Love is an open door

Love is an open door by t-i-v-a-s-u-r-a-d-e-j featuring high heel pumps

That time of the year

That time of the year by t-i-v-a-s-u-r-a-d-e-j 

Comme le titre

It's not exactly Christmas yet, but as the title says, it's, quite literally, that time of the year. The time when we take out our warm winter woolies out (or in my case, some nice turtle necks and my amazingly-warm padded coat from Aigle <-- it's like I'm wearing a portable heater, literally) and put away our easy-breezy and light summer clothing. The temperature hasn't dropped dramatically but, despite the nice sunny weather, you can definitely feel that it's a lot cooler, if not colder, than before. If I manage to get all my warm clothing out soon, you'll definitely see me in a woolly scarf, beanie, coat and gloves pretty soon - the walking abominable snowwoman is coming to town :-)

Winter wishlist

For me, normally I'd say something along the lines of clothing, baking utensils (I REALLY, REALLY want an eclair tin - hint hint to parents, relatives and friends ;-), books, stuff for drawing, Betty's (I am that obsessed with it, don't judge) etc. But I think that, having been away from home for exactly one whole year already (and that's the longest I've been away from home), all I'm really looking forward to is spending time with family, be it through watching movies, baking/ cooking at home or simply catching up through a good chat - and of course I'm looking forward to catching up with friends too! And since I'm come from a shopper's paradise, window shopping for Christmas gifts and other quirky things with family is definitely another brilliant (and productive! I mean - we're getting stuff for people we love! Family fun and thinking of others - what could be a better activity?) family excursion during the weeks leading up to my favorite holiday of the year.

Be it for family or for friends, shopping for gifts is always a hassle. That's why I try to give it a more of a personal touch and unique by making something - expect homemade cookies and cakes with DIY boxes to come flying to everyone's households once I get back home, people! (recipes for all these treats to come soon :-) baking should be enjoyed by all - so why keep a good recipe a secret?)

First bitter, then sweet

Not exactly the most elegant phrase in the whole world but in Chinese, it's the pinnacle of proverbs and it's been drilled in my head (not literally of course!) by my family for as long as I can remember. There are loads of things that are fun to do in life, but sometimes, we have to commit to things that maybe slightly less exciting and somewhat boring before we can enjoy everything else. Christmas doesn't come without a semester of university and hardcore studying. As much as I like learning, if I had to compare academic work to being at home with family and friends with strong emphasis on the fact that it is during Christmas, I'd have to place my cards face down on the table for the latter. But like I said, Christmas doesn't come without working hard beforehand, and for that, no matter how difficult the work will be (esp. since this will be my second year, not first -- I'm getting old >__<), I'll just have to get it done and over with and not to stress out too much. 

And I know that it will definitely be worth it :-)

Pose for independence

Pose for independence by t-i-v-a-s-u-r-a-d-e-j featuring a brown tote (lol)

I heard that pink was in this season

At least that's what it said in the magazine I was reading the other day. Even if it isn't, who doesn't want to brighten up themselves with some color during the long and cold days that are ahead of us (or are are here already for some of us!)? Color all the way I say

Looking back at the Polyvore sets I've done, it surprises me how much I've developed in making these look interesting and, most importantly, different. My first couple of sets were highly structured - you could tell that there was a clear focal point (i.e. the clothing) of which was positioned in generally the same areas (i.e. the middle, corners etc.). The shape of the sets were the same -- rectangular or square-shaped (I've never been much of a circle or star-shaped set fan like some other polyvore users are, but hey that's completely fine). I put so much attention on the clothing that well, my sets looked repetitive both style-wise and shape-wise. 

It was actually really bugging me. 

Now I have a new focus - emotion or mood. Happiness, peace, anger, etc. you name it, and I'll make it. It's helped me really break the barriers - I don't think about the clothing (well not much - I still have some comfort areas and pieces I'd like opt for -- the boots in the picture being one of them), but about how I feel; it's become a form of expression rather than need to push-forth my style. It's a liberating feeling for sure.

Wild - unique - bold.

Three key words - a summary of my set. Seriously, what's the point in trying to fit in when well, sometimes it's too difficult? For me, it's to do with leggings and tights. Skinny jeans - yes. Leggings and tights - NO. I only have one pair (I got it because of its color) and I rarely wear it. I say if you're not comfortable with something, forget about it. Don't bother wearing something that people or the media dictate is "in style" right now. Dress yourself in whatever you want, and however you want, but most importantly - BE CONFIDENT. There's no point, in my opinion, to wear something that's very dear or uncomfortable for yourself when you can't walk, socialize, play, work etc. in it boldly and proudly. Obviously if there's a dress-code then you'll have some guidelines that have to be followed. Otherwise, don't worry about how others see or judge you. Just be yourself and have faith in your choices - that's more important than being "in style" (trends will always be there but whether they exist and have an effect in your life is dependent on self-will and conformity).

And on that note, I end this post by saying the following:

STAND OUT

            BE PROUD

                 &

                     POSE FOR INDEPENDENCE 

Signs of Love

A Polyvore set created by me in celebration (LOL) of my new and first ever cooking post (yippee!) on my blog (many more to come - don't worry :) 

Had absolutely no idea what I was doing other than the fact that I wanted to include the baking things and cakes on it because that's what my cooking post was about - a totally spontaneous set that basically includes everything I thought looked nice on it; a great and relaxing way to end the day :D

My world - my rules

Another thing I'm into

Fashion. Any sort really but I'm a fan of outfits from the 40-60s, mixed up with some really masculine and well structured leather shoes or converses - can't be too girly! Check out my polyvore account:http://t-i-v-a-s-u-r-a-d-e-j.polyvore.com/ for more of my fashion and interior design sets :)