LifeStyle In White 素系風格

簡約生活，由素食開始

Hello, This is Charlotte, Charlotte in White!

Hi！我叫Charlotte，九十後，是個攝影師／錄像導演／平面設計師／時尚博客／網上時裝店店主／半個服裝設計師／半個模特兒和半個舞蹈員⋯⋯是個Slash斜槓青年吧！基本上，所有關於視覺創意的事我也接觸。

（推出這本書之後，我也成為賣文人了。）

我天生就喜歡看所有美麗的事物——包括人、景色、服裝⋯⋯但我並不是從小就學習藝術的。小學的畫畫課也沒有特別高分，偶爾被貼堂的作品，多數也是因為有哥哥（出貓）幫忙。不過，我爸爸是半個攝影迷，家中有專業的菲林相機，從小我就喜歡去搶他的相機亂拍，是真的亂拍一通！而那些相薄中「鬆、郁、朦」的照片，就是我的童年大作。那時，我也不擔心拍得好不好，反正爸爸從來不介意我燒菲林。看來，這也算是我創作之路的起點。

長大後，我才開始接觸不同的藝術作品，也開始跳舞，慢慢發覺自己還是喜歡簡單、直接的東西。無論是照片、錄像、設計、穿衣，愈簡約，我所感覺到的力量更大——簡單化，在我所觸及的地方，追求著每一個位置和細節也有其意思和意義的。

三年前，因為一次到台南參加斷食營的經歷，讓我做了一個決定：要從生活中最基本的「食」開始，把其「簡約化」。從此，我的斜槓又多了一劃，決意成為「素食者」，裡裡外外去實行我的簡約生活。

但始終，「民以食為天」嘛，在一個傳統華人家庭長大，從小由煮飯習慣「多油、多鹽、多肉」的嫲嫲帶大，要徹底地改變飲食習慣，並非易事，也絕非我個人的事。其中不少經驗，有好笑的、奇怪的、意想不到的、掙扎的、不愉快的：和自己的對戰問：「為何要吃素？」、「為甚麼簡單的吃頓飯也好像要麻煩身邊人遷就？」；還有和身邊的人的互動，餐廳老闆一知半解的說：「不吃肉？我們海鮮也好吃！」甚至媽媽無奈的訴說：「甚麼也不吃，也不知道要給你煮些甚麼！」

也許，從我的文字，能道出不少素食朋友的心底話，讓大家知道難免崎嶇的素食之路上有這麼一個素未謀面的知心人。更能讓未曾試過吃素的朋友多明白一點吃素到底是甚麼一回事，然後能和吃素的家人朋友相處得更好，甚至偶爾一起享受素食的滋味。

這三年，素食除了讓我發現食物可以如此多樣性，也讓我因此接觸到更多的人、更多我未曾想像過的事。沒有負擔的蔬食，不止於可以為身體帶來好的能量，感覺輕盈和舒適了，也影響了我的生活態度，甚至對生命的看法。在二十七歲的這一年，我寫下自己從決定素食開始，那些初心和經歷、成功與困難、身體及心靈上的點點過程——記錄我如何由選擇「食物」開始，過一個自己選擇的人生，一步步成為「更好的我」。即使感覺未足以超越世界的慣性，我卻可以選擇改變自己，從每天都要吃的食物開始。

對我來說，「素」不只是吃，它能賞、能活。素食的日子、簡約的生活、直接的情感——是啟發，是美麗的開始，是愛。

這篇文章收錄於《素系風格——素食與簡約生活練習》一書中，CHARLOTTE與天窗出版社合作出版的書藉；
於2018年夏天六月陸續上架，於香港及台灣各大書局有售。

按此看更多資料：《素系風格——素食與簡約生活練習》

LOVE,

CHARLOTTE

Early Summer Romance

Artwork by MakeYour Choicesss Flora Lab

I guess Hong Kong is a place you could rarely find the feeling of Spring.

