Experience is the Best Teacher But Books Also Help

For those of you who are wondering, the photos I display in my blog are all taken by me unless stated otherwise (or we're on a trip and I don't even know anymore who took which photos). Needless to say, these photos were captured by yours truly. I don't own a tripod so I had to be creative on how I was going to accomplish that. Though getting help from friends or boyfriend (if you have one who's willing to do it for you) is a lot easier, there's no satisfaction like snapping your own shots. Firstly, you'd know what you want and have total control over the outcome. Whereas when someone else does it for you, you would be extra bossy and frustrated because your friends aren't mind-readers. A good way to lose a friend, I'd say. Unless, of course, your friend's a photographer whose work you admire and the outcome is always satisfactory to you, in which case you guys would get along and live happily ever after. Though such an occurrence is pretty rare, I should imagine.

Not only that, I've encountered some pretty interesting experiences having had photoshoots on my own. For instance, on this particular day, I met an old man who was apparently a conservationist in Kassel. He suddenly engaged me in a conversation about butterflies, like these Monarch butterflies - or at least I think that's what it was. He told me how many of which butterflies there are in Germany and where (and when) to find them. He said his favourite was the Lycaenidae (Bläulinge) and I can see why. They are so beautiful. He told me if we're sailing through the Mediterranean Sea, we could see heaps of butterflies passing through. That would be so magical. Somehow we ended up photo-hunting for butterflies. He told me how sad he was to see people misuse the earth, care nothing about the nature and throw away trash wherever they well please. There's no earth but this one. We should appreciate it more. 

Primark shirt via Kleider Kreisel // H&M skirt + socks // Flapper Girl ascot tie // vintage purse + brogues

Autumn is upon us and though school doesn't start for me for another month, I thought I'd make a back-to-school sort of outfit post for the heck of it. Despite people being so anti-uniform, one of the things I love about school was the uniform. In Indonesia, most schools have similar unfashionable uniforms - white and red for grade school, white and blue for middle school and white and grey for high school. Often I find myself craving Japanese sailor uniforms or British tartan ones. They're so stylish! So this is my rendition of a summer-look of British-inspired Japanese girls' uniform, save for the purse. 

I couldn't decide if the shirt was better tucked in or let loose but I think you should decide. It being tucked in gives a more casual look but because the shirt is loose and doesn't have a sturdy structure, it doesn't look at all goody-two-shoes or too preppy. Letting it loose is probably a very nice after-school style, where you get to let out your rebellious side whilst hanging out with your friends. I wish I had a matching satchel bag to go with this look though I really like the socks and, shockingly, I'm not wearing the loafers. Instead, I went with my brogues, which added a twist on the whole getup. Instead of a ribbon, I went with this lady necktie. Also, I just bought a set of Gumy by JVC earphones which I adore. It's orange, eco-friendly and has superb quality. Also a necessity for mundane school routine, I believe. Have fun at school for those of you already gone back there and let's do our best this semester as well, shall we?

Stadt in Überblick: Karlsruhe

There are places in this world, no matter how much time has passed and no matter the absence of the tie between you and that place, it will remain a home to you forever. Or maybe I'm just being overly sensitive. For kids with migration backgrounds, home probably varies or has no actual place at all. But I was never a kid with such a background, so I get emotionally attached to things and places. The place I got attached to the most, despite the fact that not many of my loved ones live there anymore, is Karlsruhe. Our first destination. Our home. Way back when.

These are, by far, the comfiest trams in Germany

Geographically, Karlsruhe is located in the middle of Baden-Württemberg in Germany. It somewhat borders not too far from Straßbourg, France. By chance - and probably fate - did I end up in this town. It is rather small and simple with a comfortable transport system - that is, until they started the whole construction to make subway railways in town. In my memory, this town is always sunny and warm, always filled with joy and laughter. My summer town. It was also featured in They Draw and Travel, where I learnt that it's also known as the fan city due to the way "the streets go out like rays through the houses and the huge forest." I am very much smitten with its classic architecture, spread all across town, especially around Durlach, its old town - where Firu and I used to reside. Durlach felt like a whole town all by itself. It was always so beautiful and I always enjoy taking a relaxed stroll around that part of town. To me, this was forever the town where inside jokes were made, obstacles were overcome and laughter was shared. Oh, me and my sentimentality.

