DΞΔN

I haven't really contributed much to the music section of this blog and a couple months ago, I discovered this Korean artist who is terribly underrated.

Watching his MVs, I was surprised at how little views he has. Thus, I decided to hopefully bring some awareness to this guy.

Dean is honestly similar to Jay Park in a way. He continuously releases new music and every song is pure gold. I'm embedding some of his work down below but he is also featured on a lot of other songs with different artists. If you do a little hunting on YouTube, you'll be sure to find them.

This guy is incredibly talented. Not only is he a singer, but he has also written some top hits for others. Here's a bio from his website.

DEAN – a South Korean future R&B artist and Multi-Platinum songwriter. DEAN began his musical journey as a hip-hop artist at age 16, beginning his career as part of a crew with Korean rapper Keith Ape (whose single ‘It G Ma’ boasts over 18 million YouTube views), but by the age of 18, DEAN discovered his talent for singing and his gift of creating infectious melodies. Now having written chart toppers for K-Pop boy bands such as VIXX and EXO, DEAN has already proven himself as a successful hit maker. Recently DEAN wrote ‘Unfair’ for EXO, ‘World Tour’ for Lee-hi, and ‘Bingle Bingle’ for Block B in 2016.

DEAN is committed to becoming one of the greatest cross-over acts to break onto the music scene both in Korea and the U.S. DEAN has worked with several in-demand artists and producers such as Mr. Camack, DJ esta of Soulection, Anderson .Paak, Eric Bellinger, EXO, Crush, ZICO and more.

In July of 2015, DEAN released his first English single, ‘I’m Not Sorry’, featuring Grammy Award-winning singer-songwriter/producer Eric Bellinger. To-date, the video has racked over 1.5M views on YouTube.

With the second Korean single “Pour Up (Feat. ZICO)” he received the Best R&B/Soul Song of the Year by the Korean Music Awards, one of the most recognized and respected awards in Korea.

His recent Korean single ‘What 2 Do (feat. Jeff Bernat, Crush)’ released on 28th Jan 2016 ranked top 11 on the MELON chart (No.1 digital retailer’s chart in Korea) putting him in the Top 20 along with other well established Korean superstars such as Zion. T, Zico, IU, Beenzino, Taeyon from GG and followed by more superstars like Big Bang, Sam Smith, Maroon 5 and EXO in the Top 100.

<130 mood : TRBL> is DEAN’s very first EP including three previously-released tracks, “I Love It (Feat. Dok2)”, “Pour Up (Feat. ZICO)”, and “What 2 Do (Feat. Jeff Bernat, Crush) with four new tracks: ‘And You? (Skit) (Outro)’, ‘Bonnie & Clyde’, ‘D (Half Moon) (Feat. Gaeko)’, and ‘21’. The meaning of title is – ‘130’ is kind of symbol of James Dean as he put the number 130 on his car. It is revealed that DEAN has been inspired by James Dean. ‘TRBL’ stands for ‘trouble’, and it’s from DEAN’s nickname ‘DEAN TRBL’.

The whole album is in reverse order of one man’s love story, from falling in love with a 21-year-old girl to suffering heartbreak, which seems to be a part of our life. : It will win the sympathy of the listeners through his storytelling.

He has shown his talent at many of the industry’s major events and festivals including SXSW—Spotify House and Hypetrak.

Check out his new album [130 mood: TRBL] on SoundCloud and iTunes.

I found out about Dean through my sister, who told me to listen to this. It's his 2nd most watched video on his YouTube channel. (can't embed but you can watch the lyric video here)

I'm so obsessed with this song like the chorus ahhhh. Also as the first comments says, the MV really is Sims x Tumblr. (again same problem -.-)

My friend linked me this song a while ago since it features Zico! Dean's singing paired with Zico's fire rap is utterly perfect. Out of all his songs, this is the video with the most views. (omg i give up trying to embed)

This MV is hands down one of the most visually stunning videos Dean is in. The clean white snow shot in Japan contrasts the red glove beautifully. Plus this song features Crush, who I've also recently become a fan of.
(I'M SO GLAD THIS ONE WORKED BC U HAVE TO WATCH THIS ONE IT'S A MUST)

Dean only released this a month ago but it's definitely one of my favourites. I've already listened to it more than 100 times, no joke. (embedding yt clips is a joke smh watch the MV here)

Soon after, he also released this song. The beginning two lines are so beautiful. On his Facebook page, he shared a duet who covered this song. Dean collaborated with Gaeko this time. Have you noticed how both of them have a really sharp jawlines and strong cheekbones? (LOL.)

