goodbye 2010, bring on 2011

The new year creeps up on you doesn't it! Before you know it, it's another set of New Year resolutions you want to write. I usually want to write about 10, but this year, I think 5-7 would be more reasonable.
It's been a real year of setting up new things, getting rid of the garbage that was part of my life and really preparing for 2011. There were definitely a lot of firsts this year - going on and performing on a cruise, performing in stadiums as part of The Artisans, the formation of the Artisans, performing my crossover songs ...
All i can say is it's been a good year but 2011, BRING IT ON!!! I haven't been as happy as I have been this year ever, but i know 2011 will bring me even more joy! I can just feel it!
Spending NYE this year in Saigon and this will be beautiful!
Good luck to you all for 2011! May it be filled with happiness, joy, success, amazing friends and above all, good health! without health, you will be able to do nothing.
LOVE and GRACE,
Van-Anh xx

Maiden voyage

A blog i wrote whilst on the cruise....
Aloha lovelies!
No, I’m not in Hawaii but at the very top point of Australia, Thursday Island. On a Tuesday that is! There’s also Friday Island which was directly across from is. I’m doing my first ever cruise show and I have to say, I’m pleasantly pleased and surprised. You hear stories of cruises all the time, good and bad but this has been such a pleasant trip so far!
I embarked in Darwin and I must say the flight from Melb – Adelaide – Darwin was less than pleasant. It was horrific actually. Having done a few shows in Melbourne (which was frickin awesome having the opportunity to perform at the Netball and Hockey Centre in a 360 degree stadium!), I had about 8 hours of sleep over 3 days. What was the result of that was throwing up 5 times in those flights. I was horrified because I had heard about seasickness and all that jazz and had not prepared ANYTHING. I was throwing up before I even got ONTO the damn ship! Having said that, when I got to Darwin, I wasn’t throwing up at all and my stomach had settled. It must have been some virus or just pure tiredness.
As I stepped on the liner, it was beautiful. Lights, just like a luxury hotel! It’s got everything from a library, net café (which is ridiculous because it’s 50c a minute!), spa/pool, observation lounge on Deck 10, multiple bars and check this, 24 hour room service with unlimited food and drinks everywhere. And my suite has a piano in it to practice on!! MAN I could live like this – getting fat and playin’ music. And yes, all gluten free available too!
I was super nervous before my 1st show but the crowd was wonderful and so supportive and truly enjoyed it – word has spread and they are totally coming tomorrow night for my 2nd and last show too on the Silversea Shadow where I will disembark in Cairns!
Everyone on the cruise is so lovely and really enjoying themselves (as if you wouldn’t when you have such fine cuisine!) It’s super humid at this end of the world. Some people I’ve met at total cruise-a-holics! They continually travel. A lady who is blind had travelled for 20 years on the Silverseas. When she spoke to me and asked me my name at the dining table, I was like ‘Van-Anh’ and she asked ‘are you of Dutch descent?’. I was a little surprised but then she said she was blind and it all made sense. The ‘van’ part. She had been travelling for so long that she walked around without a walking stick because she knew where everything was! Amazing!
There’s people from everywhere – Canada, USA, South Africa, quite a few from Australia. I’m surprised I hadn’t gotten seasick but it’s been really calm. Raining every afternoon just like in Asia.
Anyways, I should really sign off for now. 11 sleeps til xmas! WOOTTTT!!!
With smiles and grace from the seas just off Thursday Island,
Van-Anh xx

Moving on ...

Gosh it's been a while and before you know it, 22 sleeps til Xmas! How it strikes so quickly! Quite the ridiculous if you ask me. Having said that, my spontaneous shopping has paid off because I've got presents down pat ... And god bless online shopping :)
What a week! Moving studios to a beautiful place, settling in all the students and parents, playing at 4 concerts, packing up, unpacking, organising and repacking my life for the next 2 weeks!
The Artisans Melbourne debut is Dec 9th at Spencers Live! 419 Spencer St melbs! Tickets at the door for $20 so c'mon down folks :) it will feature our lead singer Thanh Bui, drummer James Jennings, bassist Brendan Clark, guitarist James Manson and myself on keys playing all of our original stuff with an EP set for release mid Feb 2011!!
Of course surrounding all of this is the International Artist Academy Melbourne showcase at The Cubby House Sunday 5th Dec.
Then, my first cruise show!!! Really don't want to get seasick (please please please!!!)

