Sunny memories

The important thing about break-ups is not to let it spoil the memories of the wonderful times you've had. Of picnics, lying on the grass and reading side by side, eating gelato and playing cards - all under the bright blue skies of a sunny Danish summer.

I fell in love with this H&M dress but couldn't justify the £20 price tag (I'd tell you I spotted it in Denmark and it cost DKK200 but that doesn't mean much does it?). So I kept and eye on it and sure enough, the sales hit, tiny Aarhus has five H&M stores and not enough people to shop from it, so score! It was mine for £7. The perfect summer dress. =D

I love these heels I picked up from Nine West - probably the poshest shoe brand I own! Of course, besides the fact that they're more comfy than they look, I love them most because I got them at 70% off. Whee!

By the way, I once read an article on Emmagem that men don't like ladies in white shoes - first I've heard of it. I also have a male friend who vehemently disagrees with that statement as he has a thing for girls in white shoes (don't think too much about it). What about you ladies? Ever heard of anything like that before?

Black&White striped halterneck dress: H&M Denmark, DKK70 (£7)
Shoes: Nine West (RM169 after 70% discount)

White fright

After bright splashes of colour, sometimes a plain, simple dress makes for a nice addition to my wardrobe. And things can't get any simpler when they're in white!

The downside to that of course, is that I used to be a dirt magnet, and I can't seem to get over that fear.

Like the fear of spilling coffee in my lap, or deciding to have spaghetti bolognaise for lunch and ending up with sauce splatters all down my front. Or falling down on my bum in some mud (dont' ask me where or how, I cannot explain this inexorable fear!) or worse yet, have Aunt Flo decide to visit on the day I'm in white.

However, with a little more caution and a watchful eye on the calendar, those things shouldn't be a problem.


Still unable to resist hyping up the girliness of the dress, I slipped on one of my favourite necklaces with pearls and bunnies. And of course, ruby red pumps to add a dash of spice to an outfit that's otherwise plain nice! *winks*

Dress: Pre-loved from cousin, who got it in Shanghai I thinks
Necklace: RM23.90, FOS
Shoes: Debenhams

Noughties take on the 1920s

So in my earlier post this week I was dressed-up damsel, this time round it's dressed-down dudette.

While I admit it's not a look I've worn out yet, it's something I will certainly try the next time I go out for a movie and mall-ratting session with my girls!

Like most things, a dress this pretty is best worn with sass, style, and a whole lot of confidence.

Oh, and a cardi or cover-up if you feel it's too OTT!

Ironically, this casual look is probably the most expensive one I've ever pieced together on this blog. Eeps!

Vintage-inspired frilly number: RM99, Topshop
Grey cardigan: RM49, Promod
Sneakers: RM99, Converse
Accessories: Diva, and an assortment of other places

Brilliant Batik

There are times when I really miss being back home. When I do get into one of those moods, I go looking for items which remind myself of Malaysia. Of course, a "How to use Lah" novelty shirt can be amusing (and confusing to foreigners)...but for fashion purposes, I'm going to go with batik.

I'm not a fan of button down batik shirts because most are of a muddy colour tone. Neither am I a fan of the long/wide sleeved batik tops for women because that style looks really odd on me. However, I am a huge lover of colourful, silky batik scarves...like this one...



I bought this scarf, originally planning to use it as a headband. Unfortunately, it was too wide and did not look great in my hair. So I put it away for months. Tried it as a sash around my hips but meh, it was unflattering. Three years later, I rediscovered it while rummaging my closet and tried it as a top...success!

The material is very light and has a wee bit of stretch to it. This allows the fabric to actually take some of your body shape instead of just sticking out from the chest down. I folded it into triangular halves and looped each end around the back of my bra to make sure it stayed put. Finally, I tied the ends in a knot and there you go!

I chose to wear this risque top with a conservative peasant skirt to give it some balance. I can imagine the looks of horror from some Malaysians if they ever see me using a batik scarf in this manner. Heehee. I aim to please :)


Batik scarf: Central Market RM20
Peasant skirt: Amcorp Mall RM45
Red shoes: Payless.com US$10

1920s chic

Mr M and I have this 'thing' for the 1920s era. We joke that perhaps we were star-crossed lovers in a past life, and both of us died most dramatically in a shoot-out of some sort because he was a gangster and my papa wouldn't let us wed.

On a less morbid note, this dress is possibly one of my favourites, but it's also one that doesn't get worn a lot because the material is pretty thin, and because, well, it sorta seems like a special occasion dress more than anything.


It's not really vintage, actually, more vintage-inspired--I picked it up off the bargain racks in Topshop a few seasons ago.

I simply adore these vintage-inspired earrings from Diva. A bow, a pearl, and faux diamond-drop--lovely!

To top off the look (no pun intended), a pretty flower almost-fascinator headband. Perhaps the overall look is borderline costume-y, but I think the overall effect is quite pretty!

Frilly drop-waisted dress: RM99, Topshop
Shoes: Debenhams
Faux-fascinator: RM10, one of those shopping bazaars
Vintage-inspired earrings: RM13, Diva

Rings on my fingers

Mr M once remarked that it is so easy to keep me happy: by feeding me, loving me, and buying me shiny things.

The blessed boy doesn't splurge on me often (but the biggest splurge was on one very special shiny rock-- pictured directly, above which has nothing to do with the 'bargain' tag on this post-- which in my books, tops all other shiny things that money can buy), so it is up to me to keep my fingers happy and sparkly.

Now, if I could kindly direct your attention back to the first picture!

Believe it or not, all the rings in the picture cost below RM21.

They are lovely to add a touch of bling to a dress or otherwise boring jeans-and-top combo, and are especially pretty when you wave your hands about as you speak and/or manipulate one's cutlery during meals. Or when driving, though I do not recommend having your attention wander to your pretty digits when your concentration should be on the road.

The only lament I have is that my fingers are on the pudgy side (thanks, mum!) and that I haven't got the time, patience or money to go for and maintain a manicure. But I will get around to it, possibly, one day.

Until then, all I have are these lovely rings (and that one special ring) to keep my fingers pretty.

Rings, left to right: Black circle, AU$1 at Cotton On; bejeweled bloom, RM21 at Diva; turquoise quad, RM13 at Diva; dazzling (fake) diamonds, RM21 at Diva.

Awards

I cover an industry that, at this time of year, tends to have award shows. Lots of award shows. And while it's perfectly fine for me to go in work clothes as there's no need to swan about I find it easier to get people to talk to me when they're hell bent for leather on having a good time, if I look good. It sounds shallow, but that's the way the cookie crumbles. So we're back at my favourite wardrobe item and colour combo - a Little Black Dress and Red Shoes.
The dress is incredibly comfortable and I love the simplicity of the cut and its surprising details like pretty ruching across the waist and the sexy slit on the back.

And here's my beloved bright red heels! At last I've found a pair that doesn't kill my feet after a day at work. When spotted at Vincci on discount, my eyes glazed over and I could. Not. Walk. Away. So of course I had to buy them. Whee!

I've since bought one more pair of red heels and let's hope this kills the red-heel craze for awhile!

Psst: Mel thinks I need to find another colour combo as she's getting tired of red and black. What else would be great with all the black dresses I have? And how else DOES one wear fire-engine-bright red shoes?

Dress: Cats Whiskers (RM89)
Shoes: Vincci (RM56 after 20% off)

You really got a hold on me, Zooey

Image from Ruby Press

Zooey, Zooey, how do I love thee? Let me count the ways: your voice, your unabashed quirkiness, your cheeky smile, those curly raven locks, and of course...your incredibly gorgeous wardrobe.

Yep folks, I totally have a girl crush on Zooey Deschanel.

For those of you not in the know, the lovely ZD is a singer-musician-actress-clothes horse most famous in recent years for her role in movies like Failure to Launch alongside style maven Sarah Jessica Parker and Matthew McConaughey, Yes Man with Jim Carrey (how cute was her helmet!) and most recently, 500 Days of Summer, which I still haven't seen yet (to my chagrin).

She's also the lead vocalist of music duo She & Him with one M. Ward, which make the most adorabubble music--very indie-folk!

Image from NinjaVintage

But Zooey is also more than all these wonderful things! (and more than the wife of Death Cab for Cutie frontman Ben Gibbard) She dresses with flair and style and looks like she's having a heap of fun doing it.

Image from NinjaVintage

She uses lots of colours, and loves sherbet hues (I know this from an interview in Nylon I totally memorised by heart, how sad is that). ZD also features florals and works tights really well. Clean, classic cuts with girly details and not a lot of skin on show--when I grow up, I totally want to be her.

Image from Aminamckenna

For more pictures of Zooey, click on to David Casavant's site (he's also mad about the girl!), FanPop, and Pop Sugar.

This is not a test--it is love! <3

Moments of your Time

There are times when you take hours to decide what to wear. And then there are times when it does not matter at all. For the past few days, there have been more important things on my mind.

I have opted to not make a dress post today in respect for a longtime friend. However, I still wish to leave the rest of you a short message I hope you take with you.

Today, instead of seeing a pretty outfit and pointing out things you like about it, I'd like for you to think about the beautiful people in your lives and treasure all the great things about them. Whether or not they are still with you today, take a few moments to remember why you love them as much as you do.

Lots of Love,
Rey

Paperdoll Giveaway

Paperdoll is a boutique in Tropicana Mall owned by a great friend of mine, Jo. Filled to the brim with frilly, girly frou frou things with an almost rock-punk edge to it at times. Meldee goes gaga in there and I love the accessories and have bought necklace after necklace from Jo.For the month of November, she's running this contest with ASD . Prizes up for grabs include this cutesy ruffled top (one of two) and four dresses including the cherry print one after the cut (I have a weakness cherry prints even though I don't own any!). More details after the jump

Here's how you participate:

Step #1: Join Paperdoll on their Facebook group

Step #2: Share in your most creative way, about Paperdoll and which item you would like to make yours on your Facebook status or on your blog. Remember to include this link: http://www.new.facebook.com/group.php?gid=30463251502&v=wall

Step #3: Post the link of your blog entry or FB status msg on Paperdoll’s Facebook Group’s wall

That's it! The contest is on till Nov 30 so you still have plenty of time. Good luck!

When geometry and me get along

As a vehement maths atheist, I don't do numbers, unless they're in my bank account, or phone numbers of cute boys (but since I am engaged I guess that's put an end to my cute-boy-phone-number-collecting days!).

And back in school, I certainly did not do geometry, trigonometry, or all that add maths jazz very well (I remember my teacher once very earnestly telling me that if I tried hard enough, I could muster up a C6 for my SPM!). But in this dress, geometry seems almost bearable.

The dress was bought for me by my momma, on one of the rare occasions we went out shopping together (about thrice in my entire lifetime, I think). It wasn't love at first sight, but it was certainly like--and it definitely is a handy piece to have in the wardrobe on days when you have to look proper for work but are feeling a bit lazy!

It helps that it has a cute little bow on the back instead of at the waist. This is actually nicer in theory though--it looks pretty weird when you have a cardi on over the dress, or lean back in your chair!

Brown dress: RM59.90 (I think), Nichii Fashion City
Shoes: Vincci

Chunky chunky air guitar

'Fess up now. Who's never played a little air guitar before? Heh. And as it turns out, air guitar is a professional sport, c.f. one of my favourite songs from The Whitlams.

Being quite musically challenged despite my name, it's probably the closest thing I've ever come to playing a real instrument, save for the triangle (I used to joke I played it professionally, but upon a trip to the Malaysian Philharmonic Orchestra and discovering that lo, real professional triangle players existed, I stopped saying that).

But oh, how cool to really be a music-maker! Sadly, that will probably never happen, so I will resign myself to being a bathroom warbler and bedroom air guitarist.

One-piece floral dress-type thing: THB99, somewhere in Pratunam, Bangkok
Belt: RM19.90, Cats Whiskers
Shoes: RM99, Converse
Leopard-print bow: AU$4.95, Diva
Aviators: THB49, somewhere in Pratunam, Bangkok
Tri-coloured pearl cuff: A gift

All that jazz!

Meldee's hat post reminded me of nights out at my favourite jazz bar in Amsterdam - Jazz Cafe Alto. Mostly because of this striped fedora my fabulous Norwegian classmate Christina let us all fool around with.

Christina, Syen, me, Alex

Dark smokey atmosphere, great crowd, amazing jazz and free entry (very important to poor students) it had everything a true Jazz Bar needed. I brought Syen there when she came to visit me and she loved it too.

It was also where, on another night, I seized my courage in both hands, downed some Dutch courage (geddit? geddit?) and took the mike on open-stage night. Something I've always wanted to do. Saskia Laroo, owner of Alto, invited the audience to come up and sing Summertime to riffs played on the double-bass. I was the third.

I was so nervous I had no idea how I did, but the stranger, Vincent, who snapped this photo said he did it because I sounded fine. Whee!

All clothing, but the hat, featured in the pics came from a thrift store near where I lived and cost no more than a Euro or two. =)
Necklace: H&M (DKK30)

Femme Fatale Fashion: Buffy Summers

At first, it seemed pretty ridiculous...a high school girl whose after school job was to take down monsters. That was my first reaction when a friend urged me to watch the show. Seven seasons and years after the show was over, I will never forget that Buffy the Vampire Slayer was a huge part of my young adult life.

I got into the show close to the end of my awful high school years. While there were many other lovable characters, I felt that was drawn to Buffy the most. Sure, I didn't have the size 2 figure or the perfect hair Buffy did. But it was the similar experiences that connected me to her.

Buffy's high school fashion was similar to what my dress sense was back when I was almost done with high school and just starting college. There were odd pieces which I thought were cool at the time (I do not have a single flannel shirt now I promise). And then there were my early college years where I dropped a few pounds and loved pairing short skirts and plunging necklines with knee high boots. At some point in high school, a boy commented that Sarah Michelle Gellar wasn't hot enough for him to watch the show. This angered me greatly since I wasn't considered to be pretty either and just made me look up to her more.



Fast forward a few years and here are some of my favorite Buffy college outfits. Longer skirts, softer fabrics and cute prints. It was the same for me. I matured fashion-wise and learned that you don't have to show a ton of skin to still look good.



Also, I love that when she does wear pants, she still finds a way to throw in a girly top.



I think a lot of my wardrobe still has a Buffy vibe to it. She had to deal with science fiction monsters. I have to work with special needs middle school monsters. But we choose to do it in pretty clothes. I guess we believe if you can wash the blood and snot off it, we'll make it work. Also, while hunting for photos, I noticed that she doesn't throw on many accessories and I don't either. If you think about our daily jobs, it only makes sense to avoid jewellery that could possibly be used against you.

I have to include one of my absolute favorite looks from the show. It's from the last episode of Season 1, Prophecy Girl. This proves you can put on a gorgeous frock and still be ready to kick some ass.



Watching Buffy go thru her challenges in fashionable outfits got me through a lot of tough times in my young adult life. The people who thought we were different. The pain we went through for sick and lost family members. The boys who didn't think we were enough. The wonderful friends who were always there for us. The boy who picked us up when another put us down. The tears we didn't want anyone to see till we were alone. Even if it was all just a TV show, it kept me sane knowing this woman has been thru hell and back too.

Not all demons are the ones you can conquer with a wooden stake. A strong fashionable role model goes a long way.

All images courtesy of Screencap Paradise

Ruby slippers

Ever since I first saw Victor Fleming's 1939 movie 'The Wizard of Oz' when I was about 4 or 5, I've had a thing for red shoes. But even I have a saturation point for red, sparkly things, so when I laid eyes on these babies (they had me at the retro bows!) I knew I had to, had to have them.

Picture from Girl from the Hills

While they're nowhere near as red, and the original shoes were neither 4-inchers nor round-toed pumps, but as far as paying homage to a classic goes, I think my contemporary version was pretty good.

What made it even sweeter was the fact that these shoes were 70% off, and the last pair in my size! As I've remarked to friends before (with a rapturous look on my face, so I've been told), the shoe fairy came to my rescue and answer my prayers.

Check out the adorable writing inside--how true that statement is! Fashion is all about fun, and if you can frolick and frock around in (comfortable!) 4-inch heels, all the better for you, my pretty!

Ruby-red pumps: RM57.70 (70% off), Debenhams

Purple Secrets

I was an isolated kid growing up. Strict parents limited my social activities, my online contact and even the amount of fiction I was allowed to read. The only thing that saved me from being utterly maladjusted was probably the telephone and the friends willing to talk to me for hours on it (Thanks guys) . Which is not to say the parent'd didn't restrict phone use either. They did. I just learnt to sneak around and buy a tiny hideable phone (it really was quite genius) so I could sneak it out of sight when they hoved into view. I also got really really good at hanging up the moment an extension was picked up.

Sorry, mom & dad. I know you thought you were doing the right thing.

This dress was scored at the same time Mel picked up her Carrie Bradshaw, Sex & The City dress. It's a simple cotton halterneck glammed up by sequin embroidery. I love it for weekends around the house or even a night out. Versatility rules!

Dress: Cats Whiskers' Bargain Bin (RM10)

Memories of 1994: Clarissa & Ballerina Girl

"What were you doing in 1994?" That was the office 15th anniversary party theme - and as themes go, I thought it rather original! In 1994 I was 12, an English Debator, a piano player of dubious talent, but the one all-consuming thing I truly loved was ballet.




No I wasn't brilliant at it and would never have become a prima ballerina (the occupation I put down in my report card) but for what it's worth I loved it. I danced until Grade 6, when just as my lack of talent was beginning to show, I broke a bone in my left foot that forbade point work for the rest of my life. I think I would have kept on dancing otherwise.

The costume I unearthed harks back to when I was 15, not 12 (thank goodness), but I'm still a little freaked that I fit into it so well.

The bag though... this one's as authentic as they come. Just before I started ballet lessons, dad went to the UK and bought this bag for me. "For your ballet classes" he told his thrilled 4-year-old daughter. As it turns out they wouldn't let me start till I was 6 (I was one heckuva underdeveloped kid) but I kept that bag and just dreamt of being grown up to use it. And it followed me through all 10 years of ballet, and if it continues to last, who knows, maybe my daughter will tote it to ballet class someday.

Entire outfit: Bought by my parents, and in my eyes, priceless.

Clarissa will now, explain it all. (Sorry! Couldn't resist! ~ Kahani)

So in 1994, Meldee was merely two years into primary school, had a bad bowl haircut (remember those?) and had just become a big sis.

I was also a social outcast (almost) of a kid, who couldn't play tali getah or batu seremban, so I used to opt sitting at the back of the class with my Nancy Drew 3-in-1 combos. On weekends, I'd be plonked in front of the telly waiting for one of my fave shows at the time--Clarissa Explains It All.

Image from FanPop

How does this tie in with the memories I had of '94? Well, wanting to be Clarissa, of course! She was everything my awkward 8 year-old self was not, i.e. smart, funny, spunky, and always looking for ways to annihilate her little brother, which was basically what I wanted to do everytime my brother woke me up at night screaming.

Clarissa also had the most fantastic wardrobe-unlike my good self-and not to mention, a cute boy friend who'd climb in through her window via a ladder.

Image from FanPop

While the trend of the almost mid-90s was goth, I don't think I (nor Clarissa) had reached that stage. For the office party, I chose pieces which I imagine she'd have worn--a floral gypsy top, pink tights (which she did wear, under ripped jeans!), Doc Marten-inspired boots and of course, the accessories.

I had on a couple of big chunky necklaces, some bangles, the quintissential hoop earrings, and of course, a scrunchie (not seen here), which I made the night before while half-asleep.

Not that Kahani and I are tooting our own horns, but I thought our outfits pretty darn good! Sadly, neither one of us bagged the 'Best Dressed' prize, although we did go home pretty happy having won prizes during the games *grins*.

Top: Pre-loved from aunt, who made it herself
Shorts: THB150, Chatuchak Weekend market in Bangkok
Tights: RM19.90, Nichii Fashion City
Booties: RM65, The Kooky Thing
Backpack: Actual school bag from when I was 13 (covered in badges, because that was the style!)
Reactions from weirded out colleagues: Also, priceless