When I was much younger, I always reminded myself to be strong, be independent, and be ambitious. Living abroad alone taught me many valuable lessons. It put me through many survival tests that I had never imagined. Being bullied, cheated, and taken for granted. I had "tasted" them all. I told myself not to cry because crying only showed the weaknesses. I chose to wear a biker leather jacket over a dress to suit my strong personality. I aways looked like I was ready for a battle. 

As I grow older, I've learned that being strong is never about winning. It's about learning a lesson from my failures and mistakes and never give up. I learned how to be positive in the most negative situation. I'm grateful for everything I have in life. I remind myself to always treat people with respect and kindness. By focusing on improving myself instead of worrying about how people think of me, I become a much happier person. 

My definition of a "strong woman" has changed since then. 

A strong woman to me is someone who can play multiple roles in her life and be good at what she does. She knows what she wants and how to achieve her goals. She is passionate and compassionate. She radiates happiness and positivity everywhere she goes. Every time I discover a brand that caters to confident and strong women. I'm instantly connected. Kimora Lee Simmons is one of those brands. Like I mentioned in the first blog post, KLS, designed by Kimora Lee Simmons herself, is a fashion brand for the women who go places. KLS clothes not only unleash the beauty and confidence in any woman but also help her to look polished at any event throughout the day. This bomber jacket from KLS Fall Winter 2016 is an example. I put it on and I was head over heels in love with it. I can't find any reason why you shouldn't give it a try. 

Thank you so much for reading! 

Photo: Navian Photography

::Outfit::

KLS bomber jacket with removable shearling Collar- Thanks to Kimora Lee Simmons

Zara flare pants- Similar here

Christian Louboutin Pigalle 100mm leather pumps

Alexander McQueen sunglasses

Carolina Herrera bracelet

Nasty Gal chiffon top (old)- Similar here

I was in New York last Fall to attend some fashion shows during New York Fashion Week. There were many great shows this season. Among all, the Kimora Lee Simmons Spring Summer 2017 was definitely one of my favorites. Kimora Lee Simmons is well-known as a famous fashion model. Guess what? She is also the beautiful face behind her successful fashion brand, KLS.

Kimora Lee Simmons is a woman on the go. She splits her time being a mom of four kids, being a designer, and being a CEO of her fashion empire. Simmons channels a strong and confident woman through her designs. That's why I felt connected with her clothes the moment I first saw them. Not only are they beautiful, but are also super versatile. They take a woman from day to night, yet still make her look polished and pulled-together.

This Anderson vest from the Fall Winter 2016 collection is an example. You can wear it as a dress or a sleeveless coat over a turtleneck sweater and white leg pants like I styled it here. I wish words can describe exactly how I felt when I put on a beautiful long vest that fit me like a glove. It made me feel confident, classy, and strong.

If you have never had that experience with clothes. Then I'll suggest you should try out some of KLS pieces. I'm pretty sure their clothes will make you feel beautiful inside and out. Thank me later if you want.

Thank you so much for reading! 

::Outfit:

Anderson long vest- Thanks to Kimora Lee Simmons

Dior handbag

Carolina Herrera bracelet- Similar here

Alexander McQueen sunglasses

Uniqlo turtleneck sweater- Similar here

Zara white leg pants- Similar here

Despite having so many clothes in my closet, I often raid my boyfriend's wardrobe, and basically, his clothes are mine at home. His T-shirts, shirts and even sweat pants are my favorites. It's fun to borrow from the boys once in a while. 

On the last day of Vietnam International Fashion Week, I decided to play with a menswear style during the day. A boyfriend blazer as a dress, a black crop top and shorts underneath, and black leather over-the-knee boots to complete the look. Some said I looked fierce while others thought I was too sexy. When wearing an oversized top or dress, I'd like to throw a belt on top to accentuate my waist. I also layered 2 bib silver necklaces to create a dramatic vibe and make a statement. It's either go big or go home kind of look, you know? 

Photos by Pham Cong Thanh

At night, everyone put on their best dress for the red carpet as it was the closing night. Thanks to iHateFashion for the love! My friend, Valerie & I were dressed up in their latest collection, which was shown at the fashion week just a day before. We had a blast on the red carpet and at the show. 

Love this faux fur tweed dress from iHateFashion. Their new collection is so beautiful! 

Brought my mom to the shows and she loved it. 

Front row squad with my babe: Valerie Lim- Miss Singapore Universe 2011

Sandwiched between my favorite couple: Son (on the left) and Adrian (on the right). We look like we were in a triangle relationship, don't we? 

 Photo by Long Hoang

If my memory serves me well, I had these outfit photos taken on my birthday when I was in Hanoi during Vietnam Fashion Week. Instead of attending the shows, I spent the day with my family. We went for a walk, had a delicious birthday lunch, and had so much laughter.  I'm not a big fan of cake so no birthday cake and no candles needed. The presence of people that I love means everything to me as I haven't had a birthday celebration with the family for more than 10 years (God! That's a long time).

As I grow older, I'm more aware of how short our life can be and how precious time is. Happiness can be as simple as waking up early on a weekend, having a tasty breakfast, going for a walk with your loved ones, and watching a favorite movie to end the day. The more I try to live a simpler life, the clearer my mind and heart will be. My style is an obvious evidence of how I've transformed.

I would choose black and white over neon and orange, a monochromatic outfit over a colorful printed one. If all else fails, I'll go with an all-beige outfit. It works every time. 

Photos by Son Tung

Photo by Shin Vox

::Outfit::

Rayban sunglasses

Bardot long sweater worn as dress (old)

Brown pencil skirt- Thanks to Forever21

Stella McCartney handbag

Charles & Keith belt- Similar here

Michael Kors watch

Raye pumps- Thanks to REVOLVE

Instead of a loud and colorful outfit seen on day 1 and day 2, I opted for a polished look with a long vest layered over a turtleneck top and wide-leg pants on day 3 of the Vietnam International Fashion Week. 

Thanks REVOLVE for this On Point vest (that's the actual product's name), I'm able to add one more item to my growing long vest collection. Please bear with me while I'm still obsessed with this statement piece, you might see another similar outfit in the next couple of weeks, who knows.

Photos by Son Tung

Photo by Katsu Phuong

Photo by Long Hoang

::Outfit::

C/MEO Collective on point vest- Thanks to REVOLVE

Forever21 white turtleneck sweater

Zara wide-leg pants- Similar here

Fendi double micro Baguette shoulder bag

Mugler sunglasses- More choices here

Lovisa necklace- Currently obsessed with these ones