Student-friendly copyshop: every town needs one

Mountain railway in Durlach (near where I used to live)

Though I'd only lived here for 8 months - less than my time in Halle - I came to love the town in a heartbeat and knew more of Karlsruhe than of Halle. For instance, Karlsruhe was apparently the birthplace of Carl Benz. Yes, it's that gentleman who manufactured the Mercedes-Benz cars. Every year, on Karlsruhe's anniversary cars of his creation from every period are paraded down the Adenauering - the street  circling the Schlosspark. I actually once saw a steam-engine car still running on the street. I wanted to hop on it pronto! This town also houses one of the most prestigious technical university in Germany (KIT), at one time or another. Aside from the usual tourist landmarks you definitely should visit (i.e. the Karlsruhe Castle, Kunsthalle, Orangerie, the Botanical Garden and Städtische Galerie), here are some of my favourite places in town to be. I used to hang out here with Firu, Iva, Wilson and Edwin or just stumbled upon these places by myself. 

Location: Ritterstraße (two junctions before Herrenstraße from Marktplatz)

This is one of Firu's favourite places in Karlsruhe. We used to go here all the time - even when we didn't purchase a thing. It is divided into 4 floors - including a basement, whereas each floor houses different kinds of toys. Our favourite corner would have to be the board games and cards corner. I love how the interior structure of this place and how many types of dices they have (yes, I have a mild dice obsession, so sue me). Plus, the exterior is also very enticing. This has got to be the most complete toy store downtown. Of course, it's probably nothing in comparison to the Toys'R'Us on Starckstraße. I've never been there myself but Firu said it was rather big, despite its absence of Gundam plastic models.

Location: one junction over from Europaplatz (before Vapiano)

One of the most annoying thing about Germany is, so many places don't have actual names. Granted, places I can actually afford to eat are no franchise so there really doesn't seem to be the need to have a name. But still. There are several phô places in Karlsruhe but this one is Indonesian students' personal favourite - including myself. Not only is it cheap, it also provides delicious bubble tea! The people are also so friendly and the food so delish! Plus, the atmosphere feels like a noodle place somewhere back home. I never say no to mentally flying back home for a small price of delicious food.

Location: Europaplatz (take a turn towards the Bayer building)

When I lived in Karlsruhe, I haven't figured out the art of thrifting just yet - heck, I wasn't even into figuring out my personal style just yet. All that being said, being environmentally conscious and helping the less fortunate is always something I try to do. I'm sure, if you're living in Europe, you've heard of Oxfam already. They're a non-profit organisation, whose sole goal is to help reduce poverty. They set up store almost everywhere across the continent. They sell not only clothes, but also books, cutleries, chinas, CDs, vinyls, you name it. Every Wednesday, this store here holds an auction of the items they put on display. I also wanted to volunteer here once but seeing as I only lived there for another 2 months, they rejected my offer. They appreciated it, though, and had the situation been a little different, they'd love to have me.

Location: Europaplatz (take a turn towards the Bayer building, turn left at the intersection)

Is it any surprise to any of you that this one should land into my favourites? I happened upon this place by chance, of course, when I was roaming town on my own. It looks pretty small from the outside but it's actually a three-story art-supplies store, each floor houses different branches of art. The ground level is filled with jewellery materials such as sequins, pearls, etc. The first level houses all sorts of paints, starting from acrylic, water colour, oil even markers of all kinds for all materials. This was my favourite floor. The topmost level has all kinds of items for handmade crafts such as wood, various papers, etc. The customer service is top notch. I love the ladies who work there, they always engage me in the friendliest manner. Sometimes I go there just to look at the art materials. They bring me such simple bliss nothing else can.

There are actually plenty more places that I want to share with you guys but I haven't had the pictures and I'm not sure when I'll go back there. Maybe some other time? Though instagram hadn't been made available to me when I lived there, I took some old pictures to be put on there because I love the town and memories so much. Karlsruhe was a dear town to me for so long, even long after I moved out, long after Firu did. Now my feelings for Karlsruhe are less strong, though when I go there and am able to reminisce about all these things we used to do, I would be hit with a pang of nostalgia. I love how Karlsruhe has a mixture of antiquity and modern. It gives you as much modern facility as you need without taking the old-school aspects. I know it's futile but how I wish you will never change. Let me just tell you, these pictures don't do the town justice and I regret not taking as many pictures as I probably should. Until we meet again, my friend.

Who Told You You're Allowed to Rain on My Picnic?

