RACER LISA

Mood board(left), Inspiration board(right)

The concept between modernization and traditional, with time, was derived while wandering in Chinatown. Despite of the fact that Singapore is only a dot on the globe, there is always so many things to look at, get curious about and draw inspiration from. The thought to make a pair of shoe that was considered as a wearable art struck as soon as I spotted a pair of Chinese clogs lying in the shelves of a lifeless provision shop. It mainly sells traditional kitchenware and some other necessary provision, which are rarely used by today households. However, that was the trigger to the simple concept of the work of time.  

Below the layer of crackle silver paint is patched work using three different fabrics stitched onto the flip side of an old denim+canvas sneaker from Reebok. The rubber in front of the original pair of sneaker was detached and attached onto the clogs with the strap. Thankfully for many helpful, kind and loving people in my life, I was able to get the size and pattern of the clogs altered with the sawing tools at S's factory. Materials (such as nails, glue and rubber) and techniques to put the shoe together was taught and given by the best cobbler of Chinatown. He would let me sit at the corner at his tent for more than 4 hours for a few days, to watch him mend shoes, ask questions and listen to my idea. My dearest family, always supporting me in any and every way with the little things to help me save some time, effort and energy. Also, always (and forever) my model for projects. Without any help and advises, I would not have been able to complete these in three days. Thank God!

Finally, the paint will peel, revealing the patch work and reds of the beneath layer. As seen from above, on the bottom of the inspiration board, unrevealing the traditions that has been instilled…

Model: Alicia Lim

CHEERS(;

Stripeology

For the past few weeks before school ended, this was what i was working on. My specialism project, which was to create a garment through upcycling methods. With the concept of "Space on Earth"- stiffness of the garment and the pin tucks detailed high neck that feels like an astronaut suit, being on earth which consists mostly of water, leading to the aqartic influence… 

Er, i hope you can grasp the brief idea.

Moving on, the few pre-loved clothing that were converted into this(two piece) garment are the diving suit, cashmere sweater, aquatic printed boxer, ties and a peplum top. They are actually materials that don't really suit the all-time summer season in Singapore but i guess it's still workable since most places have AC. However, it still wasn't exactly cool to do the photo shoot outdoor when the sun rays were penetrating through the garment, and almost through me. Thank goodness it wasn't another model that had to do the shoot for me if not i would feel so terrible about my own work. (I almost melted in the garment.)

Anyway, the project wouldn't turn out as pleasing as i wished if i didn't have the help from Zhi Wei(photographer) and Sandy Ee(makeup artist). They made this project turn out more professional than it should have been if i had to do it all by myself. Thank God for amazing talents who were very kind to help.

I hope you like it!

CHEESE(;

White Head Structure

Black maxi dress: Miss Selfridge, Earrings: Topshop

It has been so many weeks, i could barely remember when was the last time i had my last post up and i'm so sorry about the really long hiatus. This time i'm done with my submissions for foundation and here i am about to show and tell you a bit about what have been taking up my time away from you all.

This project was called the "White Wearable Head Structure" and we were only suppose to work with  any kind of typically white paper. As for the joint methods, if i remember correctly, we could use any way except for tying. For my headgear, i chose the baking(off white+semi hard) and tissue paper(blueish+soft) mainly for the difference with the colors. Used the white glue, hot glue, stick glue and masking tape as the joint methods, and wires to build a strong structure below all the whites.

If you're wondering how it should be worn, the neck area of the structure was made to the size of my neck and the continual flow of the form rests on the shoulder. A wire ear support is also attached with the whole structure for it to stay steadily on the head.

Overall, this headgear was inspired by the research that i did which came out as mostly organic forms and the texture from the fish scales. The most laborious process of this project was probably the rolling of the papers, stripes of thick and thin, tissue and baking papers for the fish scale inspired texture and the irregular size stripes to wrap around the wires.

Personally, it was an enjoyable project to work on and if i were to create another headgear i would consider making one that gives more three dimensional impact. What do you suggest?

CHEESE(;

Back from the Mess.

Hola, my friends! 

Last few weeks has been insanely busy for me and i apologize for me absence on this space.

Here i am, with some free time, all thanks to the Chinese New Year public holiday next week. It's finally time for some rest before i watch the next few months fly pass, when i get back to school on wednesday again.

