OFFSHOULDER

The off shoulder has always been like the roaring emblem of spring or summer season.  Probably because it is such a comfortable piece of clothing on a sweltering hot day.  I like this pink off shoulders primarily because it is a button down top and yet it is an off shoulder; a combination that is seldom seen together.  I wore this to a church service and our Mum's day celebration with the family.

WHAT I WORE:

off shoulder top from MISS SHE

Culottes from H&M

rock stud white shoes from an online Korean shoe shop

drew bag from CHLOE

minimal baroque eyewear from PRADA

choker from MLX

DENIM AND JUMPSUIT

This oversized jumpsuit is such a comfortable and edgy piece to wear.  I have a tendency to go for unconventional cuts like this.  I like the idea that its shape is something unique yet the colour is not loud at all thereby balancing the look.  I paired it with the ever so traditional denim jacket to tone it down a bit for work.  My husband jokingly referred to it as a clown suit which I may say is partly correct because of the big size of the bottom part.  I think I can actually fit a dog or maybe another human in it because of its gargantuan width.  However, I think that is what makes this piece stand-out.  You just have to match it with appropriate stuffs to make it work with you not against you.  What is even more important is the confidence you wear whenever you don an edgy ensemble; you have to stand tall on your decision.  If you believe in what you are wearing then it will definitely make the look a thousand times better.

WHAT I WORE:

denim jacket from ROBERTO CAVALLI

jumpsuit from LUXESHOP

babouche flats from CELINE

drew mini bag from CHLOE

bracelets from OPIA

rings from GINA TRICOT

choker necklace from MLX

eyewear from MINISO

watch from LOCMAN

THE PENCIL SKIRT

One can usually find a pencil skirt in an office woman's closet.  For years, this skirt have been repeatedly referred to as one of the most versatile and reliable office wear.  If you don't know what to wear to work in the morning, grab your pencil skirt and voila! you will emerge with a polished look for the office.  Here, I opted to wear a printed pencil skirt instead of the usual plain coloured ones.  I kept the rest of my outfit simple and in solid colours so that the focus will be on the skirt.

WHAT I WORE:

pencil skirt from H&M

white blouse with black neck piping from H&M

mini faye from CHLOE

gray vest from REVERIE UOMO

boots from H&M

eyewear from PRADA

choker from Allyson

JUMPSUIT AND GOLD

If only it is easy to wear a jumpsuit to work, I will gladly wear it everyday.  However, the reality is, it isn't especially if I have to wear it for more than  8 hours straight (yeah, I work long hours especially if I have an upcoming deadline).  I can live with wearing it once in a while though; I just have to strategise more on my trips to the loo :-)

I love the sophisticated feel of this jumpsuit.  If I won't be wearing it to work, then maybe I will lose the inner black top and have a plunging neckline instead for a more edgy and sexier vibe.  But since it is for work, I don't want to worry about my neckline while I am drawing or doing work stuffs.  I used a polished gold belt for some accent since it is an all black ensemble.

WHAT I WORE:

black jumpsuit from H&M

belt from LUXESHOP

bag from NINE WEST

shoes from H&M

minimal baroque eyewear from PRADA

choker from MLX

watch from LOCMAN

CROSSWATERS ECOLODGE AND SPA

A glimpse of the bamboo bridge

water feature in between buildings

a view of the bridge from the lobby entry

the scenic view of Nankun Mountain

A spa resort that is on top of a mountain? Why not?  Cross waters ecolodge and spa is truly a resort at one with nature.  Located on the slopes of Nankun Mountain, it took me about 2-3 hours to reach this place from Guangzhou.  But everything was worth it even the travel time because of the breathtaking scenic views.  The place is surrounded with verdant evergreen forest, in fact, with a 96.6 green coverage.  It is truly a haven undisturbed by pollution and noise.  Cross waters name is derived from the fact that it is actually located in a junction of two rivers; Gangkangmei and Sumaoping rivers to be exact.  It is also famous for being a preserved area as well as for using indigenous bamboo as part of its architectural character.  I went here with my team mates for both landscape architectural and building case study.

The bamboo bridge at the entrance is indeed a sight to behold.  The intricate patterns yet warm ambiance provided a pleasant welcome experience.  The pure design of the water features encourages the quiescent surrounding even more.

the entry court

the bamboo bridge

They actually have a good selection of villas ranging from single storey to luxury river villas.  If one wishes to be away from the hustle and bustle of the urban jungle, then this is one place to be.  Though  my colleagues and I did not really stay the night here, we were able to explore its nature trails and forest areas as well as try their green cuisine.  The cuisine is great too; enough to satisfy the demands of a picky and hungry stomach like mine.  Someday, I would like to go back here again and stay the night; to have a quick weekend retreat away from the restless city life.

CROSSWATERS ECOLODGE AND SPA WEBSITE

RATES:195 TO 1200 USD (1500-9300HKD; 9200-56400PHP)

a river villa

a view of one villa from the shaded path walk

entrance to one of the river villas

a single storey villa

entry to a stepped nature trail

one of the many scenic views around the place

an observation tower

detail