Summer (June holiholiholidays) Playlist ^_^

<Look at this sloth, now tell me it's adorable.> 
Image c/o flickr.com

Everyone's got Summer holidays now and little me in Singapore was given a 3 week long holiday. Oh well, I guess the only consolation about it is that I'll be staying in SG just to do homework and blog. There is also a real long line up gigs to attend and films to watch, so I might just stay in doors the rest of the days. Like full on hibernation mode or something like that. (#IMMABEAR.) 

I woke up really early today and I decided to curate a little playlist. Okay.. maybe just 25 songs that are most probably going to be on replay this whole holiday. 

#rapetherepeatbutton

Note: Do not judge my taste in music. I'll bite your face off. 

I guess that's it for now till I post more gig/food reviews and a vlog worthy escapade.
xox.

Where the wild ones go.

"Do you know where the wild things go/ 

They go along to take your honey"

Festival season maybe over (or never really existed) here in Singapore, but a cute weekend get up won't hurt! I went on a little shopping spree over the weekend and managed to do some reading as well. I guess Summer is in and many many MANY brands are coming up with festival worthy clothing and accessories that are gorgeous(and expensive). For example, Topshop's 'The Road to Coachella' campaign that features the amazing Kate Bosworth. She designed some pieces and they are insanely pretty. 

When attending a day long music festival it is necessary to dress as comfortably as possible. You don't want to be wearing sky high stilettos while jamming out to your favorite bands or dancing with the crowd. After attending Laneway Festival earlier this year, I was inspired to come up with five outfits that are not only extremely comfortable but also somewhat stylish. (Well, I would wear them.)  

Topshop sleeveless top, 66 SGD / Jumpsuit, 63 SGD / Hunter small heel shoes, 220 SGD / Mulberry satchel handbag, 1,895 SGD / Casio stainless steel watch, 66 SGD / Jules Smith silver earrings, 125 SGD / Retro round 
sunglasses, 13 SGD

This one's for the slightly wilder girl who is definitely not afraid to stand out from the crowd. The Hunter wellies are not only pretty comfy but it also makes sure you don't get icky mud on your toes and it protects you from getting your feet stomped on! 

Denim & Supply by Ralph Lauren jersey tank, 150 SGD / J.Crew j crew, 190 SGD / Superga fox sneaker, 135 SGD / Fat Face real leather handbag, 87 SGD / A|X Armani Exchange tri color ring, 48 SGD / Crooks and Castles Jungle Fever 5 Panel Hat, 56 SGD

This one's for the girly girl that's not only bold but maybe also on a date. It's effortless chic and still a little fun. The Superga flatforms in a metallic shade also give you a little height needed to see that band member you've gone gaga for. 

Scoop neck t shirt, 13 SGD / Topshop , 96 SGD / JuJu beach sandals, 52 SGD / Chanel vintage shoulder bag, 6,230 SGD

This one goes out to the girl who's just there for the music and you have no intention to impress anybody. (U GO QURL!) A really simple outfit that is comfy enough to sweat in and also chill on the festival grounds. Cute shades are a necessity because you don't want harmful UV rays burning up those precious eyes of yours. Also, jelly sandals are so 80's but I think they look really really wear-able especially if you want something that won't be destroyed (other than yourself) post festival.

Denim short shorts, 38 SGD / Cable knit socks, 16 SGD / Dr. Martens genuine leather boots, 165 SGD / Chanel vintage shoulder bag, 5,285 SGD / Tech accessory, 20 SGD / Illesteva two tone sunglasses, 365 SGD / Straw beach hat, 550 SGD / TOPMAN Criminal Damage "Pug" Print T-Shirt, 48 SGD

'I didn't choose the pug life, the pug life chose me.' A dope ass graphic tee goes a long way when it's paired with denim shorts and doc martens. If you've got nice long legs, then wear over knee socks to give that extra oomph to the look. Also, a vintage Chanel bag in a beautiful lipstick red color compliments the red in the boots and the shirt. 

