One of a Kind: THE GIRL WITH THE RED LIPSTICK

Looking back to the time I came to FIDM during the Orientation Day, I was surprised to know there were not many Asian like me in school. While carrying that thought, a pretty girl with fair skin and beautiful long dark hair caught my eyes from a distance. I came forward and kind of checked her out. Since the first quarter started, this pretty young girl has been coincidently in the same Writing Skills class with me. I had my opportunity to chat with her. I do love her fashion style so I decided to make a little talk of her on my blog.

Han Le is a very inspiring girl. She has just graduated from high school but I bet you will be surprised seeing her fashion drawings and sketches. From what I learnt from Han, she has been living in the U.S for 5 years. She loves drawing and she enjoys spending time sitting in the classical and retro café. I guess it helps inspiring her ideas and conceptual thoughts. Despite being young, Han has a very clear vision of what she wants to do in the future. She pursues her dream to become a fashion designer who has her own fashion line. Han has a very fresh and casual chic style. Her fashion sense is all about sophistication and minimalism. “Less is More” is her motto. As a loyal fan of fast-fashion, her favorite brands are no other than Zara, H&M and Mango. And to match with her casual chic style, Han wear it with the Chanel red lipstick. She told me the red lipstick is to reinforce her sophisticated look.

I am very lucky to be able to capture her look today. She surprised me by showing how good she expressed herself in front of the camera. I feel like I suddenly found a new muse for my fashion shoot. (devil laughing)

So long with my “bla bla”, I’m gonna stop here because I believe these photos do a better talk than mine (lol). I hope after a long hiatus with my blog, this little writing here will bring you something new to read. And to Han, I wish you all the best luck with your dream! Study hard, try hard and you shall be a young, passionate “going-to-be” fashion designer soon! Live on dreaming!

Printed over-size top by Zara, lace cotton short by H&M, metal color flat sandals by Zara, shoulder bag by Louise Vuitton.    

Sexy black lace short is definitely gives a bonus point!

Little box of Han's favorites:

•  Chanel red lipstick
• Black color
•  Zara flat shoes
• Black long sexy hair
• Christian Dior and Coco Chanel are her idols

A chic combo for beachwear

A croptop doesn't have to always be with high-waist shorts. Beachwear looks more feminine when you take a lace croptop with maxi leopard skirt. Naughty vibe mixed romance and a little exotism/vintage from the never-forgettable cat eye sunglasses plus turban.

Welcome Spring! Time for floral tie!

I scored the lovely floral tie at Topman a while ago. I was at Topshop checking out new arrival items but then stepped in to Topman and fell in love at first sight with the tie. Despite my usual feminine wear, I started to lean forward to androgynous style right now. It's a good feeling and experience to have. Should I blame Topman floral tie for this?

Black maxi dress H&M
Oversized white blouse F21
Menswear leather loafers Vainer
Floral tie Topman
Pink tote OASIS

One of a Kind: Irresistible Enigma

I first met Khanh at an eat-out dinner without knowing much. Then at the French Tuesday party back in 2012 during the busiest and craziest time, I caught her sat there quietly in an evening gown with rose red lipstick and sexy bob hair. Less than 5 seconds, I was fallen for her mystic aura. I thought she might be the ice princess who didn't belong to this kind of party. But I was wrong, she was kind of stood out from others. Her existence is so strong yet so strange that made me kept questioning if she was the same lady I met before. I couldn't help myself glaring at her and wonder. I've met many female friends, colleagues and acquaintances but so far non of them gave me this kind of vibe. It's unique, cold but ultimately attractive. Since then, I kept in mind if I had a chance, I'd ask her to do something with me. And since the One of a Kind project was born, I made that chance come true.

The interview and photoshoot was taken at a nice cafe in the very centre of HCMC downtown. It was such a pleasure meet and surprisingly Khanh was a little bit dynamic than usual. I started my interview by asking her define her usual style. Not very different from my prediction, Khanh is a worshiper of minimalism, the less pattern the better for her. She said she isn't a fan of tight fit wear. Her favorite and usual shopping international brands are Zara, Mango, H&M plus the famous local tailor-made brands LAM and Umbrella. She shared her story working as a shop manager for LAM and that side job fed her opportunities to explore trends and strengthen her own style. (she giggled and told me she bought a lot of items from LAM during that working period - what? hold on, LAM boutique is super expensive, isn't it?)

'If you were granted a shopping vouche to buy an item from a brand? Which brand would you choose?' I asked another question. She told me without giving a second to think, 'Definitely Zara! They've just launched their new collection for this season and I can't help falling in love with their gorgeous dresses.' I said 'Wow! This lady does know a lot huh!' And further I encouraged her to share more about her wardrobe. She passionately revealed her favorite of favorite items are both LAM and Umbrella dresses. 'Then why didn't you wear one of them today?' I laughed out loud. Our conversation went on and on but I cut it off from here, you know, the rest was all girls' things and gossips (giggle).

