#Ootd Casual Purple |EDD

Taking part in Kukolina’s Saturday outfit posts so here’s mine for today!

Wearing a loose causal purple top from Shana, denim shorts and purple beaded necklace from Diva accessories. Coloured leopard Shades from Primark.

thanks to my sister for taking the pic for me and this is me before going out .. Sans makeup as I usually don’t wear makeup on weekends! šŸ™‚

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Taking part in this photo blogging is a lot of fun!

Let me know if you want to join us too!^^

I am adding these links from Eszter of Kukolina’s blog,:

Eszter’s entry: http://kukolina.wordpress.com/2013/09/28/weekend-photo-challenge-week-3-show-that-titi-outfit-of-the-day/comment-page-1/#comment-746
B fromĀ http://fantasyholidays.wordpress.com/
Tams fromĀ http://nakedbeautyblog.com/?p=1255
Casey fromĀ http://veggiesandglitter.com/
Tisha fromĀ http://dailyeasyrecipes.wordpress.com/2013/09/28/weekend-photo-challenge-week-3-eating/
Vilma fromĀ Ā http://freebutfun.wordpress.com/2013/09/27/challenge-food-and-outfit/
Ɓse fromĀ Ā http://aspoonfulofstyle.co.uk/2013/09/28/weekend-photo-challenge-ootd-and-eating/
Fanni fromĀ Ā http://theblackberryboys.wordpress.com/2013/09/28/weekend-photo-challenge-week-3-eating/
Grace fromĀ http://czechtheflip.com/2013/09/28/weekend-photo-challenge-eating/#comment-3691
Ena fromĀ Ā http://enabalista.com/2013/09/28/ootd-casual-purple-edd/
Beth fromĀ http://byrnesbeth.wordpress.com/
Sarah fromĀ http://journey2dfuture.wordpress.com/2013/09/28/weekend-photo-challenge-week-3-eating/

šŸ˜€

Darling, you are the only exception. Paramore video review & personal reflections.

It’s not the first time that I’m watching this video and if anything I think this video was published at least 3 years ago. The Sam Tsui version was published back in 2010. Nonetheless a conversation over dinner tonight contained the words “you are the only exception” – not directed to me, if you are wondering. Which reminded me of this song and thus I’m here to wax lyrical about it.

I love the video to bits. It’s one of those so coherent with the lyrics and just visually so in sync with the entire song- the persona, the set, the mood, it’s so beautiful and with emotions within me that’s partly forming over the recent weeks and perhaps also due to some monthly hormonal high that got me tearing up as I watched it tonight.

The lyrics ring true:-

And that was the day that I promised
I’d never sing of love if it does not exist

But darling, you are the only exception
You are the only exception
You are the only exception
You are the only exception

Maybe I know, somewhere deep in my soul
That love never lasts
And we’ve got to find other ways to make it alone
Or keep a straight face

And I’ve always lived like this
Keeping a comfortable distance
And up until now I had sworn to myself that I’m content with loneliness

No, I have not found a darling but I can still relate to the points of trying to find the existence of love on this earth, keeping a comfortable distance and affirming myself that I’m content with loneliness.

No I’m not saying I wish someone who loves me will pop up tmr and say hello but I guess I am saying that I’m still learning to admit that it’s ok to be vulnerable, it’s ok to say hi there, I’m not perfect and I need your help. And most importantly, it’s ok to be hurt and to be hurt in the process of developing friendships/relationships. We all learn and we all make mistakes. And if I remain forever clammed up in my own shell or walled in my own fortress I may be missing out on the joys outside of my own protective world.

Baby steps, I’ll take baby steps.

Ena’s Outfit | Oasap Classic Embroidered Dress

{ Sponsored Post }

Hi guys! Ā ć€‚(āŒ’āˆ‡āŒ’怂)

This week I got my dress which I ordered from Oasap, a very lovely contrast collar and embroidered dress!

So I wore it to work…

Here’s my makeup look of the day aka #lotd:

Ena Teo Makeup LOTDI matched my eyeshadow colour with the dress, with blue and black at the winged tip portion with black eye liner. It’s my current eye makeup style, a mix of eyeshadow and eyeliner that wings outwards. šŸ™‚ Applied a generous amount of blusher that I promise does not look that much in real life. And pink lipsticks. Just happened that today all make up mentioned are Estee Lauder except eyeliner is Maybelline’s Impact Express Eyeliner, which is my favourite of all, my holy grail make up item. Still have not finished all the Estee Lauder products I got from last year! No idea how some girls keep buying when I can never finish mine, lol. Not that I am complaining. the only beauty products I can finish are eyeliner, make up remover and skin care products like sunblock. šŸ™‚ I also have on Estee Lauder brow pencil in dark brown, though you can’t really tell since my fringe is covering my brows.

More pics!:

Ena Teo Oasap Contrast Collar Embriodered Dress 1

Taken during lunch time! Just right outside my office building, which explains why it looks SO bright here cause it was! šŸ˜› Matched it with my Charles & Keith heels which are my new favourite shoes! šŸ˜€ They go with almost everything and are the most comfy heels I have. <3 <3 <3 Also seen, carrying my Kenzo green pouch from the SS13 Tiger Collection. I don’t think I’ve posted a pic on that before.. But the season’s already over. Lol.