However, I love to bring back the romantic feeling of the season by what I wear. Not having to wear too many layers of bulky clothes like in the cold days, and not socked with sweat like in the humid summer, but just put on a knit sweater. A soft, high-quality knit sweater can keep you warm when it is cold while it maintains you cool when it is hot.

Here I styled two early summer looks in BLUE, a colour which I love wearing all year around!

香港跟春天，大概是很難相提並論的兩字。天氣總由最寒冷的冬天一下子跳到盛夏，總捉不住春天的感覺。

可是，春末夏至的浪漫感，我卻非常響往。不需要再像嚴冬中穿笨重的大衣，也並沒有汗流浹背的煩惱，套著一件薄薄的一個毛衫，冬暖夏涼，也非常舒服。 我會以兩個Head to Bottom的全藍造型，把春末夏至的感覺穿出來！

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- LOOK: 1 -

Gradient of Lavender from Top to Down

Outfits:
(Knit Sweater) Vitos
(Vest) Grana
(Skirt) mukmuk: wardrobe
(Sneakers) Pairs in Paris

When wearing top to bottom the same colour, I always try to mix and match items with different texture and volume. The gradient blue of the cashmere sweater is the key item of the look, so as to continue and extend the gradient, I paired with a wrap skirt in deep blue. The hand-spray dye technique on the extra-light cashmere makes the over-sized sweater feeling so airy and beautiful. And it even looks good too when it is on shoulders!

- LOOK: 2 -

Special Texture & Layering

Outfits:
(Knit Sweater) Vitos
(Dress) Zara
(Sneakers) Pairs in Paris

A navy knit sweater is always my one of top items in my wardrobe. Basically, it goes well with everything: jeans, high-waisted pants, A-line skirt or even with a one piece. And for this summer, a camisole dress is my must-have item - if wearing a one piece alone is too sexy for you, try to wear with a tee, a shirt or even a sweater inside would give your look a totally different feeling. 

Vitos 1925 - the most famous French knitwear brand during the post-war boom, is now bringing back its finest quality of clothes with a fresh and creative style. Aiming to make clothes for contemporary women, the new collection is timeless, elegant and truly comfortable. Be a "Parisienne" by dressing in one of the most historical clothing brand in France!
 

PS: Please follow my Instagram for an exciting Give-Away with Vitos!

LOVE,

CHARLOTTE

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I am a Gentle-Woman

"When I was a kid, my dad liked to dress me like a boy - I never have had a pair of little girls' shoes - those cute and pretty one. But instead, I am always being dressed in a boyish and decent style, like a little Gentle-Girl." Because of this memory, the designer - Yaya (the designer behind if&n, want to convert that memory into the collection of this season.

Here I want to share my two outfits, both wearing dress or skirt: a feminine and a boyish style. Being polite, well-mannered, like a gentleman, but the term "gentleman" shouldn't be limited to men only, right?

女生天生優雅，卻跟男生的帥氣互相配合。
「小時候爸爸很喜歡把我當成男生，會穿得正正經經，從沒有一雙小女生的鞋子。是穿得很帥氣的感覺 - 是很一個很Gentle的小女生。」因為這段回憶，她想把那段記憶用設計衣服記下，所以有了這個collection。

這次想試一試有質感的配搭。純白大衣、簡黑裙子、深藍套裝、鮮紅包包。穿衣服，跟當自己一樣重要 - 讓自己感覺更自主、更強、更美吧。

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- feminine -

The Gentle Woman

Outfits:
(Jacket) if&n
(Dress) mukmuk: wardrobe
(Shoes) Camper
(Purse) Vintage

GENTAL, YET POWERFUL

Calm White with Strong Silhouette
 

The statement piece I am wearing is the big white coat. The right kinds of silhouettes empower you instantly. Wearing a V-neck suede dress with the coat, two different fabric makes the whole outfit more.