Right after the interview was done we decided to give a walk. I brought my camera with me and that day luck was on my side. Despite the fun vibe we shared earlier, she transformed back to her mystic self thanks to that walk. I could not wait any longer to capture the best moment of her. The moment when the wind touched her hair, she was turning back looking at me. I captured it and felt the overwhelming mystique charisma flowing from her. Amazingly and indescribably, at that moment  she truly is the irresistible enigma!

One of a kind: Jasmine Ty The Hotblooded Urban Chic

A few weeks ago I caught an idea passing my mind, that is to start a new long run project named One of a kind. It's about the people whose fashion style is unique, bold, different and inspiring to me. I decide to make it a regular topic so my blog doesn't look like a monotone book with stories coming from one source/one person. With this, I hope I will bring more colors and interesting stories for you to read. On top of that, aren't we all the same, feeling hype and amusing when it comes to fashion/styles and fashion inspirers? And how much we can learn from them, are we?


So, I'm gonna kick off the project with my first honorable guest. Jasmine Ty (my friend and former colleague) is a lovely and charming lady who works in advertising industry. She's a PR consultant and currently take care of Johnny Walker, Nivea and other brands under her account. Naturally Jasmine has a modeling body, attractive single eyelid eyes. To me, she carries such a strong vibe of sexiness and irresistible lovely smile. Well, put it in another way to me she's the killer! Man-killer! (laughing)


Alice: Hello Jasmine. Welcome to our Project 'One of a Kind'. I'm happy to have you as a guest tonight. Let's get start!
Jasmine: Well yeah, my friend. I'm ready.
Alice: (Laughing) Jasmine, first of all how would you define your style?
Jasmine: 'Simple is the best' is how I would define my style. I tend to like minimalism piece, simple and neat cut dress, LBD, mono tone color outfit, etc...
Alice: Very interesting! Tell me, what's the trend amongst the youngsters like yourself?
Jasmine: Well, there are lots of trend these days that people are crazily following like neone color, pop art, vintage/retro, sheer, white on white, checked, etc...
Alice: And where do you usually shop?
Jasmine: I often visit local stories Le Rustic Chic - my favorite, Afternoon Tea, L'uisine, Leu Heu, Flea market and some online stores.
Alice: Who inspires you?
Jasmine: they are two fashion bloggers Nicole Warne from Garry Pepper Vintage and Karla from Karla's closet. Recently they've inspired me to get new short curly haircut :)
Alice: What is your best body/facial feature?
Jasmine: My lips (so I heard) (giggle)
Alice: Wow, sexy lips! Hey, if you were granted a shopping vouche to buy an outfit from fashion brands? Which brand would you choose? And what would be the items?
Jasmine: If I were granted a non-limit gift vouche, oh my god I would find myself running to the big stores like Chanel or D&G! I would buy these things:

Olympia Le-Tan clutch: http://www.olympialetan.com/#wordpress/schnitzel-with-noodles-fw-2013-accessories

Boy Chanel handbag: http://www.chanel.com/en_US/fashion/products/handbags/g/s.python-boy-chanel-flap-bag.14C.A67064Y257570A283.sto.boy.html

Charlotte Olympia heels: http://www.net-a-porter.com/Shop/Designers/Charlotte_Olympia/All?level3Filter=&pn=1&npp=60&image_view=product&dScroll=0&cm_mmc=LinkshareUK-_-QFGLnEolOWg-_-Custom-_-LinkBuilder&siteID=QFGLnEolOWg-gcPTPCMK4kX2FUZcKaHhKA

Dolce & Gabbana FW13 Sicilian dress: http://www.dolcegabbana.com/dg/woman/fashion-show/runway-gallery

Alice: (lol) There you go! Thank you for picking up these freaking beautiful items. I die hard for them too!
Jasmine: (laughing) You're welcome!
Alice: Well, thank you Jasmine. Thank you for spending time with me. I hope this interview doesn't take too much time of a busy-lady like you.
Jasmine: You're welcome, buddy!
Alice: Alright, time to conclude the interview. Have a good night, Jasmine! I'll see you around.

Hold on, before I conclude my writing, of course I will post a photo series of Jasmine Ty that I took of her during our visit at Flea Market last weekend. Don't be too surprise how she looks beautiful, stunning, sexy and trendy. Because she is Jasmine Ty, the hotblooded Urban Chic!

Style: Simple is the best! Top: white backless croptop, bottom: high-waist short jeans, shoes: gladiator sandals, accessories: classic black handbag, mid-finger rings and statement bracelet.  

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Additional information
Name: Jasmine Ty
Age group: 24-35
Occupation: PR consultant
Hobby: Salsa dancing, diving, cooking and reading

If you want to get to know more about Jasmine, please leave your contact with your comment. I'll forward it to her.

