Frocking Out at PrettyBeautiful's Wedding

(L-R)ParisB, Beetrice, Connie, PrettyB, Mr Pretty B, Rinnah, Plue & Meeeee!

Am so proud of my blogging gals, everyone Frocked Out! Even Plue, who until now swears she doesn't own a dress and alas is hiding behind Rinnah. Bad, bad girl. Of course the radiant PrettyB has the best frock, but since it's her wedding lunch we'll let her. =P

*sings* One of these things just doesn't belong here / Which one is different? Do ya know? / Tell me which thing is not like the others and I'll tell you if it is so!

Also while you're at it, guess whose shoe belongs to whom!

Dress: Handmade Fairy Dress
Bolero: Shopaholics Unite (RM38)
Shoes: Vincci (RM33 after 50% discount)

Farewell Frocking Around

It has been a pretty awesome year as a contributor to this fashion blog. Much love and appreciation goes out to Meldee and Kahani, as well as all of you fabulous readers.

I have enjoyed putting up posts here, and tried my best to make sure each post had some heart to it. Thru my past posts, I hope that more people learn to realize that while fashion is fun, it doesn't have to be mindless and you don't have to be a size zero to rock it. Treasured dresses are the ones which come with stories or elements that jog your memories, not just the ones with a hefty price tag.

I've had some time to think about it, and decided that leaving this fashion blog (as gorgeous as it is), is the best choice for me at this point in my life. I have personal reasons that go deeper than just effort and time, and I hope everyone can respect that.

I'm sure Kahani will do an excellent job keeping this blog going, especially with the help and encouragement of others :)

Love (and Polka Dots forever!),
Rey

Don't PANIC! Wear the Lilac Towel Day

You'll only get this if you're a Sci-Fi and Fantasy Fan, but May 25th was Wear The Lilac Day AND Towel Day. I regret I was unprepared for both, and the best I could do was switch my Blackberry's wallpaper to a sprig of Lilac, but next year won't catch me unawares!

Now in the spirit of 'Don't Panic' I feel I shouldn't wait for Monday to have this conversation with the readers of Frocking Around.

I'm afraid that not only Mel's leaving, but Rey too (she'll say farewell in her own way). I'm terribly sorry girls, I know part of what made Frocking Around special was that all three of us had different styles, body types and personalities. And now it's just me.

I love Frocking and am not giving up on it. So while I'm not sure if I can keep up the three-post-a-week schedule, but I'm going to shoot for two and pray for three.


The post formats will change (can't post 3 outfits a week!) and the content will evolve and this is where I need you to help Frocking find its feet. If you have ideas or suggestions please tell me, I really do need the ideas. I'm no fashion expert and the idea of me running a fashion blog solo is well... kinda pretentious. But I'm willing to give it a try. Are you on board with me?

Time to say goodbye

Dear readers,

After about a year of frocking around, I've decided it's time to move on. It's a decision I'd been contemplating for a while, and so I guess now's as good a time as any to say goodbye. It's been a wonderful year with my fellow bloggers Kahani and Rey, and with you, of course! Thank you for the comments and hits--please keep stopping by here though, because someone will still be prancing around in pretty dresses ;)

Love,
Meldee
xoxo

Frocking on the roof

With hectic work schedules, stress, crazy weather and mood swings, Meldee and I haven't been frocking on the office roof that much lately. It's something we both miss, although truth to tell, I prefer shooting in the privacy of home with props galore to play with. But this magical friday reminded me why it's SO much fun when it does come together. We both showed up in summer frocks at work, squealed, and scampered up to the roof for shots. The sun was bright, but not blistering, there was a breeze... it was just a frabjous day.

Of course, we get away with summer dresses at work only with the modesty-aiding cardigans.

And I'm absolutely thrilled with this pair of vintage Clarks sandals I found at Amcorp Flea Market. Leather, authentically vintage and that shade of tan I'm craving so much. Very comfy too!

Dress: A Bunch of Wildflowers (RM25)
Cardigan: FOS - Atmosphere by Primark (RM7)
Necklace: Tiffany's
Sandals: Amcorp Flea Market - Clark's (RM30)

Phlower power

Ohhmmm!

Slightly constipated expression (I was trying very hard not to laugh, because the grass was prickling my bum, and there was a man in a crane right behind me who must have been thinking, "these girls are mad") aside, I was going for a rather more zen approach to things....

...when this was what I really wanted to do. Crack a huge grin, that is, because being happy is also part of being zen-like.

