Outfits of the week

Seriously? I can’t really remember if it has been one or two weeks. Haha! I am a scatterbrain.

20130415-203307.jpg

20130415-203354.jpg

20130415-203423.jpg

20130415-203522.jpg

20130415-203614.jpg

20130415-203653.jpg

20130415-203728.jpg

20130415-203834.jpg

20130415-203901.jpg

Been getting to know my new Frye Brooke Satchels and yes, the Burnt Red arrived! The leather is so luscious, more so than the dark brown vintage. I suspect they distressed the dark brown a little too much or maybe used an inappropriate leather so it flakes a little. On the upside, the dark brown satchel is slightly bigger and more proportionate. I like both! But I’ll admit this – they cannot replace my Balenciaga Mini Pompons.

I have started to explore the possibility of carrying other (cheaper) bags. I blame Free People for this. I am loving the bohemian gypsy style so much that the idea of using such bags is starting to appeal to me.

On the shopping front, I bought two more pairs of Frye Carmens in the Tall version, but I had them shipped elsewhere. I will probably see them sometime next month. Stay tuned. ;) I also discovered a new shop – Spell Designs. They are Australian and extremely boho chic. I love their stuff. Have a backless maxi and one of their amazing fringe bags on the way to me and I can’t wait to show you!

If my travel plans are confirmed, I will likely be on the road again for three months. So excited but I don’t want to jinx it so I will announce when the time is right.

Coming up next… The day I tried a new Japanese hair salon!

x o x o
bB

Frye Brooke Satchel

History has been made! My first non-Balenciaga bag in the history of this blog arrived today! With this new category, I realise I have to make some changes in my tags! LOL! Because so far, all bags have been under a single Balenciaga tag! This is quite funny!

20130328-030241.jpg

20130328-030300.jpg

So, certain things that would never have happened a few years ago are now happening. I have not bought a single brown leather item in 16 years. That’s right. 16 friggin years. Thanks to my healthy obsession with Frye boots and the way they do browns so beautifully, I now have a brown leather bag to match my dark brown tall Carmens. The price is also rather amazing to me. With a decent discount (I was lucky to get them with a 20% off on Amazon), they are almost 1/10 of my MPPs! I really like the idea of having these sturdy bags to use and beat up, without having to worry about them! Not only is the price extremely wallet-friendly, Frye boots and bags do look better when they are well-seasoned!

No prizes for guessing which pair of boots I’m gonna wear in my next outfit…

x o x o
bB

Outfits of the week

I am STILL not done processing my Vienna peektures! Teehee! Work is getting in the way…. The crazy humidity isn’t helping either!

20130325-175223.jpg

20130325-175239.jpg

20130325-175253.jpg

20130325-175303.jpg

20130325-175317.jpg

20130325-175326.jpg

20130325-175409.jpg

20130325-175418.jpg

20130325-175428.jpg

20130325-175455.jpg

20130325-175508.jpg

I explored a Singapore Navy ship last Saturday with Kate and her two boys, and met up with A for shopping during the week! More peektures in the next two posts!

x o x o
bB

Outfits of the Week

It has been a busy few days! I had a coupla days off work and did some serious tidying and unwinding! It has been really fulfilling and I am almost done putting away all the stuff I brought back from the US at last. Teehee.

A is here visiting from SF and we have been hanging out! I took her to my favourite yakitori place, Kazu Sumiyaki and they didn’t let me down. :) Also took her for the best scones at TWG! I shall post food peektures in the next entry, but here are my outfits for the past week!

20130315-171603.jpg

20130315-171618.jpg

20130315-171709.jpg

20130315-171751.jpg

20130315-171801.jpg

20130315-171810.jpg

Having so much fun on Instagram! The features are awesome for peekture editing, even better than the apps I am using now! Feel free to follow me @jessicaval if you like!

Food peektures coming up next!

x o x o
bB

Frye Carmen Harness Tall (again)

My second pair of Frye Carmen Harness Tall boots came in the mail, after a harrowing two days of worrying about whether they were lost along the way… I paid $70 to ship by EMS guaranteed delivery on a certain date which they did not meet. I was told by Singpost to pursue a refund but unfortunately, the friend who helped to send them to me did not think it was worth pursuing. To me, it’s not about the $70 but the moral of the whole thing, you know? I would gladly have done the same and more for this friend, but sadly she thought otherwise. I guess I always have too much faith in people.

Thankfully, the boots are completely awesome. On to the peektures!