H&M v neck ruffle dress, 38 SGD / Jean jacket / Superga laced shoes, 82 SGD / Chanel bag, 4,025 SGD / Chanel logo jewelry, 735 SGD / American Apparel tear drop necklace, 42 SGD / Ray-Ban ray ban eyewear, 185 SGD
This is probably one of the more chic and classy outfits that is also casual and effortless. As you can probably see, I am a big fan of Superga and vintage Chanel pieces. Superga shoes are the most comfortable footwear I have ever purchased! (Go and purchase a pair now.) When I feel very 'bo chup', I tend to wear something like this because it's easy to wear. #lazypeopleunite

So yes, I guess this more or less sums up what outfits I would wear if I were going for Coachella. Like ever. The girl can only dream. :'( However, here are a few tips you should definitely  keep in mind if you're going for a music festival any time soon.

1. SUNBLOCK IS YOUR LOVER. (SPF 50+ will go a long way.)
2. SUNNIES ARE ESSENTIAL. (Protect your eyes, plz.)
3. HAVE FUN. (Dance, sing, scream and shout for all I care, as long as you don't look like Ke$ha puked glitter on you. All is gewd.)
4. H20, H20. (Chant this. You'll need to hydrate yourself as much as possible. Your body will get dehydrated from all that rockin' out.)
5. CA$HA. (Bring lots of spare change for food, beer and BAND MERCH.)

That's all for now!.. BUT GET STOKED BECAUSE... BAYf#$%ingBEATSSSS!

DUNE RATS @ Night & Day Bar!

'I didn't like you much, FUCK IT.'

The Dune Rats were beepin' amazing! I would insert a handful of cusses right about now, but that won't be appropriate now would it. (heh.)

I guess it would be better to give y'all a little introduction of the Dune Rats/ Dunies. They're just a couple of Brisbane based fellows living young, wild and reckless, all while making pretty stellar music (high or in the midst of getting high). I found the Dune Rats not too long ago when I wanted hear some garage/ surf-rock-esque music on bandcamp.com. I then went on to Youtube to search for some videos and low and behold I get videos of three men gettin high, rockin out and partying it up!

They played songs from their latest EP 'Smile' and a bunch of other songs they just wrote. There was no set list so I was kinda lost as to what songs they were singing until I heard a familiar one. They played at probably the most peculiar gig venue by far and probably the best one too. Stepping into Night and Day Bar was the equivalent of walking into some grundgey place in Brooklyn, New York. So yeah, I totally digged the event venue. 

The Pinholes (SG) opened for them and it was my first time watching them live, however, it wasn't my first time listening to their music. I've got them in my iTunes library (hehe.)! They have a The Beatles-vibe with some local flavor and a whole lot of old school Rock and Roll. They even covered 'What's the matter?' by Cashew Chemists. At the mid point of their set, I was already dancing it out and feeling it. But when they started playing the CC song, I was literally gone and losing myself. OMG, LONG LIVE THE PINHOLES!

Finaf***ingly, the Dunies took the stage and rocked out. Like I'm not even kidding.. rocked out. The amps were probably max. and they were just jammin' and the whole crowd was head banging along. During 'Fuck it' and 'Red Light Green Light', the whole crowd was shouting along to the lyrics and trying not to punch each other in the face. 'I didn't like you much, fuck it!' *flips finger* Yeap, a lot of fingers and cusses were thrown around that night. But it was definitely a gig I wouldn't have missed. It was a plus that I met new friends and got to hang with the Dunies for a bit. Also, I went with a mate of mine, Aaron, who was such an angel for even coming along with me.

Highlights of the night included The Pinholes singing originals and getting the crowd to clap along, a Dunie rocking out on a table and then jumping back down to the ground to finish of the song and lastly, me getting to talk to them. (They are so chill, so so so chill.) Word is, the Dune Rats are going to release an album next year so get stoked y'all!

Many thanks go out to Other Sounds (SG) for bringing the dynamic duo here!

Red Light Green Light (Red vs.)

F#$% it

Don't you want to F#$% some shit up now?

I know you want to.

xoxo, Izz.

Something new, something kewl. :3

_Hello my favorite people!

I'm back! That's right, I'm back for good. I am so so sorry for taking a disgustingly long hiatus, but I've been too busy with school and extra activities. But I still wrote during my hiatus and you can check out my work at http://popspoken.com.

It has been a really long time since my last post, so typing here has become some what alien to me. But have no fear, these writing feels would be back in no time!

