Raya 2011 : Time to Bring the Bling

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Eid is gonna be another 8 to 9 days more, depending on how the moon forecast going to be. I think everyone around the world has now pumped up their preparation for the big day as this is the final week fasting - from searching for the ensembles to wear, the shoes, the songkok, to making the the delicacies, prep for the home decor, etc...etc.

This year, I dunno whether I'm feeling excited or not coz I kinda miss the simple way of celebrating Eid in London for the past 4 years without the hassle to think about new clothes and everything. Not even kuih raya or baju raya which to me quite a blessing; no waste of money. To me it's not where you celebrate it or with whom you celebrate it with - but the most important is how you celebrate the month of Syawal. The happiness really relies inside you since only you and only you can define whether the way you celebrate Eid is the one that you long for. If you think that celebrating Eid with your family is what makes you happy, by all means do it. If not... then find an alternative way. After all these years, I think you can throw me anywhere in the world, with whoever I'm with to be festive on that big day; it doesn't matter coz being happy is actually a state of mind.

Anyway, regardless of what I'm saying; this year I'm celebrating Eid in this very country with its multiracial and multicultural citizen. Since I've been told I'm partly mix-brood myself (I'm Malay, with a hint of Indian and Thai-blood) I wanted to channel my minor Indian ethnicity in myself. Hence I've decided to wear the Indian costume as what I've also wore in my previous Eids before. And voila... I got a perfect ensemble to do just that. This is the hint of how the clothes gonna be - it's a fully embroidered-front churidar kurta that's a true bling bling. When I found it at a store in Little India in Ipoh, I knew it right through that it's gonna be mine. The fit is perfect, the fabric is very light and breathable which suits the weather and the most important the design is awesome. Very edgy, quite a modern take, it has buttons on the fronts with a neo-Nehru collar, a very high slits on the sides which give a hint of sexiness. It's fully made in Mumbai, India (Bollywood, beb!) and hand-picked by the shopowner herself. I am quite stunned coz the shopowner really knew my size just by looking at me without asking.

"This is your size, and I have this one special just for you - the only one in the shop" she said, which made me more excited.

So there - I'm hoping the bling could lift my mood this Eid. Aminnn....

Oh, to go with that I'm thinking of pairing it with the studded shoes from H&M. Kinda suit the bling theme of the year! Since the shoes is quite slim itself, it would be perfect with the slim-leg of my trousers.

Mentioning Little India in Ipoh, I've just learned something which made me so happily surprised. During my quest of finding the ensemble, I hopped on to many stores before. One of it sells not only the kurta or jippa, but also sells hoards of beautiful fabrics too which is straight came from Mumbai. You can choose the fabric and they'll made it for you that very time. You can also customize it as you with, with embellishment, with border on the sleeves and the lower hem, the type of collar etc..etc. And the surprising part when the salesgirl told me "it will be completed in one hour".

One hour?? Are you kidding me? That's manic, but surprisingly good news especially for always busy people like me who always want things very fast. It's awesome! (now I know how Primark London really stocks their products in store very quickly, coz their labour are from India!)

Oh, fyi. Little India has so many gorgeous saris too... and rumor has it former Miss World, Priyanka Chopra and some other Bollywood actresses also shop there before! Whaat..?

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How to Wear Camel

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I always talk about 'nude' in this blog. No, it's nothing to do with nakedness, but rather the flesh tone which is one color in the color wheel that I think is quite endearing. There's something about this neutral palette that makes it versatile; kinda similar way of how black and white are when it comes to being able to be paired with almost any color of your clothes.

One of the 'nude' hues that is famously featured in any editorials - or in correct term, the neutral tone actually (since nude is part of the neutral) - is camel. It spreads everywhere, from the cardigan to the jacket, overcoat to the trousers, slim suit to even ties and scarves; making it such a headliner in any fashion extravaganza. In fact, I can recalled back in Fall/Winter 2009 camel is one favorite color not only on the high-end designer labels, but also at highstreet too coz plenty camels are seen on the clothing line. From Celine, Chloe and Gucci, to Victor & Rolf and Ralph Lauren - that particular season is when the camel boom really has been reignited, which has now extended to become one of the staples in later seasons following it.

