Taupe is an easy and versatile hue that can be used everywhere and anywhere. Its softness pairs well with various colours and can help to tone down or perk up any matching shade.

Do you know that taupe is actually used to describe a range of colours that sit between dark brown and grey? We absolutely love neutral tones for their timeless and classic appeal, and have been using taupe-coloured products for a really long time! Here are some items that have recently caught our eyes and are seriously on our wish list: 

1 // Taupe Textured Stoneware from World Market
Gorgeous crockery is one of our ultimate weaknesses and this collection of taupe stoneware is most certainly gorgeous. We love the intricate details of the pattern-work and the shade of taupe lends it an effortless chill vibe. 

2 // Sailor Knot Headband in Taupe Dot by Baby Bling
This is adorable! This stretchy knotted headband will get hair off your kiddo's face in style. We would totally buy this for a friend's daughter.

3 // Crate and Barrel Marin Taupe Baking Dish
Check out the uneven freeform hand-antiqued rim of this baking dish! We think it looks pretty amazing against the smooth glazed finish of this stoneware. 

4 // Anthropologie Baroque Reflections Wallpaper in Taupe
Inspired by the gracefully weathered mirrors found in King William III's chambers, this wallpaper exudes an old world charm that is delicate and refined. The wall covering would look fantastic against a bar counter or a vanity area! 

5 // Crate and Barrel Haze III Panel
This abstract painting is actually part of a series of wall art pieces entitled 'Haze'. We love the texture and the atmospheric composition of the painting; it would look so good in a calming reading room!

6 // Framed Art Print by Joke Vermeer
This vintage bouquet in taupe and burgundy stole our hearts and never gave them back! It has an Elizabethan vibe and would certainly be a standout piece in a home setting.

7 // IKEA Puderviva Quilt Cover and 2 Pillowcases in Natural
IKEA sheets are a firm favourite as they are so soft and lasting. Use these linen sheets in your bedroom to create a soothing and comforting ambience that is perfect for sleeping and lounging around!

8 // Pottery Barn Nolan Persian-Style Rug in Neutral
We love how mellow and lush this wool rug looks with its flowery motifs that are reminiscent of vintage 17th century Persian carpets. This would be a fantastic complementary piece to add some cosy luxury vibes in the living room.  

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What are your thoughts on taupe? 

(All images taken from the product sources. Links provided in the description.)

When you think of summer, what colour comes to mind? Yellow for the sunny days? Hot pink or poppy red to signify fun times and juicy fruits? Due to the intense humidity and warm sticky days, I find myself being drawn to cool tropical blues. 

Just the other day, while Min and I were browsing through Pantone's website for some colour inspiration, we were immediately attracted to the colour swatch of Blue Radiance. Something about it reminds us of the chill temperatures of swimming pools, the summery charm of the   turquoise stone, and suspicious-looking but deliciously-tasting icy blue cocktails. Ahhh, all we wanted to do right there and then was to leap into a lagoon to cool down! 

With temperatures soaring and us feeling like defeated slugs on a hot day, I turned to the glorious internet for some sparkling blue relief. Here are my curated picks for the best blues of the day.

1 // Curious Creatures Amazonite Bar Earstuds 
The co-founders are dear friends of ours and we can’t stop wearing their delicate jewellery! Friendship aside, we adore the aesthetics of Curious Creatures and this bar earstuds are a simple but fun every day accessory. 

2 // Moxi Leather Roller Skates
Ain’t it adorable? Throwback to yesteryears in this outrageously pretty pair of roller skates. Nothing says summer like an ice cream cone in hand while you skate around with your pals!  

3 // Anthropologie Cactus Spirit Wallpaper
This wallpaper would look darling in a sitting room or as a feature wall in the kitchen. Spirits will be lifted at the sight of the white and blue tones along with the beautiful cacti illustration.

4 // honey&gazelle Beach Life iPhone Case
We designed this pattern with a pristine beach and an endless ocean in mind. Kaftans, cocktails, and this iPhone case will go hand-in-hand for a stylish day out.

