I've moved on...
...to a different domain. Why, what were you thinking? The truth is, I just woke up one day and decided it's time for a change—a metamorphosis, if you will; or, in layman's terms, if Britney can shave her head, then maybe so can I? Nevertheless, it's been a rather handsome 10 years of talking to you, and thank you for putting up with all my moodswings and terrible dad jokes. Fear not! The hormonal imbalance and jokes are more terrible on CUBICLE, see you there.
www.cubiclejournal.com
24th May 2012

Milan, Day II with Bottega Veneta

Betty & Matthieu, cutest couple in the world

Travel Buddy Carrie

All motorheads head to Brian’s Black Perfecto

Thank goodness for web-based interactive mock-up application for duckie-brains like mine.

DIY Shredded Jeans

Dotted Dress, mummy’s old. Tropical Blazer, Maarten van der Horst for Topshop. Bag, Bottega Veneta Initials. Nude heels, Zara. Watch, Sekonda. Gold Bracelet, Jessica Barensfeld Hammered Initials Bangle via Vestiare Collective

It’s fascinating, this human obsession to scribble names into things we own… come to think of it, it’s not actually even about marking things we own, because how many toilet cubicles would you own then? I’d own about three tree barks (along with ♥ three clueless crushes of the era – unfulfilled, naturally) and desks in all the schools growing up. No, it’s really like an inside joke, isn’t it, and a guessing-game for the woman sitting across you in the bus – just like the fact that not many know that my ‘B1G B008S’ licence-plate is actually a plea for larger chesticles instead of an identifier. (what healthy outlook on life?) Anyhow, I’m sorry there isn’t more of Milan in this post, day 2 was spent with Bottega Veneta – fondling the intrecciato bags and fussing with the initials to go with it. What I adore about Bottega Veneta is is their Less is More belief when it comes to branding, especially in this Initials project – just you and the bag. Unless of course you have my kind of priorities and choose BBE (Biggest Boobs EVER) to be your chosen initials or RW for you insane Ron Weasley fans. One little thing that bothered me was the typography of the letters and I believe the world would be better if they allowed different font choices… or not. Typography sadly doesn’t solve world hunger. Regarding the ‘IS’ on my bag, my usual initials would read PSY, but ‘psy’ also happens to mean ‘dog’ in Polish and I’ve had enough of racist jokes growing up so… I figured ‘IS’ can mark the first of post-marriage name scribbling!

Thank you to Ykone and Bottega Veneta for a wonderful trip.

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74 Comments

  1. Rhoda Wong
    May 24, 2012 at 2:59 pm

    i love your outfit! great prints and bag too!

    http://www.styleandshades.blogspot.com

  2. The Milano Mode
    December 10, 2012 at 8:11 pm

    how lucky!

  3. Tinacious.Me
    May 24, 2012 at 3:18 pm

    gorgeous bags!
    http://www.Tinacious.Me

  4. Dominika
    May 24, 2012 at 3:27 pm

    I adore your photos! So amazing

  5. Ami Schaheera
    May 24, 2012 at 3:39 pm

    Love the polkadot dress + floral blazer, that whole outfit looks so serene paired with your new Bottega :) love the fact that you chose white too!

    xx
    Ami
    http://ami.sptnkswthrt.com/

  6. Ksenia
    May 24, 2012 at 3:41 pm

    Wonderful photos!)

  7. Yuna Soon (YunaPicsDelight)
    May 24, 2012 at 3:42 pm

    love this soooooo much! Well done again!!!!

  8. Julia
    May 24, 2012 at 3:44 pm

    Love the bag! So elegant

  9. Estherina's World
    May 24, 2012 at 3:44 pm

    The bag is stunning!

    Step into Estherina’s World

  10. Constanza
    May 24, 2012 at 3:51 pm

    I liked more the other blog settings.

  11. Shini
    May 24, 2012 at 3:54 pm

    Thanks for your feedback, in that case please access the blog through http:parkandcube.com/blog/, it’s basically the same thing.