20130314-001913.jpg

20130314-001928.jpg

20130314-001942.jpg

20130314-002002.jpg

20130314-002023.jpg

As usual, Shappo needs to inspect and give his approval.

20130314-002059.jpg

20130314-002120.jpg

20130314-002146.jpg

20130314-002204.jpg

Approved!

20130314-002253.jpg

20130314-002318.jpg

I was pleasantly surprised at how distressed they were! Quite different from the Light Tan and full of deep, luscious character. If molten lava chocolate were a pair of boots, these would be it.

This was my first outfit with them!

20130314-002512.jpg

20130314-002528.jpg

Can’t wait to wear them again! A happy problem is slowly emerging. With my current family of Frye Carmens, I’m starting to have difficulty when deciding which pair to wear! I love each pair so much! <3

In other news, someone sent me this today in the morning. :)

20130314-003208.jpg

x o x o
bB

Instagraming!

So, I am a little slow on the Instagram wagon! I actually registered years ago and never used it. I think I posted a grand total of ONE PEEKTURE just to test it when I registered!

I have been having so much fun with it! Because I have a massive peekture library in my phone to play with!

Forgive me while I post peektures that you have already seen before… This time rearranged onto Instagram collages!

20130312-025508.jpg

20130312-025558.jpg

20130312-025612.jpg

20130312-025625.jpg

Okay some of them you haven’t seen before too!

20130312-025725.jpg

20130312-025742.jpg

20130312-025805.jpg

20130312-025818.jpg

20130312-025826.jpg

20130312-025844.jpg

Vienna peektures will be ready in a day or two! :D

x o x o
bB

Last day in San Francisco!

I woke up super hungry and grumpy (because I was hungry), and was starving by the time JDawg put me at Cafe Bellini for my brekkie.

I had their eggs benny. Very nice although the Hollandaise could be a tad less sour.

20130223-122719.jpg

And then it was time for my last round of shopping in SF!

I didn’t have much luck at first. The few places I checked for Frye boots either didn’t have any or had very limited selections. I gave up and went to sit in Macy’s to use their free wifi. Chatted with Vi and rang up more shoe stores (more efficient than going there to find nothing). About 45 minutes before I was to meet JDawg, I went to look for a bathroom in Macy’s and stumbled upon a massive corner of Free People stuff! What’s more, a wonderful SA was there and she was absolutely fantastic. I tried a tonne of stuff and had to text JDawg that I would most certainly be a little late!

20130223-123203.jpg

I was in lots of Free People too. Teehee!

Free People Shaggy Knit in Mint, In and Out Ditsy Floral slip in Tea, Popcorn socks, Anthropologie scarf, wool tights from Macy’s Boston, Fiorentini and Baker Mike boots, Balenciaga moto jacket and Mini Pompon, and Shappo!

20130223-123548.jpg

20130223-123636.jpg

20130223-123713.jpg

20130223-123730.jpg

I wanted to pair the Mint Shaggy Knit with this scarf for a long time but didn’t get around to it. Since it was my last day there, I had to do it!

20130223-123833.jpg

Shappo likes it. <3

20130223-123903.jpg

I just love the In and Out Ditsy slip. The fabric is amazingly soft. I think it would work well in Singapore as well! I bought both colours, Tea and Evening. I’ll have to experiment with how to layer it for Singapore though, because I don’t like to put leather straps of my bags on bare shoulders.

20130223-124244.jpg

The Long Pattern Hooded Cardigan never caught my eye online but when I saw it in person, it was LOVE!

20130223-124358.jpg

20130223-124413.jpg

I resisted it though, because it was a little expensive for such a thin piece. I also knew I could always grab it online later on if I wanted it. Besides, my luggage cases were all at bursting point! I had to be selective!

I could not resist these two skirts though. They ousted the long cardigan out of the space limit.

20130223-124548.jpg

20130223-124700.jpg

20130223-124709.jpg

Same skirt in black… Yes, I always buy the same things in different colours.

20130223-124800.jpg

20130223-124831.jpg

The first white skirt I tried on was a little stretched out at the waist, so the nice SA brought me two more new pieces to try.

20130223-124955.jpg

And I had to put on the long cardigan again to make a decision.

20130223-125124.jpg

And a few mod shots with my moto for the ladies…

20130223-125159.jpg

20130223-125213.jpg

I also tried a few slubby tees with an interesting back detail, but didn’t like them enough to risk my luggage’s wrath.