There are sooooo many other songs to share but this post is already getting kinda long. Anyways, I highly recommend this guy's music to anyone, kpop or non-kpop listeners since he sings fluently in both English and Korean. He's amazing live too!!

Follow his links here:

Sound Cloud: https://www.soundcloud.com/deantheofficial
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/deantheofficial
Twitter: https://twitter.com/deantheofficial
Instagram: https://instagram.com/deantrbl
Official Website: http://officialdean.com/

x

Melissa

4 Oak + Fort Spring Trends

I don't consider myself a trendsetter or whatever, but here are some trendy pieces that I've noticed this spring, not just at Oak + Fort but in many different clothing lines. Oak + Fort just seems to have them all, which is why I'm linking the pieces here. [All images from O+F website]


1. T-Shirt Dress [Dress F07]

I'm loving this kind of dress but since I am extremely petite, I'm not sure if a boxy fit would look right on me. I have yet to try one on and see. I like how casual it is, yet effortlessly chic. It also looks seriously comfy too. You're literally getting away with wearing no pants in public LOL.

2. Camisoles [Tank F09]

Ever since I bought a cami from Aritzia, I've been obsessed. The fit is very flattering and super pretty. It does dip a little low though, even with adjustable straps. I love this one from O+F too. In fact, I just bought it today. The material is so cool and I'm thankful that it's machine washable hahah. If I like it enough I might buy it again in a different colour.

3. Bomber Jackets [Jacket EA1]

You've seen the Alpha Industries bomber jacket on Gigi and Kendall, right? Military green and black are definitely the colours I'd choose for this jacket. If only Oak + Fort sold it in these colours. Actually this one looks really cool too. Hmmm now I'm tempted to get it. It is one size only though and usually O+F clothes are super big on me so I'll have to try it on in stores first but it does look absolutely lovely.

4. Strappy Shoes [Shoe 98031]

I've literally seen everybody on Instagram with these shoes. I love how minimalistic it is, which means it's very versatile. It especially looks great with pants. Since ankle straps do cut off your legs and make them look shorter, I'd say get a nude pair if you're wearing a skirt or dress.

This concludes my spring trends post! To me, I feel like this has been a short transition season. In Vancouver it's hot enough to be summer right now. However, we do get the occasional rainy day so it's still best to have a light jacket. 

Have a lovely day everyone!

x

Melissa

Jinya Ramen Bar

To celebrate the end of exams, my friends and I went to Jinya! I had not been there in a while so I was definitely excited to go.

Of course, my expectations were not disappointed. I ordered the Tonkotsu Assari and green tea mochi for dessert.

Here's a description about their broth from their website.

Anyone from Japan can tell you: Real Japanese ramen isn’t about the noodles, it’s about the broth. 

That’s why JINYA Ramen Bar’s signature stocks take center-stage on our menu. Slowly simmered for more than ten hours, we combine whole pork bones, chickens or vegetables with just the right amount of bonito, dashi, kombu and other authentic ingredients. The result is a rich broth that is thick, full-flavored, healthful… and unforgettable. 

However, we believe that there’s still more to ramen than broth. We take our noodles seriously, too. Meticulously aged for three days to maximize their flavor, JINYA Ramen Bar’s noodles are made fresh daily and crafted to sink perfectly in your bowl with thick noodles for some broths and thin noodles for others. 

