GOLD & PROMISES

"I love new years. I love the fact that I'll be leaving a whole

year behind me, no matter if it was good, bad, or average.

I like that kind of closure. I love this feeling of starting 

over again and having a fresh year ahead of me,

 filled with new chances, new experiences." 

There is only one person you can truly rely on at the end of the day, not to criticise those who have stood by your side at times of despair, but the person that is always there time and time again is yourself. There is no harm in investing in those around you too, but never overlook the importance of investing in yourself. If there's one thing I can take with me from 2015 into 2016 and onwards it'll be learning to love others without losing sight of loving oneself.

OH BROTHER!

Here's to the weirdest, rudest, but wisest

and funniest human being I know... 

 

One of my biggest inspirations is not some celebrity, but someone closer. With full credit to my parents, especially my mother for being the perfect, intelligent, loving female figure in my life, I'm sending gratitude in an unusual direction this time. To one person who has never actually heard sincerity in my sarcastic voice before: my older brother.

I'm sure he knows how much of an influence he is to this annoying younger sister of his, but I think my readers deserve to hear some of his inspiring thoughts that I have been so lucky to be surrounded in day in and day out. In all fairness, it is inspiration clouded in the wrangling, in the head-locks, and in the stupid insults received daily. So no need to thank me for filtering through some of his rudeness to present to you some highly valuable words of wisdom.

LIBEROSIS

"We had been trying to be adults since we were 15

When we finally reached 18, nothing changed

It wasn't until we were lying on the bathroom floor

Drunk and high in two different states 

That we realized, Age is just a number

And reality is learning there's no such thing as being an adult

You only grow older, And if you're lucky

Maybe a little wiser."

- Unknown

There's a sense of inexplicable beauty in being born towards the end of the year, because everything just smashes into you all at once. Reflections from being one year older, and then not long Christmas comes crashing at your doorsteps as well, and finally more insane reflections as the fireworks explode into the New Year sky. 

HERSTORY

"Stop worrying that your opportunity will never come,

worry instead that when it comes, you're not ready."
- The Empress of China

'The Empress of China' is a TV series overflowing with female power so it's impossible not to obsess over it, especially since it is the most expensive TV series in Chinese history. Every shot is filled with extravagant jewellery, luxurious costumes and breathtaking scenery. The series is based on 'Wu Ze Tian', the only woman in Chinese history to ever rule as an emperor which is extraordinary female power! The actress portraying this lead role is no other than the producer herself, Fan Bingbing, who has no shortage of influence herself, topping the Forbes China Celebrity 100 list in the last 3 consecutive years and recently ranked as the world’s fourth highest-paid film actress over the past 12 months. I was profoundly inspired by this for the current article. Channeling this intensive female power into these photos, you will find it filled with subtle elements of Ancient China: intricate gold pieces and dominant red lips. 

THE RED LIP SERIES

 "I wonder if the snow loves the trees and fields, that it kisses them 
so gently? And then it covers them up snug, you know,
 with a white quilt, and perhaps it says 'Go to sleep, darlings,

 till the summer comes again.'" - Lewis Carroll

I don't usually do well in the cold, mentally physically nor emotionally, but New Zealand was amazing enough for me to overlook the freezing temperatures. My lips tend to go purple when temperatures fall, so to brighten my complexion I've turned to the ever reliable red lippy. How beautiful is it to have a bright pop of red against all the winter white that New Zealand bestows, it's like a vision of Snow White. Except my hair isn't ebony, but maybe it ought to be... maybe soon.

I AM.

"Let ourselves be seen, deeply, vulnerably... Practice gratitude and
 joy in moments of terror. To feel this vulnerable means you are alive. 
Believe you're enough, when we work from a place
 that we believe we're enough, we stop screaming and start listening, 
we are kinder and gentler to those around us and to ourselves."

