Here’s the photo log for Oct!

Freezing cold at mid-mountains in Beijing.

Bring on the music and liquor, baby!

Attended a couple friend’s wedding at Wenzhou.

Looks like I’m heading there more often than I’ve ever imagined.

Dinner was held at Shangri-la. A pretty grand affair with 40 tables~

The firecrackers and beautiful fireworks for welcoming the newly weds.

Isn’t it lovely? :*) I am always so mesmerized by the gorgeous short-lived sparkles. I was promised a ten times more grand welcome affair for my wedding, and I am taking his words for it!!

My outfit for the dinner. Wore a skater dress from Topshop, cuff from H&M and clutch from OPP. If you have been following OPP, you will probably notice that the cuff is my favourite accessory!! We have been using it whenever possible and needed!

The Chinese ‘Chinese wedding’ is somewhat different from SG Chinese weddings. As you can see, the cold dishes were served even before the event officially starts.

Debris of my cold crab.

My favourite cuff and clutch! Love the clutch, it is so versatile. (:

I was also wearing my favourite earrings. Not quite visible from the photo though, but we are gonna launch it on OPP for the end year! Egg-cited~ Oh! I didn’t realised that I was wearing all my favourite items that night~ Yes, including my footwear. I wore the most comfy pair of flats I got from Topshop.

Unlike SG, the newly weds didn’t go around the tables for photo taking. Instead, they went around toasting and collecting red packets!

The night ended off with this yummy and nourishing dessert: Papaya Hashima
It was soooooo good that I wanted a second serving! Sadly, all the guys at my table ate their share. Boo…

Spotted fake Crocs at departmental store in Wenzhou. *dumbfounded*

Outfits of the Day in Shanghai:

Striped Sweater – Topshop
Grey Leggings – H&M
Snakeskin Carrier – OPP
Potion Bottle Necklace – F21

An extremely adorable mustache double loop ring coming up on OPP soon!

Snakeskin Carrier – OPP
I love how comfy the maxi dress is but it’s just to viable to wear in SG unless on cold rainy days. I was tempted to bring it in for OPP and we decided not to as our customers don’t seem so receptive towards maxi clothes. What say you? (:

Checkered Top – H&M
Highwaist Denim Shorts & Oxford Shoes – Topshop

Diamond Knit Cardigan – OPP
It’s a very cute piece and it’s already sold out at OPP. Comes in Cream and Mustard too! I wanted to keep Mustard as well but I already own a Mustard sweater.
We have opened up BO and all slots for are taken up. There’s still so many customers enquiring about it but sadly, we couldn’t get hold of any more stock.

Embellished Cuff Dress – Love, Bonito
Ribbon Flats – Topshop (extremely comfy!)

Spent a Sunday in town at Kinnokuniya.
Embroidered Maxi Dress – F21

I managed to grab some Moleskine under the Discount Day for members.

It took me almost an hour to decide between what type and what color I should get.

Lastly, I bagged home 2 twin pack – one plain and the other with lines.
Love the vibrant colors! Makes me happy instantly.

Braided Sandals – Pretty Fit
It was such unlucky (or lucky) that my wedges’ strap gave way before I reach Kinno. I ended up shopping for footwear first. Lovely sandals, isn’t it? :*)

Arburi Sushi @ Fuji, BKK

Met up with FZ and A for Sept babies celebration and a catch up @ Timbre!

For the first time, I plait my hair out! How do you like this look?

Top & Skater Skirt – OPP
Bag – ASOS
Horse Necklace – F21
White Leather Cuff – H&M

Cajun Fries, Buffalo Wings, Hawaiian/Roasted Duck Pizza!

Nothing beats talking through long hours with good friends over yummy food and drinks!

Blended Mango Margarita.
I have a bad habit of licking the sugar rim.

We had too many failed self-take group shots and this is one that’s more presentable.

It felt rejuvenating catching up each others’ lives. It’s been years since A and I met up with FZ. I’m so glad things are going well for the both of them now. On contrary, I looked at myself and reflect….

There are many times when I’m alone or late in the night, I asked myself if this is all worth it. I have graduated from Uni for almost 6 months and I’m not bringing home any income. Comparing to my peers and many of them who have started work after Poly, I feel dejected at times.

Many people think that blogshops earn a lot but they fail to realize all the hard work behind the computer screen. Also, success doesn’t come for every single start-up. I have been in this business for so many years and I have given up once. But I do like what I’m doing and nothing beats that. Yet, to juggle between dreams and reality is a challenge.

I am always so excited when we come across gorgeous items during our sourcing and planning for manufactured designs. The adrenaline rush keeps me going on. And also, having to know that our customers are satisfied and happy with their purchases.

