday bag, I'd strongly recommend you to invest in a good one. A good bag will not only help to carry your stuff, but also make you feel fabulous and confident every time. I have selected my most favorite 10 work bags (ranging from $200- $5000), have a look. 

1. Tod's White and grey leather structured top handle tote

2. Sophie Hulme Leather Crossbody Bowling Bag

3. Fendi 3Jours small trapeze wing leather tote

4. Kate spade new york 'north court - anton' pebbled leather satchel

5. KENZO Mini Kalifornia Smooth Leather Bag

6. Rebecca Minkoff 'Amorous' Satchel

7. KARL LAGERFELD Chain-trimmed leather tote

8. Tory Burch Robinson Double-Zip Tote

9. 3.1 Phillip Lim Medium Pashli Satchel

10. Michael Michael Kors Selma saffiano leather satchel

The newest baby in Crystal's closet, Tod's structured top handle tote.

3.1 Phillip Lim Pashli handbag in vibrant blue. I sold this bag as it was a bit big for me and I got the purple one instead.

Michael Kors ostrich leather handbag. Gave this to my Mom.

3.1 Phillip Lim Pashli handbag in lovely purple.

Porsche Design Twinbag heart Limited edition. Thanks to Porsche Design

Thank you so much for reading!

Shop for your dream bag here!

Hi everyone, 

Did you notice that Mother's Day is just a few days away? It's time for us to start planning on what to buy for our mothers. Although, every mom will say something like "Don't waste your money". I'm sure they will be very happy to receive a little gift from us, knowing that we appreciate their love, sacrifice, and support. 

I buy gifts for my mom every time I go home and when I travel. Or even on a normal day, when I see something nice that I know she'll like, I'll just buy it. Seeing a big smile on her face when she opens the present is so priceless. I can't even explain it. 

To me, every day is mother's day. Although, I'm frustrated with her at times (I believe most of us are),  when I think one day she will no longer be with me, I'm terrified and I can't hold my tears. I told myself as long as my mom is with me, I will do anything and everything for her. 

  As usual, Mother's Day is, in fact, a perfect excuse for me to buy gifts for her and not being scolded for "wasting money". If you haven't had any ideas of what to buy for your mother, I've come up with a list of some perfect gifts that I'm sure your mom will like. 

Have a look!

1. Tory Burch 'York' Buckle Tote

2. Lancom 'Advanced Génifique - Youthful Radiance' Set 

3. Steve Madden 'Blaair' Leather Slingback Sandal (Women)

4. Kate spade new York 'Gramercy grand' pavé bezel bracelet watch

5. Dogeared 'I Love Mom' Pearl Necklace

6. Oneida Golden Michelangelo 5 Piece Place Setting

7. PRIMITIVES BY KATHY 'I Love That You're My Mom' Mug

8. T-Fal Grand Chef Ceramic Nonstick 14 Piece Cookware Set (currently on sale)

9. Heart of Haiti Soapstone Heart Box with Gold Leaf

10. Concepts in Time Floral Bouquet Frame Collection

Some old photos of me and my mom that I'd love to share with you!

This photo was taken in 2012. That's how much I've changed in the last 3 years. It's crazy! 

Thank you so much for reading!

Don't forget and don't be shy to tell your mom how much you love her.