So the whole reason this is going to be a really wordy post is because I'm planning to do a huge revamp on TCTO and I'm going to make it a 'Lifestyle' blog. I've been inspired by many of the blogs I read and thus, I am going to redo the entire brainchild. However, I'll still do reviews on my favorite places and do expect an influx of new posts to usher in the 'new' TCTO! 

I've also selected a few mates to be featured in my posts because I am so empowered to help establish a little local lovin' here. So what would be the content? Definitely food because here at TCTO, we welcome foodies and fatties. That's right #FATFRIENDS4LYFE! Also, since I'm a serial OOTD murderer, I'll be featuring my OOTD's! (Get sexcited. I joke.) Not to mention the arts! Yeap, I said it A-R-T-S. I've been loving a lot of local music and art lately and cool indie bands from around the world and I just feel the need to spread the love.

So it's my life, my views and my takes on almost absolutely everything. This isn't going to be some extremely personal blog because all that is for Tumblr. (hnng.)

I hope to feature some of my favorite artists, food places and favorite hang out spots here, so stay tuned!

xoxo,

Izzie C. 

Loo's Hainanese Curry Rice: Another fantasmagical weekend in Tiong Bahru.

'You're my wonder wall.' 
Another week has passed and it most definitely had its highs and lows. But it's Sunday and we all know the drill - dress up and head out for brunch (and also forget about all the banes in life or anything related thereof.) 

We've been pretty inquisitive about this little establishment round the corner of Eng Hoon St. it's about a stone throw away from the Tiong Bahru Market (where more glorious food awaits you)! Daddy Chan and I decided to spend Sunday morning together since we've both been far too busy with other commitments. The curry here is said to be 'out of the world' due to the fact that the owners painstakingly take 3 days to make the curry from scratch. Yes, this means no pre mixes but really getting down and dirty making curry old school style. The curry recipes have also been passed down and followed religiously in order to keep the familiar taste. 
+1000 for commitment and keeping to their roots!
#authenticfood

Note: Do expect long queues and throngs of people! Bring something to shelter your head just in case. 

Dishes and rice ($11)

Chap Chye, Pork Chop, Chicken Curry, Kong Bak, Fried spinach and to plates of rice generously drenched in curry and sauce. Holy crud, everything went really well together that it wasn't even a mix of flavors but more of a beautiful medley of spices that were so pleasing to the palate. The price of our entire meal that left us stuffed was only $11! The whole meal was so worth it and it was a very great alternative to the usual pancakes and Australian style brekkies that I usually go for. 

OOTD: Izzue blouse, Uniqlo capris, Pedro sandals, Juicy Couture bag and the good ol' Rayban Aviators.

All in all, I had a wonderful experience walking hand in hand with my Father and listening to all his funny stories about who did what where and what was here before this cafe popped up. Tiong Bahru is definitely the place to make memories and reminisce about the 'better years'. 

FIND THEM!!!

Loo's Hainanese Curry

57 Eng Hoon St  

Tai Kwang Huat Coffee Shop #01-88

Singapore 160057
6225 3762

❤❤❤❤❤ Loo's deserves 5 hearts! (heck, it deserves all your hearts!)

Type of food: Asian

Location: 57 Eng Hoon St (Singapore)

Price per head: SGD$5+ 

What I drank/ate: Pork, vegetables, curry chicken and rice.

Must-tries: EVERYTHING!

Rating: 5 out of 5 for the service, ambience & food.

Your go to 'cai fan' (mixed rice) place if you're ever in the TB area~! 

An oh so whimsical afternoon at Wimbly Lu.

'So hold my hand, I'll walk with you, my dear.'

Let's be honest here, when you're feeling uninspired and you just need someone to talk to, you would naturally call your closest companion for tea not only to catch up but to pour out all your emotions (or lack thereof). I had one of those days not too long ago and I was so excited to finally satisfy some chocolate cravings with one of the most trusted people I know.

Joze and I found ourselves making our way to chocolate paradise for good ol' tea and dessert on Tuesday! After reading so many prodigious reviews of this cafe that serves up Singapore's most sinful housemade produce, we had to visit this joint for our sweet fix.