  12. Joana Gomes
    May 24, 2012 at 3:54 pm

    What does the «i» stand for? I love your choice of handbag and lettering. I also adore the new website design, it looks so clean and simple.

  13. Shini
    May 24, 2012 at 3:56 pm

    Thank you so so much, really means a lot. the ‘I’ is for my new surname after marriage – Idzikowska!

  14. Faith
    May 24, 2012 at 5:51 pm

    @Shini, What a mouthful! Although, I’m especially impressed by your ability to balance a bottle of nail polish on your knee… tricky, tricky.

    ~F

  15. Joana Gomes
    May 24, 2012 at 6:57 pm

    @Shini, I’m so happy you answered, you’ve made my day! I’ve been lusting after your webdesigning skills since I first came across your website. It’s exactly the type of thing I would love to know how to do hehe

  16. Dan
    May 24, 2012 at 4:07 pm

    CR=Cristiano Ronaldo?

  17. Shini
    May 24, 2012 at 4:08 pm

    JK = Just Kidding?

  18. Stephanie
    May 24, 2012 at 4:10 pm

    Such inspiration Xx

    Stephanie in Style

  19. jenaly
    May 24, 2012 at 4:15 pm

    wow. amazing. I am jealous I must say. it is fantastic

    http://jenalyenns.blogspot.ca/

  20. The Fancy Teacup
    May 24, 2012 at 4:33 pm

    Sounds like you had such a heavenly trip! The mixture of prints in your look is just absolute perfection.

    http://www.TheFancyTeacup.com

  21. Jessica
    May 24, 2012 at 4:33 pm

    Love your bag! And I love those jeans too.

    xx.

  22. Charlie
    May 24, 2012 at 4:50 pm

    Woiawwwww that outfit is so beautiful Shini!

    i love the printed jacket on you and the bag is the perfect accessory <3

  23. Domonique
    May 24, 2012 at 5:10 pm

    Love this post :) that polka dot dress is divine!

    http://lilylovelock.blogspot.co.uk/
    x

  24. nataliya
    May 24, 2012 at 5:37 pm

    so lovely! you’re so lucky!

    nataliya
    sewniice.blogspot.com

  25. Xeana
    May 24, 2012 at 6:16 pm

    Beautiful, immediate and bright pictures

    From http://www.xeanafashion.com

  26. Monica
    May 24, 2012 at 6:20 pm

    i love that picture of you painting your nails. i want those ripped jeans!
    The visit looks like it was a great time! I love monogrammed things. they’re more personal and unique. I like how the script font looks the best! They should try that!

    M.

  27. sophie
    May 24, 2012 at 6:34 pm

    your maxi dress is so stunning! love the polka dots on it!
    xoxo

  28. nadja
    May 24, 2012 at 6:51 pm

    you look amazing, love your jeans!

  29. lesleykim
    May 24, 2012 at 7:41 pm

    Im in love with the white bag!!

    xoxo
    LesleyKim

    http://www.mylifeinlala.blogspot.com

  30. Material Fixations
    May 24, 2012 at 8:09 pm

    Love the minimalist design combined with the personnalised aspect.
    Material Fixations

  31. Philippa
    May 24, 2012 at 8:31 pm

    I love that blazer on you! I’m obsessed with Hawaiian print.

    xxx

  32. renee
    May 24, 2012 at 8:49 pm

    That is beyond amazing! Your blazer and you! Not a big fan of the bags but the initial thing is so wacko! (in a good way)
    Love the way you DIYed the Jeans. shredded to perfection!

  33. constanza
    May 24, 2012 at 8:59 pm

    thanks :)

  34. vasilieva
    May 24, 2012 at 10:18 pm

    awesome
    http://www.vasilievablog.com/
    x

  35. Seraphina
    May 25, 2012 at 1:29 am

    I love love love your hair. Stunning blog post as always!

  36. Jaeger
    May 25, 2012 at 3:15 am

    Love your jeans!

    http://youngandimpressionablee.blogspot.com.au/

    xx

  37. monkeyshines
    May 25, 2012 at 3:49 am

    lovely soft romantic look!