Pinterest Ena Teo Oasap Contrast Collar Embriodered Dress 1

Ena Teo Oasap Contrast Collar Embriodered Dress 3A close up of the embroidered detailing on the dress. It has a great finish, no frill ends! Accessorized with my star & wing ring and black strap watch from Fossil Relic.

My review:Ā 

Design & Quality: 4.5/5 I picked this dress because it’s simple, classic and I just love the touch of gold and baroque leaves design! It’s a dress that’s great for work, formal lunch and dinners and even dates! šŸ™‚ I am super glad to report that the quality is great! It has an inner soft lining so the dress is comfortable on the skin. Finishing is flawless. Fit is great. In fact when I wore it to office, two of my colleagues commented on it, saying it was nice. šŸ™‚ Only downside is that the material though perfect for air-con office, it isn’t suitable for Singapore on super hot sunny days, so don’t wear this for a day out, lol. But will be great for rainy weather!

Price: 4/5Ā At original price US$39.90, I think it could be cheaper(no need for them to pay rental and it was a light package to deliver), since it’s an online purchase, and the folks at Oasap must have read my mind because they are now offering this beautiful dress at… US$33.92! šŸ™‚

Shipping:Ā 2.5/5 I thought the shipping took rather long. I ordered on 2 September but only received it this Monday, 16 September after two whole weeks. However the upside is that it came in mint condition, in fact wrapped in 3 plastic layers which made me wonder if it was necessary, I feel bad for all this packaging waste. But I’m not complaining.

If you like the dress, you can buy it >> here.

Or check out their: new arrivals, bestsellersĀ or sale up to 70% off!

Other items I love!

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This Ć¼ber cute rabbit print cardigan. U.P US$39.90, now selling at US$27.93 here.

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Puppy love bag aka Cute Dog Head Shape Shoulder bag, $52 here.

Alrighty, that’s all for now~

xx

3 things no one told you before graduation

graduation

I’ve penned several notes about work post graduation but just have not gotten down to compiling them into a sensible post on the blog until now. I’m wary about posting things too personal on the internet in general, lest I look back in the future and cringe at my past self. A bigger reason is of course I worry, tho I’d like to think them as unfounded, about people reading what I write and judging me for it. Which leads me to digress – why am I, or I believe why are we humans so fearful for others’ judgement on us? It isn’t to say that others’ opinions of us will make us more or less of whom we already are, if that makes sense to you.

So anyway, lengthy introduction aside, if I have not already bored you away, here goes my list of 3 things no one told you before graduation:

1.Ā Be certain of uncertainty.

You know how in school we always have that next thing to look forward to? The next semester, the next exam, the next academic year, the next grade, etc.

But when you come to the working world you’ll find that things aren’t as clear cut. There isn’t (for most people or for me at least) a certain bar that you need to meet and pass before you rise up and go on to the next stage or level. Sure, some routes are tried and tested, perhaps you have a manager above you and you have an idea of how long you’ve got to work before you’ll rise to his level. But in the world of business (yes, so if you belong to the public sector this might not be that relevant to you), there is no guarantee. In worse case scenarios the company might go down but in the best case scenarios you might be promoted and be placed in higher position/s that comes with responsibilities perhaps more than you can manage.

2. Ā If you have a choice with whom you can work with, then pick people you’re comfortable with.Ā 

Some of you reading this might go, “Jia En/Ena, isn’t that a “duh/ needless to state opinion” ? Yes, to many it’s common sense, but sometimes in the hustle and bustle and the thick of working life, we forget things. We think that just cause we have goals to meet and benefits to gain from another party, we simply have to suck it up and work with people are simply plain bad. That’s not true.

To elaborate, I’d like to humbly suggest for you to choose toĀ work with accountable and responsible people. If you’re the person in charge, then you’d better be accountable and responsible. Choose to work with people you like and likes you back. I can’t emphasize enough how this mutual good feeling of the other party contributes to the success of a project.

3. Chances are, you’re the only one who feels for your dreams and ambitions and the only one responsible to make them come true.

Yes, keeping in line with the idealistic self in me, and thankfully still am at the young but not so tender age of 23, I still believe in having dreams and ambitions and making them come true.

It’s true. When you’re working for someone else, you’re working and helping them make their dreams come true. Unless your dream is to see the team and company succeed, then it becomes your dream as well.

But what about your dreams and ambitions? The truth is, no one else but you will be responsible for making them come true.Ā If you don’t work on making your dreams come true, chances are, no one else will.

I’ve had a wake up call just recently, on one of the past day this week. I love what I’m doing now but being realistic and wanting to get on faster in the professional life is pointing me to another direction in life that I’ve previously turned down. Anthony Robbins once said, “If you do what you’ve always done, you’ll always get what you’ve gotten.” And thus, to get what you don’t have, you’ll have to do what you’ve never done. And that my friends, is my wake up call. I want so many things in life, and I know that I have the capability to do so, but I need to take that big step and do it.