For now, adios because beauty sleep calls.
Love and grace,
- smiling at life from my iPhone :)
Van-Anh

new love

Sophia Kokosalaki <3

Oh to die for Brian Atwood Heels! <3

The best body lotion ever! (yes, Mecca Cosmetica again!)

New Red Sichuan Restaurant opened up in Canley Heights (i would go MILD for the hotpot - it's frickin spicy and i LIKE spicy!)

As always, I love to update on my findings. I've been a bit MIA with various gigs and tinkling the ivories a lot BUT, here were my recent findings :)

How i love beautiful things, tasty things!

Of course, there's always the music and to be honest, not a fan of Bruno Mars' Grenade. Cee-Lo Green on the other hand, i'll have YOU on repeat thanks :)

The Mark Ronson & Biz Int'l record has been on repeat in the car as well - eclectic, awesome and refreshing!

A stint in Melbourne for December with visits to Darwin and Cairns before Xmas is on the cards so I'll be clickin away on the camera!

As always, concerts to support especially this coming Tuesday (because The Artisans - yes, that includes me, are playing!) is the Make A Change concert at Melbourne Town Hall - Tues 16th Nov 7:30pm. Hope to see u all there xxx

Love and grace,

Van-Anh

Much love and grace,

ac-ac-ac-accessories!

So like i said, accessories are my latest obsessions so in my meanderings on the net, I came across Kashen Jewellery. Not only is it awesome but it's an Aussie Perth-based designer which makes it awesomex2! I've picked up my necklace and it's due to arrive next week. There's only 1 collection up so far called After Midnight with a 2nd one due to come out for Summer. The first is all based on glass materials with an emphasis on purples, oranges, salmon and black. The 2nd is moreso leather like cuffs and pendants.
My favs are definitely these:


And to continue my newly found love for handbags, After The Apple. Sigh! Their concept is fantastic, with 12 bags every season in the same concept design/shape eg 'The Slouch' or 'The Everyday Bag', 'The Handbag', 'The Messenger' to name a few. Of course the style and print changes each season and right now, it's 'The Tote'. The bags are only stocked at Lucette in Paddington and Designer Forum (and of course, you can buy it online). It looks great but seeing it in real life is every MORE amazing. I almost got a fright when the SA said "It's real python skin". I almost dropped the bag. The texture was so soft! The bag comes in print and black, both being striking. The print for your statement days and the black for just an amazing-black-bag!




Lastly but not least, CC Skye. A fav of Nicole Ritchie's, the label never gets it wrong. Glam-rock it is, my cuff arrived this week.

Have a lovely weekend! The sun is out so time to get those Vitamin Ds in!
x
love and grace,
Van-Anh

accessories crazed!

I think with fashion, everyone goes through phases. Remember when we saw shoulder pads and ran for the hills - now everyone has at least one in their wardrobe. Remember when harem and drop crotch pants were a no-no - now pretty much every label has one of those selling! There is no doubt that fashion gets recycled. Vintage is always in for the very reason that it's vintage and no one can bad-mouth it!

Right now, my phase sits with maxi-dresses and accessories. The blend of rawness and chic gives that down to earth feel yet still clean cut to strut it by day AND night without being OTT. Statement all the way.

So some of my favourite finds so far:

Lucette Robotic Maxi

Uscari Zen Crop Top <3

Uscari You're Never Alone Shorts (OMG!!!)

LowLuv by Erin Wasson (and totally affordable with free shipping on tobi.com)

In God We Trust 'Shake n Bake' necklace

And the best thing about tobi.com is the free shipping and how fast it is! YAY!

Off to do my Hanon 1-60 for a month!

love love,

Van-Anh xx

Treesje, Fluxus and more

So it's been yet another while since i've blogged. The last couple of weeks, i've spent focusing on writing some more music, a bit of a break from teaching is always good because i've come back with a lot of energy for the kids! We did a performance for NBCF (National Breast Cancer Foundation) Global Illumination at the beautiful Summit Restaurant with Scarlett Belle

Performing with Scarlett Belle (Tamara Jaeber and Reigan Derry) with Luke Robinson (guitar) and Adaja Black (backing vocals).

