2012 Korean Summer Fashion - Fan Bingbing 范冰冰

I first saw her star alongside Zhang Ziyi in 非常完美 (Sophie's Revenge). She is so gorgeous and I especially love her big eyes.

I started to research on her outfits, and I have to say that I was absolutely blown away by all her beautiful, sparkling, and floor-dominating gowns that oozed with luxury and designer class. See for yourself.

I am now getting the impression that she wears these dresses on a daily basis. She is simply stunning in all these dresses. Every colour seems to suit her. The bigger the dress, the better it seems.

2012 Korean Summer Fashion - Cameras

Summer always proves a perfect time and opportunity to snap up amazing photographs under beautiful sunlight. How well those beautiful photographs have been taken depends on the photographer and the camera. Most people, these days, opt for the now-affordable DSLR camera. They carry all the advantages of taking the best photograph for even the amateur photographer, ability to edit photographs because of the RAW file image setting. For others, they might just opt of the more portable and amateur-friendly point-and-shoot camera. These days, there are these new small, lens-interchangeable cameras, such as the Nikon 1 range. These new Nikon cameras are an eye-candy but at a pocket-tearing price.

While everyone has got their eyes on these new gadgets, some others still keep to the rather tradition way of photography - using film. My interest in polaroid films have been rekindled, more as a result of my want in finding a different way to capture the good times of my upcoming trip to Korea. Rather than the now-considered traditional way of keeping memories using digital cameras, I want to be able to take instant photos and enjoy them at the very spot of where we took those photos. Many photography aficionados will agree with me in that they enjoy the unpredictable results that film cameras offer and the challenge of choosing your subject and timing well. With polaroid cameras, I've never bought one nor owned one more because they were quite expensive then and even now. However, Fujifilm released their own versions of polaroid cameras a couple of years ago to achieve success in rekindling at least some people's wants of taking instant photos. To date, Fujifilm released three kinds of instant photo cameras. Their range is called the Fujifilm Instax mini cameras. The downset to these cameras is not their cost, but the cost of the film. For a pack of 10 packs of the cartilage ink, it already costs $10. So, it's $1 per shot. You could pretty much start a little business and charge $1.50 per photo. 

Fujifilm Instax Mini 25

Fujifilm Instax Mini 7S

Fujfilm Instax Mini 50S

The differences between the three don't differ that much. The first one to come out was the Instax Mini 7S. So, it seems natural the the Mini 25, which followed suit, contained improvements and new features that the previous model did not have. However, accessories are available with these models. For example, the Mini 25 has a fronting mirror to make those selcas a lot easier, whereas the Mini 7S does not have one. However, a click-on fronting mirror accessory is available for purchase. The most expensive and latest to come out from Fujfilm is the Mini 50S. It's a lot smaller, has a lot more settings, and few more improvements. It is also currently available in piano black, which looks very attractive. Choosing on which model suits you best isn't at all hard. It's all a matter of looking closely at the specs, such as light settings and ISO settings. Whichever caters to you best will bring you the results you desire. These cameras can fetch from around AU$100 to $150 for the camera alone, depending on where the seller is coming from. Amazon ad eBay have various supplies of these beauties.

As for me, I'm opting for the Mini 25 because it's smaller and flatter than the 7S, it's less expensive than the Mini 50S, and the shape is adorable and looks friendly to carry around on a daily basis.

Check out the link to the Fujifil Instax Mini 25 Korean commercial. It's quite adorable!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x31WUh-wKA8

2012 Korean Summer Fashion - Random

2012 Korean Summer Fashion - The perfect bag.

Bags, bags, bags. Everyone has their own preference on the type that bag that suits both the user and the things put inside it. Some may like those slouchy bags, which are hassle-free and easy to sling on to your shoulder and ready to walk out the door. Others may prefer the more classic, dimensioned bags. As they say, classic fashion never dies.


With me, I am in love with particular Michael Kors bags. Seeing as how Seoul pressures you to carry at least a designer bag regardless of whatever outfit you're donning. After countless days of looking at Michael Kors bags on eBay, finding the cheapest ones, and researching for new ones, I have yet to narrow down my search. In order to help myself breathe a little bit with all this bag-searching mayhem, I will just enumerate exactly the bags that I am after and I shall stick to those!

MICHAEL KORS HAMILTON TOTE SATCHEL BAG

RRP: $328

MICHAEL KORS LOGO PRINT TOTE BAG

2012 Korean Summer Fashion - Cross-border inspiration

Shanghai is becoming a fashion hotspot for emerging fashion designers as well as bigger global fashion brands to make their storm heard in the Asia region. I wouldn't say Shanghai Fashion Week is underrated, because it is well-attended by international stars. However, it is the fashion week that does not seem to be talked about enough. Take myself for example, with my increasing interest in Asian fashion, I have to admit that I have only seen myself looking at primarily Korean fashion and trends. It could because I have lived in Korea, so this is what I am more familiar with. In addition, young Korean women today - one is able to observe this in Seoul - are one of the most well-dressed women out there today.
Now, I've decided to make a collage or collection of fashion coming from and inspired by China's biggest city and emerging hot destinations for the Fashion industry.

ZHANG ZIYI

Zhang ZiYi is one of the biggest names coming from China today. Till now, she maintains a high sought-after reputation for her acting skills, martial arts skills, and impeccable designer taste. She has been an ambassador for various fashion brands. Her small, round face and slim figure stands as a representative for other people with similar builds (like me). It's definitely a big plus to see role models like her being chosen to represent big fashion houses.

Giorgio Armani

Alessandra Rich

Elie Saab

Christian Dior Resort 2011 

Elie Saab

Burberry Ruched Patent T-Strap Platform heels

2012 Korean Summer Fashion - Tweed jackets

Coco Chanel was the person who created the beautiful perfectly-cut tweed jacket for the sophisticated women. Years have gone by, and this classic piece of fashion item has withstood the years. I've never particularly warmed up to the tweed jacket fitting my image. I've always associated it to the more mature woman's way of fashion. However, what got my attention to how to looked dress down with a tweed jacket like the trademark Chanel tweed jacket was in Midnight in Paris. In one of the scenes, Rachel McAdam's character dons a beautiful short brown tweed jacket (most likely Chanel), a plain white shirt, and tight denim dark blue jeans. I did not particularly like the belt style hanging below the stomach, but her wardrobe was generally amazing. Most importantly, her fashion wardrobe was rather French-like.

It might not seem suitable for summer, but seeing as September sees the end of Summer, I thought it would be advantageous to have a tweed jacket for various reasons. I find that it would be rather stylish to have, especially since I will be living in Seoul. So far, I have found the following "buy-worthy" tweed jackets. Of course, they are nothing like the real Chanel tweed jacket, but its likeness is worth the price I think. And, I have been looking for a tweed-like jacket in the city but to no avail.