At first glance, Sunset Way seems to be an unlikely location for “happening” eateries to set up shop. Characterized by HDB flats and a multi-story car park, a passerby would never suspect that it boasts a pub, pizzeria and a grill kitchen amongst other cafes and restaurants. Some have compared this eating enclave to Holland Village. I personally feel that Sunset Way offers a more relaxed ambience (owing to the greenery adjacent to the alfresco dining area) sans the pretense. More importantly, better parking for those of you who drive.

Last night, we celebrated a family friend’s birthday at Grill Out. This is definitely the place to go for fresh fresh fresh oysters and some seriously good steak. Upon my request for a good cut with a modest amount of fat, I was offered the American striploin, medium-well, no less. My striploin was charred (in a delicious way of course) on the surface but retained its natural juices and flavour. The same can be said of the pork knuckle. The variety too is satisfactory- oysters, mussels, fish…angus or kobe… Service wise, John, the manager, seemed to be running a one man show - a very good one indeed as our party of 14 experienced no major hiccups. A majority of the crew seems to be made up of inexperience waitresses (constructive criticism, not complaint), but everybody needs to start from somewhere. One appeared unprofessionally whiny under stress and another spacey. But that’s all very well and good as long as I get my food! (:

I’ve had this yellow linen for a couple of weeks now and I’m glad I finally came up with this summery skirt pattern.

Still have to sew on the waist band and give it a good wash and iron to eliminate the poofy-ness in the front piece! (:

Saturday was spent in Malacca with family and friends. Despite the sweltering heat, we enjoyed ourselves. This picture was taken at the Peranakan restaurant where we ate dinner. I am going to inherit an old singer sewing machine stand soon. I might dress it up with a marble slab just like the one in this picture, sans the white paint.

Since returning from Edinburgh, I have been feeling uncomfortable about bearing leg skin. Nowadays, I prefer my hems at mid-calf probably because I am so used to being all wrapped up. I shy away from short skirts unless I have tights, which are impractical in insanely hot and humid Singapore.

Well anyway, this post is about the linen skirt I made, not about my complex. Lovely lovely linen, medium weight and cut on the bias. It was my first time cutting on the bias and I’m loving the flow and drape. One downside = oddly shaped scraps.

This week, I took the train to work thrice. On all three occasions, I couldn’t help but notice that an increasing number of young working women own designer bags. I don’t claim to be a designer bag expert but I reckon that at least a good 30% are replicas. I shall share my amateur methods of spotting a fake designer bag.

1. Of quilts and checks

This is a dead giveaway. The obsession with perfection compels luxury labels to make sure that quilts and checks are aligned at seams and cover flaps, as in the case of Chanel and Burberry.

2. The Hardware

To keep costs low, most imitators invest close to nothing into good hardware. Take for example Coach bags, Authentic O-rings are continuous and stamped “COACH” whereas the fakes are discontinuous simply because it costs more to weld the metal together. Authentic hardware are also heavier and do not spin.

Fake LV with cheap hardware:

Honestly, I’ve never seen anything as bad as this in real life…but anyhow, this picture is to illustrate the importance of good hardware and the next point - Monograms.

3. The Monograms

Notice how the eyelets are punched through the monogram on the replica bag’s “canvas”. How stupid is it to write your name on a piece of paper and then proceed to punch a hole through it or cut half of it off? Having said that, Louis Vuitton never punches through/ sews over/ covers/ cuts off its monogram. Monograms exist unadulterated. Furthermore, corresponding monograms on either side of the bag are positioned equidistant relative to the center.

4. Inner Beauty

As with hardware, imitators pay little to no attention to the interior of the bag. The lining in replicas are often made with cheap, low-quality fabric… Unfortunately, I couldn’t find pictures to illustrate…Exercise your own discernment or check product specifications online.

5. Overall quality

Bottega Veneta’s woven bags prove this point well. Replicas are often loosely woven resulting in an uneven fabric. What is more difficult to replicate is the soft, supple feel of quality leather. Period.