    Bises,
    monkeyshines
    http://monkeyshines-monkeyshines.blogspot.com/

  38. Kiki
    May 25, 2012 at 5:26 am

    Oh god….!!
    The fifth pic, the one you applying nail polish, looks so dangerous…..

  39. Style Hostess
    May 25, 2012 at 7:21 am

    I’m officially in love with your magical photography.
    teach meeee !! :D
    love that bag and blazer girl. you just look more and more lovely each time and so does your blog. more and more professional.
    ps. that girl with the milk braids. I think I’ve seen her in one of your posts once. what’s her name?

    xx
    Catherine.

  40. Judy
    May 25, 2012 at 8:41 am

    I am loving your outfit!

    http://by-judy.blogspot.com/

  41. Rachel K.
    May 25, 2012 at 9:29 am

    Bahaha, I balance my nail polish like that too. What’s that gorgeous vampy navy blue color someone else is wearing?

  42. Yen Nguyen
    May 25, 2012 at 10:30 am

    I have been reading your blog for awhile now. I was hoping to know more about your photography (i.e. camera, lens, etc.)

    I really adore your style and photographs!

  43. Mani
    May 25, 2012 at 10:35 am

    Wow, I didn’t think I’d see those shredded jeans again! Only you could wear ones like them and still look polished

  44. Marina
    May 25, 2012 at 12:17 pm

    Amazing photos! Love it!

    xx
    biskvittka.blogspot.com

  45. Steph J
    May 25, 2012 at 3:24 pm

    That is some VERY impressive nail polish balancing-on-knee act there!

  46. Shini
    May 25, 2012 at 3:29 pm

    Oooo I feel like I deserve a medal or something ;)

  47. Lou
    May 25, 2012 at 6:56 pm

    I love these photos, so simple and pretty.

    My mam always put my name in everything I owned, but I love having just a simple two or three letters on the outside of the beautiful bags and purses.

    Have a lovely weekend.

    Lou
    http://www.thekeypieces.co.uk

  48. Aves Gry
    May 26, 2012 at 12:06 am

    That’s start with how great your jacket is and then we can move onto the bag. Your jacket is stunning! and now the bag, The bag is lovely, is that suede lining? I also have noticed an increase in monograming lately, like people just like claiming things as their own. At least if anyone of them are married and were to get a divorced, we would know what items belong to whom and there would be less hassle. So monograming save lives?

  49. Martina
    May 27, 2012 at 8:30 am

    i love this combination, big compliment! have a nice day..

    http://keepitsimplestupidblog.blogspot.com/

  50. Czarina
    May 27, 2012 at 8:45 am

    stunning photos! can’t get enough with the outfit, the bag, the details and the like :)

  51. Maya
    May 27, 2012 at 7:14 pm

    Dear Shini, your posts are amazing, and I love the way you write and snap pictures

    But I have to admit the new design is abit confusing and hard to handle.

    Just wanted to tell you that..xx

  52. ayy_ayy
    May 28, 2012 at 1:16 am

    can we customize the initials?
    and i think i can’t initialized my name. too weird.

  53. Lola
    May 28, 2012 at 7:59 am

    Having things emossed onto a bag or getting something engraved just makes it all that more exciting, can definitely relate! I love your pictures, gorgeous! xx

  54. Duck
    May 28, 2012 at 5:23 pm

    I don’t think I’m allowed to read your blog anymore, the object-photo-food jealousy it induces is almost unbearable.

  55. ml
    May 28, 2012 at 7:01 pm

    Shini,

    Really love your blog and love the new design! You have mad graphics skills!

    I was wondering with your diverse background, having lived in 3 very different places, what kind of accent do you have when you speak? I’ve also lived in 3 different places/continents so I’m curious : )

    best,
    ml

  56. Shini
    May 28, 2012 at 9:45 pm

    Awesome question! I like to believe I have a very American accent, because my first and last school was the American School of Warsaw – but a slightly ‘light’ version? What accent do you have? Which countries have you lived in :D? x

  57. ml
    May 28, 2012 at 10:01 pm

    @Shini,

    Thanks for the response! You have an interesting background. I’m sure it wasn’t always easy being the ‘other’. I was touched by your comment about your initials.