And because earlier in the day, I actually rocked up at the offices of some prominent corporate lawyers in town dressed like this. Yep, like a hippie. Swirling skirts, hoop earrings, bangle and all.

Thankfully, it was casual Friday. Or else I might have wrapped myself up in a tablecloth or something in horror. You know, company image and all that. (I wasn't expecting to see anyone that day!)

Pardon the peace sign (Kahani shrieked in horror)--because what else can you do when you're in a flower-power maxi dress? Spread some peace, love, and happiness, and all that!

I picked up this dress during my recent trip to Oz, just when the Easter sales were winding down and stores had slashed prices further. When I found this, it was in the 'Under $30' section, with an additional 50% off.

And being in my size (after a very long and frustrating shop, because nothing fit me--more on this later!) and of perfect, light, non-wrinkly material, with adorable pixellated petals--how could I have said no? Especially after my boho coveting post?

Isn't the print cute? Certainly not something you'd expect, which is cool and very 2.0!

Black pixel-petal maxi dress: AU14.99 (80% off), Jeanswest
Gladiators: Bugis St Mall, Singapore
Wooden bangle: Can't remember where from!
Gold hoop earrings (not seen very clearly): JayJays

Blue Alice 5: Matchy matchy

I know there were only supposed to be 4 Blue Alice dresses but this one sorta just happened. Fitted perfectly, cost me just RM5 and it's the loveliest blue. It also manages to look real and LOOK it matches my new netbook!

No I didn't choose either the netbook or the dress because they matched each other.

Really. I didn't.

Really.

But obviously they had to go into the same pic together. As did the belt and shoes. ^_^

I'm sitting in what was formerly the beagle's bedroom but they hardly hang out in it so we have reclaimed the space! They're shut out now (to keep it clean) and we have a fishpond, the teatable and a fan. We take tea there and feel amazingly English, sophisticated and hot. Very very hot. What is WITH the weather lately?

Dress: Thrifted at Subang Parade bazaar (RM5)
Belt: Cats Whiskers (RM24)
Shoes: Vincci (RM33 after 50% off)
Earrings: Curve weekend market (1 of 7 pairs for RM10)

Picking Posies

What's your favourite floral print?

As for me, I really don't have a particular preference. Roses, daffodils, bluebells, tulips, daisies, and sunflowers are all gorgeous to me. On days where I simply can't pick a flower print of the day, this dress exists to help me out!




When I first spotted this fabric on the shelves of the Hobby Lobby, it looked like a complicated mess to me. I picked it up and tried turning it in a bunch of different directions to attempt making sense of the print. I loved the fact that it was outrageously colorful, and somewhat vintage. I was iffy at first, but was finally glad I made the purchase.

Looking at the fabric never fails to make me think of the various botanical gardens I've visited in my life, as well as my beloved relatives who have green thumbs. And I simply adore that connection :)


Fabric - Hobby Lobby $3.50/yd
Seamstress - Christa (one day I shall take a damn sewing class...)
Headband - Forever21
Shoes - Sungei Wang RM30

P.S. Look, Kahani! Purple and yellow~~~

Getting a grip

You know how sometimes shoes are that perfect size--but then they expand? Well, if you've been in that same boat as I have before, friend, this is the perfect solution: it helps you add some grip to the heels so they don't fall off, and best of all, they stay!

All this for what price you ask?

A very recessionista-friendly RM4.90. At most Watsons stores across Malaysia (I'm assuming--I picked these up at the one at One Utama, loved how it worked on one pair of my shoes,and proceeded to buy another set.)

Forgive me for the slightly out-of-focus picture--but this is just to give you a general idea of what it looks like. The straight bit goes at the top of the pair of shoes you want to pad out a bit--simply peel off the backing, and et viola! You're done!

Easy peasy lemon squeezy. Say goodbye to heels that slip off when you're busy running, dancing, or just plain frocking around!

Suede heel grips: RM4.90, Watsons

Blue Alice 4: All satchel'ed up

Nothing spells adventure for me like a hardy leather satchel with pockets. LOTS of pockets. Think Indiana Jones, English school kid adventures and those good 'ol khaki clad explorers. Mom found this treasure for me in Taiping, of all places and it's perfect.

Not too heavy, roomy, pockets galore and a vintage brown that will only look better the more battered and old it looks. Absolutely perfect for travel.


It goes perfectly with this brown and blue cotton sundress.

