While I was finalising this post, I just heard that it's now snowing in London from Haz. While she lamented it not snowing while we were there, I'm sort of glad that it wasn't because I can't really stand the cold! Working on these photos reminded me of the weather and how I felt when Khubayb captured these OOTD shots on day 1 of Pure London earlier this month.
I spent 10 days there this month. As much as I was homesick and terribly missing the kids a lot, thank God a part of my home was there with me too (Khubayb) but at the same time London gives me a fuzzy warm feeling every time I go there. Maybe because its also my birth place? Or the place where my parents stayed for so long when they were younger, studying, getting married and lived there for 12 years. So it kind of feels like my other home too.
Anyways, although it was a sunny day, it was still super duper cold. I was freezing especially when I took off my overcoat for some of the shots. Under the overcoat I was wearing another jacket, as well as another top and heat tech. That's like 4 layers altogether but I was still freezing. That's how much I cannot bear the cold. Imagine the first night we arrived it was -1 degrees celcius! Thank God I survived! However, as you can see from the pictures, the lighting was AH-MAYZINGGG! Really loved the sun rays beaming and it was just so great for taking pictures. We really took our time and snapped a few shots whenever the sun rays were in full force and not covered by the clouds, which were moving really fast over there. So, the natural lighting actually changed every few minutes.
Since it was the first day of the trade show, I wanted to wear something which looks smart, sophisticated with a subtle hint of drama! Haha. So I wore an all black look, aere's LEAH double breasted jacket as well as the detachable feather accessory from aere's ARABELLA Top for added detail, both from the CHANGE collection with aere's TAINA fitted pants from HOPE collection. The last time I wore the black ARABELLA was in Dubai in December on the day of aere's Dubai fashion show. I feel like it gives me an extra boost of confidence every time I wear it, if you know what I mean.
For those who have known me since my lawyering days, you would know that I always had a soft spot for double breasted jackets as part of my standard lawyer outfit. Heck, it's even one of Khubayb's fav! Almost all of his work blazers or jackets are double breasted, so we have that in common. There's just something clean and prim and proper about a double breasted jacket. I have always been wanting to design a double breasted jacket since the beginning of aere but haven't had the chance to have the perfect sample till now. I think I love double breasted jackets because its flattering to the figure without being revealing and this one I feel is necessary and an absolute must for work. I can just put it on any top to wear for a meeting or just to look a bit more smart and sophisticated haha! The ARABELLA feathers elevated the look beyond just work and I had a lot of people asking me about what I wore at PURE London.
I suppose this look would have looked nicer with a pair of boots or heels but since the trade show involves a lot of standing and being in London means a lot of walking I figured I should just wear the comfiest pair of shoes. And the bag, I stole from my mom. Thanks Wan!
I also love London just because everything is just so picture-esque. The streets, the houses, the walls, everything! The weather can be unpredictable though, as some of my OOTD shots taken there were suddenly ruined by short showers (yes a few of my OOTDs over there were done under the rain and both Khubayb and I were freezing) but on this day, the sun was nice enough to come out and play. A little warmth on a freezing day was just the right amount needed for me.
It's already the last day of February and I feel like this month has been so short! Not enough time! Right now, we are actually preparing for another overseas travelling trip for aere and it's happening in March and an exciting collaboration that I can't wait to share soon.
Till my next post!
PEACE & LOVE!