This is way overdue but I've just realised how August just flew right by. Three out of four weekends, I was on the move either back or from home. And some weekdays I also explored new grounds. It's been a total blast and I can't believe it's been over a month already. It's been so much fun hanging out with new friends, catching up with old friends, meeting up with a best friend and taking tons of pictures in the process. Real life is starting in a month's time for me and I am just not ready. If only life could be just about going on adventures like this past month. A lot has happened this month: Galuh, Firu's sister, came to Germany and lived with me, we checked out an English phone booth in Germany, we celebrated Eidul Fitr by going to the bowling alley, Firu and I went to the countryside, we (along with our good friends) visited a sunflower field, I met up with my high school best friend, got a visa for 2 years (the lady was really kind!) and, on the last weekend of August, Galuh and I went on a picnic. Oh, how I wish summer could last forever. But now it's time for the leaves to change, for the wheel to turn.

Hand-me-down denim coat (as top) // Pimkie mini tulle skirt // heart-print tights (eBay) // vintage brogues // photos of me by Galuh

On the last weekend of August, Galuh and I went out to the mountains to go on a picnic. We were so determined to do it the day before that we couldn't care less that we had to depart later - because my new roommate came to drop some of his stuff off - and that the sky was getting darker and darker with clouds. We packed our lunch - which wasn't in keeping with the picnic theme - put it in the picnic basket - which became a substitute for a bag to me - and made our way to the peak. We ate lunch and took loads of pictures. Despite our best interests, it rained. By the end of it, we were pretty much drenched - despite the umbrella. I know my outfit is probably not even picnic-friendly what with it being white, somewhat frilly and romantic. But it was actually pretty okay, except for the shoes, which are pretty slippery. It was kind of dangerous to climb up or down the wet slopes. Galuh's outfit didn't really fit the theme either. She got so cold by the end of it that we went to a building to warm up. The picnic was great while it lasted, though. And we both had fun taking pictures in the semi-forest.

Ethical Fashion: What + Why + How?

Recently, a fellow blogger - and one of my favourite reads, actually - Annika of Pineneedle Collective jumped on the ethical fashion bandwagon. Her participation jogged my memory and my desire to also be more fashionable with a conscience - which you can read more about here. I want more people to be proactive about this and get more socially conscious about your role in this world. Your role in the life of the victims of fashion. No, these aren't the people who put on the wrong colour combination. I'm talking about the workers, who may or may not have been treated fairly by major brands, victims of fast fashion. Not only that, but also the environment which many brands have destroyed or damaged in order to deliver to you their latest products, which is so in at one time or another. However, I know you might want to know more about this so-called "ethical fashion" before diving into it. Here I am to deliver to you the what, why and how of ethical fashion.

According to the Ethical Fashion Forum, ethical fashion is "an approach to the design, sourcing and manufacture of clothing which maximises benefits to people and communities while minimising impact on the environment." According to MSLK Reactions, it is "an approach to the design, sourcing and manufacture of clothing which is both socially and environmentally conscious. Sustainable fashion – using more environmentally-friendly materials and methods in clothing production – is part of this larger trend."

To sum up, ethical fashion is basically an ethical approach - this means socially and environmentally friendly approach - to the design, sourcing and manufacture of clothing. It should benefit the people who are involved in the making as well as the buyers - such as fair salary, non-toxic - and minimise the effect on the environment. This means that the products may cost a lot more than usual, probably more than you can afford on a regular basis - if you buy clothes every season or even every week. But it definitely has better quality and supports a better lifestyle for the workers. For those less fortunate or living on a tight budget, don't worry. There are some tips down below for how you can still support ethical fashion. You can find more criteria of ethical fashion as well as some other related organisations here. It is without question that Fairtrade brands qualify for being ethical. My favourite Fairtrade clothing brand that I've mentioned countless times before is Armedangels, if you want to give it a look.

Some of you might wonder why you need to do this and find so many obstacles not to do it - the brands are harder to find, the products cost a lot more, the selection is limited, etc - but here's a simple reason why: humanity and environment. You may be shocked to hear that lives have been affected. The most recent incident is the collapsed factory in Bangladesh, taking over 1000 victims. Though other clothing production processes don't always end up as extremely as this one did, how would you know? You might as well be carrying their death on your shoulders, if you want to go to the extremes. Maybe sometimes it's not always human lives, sometimes it's the damage of an environment - like this river that GAP did, which upsets me still. We are so used to having highly affordable pieces in store that we forget that they sometimes lack the ethical aspects in their production and employment. We tend to grab new pieces every time it changes season when, instead, we could've just saved money to invest in something worth our while whilst also supporting the fair trade and environmentally friendly manufacture.