    I was born in Hong Kong, raised in San Francisco (only speaking Cantonese in the house) and lived in Paris. I am now back in San Francisco. I would say I have an American accent too, although sometimes the Cantonese accent sneaks in when I’m tired or angry..haha.

    I check your blog daily for your wonderful pics and wry writing : )

    Cheers!
    ml

  58. Lilly Rose
    May 28, 2012 at 11:44 pm

    Great styling! I recently bought a blazer just like the one above from bleuclothing.com. Amazing fit and design.

  59. Kaye Awatin
    May 29, 2012 at 11:27 am

    Love your tropical printed blazer!

    Kaye Awatin
    http://thestyleflux.blogspot.com

  60. Daphne | Dee & Duke
    May 29, 2012 at 4:47 pm

    My thoughts exactly on Bottega Veneta! The marketing is simple, no fuss, just like their designs: it’s all about the richness of the leather, the intrecciato weaving, and the clean lines. Makes for a timeless bag and I love that!
    Thank you for including a pic of the Duomo, I miss it sometimes. It’s always so luminous :) Please tell me you stuffed yourself silly with gelato.

  61. Shini
    May 29, 2012 at 5:06 pm

    Oh my, I wish!! It was actually quite cold when we went so no gelato, but I’d go back JUST for some. x

  62. Daphne | Dee & Duke
    May 29, 2012 at 5:16 pm

    @Shini, oh me too. You’re my kind of person. The man friend is Milanese and we OFTEN talk about Milan food spots and restaurants and how we miss them. Sigh. :)

  63. absolutely mrs k
    May 29, 2012 at 8:16 pm

    Matthieu and i have the same sweater, the opening ceremony kertmit sweater! my favorite

  64. Priyanka
    May 31, 2012 at 11:36 am

    Love the outfit of the first picture!

  65. Reptilia
    May 31, 2012 at 4:20 pm

    Love that dress..amazing!!

    http://www.justreptilia.com

    xx

  66. Tine
    June 1, 2012 at 2:29 am

    I’m not significantly into learning, but by some indicates I obtained to browse lots of content material content within your webpage. It is excellent how intriguing it’s for me to shell out a check out for you fairly often.

  67. Jo - Lost in the Haze
    June 1, 2012 at 12:45 pm

    I love how similar yours and Carries bags are! There is something about initials that make things extra special!

    x
    Lost in the Haze: a Fashion Photography Blog

  68. mette / ungt blod
    June 3, 2012 at 8:59 pm

    so nice – IS means ice cream in danish :)

  69. Olive
    June 4, 2012 at 4:56 pm

    ahhh! Really really love the all of the pictures in this post, specially the outfit post! Love the polkadot dress, the shoes and how you tight the belt! very inspiring and uh i really like your hair! so pretty! :)

  70. Kylie
    June 8, 2012 at 1:22 am

    Love your site and your photography is gorgeous. Would you mind if I use the top image from this post to create a colourlover palette to post on my blog? I absolutely love the colour palette in that one in particular. Just beautiful. The soft pink, creams, green, black and a tiny spot of crimson… so, so pretty!

  71. Mertxe Hernandez
    June 14, 2012 at 7:16 pm

    Quite simply. Iconic….

    Find custom and handmade fashion at my site, experience the life and soul of BARCELONA!

    o SHOP: http://mertxehernandez.bigcartel.com/
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  72. Alex
    June 15, 2012 at 9:29 pm

    What colour/ brand are you painting your nails with? I can’t tell from the bottle shape! I love it!

  73. Minerva Collection
    July 28, 2012 at 12:44 pm

    Oooh …now I want yellow nails!

  74. CSS: Mag-Style Block Captions • Pugly Pixel
    April 16, 2013 at 9:38 pm

    […] captions. I’ve seen these caption styles on the web in a couple of places, most notably on Park & Cube. Then last week, I spotted the look on Coco Skies. This kind of caption serves as an aside […]