Not as crowded as Ho Chi Minh and neither as touristy as Hanoi, Hai Phong, the third most popular city in Vietnam, seems to be quieter with impressive rays of colonial buildings and red flamboyant trees growing abundantly along the streets. These vibrant trees are now a Hai Phong's trademark and whenever someone says "The city of flamboyant trees", everyone knows that they are talking about Hai Phong.

I was born and raised in this coastal city until I was 18 and then moved to Hanoi and started a life of an adult. Although, Hanoi was more fun with lots of attractions (and temptations), but a part of me is always with the quiet city, Hai Phong. Whenever I have time,  the first thing that always comes to my mind is going back home.

Two weeks ago, I packed my luggage and left Singapore for Hai Phong. There is always a reward in everything, including this beautiful sunrise as a compensation for a very early morning flight.

Travel in style. Jumpsuits are the best outfits for traveling. 

Getting ready to board. Excitement was up in the air. 

Three hours later, I was home. 

The best welcome-home gift from the most adorable human being. 

Making an effort to try as many famous food in Hai Phong as possible even if it meant I'd have extra few pounds later. This fried fish noodle soup is to die for. If you have a chance to drop by Hai Phong, you have to try this.

Never really rest even when I was on holiday. 

Lunch again with more vegetables and healthy food. If you happen to be in Hai Phong, you should definitely try the brown noodle and crab meat soup (we call it Banh da do), or grilled pork with rice noodle and spring roll (Bun cha)

I have finally declared that one of the must-do things, whenever I'm in Hai Phong, is getting a manicure done. You won't believe how much these sparkling nails cost me. 

$20 hard gel nails that look like a million bucks. It would cost me $120 to $160 in Singapore otherwise. 

On the second last day in Hai Phong, I wanted to bring Miu to the Do Son beach (he loves beaches) to celebrate his birthday. Do Son used to be my favorite beach when I was small and now it becomes Miu's favorite one. He kept running around, playing with the crashing waves and laughing non-stop. Kids are the best example of we can be happy with the simplest things in life. 

While my Dad and my brother were busy taking care of Miu, my mom and I went for a walk to explore the new area. 

I lived in Hai Phong for 18 years and visited Do Son beach many times. This was the first time I watched the sunset on this beach. I pulled out my phone, took a photo of the sunset and posted it on Instagram. I was surprised at the comments I received a few moments later: "Wow! So beautiful. Where is it?". I replied them proudly "It's my hometown". 

Many times, we take things for granted. I guess it's never too late to start appreciating. 

Having ten precious days in between jobs, I decided to pack my bags and to reward myself with some short getaways. The first destination immediately popped up in my head (whenever I have a time off), was always Vietnam. That’s how much I crave for quality time with my family and some kisses from my adorable nephew, Miu. 

I spent six days in Vietnam, did nothing but sleeping, eating, watching TV, and of course, playing with Miu. He is the most fun, energetic, and loving boy that I’ve ever seen. He kept kissing, hugging, and asking me to stay back home with him.  On the second last day, we headed to Do Son beach to be tourists for a day. It was my childhood’s favorite place to go and now becomes Miu’s favorite one. While my Dad and my brother were busy catching the little monster (my nickname for Miu) running around the beach and playing with the crashing waves, my mom and I went for a walk to explore the new area. 

As you can see from the photos, it was a pretty quiet day in Do Son despite the weekend. People have a very simple lifestyle here. There is never a rush hour or cars honking sounds in the traffic jam. No matter how busy and occupied my mind could be, a laid black place like this would always take me off from the working mode and remind me to relax as much as I can. 

What did you do when you just quit your job? 

Thank you so much for reading!

::Outfit::

Forever21 drapey pleated keyhole top- Currently obsessed with this one 

ZARA denim shorts- Similar  here

Forever21 straw hat- Currently obsessed with this one

Marc by MarcJacobs bag

Jeffrey Campbell lace sandals

Alexander McQueen sunglasses

A couple of weeks ago, I had some quiet time in the afternoon, catching up with a passionate jewelry designer, whose name Kanika Mittal, about her beloved brand "Taula". Over a cup of tea, at her comfortable home, the conversation was about our personal story rather than a business relationship. Strangely, despite having totally different backgrounds and cultures, we found so many things in common. We have a passion for fashion and design (Kanika loves designing jewelry and I love making clothes). We both lead busy lifestyles with many roles (Kanika used to struggle between a corporate and a mom's life while I'm still balancing myself with my blog, my fashion brand, and my corporate job). Most importantly, we love sharing our passion and knowledge with other women. 

