British Museum at the Singapore National

We live a 5-minute walk from the National Museum of Singapore - but apart from popping over to the gift store for unique presents we'd never actually ventured in to see any of the exhibits. We finally took the 'long' walk on Sunday to check out items on loan temporarily from the British Museum. 

African neck/chest piece

Egyptian jars containing remains of the deceased

The British Museum, while steeped in scandals surrounding its acquisitions of artifacts, still remains my favourite (the Met a close second).  

QE1 medallion

Loosely arranged geographically, the exhibit naturally only showcased a teeny tiny fraction of the collection housed at the British Museum. I took these photos to remember some of the more interesting pieces. 

5-headed statue from Java

Carved wooden oar from the Pacific Islands

Skull-holder from the Pacific Islands

Mayan carving

Fertility statue from Asia

  

Wearing:

Anthropologie Split-Tone Tank and Kanara pencil skirt
Mansur Gavriel tote bag - my all-too-perfect nappy bag (along with this heart-print Skiphop kit)
Charlotte Stone Sophie sandals (I have this similar pair too)
Harper and Hudson necklace (of the teething kind but you couldn't tell!)

It has taken me a few months to get excited about my wardrobe again - you know, more than just chucking on a plain nursing tank and bottom and calling it a day. Let's just say there was an exclamation of 'hallelujah' when I discovered this Bordeaux top from Anthro is baby-friendly. Luckily I had the foresight in getting it in two colours, ha!

'Till next time!

Sunday at the Frick

We crossed off an NYC bucket list item last month when we visited the beautiful Frick Collection on the Upper East Side. We never got around to visiting for no other reason than being spoilt by free entry to almost all the big museums through my (now-former) employer's corporate responsibility initiatives.

So we did the next best thing, and visited during the museum's pay-as-you-wish hours one Sunday afternoon. Henry Clay Frick invested much of his wealth in acquiring European art, furniture and sculptures and the house is filled with impressive pieces. Most are displayed where Frick originally intended when this was still a residence for the family. 

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It's considerably small relative to the neighbouring Met but we still found Time Out magazine's list of 10 must-see works helpful for some degree of direction. There are also descriptions and a quick history lesson of everything in the audio guide which is free with admission. 

No photos are allowed anywhere in the museum but in the beautiful Garden Court, so we took advantage:

Oak Tornado dress (on clearance), Preen by Thornton Bregazzi sunglasses, and Giles and Brother railroad spike cuff

Mansur Gavriel cammelo/antico bucket bag, very very old Sportsgirl belt, and Brook & Lyn x Anthropologie necklace

Ivy Kirzhner Babel sandals (breaking my rule against buying multiples, it's the black pair to the gold version I wore to my wedding reception - which amongst other styles, is on super sale here)

Los Angeles Travel Diary: Day Two

Happy Valentine's weekend! S and I were meant to leave the frozen tundra of New York to another frozen tundra of Montreal but our flights were cancelled the morning of our flights. We are a little disappointed but are making the most of it - House of  Cards, couch-time, sleeping in are all on the books this long weekend.

The persistent cold is getting little tiresome and it seems fitting to post the second instalment to our LA travel recap (earlier posts here and here).

Robert Indiana

After a gruelling Soul Cycle class this morning, S and I headed up to the Upper East Side for a bout of museum-hopping.

First stop, food. 

We had a hearty meal of pasta, eggs and the yummiest stuffed pancakes at The East Pole, picked solely based on photos on Nicole's website. Said pancakes will have us back again for brunch (especially since this place takes reservations). Curiosity about the rest of the menu will have me back for dinner. 

Fueled up, we trudged through yucky grey slush towards the Frick, in the hopes of picking up day-of tickets to view the Dutch collection on display (I wrote about it here). Silly me however forgot that Fabritius' Goldfinch was also part of the exhibit, so the lines to enter stretched around the block. Even the The NY Times was on it, while I most certainly wasn't. 

No line is worth standing in frigid temperatures. As such, we moved on to the Whitney for Robert Indiana's retrospective. While we knew the exhibition was more than of his famous "Love" series, my heart swelled when this large, lit-up installation greeted us at the entrance:

NYC Social - January 2014

Happy new year everyone! This series took an unintentional two-month hiatus but it's back. While this post always takes a while to put together, I love writing it and plotting out my weekend plans at the same time, so I do hope you enjoy reading it too.  

We have a bumper issue this month, including a bunch of events which wrap up this weekend. Layer up, grab a hot chocolate and get yourselves out there stat: 

1. Robert Indiana Beyond Love: through January 5

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You might know Robert Indiana from his famous "Love" series of art. This broader retrospective attempts to reveal reasons Indiana is one of America's most prolific artists, showcasing various paintings and sculptures from post-war 1960s. The bulk of the exhibition is non-"Love" but fans will not be disappointed as there is an original 1966 version and a recent re-creation of a 6-foot, 3D sign that lights up.  

NYC Social - October

It's October and I have numerous questions - like how is it already Q4 2013? How is it already Halloween season? What's with all the HOLIDAY paraphernalia out in stores? But most importantly, how is it only 8 weeks to the big wedding?? Felt like it was just yesterday we were frolicking in Gramercy Park getting engaged and all. 