- Brene Brown 

I came to a realisation recently that there is a real sense of vulnerability in what I do here. Despite the various images and styles I portray, ironically there is a face with The Faceless Style. People tend to be chameleons in life (to various degrees). We present a different side of ourselves, visually and mentally, depending on who we are interacting with, whether that be our parents, our siblings, our friends or our bosses. The real vulnerability here is this, there is nothing for me to hide behind. You read these honest words as I have typed them, and you see these photos as I have placed them here, the same ones seen by my parents, my parents' friends, my siblings, my siblings' friends, my friends, and so forth.

BRUNCH BABES

Brunch /brʌn(t)ʃ/ noun 

 'A late morning meal eaten instead of breakfast and lunch'

- Oxford Dictionary 

Taking over like a denim trend from the 60's, brunch is the new 'craze'; a portmanteau of 'breakfast' and 'lunch'. Surprisingly enough, 'brunch' has been in the Oxford Dictionary since the late 19th century, unlike 'binge-watch' which has only recently been added (yes that's officially in there too now).

Brunch is an excuse to overindulge, and overpay for bacon and eggs. Unfortunately, or not, I haven't completely hopped onto the fairy bandwagon. I've never been the one to follow crazes just for the sake of 'because'. But that isn't to say I don't go on brunch dates with my babes. Brunch is an incredible social activity to bond over, a ritual you could possibly even say. So much sauce is spilt over Eggs Benedict. What better time to spill the goss about late last night than the next morning when the memory is still thriving fresh in your eager mind.

EDIN ON THE HILL

"Silence is the sleep that nourishes wisdom" 

- Francis Bacon 

Traveling allows you to reach out and understand yourself. I've learned that I can be a real introvert sometimes. 4 straight days with some really chatty but good close friends and by the 5th day I had to zone out and distance myself. They thought something happened, that I was upset but I was fine, the only thing was that it had been a little too much. The accommodation in Queenstown for the first 4 days was 4 people in one room. Going to sleep with us all laughing at some stupid joke and waking up with them pulling my blankets off and jumping on my bed. Introverts re-energise by having alone time, extroverts re-energise by socialising. Thankfully by the 5th day in Dunedin we had our own house, with multiple rooms and I was physically able to breathe and have some space. Dunedin is Edinburgh's old Celtic name and means Edin on the Hill, and this surely was a beautiful home up on the hills.

TWIZEL SKIES

"I have loved the stars too fondly to be 

fearful of the night" - Galileo 

Twizel was hands down the best accommodation, and I would even go so far as to say location, out of all four places we stayed in New Zealand: Queenstown - Dunedin - Twizel - Christchurch. The name is adorable all in it's own right. Pronounced Twi-zel like Twi-light. Not Twizzel as we had to learn from the corrections of locals, on numerous occasions.

The quaint unique interior design was amazing, with a nice hot fire to roast marshmallows during the cold icy night. It had this beautiful modern rustic feel. An oxymoron, but a beautiful one. What was even more superb about this place is that the town is surrounded by blue snowy mountains. You literally walk out the front door in the cold misty mornings and will be stunned by the grandeur of those rocky elements.

L&L

"Surround yourself only with people who love, inspire, 
and encourage you as a person." 
- Mama Zara

L for Love, L for Louise, L for Laura... L squared. Double the trouble, double the fun!

Everybody goes through troubles in their lives, things that people wouldn't even begin to guess are happening. Life manages to throw you some pretty unbelievable hurdles sometimes, like you're starring in your very own movie. Sometimes we are forced to face terrible situations that just come crashing down on you for no honest fair reason but I've learned the best way to deal with it all is to remain positive. 'Thinking positive isn't about expecting the best to happen every time, but accepting that what happens is the best for this moment'. And it definitely helps to have a partner in crime to support you when times get rough, someone to remind you to remain positive or simply to take your mind off of it. And when times are great they are there to share the laughter and make the moment that much better. 

THE NEW LAND

"The future has many names. For the weak, it's unattainable. 