We even have the same problem which is finding a tasteful and timeless jewelry that can take us from day to night. Kanika had difficulty in searching for high quality jewellery for a long time. The type of jewelry that doesn't break a bank yet still has great value and can serve a dual purpose of complimenting work and a casual outfit. Kanika then, decided to design her own pieces and named them under "Taula". I, on the other hand, hadn't found any jewelry that can travel with me to many places and never fail to make me look outfit-ready. I was still on a hunt for a perfect piece until I met Kanika. 

Taula jewelry stands for modern women who are beautiful, simple, stylish. She has a strong character and timeless class. She is someone who goes out there, lives their life and achieves the biggest things. The more I heard about Kanika's beloved "child" story, the more I was connected to it. It felt like finally, there is someone who understands what busy women like us have gone through and offers us a solution. 

Technically, with "Taula" coming to life, Kanika has completely solved one of my biggest problems: finding #jewelryoftheday. I always receive many jewelry sponsorship invitations and I haven't accepted anyone. This is the first jewelry collaboration that you see on this blog. As superstitious as it may sound, I'd like to think that Fate has brought us together. Thank you Kanika for sharing your passion with me and letting me try on your beautiful designs. I'm honoured to know and to call you my friend. 

There were so many wonderful designs Kanika showed me at our first meeting, I was instantly attracted to these designs and immediately thought of how to present them to you. After weeks of keeping a secret and trying to contain my excitement, I can finally share with you the #CrystalPhuongforTaula project. It's for the women's who are going places. 

We both love seeing and encouraging women who dress professionally and appropriately for work and play. Taula and I would like to GIVE AWAY one pair of earrings (worth SGD100) to one lucky reader of Crystal Phuong. Coincidentally, this giveaway is also to celebrate my SAUCEink June cover and for being nominated in Top 10 Best Fashion Blog of Singapore Blog Award. To join this giveaway, please:

1. Follow Taula and Crystal Phuong on Instagram. 

2. Share a photo in this blog post on your Instagram and let us know why you'd love to win. Using hashtag #CrystalPhuongforTaula #Taulajewelry so that we can find your photo. 

If you don't have Instagram, you can join via Facebook. 

1. Follow Taula and Crystal Phuong on Facebook 

2. Pick one photo in this blog entry and share it on your Facebook page. Tell us why you'd love to win. Include hashtag #CrystalPhuongforTaula #Taulajewelry 

The winner will be randomly chosen and announced on Friday, July 3rd. This giveaway is open to international readers. 

Good luck and thank you so much for reading! 

Thank you so much Taula for partnering this blog entry! 

Happy Friday everyone!

Remember the Thai-American designer that I was completely obsessed with his designs during Singapore Fashion Week? I'm going to write about him and his clothes today. But instead of idolising his beautiful creations on the runway, let's talk about how the dress looks like on the real life and on a non model (me). In case you have no idea who I'm referring to, read this blog post to find out and have a glimpse of his fashion show in Singapore last month. He is none other than Thakoon Panichgu.  

It was my first time watching Thakoon's fashion show in Singapore last week and I was completely hooked. While watching the show, I was dreaming of wearing one of his design one day. I never thought that day would come so much sooner than I expected. Does it sound like a law of attraction? When you keep wishing for something and be positive about it, it will come true.

This beautiful maroon printed dress is the most versatile dress that I've worn. I'm not exaggerating. The loose and lounge-y mood of the dress with smooth polyester materials and slight hugging silhouette make this dress perfect for almost any occasion. Can I wear it to the office? - Sure! Just put a blazer on. How about a casual brunch? - Why not? I suggest pairing it with sneakers or flat sandals. Can I wear this dress to a party?- Absolutely! Take a look at these photos for reference.

When I was much younger, I used to buy clothes on a budget as I loved having many choices. Now, all I look for is good quality and versatile items that can take me from day to night and still make me look brand new. Just like this Thakoon dress!

Do you have such items in your wardrobe? What is your shopping strategy?    

Thank you so much for reading! Thank you Styletribute for partnering this blog post. 

Photographer: Navian Photography

Photographer assistant: Evelyn Lee

Stylist, Makeup, Hair: Crystal Phuong

::Outfit::

Thakoon dress- Thanks to Styletribute

Sergio Rossi Burgundy Heels- Similar here and here

Stella McCartney Crossbody Bag

Alexander McQueen Sunglasses

Lovisa Necklace- Similar here