If you're into the House scene, you'd be familiar with Miss Adaja Black! Check out her myspace! killer of a voice!

Onto the little precious things in life, the more tangible goodies, here are some of my favourite things right now:

Treesje Runaway Bag

heart heart heart this bag - coz i'm such a hoarder, but also because the gunmetal color is totally rock n roll, timeless! i have a lot of respect for Treesje in their design. A little bit about them:

California-based design duo, Laur Darrah and Sheila Nazarian have made their mark on the accessories world since launching their luxury handbag collection, Treesje in 2005. Both women are passionate about accessory design and are committed to creating original, intricate pieces that capture the essence of their chic California style. Treesje features signature hardware and a vast range of leather finishes, colours and silhouettes, including hobos, totes, satchels and more. Worn by Jennifer Aniston, Molly Sims, Courteney Cox Arquette and Lindsay Lohan to name but a few.

As for a wonderfully awesome basics range, don't look past Fluxus. I came across it whilst shopping in Melbourne, not really available across Australia that much but i'd order straight from the site. Some of my favourites are:

Fluxus

Inspired by the mid-century art movement and Los Angeles inner-city culture, FLuXuS breaks away from tradition and encourages the advancement of self-expression through fashion. Having commenced in 2007, it's a label for men and women mainly with cotton, tri-blend and their signature burnout!

Over and out for now.

Keep it real, keep it down to earth and don't get your head tangled in the clouds!

Love and grace,

V-A

Dawn Lu Shoes - walk in bliss, not blisters

Helloooo lovers!

It's been a while since i've done an entry - quite the frantic with the recent Thanh Bui & The Artisans Show at Bankstown Town Hall. It was awessssommeeeee!!!! Thanks to DeeTee designs (www.deeteedesigns.com.au) for the amazing Ga-ga-licious dress, Dawn Lu for her amazing Dawn Lu Shoes (check out her facebook fan page - Dawn Lu Shoes), Zoe for Zoemou jewellery and You've Inspired Me for their iconic tree-roots Tee.

More so to the point, Dawn Lu Shoes. I'm in love. My new favourite shoes in both ballet flats and sky-high heels, 13cm with a rubber sole. Need i say more?

These are the ones i have and they fit like a glove!

Check 'em out guys! Only online sales so far, so if you'd like to try them on, i'm holding a high-tea shoe party Oct 6th. Email me on vananh.piano@gmail.com or go onto Dawn Lu Shoes facebook fan page for details :)

Shoes, oh glorious shoes!!!

Off to dinner.

much love and grace as always,

Van-Anh

AJE

This is on my pre-order list - coming in ivory, faded khaki and black. Who is it? It's Australian designer label, AJE.

I'm in love again. In love with AJE right now, that is. just LOVE their collection. a couple of items is a LUST, but everything else, LOVE LOVE LOVE!!!
Only 2 seasons in, they have really built up a unique style and it's brilliant! Totally wearable, statement pieces but not OTT.
From their winter collection:

Biker boots

The lovely Bambi modelling the collection

Must I say more? It's just so perfect!!! YAY!!!
gotta run.

love and grace,

V-A

Stefanie Kruger

I've never been a huge one on jewellery but recently, i've come across so many little quirky pieces. Speaking of coincidences, I was trawling the net and came across Stefanie Kruger.

If you check out her stuff, it is amazingly beautiful, quirky and kitschy! and not to mention totally suitable for ANY pocket! LOVE! These ones are my favourites:

Fish pendant

Diamond cut

Enjoy the rest of this beautiful Sunday! Back to the music-making for me xx

Love & grace,

V-A

goody goody goodies!

Since being back in Sydney (and apart from trying to get over this terrible jetlag), I've been a guinea pig - yes, i've been sampling things! And there is much much more to be a guinea pig for too!

First up, Pussy. The energy drink (get your minds out of the gutter for those who even WENT there!)

