Hermès Birkin*

"The Bag.

En route from Paris to London on an Air France flight,

she pulled her Hermès datebook out of her bag and papers scattered on the floor.

A complaint was made to the passenger sitting next to her that the book should have pockets,

As fate would have it, that passenger was Jean-Louis Dumas - the Chairman of Hermes"

Unlike most girls, I have never been a great fan of handbags. I would much rather invest my money in forex, purchase another piece of outerwear or enjoy degustation at a fine dining restaurant. However, with every general principle there is always an exception. For me, all I want is The Bag. Not just any luxury handbag you can walk into the store and purchase. 
Designed by Hermès- the Birkin.

Acknowledge should be made to Victoria Beckham, who owns an extravagant Birkin collection reportedly worth over £1.5 million. One could only wonder if another person could surpass her obsession, or have the financial capacity to satisfy it for that matter. Rumour has it she has over 100 Birkins in her collection, which would arguably account for every colour, size and fabrication! My favourite is the pink ostrich. It is loud enough to draw attention regardless of the outfit that even a multicolour Emilio Pucci dress cannot silence!)

Perhaps one of the most famous photographs captured 'On the Street... Olivia, London' by The Satorialist. During 14 October 2010, it appears to be just another day for the 40" Tan with GW, perched delicately on a bicycle beside Olivia Palermo. 

My personal preference is the Black 35" Togo with Palladium HW. A similar one toted by Megs Mahoney Dusil.

And the namesake? 

English-born actress and muse of Serge Gainsbourg: 

the beautiful Jane Birkin.*

BURBERRY*

''I was inspired by iconic British portraits and 

our own archive campaigns from the late 1960s of Jean Shrimpton 

using her trench coat to shelter herself from the poetic and romantic British weather.

We wanted to create a group of portraits celebrating British actors, musicians and models."

- Christopher Bailey, Creative Director

The Burberry Experience was one of the best experiences in my life thusfar. Working at the luxury fashion house for two years introduced me into the fabulous world of Fashion, and beyond. More than just a casual job to do apart from my university studies, I eagerly anticipated the next shift at work to see my work friends and VIP clients- just because. 

So here is my tribute to Burberry... ♥

AW11 Campaign

British models Matthew Whitehouse & Jourdan Dunn

(A splash of red pops out from the darkness. Red is the universal colour of love, and yes I am in love with the cropped red jacket. More than just a fashion piece, I presume the jacket is probably a wool-cashmere blend, serving the functional purpose of keeping you warm too.)

British models Johnny Green & Cara Delevingne 

(Military inspired outerwear continues to make its mark as one of Burberry's signature icons. Cowhide berets are a key feature and represents the underlying theme in the campaign.)

British models Amber Anderson, Molly Smith, Thomas Penfound & actress Felicity Jones 

(A carry forward of the theme from April Showers SS10 can be observed on the Haymarket bags. Add a bit of tassle for the 2011-twist. Adore the burnt orange and olive greens.)

British models Amber Anderson & Jake Cooper 

(Black on black is my staple colour combination. Different textures and lighting from the patent fabrication, provides stark contrast to the alligator skin over-sized top handle bag. Please let me fill in the void on the right!)

British models Johnny George, Thomas Penfound, Jake Cooper & actor Sam Clafin

(Hints of Beat Check provide subtle indicia of the Burberry touch in menswear. Who said men cannot be dressed shiek? Black, grey and white colour palette highlight the well-structured tailoring of the suits. Reverting back to the classics, you can never go wrong.)

Live Burberry Prorsum AW11 Hologram Runway Show
Performance from British band Keane
(Always being a pioneer amongst the fashion houses, Burberry was the first to stage a hologram runway show. Simply Spectacular!)*

XO, Vera Wang*

"The Romanticist: Passion guides her every decision."

Between the crossroads of fantasy and reality, inspiring some to transfer their deepest emotions into the choice. Romanticists are ruled by passion and want to be transported by the dress into a once-in-a-lifetime adventure. Embracing femininity and flirtation does not mean you are sacrificing style, as long as your choice reflects you.

From a sketch to the Red Carpet. A look back at this strapless, two-piece, fuchsia Vera Wang gown with asymmetrically pleated peplum bodice and double back corset with grommet detail Sofia Vergara wore to the 2011 Golden Globes.

- XO, Vera Wang.

Some things you just see, and instantly fall in love with. This was one of those occasions for myself as I was browsing through the latest updates on Vera Wang. Perhaps a more glamourous version of "that" AW10 fuchsia Marchesa cocktail dress Blake Lively wore in Gossip Girl. Except this time, a similar interpretation was worn by Leighton Meester for the introduction of Vera Wang's new fragrance: Love Struck.

On another note, yay to my first post on fashion!*

Campos Coffee*

Confessions of a Caffeine Addict.

"As coffee falls into the stomach...

ideas begin to move, things remembered arrive at full gallop...

the shafts of wit start up like sharp-shooters,

similes arise, the paper is covered with ink..."