At JINYA, we give you the ideal palate to customize with an array of traditional toppings and tapas on the side. Choose from pork, chicken or our vegetarian broth, as well as from spinach or gluten-free noodles. Plus, JINYA’s focus on kaizen – the Japanese practice of continuous improvement – means that you’ll always experience the best ramen out there. We’re constantly creating new flavor combinations and challenging our already high standards to continually hone our craft, because we’re crazy about ramen. 

Taste Japan from the other side of the world. Welcome to JINYA, a bowl above all others.

My friend also has an IG account dedicated to food! She can give better reviews than I can. Check it out here.

I can't wait to go back to Jinya (but maybe when it's not so hot)!! Seriously, you don't know my love for ramen and green tea mochi <333

Have a fun day filled with good eats, everyone!

x

Melissa

OOTD 041916

Happy hump day! As you can tell with the productivity of my posts, I have a severe case of not being able to study. Seriously. I'm stuDYING. 10/10 would much rather write blog posts for you guys then read notes.

It was so hot in Vancouver today so I decided to have a little fun with my fan during this shoot. Since I had an exam I decided to keep it comfy and casual with my outfit. These clothes are oldies but goodies so I can't really provide links this time.

Also, I'm in desperate need of new denim shorts. These ones are getting frayed and rips, but in all the wrong places, if you know what I'm talking about haha. It's bittersweet since I love the creases and I've had this for so long but that's what happens when you don't invest in quality denim. Now I'm looking to invest in some higher end jeans and shorts.. but the price tag still makes me cry every time.

Top: H&M

Watch: Fossil

Shorts: Zana Di

Shoes (not pictured): Converse

Later, my dad also surprised me by taking me to the Paul McCartney concert! I changed my shirt into this top from Aritzia and paired it with a leather jacket from Forever 21.

Only 2 more finals until the week is done and then summer for me!

Keep pushing through, everyone.

xx, Melissa♡

OOTD 041716

Hello again! Super proud of myself for updating this blog so often this month. I think ootd posts are a lot easier to write, maybe because there isn't much content.

Anyways, I went down to my grandparent's farm (Wing Wong's Nursery) and found the perfect wall to do those typical "white wall pics". The greenery is also really coming along and the place looks so beautiful when it's filled with plants. Take a visit if you live in the lower mainland area :)

I love the high slits on the sides of this tank top.

These shots were taken in the greenhouse just for roses.

Tank top: Aritzia

Leggings: Uniqlo

Shoes: Adidas

It's like I only wear the same brands ahah

Sending everyone positive vibes today!

xx, Melissa♡

OOTD 040516

Hi all! It's finals season so what better way to waste precious study time than to write a blog post? Just wanted to share some recent purchases showed in this ootd! Kimmie also decided to join me haha

Top: Aritzia

Watch: Fossil

Leggings: Uniqlo

Shoes: Adidas 

Good luck with exams to my fellow uni students :)

xx, Melissa♡

The Suite Life: Vancouver Canucks vs LA Kings

Happy Tuesday! Last night I went to the Canucks game against LA, hosted at Rogers Arena and I decided to bring along my camera to take better quality pics and document my night.

My dad and I entered our suite early to watch the Canucks practice.

I love how the suites have a fully stocked fridge full of soda, beer, and wine. I helped myself to a ginger ale first and then throughout the night ended up drinking lemonade and a personalized Canucks water bottle.

For dinner, I had steak and chicken skewers with a side of roasted potatoes.

I always love the opening/intros. The music is bumpin' and the graphics/lights are so pretty. 

I found it cool how each suite had its own personal TV showing the game.

It started out with LA scoring pretty early, 6 min into the first period I believe. But then right before the first period ended, we scored as well, tying the game.

In the second period, LA scored once again, making it 2-1.

However, we tied up the game again, making it 2-2. With 33 seconds left in the second period, McCann scored making it 3-2!!!

With the third period scoreless, we won!! There were a lot of close calls though. I was so nervous haha.

3 stars to Miller!!!! 42 shots and he only let 2 in. Pretty amazing.

It was a fun night! I always enjoy going to hockey games, even more so when they win ofc.

Hope you guys have a great rest of the week! Do you watch hockey?

xx, Melissa♡