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 Documentary: Jiro Dreams of Sushi
POSTED ON : Saturday 14 September 2013 "Once you decide on your occupation... You must immerse yourself in your work. You have to fall in love with your work. Never complain about your job. You must dedicate your life to mastering your skill. That's the secret of success... and it's the key to being regarded honorably." - Jiro Ono I must say, it's really a torture to watch this documentary... when you're on an empty stomach. I was initially hesitant to sit through this hour-and-a-half long video when my bud first told me about it. But it was impossible to stop once I started. You must watch to get what I mean. In this documentary, Jiro and his son, Yoshikazu, share about the various intricacies to the otherwise simple-looking delicacy. Behind his humble 10-seat sushi bar (3 Michelin stars) - lies years and years of hard work and discipline, immense passion and dedication as well as a relentless pursuit for perfection. All which happens to be the essence of any skill/profession. I especially like how acclaimed food critic, Masuhiro Yamamoto, relates Jiro's philosophy in serving his sushi to a concerto - there is an ebb and flow to his course menu. I am truly inspired by Jiro's drive and there isn't a more beautiful tribute to an artisan and his culture than this documentary. I guess when you love what you do and have the kind of obsession like Jiro has towards sushi, it becomes a form of expression. An art in which you constantly strive to elevate your craft. You live, breathe and dream (in this case) your passion. At his age of 87, Jiro is still continuously learning and trying to surpass himself. In comparison, it really puts us (youths today) in shame,don't you think? Well, it's definitely time for me to get my shit together. Who's with me? Labels: art, Inspiration, Jiro, Passion, Sushi Public Garden: An Eclectic Mix Of Local Quirks & Innovation
Has anyone noticed that malls are getting really boring these days? Or is it just me? Well before you dismiss this as a rant of a jaded shopper (ok it is part ranting), I have done my due observations. Most people tend to just hop around, store after store. Sometimes completely oblivious to the things they see while they busy themselves with dirty talk. Or just random chitchat/catching up really. It seems that we have grown accustomed to the repetitive things we see all the time. A Zara here, a Uniqlo there and the familiar pattern repeats itself.POSTED ON : Tuesday 10 September 2013 Who knew weekend activities can become such a routine? Not me. I needed something new. Something to reinvigorate my weekends. And that was when I found out about Public Garden.  "Public Garden operates a market comprising Singapore's best independent businesses and creative individuals. Public Garden is an alternative to big-box retail with a free spirit." There you go, blatantly (and conveniently) copied from its website. Couldn't be better described than the original. With that said, I was really curious with what they have to offer and I made a trip down to one of its fleas a month or so ago. Yes this is an extremely late post, but don't worry you can still catch them soon enough; they are a very active bunch. I just got word that they will be holding a Hidden Finds Market of sorts at Triple One Somerset this coming 20th - 22nd September, so check them out if you will. Venue: MICA Building Atrium           Eye-opener aside, I definitely went home with quite the takeaway. Bought a vintage giraffe print shirt from a really cool store - Lunakins. Just when I thought Singapore is greatly deprived of vintage threads, especially for men. Here is a store that curates authentic vintage/retro shirts with their various loud, quirky prints for people who don't take themselves too seriously. Like me. With all vintage clothing, Lunakins' shirts are all one of a kind. But here's the catch, they only come in one size. So it really comes down to how fortuitous you are to find something you like that's available in your size. I guess I must have charmed Lady Luck that day :)   Tell me, where can you find such a hippie looking giraffe print shirt anyway? Usually if you find something that has a giraffe print on it, it most likely is gonna be ugly. The truth is, giraffes and fashion are like Paris Hilton and being smart. They just don't seem to work together. But not this simplistic one. It caught my eagle-sharp eyes and I snapped it up.     Searching high and low for a gift that screams novelty? Check. Dying to show support to our homegrown creatives and be inspired in the process? Check. Feeling pretentious and wanna act like you know shit? Check. HAHAHA jokes. Anyway, if you are any of the first two mentioned above, Public Garden is definitely the place to visit. On Me: Vintage Giraffe Print Shirt by Lunakins, Jinluda Vintage Briefcase (Thrifted), Wallabees by Clarks Originals Photography: Benedict Labels: acccessories, Flea Markets, homegrown, homegrown heroes, men's style, menswear, Public Garden, Singapore, thrifted, vintage Awesome Weekend: &Made Burgers And Cool Clean Air
