Living far away from home means I'm constantly craving for some quality time with my family. That explains why whenever my parents visit Singapore, I'll try my best to create and capture as many memories with them as possible. The last two weekends, we visited Gardens by the Bay, Universal Studio Singapore, Singapore Zoo, Marina Bay Sands. We had endless fun and laughter which are priceless to me. 

While my Dad loves having profound conversations with me while having a cup of tea at home, my Mom enjoys some outdoor activities otherwise. On last Saturday, I brought her out for shopping and had her join me in my quick photo shoot (she loves doing these activities as much as I do). Not only did we have a great time shooting some photos together, but we also scored some great deals (Thanks to the Black Friday!). 

Speaking of Black Friday, I hope you managed to grab some great items on REVOLVE that I shared in the last blog post. But if you didn't, not to worry because CYBER MONDAY is here and it's even sweeter. 

From November 29th to November 30th, REVOLVE is having ADDITIONAL 20% OFF sale items plus FREE SHIPPING. All you need is this code: CYBER20. 

Hope this will brighten your blue Monday! Thank you so much for reading and good luck with your Cyber Monday hunting!  

Photos by: Zoey Bui

::Outfit::

NBD Eva dress- Thanks to REVOLVE! Also love these NBD dresses here

Giuseppe Zanotti heels

Salvatore Ferragamo embellished 'Ginny' Crossbody bag

DW watch (Thanks to Daniel Wellington)

Lovisa jewelry- Similar here

Carolina Herrera gold bracelet- Similar here

I remember when I was 18 years old, my mom bought me a delicate white gold necklace as a birthday gift. She said "Your jewelries sometimes can say a lot about your personality". She hoped that tiny necklace with a heart pendant could tell people that I'm a small girl with a big heart, who is sensitive, emotional and fragile.

Then, when I was 20 years old, I left Vietnam to study in Malaysia. Living in another country alone taught me to be independent, be strong, and be fearless. Aggressiveness and stubbornness followed along unfortunately. I found the black leather accessories with spikes and studs most interesting and they were the only necklaces or bracelets that I wore all day long. I felt like a rock-chic who was always ready for her fights.

I learned so many valuable lessons during this time through my failures and hardships. I still remember on one beautiful day, there was a random voice inside my head kept telling me "Nobody cares if you are angry or upset. Anger, aggressiveness or stubborn won't solve anything. It will only hurt yourself more than anyone else". That voice woke me up and made me realize why I hadn't had a taste of true happiness for a long time. I needed a change.  A big change.

I left Malaysia and moved to Singapore at the age of 25 to start all over again. Although it wasn't easy at first, but I tried my best to be patient (with myself and other people), be calm, and be positive. I changed those leather necklaces to the gold jewelries with lots of details and colors as seen on this post. Pearl wasn't in my list at all, simply because I always associated pearls with a much more mature women. 

Now that I have passed the number 30, instead of wearing colorful statement pieces, I only love  dainty rings, delicate yellow gold necklaces, and (guess what) pearls. I no longer see pearls as a part of an old woman's closet.  I see it as a beauty that is produced through pain, time and even sacrifice. People often think pearl jewelries are more appropriate to be worn at a glamorous dinner and dance party or a special event. I say they can be worn at any time or anywhere as long as you like it. I broke the rules and paired these elegant Misaki earrings and necklaces with an edgy all denim outfit. Who knew they could compliment each other so well.

 Just like how this Misaki Hung set breaks the rules with daring and grace, I'm trying to be the woman who lives her life with beauty and strength. 

Thank you so much for reading!

Photos: Zoey Bui

::Outfit::

Zara denim button-down shirt- Similar here

Flare denim jeans- Thanks Esprit

Daniel Wellington watch (Quote "CrystalPhuong" for 15% off)

Gold & pearl necklace and earrings- Thanks Misaki Jewellery

Proenza Schouler handbag

Thierry Mugler sunglasses

Melissa sandals

Since the beginning of this year, I have been really fortunate to live my life to its fullest. There wasn't any minute wasted in my day, and I can't be grateful enough for so many wonderful things that happened. 

Starting a new career in the travel industry is one of them. By far, it's a significant change in my life, and I've enjoyed every bit of it. I call hotels as my second home almost every month. After a Lunar New Year trip to Vietnam, I went to Bali for a holiday, headed to San Francisco for work, came back to Singapore, and then off to Ho Chi Minh, Taiwan, and Indonesia. I'm finally back to Singapore for two weeks before my next trip. Until then, I know I have a lot of things to catch up with you. The two-month worth of blog posts sounds scary, but if you follow me on Instagram or Facebook, you should know that I made an effort to update as often as I could. However, nothing compares to a blog post. I know. 

Let's start our long overdue conversation with an outfit that I shot before I left for Bali. This Endless Rose button front dress was one of my February most favorite picks on Revolve Clothing. I love how the structure shoulders and button front bottom give a sharp military-inspired look while the plunging neckline adds so much femininity to the whole outfit. If you ask me what color goes best with White, I would recommend nothing but black. This dress isn't appropriate for work unless you wear a camisole underneath. But if you want to make a bold statement as I did, a black lace bra is all you need. 