5 // CiaraJCREATIONS Trinket Tray
Made from polymer clay, this marbled ring dish would look amazing and bring cool beach vibes to your entryway or bedside table. It is the perfect size for catching all your daily rings and accessories! 

6 // Genuine People Blue Sky Sleeveless Cropped Knit Top
Yes, I know this blue lacks a punch of green for it to be similar to Pantone’s Blue Radiance colour but the shade’s dustiness caught my eye and calmed my heart. This cropped knit top is so versatile; pair it with a floral and flared midi-length skirt for an afternoon high tea party or with boyfriend jeans and sneakers for a casual weekend look.

7 // Barbarian Navy Like A Mermaid Pillow Sham 
Inspire dreams of deep diving and swimming with the dolphins with this pillow sham that is exuding so much bohemian beach vibes. I loved seeing the artist’s brushstrokes on this intricate piece of artwork!

8 // Richer Poorer Latitude Sock
The minimalistic and often monochrome grid pattern takes on a fun and whimsical turn with this gorgeous shade of blue. It is unexpected and utterly chic!

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Anything caught your eye? 

​<3 Jia.

(All images taken from the product sources. Links provided in the description.)

Hands up if you’re a fan of this year’s Pantone colour and its supporting palette! Anything that says nature and greenery sure has my attention though I admit that I was smitten and distracted by last year’s choices, Rose Quartz and Serenity. While I secretly wished for another pastel to rule 2017, I am glad that Pantone has decided on something better - Greenery. I love how Greenery reflects the calmness, vibrancy and vitality found in nature. 

Being the dominant colour of nature, Greenery is easy on the eye and it brings much needed peace and tranquility to an otherwise hectic life. Perhaps that is one of the main reasons why Greenery was chosen. And since Greenery effortlessly complements muted and earthly tones, I foresee many of us drawing inspiration from nature. It seems like a Greenery theme is quickly gaining popularity with brides-to-be and event planners. Well… more on that later! 

​In the spirit of Greenery, I have chosen four products that I currently have a crush on. ​

1 // Avocado Iron On Patch
Avocados are possibly the best physical representation of the colour in focus - provided it has ripen beautifully. With this adorable iron on patch, you can casually incorporate this year’s hottest colour on a plain tote or breathe new life into an old denim. Easy peasy!

2 // Sarah's Bag 'The Adored' Clutch
Nothing says Greenery like green leaves. If you love sporting playful and arty bags, you will certainly love this minaudière that features intricately carved Monstera leaves and a pair of budgies as clasps. 

3 // Sass & Belle Cactus Light
Cacti fans rejoice! Quirky and eye-catching, this cactus light with huge LED light bulbs will add a whole lot of cheer to any room or office desk space. All you need is two AA batteries and you’re all set.

4 // Stella McCartney Knuckle Sparklers iPhone Case
With this stylish and fun phone case, you get to accessorise your phone while decking your fingers with four Peridot blings! Unfortunately for Android users, this phone cover is currently available only for iPhone 6/6s. Boo.

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What do you think of this year's Pantone colour? Yay or Nay? :)

x Min

Due to an upcoming wedding, we are now obsessed with the gorgeous shade of oxblood. For the past month or so, we have been searching high and low for decorative items, dresses, and accessories that boasts of its richness and boldness. You can say that we have been looking through life with oxblood-tinted glasses... or is that too cheesy? Haha, whatever it is, we are hooked. 

Shades of burgundy, wine, and oxblood have always been a favourite of Jia's and beside for the colours blue and grey, these vampy shades are the only other colour-colours she wears - her clothes mainly consists of black, black, black, and the occasional white. Min, who also favours a monochrome wardrobe, is always up for oxblood-coloured accessories and wares. However, our love for oxblood is now at an all-time high! Why? Maybe because it is pretty difficult to find this shade in stores at the moment. As you may know, oxblood isn't the IT trendy colour this year which makes this a case of wanting what you can't get easily. 

After browsing through countless of stores online and offline, here are our favourite oxblood picks for this season. 