I am hopefully that OPP will be a strong brand in time to come.
Of course, with the support of our customers and our continuous hard work.

Gambatte, Jeanine!
Gambatte, oh! poupée

French Chantilly Lace + English Cluny Lace

Design by Sarah Burton for Alexander McQueen.

It was a wonderful experience to attend a Russian wedding and I was invited to be part of the morning session at Inna’s place.

It was a hot day outside and we played games with the guys at the ground floor, similar to Chinese weddings but it was much simpler. I guess it was also because this is their summer wedding in Singapore and the actual one will take place in St Petersburg next year! That would definitely be a grand affair~

We had some champagne and chips before heading off to the embassy!

Arriving at the embassy…

Everyone got in line and waited patiently for the couple’s arrival.

And so, here comes the couple.

Taking their oaths…

Steal a photo with the couple!

The traditional russian wedding bread, flown in from Russia.

The couple had to pinch off the  bread and whoever gets the larger portion calls the shots in the family! haha..

After which they will dip the bread in salt and feed each other, to signify growing through happiness and woes together.

A table filled with Russian food. Cold cuts, sandwiches, tapas.

Took a shot with Inna on polaroid. Lovely bride~ I so happy for you.

The group of them headed off to the airport and flew to Bali for the wedding party while I went to school for Media Law mid-term. yes, that’s really dreadful huh….

Anyway, I’m really hoping to attend their official wedding in Russian next year! Gotta start saving mooolahhs now~

I was put up at my dad’s cousin’s place in Wen Zhou, whom I have never met before. Felt weird initially but thankfully, they were very welcoming.
抵达温州后才知道他们把我安排在阿姨家。好像是爸爸的堂姐，我从来没碰面过。刚开始觉得有些尴尬，还好阿姨一家都很好客，非常热情。

The traditions there differ slightly from Singapore. On the wedding day, the groom will lunch together with the bride’s family, even before the tea ceremony. After lunch, he will then return home and gather his brothers and cars to head over again to get the bride and her relatives.
婚礼当天，淼先到素珍家共用午餐，之后再返回预备迎接新娘。

At miao’s place:
他们用紫色和粉红色的气球布置大门：

the couple’s bedroom
新人的卧房

the “brothers” discussing the route and strategy.
一群兄弟在讨论方策。

Miao prepared 12 Audi cars for the relatives.
淼预备了12 辆Audi汽车来接待素珍的亲戚。

I wanted to tag along but, I would be the only girl. so…. i waited at the hotel for their arrival.
我是很想跟着一起去接新娘，可是只有我一个女生，好像有些不妥当，我也只好在酒店等候。

Another group of “brothers” were preparing for the grand entry. Laying out the firecrackers and fireworks.
没开车的其他兄弟忙着准备迎接新人。

this is how a box of fireworks look like:
一箱箱的烟花：

I was really excited since there isn’t any of these in Singapore.
当鞭炮放响时，兴奋的心情难以掩盖。 气氛真棒！

the fireworks were lovely! just right above our heads…
烟花真的很迷人！

lighting up the cones..
把人行道两旁的烟火点着。

sparkles in the air…
烟火四飞。

isn’t it romantic? for the couple to walk through the fireworks…
真浪漫！

getting sprayed by everyone else.. haha..
大家都蜂拥而上，把新人喷得稀里哗啦。

heading up to the restaurant..
手牵手上礼堂。

Let’s get the ceremony started!
婚礼正式开始

Handling over the daughter to husband.
将女儿交给丈夫。

Miao was really nervous on stage. He sounded weird.. lol..
淼表现得好紧张，声音怪怪。哈哈。

They arranged for some games on stage and I got volunteered up. It’s drinking “herbal tea” contest.
他们办了几个余兴节目，我被供上台，比赛喝老王吉。

and yes, i won a plushie for my niece.
赢了个玩偶，送给甜甜。

during dinner, the couple did the usual thank you drink around the tables.

After the relatives had left, it’s time for the games and friends!

we made a hole on the beer bottle and got Miao to use his knees to pour out the beer. it was hilarious!

next was to drink the 2 cans of coconut milk dangling over the bride’s shoulder.

follow on was picking the 2 red dates in the huge bowl of beer.

then, he had to peel the logan and feed his wife.

lastly, was the choosing the right can. There’s 21 cans with only 1 empty can. For every failed attempt by him, the brothers will have to finish 2 glasses of herbal tea. And for the  bride, the sisters have to drink up 2 glasses of beer. This is a really tough game! They made 19 unsuccessfully attempts! I ended up helping the sisters with 3 glasses of beer. They only got it right when there was 2 cans left. haha..

and the night ended off with a polariod photo. =)