For the fearful, it's unknown. For the bold, it's ideal." 

- Victor Hugo

 

The kingdom of Middle-earth; you don't have to be a Lord of the Rings nor Hobbit fan to be completely mesmerised and obsessed beyond speakable words when faced with the pulsating beauty that this land possesses. To stand before the grand physique of Mother Nature, being bold is an understatement. To stand before all that she is, brings out all that you are. Do not be weak, do not be fearful, embrace all that is around you, and embrace all that you are. 

A photo speaks a thousand words, let these photos speak a million.  

2AM

"Lit through the darkness at 1:58"

- Taylor Swift

3/7/15 2:00am and Perth was concealed under an eerie cover of fog. I was unable to grasp the truth that I was still in the same city. Wanderlust rushing through my veins, my eyes were like a child's once again as my heart beat in absolute awe. '2am's were made for poets, lovers, writers, visionaries, photographers, painters, over thinkers, silent seekers, these are my favourite hours.' - Tulisan Manda

Spontaneous late night adventures is what I live for, endless drives, late night wanders in a park, swinging in the dark, lying in the grass and staring up at the universe, even just going to a 24 hour food place and pigging out. Late night adventures with the best people. A blank mind and open heart with nothing but good vibes and good company. 

THE FIGHTER

"You must have complete determination. The worst opponent you can come across is one

 whose aim has become an obsession. For instance, if a man has decided that he is going to bite off

 your nose no matter what happens to him in the process, the chances are he will succeed in doing it.

 He may be severely beaten up, too, but that will not stop him from carrying out his objective. 

That is the real fighter." - Bruce Lee

A few weeks ago I was actually MIA from the world recovering from a recent surgery to remove a cyst. I would have never known about it if not for the escalated abnormal back-pain, so for those who don't feel 100%, listen to your body and go get things checked out. Sadly I doubt you'll listen because I too am very much guilty of brushing things aside; I've brushed aside my constant back pain for more than 5 years now until I finally gave in and got it checked out. I am blessed that after this surgery I am actually healthier than before (with just a few scars as reminders), but not every ignorant person is so lucky, so I re-emphasise: listen to your body.

SWEATER WEATHER

"Everything will be okay in the end. 

If it's not okay, it's not the end."

- John Lennon

Life consists of shades of many colours, and at times you may be served with only grey, like this article here (and let's avoid making any 50 Shades of Grey puns). But like how it is in life, it's what you make of it, and even with just grey, we can create something beautiful. Acquire the skill to see beyond the grey, because if you want to be happy all you have to do is learn to feel happy. Everything is in the mindset. Sometimes in grey is when we see the clearest, to the finest details because colours no longer distract us. After bitter days is when we taste the sweetest joys. Please don't ever feel alone, as we grow older and meet more people who open up to us about their stories, you will learn that no single soul is truly untouched by pain. Learn to be grateful about yesterday, to be blessed for today, and to be hopeful towards tomorrow.

ROMANTIC WARRIOR

"I'm a modern woman in the sense of I take care of myself,

 I'm fiercely independent, and I'm really ambitious.

 Yet I have these old-school thoughts in my mind."

- Eva Mendes 

This one is for them boys, men... males, on behalf of girls, women... females. Whatever you call yourselves. I find it a touchy subject to talk about gender roles publicly because views are somewhat controversial. The conflict is gender roles are generic and people are complex. Yet here I am today risking being publicly attacked to try help some of you boys out, enlighten you (whilst indirectly helping the ladies out). To all those guys out there who are interested in someone, pursuing someone or starting off with someone... Yes I hope you're reading this because you're going to benefit from it. Actually everyone will benefit from this, it's a life lesson about humans. The lesson to take away is don't make assumptions.

Yes it's quite tough in the 21st century with all this feminism going on, females fighting for equal rights, you guys just don't know where you should stand with us. Is she the type to want the man to act traditionally - pay for dinner, drive her around, carry her bags/books? Or does she want him to treat her exactly equal? One of the lessons is there's no point asking her. So here's the breakdown:

THE PUREST LOVE

"We travel not to escape life,

 but for life not to escape us."