Let's begin with the move to the new place. This is the fifth time i'm moving since the day of my birth but the last four times have been in the same district-South. This time round, my family have decided to be adventurous and we're all the way to the North West of Singapore. It is a pretty lovely place because  of the obscurity but one thing that's really strange is that the house gets extremely dark by 5pm. It's quite funny that the sunny island isn't that sunny in some areas. O well, as long as it's still windy, we're all good.

Took a picture from the favorite spot in the house.

 Next, the end of all the workshops that are compulsory for me to take in school. Google Sketch Up, Photography, Photoshop, Illustrator and Clay Modeling. We were given 5 weeks to learn each programs and present our final project on the fifth week. Honestly, they weren't too bad after looking back at the progress i have made but the process during the five weeks weren't that fun too. To know when is your deadline before getting to know anything but the name of the software doesn't make learning that enjoyable.

This week, i had two submissions on consecutive days and before each submissions i don't normally get any sleep. By the end of the third day of the week, i was almost a zombie already. Below is what i did for illustrator after five weeks. With zero knowledge and understanding of the program and for being a complete loser with softwares, may i present to you a portrait of myself(or at least the mole above my lips if you violently disagree that it's a portrait of myself) in a vintage poster.

Lastly, it's the outfit to represent the end of a stressful week in school! The favourite hand woven silk scarf from India, blue stripes dress from Malaysia and the velvet red flats from Charlotte Russe. An interesting fact about these three is that they for kept warm in the wardrobe for about half a year before i wore them out yesterday. I wonder what took me such a long time before taking them out to the streets…

Ah, this a vintage bracelet that i brought back from new jersey. It has the name of the aunty that loved me best between my sisters, she says that's because i was the first to be given birth to and so i'm her favorite. Neither of my sisters understood that but they just lived with the fact that i was favored by her, while i enjoy being pampered. The last time we met was 4 years back or so, i missed her but i would not call her. I can't wait for house warming, maybe she would come.

I hope this long post made it up for the weeks i disappeared from this space.

Have a good weekend ahead and happy Chinese New Year to fellow chinese people!

CHEESE(;

Marching On

SoldiersNecklace: Grammah

Marching into twenty thirteen like a warrior and flying the badass to uranus because i'm two months away to the nineteenth year on planet earth. New challenges accepted and another step closer towards the goal is what i will pursue. We'll see about the rest when it comes along but i mustn't waver. My lovely friends, pray for me when you think about me that i will be strengthened every morning. The one above will hear and i will receive your blessings. Thank you in advance for everything that's coming.

As for the (almost) psychedelic printed tube dress from Billabong and the blue basics that my mother passed down to me, that may also seem familiar to the eyes of some, is a mix that i reused since the last time in the states. Except for the soldiers necklace that has just joined the family, everything else are familiar on the blog. Those soldiers from Grammah definitely made lazy days so much easier for me because all eyes are fixed on them, everywhere. You may not be able to find the same group of loyal soldiers in the shop anymore but good things never stop appearing in there anyway, so be hopeful! May you get a pleasant surprise from Grammah when you do visit her the next time, she always have something ready for the grandchildren.

Just do everything you wanted to do in twenty thirteen. 

Don't let the thinking kill your energy.

PhotoCredits:John

PsychedelicPrintedDress:Billabong, RedHighCut:Converse, BlueSocks:Daiso, Clutch:Shien

CHEESE(;

The Crowded Mind of Mine.

The Christmas season is over, church camp has ended, did a photoshoot for NYP's fashion spread, caught up with a few close friends, knitting has begun and holiday is coming to an end. These were the happenings for the past week and i've been trying to do more but tiredness keeps getting to me. My apologies for neglecting the blog for a week and a half but i will always come back because i miss it everyday. In addition, i have to confess that i did not transfer my images before my sissy brings the camera with her to the UK for holiday. Please forgive me for my carelessness, i hope that the fruityappleiphone5 will help!

Truthfully, it doesn't seem like i have done a lot of things which produced tangible results but i am very pleased with the intangibles that has happened. I had time to develop myself in many aspects in life during this holiday, including physical horizontal growth due to the intake of turkeys for two consecutive days. Seems like i never really need to learn how to cook well since i am so blessed with excellent cooks in my life! Reflecting on the past week, while i may seem to be missing in action, actually makes me feel less lost in the maze in my head. The year is coming to an end, there are many things i tell myself i have to complete before the new year approaches yet fighting with time becomes a waste of everything from energy to time itself, so i just go with the flow. We just gotta keep swimming.