Min's Picks

1 // ‘Maximus Silky’ Hair Clip
Yes! Finally a sleek and polished hair accessory in oxblood. I haven't been able to find a hair clip that I like ever since my favourite daisy clip died on me. Note to self, always stock up! Don't you agree that this hair clip embodies an effortless sophistication that can carry anyone of any age through the different seasons of life? Sigh, such big responsibilities for a tiny hair clip. Now, got to add this to my cart and check-out!

2 // Irismint Oxblood Super Chunky Scarf
There is no doubt in my mind. I really want to be nestled in this chunky knit scarf right now! Scarves are my go-to accessory and it took me many years to ease out of the scarf phase - I used to wear a scarf with every single outfit I owned. A scarf that can hold its shape is a winner for sure because I love to layer a heavy-bodied scarf around my neck instead of a thin and slinky one. Oh, how it keeps me safe and warm! 

3 // KMMCO Oxblood Leather Tag
What a beauty. Aside from tagging my luggage, I am planning to tag a couple of my favourite leather bags with this tag. I have a couple of leather tassel bag charms and way-too-cute Disney key chains on a couple of bags but I will still gladly use this oxblood tag! Any old leather bag can be given a new lease of life with this classic colour and shape. I'll skip the personalisation and go straight to adorning my bags!
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4 // Porselli All Leather Ballet Flats in Oxblood (Bordeaux)
My goodness. These Napa lambskin leather ballet flats look absolutely soft and comfortable! I am already thinking of pairing them with a million and one outfits. See, another perk of adoring a monochrome wardrobe - I can pair my outfit with any coloured shoes! Ballet flats with dainty bows are my absolute favourite choice of footwear and one of my biggest dream is to own a shoe closet filled with ballet flats. Did someone say oxblood ballet flats? You know I'll never say no!

Jia's Picks

5 // Everlane The Modern Oxford in Oxblood
I used to be in a symphonic band and black oxfords, while comfortable, remind me too much of my youth in band uniform. Thus, even when the oxford trend boomed, I couldn't bring myself to buy a pair. I changed my mind though, when I saw this pair of Everlane oxfords. This oxblood pair of oxfords are super chic and would look so great with a pair of cigarette pants and a simple loose tee. Would totally love to have this!

6 // Free People Clean & Minimal Jacket in Wine
Leather (real and faux) jackets are my weakness and this one really caught my attention with its gorgeous shade and fit. I have been looking around for new leather jackets as the ones in my closet are close to giving up on life. However, I soon realised that there are way too many leather jackets with way too many details on them recently. Those jackets end up looking very tacky and diminishes the quintessential cool essence of a leather jacket. I love that this Free People jacket has a minimalist shrunken feel to it. This is a pretty perfect jacket, especially with the unexpected oxblood shade! 

7 // Utah Lounge Chair in Ruby and Walnut
Most recently, my mom threw away a chair in the living room because it was getting way too old and shabby looking. Not shabby in the good shabby chic way, but shabby in the omg-we-need-to-throw-this-away way. I was browsing around the interweb when I chanced upon this lounge chair and fell in love. It looks SO comfortable and I adore how modern yet classic it looks. I can just imagine my mom having her coffee and watching her TV shows or reading the newspapers on this lounge chair! Happy thoughts! 

8 // Lacquer-painted Chopsticks in Pine Needle Shigure
I have a thing for amazing looking chopsticks, which is why I always scrutinise the chopsticks provided by Chinese restaurants. Most higher-end Chinese restaurants have really fantastic and ornate chopsticks that elevates the entire dining experience! Sounds strange, I know but chopsticks are part and parcel of daily life when you are a Chinese. These chopsticks look so luxe and royal with its oxblood hue and metallic gold design that I can feel all fancy even when I am eating a bowl of instant noodles. So much love!

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Do you like the colour oxblood?

With Love, Min+Jia. 

This month's Hot Hue is a personal favourite warm shade of mine. Cosily snuck between the red and orange lands is my happy shade of coral. One of my recent wedding suite design projects was heavily reliant on coral-coloured peonies as the main motif which led me to feel so cheery throughout the entire design process.

