Category Archives: Small luxuries

On eyewear

50
24.10.11

(photo: private)

As some of you might have gleaned from reading my recent posts, I have at long last invested in a new pair of glasses. Here they are as promised!

Aren’t these spectacles just glorious? It’s in moments like this that I’m embracing the fact that I’m as blind as a bat without my glasses. They are rimmed in gold and designed by Balenciaga, and more often than not an accessory in itself. Decidedly offbeat, yet timeless and reminiscent of a monocle. It’s no doubt that they add an instant quirk to all outfits, even just enough to repel the opposite sex from hitting on me. Indeed a very bold choice for someone who has been hiding behind a black pair of horn-rimmed glasses since 2007. Yes, it was high time for a change.

John Lennon, Harry Potter, Sigmund Freud, Mahatma Gandhi, or whatever – I’ve never felt more like myself than when I’m decked out in these glasses, haha!

Cannabis

29
09.10.11

Those of you who have been following my blog for some time are most likely aware that I have a penchant for scented candles. I love burning candles, especially when the colder seasons are approaching and melancholy has settled in.

I went to London on Thursday and finally got my hands on this covetable “Cannabis” candle from Malin+Goetz. It’s rapidly become a new favorite of mine. The peppery redolence is hands down extremely seductive and addictive – but fortunately it won’t put you behind bars, so I wouldn’t mind getting drugged on this candle. And burning it makes me high, lol, even though it doesn’t contain a sprinkle of cannabis. It also smells like men’s perfume, which might explain why I can’t stop sniffing at it – yes, I also have a soft spot for mens’ fragrances. One word: LOVE!

Beauty investments

40
15.05.11
Malin + Goetz jojoba face scrub, Kiehl’s ultra facial cleanser, toner and midnight recovery concentrate

 
Lately I’ve found myself obsessing over skincare and beauty products. Into The Gloss is partly to blame for the abnormality in my behavior. For me, beauty products are a little bit of inevitable everyday luxury, especially if they work wonders for my skin.

Anyway, I received my most recent beauty investments today. The Malin + Goetz face scrub is totally new to me and I can’t wait to integrate it into my skincare routine. The other Kiehl’s products are absolutely essential part of my day-to-day routine. As for the midnight recovery concentrate, I can’t stress enough the fact that it is a miraculous sleepless night savior. On top of that, Kiehl’s products always look good on your vanity table (I have a perennial penchant for nice, apothecary packaging).

The luxury of time

40
25.04.11




There is something very calming and serene about the quietness of these images, which evokes an incredible, but far-fetched feeling of utter day-to-day luxury. Today is my last day of vacation. I’ve been rolling in luxury for an entire week, and I suppose it will be good to get back to my productive mode.

Now, I’m going to help my mom preparing one of my favorite rice vermicelli meals, which is bún thịt nướng – a very healthy, light and delicious dish consisting of shredded, barbecued pork and cold rice vermicelli mixed with fresh herbs, pickled carrots and lots of vegetables. It’s often served with roasted peanuts sprinkled on top and of course spicy nước chấm (dipping sauce) to pour over the noodles. The sauce’s effect in enhancing the dish’s flavor cannot be overstated. Bún thịt nướng is undeniably the perfect Vietnamese summer meal. Having time to prepare and enjoy a lovely meal with my family is beyond luxurious!

Candles

47
09.03.11

(via jak&jil)

My love affair with burning fine candles has evidently been rekindled as of late. It seems like luxury scented candles are amongst the things that have a durable power to cheer me up, clear my mind, and re-energize me – especially after an exam and massive doses of required reading for an entire week. Right now, my favorite fine candle to burn is True Grace’s Moroccan Rose (a gift from one of my best friends, thank you). The essence of the Moroccan Rose candle has an intensely floral rose scent with woody base tones. It’s a wallet-friendly alternative to candles from Diptyque, Byredo, etc. I also adore the candles from A.P.C. and the No. 5 Feuille de Figuier is the next one I’m going to purchase.

Truth be told, I don’t feel bad about finding pleasure in material objects as long as it’s practiced in moderation – and there’s nothing wrong with materialistic pleasure either. Anyhow, I have no plans to become an ascetic.

However, there’s still one thing that has to be done so as to clear my mind; I need to reorganize and declutter my closet while listening to my favorite violin concertos. It’s really high time for de-stress therapy.