{CRYSTAL'S CLOSET}: LADY BOSS

February 18, 2014

If there is any wardrobe staple that instantly makes me feel confident the moment I put it on, it has to be this blazer. I own many different blazers in different styles, colors and shapes, but none is as unique as this blazer that you are seeing here.

Reminiscent of Balmain blazer, the structured shoulders design immediately caught my attention when I first saw it online. At the same time, I also adore the peplum silhouette that gives a perfect curve to a wearer. Having a feminine touch in this masculine structure, this blazer gives me the feeling of a strong woman who is ready to conquer the world. She is powerful, important and determined. She is a lady boss. She works hard; she plays even harder. With the blazer on, she looks professional at work. With the blazer off, she seems to be ready for a party anytime.

It amazes me how many personalities we can have from just one outfit. I must thank to Leo.C Photography for helping me to capture these beautiful images and for bringing this woman in my own imagination come to life.

I'm trying to be like her.

Photography by: Leo.C Photography

::Outfit::

Oasap Blazer

ASOS cropped top

ZARA skirt- Also love this one

ASOS metal waist belt

ALDO Shoes (old)- Also love this one

Love Moschino bag (old)

Oasap hat

Lovisa necklace.

Swarovski watch

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Crystal Phuong

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BOYFRIEND vs. BART SIMPSON

February 14, 2014

On the 3rd day of Lunar New Year in Vietnam, the weather was incredibly beautiful with golden sunshine, crisp air and gorgeous flowers everywhere. Nature seemed to be too generous and kind to the Northern part of Vietnam this year. Or, I would like to believe that I brought the Singapore sunshine back with me to chase the usual grey sky and the freezing 10°C (50°F) temperature away. Believe it or not, the day I left Vietnam, the temperature suddenly went down to 8°C, and it hasn't gone up since then. :(

As much as I wanted to stay at home during New Year, I couldn't help but think about the outdoor photo-shoot opportunity with the cutest baby on earth (my nephew), in such a perfect weather. Good thing, Miu loves dressing up and taking photos as much as his aunty does, thus, having a photo shoot with him was extremely fun and easy. We managed to take a couple of photos together until he was so attracted to the car rides, he didn't want to take photos with me anymore, lolz.

My little gangster- a potential lady-killer in the future, I hope you will not break many girls' heart with your handsomeness and stylishness.

After the big boy had gone for his car rides, I started a quick photoshoot with the other 2 small "boys": my boyfriend jeans and Mr. Bart Simpson. Guess who was the photographer this time? It's my brother.

Initially, I thought this "triangle relationship" between me, my boyfriend jeans and Mr. Bart Simpson would be awkward and uncomfortable as I could pay attention to only one of them. It turned out to be ok as the 2 "boys" worked very well together to give me an outfit that I expected: casual and chic. Though, it was the first time Mr. Bart Simpson appeared on my blog, but he seemed to make a perfect appearance, don't you think?

Thank you so much for reading.

::Outfit::

Bart Simpson sweater- Also love this one

ZARA boyfriend jeans- Also love this one

Romwe coat- Also love this one

Charles &Keith pumps- Also love this one

ALDO necklace- Also love this one

Michael Kors sunglasses- Also love this one

Charles &Keith cross-body bag- Also love this one.

Pandora bracelet.

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STYLE TIPS

WHAT TO WEAR FOR VALENTINE'S DAY?

February 11, 2014

It's that time of the year again! The most romantic night of the year on the horizon is only 3 days away from now. Whether you are celebrating this special date night with your boyfriend, husband or your gal pals, Valentine's Day is a day for fun, flirty and feminine dressing to take place. I know finding the perfect dress to go out on Valentine's Day can be very stressful. That's why I have created 3 outfit inspirations just for you in case you are stuck in the drama "What to wear" forever.

Last year, I created 4 different outfit ideas for your Valentine's Date. I hope they were useful. This year, these 3 stunning outfits will surely make you be the center of attraction at any party you go to.

1. Fairy Tale Love

A sweetly printed dress in such a flattering shape like this Mary Katrantzou dress is so hard to ignore. Besides, I'm obsessed with the pink, lavender, and purple color on this dress, the colors of love, faith, romance, femininity and elegance. You want to wow your man when you walk out of the wardrobe? Wear this outfit.

::Outfit::

Mary Katrantzou dress

Alexander McQueen Clutch

Sophia Webster heels

Versace watch

Elizabeth Cole necklace

Armani Rough lipstick

River Island cuff bracelet- Sydney Evan ring

2. Seal It With A Kiss

Red is a quintessential color on Valentine's Day. As much as I love pink and lavender, I can't skip this hot color, especially when it comes with many kisses like the design of this Alice & Olivia dress. I assume she must be inspired by the Valentine's Day when she designed this dress.

::Outfit::

Alice & Olivia Dress

Jimmy Choo pumps

Saint Laurent clutch

YSL lipstick

Ann Taylor necklace

The Grand Social bracelet- Also love this one.

Marc Jacobs perfume

3. Love And Be Loved.

If bright and loud colors aren't your things, the LBD (Little Black Dress) perhaps, would do a great job to make you look stunning, yet still feel comfortable in your own skin on this day. I mean, who doesn't wear black dress? There are many types of LBD to choose from: bodycon, spandex, sequin and lace dress, but I personally think the tulle-organza-silk dress is the ultimate choice on Valentine's Day. You don't even need heels or any accessories, you will still look extremely sexy in it.

