Graduation

Hi everyone! It's been a very very long time since I last blogged and I just wanted to clear up why I haven't blogged and the reasons behind my hiatus. Since the beginning of this blog, I've always treated it as a hobby and just something I loved to do outside of school, but I found as my my school workload and deadlines were increasing, my interest in the blog was slowly fading. Instead of posting regularly with genuine content which I wanted to blog about, I decided to stop blogging as I only wanted to have posts that reflected honest thoughts. However, having recently graduated, I've had a lot more time on my hands and I've really missed blogging so I'm back for now! I thought I'd kick off my post with what I recently wore to graduation. Call me the poster child for procrastination as I leave everything to the last minute, so of course it was no surprise I only ordered my graduation dress a week before grad, resulting in frantic stress attacks that my dress wouldn't come on time for graduation.

I kept my look pretty minimal, from the minimal colour scheme of just gold and red to the minimal make up. However, I was really pleased with how I styled this look, as I found a necklace to accompany my gold clutch, which gave me very anthropologie vibes.

Shopbop gown; Clutch and necklace from India; 

Stay tuned for many more posts to come!!

sneaker season

links| 1, 2, 3, 4 |

"You can never have too many pair of shoes". Carrie Bradshaw first preached it, and I couldn't agree more. Long gone are the days of suffering in uncomfortable shoes, and in are the long lasting trend of comfort and practicality. When styling casual wear, my staple item is definitely sneakers. I basically only wear sneakers and style them with a myriad of outfits, from short skirts, jeans to shorts. They're both comfortable and stylish, and are the perfect shoe wear for a day of walking. They're especially useful to wear on holiday when you're exploring a new place. Trust me, after walking on the streets of London with sandals for 12 hours, you can take my word that sneakers will save your life.

Apart from the Stan Smith's which almost every girl I know, including myself, seems to own, my current favourites are linked above.

black and white

outfit: Bag (The Editor's Market), Hat (Nike), Top (American Apparel), Shorts (Boutique in Switzerland), Shoes (Nike), Watch c/o Kapten & Son

A very impromptu shoot, these photos were just taken right by my neighbourhood park on a lazy Saturday afternoon. I decided to keep to a very minimalistic look and stuck with black and white tones when choosing which outfit to wear for this shoot. I love this outfit because it's perfect to battle Singapore's humidity, with a touch of practicality infused with style.

A majority of the brands I'm wearing in this outfit are from Nike, which I've been wearing a lot of lately as I've been loving a more sporty look. This relates to Nikes by Frank Ocean, a song I have been religiously listening to since Frank Ocean's new album came out.

Kapten & Son was kind enough to send me one of their beautiful watches to try, so I picked the "Brown Croco Leather" strap, which suits as a versatile and stylish accessory. Prior to trying the watch on, I was worried the watch would be too big but it fits perfectly and has a snug fit. Trying on the watch, I couldn't be happier with my pick. They look so nice on the hand, in addition to being pretty light. I would honestly recommend going on their website if you are looking for a watch as they come with a myriad of styles and swatches to choose from. 

What do you think of this outfit?

Head down to Kapten & Son's website to take a look at some of their beautiful watches

pictures c/o Shukura

fall/winter favourites

Although  I cannot experience winter or fall in the tropics of Singapore, I like to think I can vicariously live through these seasons through Tumblr and Pinterest.

Some essentials for the fall/winter
1. Bomber Jacket: Over the summer, I noticed bomber jackets dominating street style, sporting a range of different prints. Transitioning to autumn/winter, bomber jackets would look great with just about anything. Not only are they stylish, they are most importantly practical as well.

2. Velvet Boots: I've been loving velvet boots and dream of the day when I can live in a country cold enough to be able to sport these shoes.

3. Turtlenecks: Turtlenecks are a staple item for fall and winter. They've been a long-time favourite of mine and you can wear them with practically anything. Personally, I like going to Zara to buy mine but you can find them anywhere.

