After many years, I finally visited Da Nang, a coastal city in central Vietnam well-known for its sandy beaches and rich history. As a first-timer, I didn't know what to expect, but as far as I was told by the non-Vietnamese travelers, this place would take your heart away. So I packed my back, booked a flight, reserved a hotel and started counting down to the trip. 

After a two-hour flight from Singapore, I was here. What greeted me was this stunning mountain range and an endless ocean view. The seagulls came in the picture as a bonus. Just walking around the Pham Van Dong Park, watching the seagulls while listening to the sound of waves was so relaxing. I thought I was daydreaming. 

If you plan to visit Da Nang, I highly recommend you to put this place on your to-visit list. 

Thank you so much for reading! 

::Shop my outfit here::

Privacy Please maxi dress- Thanks to Revolve 

Miu Miu slingback pumps- Similar here

Valentino handbag- More affordable choices here

Tom Ford sunglasses- Similar here

Some time in mid of 2016, I made a short trip back to Taiwan. It has been 3 years since my first visit. The first trip to this beautiful country was in 2013. It was also the last time that I went on a holiday with a bunch of people (15 of them probably). It was fun, but it was also tiring as we were constantly on the go from one place to another. If you are like me, afraid of burning yourself out with a full itinerary "recommended" by a tour agency from the early morning to the late evening, you'd be better off planning your own trip. 

When my boyfriend and I travel, we are very laid back. We will pick one or two places to visit or things to do in a day and as soon as we cross that item off our to-do list, we pretty much go with the flow. That's what happened when we visited Taiwan. I'll share more details on what we did and where we went in another travel post. For now, here are just some photos of me, wandering the streets in Xi Men Ting at the end of our trip. 

No particular destination in mind. Just walked and enjoyed Taipei as much as I could. It's so incredible to see the familiar places with fresh eyes. 

Thank you so much for reading! 

::Outfit::

Cropped denim jacket- Thanks to Esprit

Mugler sunglasses- Similar here

Forever New culottes- Similar here

Chloe drew handbag

Jeffrey Campbell gladiator sandals

Vintage deep V-neck top- Similar here

When I was much younger, I always reminded myself to be strong, be independent, and be ambitious. Living abroad alone taught me many valuable lessons. It put me through many survival tests that I had never imagined. Being bullied, cheated, and taken for granted. I had "tasted" them all. I told myself not to cry because crying only showed the weaknesses. I chose to wear a biker leather jacket over a dress to suit my strong personality. I aways looked like I was ready for a battle. 

As I grow older, I've learned that being strong is never about winning. It's about learning a lesson from my failures and mistakes and never give up. I learned how to be positive in the most negative situation. I'm grateful for everything I have in life. I remind myself to always treat people with respect and kindness. By focusing on improving myself instead of worrying about how people think of me, I become a much happier person. 

My definition of a "strong woman" has changed since then. 

A strong woman to me is someone who can play multiple roles in her life and be good at what she does. She knows what she wants and how to achieve her goals. She is passionate and compassionate. She radiates happiness and positivity everywhere she goes. Every time I discover a brand that caters to confident and strong women. I'm instantly connected. Kimora Lee Simmons is one of those brands. Like I mentioned in the first blog post, KLS, designed by Kimora Lee Simmons herself, is a fashion brand for the women who go places. KLS clothes not only unleash the beauty and confidence in any woman but also help her to look polished at any event throughout the day. This bomber jacket from KLS Fall Winter 2016 is an example. I put it on and I was head over heels in love with it. I can't find any reason why you shouldn't give it a try. 

Thank you so much for reading! 

Photo: Navian Photography

::Outfit::

KLS bomber jacket with removable shearling Collar- Thanks to Kimora Lee Simmons

Zara flare pants- Similar here

Christian Louboutin Pigalle 100mm leather pumps

Alexander McQueen sunglasses

Carolina Herrera bracelet

Nasty Gal chiffon top (old)- Similar here

I was in New York last Fall to attend some fashion shows during New York Fashion Week. There were many great shows this season. Among all, the Kimora Lee Simmons Spring Summer 2017 was definitely one of my favorites. Kimora Lee Simmons is well-known as a famous fashion model. Guess what? She is also the beautiful face behind her successful fashion brand, KLS.

Kimora Lee Simmons is a woman on the go. She splits her time being a mom of four kids, being a designer, and being a CEO of her fashion empire. Simmons channels a strong and confident woman through her designs. That's why I felt connected with her clothes the moment I first saw them. Not only are they beautiful, but are also super versatile. They take a woman from day to night, yet still make her look polished and pulled-together.

This Anderson vest from the Fall Winter 2016 collection is an example. You can wear it as a dress or a sleeveless coat over a turtleneck sweater and white leg pants like I styled it here. I wish words can describe exactly how I felt when I put on a beautiful long vest that fit me like a glove. It made me feel confident, classy, and strong.

If you have never had that experience with clothes. Then I'll suggest you should try out some of KLS pieces. I'm pretty sure their clothes will make you feel beautiful inside and out. Thank me later if you want.

Thank you so much for reading! 

::Outfit:

Anderson long vest- Thanks to Kimora Lee Simmons

Dior handbag

Carolina Herrera bracelet- Similar here

Alexander McQueen sunglasses

Uniqlo turtleneck sweater- Similar here

Zara white leg pants- Similar here

Despite having so many clothes in my closet, I often raid my boyfriend's wardrobe, and basically, his clothes are mine at home. His T-shirts, shirts and even sweat pants are my favorites. It's fun to borrow from the boys once in a while. 

On the last day of Vietnam International Fashion Week, I decided to play with a menswear style during the day. A boyfriend blazer as a dress, a black crop top and shorts underneath, and black leather over-the-knee boots to complete the look. Some said I looked fierce while others thought I was too sexy. When wearing an oversized top or dress, I'd like to throw a belt on top to accentuate my waist. I also layered 2 bib silver necklaces to create a dramatic vibe and make a statement. It's either go big or go home kind of look, you know? 

Photos by Pham Cong Thanh

At night, everyone put on their best dress for the red carpet as it was the closing night. Thanks to iHateFashion for the love! My friend, Valerie & I were dressed up in their latest collection, which was shown at the fashion week just a day before. We had a blast on the red carpet and at the show. 

Love this faux fur tweed dress from iHateFashion. Their new collection is so beautiful! 

Brought my mom to the shows and she loved it. 

Front row squad with my babe: Valerie Lim- Miss Singapore Universe 2011

Sandwiched between my favorite couple: Son (on the left) and Adrian (on the right). We look like we were in a triangle relationship, don't we? 

It's that sparkling time of the year when the streets are filled with bright neon lights and colorful ornaments, I'll start thinking of something special for you. Last year was a white Christmas card. This year, I created a simple card, inspired by this green sequin dress (thanks to REVOLVE) and the blue Tiffany's Christmas wall.  

Thank you so much for your love and support. I'll share my 2016 in review in the next blog post, but for now, I wish you and your family a very merry Christmas. Wherever you are, whatever you do, or whatever struggles that you are facing right now, I hope you can put it down for a moment, spend some time with your loved ones. Even if you are alone, take a minute to appreciate what you have in life, enjoy every little thing that comes your way. Most importantly, be healthy and be happy. 

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year! 

Thank you so much for reading!

Photos by: Zoey Bui

::Outfit::

NBD Mini sequin dress- Thanks to REVOLVE

Sequin heels- Thanks to Forever21

Lovisa jewelry- Similar here