20130223-125335.jpg

20130223-125346.jpg

20130223-125355.jpg

20130223-125415.jpg

Came away very, very happy with my satisfying loot of two skirts! I also discovered they were no longer available online! On top of that, my sweet SA let me use my Macy’s international visitor discount which expired by a few days. Wheee!

JDawg took me for a very nice dinner at a lovely, oldskool style restaurant with a very warm, inviting ambience.

20130223-125901.jpg

20130223-125930.jpg

20130223-125950.jpg

20130223-125958.jpg

20130223-130008.jpg

20130223-130017.jpg

20130223-130030.jpg

This wasn’t our table but I thought it was such a lovely little scene by the window.

20130223-130119.jpg

We sat the the bar with Shappo.

20130223-130157.jpg

We shared an appetiser of mussels in white wine sauce and it was quite awesome.

20130223-130319.jpg

My lamb chops were wonderful as well. I couldn’t finish them due to my late eggs benny but they were definitely one of the better lamb chops I’ve had in recent years.

20130223-130456.jpg

He had a pasta which was apparently very good too.

20130223-130547.jpg

After the meal, the waitress gave us a token for the slot machine. I was so excited! But we didn’t win anything LOL.

20130223-130713.jpg

Sweet little planter box outside the window. I like flowers and windows together. :)

20130223-130822.jpg

The next morning, I was off to the airport for my long journey back to Singapore…

20130224-112007.jpg

20130224-112023.jpg

This concludes my adventure in the US this time but I still have more peektures from my Sony NEX! And I will also be posting my Paris and Vienna peektures, as well as my little home improvement project in Singapore, and mod shots of my new selection of Frye and F+B boots in Singapore! Stay tuned!

x o x o
bB

An awesome day with my SF ladies!

It was a day I was so looking forward to! A day of shopping and girl talk with my SF girlfriends!

Driving into San Francisco on a gloriously sunny morning!

20130222-124504.jpg

Shappo loves the SF sunshine!

20130222-124537.jpg

20130222-124549.jpg

20130222-124603.jpg

20130222-124618.jpg

Twilight zone LOL!

20130222-124703.jpg

20130222-124723.jpg

20130222-124742.jpg

While waiting for the ladies to arrive, I took a look in the shoe department of Bloomies. The selection wasn’t fantastic but I managed to get outfit peektures.

Abercrombie camisole, Abercrombie Kids jeans, Free People Ribbed Up Maxi Cardigan in Chambray, Impulse suede boots, Balenciaga moto jacket and Mini Pompon, and Shappo!

20130222-125450.jpg

20130222-125509.jpg

20130222-125533.jpg

This combination turned out better than I expected. When I walked, the maxi cardie would billow out behind me. I saw myself walking in a reflection and was pleasantly surprised at the effect LOL. A French SA trying to sell cosmetics to me said I dressed very well (could be just trying to make me buy his stuff lol).

The ladies arrived and we went to Anthropologie, where I ogled more beautiful housewares…

20130222-125841.jpg

20130222-125933.jpg

Loved that floral jug. If I lived in SF it would have totally come along with me.

20130222-130018.jpg

20130222-130033.jpg

20130222-130055.jpg

After that, we headed to Barney’s where the girls tried a coupla gorgeous motos. They didn’t have any in my size (which was possibly a good thing).

20130222-130209.jpg

20130222-130218.jpg

20130222-130229.jpg

20130222-130239.jpg

The intentional Hulk pose, captured accidentally!

20130222-130324.jpg

20130222-130338.jpg

20130222-130356.jpg

Love these ladies!

20130222-130448.jpg

They took me to hunt down Fiorentini and Baker boots after that. We drove to a few different shops. I have always wanted to try F+B boots but the sizing is notoriously inconsistent. Most of the popular styles like the Eternity run large, which means I’m completely sized out because I’m 35-35.5/US5-5.5.

Saw this beautiful mural while we were driving around…

20130222-130828.jpg

20130222-130844.jpg

At the final stop, I think it was the third or fourth shop, we struck gold!

20130222-130956.jpg

Here are my new Fiorentini and Baker Mike’s! I will post a separate entry on them with better peektures!

20130222-131049.jpg

Thank you, dear J and A, for making this happen!

A also took me for an extremely awesome dinner of the best cheeseburger and fries, in a classy little hotel restaurant tucked away in an almost secret location.

20130222-131338.jpg

20130222-131349.jpg

The food was so good and I really liked the cosy, intimate atmosphere.

