It's my sixth day at Japan and I really love the culture and lifestyle here. Planning and making this dream trip a reality is probably one of the best decisions I have ever made, because otherwise I don't know when will I ever be able to visit a country as beautiful as this. The months of saving, working and doing lots of homework (on Japan) has certainly paid off!!

I really want to archive my entire trip to Japan this time round because it's my very first overseas venture without any parental guidance or support. Hahah ok maybe that's kinda lame but it still holds some significance to me since I really worked hard for this. Thus far, Trisha and I have encountered quite the amount of struggles (language barriers, getting lost because their subways are soooo complicated and being unable to read Japanese menus when ordering etc.) but these struggles has taught us quite a lot about the city, people and lifestyle. After 5 days, I can safely say we are able to somewhat able to communicate with the locals the most basic of conversations. We may not be able to reply sometimes but we somewhat understand?? 

Anyway thank god for animes and Jdramas since it gave us some prior knowledge to the Japanese language LOL.

As much as I want to pen down the details for my trip, the past 5 days proved to be rather exhausting so we kind of just crashed upon returning our hotel. But I'm going to make it a point to get them down soon before my memory of the past 5 days fades! It'll be nice to look back on my archives for Japan.

Well then, till next time.

Check out my other posts on Japan:

▶ #TRIPPinJAPAN (part 1) - Japan tips
▶ #TRIPPinJAPAN (part 2) - Osaka Day 1, 2 & 3
▶ #TRIPPinJAPAN (part 3) - Kyoto Day 5, 6 & 7
▶ #TRIPPinJAPAN (part 4) - Kyoto Day 8 & 9
▶ #TRIPPinJAPAN (part 5) - Tokyo Day 10 to 17
▶ #TRIPPinJAPAN - iPhone Visuals #1
▶ #TRIPPinJAPAN - iPhone Visuals #2

Photographer: Mirabelle Koh
Model: Che Shijia
Stylist/Wardrobe: Ohvola
Camera: EOS 550D + 50mm


Probably my very first photoshoot that's not a personal one with the help of friends, but rather, a professional model and an official business. I cannot be more thankful for this opportunity presented to me thanks to my lady boss.

Initially, I was all nerves about taking on the camera for the outdoor shoot. Though I have been doing a couple of outdoor shoots for quite some time now, they were all with close friends or relatives so I was definitely working in my own comfort zone.
However, this shoot was nothing like I was used to. Aside from feeling the need and pressure to deliver, I really didn't want to disappoint myself or anyone, especially when it's a project I've always longed to work on.

But my boss has always been motivating, and the model herself is really experienced, so the shoot went by without any hiccups with the exception of the sudden downpour.

Anyway, the dress featured in this shoot is one of their upcoming piece - one that got everyone raving over how dreamy and fairytale-like this piece is!! After the outdoor, the whole whimsy vibe driving this shoot eventually gave me the idea to call it the Spellbound Collective.

Keep yourself updated for the release of this piece on their site by liking them on Facebook or following them on Instagram @ohvola. Currently, there are also some works in progress so keep your eyes peeled!


In another 3 more days, I'll be leaving for Japan!! Omg it's starting to feel so surreal. All the homework, planning and booking done by the both of us is gonna pay off hehe. 

Tart Blanc has been in my to-go list for about a year because their miniature tarts looks so pretty!!! And being the sweet tooth that I am, I definitely have to try their tarts after hearing the raves about this little delightful thing. And sure enough, they aren't just artificial beauties.

I ordered 4 tarts at one go since there was an offer, which probably wasn't the smartest idea LOL. We ate our bellies full and I guess this is only why I'm getting fatter by the day. But with so many flavours to choose from I simply can't decide... 

We eventually got the Raspberry Praline, Matcha Milkshake, Tiramisu and Earl Grey Chocolate - in order of what appealed the most to the least, in my opinion. The Earl Grey Chocolate was so disappointing ):

But anyway, their tarts kind of reminded me a little of kki sweets. So many differing layers of components that subtly compliments each other without overpowering the other. Just look at the matcha milkshake one!! Biting into the matcha compote with a thin layer of jam and crunchy nuts was certainly a pleasant surprise.
Like kki sweets, I will try and make it a point to visit them again. Just that next time, I'll come during tea time because it's so much more worth it...

Aside from Gardens by the Bay and Tart Blanc, the highlights for my past week would be: catching up with Arif over brunch before he officially enlists, meeting the girls I've known for a decade for a casual day out at Jurong and spending a day at Vivo/Sentosa with Brandon and his poly friends! Oh and having random dinner dates.






Otherwise, it's my work days haha. I've been working with Ohvola as their graphic designer for a couple of weeks now (yay now you know hahah), and the working experience designing banners, assisting in styling and doing photoshoots have been quite refreshing. Definitely nothing like what I have done in school or with clients before, and I'm really grateful to be given the chance to venture into part of Singapore's fashion industry with really nice and professional lady bosses.

Plus, I'm always doing the things that I enjoy (e.g. photoshop and taking photos all day everyday) so it doesn't feel like a job at all! I did my first photoshoot today with the super pretty model, Shijia, and though I was somewhat all nerves it was all good and I can't wait to get the pictures edited!! More about that next time, if I get the chance to post up those photos hehe.
Meanwhile, you can stalk them at ohvola.com or @ohvola on Instagram!

That's about it for now. It's been a pretty fulfilling and costly week. Last week of scrimping before I officially fly to Japan!!!!