- Boyish -

like a gentleman

Outfits:
(Dress) COS
(Pants) if&n
(Shoes) Camper

NEW ATTITUDE IN THE SUIT

Calm White with Strong SilhouettE

 

A new wardrobe in the new year means something much more than just some new outfits. Dressing in a brand new style, having a fresh hair-do, allow me to have a brand new start. 
Wearing the same coat, but a totally different style with the blazer & skirt set. A simple, yet powerful combination.

Pacific ocean in Tou-cheng, Yi Lan, Taiwan.

Linmei Shipan Trail in Jiaoxi, Yi Lan, Taiwan. (Took this picture during my trip.)

A new year start with a new attitude. A new wardrobe, a new thinking, and a list of new year resolution. It is time to write another year review, look into what can we achieve in the next year.  

WISH YOU A HAPPY NEW YEAR,

CHARLOTTE

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What to Wear in 24 Hours [Christmas]

It is the most wonderful time of the year again! There are three festivals that I like a lot - Chinese New Year, Mid-autumn Festival and Christmas. These festivals are the time for us to gather with our family and friends, to spend precious time together. Here I want to show you some ideas of what to wear in Christmas; and as a minimalist, how to dress up myself to achieve a festive look without getting too many items!

This styling lookbook has featured one of my favourite Taiwan brands - if&n. The details, the texture and feelings of their clothes are unique and special. I've also visited their work studio and talked with designer Yaya, and that was truly inspiring. I will share more of the visit in the next blog post!

聖誕節！一年最美妙的時刻... 我最喜歡三個節日？中國新年，中秋節和聖誕節。這些節日的共通點，是讓我們可以與家人朋友好好聚一聚，共同度過一段段美好的時光。無論你聖誕節的計劃是什麼（是派對？是與心愛的人好好吃一個浪漫的晚餐？還是簡單的會家人聚會？），我也想分享我在聖誕節的穿搭。像我這樣喜歡極簡主義的人，可以如何打扮自己，又比可以平時更特別、更「聖誕」一點呢？

這次在台北拍的穿搭，也特別穿了我很欣賞的品牌 - if&n 2017 FW的衣服。他們家的衣服，很有質感 - 既優雅，而每一季也有不同的靈感慨念。我特地和他們團隊的設計師Yaya和Neko談過，也到過他們的工作室，我稍後一點會再寫到訪的文章喔！

[21:00]

24th DEC/

SILENT NIGHT

Outfits:
(Jacket) if&n
(Dress) mukmuk: wardrobe

SEXY YET CLASSIC

The little black dress with a petite jacket
 

This navy, petite jacket with ribbon details is a good item to go with a simple one piece. You can either wear it tighten up with a "Ribbon" (wrap yourself like an X'mas Gift!) or just wear it as it is, and show a little skin. Here I am wearing a V-neck little black dress, the suede fabric adds more texture to the whole look. Over 90% of time I would choose to wear a little black dress in parties. Why? Because it is simple, classic and effortless. You can never go wrong with it.

[13:00]

25th DEC/

CHRISTMAS DAY

Outfits:
(Dress) COS
(Pants) if&n
(Shoes) Camper

FESTIVE AND STYLISH

Red Dress AND White Culottes

It's finally the Christmas Day - the most wonderful time of the year! I like to spend the day with friends and family - Having Christmas lunch and having barbeque party are the most fun thing to do! Meanwhile I like to wear the most festive colour "Red". This is an overall dress I got last year (I wore it on the last CNY, too), and I style it with a pair of culottes for an extra layer, also to keep me warm even it is cold outside. Trust me, wearing a pair of pants underneath a dress is the trend that you must try in this season!

Don't be afraid of festive colour! Believe in the colour therapy, and sometimes wearing bright colour will instantly brighten up yours, and your friends' mood, too!

WISH YOU A MERRY MERRY CHRISTMAS,

CHARLOTTE

Do Your Hair!