I have not been leaving my blog non-updated for more than one month since 2012 and when this happens, I'll usually have some great surprises to make up for it. You'll find them at the end of this blog post.

Thank you  so much for reading! 

Photos by: Evelyn Lee

::Outfit::

White blazer dress- Thanks to Revolve Clothing

Salvatore Ferragamo handbag

ZARA black pumps- Similar here

Michael Kors watch- Similar here

Coach sunglasses- Similar here

REVOLVE'S 3 DAY ONLY PROMOTION 

UP TO 25% OFF JUST FOR YOU!

DATE : 05/ 10, 8AM ~ 05/ 12, 11:59PM 

SPEND MORE & SAVE MORE 

SPEND $250 → TAKE 15% OFF 
SPEND $500 → TAKE 20% OFF 
SPEND $750 → TAKE 25% OFF 

ENTER PROMO CODE : REVOLVEME AT CHECKOUT 

* Offer not available on prior purchases, gift cards, shipping, handling or taxes. Offer only applies to orders shipping to Singapore, South Korea and Japan. Offer is not valid for the following brands : Canada Goose, Marc by Marc Jacobs, Stuart Weitzman and Zimmerman. Other exclusions may apply. REVOLVE reserves the right to end or modify this promo at any time. 

PROMO CODE AUTOMATICALLY EXPIRES AT 11:59 PM LOCAL TIME ON 05/12/2016.

I can't remember when was the last time I stepped out of the house in all pink outfit. Perhaps, it was this time when I attended the Vietnam Fashion Week last year? I used to love pink so much that I even decorated my whole room in pink. It was 8 years ago. 8 YEARS, I recounted twice. It's scary to think how time can change things.

As I get older, my obsession for pink has faded but not completely gone. Although I no longer go crazy over a pink camera or a pink laptop, it doesn't mean that I stop loving this romantic color. Especially when it's a pink dress come from Revolve Clothing.

This Tularosa pink lace dress is a pleasant surprise from Revolve indeed. The delicate lace material in sweet color can put any girl in the mood of Love instantly. I have always been the woman of work, the woman always on the go with hundred of things inside my head. Only when I put this dress on me last week, I felt like a girl again. Thank you so much REVOLVE Clothing for sending some sweet love my way. You sure know how to unleash the girly girl inside me.

By the way, REVOLVE also has a surprise for you at the bottom of this page. Scroll all the way down to find out :)

Photos by: Zoey Bui

::Outfit::

Tulorosa x Revolve Maltida lace dress- Thanks to Revolve Clothing

ASOS Lace up floral heels

Valentino sunglasses

Diane von Furstenberg clutch

Gorjana rings- More choices here

REVOLVE CLOTHING is having a great promotion right now:

Take 20% OFF your most wanted items with code SPRING20
Promotion ends on APR 1st 12AM (Midnight on the 31st) 

 DISCLAIMER: * Offer not available on prior purchases, gift cards, shipping, handling or taxes. Offer only applies to orders shipping to Singapore, South Korea and Japan. Other exclusions may apply. Eminent Inc. reserves the right to end or modify this promo at any time. 
PROMO CODE AUTOMATICALLY EXPIRES AT 11:59 PM SINGAPORE TIME ON 03/31/2016. 
* Offer is not valid for the following brands: 7 For All Mankind, ALC, Alice + Olivia, Amuse Society, Ash, Canada Goose, Citizens of Humanity, Common Projects, Diane von Furstenberg, Elizabeth and James, Hudson, Jansport, J Brand, Joie, Levi's, Love Moschino, M Missoni, Marc by Marc Jacobs, Mason by Michelle Mason, New Balance, Nixon, Paige, Public School, rag & bone/JEAN, Red Valentino, Stuart Weitzman, Soft Joie, T by Alexander Wang, Theory, Vince, Wolverine, Yosi Samra.

Good luck and happy shopping! 

Remember the Her world Plus Social Media Awards that I blogged about last month here, here and here? Voting period was over and the result was out. Believe it or not, I WON. Thank you so much for your votes and your kind support from the bottom of my heart. Thank you Forever21 for choosing me as your favorite choice. Six years ago, I was still dreaming of one day I could afford to buy some beautiful dresses from your store. Today, I achieved that dream in a way that I've never expected. 

Winning an award is pretty surreal whether it's big or small. It tells me that I'm doing something right and motivates me to be a better version of myself. You might not know this, but I did feel like giving up blogging many times. I felt like I was hitting against the wall and I was wasting my time. The blog wasn't moving to where I wanted it to be. It was frustrating. But when everything feels like the uphill struggle, thinking of the view from the top does help to push me forward. The panoramic view from the top is the biggest reward for those who can endure the climb. 

I wasn't climbing in this wide-leg pants, bare-back top and heels obviously. While I was shooting this outfit for Revolve Clothing two weeks ago, the view from where I was standing made me appreciate what I have in life and reminded me why I should work hard and never give up. I just wanted to share this positive vibe with you. I hope your dream will come true very soon. 

Thank you so much for reading! 

Photos: Navian Photography

::Outfit::

Marques Almeida open-back top- Thanks to Revolve Clothing

Zara wide-leg pants- Similar here

Chloe Drew handbag

Coach sunglasses- Other types here

Juicy Couture & Lovisa bracelets and rings- Similar here and here