4. Beauty essentials: I cannot express how lifesaving Lipbalm and Moisturizer are for winter. Coming from Singapore to a cold country, I have often found it difficult to adjust to the cold, and my face dries out pretty quickly. Having a moisturizer brings back the life to your face and it is honestly so useful. My favourites are the "Burt's Bees" chapsticks, the "Kiehl's" eye cream and the Clinique moisturizer.

Eating guide: CBD Singapore

Having just interned around the CBD, an area I don't usually frequent, it was interesting exploring a new area of Singapore. Home to an enclave of quirky cafes that I've been longing to try for ages, I was finally able to try out some of Singapore's hippest places.

all pictures taken from my food instagram

1. My Awesome Cafe
With a name like awesome cafe, the food had a lot to live up to. The salads are a generous portion and are perfectly flavoured, not to mention reasonably priced as well. Having worked in the advertising agency above the cafe, I had breakfast here every day, and would definitely recommend going if you're around Telok Ayer.

Location: 202 Telok Ayer St
2. Graintraders
Admittedly, I may not be the healthiest girl out there and prefer donuts over salads, but Graintraders proved to be an exception. So good, in fact, that I went consecutively in two days for more. Set up like a buffet-style spread, customers have the option to opt for a multitude of ingredients, from soba to salmon. My personal favourite are the soba noodles topped with tuna and avocado.

Location: 138 Market St
3. Kinki
A buzzing atmosphere, exotic cocktails, and upmarket sushi: What's not to like about Kinki? From my eating table, I was surrounded by picturesque views of Singapore. Although Kinki is fairly pricy, I would recommend it nonetheless for quality sushi and a quality ambience.

Location: 70 Colloyer Quay
4. Cocowhip @Sarnies
Walking on the way to work, Cocowhip is the perfect pick-me-up for a refreshing treat. Not only does it it taste heavenly, but it's also a vegan soft-serve which means I don't have to feel guilty about eating it all the time (not that that's stopping me in the first place). 

Location: 136 Telok Ayer St
5. Flying Squirrel
Another Japanese favourite of mine, Flying Squirrel is a definite must-try for sushi lovers. Tucked into the quaint Amoy street, it is a hidden gem that serves up the perfect sushi. I would also recommend the salad and tempura there. 

Location: 92 Amoy Street

Let me know in the comments below whether you'd like to see more food reviews!

Don't forget to follow me on Instagram and Twitter!

back to school: stylish and practical school supplies

1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 |

One thing that I love about going back to school, is buying stationary. I could waste countless of hours in a stationary store just looking at stationary (definitely a guilty obsession). As many of you, including myself, are going back to school in a few weeks, I've posted the school supplies I use in school, which are all great to look at if you're looking for supplies to buy. Although some supplies are on the pricier side, they're all extremely practical and long-lasting, and would definitely recommend them.

1. Muji Pens: If you do not own these pens, I URGE you to go to the nearest Muji and buy these babies. I use them for all my note-taking, and they are great for just writing anything. 
2. S'well waterbottles: A lot of youtubers have been raving about how good these bottles are so when I saw them in New York, I knew I had to buy one to see what all the hype was about. After using them several times, I can now understand why theres been so much hype surrounding the bottle. Cold liquids can be kept cool for 24 hours while hot liquids for 12 hours. Definitely a fine example of where style meets functionality. In school, I always have to bring a water bottle with me just to keep hydrated, which is especially prevalent in hot climates like Singapore.
3. Pamela Barsky pencil cases: I first saw these canvas bags in New York a few years ago, and although they aren't specifically meant to be pencil cases, I use them for the purpose of a pencil case anyways. There are a myriad of prints to choose from, which will suit every type of person. I've been using mine for 3 years now and absolutely love it!
4. Kate Spade organisers: Organisers in general are the perfect way to plan out your week and keep you in check. They're pretty self-explanatory in their function but the Kate Spade ones are especially cute and a great motivator to use your organiser more.
5. To-do list: If I could recommend any one thing to use to get organised for school, it would definitely be to-do lists. Not only are they easy to get (or create), they could save hours of wasteful hours spent not knowing what to do first. And, I don't know if it's just me, but being able to tick off tasks I've completed on my list is deeply satisfying!
6. Herschel backpacks: Having tried out a few different backpacks, Herschel definitely is my favourite. I've had this bag for almost a year now, and it provides great support on the back in addition to being very cute. Plus, there's even a section for you to store your laptop which is a bonus.