Personally, I want to take part in changing the world for the better. Cheesy, I know, but that's actually how I feel. It's never easy but I want to give it my best. It definitely beats not doing anything at all. I'm pretty new to this so I don't know the thingamajigs just yet but Elizabeth and October may have something better to say to inspire you all to take part in this. Lauren Laverne's and Lucy Siegel's articles also have some interesting insights on this matter. It honestly petrifies me how ignorant people can be when it comes to fashion.

I've actually shared some tips on how you can start being more fashionable with a conscience here. But I'd like to add some updates on the matter. First off, I did mention that shopping bloggers' closets is one very savvy option. Aside from the bloggers I already mentioned, I find Carrie's, Rebecca's and Tieka's new closets very adorable. If you haven't checked it out, I've also updated my closet shop here (for international readers) or here (for german readers). Birdee magazine also has some tips to share, which I find very helpful. Though it was probably written strictly for Australians, you can also apply it to your own areas (and online).

Aside from the aforementioned labels, some major brands actually do have respectable production process and employment ethics, such as American Apparel and Stella McCartney. If you want to find out about the policies of your favourite brands, go to their websites and look it up. If it's not stated there, try emailing them to ask about their ethics and production process. If they really do have fair ethics for the workers and the environment, then they have nothing to worry about, nothing to hide. As Lauren mentioned in her article, if there's a huge enough amount of customers complaining about their work ethics, the fashion industry would've changed their policies. Yes, we do have that power and we can change the world. So what are you so afraid of?

I applaud Elizabeth, October and Annika for being more fashionable with a conscience. Bloggers should really start thinking about these issues, especially fashion bloggers with huge readerships. They could make a huge difference, inspire their readers and eventually the whole world to make a positive change. And, yes, some of you might not have the money or facility to buy the ethically made clothes but there are other ways you can make ethical fashion choices. So don't be discouraged. And, yes, it's not as easy as it sounds but little by little, we can do it. Thank you for reading this far and I hope you'll really start thinking about this.

Try Not to Mistake What You Have with What You Hate

Truth be told, I was a little downhearted by the fact that I couldn't go home this year. However, this wound was mended as soon as I found out that my high school best friend, Cynthia, would be coming to Germany. Man, I've missed her lots! She has got to be the only girl who got me in high school. High school sucked but she made it all better. Oh, she is honestly the most genuine girl I've ever known. I love her to bits! She was staying in Bielefeld with her father's friends. This was perfect since I'd always wanted to visit the place anyway. The trip didn't go well because Deutsche Bahn (the German train company) just had to ruin my schedule. After several encounters with strangers, bus and train changes and lost of patience later, we hugged dramatically in front of the train station. (No joke, this actually happened). Afterwards, we went to the uni to grab something to eat - and because her father's friend had some business to tend to there.

Too bad we didn't get to tour Bielefeld as planned and our time was ever so limited. Cynthi kidnapped me all the way to Cologne but I negotiated that I would come along until Mülheim, where I would then be staying at Firu's for the night. There were four of us: Cynthi, her father's friend, his colleague and I. It was tons of fun catching up and teasing Cynthi with the other guys in the process. Ah, the good ol' days. Even after our extended time, riding the train together, our little get-together felt so short. Until we meet again, my dear. You take good care of yourself now!

Cotton Club shirt // Thrifted jumper dress // Thrifted backpack via Oxfam // Converse sneakers // outfit photos by Cynthia

I know, this probably isn't the prettiest of outfits I could come up with. But I needed something practical though still adorable. It proved to be far too hot for summer, even right now, though. But I got up early in the morn to depart from Kassel. At the time, this getup was still insufficient to fight off the chill of the morning. By the time I got home from Firu's, I was ready to take the whole thing off as it was baking me almost well done. I still adore the pattern on the shirt as I probably already mentioned before. Also, summer wouldn't end well without my converse pair popping in every now and then. After this, I literally have no plan save for some school tasks I must bat off. Oh, yes! September is nesting month for me. I will complete my room's look and give you guys a little tour - whether you want it or not. It's also all about new beginnings for everyone I know. Pray that we will go out with a bang.