Coral is a great colour to use as part of a wedding colour palette as it adds femininity without ever veering too coy or girlish. There is just that little bit of sass and confidence in the colour that makes it stand out boldly amongst the crowd. It also pairs very well with many shades! Try matching coral with neutrals for that cheeky pop of colour or pairing it with cool tones for an unexpected twist. Also, you can bring yellow and coral together for the ultimate happy and cheery experience.

The aforementioned wedding suite project solidified my love for corals (and peonies) and I have been consciously picking up coral-hued things while shopping ever since. Here are some delightful items in this poppy colour that I am full-on lusting over. 

1 // Stella McCartney 'Falabella-Caned' Faux Leather Crossbody Bag
Stella McCartney is one of my favourite designer brands because of its long-term commitment to environmental sustainability. The eco-friendly faux leather weave looks awesome with the metal hardware. To me, this bag is the perfect blend of fun and edginess and would totally work for both day and night outfits! Ah, another bag to add to my dream list!  

​2 // Ciate Olivia Palermo Nail Polish in Haute Vacation Coral
I love coral nail polishes and have actually way too many bottles lying around at home. It is my go-to toe nail colour. Min can attest to my love for coral nail polishes and would probably stop me from buying this Ciate polish! However, I love Ciate nail polishes (especially their top coat) and I do like Olivia Palermo's fashion and beauty style. This shall soon be mine! 

3 // Puma X Careaux Blaze Of Glory Trainers in Coral Rose Print 
This is such a pretty pair of suede sneakers! I was immediately drawn to it while browsing around ASOS during a late night window shopping session. I love the little rose motifs scattered around the shoes and the gold details makes everything look a wee bit fancier.  Suede is always a good idea (to me) and I think this pair of sneakers would be mighty comfortable during a long work day at events! 

4 // White Feather Rhodochrosite Gemstone Necklace 
In the past month, Min and I got to know the good people behind White Feather and we adore them to bits. They are superbly well-versed in their field and all their jewellery reflects their classical elegant style. I really love this dainty Rhodochrosite necklace because of its versatility when it comes to coordinating with any outfit and it is so different from what I own currently. Swoon! 

5 // Topshop MINDY Two-Part Swirly Heels 
While shopping around for nude-coloured heels, I came across this gorgeous pair of coral skinny sandals in Topshop and was immediately struck by cupid. Isn't the back detailing of the shoe so very pretty? I am a huge believer in wearing fun colours on your feet and this just screams that. Super fun! 

6 // Paul Smith No. 9 Coral Leather Credit Card Holder
I have been looking for a new name card holder for the past few months and this has been on the top of my consideration list because of the stunning salmony-coral shade. According to Paul Smith, the embossed pattern is inspired by the award-winning cast iron facade of London's flagship Paul Smith shop. I totally see the adaptation and I love it!

7 // Lojel Groove Luggage (Zipper Version) 
So, here's the thing. I love buying luggages and I especially enjoy buying them in bright poppy colours. The general rule of thumb is the brighter the better. I get so bored looking at all the black luggages on the carousel after a flight, that when my luggage shows up on the belt, my mood perks up immediately. My current Lojel luggage is way too big for any trip that is less than 2 weeks long, so I think this medium-sized coral luggage is next on my to-buy list. 

8 // Gama Bikes Women's Basic 26" 6-Speed Urban Hybrid Commuter in Coral
I need to get my biking game on. And, I say it in the sense that I really need to learn how to ride a bicycle in order to complete bucket-list-type things on vacations. I never learned because I was never taught. I didn't feel the need to learn how to cycle when I was young. I love rollerblading but it is pretty impossible to bring my rollerblades e-v-e-r-y-w-h-e-r-e I travel. So, learning to ride a bicycle it is. This bicycle is super stylish in a minimal and retro approach and I love it! This is exactly the type of bike that will keep me motivated on my cycling journey!

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Do you like a little bit of coral in your life? 

<3 Jia

(All images taken from the product sources. Links provided in the description.)