Most girls under-estimate the importance of hairstyle. (I found it even more common in Hong Kong!) We spent a lot investing in clothing or makeup, we always go shopping, looking at mix & match and make-up video online... But how about your hair, girls? Are you still keeping a long, straight hair? Or thinking to have a change, and have a fresh haircut like I do? To me, a total look couldn't be completed without good hair.

我發現，大多數女生也低估了髮型的重要性。（尤其是在香港！）
我們一般都花很多時間和金錢投資在服裝或化妝品上，無論是去購物、還是在網上看穿搭和化妝教學... 但是，頭髮呢？你還留著清湯掛臉的長頭髮嗎？還是想改變一下，換個新形像？對我來說，假如早上沒時間好好弄頭髮，整個造型就不以完整了，然後全天也會沒自信的在亂撥頭髮。

I keep my hair maintained by visiting the hair stylist once every month (sometimes, I do visit him more often when I am having a super short pixie style hair). Find your stylist, and discuss with him/her, ask for advices... It seems to be a simple cut or trim, but surely it would make a different.

剪短髮以來，基本上我每個月去拜訪髮型師一次，因為要保持短髮的狀態...（以前，我還束著超短的短髮時，兩、三個星期便要修剪一次）。找到一個合適的專業造型師，並與他討論、徵求意見... 看似是簡單的修剪，但在細節上看，是肯定有不同的。

Outfits:
(Jacket) Uniqlo
(Top) Grana
(Pants) mukmuk: wardrobe
(Shoes) Anthology Paris
(Headpiece) Karin Cogen Millinery

And these are some pictures I took when I was visiting the weekend market in Le Marais, Paris. And it was my pleasure to know Karin - the designer behind the brand!
這是我在巴黎Le Marais逛週末市場時拍的一些照片；那天更認識了Karin，頭飾的設計師交流呢。

So, spend an extra 5-10 minutes to do your hair in the morning - if you really don't have the time... Maybe investing in some head pieces or hats would help!

所以，無論是男生還是女生，早上請再多花5-10分鐘弄好頭髮才出門吧！假苦真的沒有時間... 也許投資一頂帽子或頭飾也會有幫助呢！這也解釋了為什麼我是個「頭飾控」吧...

Love,
Charlotte

From Vegetarian to Vegan #2

上回講到，我順利完成「30 天不喝牛奶」的挑戰後，成功把臉上的暗瘡擊退！
也再沒有長新的豆豆。朋友見到我也讚：「你的皮膚好好啊～」「皮膚好美！都是因為吃素的緣故吧。」我說，是因為再沒有吃奶製品（本身我也是個不吃蛋的素食者）。有趣的是，當你再不吃奶和蛋，你會發現市面上98%的甜品你是不可以吃的；90%以上的麵包也是不可以吃的。所以，吃甜的機會，大大減少了。什麼Crepe Cake、芝士蛋糕、Waffles也可以說拜拜。
轉為純素食後，也許，你會發現有些生活上的改變（麻煩）會出現；然而，而這些不只讓你更留意自己的飲食，而其他好處亦會慢慢影響到你呢。

在文章最尾有超簡單的牛油果吐司做法，我最近最喜歡的早餐！

If you have read my last article (Why I change from Vegetarian to Vegan #1), you may know that how effective it is for me to get a better-looking skin by not drinking milk (and other milk-related products). Of course, it might not be applicable to anyone, and it is true that it might because I am allergic to milk; however, it actually worth a try! Here I will talk about the changes after you changed your diet...

1. You have learnt how to read food labels

After you adapt a vegan diet, checking food labels is a must. 
Some food addictive, like whey and some emulsifier, which come from milk, are present in many cereal bars, breads, and granolas. You will be surprised how many foods, that you think they are without the usage of dairy products actually is not suitable for you(as a vegan), anymore. Like your favourite pieces of chocolate, pasta and even bread. So, you will be alert of names like emulsifier, whey, casein etc... For Chinese food, ramen also contains eggs!