Satchel: Gift from mom, bought in Taiping
Dress: Christie from Clothesbucket Blogshop (RM35)
Shoes: Cats Whiskers (RM33 after 50% discount)

Viva Piñata!

Here's a fun way to take part in the recent celebration of Cinco de Mayo!

And let me ask you, what's better than a wee donkey piñata with a diamante belt?

...The fact that there's candy inside! :)


Ok, it's so not real, but adorable nonetheless! Besides my obsession with bunnies, I equally adore donkeys. If I could have a bunny sized burro as a pet, I would already have it grazing in my backyard. In a mini stable. With a mini saddle. Eating mini sugar cubes. And...here would be where I'm this close to passing out from cuteness overload.

Although I am a huge fan of their enamel charms, I'm way too cheap with jewelry to buy myself Juicy Couture. Luckily, a certain hispanic male in my life adores me enough to know I would go cuckoo over this particular charm. He bought it for me about a year ago after a stressful trip to Indy regarding my legal status in the USA. I don't think, "Omg, the donkey reminds me of you!" was the response he was looking for. Must be why he later on bought me a princess carriage charm in hopes I'd relate him to Prince Charming instead...


Gold link bracelet and piñata charm - Juicy Couture (treasured gifts!)

Girl gone wild

Tee hee.

Not what you were expecting with such a saucy post title eh? Sorry to disappoint, folks, but I was referring to wildlife, elephant aside!

I refer, actually, to these adorable faux-snakeskin ballet flats I picked up when I was in Australia, in the store where things chic and cheap can be found--(no, not Target) Kmart :D

For a very bargainous $15, I was happy to pick up more than one pair, but Mr M's silently arched brow made me timidly put back the other pair. Well, maybe when he's not looking, next time.

But these are great--they're actually of a pretty narrow cut, which are great for slimmer Asian feet (not that I suffer from particularly slim feet like our friend Kahani here), and come on, for $15? That's a pretty sweet deal, and they weren't even on sale!

Anyhoo, unlike leopard and zebra prints (of which I do have items in, namely a skirt, and a shawl), I reckon snakeskin actually looks a tad more timeless than the two, especially on bags or shoes!

Now, on to the dress--

Charcoal grey, of a classic cut, with an interesting not-completely-all-round ruched detail around the waist, I picked this baby up at Nichii Fashion City at Sunway Pyramid after my birthday dinner with the parents.

Yes, I know it's not really me (versus the usual flowery, floaty, pastel numbers I flit about in), but it was something I needed for work, although the light, almost jersey material (versus wool) makes it more climate-friendly, which was great! It also requires very minimal ironing, which means I can chuck it in the washing machine and then wear it again the next day if I wanted to :)

(And, er, pardon the (very unglamourous) unsticking plaster on my arm--I'd donated blood earlier in the day, something I try to do every three months.)

If you're wondering where I was (elephant and all)--I was not in India, or Thailand--I was at my favourite Thai Buddhist temple in PJ--certainly another unexpected place to be found frocking around!

Grey dress: RM79.90 (I think), Nichii Fashion City
Snakeskin ballet flats: AU$15, Kmart
Black chain bag: AU$49.90 (I think), Roxy
Vintage-inspired turquoise necklace: RM19.90, some shop in Subang Parade which has since closed down
Tortoiseshell sunnies: Central Market, KL

Blue Alice 3: Japanese Fairy

I can't take credit for naming this outfit, a friend did. It must have been the beer! =P

I absolutely loooove this dress. The flower print is adorable, the cotton is light and comfy, and the cut is so cute. From the delicate V-Neck to the flower petal sleeves with...

Where did it go?

There it is! I didn't spot them immediately, but when I did I squealed. What a lovely surprise!

I've also finally bought that black "leather" obi belt I've been hankering after. I just have to be careful not to tie it so tight I can't breathe.

Oops just realised I should have featured the new shoes! Ah well... another time =)

Dress: Amcorp Mall Thrift (RM10)
Belt: Nichii (RM22)
Shoes: Cats Whiskers (RM35 after 50% discount)

Mad cravings: Vintage Tan Accessories

Meldee's military jacket longings reminded me that I am on a mad Spring Trends 2010 bender for vintage, tan, leather accessories. Truth to tell it's been building up ever since I clapped eyes on Audrey Hepburn's leather sandals in Roman Holiday. Then ParisB kickstarted the mad leather satchel crush on her blog, and seeng all those leggy models in floral dresses cinched with tan leather belts finished me off completely. I want it ALL, the belt, the shoes, the satchels.. help!