The Dreamcatcher - Fashionshoot

If dreams are destined to be caught, why are they uncatchable? If dreams are destined to come true, why are they remained bubbles?

In a far away land of my own fantasy, a girl with a young heart falls deep in her world of delusion. Time passes through many nights and days but she remains forgettable. And in the middle of the utmost loneliness, she told herself 'Dear God, though time and loneliness may kill my soul and corrupt my peace, allow me to continue dreaming. Like a prayer I will keep on catching my dreams, a place where my one and only hope of happiness is placed.'

A production of The Wardrobe Curator

Concept, outfits and photograph by Alice Tran

With the contribution of Viet Ha the model

A big thanks to Phuong Nguyen and Moon Zip for your kind assistance during the shooting.

Epilog: Born as a natural daydreamer, I always direct my interests to anything related to dream/dreaming. The idea started from two months ago, I was inspired and amazed by a bohemian fashionshoot done by a very young and talented stylist named Phuong Thao. She won the judges' prize in the Be Style Be Stylist competition. And on top of that I always adore bohemian clothing and hippie culture. Putting these two points together, I decided to move forward with my idea and concept. At first I thought the concept should be bright and carefree. However the more I fell deep in thinking about a story, I began to change the mood and tone of this shoot, to be darker and haunting. About the model, I've known Ha for a few years but never have a chance to work with her. Until the moment I was 100% sure about the little haunting story I would present in my shots, I found there would be no one more suitable than her. So this photoshoot is the result of our first collaboration. I'm very satisfied with the outcomes and somehow I feel like I'm still haunted by the loneliness of this concept. (laughing) 

Some of you may think this story is a little bit too dramatic and serious but I found it is very coincident with the Halloween occasion. A story about a girl who was left alone in an imaginary world and she was haunted by the happiness she used to have. It is perfect, isn't it? (laugh out loud)

To the youth that passed, I come back to you

Since I turned 10, I avoided wearing the overall dress. I found it's only a style of clothes for children. I wanted to grew up fast, be pretty and mature. (laughing) However during my visit to a new marketplace, I discovered this interesting piece, an overall maxi dress with hoodie in grey color. I was immediately captivated by this little charm thing and looking at it feel like I returned to my young self.

I decided to wear it during my company trip to the beach. It was simply an experiment for me to see if it could pull off a good look. And to my surprise, it did more than I expected. Mixing it with a layer frill bandeau top contrasted in color gives strong vibrant of sexiness. And cover my hair in the hoodie does give a surprising mystic effect, doesn't it? 

Dreamcatcher

'I go far from here
Where the silence sleeps
In the very deeps
Of the holy blue

And I dream of you
And I dream of you
Dream of you
Dream of you'

Have you ever met a girl wearing white dress, walking barefoot in the forest on a misty morning? Have you ever seen her wandering the trees with flowers on her hair? And beyond the horizon the smoke is rising to meet blue sky?

I once met a girl wearing a white dress, wandering on her barefoot. She had flowers on her hair and when she saw me she stopped, turning her back against the sunlight. Her hair was shining like a golden flame and her face was covered in dim shadow. Like a goddess, a rising goddess! I didn't dare to speak. My tongue vanished, only my eyes allowed to see. Did the goddess of this world caught a spell on me. Or did I just dream and deep in singing...

Photo source: internet

The Tribal Chic

During my backpack trip to remote region of Northern Vietnam, I was lucky to visit the H’Mong tribe’s open market. I was so captivated by their handmade textiles, fabric dye and accessories, like the-one-of-a-kind. They have amazing taste in combining clothes. It’s so spectacular and I was utterly bewitched to bring myself a skirt home. Now you see me wearing it with a white shirt, walking down the road. Very luminary and bold.

Polaroid Autumn

"The darkness is creeping in,
And the world is a place to hide."
                            Cheap Clothes_ Whitley

On an autumn morning, I woke up to the sound of music. The cold breeze was blowing outside the windows. Flashing my eyelashes, I was in an unfamiliar room in a different city. This is not Saigon. This is not the city where you only feel the heat and noise. This is Dalat. This is where my mother was born.

The old music kept playing chilling songs. I felt the coldness snick in my skin and the sky was white grey. 'I can't just stay inside' My head said. I walked out of the bed and found myself finding clothes. On the contrary of what I feel inside, I landed my hands on something warm and comfortable. And I was ready.

I stepped outside, started walking. Oh the fresh cold air blew into my lungs.  The street was empty! Suddenly I longed to be alone. In that longing moment I saw the world surrounding me in a polaroid filter. Like coffee 'Old and immortal, lonesome and lively, sensible and rich'.

Nanda baggy pants, Korean fashion girl print tee,  Blue Ex crop top blazer, unknown fedora & Zara basic heels 

Ninomax oversized shirt, unbranded aztec winter crop top, Rayban cat-sunglasses