Smile like you mean it

Bench dress
Blazer (Zara) Dress (Bench) Tights (Topshop) Shoes (H&M)

When it comes to gifts, I only accept things that I really, really like and more often than not, I have a hard time choosing things and sometimes I have to politely refuse!

However, when the lovely Malin and Maria over at Very asked me to pick something,I headed on over to the dresses and was surprised that I ended up liking something by Bench as the brand reminds me of when I was 14. A time when I had a bit of a phase wearing baggy jeans, band t-shirts and listening to er…emo music. Yeah, let’s all erase that from that from our memories. Ahem.

Bench Dress detail
Necklace (Tatty Devine for Tate)

So I ended up choosing this Streetlight dress, which is perfect for layering and has a great print. I chose a size 10, but should have stuck with the 8 as it’s a tad on the baggy side. However, it’s quite a loose fit anyway which meant I had to belt it, so I think I would have had the same issue even if it was the smaller size.

I don’t do these very often and have avoided doing a Q&A post because I really don’t think I’m interesting enough at all! However, the amazing Clare over at Tweet tagged me to answer these 8 questions, so I might as well give it a go!

1. What never fails to cheer you up?

My friends definitely, I love nothing more than chilling out and having a good laugh. Otherwise, I’m a sucker for funny game shows. I’ve always watched Cantonese ones growing up like Super Trio…but Japanese ones are hilarious too. You only need to youtube them to find some funny ones!

Otherwise, my latest discovery is Sleep Talkin’ Man which is pretty hilarious!

2. If you could live one day of your life over again what would it be?

I’d go back to July 2008, New York. Any day would do. It was one of the best holidays and it definitely brings back fond memories.

NY Photo by ClaireR
Photo by my friend Claire…look how short my hair is!!

I’d also go back to Reading 2005, the night when Incubus were on the main stage. It was one of my favourite moments, the sun was setting and the light was hitting the band while they were singing Wish you were here. That was pretty special.

3. What do you like best about yourself?

I’ve always been shy, hated public speaking and being the centre of attention. A strange paradox when it comes to writing this blog! I still hate public speaking but uni has shown me that once I put my mind to something, I can do it and I definitely like that about myself.

4. What would you change about yourself?

I wouldn’t mind being a little taller- no one likes to be at armpit height when you’re on a packed bus/tube. Haha, I’m ridiculously short! Honestly, all you short girls out there know what I’m talking about!

I’d also tell the 12yr old me to carry on with Chinese school as my one regret is not being able to read/write Chinese! I know a little but not enough to get me by.

5. What have you enjoyed most about blogging?

All the friends I’ve made from it! It’s awesome having friends that have similar passions. There have been some pretty epic instances which I’ll never forget like going to the Burberry AW10 show. The exciting news is that I’ve been invited back for the SS11 show!

6. Who or what is your ultimate source of inspiration?

A mixture between real people aka bloggers and Japanese fashion magazines. A perfect mix of both is definitely my cup of tea!

7. If you could be anywhere in the world where would you be?

Right now? I’d love to be in Hong Kong to see my family. I miss them a lot. Otherwise I would say Japan as I’ve wanted to go for so long!

8. Who would you invite to your ideal dinner party?

Tim Walker because I really admire his work, I’d want him to bring me a giant prop from one of his photos! Haruki Murakami so I can quiz him on his amazing, surreal writing (what do they all mean?!) Vivienne Westwood because I think she would be totally mad and definitely some of my favourite bloggers.

Vivi Aug 10

Phew, long post! Lots to do tomorrow, a bit of uni work and scanning August’s Vivi magazine which I’ve been meaning to do for ages. Hope you all have a lovely weekend!