My favourite part about living in crazy, chaotic, gorgeous Bangkok is that when the seemingly fast paced city life catches up, Hua Hin is just a stone throw away. It's usually a 2-3 hour journey, where you can either take the bus, mini bus, or a good old Uber. The cozy cafes and beach are bound to remind you of that magical serenity that sort of lingers in the air and is sort of hard to remember when in Bangkok. 

A couple of days ago I posted this cute little lace bralette I made on my Instagram. It was much of an achievement as I am not really one to sit down and sew to completion - but on this one, I bared the needles 'til the end. I didn't expect anyone would want the same, so naturally you can imagine how flattered and humbled I was when a few orders came in. That's when the crazy idea of designing lingerie and lounge wear sneakily crept in.

So why lingerie and lounge wear?

When it's not wine or coffee time, it is certainly tea time. Lately though I have had a slight obsession for green tea. Packed with anti-inflammatory and antibacterial antioxidants, you can rest assured your immune system will get the boost it needs to eliminate free radicals and unwanted toxins that may have potentially led to disease.
Another super power of this tea is aiding in wait loss by boosting the secretion of lipids, so, if you are going to indulge in a fat packed meal, be sure to have a cup ready. If your stomach is a little on the sensitive side take note of the when you should indulge in a cuppa to reap the most benefits with the least side effects.

25 DEC '14 seems like just yesterday - time flew; so much changed; some for better, some for worse but looking back, it was all worth the fight.

So, it has been exactly one year since the big move to Bangkok. Coming from Kuala Lumpur and having traveled to pretty much every city in South East Asia, you would think that this African/Motswana/chocolate/black (whatever you want to call her) girl has this side of the world figured out. But nope it has been one hell of a ride and I still get those random 'but is that normal here?' moments.

Here are 10 questions and answers that don't even come close to portraying the joyous intensity of the journey, and I sure hope you enjoy!



1. Why did you move to Bangkok?

First, let me satisfy your curiosity and answer that 'but why Bangkok?' question you are probably asking yourself. I will keep it short, I promise!

So, as any other normal fresh grad, I jumped at the chance of working in start ups - I mean who wouldn't? The thought of seeing companies start from scratch and you being a part of building and creating this next awesome thing, the ambitious souls you meet who turn into great friends - it is all too surreal to turn down!

Nobody warns you to pace yourself though, so in between the long hours, the crazy parties, you wake up one day unable to recognize that person starring back at you on the mirror and then you know: something must change... and that is how Bangkok came into the picture.

So in a nutshell, Kuala Lumpur was a place I stepped out of my comfort zone, got to know myself a bit better, lost myself and grew beyond measure. The caterpillar turned into a butterfly and the butterfly had to spread its wings to a new 'home'!

2. What was your first thought when you stepped out of the airport?

Well, it started in the taxi. I obviously had no freaking clue where I was going, just my friend's address and phone number. So yes, I showed the lady driver my address she nodded her head and started helping me load my luggage. Seemed we were off to a great start.

It was a pretty long drive and I was a bit unsure of what to think just by looking at the streets. While debating whether I was already 'homesick' for KL or not, my lady driver friend asked me something in a foreign language that sounded heavenly haha. I guess she was lost (no, we were lost) and she spoke no English - let's just say it was quite a trip.

By some miracle we found the condo I was staying at and since it was late afternoon, I was ready to explore the city. That did not pan out so well, first night and I was on the verge of tears yearning to be anywhere else in the world.

Luckily, I had (I still have) friends who calmed me down and told me to give the city a chance to grow on me. Two weeks tops they said. Ok, I can try to do that; if it doesn't work out, I'm out!

Again, by some miracle, after two days, I started falling in love with the odd tranquility that lingers in the air that I still can't put my finger on. The people where out of this world friendly (despite the language barrier), and she had me right then right there; yup, this was my Bangkok too.

3. Do you speak Thai?

Well, no. I am ashamed to admit this though so here comes an excuse: I did try to learn but I guess I just need more time. It is a beautiful language that really sounds like a sweet song and I can't even croak to save my life, so, yes, more time.

4. What do you think about the Thai culture?

Tricky one! There are some things I understand, some things I am yet to understand and some things that I have given up all hope in ever understanding. I suppose this happens everywhere you go unless you are home, yes?

5. Let's talk about Thai food...


I absolutely love the sweet and spicy twist. Food here has got personality - I am still training myself to handle the super spicy stuff though... you watch!

If we are picking favourites, I would have to say papaya salad does it for me - Som Tum (Mai Phet of course).

6. Your frustrations so far?

I would have to say the language barrier - I wish I could just take a huge bite of the Thai language, digest it and wake up fluent haha

On a superficial level though, there are two things that drive me up the wall!

a. Make up

I am convinced this is the land of snow whites and rosy pink princesses. Like really, what is the deal with make up - finding something for my tone is like finding a needle in a haystack sheez! I am brown, I love my brown, I want to make my brown beautiful - can you help a girl out and stock up on those deep foundations and powders?

b. Hair

You know what? Let's not even go there, I may start getting way too emotional!

c. Traffic

I will never own a car, a motor bike or a bicycle while I am here!It is C R A Z Y

7. What do you love most about Thailand?

The people - God I love the people. I think this is truly the city of angels - the person I have become here is somebody I am proud of and that I believe is because of that serenity that's in the air along with a smiling face at every corner. There may be chaos but because of that thing in the air, it is still so still.