::Outfit::

Alice & Olivia Dress

Charlotte Olympia heels

Saint Laurent Clutch

Moschino belt

Saint Laurent bracelet-

Tory Burch ring

Nyx lipstick

I have helped you to solve your problem of figuring out what to wear. If you are still wondering what to do, where to go on Valentine's Day (and if you are single), you are most welcome to join me at the number one singles party Valentine Vendetta at New Asia bar this coming Friday 14th Feb, 2014.

I'm giving away 10 tickets to my lovely blog readers to attend this party with me. All you need to do is to email me your name and contact, I'll select the first 10 people that email me.

What can you expect at the party?

You'll be attending the most hedonistic Valentine’s day party, Valentine Vendetta at New Asia, the Swissotel’s ultra-chic top-floor bar. You will be encouraged to ‘snog a stranger’ for big prizes including a diamond giveaway. With the great atmosphere, nice music, amazing people around (and of course having a party with yours truly), I bet you won't be disappointed. Hurry up! Register your name with me HERE. Giveaway is open to Singapore residents only.

More information about the party, visit this website.

Thank you so much for reading! I hope to see you this Friday.

Love,

Crystal

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{CRYSTAL'S CLOSET}: BURGUNDY BABE

February 06, 2014

One of the winter colors that I love the most, and constantly go back to has to be burgundy. The dark red color that is combined from the red and blue is said to have controlled power, determination and great energy. It's the most basic (and versatile) color that should never be missed out in the wardrobe. It can be elegant and playful, classic and sophisticated, warm or cool, it all depends on how we wear it.

A midi skirt and burgundy for winter? It's the best of both worlds. One has the feminine touch while the other has so much passion and sensuality.

Like my mom, my dad loves seeing me in any outfit that makes me look elegant and womanly. Thus, a long skirt is always his pick among the other staples: jeans, shorts or mini skirts. I guess that's why he fell in love with my mom.

On a side note, I blogged about the midi skirt before (here and here), but I guess this is the first time the burgundy midi skirt has the chance to be featured on my blog. Not only is it the first appearance, but also it's lucky enough to be captured by my hero. He is- none other than- my dad. He volunteered to be my photographer of the day while I was asking my mom for help.

"Working" with my father is such a joy as he always makes everything so easy for me. I just need to tell him what I want to achieve, he'll know how to get it right from the first shoot. Taking these outfit photos, hence was a piece of cake, and we managed to finish it within 20 minutes. The photos might not be as beautiful as the ones taken by a professional photographer, but they are perfect to me.

How many points do you think his photography skill scores?

Thank you so much for reading!

::Outfit::

Dailylook leather jacket- Also love this one currently on sales

ZARA sweater- Also love this one

ASOS skirt (old)- Also love this one and this one

Lovisa necklace- Also love this one

Sam Edelman booties - Also love this one in burgundy color.

Nasty Gal ring

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Crystal Phuong

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{CRYSTAL'S CLOSET}: PEACH BLOSSOM

February 03, 2014

There is one flower that everyone in Vietnam loves to talk about before and during Lunar New Year is none other than peach blossom. The conversations that make a homeowner proud can simply go like this: Where do you buy it from, How much does it cost, What a branch of peach blossom did you get etc... The fragile-looking flower with five cotton candy colored petals is not like any of another ordinary plant. It's an essential symbol that has very strong impact to every Vietnamese home. It's believed to bring love, joy and happiness to everyone in the family in this special time of the year. To Vietnamese people, if there is no peach blossom branch in the house, there is no New Year. That's how important this unique flower is.

After 20 years, this was the first time I had the opportunity to shoot with this iconic flower that stays so close to my heart. The photoshoot was even more special to me as it's done by my dearest mommy in my own house. I love peach blossom not only because it's pink (my favorite color) but also it's a part of my teenage's memory that I would never forget. I have too many memories growing up, I know, and you wouldn't believe it.

When I was 14, my family used to sell peach blossom branches to get extra income during New Year. While other families happily went shopping for New Year, we were standing in the open-air market from 9am to 10pm, trying to sell every single peach blossom plant before New Year's Eve regardless the 10°C (50 °F) temperature with the freezing wind blew to our face, hunger and fatigue. We did this for 6 years without fail. I was too young to understand how hard my parents were trying to make a living, to give me a comfortable New Year. I was so looking forward to New Year so that I could see so many beautiful flowers in my backyard, pink petals on the floor, and I was very excited if I got a chance to go to the market. I even helped mom to sell one tree for $30 after negotiating with the customer. The truth was he bought from me because I was too cute. That's when I knew I was good at selling (just kidding)

Fast forward 15 years, we are no longer the sellers. I and my dad still love going to the market every year (still the same open-air market that we stood at 15 years ago, but it looks much more modern now), to buy a nice peach blossom branch to decorate our house and to remind ourselves how hard we used to live. He wants me to remember who we were, what we did to appreciate what we have today. As usual, while he is looking for a beautiful plant, I'm looking around, hopping to see if there is any kid selling the peach blossom tree nearby, but I have yet to see anyone for the past 5 years. I guess kids are living much better now, which is a good thing.