2. You will have less and less absorption of refined sugar.

Believe it or not, over 90% of bread and 98% of dessert in the market contains eggs and milk. Crepe cake? Cheesecake? Croissant? Sorry, they are all made with eggs and milk. Even some of the loaf bread contains milk (especially those you can find in chain bakery). In a result, you found that you cannot have a bite of most of the birthday day cakes, pancakes are no longer an option in your brunch list, and ice cream is no longer your "instant" mood-booster, too. However, you will find yourself being very energetic after stop absorbing sugars, you may start to lose weight, your skin will brighten and cleared... There are just so many studies reflect that sugar has a negative effect on human.  

3. You may find it a little bit harder to eat with friends

Yes, when you going a step further switching from a Vegetarian to a Vegan, at first it might get harder when you want to eat out. It is actually quite difficult to order a vegan dish in most of the normal restaurants - 1) always cheese pizza, salad with cheese or hidden chicken or butter stock in Western food; 2) fried rice and ramen with eggs in Chinese food; 3) and beef broth & fish sauce are very common in Vietnam & Thai food. My suggestions are, going for a Vegetarian or Vegan restaurant (as most of the Vegetarian places will state clearly dishes are vegan or not). Or, look for independent restaurants and call them in advance to see if they can prepare vegan dishes for you.

4. You are more aware of nutrients

"Where do you get protein?" " Where do you get enough Iron?" The most frequent questions I've got.

As I have Thalassemia (地中海貧血) - which caused moderate Anemia, I often looked pale, easy to have fatigue and dizziness. Being able to get enough nutrients is really important, so I started to search for alternatives. No, don't listen to grandma, you actually don't have to eat red meat or seafood in order to absorb iron; instead, spinach, beetroot, and oatmeal etc are good sources to combat Anemia. My mother used to prepare Ginger and Red Date Tea for me - which is a powerful food for women (especially during period) as red dates are naturally rich in Iron. And it is perfect for winter days too! (And its sweetness is just so good...)

Besides, although people would think that eggs, dairy products and meat are the best sources of protein, there are actually much more vegan options! Ingredients like chia seeds, quinoa, beans, nuts and nut butter, or even leafy greens like Broccoli provides protein. My favourite ways to eat:  Add chia seeds and nut butter into my morning smoothie, having quinoa for lunch as a rice/noodles substitute, and cooked broccoli for salad. 

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Afterall, you may find yourself have become a semi-professional nutritionist! Here I am going to share one of my recent favourite breakfast recipe, which is the signature Avocado Toast! (Come on... you have to admit that you saved around HKD $90 if you make it by yourself.) Besides, after being a Vegetarian for almost 3 years and a newbie in Vegan, I know how important it is to satisfy your stomach... If you don't want to keep snacking and over-eating all day, you need to pay attention on how to get good nutrients in every single meal!

RECIPE

AVOCADO TOAST

Avocado with fresh Cherry Tomatoes

Preparation Time:
6 mins

Ingredients:
1 slice of Whole Wheat Toast
1/2 Avocado
4-5 Cherry Tomatoes
1/2 Lemon Juice
Pinch of Pepper & Sea Salt
(As needed) Balsamic Vinegar to taste

Steps:
1. Toast the slice of whole wheat bread.
2. Cut the cherry tomatoes into small dices.
3. Smash the avocado in a bowl, add cherry tomatoes and lemon juice, and mix them up.
4. Spread it evenly on the toast, and add pepper and sea salt to taste!

*I like to add some Balsamic Vinegar because I just love its sweetness taste bring to the tomatoes!

There you are - the super easy, fulfilling and delicious Vegan breakfast to start your day. The combination of healthy fats from the avocado and carbohydrates from whole wheat toast is great for nourishing your body. What is your favourite breakfast? Share with me in the comments below!

Have a perfect avocado day!

LOVES,

CHARLOTTE