8. Do you see yourself living in Bangkok after 5 years?

mmhh I don't plan that far ahead haha

9. What do you do for fun?

I think that the best thing about Thailand is that despite the esteemed nightlife, there are still a lot of activities to do during the day as well.

I travel to the beaches and islands.
I shop (walking closet here I tell you) from Rod Fai market to Emporium, this girl shops alright.
I eat - I love discovering new places to stuff my face!
I dance - clubs galore here and I live right next to the hub of hubs haha
Museums and art - it is all here!

10. Has it been a year well spent?

HELL YES! And I would do it again.

Got your own experiences to share? Let's hear it! :)

It is 'round about that time of the year when seasons change and fashion just has to keep up! March has by far been one of the busiest months for designers as they had to wrap up their marvellous designs and showcase them to the rest of us over eager trend followers.
Here is what Bangkok holds in store for you this coming Spring/Summer 2015.

VATANIKA: Let's go to Paris

Blooming bouquets, the streets of Paris, the elegant simplicity of French women -  that is what VATANIKA SS15 is all about. With most pieces from the collection made from some of the most sophisticated  materials including silk and dutchess satin, it is no wonder that neutral colours like black, beige and white are the collection's theme colours.


Vatanika Website
Vatanika Facebook

Stretsis: Runaway Rum

Another favourite is Stretsis - Sisters spelt backwards. Now, this brand not only embodies sisterhood but for what seems like more than a decade, the sisters have been growing stronger and stronger in and beyond Thailand. This comes as no surprise too as this brand is full of delightful surprises for the demure lady who wants a dash of oomph to her every outfit.


Having made highlights at the Mercedes Benz Fashion Show held just recently in Tokyo, it is undeniable that Sretsis SS15 not only won hearts but also captured the whole season in one show. Be ready for yummy sweet pastels!

Sretsis Website
Sretsis Facebook 

KEMISSARA: Casually Cool

For luxe casual clothing, Kemissara is your go to brand this season! Voted as the Fresh Face of designers in October 2012, KemIssara has become quiet popular in the fashion world.

Bold prints and shapes seem to be two dominant themes in this collection; so girls can enjoy looking effortlessly elegant in wide legged pants,  minimalistic dresses, satin shirts while looking ever so classically elegant.

This tigress has certainly earned her stripes!

Kemissara Website

For more SS15 style inspiration, check out: Retail Plus Bangkok

'Til next time! xo

The popstar has done it again! Just when you were getting comfortable talking about Jennifer Lopez' amazing body at 45 years old, the songstress gets up on stage and gives us all a new topic to banter about.

Seen on stage just last week, Miss Lopez decided to get up from her American Idol's judging seat and do what she does best as sang her heart out to the Home theme song 'Feel The Light'. Yes, her voice is still as stunning as you remember it but it is the dress she wore that captured the most attention.

To see is to believe, watch this and let us know what your take is:

It must be the serenity that heavily cloaks the air that makes Bangkok feel like home to so many of us. I mean there are various way to slay a cat and if you aren't the partying sort or you just want to take some time off from that scene and enjoy the sun, there is so much to do.

On this particular Saturday, we started off at Recreational Bangkok Biking to get our bikes and cycle for the next 5 hours. This was rather exciting as I saw the city through a different lense - little hooks and nooks, the salt station and of course the Bangkok Jungle. Certainly worth the ride I'd say; pictures don't lie. Enjoy!

While riding bikes through the city, we came across very narrow walk ways surrounded by colourful tiny houses (Think Soweto if you have been to that part of South Africa). The heartwarming thing was that the people seemed happy - so little they have but they still manage to  live on with a smile on their faces and no complaints at all. We can certainly learn a thing or two!

Expansion: Sculpture by Paige Bradley

Kintsugi - Japanese Art of fixing antique or broken pottery with lacquer resin either dusted or mixed with gold.

Soul searching and time alone are some life essentials a lot of us deprive ourselves from. I'm no guru in how life works but my have I been trying to find out! So while strolling the streets of Bangkok by my lonesome, I did have plenty of 'this city is so beautiful I need someone as beautiful to share it' moments. Nonetheless, I trotted on, and well, let's just say I am learning to love this person deep inside.

I have been beyond ecstatic upon the revelation of Maybelline's new face: Jourdan Dunn. She is simply stunning, driven, laid back and a woman ever so independent. Miss Dunn is simply a brand on her own, one that girls all around the world can relate with.

This Goddess has been featured on Vogue magazine, Beyonce's 'Yonce, Britain and Ireland's Next Top Model, YSL, TopShop.

Do you constantly feel the need to explain yourself?

"The thing is..."
"Hear me out..."
"Well, this is how it happened..."

Sometimes, it feels like your world is tumbling, then when you think it has stopped, it shatters into a million tiny pieces- then what do you do but wonder: if there is a God, He certainly has me as one of his puppets; the one he keeps throwing all the not so nice things at. Just writing that, I truly feel like I have gone beyond my boundaries - little do you know that you are responsible for all those self destructing thoughts.

So sitting here - planning for the week ahead, I figured I could share a part of my Sunday night playlist - it's too bad I can't share my coffee; non the less, you better enjoy it ;)

Just like everyone else, I work hard and when I work hard, I don't expect occasional pats on the on the back for a job well done - no, I believe I am capable of giving myself most if not ALL of the ego boosting that is necessary.