Moments away from home puts things in perspective. It's true we travel not to escape life but for life not to escape us. We are only ever truly living in the present when we are taken out of our mundane routine of life and put in a different environment, and it is then that we can learn to truly appreciate the things we already have.

STARDUST & VISIONS

"There is a vision for my life that is greater

 than my imagination can hold." - Oprah Winfrey

Let me take you away on an extraterrestrial escapade consisting of glowing skin and magnetising touches. A different dimension to bring new light to your seeking eyes. Infectious poison from a supernatural affair. This is transcendental: Don't let destiny control your fate, everything is within your power. Control your own destiny, because you are a creature so powerful beyond human words.

DAYDREAMERS

"You're alive. That means you have infinite potential. 

 You can do anything, make anything, dream anything. 
If you change the world, the world will change."
- Neil Gaiman

We are all youthful, and so full of hope. At this stage in life, we are only just beginning to live. The opportunities before us are endless and only time is of the essence. Thus I have vowed to take up every glimpse of opportunity in hopes it will lead me to where I want to be: making the impossible, possible. Now wouldn't that be absolutely beautiful? When it's time to look back on the life you've lived, I hope you don't look back with the slightest regret. Instead I hope you can smile proudly at the fact that you have lived your life to its fullest potential and accomplished some remarkable feats.

BOLD EXPRESSIONS

"To me, clothing is a form of self-expression - there are

 hints about who you are in what you wear."

- Mark Jacobs

Here's a toast to something a little different. They say never forget your beginnings, ever wonder why this is called 'The Faceless Style'? Drawing inspiration from my squiggly past, but of course with an intriguing twist, I present to you something 'up close and personal'. Who doesn't love a little mystery. Nothing more mysterious than the inability to see the windows to one's soul. And in order to solve the mystery, it's all in the details. Focus on the little things my dear: an expression of ideas from the simple pieces that breathe life into an average outfit.

THE DRIVE

'Because successful individuals approach success

as a duty, obligation, and responsibility - and even a right!'

- Grant Cardone

The drive for success consists of a persistent powerful passion of commitment. There is a natural disgust that I contain towards the thought of a mediocre life. Yet I cannot fathom how someone can be so committed to something. I have yet to find 'someone' to commit to, as well as a 'career' to commit to. The idea that to become successful, you have to commit to it 100% is easy to comprehend, but nonetheless easier said than done. All my life I've never had to commit to anything except to my family which is not upon choice and thus easy. So then, tell me, how does one commit to something by choice?

BLANK SPACE

  "Make it simple, but significant."
- Don Draper

It is indeed a rare occasion that for once my over-thinking mind was a portrait of blank space. I had not a single vision to write about, no burning knowledge to enlighten nor empower you with in hopes that you leave this page inspired. I guess it is to my own comfort that for once my congested mind is not a complete chaotic mess, but an empty slate of nothingness. In saying that, ironically I came to some epiphany for this article: Simplicity.

WANDERLUST

 Wanderlust (n.) /ˈwɒndəlʌst/: A very strong and irresistible

impulse or desire to travel the world. 

This is the year of travels. It's now or never. With my law degree starting now and internships next year, studies won't permit me any other time. Even Mama Chen advises me to travel now, for most of my friends are still single and we can experience travelling the 'single' way. This year so far, only two months in, I have already done China, Taiwan and Indonesia. However I do hope to leave the Asian continent to go further as I have finally gotten over my plane phobia that has haunted me for all my life. And above that, I hope to do more travelling alongside my friends as it opens up to a whole new experience. Here is the compilation from my adventure with them in Bali, I hope this inspires you to explore the world as well, and to find yourself in the process.