So the haze has finally shown some signs of clearing up. That calls for a celebration, doesn't it? Well for me and my bud Ashleigh, it means hitting the streets and getting some of our to-go eateries checked. This time round, we found ourselves at a burger joint. &Made, the brainchild of Michelin-starred chef Bruno Menard, is heralded for injecting gourmet quality to our casual everyday fare (burgers duh). And they come at a very affordable price tag. Michelin-stars + affordable prices? Go work that out :)POSTED ON : Tuesday 25 June 2013      For a guy who gets a year's worth of burgers from Carl's Jr (long story, but a good one), burgers are hardly appetizing anymore. But &Made has proven me wrong on this one. They have a well-balanced (and delectable may I say) selection of burgers, each catering to different groups of diners. There's no particular focus on one meat type; burger joints like to do that with beef, don't you think? With its quirky and fun decor - naked bulbs, pixelated walls and its open kitchen concept, it's just a great place to chill and enjoy a good ole burger. The Craft-It-Yourself menu seems really interesting and so I went ahead with creating my own rendition of a perfect burger. The end result is a Pan-seared Atlantic Salmon burger with a light dose of Avocado Yogurt Sauce, Comte and a fried egg. I really like the combination of salmon and avocado yogurt sauce. It has a refreshing tang to it and for salmon lovers like me, you would know that they can't be paired with something that's too rich. The Craft-It-Yourself burger doesn't come with any sides, I added $3 for its garlic and vinegar fries (which I really enjoyed with &Made's signature BBQ sauce). So far, one of the best burgers I've tasted. Ash would beg to differ though (with his Beef Burger), giving this acclaim to Fatboys. Judgement is for you to make. By the way, I like how they let us try a sample of whatever that piques our interest - a nice touch on service there. +Edited.jpg)      On Me: Denim Jacket by Levi's (Thrifted), Cool Clean Air Tee by Uniqlo, Chinos by Muji Photography: Ashleigh Choo He knows his burgers. And his camera. And... It's a list of infinite things that he knows. Labels: Burgers, Food, haze, men's style, menswear, Review, Tee, Uniqlo Floral Pastels
There's usually this stigma of being effeminate or ladylike when it comes to wearing floral prints (for guys of course). Well, I'm gonna make a little confession here. I'm OBSESSED with floral prints. And it's not even like a mild obsession, I would grab anything I see that's floral and nice. Does that make me any less manly than I already am? I don't think so. Get over your manhood issues and start rocking them, will ya? HAHAHA all right I kid. I, for one, used to be really shy with floral as well. So much for playing the nonchalant guy.POSTED ON : Sunday 16 June 2013 I guess once you have succumbed to what they call "flower power", it's hard to look back. These days, there is a multitude of designs, styles, colours etc. Gone are the days where we only have run-off-the-mill Hawaiian vacation shirts. It really comes down to your personal taste as to which sort of floral print appeals to you the most. They are not always about bold patterns and loud colours y'know. So if you're new to this and do not wish to overdo the bloom, I say go for more subtle prints and neutral tones. They attract less attention and are much easier to go with your wardrobe staples, don't you think?        On Me: Floral Print Shirt by United Colors of Benetton, Washed Red Chinos by Dockers, Shades by Komono, Watch by Triwa, Chukkas by Timberland, Briefcase by Bally (Thrifted) Photography: Amanda Wong When she's not going awww over cats (Bengal cats in particular) or busy editing tons of photos, she's flaunting her "muscles" and trying to upkeep her "manly" image which I would consider a flop HAHA (a good thing really, she's an amazing girl through and through). I'm lucky enough to have her input and photography expertise on this entry despite her busy schedule. With possibly more collaborations to come, I would like to offer my sincere thanks in the form of drinks. Or kittens. Jokes on the latter :) Labels: All-Over Prints Shirt, colored pants, colors, Floral, Floral Prints, men's style, menswear, Spring, style blog, trends Bien Store SG: Your Go-To Supreme Store
POSTED ON : Sunday 19 May 2013
So it seems that American streetwear label Supreme is infinitely hard to get your hands on here in Singapore. Well for Supreme fans out there, here's some good news for you~ Bien Store SG has changed this fact and now makes Supreme relatively more available here.