But how to wear camels so that your ensemble look chic? Our friends at Mr. Porter outlined some ideas on how to don a great pair. Whether your camel is the overcoat, or a top as a cardigan and sweater, or just a discreet element like a tie; there are ways to make 'em look very well put-together...

[pix from mr porter]

So, what's in my wardrobe? Some camel cardigan and sweater from H&M which I love the lighter hues of it. My favorite way to pair a camel is:

• with a grey for the urban feel.
• with the similar tone for a fun streamlined look.
• with white or cream for a sense of chic.
• with black for a subtle color blocking.
• with blue for a trendy color blocking.
• with red for a slight contrast without too overpowering. 

cardigan & vest - H&M : wool trousers - River Island

sweater & mac - H&M : lightweight denim - Uniqlo

iPad cover - YSL : watch - Skagen

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The Grey Matter

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Last week I read an article about "How to Avoid 7 Common On-the-Job Mistakes". Quite enlightening article which give some tips on things that we tend to ignore while we're working. It doesn't really matter where you work or what you do, the thing is if you did follow to not doing the mistakes, I think everyone will stick to their job whenever they could. And lead to a better promotion, I guess?

One of the mistake is: "Failing to dress to impress", that says...

Some of the best job advice I've heard is to to always dress at least one step above your current position. It helps others picture you working above your current position and makes you look extremely professional. You're not just an intern/entry-level professional, you have the potential to be so much more--so act like it.

So, last week I tried on the tips which I think is no harm since the way I dress is typically corporate office attire anyway. With blazer that has become my staple office wardrobe ever since I'm back into the job. Yet, I went to have more fun by wearing a three-piece instead : with the matching waistcoat in merino wool that I bought long time ago at H&M. Lately it's very cold in the office coz the air-cond is cranked up and the whole floor feel like Autumn 2011!

And since the mood of that day is grey slimfit suit, what better than to pair the whole attire with pink shirt and matching crochet tie. To complete the look are the leather bag by SEED and my Jimmy Choo suede boots; all in grey.

And the results? As it is, which I think at least impresses the onlookers when I go for breakfast. My colleague, R, says... wah, you looks smart la! But one thing that they didn't know - the pants is too tight! And it's the department meeting that day, suddenly I have to be so bersopan when I sat!

slimfit suit - River Island : merino wool waistcoat - H&M

shirt - Zara : crochet tie - Uniqlo

leather bag - SEED : watch - Skagen

suede boots - Jimmy Choo x H&M : iPad case - YSL

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Crop & Repack

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I read the news the other day which says that being in front of the computer screen all the time is equivalent to being a couch potato, and can lead to obesity. I can't argue with that coz I am somewhat agree with the statement. Very strongly agree actually coz I think I'm starting to become one too: the screen potato. I've been so busy lately, I hardly spend time to lift those dumbells and exercise (which ironically my gym is just on the first floor in my house). I've also being neglecting the basketball court for weeks now, causing the ball (the basketball okay!) to be a bit deflated. I dunno what comes of me, coz lots of time is really spending time in front of the PC. Crunching numbers. Perfecting the research proposals by the students, as well as my own research report. Correcting the letters that are sent by my committee members for the big event I'm chairing. Writing journal papers. And of course, attending this blog. It made me more immobile. Stagnant. Not moving. Even if I move, it's very minimal. My life is literally attached to the screen!

Unlike in my research days during my PhD study, I can say my daily life is like an exercise regime. What not: lifting pails and pails of water to pour into the tank of the research rig. Running up and down two-storeys worth of stairs from the lab to the workshop to the office etc. And walking for almost, I dunno, 10,000 steps per day maybe - commuting from house to the Tube station, to the uni; I think my life before September last year is a true full-day exercise! A total body workout + cardio all in one go. That's why I'm healthy those days. In fact the optician at Boots claimed I am free of any ailment coz when she scanned the back of my eyes during the eye test, I'm perfectly healthy.

But now, I despised that. Being less mobile making me a bit slumpy. Lots of family members realised that I slightly piled on weight. In fact my love handles are getting more 'love' these days which worries me. The almost-six pack then, is now becoming a bit full pack due to me being less active. I can blame on the sugary stuff I'm munching coz you know, Malaysia is absolutely a food haven. Yet alone Ipoh, coz there're so many halal things to eat! From the mamak cafe, to the hawkers stall to even the fast-food chain; it's heaven!   (You should get the EATPOH book to know more about Ipoh food 'culture').

Yet, suddenly I got the 'aha!' moment to lose this guts since having belly is not good in fashion. It's awful! My slimfit clothes doesn't look cool with that buldging midsection. I have to get rid of it. To deflate it. To let it go. And that's why I'm starting to revisit my gym, and lift those dumbells again coz I learned that to get a six-pack it's effective if you weight-lift instead of just doing crunches. How? Coz you're actually attacking the core when you do those bench press, flys, squat etc... without you knowing it. Brilliant, right?

And I think I need to hit the court again, dunking on those hoops. I'm not that a good player, just okay la, since me and my mates used to play basketball a lot during our highschool days. Basketball is fun than football coz you're using both the upper and lower body. Now I think it's the right time too coz I can rock in that cropped jogger that I just bought from Standout. Looks good, and much freedom compared to typical sweatpants. What not to love? Cropped jogger is the new harem!

Anyway. I hope I can lose this guts and regain the six-pack. Period.

[alamak.kulit jadi makin gelap daaa bila balik m'sia...yikes!]

grey cropped jogger - voi jeans @ standout.net

blue vest, layered on white tank top - both by H&M

sneakers - Adidas Nizza Hi Plus Denim [read it here]

watch - Breo

dark grey cropped jogger - voi jeans @ standout.net

black tank top - Asos

leather/technofabric multistrap sneakers - GF by Gianfranco Ferre [read it here]

wool fingerless glove - Marc by Marc Jacobs

bluetooth headphone - Sportsband by JayBird

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Which Leather Wallet Are You?

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If someone really into psychology stuff, then he or she might've been able to read someone's personality based on their wallet. Wallet is not just a thing to store your money, coins or credit cards - it's also a symbol of style. An epitome of your inner soul which is an evidence how you project yourself. It's also a portrayal your wealth status - how thick is your wallet seldom perceived as someone who is 'loaded', while a thin wallet is erm... quite skint. Yet, this could be an exception though since some 'loaded' people like to go out without any cash notes inside since nowadays the payment system are mostly cashless. Even me myself, I hate to bring lots of cash since it'll make my pocket even heavier to carry!

And about the material, leather or fabric, these could also tell who you are. To me someone who still uses a fabric-type wallet, he's not a true adult. Still kids in his mind, since only teenagers and kids are the one who uses those stuff. Buy a leather wallet instead coz leather is perceived as more serious manner, plus leather tend to age gracefully over the years that make them much supple to touch.

Anyway, which type of wallet are you? Bi-fold, tri-fold, zippered? Or just a card wallet instead? I'm using the long wallet - the Brazza from Louis Vuitton Damier Graphite collection, which is so versatile coz there's everything in there: multiple credit card slots, many cash compartments, plus the zippered case for coins which I think is the best I could get. I love the color which is very masculine from LV signature canvas fabrication (with leather inner lining). It might not be any men's choice, coz so many times it get mistaken as women's wallet. Even my niece used to say, "eeee... macam beg pompuan!" Tak kesah la beb. Maybe next, I probably get the Taiga Brazza, coz the textured leather is very nice. And for casualwear, I like using the leather zipper wallet from Jimmy Choo x H&M. At least it fits well into my pocket unlike Brazza! 

[pix from mr. porter]

My pick for the casual wear? The Jimmy Choo x H&M leather zipper wallet.

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Versace for H&M

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So, the news is out and everyone now knows that Versace is gonna be collaborating with H&M this coming Fall/Winter. Oh well, didn't I just wrote about it in the first paragraph in my previous post. The fact is I am excited, and who wouldn't. Probably some may ask, why didn't I write anything about Lanvin's collaboration with H≈M before? Simple answer is, I didn't like Lanvin. Probably never will, to date. Their clothes are not my cuppa tea coz apparently their design is quite on the off side to me. So, why bother writing something that I myself didn't believe in?

Anyway, Versace for H&M. If you've ever been into any Versace store, then you should know the understated simplicity luxe it is. I went into Versace store quite a couple of times, and everytime I hold the clothes and the accesories, it's all with care... coz not only they're expensive, but they felt so luxe. Just like the person in the video. (but not if I go into Gucci though, ahaks!).  

In fact, the brand is synonymous with luxury, from the clothes to the home decor collection, which has span through decades. And for this collaboration, there'll be 40 pieces for women, plus 20 for men and also some home decor collection threwn in. How's it gonna be? Watch the video and you'll have a sneak peek.

I can't really wait for this another Italian fashion house to grace H&M stores after the previous Roberto Cavalli collection that have proven a masssive seller. Let's see.... should I fly to London, or just cross the selat in Singapore instead to get a hold of them?

Btw, Donatella Versace is really giving an up-close sneak peek on one of the pieces for womenswear after she wore the LBD that's part of the Versace x H&M collection. Holla..! 

And some other sneak peek...

[pix from style.com,h&m and nymag]

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Feeling Black and White

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The colors that never fail to co-exist alongside the other colors-of-the-season are definitely black and white. Regardless of what seasons you're in, designers always include this two in their collection. If you're in printing business, black and white are not considered color. In fact when I filed logo that I designed to be 'trademarked' for my research team the other month, the patent office did mention to me I can leave the color on the logo to be just black and white, coz later on it's easier for me to use other colors if I need to change it (things will be a bit complex if I filed it in colors coz I need to state the exact RGB).  Anyway, regardless of black and white are color or non-color colors, they're my definite must have in my wardrobe (and home decor!). 

collarless shirt - Asos Black : bag - Burberry : jeans - Uniqlo

black-trimmed slimfit jacket - Topman : vest - H&M : jeans - Uniqlo

contrast-hem jacket - H&M : vest - H&M : jeans - Uniqlo : perforated leather bag - Hugo Boss

denim jacket - Uniqlo : vest - H&M : jeans - Uniqlo : bag - SEED

contrast-hem wool jacket - Topman : vest - H&M : black jeans - Uniqlo : white jeans - Gap

neo-leather jacket - Uniqlo : vest - H&M : jeans - Gap

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Roll It With the Spikes

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It has been seen on the red carpet many times. And only someone with a brave soul would rock in these studded shoes without making it looking too tacky. Looking out there, yes; but tacky, that depends on what you pair it with. Or what kind of 'face' really wear this kind of shoes. It's Christian Louboutin Rollerball and Rollerboy spikes loafers, that is so avant garde making as if you're the dominatrix walking on the streets.

As much as the metallic studded spikes has been roaming around quite some times, Louboutin has come up with the all black leather Rollerball for Fall/Winter 2011 collection. It looks amazing and so edgy, and definitely be a best seller again (you've gotta make a reservation NOW!). As for the current season, it's the denim Rollerboy that made a headline since denim is a big trend for Spring/Summer as always. Or if you wanna unleash that animal instinct in you - the ponyhair leaopard print Rollerboy is the one to go for. Fierce!

Anyway, I still find it funny about the dispute between YSL and Christian Louboutin over the 'red sole' thing. It's not you who invented it, Louboutin - it's been there for ages! But still, we love your shoes. Almost...

[pix from christian louboutin]

I'm still thinking when should I wear my studded shoes. Not quite Louboutin, but still an edgy one from highstreet!

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H&M Fall/Winter 2011 Lookbook

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H&M Fall/Winter 2011 lookbook featuring Clement Chabernaud. It seems that this collection is a non-nonsense, which is more sophisticated and polished compared to previous season. The fast fashion house tapped into the slimmer cut offering pieces that range from shadow checks to tweed suits, chinos and wool trousers, padded jacket and utility parkas, and biker jackets which include a sleeveless one. Much cleaner, simpler and quite urbane collection. Oh, no cape this season? Ha!

Oh, I have to include the women's collection too... coz Karlie Kloss is too good to be ignored. Look at her poses. Doesn't it reminisce editorial spread in Vogue? It's amazing!

[pix from h&m]

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