twentyeleven

New Years Eve tonight! I cannot believe yet another year has already flown by. This was a monumental year for me. I won't go into details about how I matured and became more independent etc during my gap year - there is an array of selections available on google for that (search "why gap year").  I did become more mature and independent etc during it though, albeit unknowingly. In fact, in hindsight, opting to take a gap year is one of the best decisions I have ever made. I also started a new chapter of my life as I begun university this September. Not to mention, all the little things that have also made this year so special: stood in two places at once for the first time (Rome and Vatican City) this summer! emerged as a finalist in my first case competition (KPMG International Case Competition), took an 11-hour overnight train in China to Mongolia (this make sound easy, but take it from me, it is not)... Moreover, for the first time, I've actually written proper resolutions to the upcoming year so I'm thinking it's a good start already? Maybe, possibly.

winter splurges

1. Vanessa Bruno Até Wool-blend Coat US$680.00
2. Chloé Strap-detailed Leather Boots US$995.00
3. Lanvin Chinese lamé T-shirt US$1,350
4. Burberry Brit Hooded Wool-felt Duffle Coat US$895
5. Valentino Studded Leather Driving Gloves US$425
6. 3.1 Phillip Lim Wrap-effect Silk Crepe de Chine Dress US$675
7. Alaîa Curve-wedged Suede Ankle Boots US$1,360

It’s that time of the year where everyone, at least I am, is rushing to finish Christmas shopping; ergo, it's that time of the year where the concept of giving is, arguably, most pronounced. Is it terrible that I’m still adding items to my wishlist? Here are a couple of things I would love to splurge on right now. I love the absence of a collar in Vanessa Bruno Até’s coat, and the Burberry Brit duffle coat is a classic. The shimmery Lanvin top and Valentino gloves would be perfect this Christmas, and I absolutely adore the orange, which has been a staple color this season, of the classic Phillip Lim dress. Love both shoes – could definitely dress them up and down. The Alaîa shoes in particular, for their (somewhat) subtle wedges! I always strive to find height, by whatever means necessary.

christmas market

I encountered my first German Christmas market while I was in Birmingham just a week ago. It was short and sweet. My team and I had made it through to the final rounds for the UK division of the case competition, and we'd been invited to Birmingham to compete once more. It is as such that I was only able to catch a glimpse of the market as we hurried from the train station to the office building, and back. It was short and sweet, but not forgotten. During that brief moment, I had a sudden vision of myself enjoying a hot cup of mulled wine while strolling through the plethora of stalls. It was good, and I was determined to make it a reality. I've just returned from the Edinburgh Christmas market, and it did not disappoint. I especially relished walking through all the stalls and seeing all the beautiful, intricately-made crafts they had to offer. Took my all not to buy everything...

   

silver bells

It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas! My favorite time of the year. This means I can finally start playing Christmas songs!! While my all-time favorite has got to be Silver Bells, I have to admit… I’ve been playing JBieb’s Mistletoe a lot more than I'd care to admit. You can listen to my Christmas playlist here, enjoy!

tweed yes please

Ralph Lauren's Annual Rugby Tweed Run has officially found itself on my to-do list for 2012. Having lived in St Andrews for over three months now, I have come to realize that no, tweed is not limited to the elderly and will not age you so long as you dress accordingly. Some inspiration...