If you would like to read more school-related posts, let me know in the comments!

Mood

all pictures from my tumblr

A bunch of photos I've pinned together from my Tumblr that I've recently been loving, all due to a current laziness to finish my school work taken from the highest form of procrastination. So sorry for the lack of posting these past few months, it's been pretty hectic with school and such, however I'll definitely start posting regularly soon!

2015 Christmas Guide

With Christmas a week away, the hoard of last-minute christmas shoppers flocking to every mall out there (basically, me) is at its all-time peak. I always find it really difficult to buy Christmas gifts for people and end up searching for christmas gift-guides on google to help make my gift shopping easier. This guide will hopefully do the same for all you last-minute shoppers.

magic city

 Bag: c/o Louvreuse, Tank: Topshop, Pants: Banana Republic, Shoes: Nike, Bracelet: &Other Stories 

These visuals were taken in a span of about 5 minutes, probably the longest I've spent outdoors this week (thank you haze). It's been a while since I lasted posted an outfit post, so I thought it was time to add an outfit post onto the blog. This outfit is great city look, perfect for traipsing around the hustle and bustle of the city, coupled by my super comfortable air forces which I've been wearing religiously. 

This bag was sent to me by the brand Louvreuse, and I absolutely love it. The floral embellishments establish a very oriental and chic look. Functionality is something I always look for in a bag as I usually bring more than I ever need when I go out, and this bag exceeds all my expectations. I like to think of the bag as a Marry Poppins bag, as it proves to hold more than it looks. 

What do you think of this look, and would you like to see more outfit posts in the future?

Food in NYC

-Photos taken from my personal and food instagram-

Having spent almost 2 months in New York this summer, coupled by the fact that I spent all my free time leading up to the trip researching restaurants, I'd like to think I was quite the NYC foodie during my time there. This isn't the typical fashion post I usually have up on the blog, however I've been meaning to start branching out of just fashion and into other interests of mine for the blog, with food being right on the top of my interests. Hopefully, my food list will help any of you out if you're looking for places to eat at in New York. From brunch cafes to dinner restaurants, the list is great for all types of foodies. 

If you know any other good places to eat at in New York, comment them below! I'm always on the hunt for more food places to discover for my future visits there.

Halloween lookbooks with Zalora

ZALORA OUTLET

links from left to right// Dress, Shoes, Hat, Dress

As Halloween is quickly creeping by, it is essential to find the perfect halloween look, be it to a halloween party or on a more traditional route, the good ol' "trick or treat". Every year, I love searching for the perfect halloween outfit,  dressing up as Wednesday Addams from the Addams Family last year (check out how I wore the outfit on my instagram). If you haven't heard of Wednesday Addams, I highly encourage to search her up now. Known for her gothic and witch-like look consisting of two pigtails, knee high socks and peter pan collars, I have taken a stylish spin on her classic look, shown above. 

Who doesn't love a classic LBD? The lace dress on the left is perfect for a party, and coupled with the Valentino look-alike shoes, creates the most stylish halloween outfit out there. It encompasses both a gothic and classic feel. For a more traditional "Wednesday Adams" look, try out the dress on the right. Sporting the collars that Wednesday is famously known for, you will be easily recognisable in the look. Pair it with black knee high socks, a black fedora, any black shoes and you are ready to go!

links from left to right// Dress, Shoes, Hat, Bag

Instead of opting for your typical dark and scary outfits this halloween, go nautical for Halloween! A bright contrast against the first all-black look, this look is more girly and easier to style. Need that orange halloween bag to store all your candy when you're trick or treating? Substitute that instead with a bucket bag, like the one above. 

