OOTD: Butterfly Camo

Hi, all!

The weather is still insane lately; which means cotton is my go-to material.

And if I have meetings in freezing air-conditioned areas, long-sleeved shirts with jeans it is!

Shirt: Valentino
Jeans: GU
Mules: Y/Project x Melissa
Bag: Chloé
Earrings: Christian Dior
Sunglasses Prada

Clearly I wasn't ready for the shot, but I like how I look here.

I love those sunglasses; I actually didn't plan to get them in this colour, believe it or not.

I wanted the havana brown pair, but eventually thought that white would make outfits look fresher, and I was absolutely right!

It is one of my most favourite purchases, and I'm actually looking for the light blue version, too.

My favourite hair claw makes an appearance again here!

I'm in the midst of contemplating a large purchase; about 30 of them in different colours, but I am hesitating because I don't know where I am going to keep them.

I always end up throwing them everywhere and then temporarily-losing them when I need a specific piece.

[nervous chuckle]

Here's a bonus photo of me mid-laughter because taking outfit photos in a public space is nerve-wrecking no matter how many times I've done it.

My husband is a total professional at it though, which I totally appreciate because it puts me at ease a little more.

Welp, that's it for this post, so keep checking back until the next one!

OOTD: Day 2 Lunar New Year 2024

Okay, so this took awhile, but here we are finally moving onto the second day of Lunar New Year!

Which happens to be the last day I had the will to dress up and put on makeup after 3 consecutive looks this festive season, hahaha.

I forgot to document the outfit I wore on Lunar New Year eve, which was a bummer because I really love that outfit!

I'll rewear it some time in the future and hopefully will remember to take photographs then.

I headed out with the husband for dinner at our favourite burger joint (again!), then a quick late-night shopping trip at Daiso to buy replacement laundry nets, haha.

We're happily-boring people okay, don't judge!

Top: Jean Paul Gaultier
Pants: GU
Boots: Christian Dior
Bag: Christian Dior
Earrings: Prada

Here's a quick look at my back!

In hindsight, I should've stood up straighter; my posture is horrible nowadays.

Which reminds me, my father used to roll up his newspaper to whack my upper back to help me straighten myself up, hehe.

You can see the contrast-heel on my boots quite clearly here; it's actually brown with an orange tint.

I never had the opportunity to acquire Raf Simons' work, so this was the first!

I was drawn to the ornate jacquard fabric, military buttons, and lace-up details, and I reckon the navy shade will go very well with a lot of outfits.

I prefer lower block heels for comfort now that I'm older, but I actually never stopped collecting stilettos.

[nervous laughter]

Here's a look at my vintage bag in all its glory!

It happens to be one of my favourite designs conceived during John Galliano's tenure; I especially love the rattan-wrapped handles and "D" charm.

The bag's woven leather design is also incredibly clever, as it incorporated the house's Micro Cannage motif.

FUN FACT: There is a HUGE slit in front of my top, but due to the way it's draped, I didn't accidentally flash everyone I see, hahaha.

If you noticed, I also wore my hair up with an oversized hair claw here as I did the first day, because we were experiencing a horrible heatwave and I hated perspiring all over the back of my neck thanks to my thick hair.

I did use velcro rollers for more volume and texture for my tendrils, and that is as much effort I'd put in for any special occasions in this weather, HAH!

A bonus selfie, because I put in too much effort to not document it, haha.

You can see my favourite earrings clearer here; I love them so much, I have four pairs in other colour- and material combinations.

Anyway, I really wish I had more energy to dress up on more days, but the heat was too intense that I had to completely abandon the notion.

Climate change is real y'all, because I don't recall being this flustered by the weather almost 2 decades ago, and I had 2 thick layers of school uniform on!

Guess I will be saving the remaining outfit ideas (yes, I do plan my outfits) for later, and hopefully I'd remember to bug the husband to help me photograph them.

So that's it for Lunar New Year 2024!

Just for fun, can you spot a pair of ladybirds among the embroidered florals on my neckline?

OOTD: Day 1 Lunar New Year 2024

 We're already in 2024, y'all!!!

It took entering the Year of the Dragon to kickstart my outfit-documenting energy, but sadly, the heat definitely caused it to fizzle out a lot sooner than I anticipated.

What's a better way for me to ring in the Lunar New Year, if not with bright, saturated shades with metallic details?

T-Shirt: (no label)
Pants: GU
Flats: Birkenstock
Bag: (no label)
Ring: Jean Paul Gaultier

I went out to physical stores and also turned to online stores to look for a red t-shirt with cool or cute dragon designs because it is my zodiac sign, and I was hoping to collect a few pieces.

Yet, it took me forever to even find a decent one, can you believe it?!?!

I thought it was going to be a field day for designers due to the possibilities, but I was so disappointed with the available selections.

Why, you ask?

The dragons are either not the right kind (western dragons have no business on a festive t-shirt, okay?!), not adorable enough, not fierce enough, the wrong colour, unnecessary words or characters, shoddy print quality, etc.

Thankfully, I spotted this one in the men's department at Lotus's, and imagine my luck when I find out it was going for 50% off!

FUN FACT: There are 8 dragons on my t-shirt, swirling together to form the number "8", which essentially stands for wealth and prosperity in our ever-money-lovin' Chinese culture, hahaha.

You may scroll to the last photo to see the print up-close!

I purposely instructed my husband to take this shot, because I needed to show off my super billowy plissé pants!

Sadly, my old stumpy legs couldn't lift high (and long) enough to see the excess fabric in all its glory, but you get the idea.

The pants are actually a rich vermillion shade, but it turned out mostly bright red on photographs.

I love these kind of pants because they are a more functional version of maxi skirts; Uniqlo and GU makes really great pairs with pleats that hold up very well through many machine-washes!