Cheers, to life, to knowledge and taking action!

xo

Etude House Pink Play Party

Hello!

If you’ve followed me on my instagram @ena_teo, you’ve seen on last Monday night that I posted about my excitement about attending Etude House Pink Play Party the next day:

SHINee & Sulli
Etude House Pink Play Party Official Poster

I’ll post some photos and videos taken during the event followed about my thoughts and review! šŸ™‚

Etude House Pink Play Party Registration Booth
Registration booth for Media, yeah baby
Etude House Pink Play Party
Just one of the many many group of teenage girls!
It’s the 4th Pink Play Party by Etude House & the first in Singapore! Gotta love the cute Merlion graphic.
Etude House Pink Play Party Singapore
Pink Goodies & my pink heels! šŸ˜›

The collagen water tastes like Dolphin (brand) water and the popcorn had a pink powder coat…
I brought a pair of flats to change out from my heels! šŸ™‚

Outfit of the day
My #Ootd, My new GoJane glitter champagne dress & heels w pink & glitter coated nails. ^^
Pink Nail Art
Close up of my pink nails
Pink Heels
My pink heels, love the ruffle detail by the side!
Etude House Pink Play Party
Goodie bag with popcorn, water, fake/toy mirror, card holder, bb cream samples, wristband & SHINee badges!
Etude House SHINee Badges
I’ve got an extra set of SHINee Badges… anybody wants em?

Venue & Pre-party

The venue was held at the spacious MBS convention hall and there was ample space to go around, so thankfully despite hundreds of fan girls, we didn’t have to feel overwhelmed. The idea was, the concert starts at 7pm proper, but at 5pm, the doors are opened for everyone to try out all the makeup and game stations before you collect all the stamps to enter the stage arena, to save your space for the concert. Needless to say, all the girls rushed to complete and be the earliest in order to get the front row spaces and hence closer to their idols. Station wise, I was quite impressed with the station decor and placement as it was very well done and had girly, theme park vibe to the entire place, much like entering an Etude House theme park. I also think the idea of making them complete the stations in a fun way was a pretty smart way of making them interact with the brand instead of just mindlessly waiting for the concert.

Not so good thing: To get a ticket, one needs to buy $100 worth of Etude House items, technically $20 for one item to get a ticket, collect 5 different tickets to get a chance to be the 1st 400 participants to score invite to the Pink Play Party. Yes, it’s that insane. And that’s how dedicated Kpop / SHINee fan girls are. In a way, you could say the girls paid at least $100 to watch the boy group perform, and Etude House threw in products to boot. But it’s a lot of effort on the girls part in order to get 5 different tickets to then exchange for 1 chance. What if they didn’t make it to the first 400?

Pre-concert & ConcertĀ 

The doors opened at 5pm, my colleague & fellow Kpop lover Carissa and I reached at about 6. But since we had the Media invite, we didn’t have to go around to the stations to collect stamps before we could be admitted into the stage area to save our space for the concert. The event only started proper at 7.30 and the SHINee boys probably only came out at about 7.45pm. So that was approximately a total of 1 hr & 45 minutes of painful waiting which was necessary in order for us to get front row (technically we were standing behind one row of girls, but close enough!). I had to give it up for Kevin Lao Shi’s enthusiastic american accented English and his pretty and demure Kim Tae Hee lookalike model to make the 7 minutes make over pre-concert/obligatory Etude House marketing plug-in that much more bearable.

As for the concert, that was the real highlight! I highly doubt any girl bought tickets for the show to try on Etude House Make Up or check out Etude House theme park venue… It’s definitely for the boys!!! šŸ˜› For me, I was definitely satisfied(x200%)Ā to have seen the SHINee boys perform LIVE, about a mere 2metres away from me. šŸ˜€ Unfortunately my dearest Min Ho was not able to make it! šŸ™ Nonetheless I was still extremely stoked to have met Tae Min & Key. Of the 4 present, Key was the only if not the most engaging member who took more effort to reach out to audience by like waving and smiling and acknowledging the fans. <3

I wasn’t very sure if they would be able to perform as they do on Music Bank, but they sure did, and 4 times over! I didn’t expect anything less than them decked out in pink pastels to suit the Etude House vibe, but if you had expected them to appear in their cool chic image, you’d definitely be disappointed. Over all, they are really good looking, personally I feel that Tae Min looks the prettiest, followed by Onew, who looked better in real life then Key then Joon Hyun. Maybe it’s personal preference because Jong Hyun had a lot of fans in the crowd too!

This event was definitely enjoyable for me, as I got to see Tae Min and Key whom I watch on We Got Married (WGM), in person. They were definitely every bit good looking as they are on screen, duh. They are also really really skinny. I wonder how they have so much energy with so little body mass.Ā Ā >_< I also had a lot of fun experiencing the event and marvel at how Etude House, with their mission to make every girl a princess, integrate their user base’s passion for music and idols to be influencers for their brand across social media platforms (just like this article!). Pretty amazing and splendid job I must say! šŸ™‚

For more photos check them out on Clozette.co >> here!

xo