 Chancing upon this amazing find tucked along Sultan Gate (just a few lanes away from touristy Haji Lane), Bien Store SG has opened its doors for business for 6 months now, back when the Sultan Arts Village was newly launched. Its main draw is certainly the limited collection of Supreme (just look at that assortment of Supreme snapback caps on display gosh), and a fine selection of brands which include the more well-known ones like Vans, CDG, Komono Watches as well as up-and-coming ones such as Brown Breath, QUAY and the like.  
Photo Credits: Bien Store SG
Formerly an online retailer based in KL (hence the currency used on their website), Bien has decided that it is ready enough to start a flagship store in Singapore. Asked about what it's gonna bring in the near future, Jackie from Bien gladly obliged: "Bien Store SG is really going through its infant stage right now, we've been only up about, what, 6 months? Getting word out is our priority concern but you can definitely expect more streetwear labels and products of our existing brands in the coming months. For one, we're gonna bring in more backpacks from Brown Breath so stay tuned." I like how Bien Store SG limits most of the products they are carrying in their physical retail space to an exclusive one per item. It leads people like you (YES YOU) by their pockets - people who love to flaunt their one-of-a-kind apparels knowing that they will hardly see them on the streets. I'm such a guy too and no one is complaining :) Oh yes and withdraw some cash if you were to pay a visit to the store. They currently do not have a NETS payment option as they are still rather new on this but it's definitely in the pipeline. Follow Bien on Instagram to check out their latest releases! 
Supreme Vans PCL Era
Address
Sultan Arts Village
71 Sultan Gate 198496
Transport
Nearby Stations: Bugis Bus Lines: 7, 32, 51, 61, 63, 80, 145, 175, 197, 407, 980 Labels: Bien Store SG, Brown Breath, QUAY, Streetwear, Sultan Arts Village, Supreme, Supreme Singapore, Vans Go Bolo Not Yolo
POSTED ON : Wednesday 15 May 2013         The bolo tie has origins in the American West - yea these folks are too darn rugged for neckties, bowties or cravats. I love how it has a certain rustic charm that's not too overpowering at the same time. It really is a simple accessory that brings the whole look together when worn right, don't you think?
One of the reasons why I am so intrigued by the bolo tie is the room for creativity they offer as an embellishment. Just look at the different variations of pulling it off.. Pair it with a suit for a classy look with an old Western twist or pull the clasp lower down the chest for a casual laid-back vibe. Just hanging it around your neck regardless of what you wear already makes it more town-appropriate. I kid.
That said, these aren't very commonly seen around in Singapore yet. The only one I managed to find is this Texan bull's design that I'm wearing below. Reckon it will go well with denim. I know there isn't much to see from this picture but I promise you this ain't the last you see of me with a bolo tie. BOLO~  Labels: Accessory, Bolo Ties, denim, Inspiration, men's style, menswear, vintage, Wants Steal.
POSTED ON : Wednesday 1 May 2013  Steal from anywhere that resonates with inspiration or fuels your imagination. Devour films, music, books, photographs, paintings, poems, conversations, dreams, trees, architecture, street signs, clouds, light and shadows. Select only things to steal from that speak directly to your soul. If you do this, your work (and theft) will be authentic. Authenticity is invaluable. Originality is non-existent. Don't bother concealing your thievery - celebrate it if you feel like it. Remember what Jean-Luc Godard said: "It's not where you take things from - it's where you take them to" I stole this from Paul Arden. His books are practically my source of inspiration and motivation in life. Check him out if you will. Oh and Happy Labour Day everyone! A few more hours before I'm back to the daily grind. Labels: author, checks, Inspiration, Paul Arden, personal style |