THE LAST BLOOM

"A rose can never be a sunflower and a sunflower
can never be a rose. All flowers are beautiful in their own way,

 and that's like women." - Miranda Kerr

Being a late bloomer, I was subject to some bullying. It wasn't excessive, but it need not have been excessive for me to feel hurt and hateful at the time. Being called small and short made me bitter, and that is why I now hold my height as my proudest asset, especially for an Asian. However this is not to say that I in turn judge smaller people. Firstly I understand what it feels like to be physically small and everyone else being so much taller. Secondly, I applaud them for their amazing personalities, in all honesty I have found that smaller people tend to have a greater confidence. God is fair.

FADED MOOD

"You're thinking of something, my dear,

 and that makes you forget to talk." - Lewis Carroll

One of the most twisted sensations a person can experience is the feeling of returning home after a long holiday, back to a safe comfortable routine of everyday living. The emotions felt are relief, joy and satisfaction all in the midst of nostalgia, emptiness and slight bitterness: 'I want to return'.  

And so for these three short weeks, returning from my brief travel overseas to China and Taiwan, I have been thrown back into work mode and the usual routine of life. With studies yet to begin in the end of February and piano lessons around the same time, it's not that bad yet, but I have found myself just too lazy to leave home. Currently I'm just blaming it on my post-excessive traveling.  I'm self-diagnosing it as 'faded mood', symptoms are often likened to introversion.

ROOM 603

"The true fruit of travel is perhaps the
feeling of being nearly everywhere at home"
- Freya Stark

With the love for travel comes the love for hotel rooms, it's like having cookies with milk, or a burger with coke. The love is intertwined: 'You are the moon to my night, the peanut to my butter, the soy sauce to my Chinese'. Ahem, well that didn't end up being as poetic as I intended it to be.

Waking up in a hotel room, away from home, is a rousing feeling, stirring in the pit of your stomach as the adventure awaits. Away from the mundane of everyday life, you are actually elevated to spring out of bed, not wishing to waste one more second of your time in this undiscovered city.

WHEN IN CHINA

"Cause they say home is where your heart is set in stone.
 As long as we're together, does it matter
 where we go?" - Gabrielle Aplin

It feels good to be finally home, to step foot in my parents' phlegm covered hometown ground once again. Yes, but I've never missed the constant 'head-down, feet-dodging' act required to walk those streets (you will have to visit this country to understand what skill I am referring to, one that you will master if you do indeed visit). But rather I am happy to be rekindled with my family here in Guangzhou, China. This is the city where my beloved aunts, uncles, cousins and many nieces and nephews all reside. 'There's babies everywhere!' as my baby-loving brother puts it. It's been two years since I've been back and I have yet to squish these adorable babies in my loving arms. 

It is a strange feeling, almost unable to be put into words. This feeling of returning to a second home where time jumps. Not many people will understand, but I guess astronauts will. The concept of relativity? Interstellar anyone? Only this isn't physics, it's psychology. My mind is simply stuck in a certain time frame. When I leave I expect nothing to change. And I leave for years.

WILD NIGHTS

"If you don't do wild things while you're young, 

you'll have nothing to smile about when you're old."

Partied my way into 2015 like no other. This is what happens when you're young, wild, and single... and your parents leave the house all to yourself with permission to party. Take this editorial as a personal invite to tour my home, and a post-invite to my wild wild night. Long live this untamed fire within all of us. Let the New Year be filled with stupid memories to laugh about when you're old.

SUMMER ROMANCE

"No one looks back on their life and

remembers the nights they got plenty of sleep"

The pursuit of happiness is often confused and intertwined with materialistic pursuits. It's hard not to get caught up in it all in this present society of ours; where dreams consist of fast cars and big fancy houses. Sure, material things do bring us comfort but priorities must not be corrupted. We have to constantly remind ourselves that at the end of it all, we carry nothing else into our deathbeds except the memories we have made in our lifetime. Will you remember that Chanel bag you bought, or will you remember the holiday you took instead?