20130222-131541.jpg

20130222-131609.jpg

One last peekture before bedtime! I was still smiling from the awesome day I spent with the girls! <3

20130222-131825.jpg

Coming up next, one final round of solo shopping in SF where I discovered lots of Free People pieces, and a yummy last dinner!

x o x o
bB

On the road to San Francisco

It was an early early morning for bB the morning we set off for San Francisco. So not a morning person but I felt better than expected considering I only had a few hours of sleep.

Decided to wear my Free People Annie Oakley Skirt as it is probably too heavy to wear much in Singapore. But it is extremely awesome for winter and fall. Definitely one of my favourite additions to my coldwear wardrobe!

I paired it with a plain black tee from Taiwan and Chan Luu scarf in Biking Red. Plus Frye Carmens in Black.

20130221-145906.jpg

I wore my glasses because I knew I was definitely gonna fall asleep during the three-hour drive!

Geek…

20130221-145822.jpg

With Balenciaga moto jacket.

20130221-150123.jpg

20130221-150145.jpg

20130221-150205.jpg

And we were off!

20130221-150317.jpg

Shappo took the front seat with the best view while basking in the sun.

20130221-150445.jpg

20130221-150459.jpg

20130221-150520.jpg

20130221-150539.jpg

When he got tired, he came back down to sit in my Mini Pompon.

20130221-150622.jpg

Sometimes, he sunbathed in my lap on the awesome lace fabric of the Annie Oakley skirt.

20130221-150734.jpg

Here we are, both basking in the glorious sun, waiting for JDawg to get coffee.

20130221-150824.jpg

Driving across the bridge…

20130221-150903.jpg

Stopping to pick up a burrito for my lunch. Apparently this was a very awesome burrito place in Oakland.

20130221-150944.jpg

And finally, we were checked into the motel! The room was a good size! And it may not look glamourous but probably had better, more functional features than some 4-star joints. Motel 6, for anyone interested to know.

20130221-151216.jpg

20130221-151237.jpg

I loved how it had ample space for luggage and a massive vanity counter for all my products.

20130221-151344.jpg

Bath and toilet separate from vanity for efficient prepping. No need to wait around as one person gets ready!

20130221-151459.jpg

I had this much stuff going back with me to Singapore. :P Bags are all expanded, with an extra carton.

20130221-151601.jpg

Good clear white light at the vanity which many places do not have.

20130221-151640.jpg

Bal moto makes herself at home! (Yes, I brought her hanger too)

20130221-151754.jpg

20130221-151808.jpg

Joined by A&F shearling parka.

20130221-151851.jpg

I liked how the table was mobile and light enough to move around, so I could set up my work space with a window view and nice daylight.

20130221-152002.jpg

Lunchtime! The burrito was awesome. Beef and cheese and I can’t remember what else. It was massive! I could only eat half of it. Shappo had a little nibble.

20130221-152109.jpg

20130221-152134.jpg

Then it was time to buckle down to work!

Coming up next, a wonderful day out in the city with my SF ladies!

x o x o
bB

Frye Carmen Harness Tall boots

Why oh why did I take so long to order and try these? :)

20130216-115512.jpg

20130216-115535.jpg

20130216-115555.jpg

I should have known. The Carmens are just perfect for me… There is really no need to keep looking for new styles that work (though I will still look :D). I should have known the tall Carmens were gonna work as well.

20130216-115729.jpg

Shappo needs to inspect the boots. :D

20130216-115807.jpg

20130216-115829.jpg

20130216-115842.jpg

20130216-115905.jpg

20130216-115921.jpg

He tells me he approves and that the leather is buttery soft and slouchy. He says I can put them on now.

20130216-120015.jpg

They fit perfect, just like all my Carmens do, but with more of the same gorgeous leather on top. What’s not to love?

20130216-120119.jpg

20130216-120143.jpg

20130216-120203.jpg

20130216-120226.jpg

I actually bought them with the intention of sending them for a professional dye job, to get them to match Cassis Mini Pompon. But I’m not sure now… This light tan colour is quite lovely too. Maybe I need to keep them and get another pair for the dye job. Maybe I also need a pair in each of the colours. :D

I also took some family peektures! This is my Carmen family!

20130216-120505.jpg

20130216-120537.jpg

20130216-120552.jpg

And this is my Frye family! One Taylor Harness, and the rest are all Carmen Harnesses.

20130216-120653.jpg

Expanding my Frye family (with Carmens or otherwise) would definitely bring some much needed variety to my outfits in Singapore! Can’t wait to start exploring tall Carmens!

Coming up next, road trip to San Francisco!

x o x o
bB