For that reason, wedding planning will have me hibernating this month, but you don't need to stay home. Per usual, NYC is never short of things to do so here's what's on in October (and don't forget to see last month's entry too):

1. Betrayal: October 5 - January 5

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Previews have begun for Fall's most anticipated Broadway opening. Written by Harold Pinter, the autobiographical play is about infidelity and its consequences, but depicted in reverse chronological order. The show stars Mr. (and Mrs.) James Bond so I very much believe initial reports which suggest tickets will sell out before the run is over. This is one time I am not taking any chances. If you need a theater buddy, you know where to find me! 

NYC Social - September

Happy September! I had such a relaxing Labor Day weekend that I couldn't get on the computer long enough to post this month's Social. It is unofficially the end of Summer - but if this month's events are any indication, the city isn't ready to slow down just yet! So check out what's happening this month (and last month too) and be sure to enjoy the remnants of the sunshine!

1. Fashion Week: September 5 - 12

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It is Fashion Week yet again with the Spring 2014 shows starting this week at Lincoln Center and beyond. Just like my advice last season, it doesn't matter if you have invites to shows or not - just head up to the plaza in front of Lincoln Center, plunk yourself by the fountain and people-watch till kingdom come.

Mara Hoffman to the Met

We have more visitors from Australia in town, so last week we ventured out to the Met Museum. First stop: the Punk: Chaos to Couture exhibit. This installation is not quite the crowd pleaser like past Costume Institute showings but still interesting nevertheless, and an obvious testament that everything, everywhere can inspire fashion fashion and style.

I mean, my choice of music is far from the likes of Sex Pistols or The Ramones but teenage me must have been influenced by the genre somehow - the tank top I DIY-ed with a ton of safety pins at 15 was an subconscious artistic interpretation of punk for sure?

NYC Social - June

I am a Gemini which makes June my favourite month of the year. I have been craving for a little bit of heat, which is here long last. All that warm weather deprivation makes me want to indulge that little bit more - more wine, more relaxing, more outdoor time and naturally, more shopping. If you are in NYC this month, here's how you can indulge too:  

1. Alvin Ailey at Lincoln Center: June 12 - 16

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The Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre will take up residence at the David H. Koch Theater in Lincoln Center this month for the first time in 10 years.  The acclaimed contemporary dance company will perform seven shows, which you can see snippets of here. When not at the Lincoln Center, the company performs its touring and regular season at the NY City Center. Purchase tickets for the limited run here.

2. Museum Mile Festival: June 12

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The only thing better than free museum entry is late hours AND free museum entry. From 6-9pm on the 12th, one can sample the museums along 5th avenue from The Met on 82nd Street to El Museo De Bario on 104th. The strip will also be closed to traffic - where there will be street performers and live music. Tip: the event only goes for 3 hours so strategise which museums to visit wisely. Visit the website for more information. 

3. Jazz Age Lawn Party - June 15 & 16 and August 17 & 18

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It's all about Gatsby this summer so dust of your flapper getup and art deco accessories for this annual shindig at Governor's Island. There will be plenty of jazz, prohibition-era cocktails and enough drop waist dresses to drive any 20s enthusiast into a frenzy. When you need to take a break from swing dancing, marvel at the array of vintage cars and stalls selling antique goods. This is a very popular event so get your tickets in advance here.

MOMA Rain Room Survival Tips

We lost our Saturday to the MOMA Rain Room. 

This Instagram was taken barely halfway through our arduous wait. At the two hour point, we decided to just commit to waiting however long to enter the most talked about exhibit this Summer. Well it took 5 hours dude. FIVE RIDICULOUS HOURS.

The 10-15 minutes we spent inside was glorious though. The exhibit is unique and really fun but I admit the photo ops are the main drawcard than the actual special effects of the exhibit. 

We suffered so you don't have to. If you can't make it during the weekday (the best time to avoid the inevitable long lines), here's how to make your Rain Room visit as painless as possible:

NYC Social - May

Hello May (aka the month I celebrate my third anniversary of arriving in NYC)! While I wrote about Spring arriving last month, I didn't mean for it to hide for most of April. Let's cross fingers and toes, and hope May will bring permanently warm weather. Here are a few highlights in NYC this month (hint: SALES!): 

1. Five Boro Bike Ride - 5 May

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Get your bicycle out for this 40-mile bike ride that will see various streets in each of the five boroughs closed to automobiles. Starting at Battery Park, you can ride up through Manhattan, Bronx, Queens, Brooklyn and all five bridges, before finishing up at Staten Island. Regardless of how much the spelling of "borough" in the official event title is killing me, it will be such a treat to cycle without worrying about navigating New York traffic (those cabs!). Get more information here.

2. NYCxDesign: May 10 - 21

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With support from the City Council and Mayor's Office, this inaugural design festival takes place in venues all around the city. Over the course of 12 days, there will be exhibitions, talks and open studio sessions representing all genres of design. Having a greater affinity for sartorial design (surprise surprise), I am looking forward to being present at a design talk with Iris Apfel and Deborah Needleman, as well as checking out the FIT Graduating Class exhibition. Head on to the NYCxDesign website for information on fashion and other events.