I'd know, because I have another one that I am currently wearing it to death, hehe.

I adore that beaded baguette; it's inspired by a vintage Fendi bag.

The deep blue shade is truly electrifying; it shifts between navy and purple depending on how the light hits.

I thrifted it awhile ago, but didn't dare to wear it out much because of the fear I'd nick it somehow and all the delicate seed beads will unravel in front of me into the deep abyss.

THE HORROR!

You do get a slightly better look at my cocktail ring here as well; it has multiple cream rose pearls in various sizes clustered together.

In true Sammy fashion, I did accidentally scratch some of the pearl finish the last time I wore them out, but thankfully, the damage isn't too obvious.

Here's a selfie to show you a clearer look at the oriental dragon print; they each have printed bodies that are different from one another.

Some of their bodies are actually metallic, which makes it even more awesome!

Also, you get to see a more accurate shade of my lipstick here; it's actually bright orange, but looked brick red in the outdoor photographs.

The hubby and I wanted to feast since it's the festive season, so we headed to our favourite local burger joint for dinner first, then to our favourite Malay Thai place for post-dinner right after!

We then headed to a nearby Starbucks Reserve branch to soak up the bustling atmosphere, although it was a bit too much because there was no sound absorption and it was crazy packed that night.

HOWEVER, the whiff of freshly-brewed coffee, and the husband getting me a tumbler I was eying since Christmas for 30% off was a really pleasant way to end the night.

So that's it for Day 1; check back time to time for Day 2!

OOTD: Contrast Prints

I had to run some errands with my husband over at mainland recently and we were dying to try one of our favourite restaurant’s newly-opened branch, so I dressed up a little for the occasion.

I was pleasantly-surprised at how spacious the new restaurant is, and we're very happy that it is fully air-conditioned!

After scarfing down our lunch, we decided to check out the other floors and were greeted by a quiet area that is perfect for a photo-op.

Of course, I had to seize this opportunity:

Dress: Victoria's Secret
Shirtdress (worn as a jacket): GF Ferré
Shoes: Birkenstock
Bag: Salvatore Ferragamo
Earrings: Christian Dior

Let's talk about the shirtdress I have on, that I purchased during a thrift-shopping spree with my parents awhile ago.

I was initially-drawn to the bright floral print, and when I pulled it out of the rack and saw the contrasting sleeves, I was even more intrigued.

I also love the band collar; something different than the usual pointed collars seen on most shirtdresses.

It's sleeves are puffy and the material is semi-sheer, somewhat linen-like; basically perfect for the tropical weather.

It also had its price marked-down further; could you believe my luck?!

If you followed my Instagram account, you'd notice I've posted a close-up of this bag not too long ago.

I have been obsessed with this vintage Gancini top handle bag since I laid my eyes on my mom's off white leather version, and research brought my attention to the wicker style.

I love the natural tan one first, but its secondhand prices have become astronomical over the years due to the demand, and I couldn't justify paying that much for any bag, really.

And since I'm a klutz and will definitely scuff smooth leather, I thought settling for a white wicker one would make perfect sense because it is hardier and probably will withstand my mistreatment, hahaha.

When I found this bag, it has surface scratches with some cracks here and there, but it still functions beautifully and was a bargain compared to those I've seen for sale over the years.

Also, I think the off-white shade works very well with the rest of my wardrobe!

I got the black slip dress awhile back for a steal too; always thought satin slip dresses are a must in any women's wardrobe because they look beautiful and is incredibly versatile.

I think it makes perfect sense for good slip dresses to come from lingerie companies; their offerings almost always fit the body well.

I really wish I could wear heels with most of my documented outfits, but having to run around almost the entire day made that impossible!

The black Birkenstock sandals are the first pair that's made of Ethylene-Vinyl Acetate (EVA) and I actually got them specifically to run errands during rainy season.

It feels really gross when the usual cork type gets wet, and I needed something that will dry off quickly.

It is really soft and comfortable, although it does make a weird flapping sound when wet, hahaha.

I absolutely love Dior's Tribales earrings; they're the epitome of modern jewelry with a classic twist.

I had to get the clip-back versions which came with a thin gold metal loop that goes underneath the lobes, which makes it look even cooler, in my opinion!

They're probably the earrings I wear most often nowadays, because it instantly adds character to whatever outfit I have on while remaining comfortable throughout the day.

If you've worn clip-back earrings, you'd understand that some will cut off circulation (HAHA), and for someone with thicker earlobes, I'm happy to report that this pair isn't one of those kind!

Inspired by: Christian Dior 1997

My style mood board have changed over the years, but I find myself drawing inspiration from John Galliano's tenure at Christian Dior time and time again.

The Spring/Summer 1997 Haute Couture show lives rent free in my head, mainly because of the vibrant oriental influences.

While the absinthe dress worn by Nicole Kidman to the Oscars that same year is the highlight of that collection...

...I find this fuchsia number from the runway is just as stunning:

Recently, I was lucky enough to come across a Galliano dress that takes inspiration from this particular look; it's a more wearable version, but no less fun!

I am in love with the tassels that replicate flapper dresses from its heydays, and strategic draped details that make the dress even more special.

Here's how I'd wear the look today:

Dress: Galliano
Earrings: Kenneth Jay Lane
Bag: Glomesh
Shoes: Gianni Versace

I'd absolutely have to wear waterfall earrings here to match the tassels on the dress; more is more here, for sure!

I love how the bright yellow satin heels look together with the bright pink Dior dress, so I'd chosen one in mustard yellow to pair with a very fun metallic gold mesh bag to keep up with the flapper theme.

I think this would be a really fun look for a wedding guest, especially when a lot of dancing will be involved; imagine the movement!