It actually tastes AMAZING! lychee, white pear, milk thistle, some healthy stuff in there! They are sponsoring several events, including a fashion show at Central 31st August 2010. And for once, the drink doesn't taste medicinal like. Girls, you will LOVE it so go out and try some :)

Second is Hot-Cans. Hot chocolate in a can! Yes, you press the button, shake it, and in 3 minutes, it is hot. And tastes exactly a hot chocolate! The product is decent, costs about $3.50-$4 in stores. Reminds me a lot of Asia where everything you can get from a vending machine. Australia IS becoming asian-dominated so heck, awesome move to get these in!

cover to protect your lips from getting burnt!

Lastly, all these gluten-free products that my lovely friend Angie Dinh (http://angielivestoeat.blogspot.com) went to the Gluten-Free Expo last weekend and got me! I will be posting up pics of what happens to the apple crumble, the bread, the yeast :D Angie, you're a gem!

It's been a crazy week trying to get back into routine - i have to say i'm enjoying the fresh air a HELL of a lot, the cold is a bit frosty but it's nice to be home!

That's all from a very tired pianist tonight.

Much love and grace,

V-A

byeeee winterrrr ... but oh sale!!

I'm back in sydney FINALLY but dead tired ... hey, a sale or 2 will perk me up i'm sure. Just a couple of sales i've come across to take note of:

Sophie Boxer Cashmere Sale
When: On now until Saturday 14th August, 10am - 4pm
Where: Boulevard Store, 378 Oxford St Paddington
What: Up to 75% off luxurious cashmere!

Shopbop Final Clearance Sale
When: On now!
Where: www.shopbop.com
What: Final markdowns on their huge designer sale!

Arabella Ramsay Clearance Store
When: Open 7 days a week now until stock lasts.
Where: 201 Spencer St Docklands, Melbourne
What: 40 - 70% off the Winter collection and sample stock!

Enjoy!!!

xx

V-A

Malene Birger

Always on the hunt for new designers to wear, I stumbled across Malene Birger - now NOT a new designer at all, but someone new for me.

She's a Danish womenswear designer who does boots and all accessories too! It's a mix of sophisticated, elegant and a touch of femininity.

Here is some of her stuff:

Spring 2009

Malene Birger wool dress

Spring Summer 2010

Her jewellery is super cute too! This is from Yeltuor (in Australia):

Fargea Necklace

Lavnsdale Necklace

You can get her stuff from net-a-porter.com or yeltuor.com.au has a few pieces too!

2nd last day in VN for me - i'm super excited to get home but will definitely miss this place!

xx

deliver me ...

A lot of the times, Vietnam reminds me of America - I got take-out martinis in the states, take out noodles, but maybe Vietnam is one step better. How about home delivery KFC and Lotteria ... and of course, home delivery of clothing (not that that is any different at home where i sit awaiting my next parcel in the mail to arrive at my doorstep - the blissful life of online shopping...sigh). Home delivery of vermicelli, of Pho, of Bun Bo Hue ~ the list is endless!

Today, I got my home delivery of a top i bought online in vietnam! 

I also found out yesterday that Vietnam has a jobsearch network online. It's great to see Vietnam move forward and employers can find employees online through the usual credentials/resumes/letters.

The extremities of the rich and poor still baffles me sometimes. Yesterday, we drove past a house ... drive along this street everyday and yesterday, it was down!

right of the seamart is the fallen down house.

Just like that, it went down! Have no idea if anyone was in it, if anyone was hurt ... you can see everything around it is shut down. And today, driving past a construction site, the concept of OH&S is just non-existent. The guy working had no helmet on, and was wearing THONGS! THONGS! sigh ... And then they had a banner strung up saying 'An toan la tren het' (safety about all) ... Vietnam is progressing at an incredible rate but maybe at the expenses of cost-cutting - or lives - or maybe just out of not knowing the right way to do it. Sigh ....

On another note, FOOD. Here is the Hu Tieu place - 

Not just Hu Tieu but Mi Vit Tiem too! Yep - it's 84 Nguyen Van Lac, P.19, Q. Binh Thanh for those foodies who wanna try :)

A quick plug before i scavenge for food - Hard Rock Cafe, 39 Le Duan St, Q.1 HCMC tomorrow night, Thao Trang is performing live for the first time after her CD launch - officially launching it for the public. 200,000VND will get you entry, the album and also a bottle of Coors Light. I'll be performing as a guest - a few songs with Antoneus Maximus and Thanh Bui. It's also my last night in Saigon so I'll be sure to be partying it up so come put your dancing shoes on, have a wiggle jiggle with me!