Housed in a very quaint neighborhood along Jalan Riang lies Wimbly Lu, a cafe established a few years back which won the hearts of many Singaporeans with their carefully crafted chocolates and desserts. I love how we were greeted with a vintage Beetle! (I have a soft spot for Beetles, especially vintage ones.) +500 for an intrinsic 'door gift' for the eyes.

Joze: When I first entered the Jalan Riang estate, I realised that it was in the neighbourhood that I grew up in, and I was really excited because this meant that I could just go to Wimbly Lu whenever I want.

I ordered the Pancakes w/ Vanilla Ice Cream & a drizzle of chocolate and the Iced Chocolate (with whipped cream!) and man can my day get any better.

The interior was very clean cut and organic. Expect brick walls, an assortment of furniture, books from the yesteryears, wood panelled floors and a counter filled with the modern day ecstasy (cocoa goodness).

Iced Chocolate ($6.50) 

MUST TRY.

Joze's Iced Chocolate that was so good I almost wanted to take it away from him. I ordered Earl Grey tea because I'm a self professed hipster and I should do 'hipster-esque' things like drinking tea. HAHA.

Joze: The iced chocolate was so good, because I've never tasted iced chocolate that tasted like that in my life. Granted, Wimbly Lu is a chocolatier and they specialise in chocolates but THE ICED CHOCOLATE WAS SO F***ING GOOD holy shit. Totally worth my $6.50.

Pancakes with vanilla ice cream and chocolate sauce. ($7.50)

These were pretty perfect but mostly pretty. The pancakes were fluffy and full of goodness. After coating the pancake witha generous amount of homemade ice cream and making sure you have a substantial amount of the chocolate sauce (I am the SAUCE BAU5.), you will end up shutting your eyes because they are just that good. 

Joze: The pancakes had the perfect batter and the perfect size. It wasn't too big, but it wasn't smallish either. The chocolate drizzle was just right - sweet, yet bitter and just enough. The ice cream was so good, and it went perfect smeared all over my pancakes.

Waffles with chocolate ice cream and chocolate sau5. ($8.50)

MUST TRY!

I'd like to say that this was god sent. These literally made my day and it filled me up considering it was my lunch! The buttery waffles have a crispy exterior but once you bit into it was so moist and UMPHHHH. Joze had to sit through multiple 'I just had an orgasm' faces throughout our meal till he finally felt the need to try some too. (Queue 'omg, holy crud that was good.) Joze and I both agree that if it was one thing we'd want to bring home from Wimbly Lu it would be the plates. They make everything look so elegant and it complimented the very quaint cafe! +100000 for homemade ice cream and homemade everything. I literally felt so at home. 

Chicken nuggets ($5)

TRY THIS. 

We're kids at heart and we still had hunger pangs so we ordered chicken nuggets. But ho hey, we didn't expect to be politely surprised with these babies. They were really good and we finished these within 5 minutes. I find it exceptionally fantastic when finger food is served in cute little plates it really enhances the visual aspect of the dish! 

Truffles ($2/pc) Dark Chocolate and Fig bar ($6)

I took away truffles and a chocolate bar for the chocolate addicts at home. We're still feasting on these and my god they are fantasmagical. I especially love the rum and raisin truffle, you can actually taste the rum. These make great gifts for friends and you can even purchase boxes to fit the occasion!

All in all, Joze and I had the best LEA/ TUNCH (lunch + tea) at Wimbly Lu and we're definitely putting this on our 'Quiet Conversation Place List'. The service staff here are absolutely delightful serving you with a smile and even telling you more on the products that they have. The ambience is also so ideal for any kind of occasion! We also really loved the furniture and even had thoughts of bringing home pieces of furniture. It's been ages since I found a quaint little establishment in an adorable little neighborhood  I'm so lucky I found Wimbly Lu. I love you, Wimbly Lu.

OOTD: Animal House print shirt (BKK), Bao Bao clutch (Issey Miyake), leather skirt, boots (Zara) and socks (Topshop). 

FIND THEM!!!

Wimbly Lu

15-2 Jalan Riang

(10-15 minute walk from Lorong Chuan MRT)

Tel: 62891489

Opening Hours: 

Tues-Fri 1PM - 10:30PM

Sat-Sun 9AM - 11PM

❤❤❤❤❤ 5 hearts for you Wimbly Lu!