Loving the looks? Check out Zalora's website for more. They house a multitude of unique brands, ranging from high street brands like Topshop, River Island to their very own label. 

wishlist

From Top left to bottom right:  3.1 Phillip Lim Pashli Bag, Midori Bikini, Chanel Espadrilles, Nike Roshe's, Daniel Wellington Watch, Cartier Love Bracelet, Lolita book, China Rich Girlfriend book.

A good book

Although taking IB at school (International baccalaureate) doesn't exactly provide me with the leisure time I used to have, I can always make room for a good book- especially during days like these in Singapore where torrential rain occurs on a typical basis, proving to be the perfect backdrop to cozy in my room and read. Currently, Lolita and China Rich Girlfriend are on my book list, after only reading good reviews about them.

Shoes

When it comes to shoes, I'm all about comfort and casual wear; give me flip flops over heels any day. These Nike Roshe's are perfect to walk around the city in- be it the gym to traipsing around the streets. The espadrilles exude the quintessential nautical summer look, which in this case is all year round in Singapore, and their canvas cut keep your look relaxed.

Accessories

Call me late to the bandwagon, but I simply couldn't resist this watch trend. It looks classy and elegant, accentuated by the rose gold accents. There is a high chance I won't be owning the Cartier love bracelet anytime soon, but a girl can dream.

Bag + Bikini

The days of Triangl bikinis are long gone, with a new bikini trend on the loose. I can't find a fitting caption to describe the trend; think of an extremely cropped tank top with a hole in the middle. It's a refreshing take to your typical triangle shaped bikini, my favourite design being the ones by the bikini brand Midori. The Phillip Lim Pashli is a bag I've been coveting for a while, with its functional yet distinctive gold hints making the bag perfect from day to night. 

What's on your wish list?

IMPORTANT: After an amazing run of blogging for four years, Eli will sadly no longer be blogging with The Green Raybans because of other interests! It's been an amazing few years ♡

Top 4 Spring Collections

Sonia Rykiel 2015 Ready-to-Wear

Sonia Rykiel was truly reborn as designer Julie de Libran crafted the quintessential Spring RTW collection. It was fun, effortless and flirtatious. Everything from the playful pieces to the models that wore them was absolute ideal, and true to the Rykiel brand. A neutral colour palette was contrasted by  simple, yet bold, silhouettes. Stripes were renewed; large prints shown on tweed blazers and khaki capes. A slightly sport vibe was translated into shorts and jacket combos, that contrasted the more feminine looks. This collection was overall outstanding, one of my favourite Spring collections for 2015. 

Elie Saab Spring 2015 Couture

Sparkle, sequins, and glamour beamed from Elie Saab's Spring Couture collection. I was awestruck by the textures, fabrics, silhouettes, everything in this collection! Saab's taste for all things elegantly exciting was emulated perfectly in his couture collection; as is in all of his collections. He was inspired by the "golden age" of Beirut and his reminiscence of the 60's, and he did a stunning job at showing it in clothes. His clothes were, as they always are and always will be, works of art.

Erdem Spring 2015 Ready-to-Wear

Erdem is making the jungle sexy this Spring. An abundance of greens, in every shade imaginable, were shown on the feminine pieces from this collection. The fierceness of the wild contrasted the soft fabrics and ladylike silhouettes; while complementing the daring sheerness and plunging necklines. This entire collection oozed sex appeal and a wild nature. The simple hair and makeup consummated the entire look and achieved the ideal look for a warm spring night.