Adios!

V-A

BLAHHHHHH!!!!

NOTHING could irritate me more are 4 chords which don't go together - actually, no, i can think of multiple other things which could annoy me but u know what, right now, at this very moment, at this very point in time, it is probably the most frustrating thing EVER! I feel like investing in ear plugs - or bashing my head against the wall. Instead of inflicting pain upon oneself, i'm trying to do a less painful form of therapy - watching PRIVATE PRACTICE! now THAT is a strangely addictive show at it!

I miss home. I want to go home. It's a strange feeling - love-heart relationship with this country. I miss the hussle bussle, the amazing food, did i mention food (?) :D Speaking of which, i ate at a wonderful Hu Tieu place - local, but amazing. It's at 84 Nguyen Van Lac, P.19, Q.Binh Thanh. I'll post up a pic soon. They cook it out of one of those old-school noodle carts.I don't miss the traffic jams, i don't miss the inefficiency here, the slowness in EVERYTHING to get ANYTHING done. I love making new friends. I love how fresh the cocktails and mocktails are here! I love District 7 and 2 - to live in. Preferably District 2 in one of those ex-pat compounds! FRICKIN AWESOME! But Sydney or Melbourne, there's fresh air. I can drive myself around, I miss my crazy friends, I miss being constantly challenged, I miss using my brain. Sometimes things get too easy. Guess it's not that easy is it! And you can't get everything 

Anyways, gotta run! Last few days - last few days.

over and out,

Van-Anh

vietnamese designers ahoy!

Being in Vietnam for over a month this time, I did my walkabouts not only to find the perfect meal (as some of you have noticed from my copious amounts of food snaps), but also for up and coming designers. A girl loves dresses, I, specifically, DIE for dresses. Ok, so maybe not literally but quite close to it. It makes me go jitters and scream like a little girl with the latest Barbie in her hands (ok - enough embarrassment for a day).

I'm proud to say that there has been a lot of progress in vietnamese fashion houses. Of course, there are the Viet Kieu's, the Viets who have gone abroad to study and then the naturally talented.

Here is a collection of whom i love, grown to love and find intriguing either in their cuts, amazing creative eye for detail, sophisticated. Of course, this is in no particular order.
1. Barbara Bui

She is a god - just absolutely couture stuff, now with jewellery line and ready-to-wear.

2. Tylho (aka. Tylor Ho)
Gorgeous Tylor has a very sophisticated touch to his clothes. Having been to design school in the US, he is opening his first store in Ho Chi Minh City Aug/Sept 2010.

A sneek peek of his new holiday collection:

3. Nguyen Cong Tri 

Like a veteran in the trade, he's been designing for quite some time in VN - originally an architecture student, he moved into the fashion industry, having a passion for fashion from an early age.

photo courtesy of Robbey :)

4. Huy Vo - having studied at the Fashion Institute Of Design & Merchandising tại bang California. He has a store at 159 Lý Tự Trọng, Quận 1, TP.HCM

5. Chung Thanh Phong - having known for dressing a lot of vietnamese celebrities such as Thao Trang (Vietnam Idol), Phuong Vy (Vietnam Idol), his works often have been inspired by the likes of Balmain. He is the youngest out of the crew here and has a store, RIN BOUTIQUE - 13 Phan Van Tri, P.2, Q.5. The photos are Phong's clothes on my lovely friend and Vietnamese popstar, Thao Trang :)

6. DMC Brand - originally a part of the Villa FB, Do Manh Cuong has opened his first solo standing store on Ly Tu Trong St (great choice of street to have it on, where you'll find stores like Feeling and trendy women's boutiquey fashion). DMC has 2 lines - one is more couture and the majority is based on black and white, whereas the more ready-to-wear line is fun, chic and ranges from 600,000VND - 3,000,000VND (very reasonable!)

7. JNG Couture 

Designer and stylist, John Nguyen has worked in the States for various TVCs, Fashion shoots and his dresses have a lot of oriental inspiration. Let the dresses beneath speak for themselves :)

 

That's it from me for now. I know there are so many others but i have yet to have discovered :)