This is my second last outfit from China, and it's probably the most casual, most normal one out of all. Shah and I had a quick visit to the neighbourhood of Xintiandi, which is styled like a little European town. Shanghai is truly one of the most modern cities I've ever been to but it very much maintains its oriental root, however, Xintiandi is kind of the exception, with it feeling more like a getaway of some sort.






A lot of expats hang out here because this is where they can indulge in cuisines from around the world (and most probably in their own hometown's comfort food!); if I had time I would have had my lunch at the Spanish tapas place (but made do with a salmon bagel and coffee instead), and there's also a Wolfgang Puck restaurant here, among many others.

Aside from being a great spot for taking a break from Chinese food, Xintiandi also provides vintage-shopping opportunities; I found a 'lips' bangle in one of the adorable little vintage shops but didn't get to buy it because let me just tell you, the stuff they have there aren't exactly affordable so if you ever make your way here, make sure your wallet's loaded!








About this outfit, well, I've been on quite the Mickey Mouse roll, haven't I? I mean, a Mickey bag, Mickey jeans, and more Mickey jeans? I managed to convince Shah to buy this sweater at Shanghai Disneyland, fully aware that I am totally able to take ownership of it once in a while! I've really been into oversized men sweaters, which started with this grey Edwin, followed by this Manchester United one.

I must tell you guys about this army green sweater: it's about ten years old and is a lost-and-found item! I used to wear it allll the time when I studied in New Zealand. Somehow I misplaced it in one of the many, many boxes when moving into our house years ago, and just discovered it again late last year!

If you didn't know this, for the longest time, I was editing my blog photos using VSCO Cam app; I would edit them on my iPad and transfer them to my laptop. I thought it was the most tedious thing so when I got myself this new laptop I thought "FINALLY I can install the Lightroom that I got for free when I purchased my camera years ago!!!"

And now? Well, joke's on me, because as it turns out, Lightroom is a bitch (excuse my French). But anyway I'm using VSCO Film presets with it because I'm one of those people who live by the "Ain't nobody got time for that" quote, which is the quote I would use if you ask me "Why not just learn the ropes around Lightroom?"

Also, another one of my favourite quotes ever, which is by the brilliant Bill Gates:


You guys know what Bill was talking about? He was talking about  the me + my purchased presets situation, that's what. Still, I've only used Lightroom for less than a week (I spent HOURS editing this set, which was taken in too-bright lighting, I'm practically crying over here) so I'm still getting used to it!


I wanted this floral Zara top so bad at last year's year-end's sale, but I couldn't find it in my size in all the Zara in Klang Valley. I gave up on it, until one day I went to pick up my younger sister to go out and she was wearing this top (it belongs to our elder sister) so WIN-WIN for me because I can wear it without having to pay for it. Isn't having sisters the BEST or what?

I loved the idea of going detailed-on-detailed so I paired the top with my darling Mickey jeans that I first wore in Beijing.





Shah and I visited the beautiful Zhouzhuang water village near Shanghai on a cold, cold day, which was why I double my socks layer (OK, also because I really wanted to try on my new blue fishnet socks, but why not?).

Some things I noticed when I was in Shanghai:

• People generally favour shades of reds; I saw so many red coats that I contemplated buying one "just because"! (But I didn't, my wills were strong.) I heard that red is considered a lucky colour for Chinese, and it's interesting to see it seeping into their fashion as well.

• Halal food is so, so easy to find, and pretty ubiquitous! Walk along the famous shopping boulevard that is East Nanjing Road and you'll be able to find at least four halal restaurants.

And to think I almost didn't buy these jeans...

When I discovered the sale going on with the Meters/Bonwe-Disney collection, I told myself, "OK let's not get too excited and be REALLY smart about choosing what to buy". I went back to my hotel that day feeling so proud that I only got one Minnie sweater, a pair of Mickey jeans, and the Mickey-ears bag in this post (UHBSESSED), and not every other thing my heart desired.

But then I couldn't stop thinking about the "every other thing" I didn't buy so, surprise surprise, I convinced myself that as a all-things-Disney lover I deserved JUST two more things: these crazy patch jeans and a denim jacket that is so kitschy (but not too kitsch, as I mentioned in that Mickey-Minnie post) that I still haven't found the right time to wear it out (but you'll see it soon, I hope!).






China was the first country that I visited without a clear idea of where to visit (although, I'm worse here in Chennai, but that's a story for another time), so Shah pretty much took the reign in deciding which places to visit. We were in the two-hour train trip to Suzhou and I actually still didn't know where exactly Shah wanted to go (yes I do live life adventurously that way) and it was only when we arrived at the entrance of this garden that I found out it's named "Humble Administrator's Garden" — rather an odd name, don't you think? (Also, the garden is humongous, so the "humble"part baffled me, for sure.)

It's one of the most beautiful gardens I've ever visited, with gorgeous colourful blooming flowers and all these China-esque patterns and designs. As always, I never learned to dress to fit into the ambiance...

PS: This is my first time using Lightroom x VSCO Film, and I'm struggling to learn this whole new way of editing photos! If you guys know any handy tip pleaseee let me know <3