Below's outfit is what i call the mix. Shien's own DIY clutch, vintage bow tie and floral dress shirt, blazer from H&M, a casual jeans from japan, men socks from Brooke Brothers and desert boots from Clarks. These is exactly what i love to do most, mixing the new with the old and the own. It's exciting when you have the outfit conversation because there is always so much to tell. From vintage in LA, to Clarks in Hong Kong, to DIY at home. Everything counts. 

I'm eager to talk to you patient and lovely readers soon. But it's time i end off here and start on my research for school before i end my day. Have a productive and peaceful week ahead as we courageously welcome the new year with open arms! 

Photo credit: John

CHEESE(;

Lim Kopi-3in1

Love, promise me you'll go to sleep after this.

Mama lisa has decided to dig out a couple of overdue pictures taken by a photographer, Johnneh, who has a passion for making people beautiful. These are three different outfits i appeared in Lomography's Blue Hour Party, School and Parco's AW12/13 Preview.

Tie:Ferragamo, Handphone pouch:H&M, Butterfly pin:NJ Vintage, Fishy men shirt:ROSS, Tattoo leggings:Bugis Street

 TheTie.

Go to your dad's wardrobe.

Pick the funkiest and cutest one with snoopy faces all over the tie.

Decide where you want to wear it on, the neck, the hair, the waist, the ears or the arms.

 Wherever.

Put on the tattoo leggings.

 Incase somebody steps on your toes, you could slap them with the flab on the thigh.

Blue Dress+Clutch: Shien(DIY), Socks+Stockings: random, Red heels: Irregular Choice

 Let's blue the day again.

With some dress and clutch by Shien.

Oh yes, those are my work.

In addition, 

i had to print my socks and shoes a little.

They complained that i would be too boring without them.

Floral dress+White bag+Ferragamo shoes: LA+NJ(NYC) vintage 

Vintage.

Everything was overdue that day.

I decided to visit the present by doing something different with my waist band.

You know, the present is to do something different.

So i tied the band on my head like a semi turban.

And i said,

CHEESE(;

P.s Johnneh is John

Shien's own Detachable Pants

Detachable pants were something that i always wanted as a child. I was always on a look out for them during chinese new year clothing shopping but only saw those trousers for boys. Either that they were in khaki colour and my mommy would squint her eyes, shake her head and walk away leaving me staring hopelessly at the pants.

With a pair of vintage Calvin Klein high waist shorts and a few inches of left over material from the SemiNike dress that i made last week, Shien's own version of a detachable pants was born.

Now i no longer have to wish for them, i own it, i made it.

It's the girls version.

Top-Forever21, Belt-Shien, Detachable Pants-Shien, Blue pumps-Free press

CHEESE(;

SemiNike Dress

This is the Nike Shirt + extra material = Shien's DIY dress.

I was feeling so comfortable that day, except for the weather that was dehydrating many living things other than the roses outside the house( i was surprised though), i wore everything blue. Or at least majority was blue but i still think that they all someway or another matched. See, the dress is now semi Nike since it has been DIY-ed and those sports shoes are from Nike so they make a pair. Then, the dress is obviously blue, the beret is baby blue and the socks are blue(excluding the pineapples) too.

Don't you feel right?

Anyway, i've been thinking about the purpose of this blog and my time spend before school starts in August. I realized that i've side tracked from my purpose or my resolutions for this blog and this year quite a bit. I wanted to create and that was my priority but i got too caught up with the other blogging stuffs and etc-including staring at Facebook for i don't know what purpose, maybe i was addicted or maybe i thought that my holiday was eternal. I stopped making that often and after i did this dress, i remember how much i wanted to sew when i didn't have the time to do so because of Olevels. From right now, i am determine to balance things out and try to stay on track while i still have the time to do so. Let's hope that school won't take too much of my own time away, until then, let's be positive about every little changes on Shien.

 BabyBlueBeret-Antique, Blue semi Nike dress-Shien(DIY), Socks-Dress Barn, Sneakers-Nike

CHEESE(;

People without the knowledge of their past history, origin and culture is like a tree without roots. -Marcus Garvey

This wrapped skirt that i spotted in a mess of vintage clothings in brooklyn's Fort Green's flea market got me so excited. Actually everything at the flea had me excited but my point is that this skirt reminds me of my tradition. Who knows, i may be going through a 'reviving my asean self' phase since i've been in a completely westernized country for a few months already.