- Honore de Balzac

Ian Keldoulis, a journalist for the New York Times, claimed "A visit to Campos, a coffee bar in Sydney... was worth the 22 hour flight from New York. Not to mention a great way to kick the jet lag!" It is no wonder that I was more than willing to pay $30 for a cup of Campos coffee when I was in Tokyo last year (although evidently an impossible feat, I made this suggestion to K in desperation and she merely laughed at my absurdity!) Fortunately, when I am in Sydney I receive my daily dose of Campos coffee because it is only a twenty minute drive from home or a mere five minute walk from university.

Coffee and study are mutually inclusive terms in my world, as one cannot exist without the other. Behind every law student, or successful person for that matter, is a substantial amount of coffee. Like my favourite poet T.S. Eliot would remark: I have measured out my life with coffee spoons! From a tiny coffee shop with meagre beginnings in 2002, Campos has become a household name and now supplies coffee beans to most cafes in Sydney's CBD. Since my accidental discovery five years earlier, I have enjoyed exemplary coffee each and every time. 

Affogato
Vanilla Icecream with a shot of Campos Superior Blend Expresso
(My favourite beverage on the menu by far, but it is nicer if you order it to dine in. I was always curious as to why the icecream did not melt quickly when the espresso shot is poured on top, compared with an affogato ordered at another cafe. Over time, I noticed the glass is actually frozen beforehand with Serendipity belgian white chocolate ice cream inside! Ingenious.)

Espresso Macarons
Made by hand with Campos Espresso

Sweet things from the Campos Bakery. Aesthetically pleasing, but...

tasted below average. I was enticed by the fact that these macarons were made from Campos Espresso, but unfortunately, it was completely the wrong texture and consistency. The shell was relatively hard and a bit chewy, while the cream had minimal coffee aroma. Disappointing, yet I will still return everyday for their amazing coffee!*

~ ~ ~
Campos Coffee
193 Missenden Road, Newtown
(02) 9516 3361
~ ~ ~

Hikaru*

"Hikaru, the shining light hidden in an inconspicuous alleyway (literally).
After five years of studying at the University of Sydney,
and making the typical uni-student lunch journey to Newtown for cheap Thai,
I was oblivious to this little Japanese treasure."

What I also failed to recall was how full law library would be during final exams season! Every desk was occupied by a stressed, dishevelled looking student rapidly trying to cram the entire semester's worth of course content into their minds within two weeks. Boys would have neglected to shave for weeks, while most of the girls wore no makeup and sported a comfortable hoodie. Quite a sight to see indeed! 

During our study break, Q and I headed to Newtown for a quick lunch. She loves Hikaru, and I was eager to try this Japanese restaurant (though I was secretly thinking, isn't there only cheap Thai restaurants at Newtown?). Being seated in a casual open courtyard, I had no expectations for the food whatsoever. 

Now I understand what is meant by the phrase: 

'Don't expect and you will not be disappointed, but you will never be pleased!'

Spicy Sashimi Don

Sashimi and Salad with Homemade Spicy Sauce on a bed of Sushi Rice

(I was pleasantly surprised to be served an extremely generous dish with fresh sashimi and a mix of greens. The homemade spicy sauce was reminiscent of the korean hot sauce used in bibimbap. Sushi rice proved to be a nice substitute for plain white rice, which is usually served in Japanese 'don' dishes. And to top things off, a sprinkle of fish roe to complete the colourful culinary painting!)

As per usual, Q and I ended up ordering the same dish. We always seem to like the same things, and I guess food is no exception. Great minds think alike, or in this case, our taste-buds seems to enjoy similar things. You may also notice a little quirk of mine in the photograph below. I love to fold the chopsticks paper sleeve into a neat square rester to place the chopsticks during our meal! 

Walk too fast and you may not even notice Hikaru's subtle entrance into their open courtyard. Expect casual dining, a quite comfortable ambience with affordable food.

After eating to our heart's content, we headed back to the library for another day of intensive studying. Otherwise, it could be the perfect opportunity to take a stroll along King Street to work off lunch and explore all the interesting boutiques that Newtown has to offer!*

~ ~ ~

Hikaru

134-140 King Street, Newtown

(02) 9516 5959

~ ~ ~

Sticky Rice*

"Dear fellow insomniacs: 

Want to sleep more? 

Then seek for a remedy no more."

Some studies claim sticky rice could help people fall asleep. High GI carbohydrates have been proven to affect drowsiness by boosting levels of tryptophan and serotonin, which are two brain chemicals that help induce sleep. However, these foods may cause a temporary rapid rise in blood sugar (unsuitable for diabetics) and are easy to digest so you will feel hungry quicker. 

On the bright side, the most important thing is that it tastes delicious! Mom has been cooking up a storm again because she believes we need to have 'brain-food' to keep our minds stimulated for exams. It seems everything is making me smile recently. Upcoming travel plans, the beautiful winter weather and now the thought of enjoying some fresh home-made sticky rice ~ mmM ...

Chinese Sticky Rice

Roast Pork, Shiitake Mushrooms, Taro, Chinese Sausages, Dried Duck, Dried Shrimp and Garnished with Shallots.

Before serving, mix thoroughly.

By special request, my brother had a separate dish without taro.

Some for now ~ just a small serving shall do

... and plenty more for later!*