Zuhair Murad Spring 2015 Couture

Stunning, gorgeous, charming, elegant, graceful, magnificent; there aren't enough synonyms for the word beautiful to describe Murad's Spring couture collection. Everything from the side-swept old Hollywood curls to the cinched in waist and the minimalistic shoes emitted a type of glamour and elegance that few designers manage to capture. The gowns came in all shapes and sizes: high necks, plunging necklines, swimsuit bodices to full-length dresses. There were no two creatures that looked even remotely alike. Once again, Murad gave us an absolutely beautiful collection.

xoxo,

Eli 

summer series: trends

As part of our summer series for the blog, we'll be covering the ultimate summer guide, from outfits to trends. We've kicked off the first segment of the series with my favourite trends for the summer, and how to style the trend. 

SHOES: I don't tend to favour closed shoes during the intense heat of the summer, and tend to opt towards open toed shoes, preferably sandals. Sandals are inarguably my most used shoes. I use them whenever I go out, and they encapsulate the perfect city girl look. This summer, strapped shoes will definitely serve as an essential shoe in my wardrobe. Bloggers like Aimee Song,  Drea Chong and many many more have already donned this shoe trend, the intricate detailing of the shoes edging up any outfit. The shoes are cute and practical. What's not to love? Only problem? Wear them for too long and you'll face an uncomfortable aftermath of painful blisters (a lesson I learnt the hard way last summer). But hey, a girl's gotta suffer for fashion sometimes. Add a cute halter neck, flared skirt and retro sunglasses to your shoes, conjuring up the perfect summer look.
WHEN TO WEAR: A  sunny summer day

SHIRTS: I don't own any off-the-shoulder tops, however it's been on my mind to buy one for quite a while. They exude both femininity and elegance,  proving to be a big step up from the usual summer crop tops. The look I compiled above was very Kendall Jenner inspired; the crisp and fairly plain outfit  is perfect for a day out or a night out.  When it comes to glasses, I've been obsessed with Quay glasses. Each piece has intricate and quirky designs, and there's just too many designs I've been coveting from the store. 

WHEN: For those cooler summer days or for a night out.

DENIM: I wouldn't really classify denim as a trend, more of a staple in every girl's closet. There are a myriad of ways to styling denim, from wearing it as jeans or to styling it as a jacket. I love wearing denim (see how I've styled denim in my recent outfit post)and I've been sporting denim even from my early childhood years. There is no such thing as too much denim. Stack denim upon denim, and what will you get? The perfect summer outfit.

What trend do you like the most?

an afternoon in tiong bahru

Top: American Apparel, Skirt: Topshop, Bag: The Editor's Market, Shoes: Kurt Geiger

(credits to the lovely Mariana)

Greetings! It's been quite a while since I last blogged (blame my exams coupled by a sheer lack of laziness) and although I keep saying it in every post, I'll definitely try to blog as regularly as possible, and share my exciting 3 month summer ahead on the blog!

These photos were taken in Tiong Bahru, a very charming neighbourhood in Singapore. There's so much to explore, from cute bakeries to it's distinctive old-style architecture. Tiong Bahru definitely beholds a charm that can't be found or replaced anywhere else in Singapore, and I would definitely recommend spending one afternoon exploring the area.

Tiong Bahru Must's:

• Stop by Plain Vanilla Bakery (pictured above): Being an avid foodie, I am always on the hunt for the best eats in town (check out my food instagram @dailyeats_sg) , and from my quest of the best cupcakes in town, Plain Vanilla has captured my heart. Their cupcakes are a must-try, and the drinks are very refreshing, a perfect place to relax in Tiong Bahru from the humid heat of Singapore.
• Take a look at BooksActually: One of the most beautiful bookstores I've stepped into, the quaint store sells all kinds of books, and you could spend hours on end flipping through the "aesthetically pleasing" (yes, there really is a category for aesthetics in the bookstore) books. 

What do you think of this outfit and have you been to Tiong Bahru before?