KICKING IT OLD SCHOOL

Growing up in the 80’s, mum taught me to wear traditional canvas and leather sneaks aside from the usual weejuns and tasseled loafers to parties and out of town trips - It was a preppy requisite in my neck of the woods.

Today, it’s all about thoughtfully acquiring items that can subtly spruce up a basic wardrobe and still look fresh a year later.

Being the hoarder that I am, I have five pairs of sneakers ranging from preppy staples like Fred Perry and Tretorn to unbranded $15 canvas lace-ups that I regularly wear to the weekend village market or around the neighborhood.

Mum would always tell me that what you wear south of your ankles always deserve a seasonal update and nothing says you’re ready for boiling equatorial temperatures and bespoke cotton shorts like a pair of refined classis sneaks from Veja.

(I’m in love with These pair of Taua’s and vegetable-tanned suede Indegenos)

Made out of chrome-free leather tanned with organic compounds and are cut, sewn and assembled in Southern Brazil, Veja shoes are the next best thing unlike the clunky mass produced ones available all over favoured by almost everyone. Veja shoes are streamlined and subtle and oh, they look great with seersuckers, khakis and even denim trousers.

And hold on, they have also launched “project numero deux” , its first line of ethical bags. I’m drooling now!

QUARTER LIFE, MI GORENG AND BLOWING CANDLES ON THE 4TH

When I was in grade school I would get so excited about my birthday and I would have these great ideas of what I would do for my birthday like a grand party at home with balloons, a piñata and games or what mum and dad would do for me but when they did not happen I would be disappointed and not eat for days. I was not spoiled with my parents and I believe I do not set my expectations as high as I did 18 years ago - I just try to enjoy the day and do a few things that make me happy.

I have enjoyed receiving wishes from my friends, colleagues (YES, the simple things) but I am seriously not excited about my birthday. Don’t get me wrong, I am happy with how things are going with myself and my life.

I still have not thought of anything to get myself on my birthday.I don’t need a new phone nor a new pocket camera. I have more than enough bags and I am starting to run out of storage for all. Probably all I need is to update my wardrobe with more basics and a new pair of brown brogues.




(All photos from Jak & Jil)
I will be turning 28 in two weeks and I know anything can change at any moment. What is wrong?

Thank god for Mi Goreng spicy chicken noodles.

TUESDAY BURIAL

At work at 7:28 AM and on that note, the stomach monster requires feeding.

Miike Snow - Burial from slowtumb on Vimeo.

I could listen to this song all day. It feels like smoking a crackpipe of love. I inhaled.

MEN-ABOUT-TOWN, CHAMBRAY AND COTTON CANDY TROUSERS

No,they aren't sissy trousers! Sometimes, I wish I was in a city where locals know how to effortlessly dress for work and play.

Here are looks by Tommy Ton that caught my eye captured during fashion week in Europe.




Photos by Tommy Ton of Jak & Jil.

I TOTE BACK

You might have noticed by now that I am a big bag fan of canvas tote bags and yes, I have a lot. Today, my friend who just flew in from Osaka got me a special edition E-mook from the Fred Perry summer 2010 collection which came in a box and a special item - I almost died.



Like my old LL Bean and 8 other canvas tote bags, they have become my everyday carryall, conforming like a useful canvas friend.