3. Shanghai Glamour at the MOCA - through September 29

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While part of NYCxDesign above, the Museum of Chinese in America will showcase Shanghai Glamour: New Woman 1910s-40s right through Fall. If you, like me, are a fan of Maggie Cheung's exquisite cheongsams in the movie In The Mood for Love, this exhibit will be right up your alley. 12 outfits are on loan from the China National Silk Museum in Hangzhou which will illustrate early 20th century Shanghai women and their love of glamour. Don't leave without seeing the other fashion exhibit at the MOCA - Front Row: Chinese American Designers. 

4. The Met Costume Institute Exhibit: May 9 - August 14

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"Punk" is the theme of the Metropolitan Museum of Art's annual Costume Institute exhibit. Preceded by the glamourous Met Gala, the installation will illustrate the growth of punk in the 70s and map its influence in modern fashion. Included in the exhibit are nearly 100 pieces from original punk garments to recent designs inspired by the original movement. Though what is a punk exhibit without punk music - prepare to walk through the installation accompanied by the Ramones, The Clash and Sex Pistols amongst others. 

NYC Social - March 2013

March is meant to herald the first signs of Spring. Alas Mother Nature hasn't quite got the daylight savings memo - so keep your coat on still and check out what is taking place in NYC this month.

1. Ballet Flamenco: March 6 - 9

Travelling from Sevilla, this renowned repertory company is in New York for a short 4-day performance schedule at the New York City Center. The dramatic performance is entitled "Metafora" - dance being the metophor of life, and will feature 19 dancers and musicians with castanets, fans and my favourite - sweeping skirts of traditonal flamenco dresses.

2. Matisse at the Met: Through March 17

The French artist's exhibition graces the Metropolitan Museum of Art for another couple of weeks. Titled "In Search of True Painting" the 49-painting exhibit portrays Matisse's penchant to creating art in series, building on one while creating another - just like the pair of paintings above which show the same Gulf of Saint Tropez, painted in different styles and colours (or like they say in Thailand: same-same but different!) I think it's very smart of the museum to take advantage of the groupings by displaying his paintings in multiple galleries. In any case, while you are at the Met, check out the exhibit on "Impressionism, Fashion and Modernity" too.

3. St Patrick's Day: March 16-17

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I love the Irish and I love St Patrick's Day! The only thing I don't care for is the ugliness that seems to result from revelers unable to stay sober. I say skip the pub and instead celebrate by heading out to watch the annual Parade taking place on the 16th. This year, the Parade begins on 44th street marching up Fifth Avenue and ending at the Met. Apparently the NYC Parade is older than the United States - a group of Irish patriots from the British Army first marched in 1762. So wear your best green and stake your spot early - it is the largest St Patrick's Day Parade in the world after all! Then once the parade is over, enjoy your Guinness in the comfort of your own home.

4. Ann: starts March 7

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Broadway is churning out some amazing shows this year and here comes another one. After earlier performances in Texas, Chicago and Washington, this play on the legendary former Texan governor Ann Richards comes to New York. Acclaimed Emmy-winning actress, Holland Taylor wrote the play on the late Democrat over the course of four years - pouring over piles of personal and public transcripts, and countless hours of video footage; as well as interviewing family, friends and colleagues. Ms Richards was one helluva firecracker and a great champion to minorities. This is one show I can't wait to watch. 

Here's to the month of hot cross buns - may we finally get some sunshine soon! 

The Scream

Yesterday, S and I went to see "The Scream" by Edvard Munch at the Museum of Modern Art. There aren't many times you get to view a monumental piece of art - especially one currently holding the title of most expensive artwork ever sold. 

Munch made four versions of "The Scream" - with only this one on view outside of Norway. So thank you, Mr Leon Black for forking out $120 million and then sharing this crazy painting with the world.

When I first read about the sale, I also came across a cool article about a man's quest to locate the exact spot in Oslo of this painting, finding it only with the help of Google and Google Maps! I wonder where Bob would have landed had he used Apple Maps instead. Fun piece - go read!

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Besides the 1893 painting, on view were a few of his lithographs that Munch created around the same time. If you aren't familiar with the "Scream" series, the subject in the foreground is nearly identical in each painting/ lithograph but the people in the background are never the same. How cool would it be if all of them could be viewed in one space.

Anyhoo all that white space in the museum makes for nice backgrounds for outfit photos:

COS oversized knit (sim), AG Stevies, Uniqlo Heattech Tank top, J Crew Macalister Wedge Boots (40% off sale!) with laces switched out, Club Monaco necklace, Anthropologie Ghita headband, usual jewelry plus a new sparkler on my left hand ;)

It was a quickie visit (a corporate membership allows me to pop in for free whenever I like) but we revisited some of my favourite permanent objects at the museum on our way out:

The Starry Night

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Campbell's Soup Cans

Maybe I will try and catch the Matisse exhibit at the Met next weekend...