Type of food: Dessert/ Tea

Location: 15-2 Jalan Riang (Singapore)

Price per head: SGD$10+ (just drinks)

What I drank/ate: Earl Grey Tea, Chicken Nuggets and Waffles(from heaven).

Must-tries: WAFFLES.

Rating: 5 out of 5 for the service, ambience & food.

The perfect place to satisfy all potential chocolate cravings. 

The Confidante's Sanctuary: Shelter in the Woods

“Alcohol: The anesthesia by which we endure the operation of life”.

Tres Fabuleux Cosmo. Props to the ultra lovely bartender/waiter that prepared my drink for me! 

The oh so Old Fashioned that left Nicky begging for more.

Semifreddo

I'd like to thank Nicky, my 'manager', for writing this post on my behalf and sitting through hours of incessant rants about adolescent life and its shortcomings.

{Nicky} So we fast forward and it’s Saturday evening. It was around 6pm when Izzie C. decided to ring me up, desperate for a confidante (Yeah, that’s me.), proposing that we head to Shelter for a drink. Shelter in the woods, in essence, serves piquant drinks at affordable prices. If you haven’t already, do check out the review of Shelter’s food over here!

Izzie C. had a Cosmopolitan, whereas I had an Old Fashioned. Below are the individual reviews of said drink.

The Cosmopolitan:

True to the legendary Cosmopolitan, Shelter’s rendition of this classic is an inviting and refreshing combination of Belvedere Vodka, Cranberry and Pomegranate Juice, a hint of lime and a touch of Cointreau. Will it evoke memories of your most scenic sunset with your other half? Probably not. Will you experience an epiphanatic moment of absolute clarity to life’s unknowns? Hell no. What you will get however, is a drink that is not overly sweet or tart, perfect for a lady who seeks solace in a glass. The Cosmopolitan possesses a contrasting yet harmonious blend of vodka and juices, whereby the tartness of the Cranberry is balanced with the smooth undertones provided by the Pomegranate, finished off with the slight aftertaste of orange zest.

The Old Fashioned:

The Old Fashioned represents what is perhaps the oldest form of cocktail known, typically characterized as a stirred cocktail made with whisky, a moistened sugar cube, and Angostura bitters. Unfortunately it has fallen out of favor these days, as most bartenders don't know how to properly prepare it. Shelter can therefore be seen as an antithesis to the mediocre Old Fashioned that is so often served, holding true to the origins of said cocktail, and ultimately providing you a sensory experience of a lifetime.

The Old Fashion possesses olfactory qualities that are not only inviting, but intense. Expect spicy bourbon notes, coupled with hints of black pepper with an undertone of dried orange zest. Its taste is absolutely divine. Shelter’s Old Fashion has beautiful notes of vanilla, complemented by notes of smoky cinnamon and nutmeg. This wonder of a cocktail is not only spicy, buttery and but also zesty, possessing an almost silk like texture like no other.

{Izzie} I stayed for dessert that night, which was a house made Semifreddo was too orgasmic too handle. Biting into spoonfuls of cold cream, chocolate sauce and caramelized almonds really put me in the best mood. It was so wonderfully sinful and it gave my night a very sweet end! Thank you so much to the waiter who recommended it to me after looking at how torn I was choosing between desserts! + 10000 for a très délicieux dessert!

In ambivalence, I believe words cannot do justice to the complicated taste profiles that food and drinks possess. I cannot assure you that you will able to detect the subtle notes that the individual drink possesses, but it is without a doubt that Shelter serves drinks that live up to its status of a confidante’s sanctuary.

FIND THEM!!

Shelter in the Woods

22 Greenwood Avenue

Singapore 289219 (Hillcrest)

Tel: 6466 6225

❤❤❤❤ 4 hearts for Shelter in the Woods!

Type of food: French/ European

Location: 22 Greenwood Avenue  (Singapore)

Price per head: SGD$20+

What I ate/drank: Cosmo/ Semifreddo

Must-tries: Cocktails & food.

Rating: 4 out of 5 for the service, ambience & food.

I highly suggest dropping by asap for excellent french fare in the most welcoming neighborhood!