Red base with lotus and all the other chinese looking flowers and a few random peacocks camouflaged in a chinese garden + hawaiian flowers printed cropped top = multiracial harmony. Agree?

Either that, it may be the peacock on the skirt. I had a liking for flamingos and peacocks, both beautiful and elegant large birds, ever since my first jurong bird park excursion with my kindergarden. I remember wondering how the flamingos could stand on one leg and not feel tired, and when the peacocks decides to open up his feathers, until i knew how to use google.

Anyway,  i ought to be rolling on my bed right now because i'm so tired. I went to bed at 5am after completing my nike shirt + extra material = DIY nike dress, which i am excited to show you guys but another time, and spent a long day in the car and at the airport sending Dara and Kit back home.

So, have a good day while i put myself on snooze till the sun comes out.

Cropped top-Heritage21, Wrapped skirt-Vintage, Floral flats-Topshop, colourful necklace-Shien(DIY)

CHEESE(;

POP goes the lappy case.

Yes, this is the laptop case that i've been making/talking/complaining/feeling sad and happy about on twitter. The thing about this bubble wrap laptop case and the multi-coloured clutch is that both of them are made out of recycled items. Bubble wrap is a very light and highly flexible material which is made of polyethylene ideally used to protect fragile, electronic and odd shaped products. It is also very useful in normal
envelopes to protect CD's and DVD's and flash drives. The biggest benefits of using bubble wrap is that is soft and light, is recyclable, improves your product presentation, assists in packaging protection against shocks and scratches. Therefore, this bubble wrap laptop case is certainly the safest (as there are 6 layers of bubble wrap ensuring the safety of your lappy, two outer layers above the cloth are for you to pop away during lectures or when you're taking a lonely bus ride home), the cutest, the most unusual cover for you and your lappy.

You may customize your own laptop case with your own name or any word that you may want on the flap, front or back of the case just like the one above that has ALICIA on the flap of the casing. And also choose from a range of patterns of cloths that you would like. Patterns will be uploaded on this post by tonight so take your time to consider and trust the bubble wraps and get ready to customize your own cover tonight! To know when the patterns are uploaded, you may want to follow me on Twitter-elisabluop.

For more details of the laptop case, or if you want to get your dearest lappy a safe and comfortable case and save the earth together with me, please email me at elisalim_shien@hotmail.com and i promise to get back to you asap.


Bubble Wrap Laptop Case-$40

I am the consoler

Unicorn Shoe: Shien

Dress: gift 

Sunglasses: Topshop

Baby unicorn shoe felt awesome visiting the Mount Faber for the first time before mister moustache shoe does. It must have felt closer to home as compared to the city area that i've been wearing it to...

*Get's out of the mystical world that i imagine to be in sometimes.* Kidding

Right, pardon me, i'm just feeling a little tired these days because i have been thinking and trying to plan my trip to the states... Too eggcited. Anyway, this flowy, soft and slightly long dress was a birthday gift by a very sweet friend of mine, Dolly, given to me a month ago. To avoid people from calling me a midget, i decided i had to tie a knot on the side so that my legs will look longer and that i will look taller. It really is the best way to console oneself...

*Automatically puts myself on snooze*

P.S. Elisa apologise for the abrupt ending.

CHEESE(;

The Multi-coloured Darling

Black vintage dress

Red converse highcuts

Shien's Multi-coloured clutch

Bigbird diva earrings

The collage maker is gonna be my new toy for awhile until i learn to master photoshop like a shifu. Anyway, i have decided that i will make this clutch for anybody that loves it. You may choose your own colour combination from green, red, blue, yellow, grey to black for your clutch and it'll be done and sent to you in a week time. If you're actually wondering if the flimsy whimsy looking clutch is steady or not, you can be sure that it's pretty durable because it has pass my tough training-bringing it around with things filled to the brim of the clutch, not hiding it under the umbrella when it rains, being all rough and tough with it when i'm digging for my handphone and etc. So, no worries as long as you love it. Love overcomes all, even if it's tough love.

For more details of the clutch or if you love the clutch and wish to save the earth together with me, please email me at elisalim_shien@hotmail.com and i promise to get back to you asap.

Shien's Multi-coloured clutch-$33

CHEESE(;