The King's Speech

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It's time for me to take the stage.

Public speaking has been my thing for quite some time. I never felt nervous whenever I have to speak in front of an audience. Give me a mic, then I'll do my thing. If there's no mic, I still can do my thing - though I have to scream a little bit to let this voice out. My involvement in public speaking is not new since I've been doing it when I was in the primary school. Being a Head Prefect then, it came so natural for me to be able to recite the speech in front of hundreds of students. In fact, I can recalled there's one time I have to reenact a scene in a play for the sake of 'giving the audience a taste' of what's coming for the interschool drama competition that I've involved in.

And then things rolled from there, as I've frequently being in the public eye not just in the secondary school, but also at Uni. From being in the school debate team (both Malay and English!), to being a deejay - talking in front of public is something I yearned for. When it comes to the career world, it's my nature of work to speak in front of the audience coz I teach. Nonetheless, I think lots of people at my uni also known me as the emcee since I've been emceeing in so many high profile events, both internal and externally. One time I remembered I shared a stage with the former PM - Tun Mahathir - in an event attended by not less than 3000 people. It was quite daunting, since only me and him in front of thousands, but I kinda find my calm in handling things down. (you have no idea how my knees shiver!!)

Last week I decided to take the centre stage and give a speech in the event that I'm chairing. Normally, I don't wanna be in the spotlight when it comes to the students' activities, where I just let the Project Director to do his things instead. But given the fact that the event has been rebranded and with many things going on, as well as receiving so many questions by my colleagues on 'why the need to change the name??' thing - I decided that my speech could explain just that. 

It took me a couple of days to think about the concept of my speech, yet when it comes to really pen it down, the text is done within just 10 minutes. I presumed every points that's been swirling in my head has been let out into those paragraphs. The result - a four-pages manuscript for about 10-mins period. Not that bad I guess.

There was about 300 people in the audience including the Vice Chancellor and the Deputy VC + participants and guests (quite a low key ceremony). I think everything went smoothly. But what surprised me when I return to my seat, the DVC reached me out, and shook my hand saying 'that's a good speech! give me one copy!'. I'm quite stunned but delighted nonetheless. Yet, what is even surprise me is when the event is over and we walked out from the hall : lots of people complimented me how great the speech was. I was quite bemused really since I think what I wrote is just simple things.

Btw, I think that's what happen if you give a blogger a chance to recite a speech - he/she will rock it, definitely! :)

Anyway, in case you're wondering what's in the speech, well, here is some of the excerpts. Some part here and there I picked from the four-pages manuscripts I wrote. Pretty simple and easy to understand. Just like this blog too! Since the event is about the design exhibition, having being involved in it myself for more than 7 years (as a judge and 'observer'), plus me myself have won four design awards previously; I think I pretty much know what I'm talking about. =)

".........

YBhg Datuk, Ladies and Gentlemen

To me, the essence of design begins with the basic principle, which is simplicity. As Leonardo da Vinci used to say, simplicity is the ultimate sophistication. Because at the end of the day, you want is a product that is simple to be used, or simple to operate. However, to achieve that simplicity, is not that easy because one must understand the concept of balance. A designer need to strike a balance in any aspect of his/her design methodology. In fact, science is all about balance. Engineering is also about balance. We talk about the balance of electron in the atomic orbital that calls for its stability. We talk about balance in a chemical reaction equation for it to reach equilibrium. We talk about balance in the First Law of Thermodynamics. We talk about balance when dealing with the conservation of mass, energy, and force. Indeed the concept of balance in Science and Engineering is highly emphasized.

In design, a designer has to balance between the engineering & technical aspects with the aesthetics of the product; its functionality with its ease of use. A balance between its economic contributions with the environmental impact. A balance between its practicalities with its sustainability. It’s really about the balance. In fact, it is in line with ______ Brand Essence itself – Energy Receives, Energy Returns – which indeed emphasizing on the concept of balance.

.....

.....

YBhg Datuk, Ladies and Gentlemen.

I am also delighted to share with you that we have reintroduce the category for the primary and secondary schools. In order to extend the innovative culture to the surrounding community, the Organizing Committee which is through our Science Ambassadors, has coordinated a ‘Reach-Out Program’ to the school students within the vicinity of the campus in order to get their involvement in the creative and innovative activities.  This is also aligned with the Corporate Social Responsibilities (CSR) of the University, and also the Prime Minister’s vision to develop and implement strategies to stimulate and support innovation in Malaysia. It is hoped that through this activity, we will help to support sustainable innovation to both develop and galvanize Malaysian future entrepreneurs and innovators.

.....

.....

I would like to encourage you to visit all booths to really notice how creative and innovative our generations are. I also would like to point that last semester, the booths arrangement is designed like a herringbone structure – a symbolic meaning to the ‘moving forward’ of this event. In ____, the booths are designed like a star shape*, which epitomises that ‘a new star’ is born. It also reflects the star in the Malaysian flag – our homage to the month of August, the month of Malaysia's Independence.

Last but not least, to the participants, I’m wishing you all the best. May this event be your first stepping stone in sustaining the innovative culture in your life. While you are having a good time showcasing your researches and innovations, please do not forget to protect your ideas. Your intellectual property is indeed worth more than you could think of!"

See, how simple the speech was. I dunno how it touches the audience hearts? Hmmm...

I'm wearing River Island slimfit suit in graphite + taupe Asos shirt + stripe knitted tie from Uniqlo + Jimmy Choo boots.

* fyi, when the event is held last April, the real reason why I chose the herringbone structure is to reflect the tweed fabric since April is the end of Winter, and tweed is always a fabric of choice for that season. For the recent one in August, lots of designers do 'star', eg. Dolce & Gabbana. Don't believe me, then look at what Beyonce wear in InStyle and Freja Beha in Vogue's covers for September issues!

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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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Monochromatic Weekend

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Weekend. What is the difference between a weekend and weekdays for me? No difference, except that in the weekend I don't have to go to the office. I still wake up at six in the morning. Still have to switch on that PC and crnching those numbers. Still have to communicate with people around me. But the only difference is, I'm at home. And be able to just sit back and relax too, not to worry whether I take my early morning shower, or to dress up in the office attire. I can just enjoy a big mug of coffee with nasi lemak in the morning, pull out the Sunday newspapers to read and later on sipping the afternoon tea - all while in the house, gazing towards my newly coiffured garden (if you call that a garden, still. Ha!). 

And this weekend, it's all about going monochrome. It's not because of the haze outside (the sky is clearing off btw), but it's about feeling simplicity chic. And somewhat, going along with the decor. Monochromatic.Simple. No fuss.

Still, I need to think what should I put into that picture frames. It's been more than four years, the original Ikea Riba artwork is still there. Hmmm...what should I put? Monochrome? :]

Anyway. Why am I sensing some kind of deja vu in this picture? Oh, the theme is similar to the last year's one! [click]

stripes sweater - Benetton

cropped trousers - Uniqlo

bluetooth headphone - Sportsband by Jaybird

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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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Currently Fav Theme: Tan & Cream

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YSL ipad case, Uniqlo crochet stripe tie, SEED leather tote bag

My currently fav theme - the combo between tan and cream, coupled with a hint of black. Always chic. Always delish to look at. Always invite drool to others around me too...

And they say, if it ain't broke, why fix it? So, that's why I love to carry and wear this combo so many times these days. (they're accessories, no need to bother thinking about washing 'em in the first place too, right?)

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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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A Mood for Crochet

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Today I decided to go a bit understated for my office attire. Just wearing something simple, and try to blend in into the scene. Since this week is the start of another new semester in the tri-semester system and the fact that I've been given a time off for not teaching, might as well I just wear something not too overwhelming (I know my students would definitely welcomed for me to be wearing suits to the class!).

So I decided to wear those crochet tie with cream/black horizontal stripes that I bought from Uniqlo a couple of years back. Pair it with a neutral-colored slim shirt from Asos and black trousers from River Island, I think it is as under-dressed as I could go for.

Simple. :)

Oh my, I think if I'm walking around in the street of London right now, I might've been snapped by Tommy Ton for GQ Style. Doesn't the tie look similar to mine?

[pix from gq style]

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Superstars x Uniqlo 'Save Japan Project' T-shirts

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We all heard about what happen in Japan last March when the earthquake and tsunami hit parts of the country. It was really devastating to view the scene through the news, looking at the massive destruction caused by the mother nature that almost wiped out a portion of the Fukushima city. There has been a huge donation drive echoed throughout the world - in the name of charity and solidarity - to help our Japanese friends to get back on their feet and return to their normal life. I know, the word normal would not be there anymore... but at least it's the hope to live is the most important thing in any calamity like this is.

In the word of Japan Relief, Uniqlo has continued its relief efforts by releasing a collection of t-shirts in partnering with a star-studded cast of designers and celebrities. THIS IS HUGE PEOPLE! Why? It's because the name involved are not to be messed out with - Lady Gaga, Karl Lagerfeld, Gwyneth Paltrow, Nicole Kidman, Lanvin's Alber Elbaz, Blake Lively, Charlize Theron, Cyndi Lauper, Victoria Beckham, and Orlando Bloom - they all gonna put on their artwork which will be translated into prints of drawings and scripts on the t-shirts. Just have a look at the pixs, and I know this would definitely be a MASSIVE sell out.

Price? ¥1500 (which is around RM55/£12/$19). Not only you can make it your own one-of-a-kind collection, you'll also be donating for a good cause. The t-shirts will be in all Uniqlo stores starting 26 June (Malaysia included!).

[pix from uniqlo]

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A Little List of Things to Love...

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A little list of things to love for the weekend. Something buttery-soft dark chocolate biker. Something artsy splattered paint Mickey. Something camo chrono for the wrist. Some white leather down under. A quilted golden bronze for the earcandy. And a Bird's Nest for the phone?

Time to check the credit card limit...ha!

From top, clockwise:

Leather biker lacket by Rick Owens

Mickey by... tee @ Uniqlo

Camouflage chrono watch by Michael Kors.

Schott x Converse All Stars 'Leather Jacket' white hi-top sneakers,

Quilted headphones by Audio Chi

'Bird's Nest' iPhone case by inCase

[pix by farfetch, uniqlo, michael kors, hypebeast, selfridges; inCase]

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Candid : Shirt + Tie

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One of the biggest daily dilemma : how to match the shirt and the tie to make it appear 'streamlined'? My fav tip, do color-on-color as mentioned by Dolce & Gabbana in one of their runway show. Take one element of color on the tie and pair it with the same or complimentary color of the shirt. And voila... it seems to work!

Knitted tie from Uniqlo

Skinny tie from Red Herring @ Debenhams

Grey stripes tie from Burton

Grey houndstooth slim tie from No Name

All shirts from Zara

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AFX Blogger Contest

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So, here's the deal. There will be a big fashion event happening next month in Singapore. It's the Asia Fashion Exchange or known as AFX, which seeks to develop the long-term sustainability of Singapore’s fashion industry by building capability and profiling Asian talent on an international platform and to position Singapore as Asia’s Fashion Capital.

And to celebrate the event in a BigFat way... MSN is organizing a contest called 'The AFX Top Fashion Bloggers 2011' by which the winners will be selected to participate in the 11-days event held in the Lion City. Well, not really the whole 11 days, just 5-nights accommodation as what one of the main prizes stated. And the selected blogger from each 4 countries - Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand and Indonesia - will be invited to all the fashion shows during the AFX, and of course if you're lucky to the behind the scenes as well, coz that's that the most exciting part of any shows. I think this event is fantastic coz this is the time to project out all the talents in this region into the global eye. Not just in ASEAN, but to the whole Asia Pacific and streams all over other 6 continents. And perhaps, having readers from the States, the South America countries like Brazil and Argentina, the European countries such as France, Poland, Switzerland, Italy and so many more - by covering the event you could also see how exciting Asian fashion really is as well.

Ok. That's not the exciting part of this blogpost anyway. The exciting part is that, the contest asks why I  should be selected to attend AFX ? Hmmm... that's not an easy one, huh? Time to get into the bakul and angkat sendiri... (BEWARE: it's vanity overloaded!):

1. Because, why not? If you read the whole more than 1400 posts in this blog; isn't it all about fashion and style? From the clothes that I modeled, to the one done by the top models; from the ensemble top to toe, to the accessories that make the man. From the shoes that hold things together, to the bags that tied the looks handsomely. This blog is all about fashion and style! (Okay, 99% of them... coz the other 1% is about me being silly mentioning things about myself!).

2. Because I've been to Fashion Weeks. London Fashion Week, to be exact. If I my count is correct, I've been to 9 seasons altogether. (not much, but appreciable than none isn't it?). That doesn't include the Fashion Rocks! event held back in 2007, which I met Valentino, Christopher Bailey, Mr. Armani, Claudia Schiffer and lots more celebs like Lily Allen, Alicia Keys, Nicole Scherzinger etc... etc. And oh, I should mention I've been to all Vogue's Fashion Night Out in two years in a row? (here, here and here). Red carpet events? That's even countless... Leicester Square in London is basically my playground when I got my spare time. Meeting Anna Wintour and Victoria Beckham in real life? Check! (During the Burberry Prorsum show in previous year, in drenching rain!)

3. Coz I live and breath fashion maybe? I'm kidding, right? Look at one of my wardrobe (here and here). Or my shoes. Or my bag collection. Or all my shopping quest and conquest in previous years... then you'll be nodding in agreement. And oh, I'm not just wearing a Jimmy Choo, but I met him too. So, if I got to see new talents in AFX, who knows their pieces would make it into my wardrobe.

4. Coz I'm the epitome of style and so as this blog, probably? (Oooh...that statement is ultra vain, lol?). Coz I know how to mix high-end pieces with the highstreet fashion. That's what true essence of style is all about - be brilliant in putting things together. It doesn't matter what size of your wallet is - the most important is you look good in it! (in the clothes, not in the wallet, silly...). 

5. Mentioning style, isn't that I've rocked every style in each seasons of the year during the time I live in London? Spring, summer, autumn, winter... check!

Ok. Enough just five reasons. If people ask me.... 

The answer is plain and simple: It's about being who you are, knowing who you are and knowing what works and what doesn't on you. It's about looking good despite the labels - either highstreet or designers... as long as the price is right, the style is spot on and the look is devilicious!! And of course, fashion is not just about the look in general - it's an art, it's how you appreciate the design and construction of the clothes, the material it's used and the work that goes behind it.

And to further answer 'what is fashion?'; this quote from Michael Kors seems to sum it all:

So, why I should be there in AFX? Coz you need someone from a different perspective, not just from people from the fashion industry! =)

I'm wearing (from left to right)

Red 'What Is Fashion?' tee - Zara

Slim fit, indigo raw denim - Uniqlo

Leather fingerless glove - H&M

Watch - Calvin Klein

White 'What Is Fashion?' tee - Zara

Slim fit black cropped jeans - H&M

Ultra-thin stainless steel mesh watch - Skagen

Black 'What Is Fashion?' tee - Zara

'Fleck' skinny trousers - River Island
Studded leather fingerless glove - Zara

Watch - Nixon

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You Say Classic. I Say Classical... App.

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Ever since my first post that I've already bought a guitar, I've been talking about it on and on. The truth is, I'm still learning to play the instrument till today. And the other real truth is: it's DAMN hard! Harder than learning how to drive. Harder than learning Fluid Mechanics. Or even harder than designing a distillation column! (That's a word to my nephew btw, who's asking me whether he should design a distillation column or absorber for the Design Project - the Chemical Engineering stuff..lol).

And it's true. Playing guitar is so not easy. With all the chords, the frets, the strings to 'pluck'... it's mind-boggling. How you combine all the notes together that make a song - to me, that's like trying to climb Kilimanjaro. So complicated! I dunno how those people out there could make it look that easy ~ and with all the oh-so-endearing tunes that it makes.... I know there's lots of time and effort being spent on this stuff.

Anyway, for those who's a novice like me (or even less than novice!), you now have a choice on whether...

Ruch-front tee @ Asos.

Vest @ H&M

Raw denim @ Uniqlo

Wool fingerless glove @ Marc Jacobs

Studded leather cuff @ He by Mango

Neo-leather asymmetric biker jacket @ Uniqlo

iPad, in the YSL patent leather iPad case.

Brilliant isn't it? Now, for those who have an iPad, you can download the app that resembles a guitar. Codename: Classical Guitar app. And it works! With all the chords that you can scroll down to select, the strings seems to work flawlessly as if you're actually playing a real guitar! And yes, it sounds better of course as compared to how I played. Nggg...

What's more? There's also options to select whether you're right- or left-handed. Or whether you wanna do auto-pluck (so that you won't have to worry about 'recessing' the other strings in a chord). Or even to have a different frets without having to mess around with the actual 'clip'. Brilliant.

And the best part: the app is FREE!

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Uniqlo to Open @ Suria KLCC

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I normally like rumors, but this is even better than that coz I got to see it with my own eyes. This is a good news for all Uniqlo lovers in Malaysia coz the fast fashion house is gonna open its next store at the much-loved Suria KLCC! Isn't this amazing? Not only you can find it at Bukit Bintang @ Fahrenheit88, but now while you are awed by the amazing world's tallest twin tower... you can also shop at the beloved store under the tower as well.

It is located at the Concourse Level, right beside Topman - taking the former space of G2000. (I know that pretty well coz I shopped at that G2000 store so many times before!). So, while G2000 is out of sight (but you can still shop the collection in Isetan at Level 2), now everyone can adore the greatmess of Uniqlo slimfit jeans, the lightweight sweat parka, the +J collection and etc... etc... without having to take the monorail to Bukit Bintang. Or probably you could check out their new UV Cut collection - the clothes that is believed to protects your skin from the harmful UV rays. