Meldee's Aussie must-visits

By the time you ladies read this, I'd be in Australia, happily reunited with my other (and on the odd occasion, better) half, and no doubt trawling my favourite stores in my free time.

While you probably know by now my great fondness for op shops and Salvo's where I pick up my vintage and preloved items, there are also a few of the regular stores, if you like, which I simply cannot walk past, if only just to see what's new!

Here are a couple of my favourite shops (please don't laugh, ye who know these places):

Valleygirl

What I love about Valleygirl are its fashion pieces. Even Melbourne royalty Lady M sometimes caves in and picks up accessories and things there, and it's easy to figure out why. At affordable price points, the pieces here are comfortable and fun--not unlike what you find in Nichii Fashion City (which is the closest local parallel I can think of!).


JayJays

Targeted primarily at tweens (I cringe to admit this) and those who tend towards a funkier and more edgy style, JayJays is great for funny t-shirts, cute dresses and board shorts. It's a very casual vibe here--but I have managed to find one or two pieces I can use to work now and still appear decent! Its men's section is my man's fave for smartass slogan shirts, so I always know he'll be occupied when we walk in together (yay, more time for me!).

Just Jeans

Just Jeans, the older sibling of Jay Jays, if you like, has a lot more classic and grown-up pieces for the more mature (and wealthier) shopper. Carrying comfy pieces like jeans (as the name of the store would give away!) and cotton dresses and tops galore, they are pretty value-for-money especially when on sale. Best of all, you can dump your man in the men's section--yes, they have one, too!

Supre

This one's a bit iffy--I always love looking at stuff in Supre, but I very rarely ever buy anything from here. The main reason is because quality can be...well..to be blunt, crap. But sometimes when you're looking for a cheaper alternative of a fashion piece you'll only wear once (like a double-sided gold/brown obi belt, in my case), Supre does them fantastically well.

Target (or Tahr-jay, if you're feeling posh)

This is arguably one of my favourite stores, ever. Don't laugh! I've found a number of cute things at a really good price (take for example, this dress, which I wear to death), and bloggers like Esme and the laneway swear by its shoe section (I do too. My man has to physically restrain me). This is one store I'm planning on hitting up big time for work wear when I'm there--I'm really quite sick of everyone in corporate Malaysia wearing the same dresses from MNG, Zara, Topshop and G2000.

Sportsgirl

Ah, Sportsgirl. Indubitably one of the most famous of the Aussie brands, especially among the uni set. It's got fun, flirty, fabulous pieces with a touch of boho--basically, a very Meldee brand! Sadly, when I was there last I didn't have the chance to shop there much because being a student on a tight budget, you really do have to give some things a miss. But I do have a very much beloved bag given to me by friends for my birthday--I've used it till it's almost fallen apart, hence the reason why you've never (nor will you ever!) see it.

Dotti

I very rarely come across Dotti (hey, I was out in the country, and city trips were less shopping, and more meeting up with mates!), but every time I do, I am certain to wander in. They carry fun and fashionable pieces at better quality than Supre. I don't own anything from them yet--but maybe this time I will?

Portmans

Portmans has very lovely grown-up stuff for working women, making it quite perfect for someone like me. However, prices here, while still affordable (if you have deeper pockets, and, oh, earn in Aussie dollars) are a bit steeper than the previous stores I mentioned. However, for reasonably good tailoring and classic, work-friendly pieces, this is the place to go.

So there you have it, Little Misses and Mr Men! Do you have any thoughts to share on your fave Aussie high street shops?

Note: I am perfectly aware that there are many wonderful, talented and fabulous Aussie designers, like Alannah Hill, Collette Dinnigan, Bettina Liano and many more. There are also many wonderful lines carried in stores like David Jones and Myers, but in my limited experience (and with my limited budget) being out in the country, I very rarely came across the chance to marvel at or ogle these designs. Just to provide some context to this post.

How to fix too-loose heels with ribbons

On the whole I'm pretty lucky feet-wise. They're long thin and narrow so they fit most shoes and don't get too many blisters. But, they do tend to fall out of shoes that aren't cut narrow enough. Hence my love for straps and mary janes. But when I saw these gorgeous pumps I caved and gave them a try. Sure enough the darn things won't stay on!! Not even with padding. Boo!!

So here's the solution I came across. Get black satin ribbons (these are 0.5" wide) and slip them under the shoe. Twist it around the heel.

Bring it up, and tie it around your ankle ballet style.
You can choose to tuck the now under and hide it or positiin it wherever you like.

Alternatively, you can use heel-grips and pad it not just at the heel (have done that it wasn't enough), but on the sides and in the front. At RM8 a pair though, it's a pricey alternative.

Shoes: The Kooky Thing (RM66)

Planning Ahead #2: Delectable Dress Fabrics

While the weather remains rather chilly, it has officially been Spring since last Saturday. And with my one week vacation that starts tomorrow, I'm hoping, wishing, and waiting for brighter skies to come around really soon. I hope to be able to submit better fashion posts when the weather clears up. I have missed natural light tremendously for my photos and dress posts :(

Till that time decides to pop around again, I shall share with you two very yummy novelty fabrics I recently purchased.

There was this super pretty fabric I had seen in the craft store few months back. It has a white background, and had little cartoony houses and buildings print on it. Unfortunately, there were other more important things to spend money on and by the time I did have some extra cash...the fabric was all gone! Thankfully, I spotted this very similar design. And perhaps even better...instead of houses, it's covered in Candy and Soda shops!


How funny is it that I found this second fabric a few aisles down? I don't even need to explain this one!


There's a lot going on with these two fabrics. So, instead of having a plain single-fabric dress, I'm thinking of getting it done color-block style. Not one dress made from these two fabrics...that would be an eyesore. But rather, each of these fabrics being used for two separate dresses and with solid colors alternating for the horizontal color blocks.

Something to this effect: Dress at Lulus.com

I can wait to get the solid color fabrics to match these yummy prints. And suggestions on what colors I should get for each?

Oh, and just because you know you love her...

Tough love

Sometimes you have to be cruel to be kind. Other days, playing hot-and-cold, sweet-and-tough, cool-and-cuddly works just fine, too.

This ensemble may not seem crazydaring and that, but trust me, when you happen to go round the corporate world, it can raise a few eyebrows.

In case you were wondering, yes, I did actually wear this to work--mind you, it wasn't an awfully corporate assignment I was on, but I did meet some very important people of a big local (listed) company--but I suppose it was all good, considering most of the people there were in t-shirts and jeans!

And, well, if anyone did quirk an eyebrow my way, it was dealt with very easily: deal with it, honey.

Top: THB 150 (RM15), somewhere in Pratunam, Bangkok
Bodycon skirt: RM50-something, Nichii Fashion City
Booties: The Kooky Thing

Beagles & Lavender

Was browsing in the new Daiso in 1Utama (big surprise, huh?) When I spotted these adorable sachets of lavender for slipping into your clothes drawers and making everything smell sweet and fragrant.

I stopped to mock the Engrish and ended up buying 6 sachets for RM15 because the sayings are adorable (adorabubble even, meldee!) And in perfect English! In DAISO! Amazing!

These two are my favourites.

Rocky: I want one!

Rocky: Om nom nom!
Me: Bad boy! Droppit!

Rocky: But but... Dogs are people too!

Toby really, really hates taking pics. (Text: It's a doggie dog world)

Things to do today: Let the dog out...

Let the dogs in!

Lavender drawer sachets: 2 for RM5 at Daiso

Frockspiration: Style Bytes - One of the reasons I started Frocking

I don't just mean this blog either. I mean Frocking in general, as a lifestyle. To wear something pretty just for the amazing feeling you get knowing you're wearing something pretty. To turn each activity into an occassion. Ladies if you haven't already met her I'd like to introduce you to Agathe Bjornsdatter, author of Style Bytes and one of my primary inspirations.

Due to personal reasons, her blog is now defunct. Initially, she took the entire thing down, but so arresting is her style that she agreed to maintain it as an online archive - after, no doubt, being bombarded with begging and waily emails from her fans.

I came across Style Bytes when looking for ideas on how to dress in Europe on a budget. It's a challenge. Cold, wet, sunny, hot, freezing and dry by turns, it really wasn't something a girl from a tropical country would know how to cope with instinctively. There's an art to being warm without looking like a bundle of clothes. In this, Agathe is an amazing inspiration.

Mixing thrift, vintage and H&M (yes she probably also inspired my love for the place), her looks are wallet friendly and gorgeous. I have a similar dress to the one she's wearing in the pic above by the way - it's also H&M and a wonderful Christmas in Scandinavia dress. =D

My love of red lipstick and red shoes are probably, also, her fault. Eeps. Amazing how two years of reading a blog influences you. Be warned! =P

And of course, she's also a big inspiration behind this blog. You really don't just wake up one day and go 'I will start a FASHION blog!'. It's a long time stewing before with insidious seeds planted in your subconcious by pretty blogs like Style Bytes.

I really hope things are going well with her. I miss her, as I'm sure many of her readers do, and hope she returns to blogging again some day. All the best Agathe, and thank you!

PS. Rey's a wee bit under the weather so I'm posting today. Send her some love, ladies! =)

Boho cravings

So I was browsing one of my fave sites of all time, Lady Melbourne, which alas, along with other sites, I've been neglecting in my daily stalking (a pesky little thing called "work" kind of got in the way)...but I saw her rockin' her challenge from her readers to do boho for a week, and that did it for me.

Pic from Lady Melbourne

I am now craving for, absolutely lemming for, totally desirous of (etc etc you get the picture) a boho maxi dress. In cotton, and in soft autumnal colours.

Pic from Lady Melbourne

Besides the fact that she is from my absolute favourite city in the whole wide world, and has a job I'd die to have, and rocks every look she does, Lady M is just completely an icon for me, in how she isn't afraid to mix and match.

Fangirl babblings aside, I am now completely on the hunt for a dress such as the one I just described, or something close to the one in the first pic, but longer, and without sleeves. Has anyone seen such a dress? Because I think it must belong to me!

Tiffany's

You've heard the old joke that a little aqua box with a white ribbon can set a woman's heart racing? Well, it's true.

It's a good thing I was cautioned not to open the plain brown envelope before getting home. I'd have crashed my car. I really really don't deserve such lovely friends. Birthday presents like this are well worth waiting for.

How else to wear something from Tiffany's but with a classic black dress, pearls and a romantic up do?

I love these flowers, they're so... Chanel.

And I'll be honest, I TRIED to leave the house without the red shoes. I just couldn't. It wouldn't be ME y'see...

Necklace: Tiffany & Co (pressie! *mwaks to the giver*)
Dress: Vintage @ Amcorp (RM15)
Shoes: Debenhams (RM52 after 70% off)
Earrings: Japanese pearls from Daiso - no i'm not kidding (RM5)
Hairclip: Suzanne's Flowers @ Le Tresor Gallery, The Curve (RM29)

Carrier for the Corgi

Being a new parent can be pretty stressful and time-consuming. It even makes you lose track of time. I totally freaked out when I remembered last night that I'm behind of Malaysian time by 13 hours, and spaced out about my Friday post. But hey, let me melt your hearts with the reason for my lateness.

Meet my baby...Ripley the Pembrooke Welsh Corgi.




I got her last week as a birthday present and she's now 9 weeks old. She's a tiny little thing with big, big ears. I always thought if aliens were to have pet dogs, they'd look like corgis. Hence, why I named her after Sigourney Weaver's character in Alien.

Being a slave to fashion, of course I wanted to buy the prettiest collar for my pooch. Unfortunately, she's too small to fit into even the ones labelled "toy size"! I even tried getting a harness instead, but no go. Thirty seconds of wrestling, and Ripley was free puppy!

So, until she's big enough for those doggy accessories, I'm thinking of investing in a dog carrier. But of course, it can't be black, boring and blah. I'm thinking more in the terms of...polka dots! :)


All images from Doggievogue

Sigh, the only problem with doggy carriers is that the cost a pretty penny as well. See, I would love to get something that she would be able to fit into for at least a year. And perhaps, something fashionable enough that I can just wash the doggy smell out and use as a handbag after she will no longer benefit from it. Maybe I'll scope out the pet stores in KL when I'm back for summer.

Till then, enjoy another puppy picture :)

Meldee's fashion pet peeves

Pic from Last Fashion Tendencies

Now, I do not profess to be a fashion guru. But there are some things I see on the streets and in the malls that sometimes just make me cringe and have to avert my gaze for the fact that looking at it almost physically hurts.

Of course, like beauty, fashion is subjective. But sometimes, avant garde sartorial style can be taken a tad too far, in my humble opinion. Let me present to you several things that make me want to...well. You fill in the blanks.

1. Crack

Pic from Cypress and Oak

While a subtle amount of cleavage is fine (and even envied deeply by yours truly), butt crack and toe crack, in my opinion, should be covered and never let see the light of day. While the former may be pretty self-explanatory, the latter is more a personal thing--for some reason, toe cleavage just looks so wrong.

2. Socks and sandals

Pic from College Candy

Look, you either wear trainers with your socks, or if you absolutely have to, with cute shoes, a la Esme and the lane way (but then again, she's adorable and could probably pull anything off), or you wear open-toe shoes, sans hosiery. It's either too warm for the former, or too cool for the latter. There is nothing remotely attractive about seeing toes wrapped up in fabric, peeking out of your shoes. And in case you were wondering, this same peeve applies to pantyhose and open-toe shoes. Just don't.

3. Cameltoe

Pic from Swollen Pickles

For a proper breakdown on what this exotic disease-sounding phenomenon is, do check out the relevant Wikipedia entry (yes, it has it's own Wiki entry!) Here, I have witnessed it when ladies wear leggings as pants (a crime of fashion, apparently, to which I wholeheartedly agree). Soooo...yeah. Always make sure your booty is covered, if only for decency's sake. We know you have a vagina, we just don't need to see it displayed suggestively in public.

4. Trackies outside the gym/your house

Pic from Bike Magic

While I reckon those who say you have to sacrifice comfort for the sake of fashion clearly don't know where to shop and what to wear, I do draw the line at wearing any form or variation of the tracksuit being worn outside the context of a gym, or your home. Please, for the love of God, the tracksuit is NOT a fashion statement. It is shapeless, unflattering, and plain lazy.

5. Dressing inappropriately...for the weather

Pic from Tokyo Fashion

Right, right, so I know technically the picture is from Tokyo, but take it in the context of Malaysia. Where it is summer all year round. Where average temperatures are 33 degrees Celsius (unless you're in an office building, whereby the average temperature is about 18 degrees). So why in the name of all that is good and kind are you in boots, knee-highs, a scarf and a beanie (or similar headgear), often while also in shorts and a sleeveless top?!

6. VPL

Pic from Active Rain

A woman's booty is really something that it quite pleasant to behold. So when the line of view is broken up by unsightly panty lines, it's just...well, quite unfortunate. If you don't dig thongs (a.k.a. butt flossers), there are other options, like boyshorts, or seamless knickers. You could even go commando, but make sure you're not in a skirt/dress with paparazzi waiting for your (ungainly) exit from a car, and that your last name doesn't start with S and end with -pears.

7. Too-tight clothes

Pic from Calorie Lab

Now, clearly not all of us have bodies like Madonna (have you seen her lately, by the way? She's frightening!), nor should we. Clothing should flatter and enhance, in addition to being comfortable. No part of me understands clothing that are too tight, or that cling too closely like a second skin. I especially do not understand how and why some people wear tops that are too short, and that reveal muffin top.

So there it is, my top seven fashion pet peeves. Remember though, that this is just me--I am also by nature pretty strange! In fact, I am also incredibly put off by other things, including and not limited to:

1. Designer brand names sprawled across obviously-fake apparel

2. Terrible English on garments, i.e. "You make me happy time forever" (or something to that effect)

3. Fanny packs (the fake-DVD-seller type)

4. Bubble skirts

5. And because it's been mentioned too many times before, I didn't want to go into detail but simply must clarify that I hate, loathe and despise with an all-consuming passion...CROCS.

What are your fashion pet peeves?

Splash! Or why you should invest in a good nude bra...

Yes that's me. Without naming names or places, let's just say it was on the job, it was in front of roughly 100 people (give or take) including higher ups - all facing me at the time, and it was a complete accident. I stepped backwards thinking there was more ground behind me only to discover that I wasn't quite up to walking on water. Now there are blessings. I didn't hurt myself badly, it was a very hot day so the dip was actually in a sense welcome, the people were absolutely lovely and fished me out and took care of me, and even though I was soaked to the skin in a white shirt I had my absolutely perfect nude bra on.

Oh I'm not sure what if I should classify the photographer who was snapping pics of me, howling with laughter, instead of helping me under "good" or "bad".


How to pick out the perfect nude bra
The bra I have on is by Triumph and cost an unholy RM120! It's awesome though, you can adjust the straps to criss cross or halter, it has push up, but comfy not OTT push up, and it's satin. Here's the interesting thing though it's not nude, it's gold. But on me it blends with my yellow-toned Chinese skin perfectly.

I was a touch fanatic about this actually. I put on my see-throughest white shirt and went shopping. Every nude bra I tried on was either too orange or too pink until I put on this pale gold one and it was perfect. It's also a good sight sexier than the usual "underwear nude" colours!

Now I'll grant that not many of us will end up in situations like this. But if you're in a white shirt it does give you absolute confidence knowing that your bra is not out winking at people and embarassing you. Unless you want it to. Then pop on black, red or hot pink and ROCK it sista!

Outfit: This one (Yep shoes and all. They're so synthetic though they're FINE)
Bra: Triumph (RM120)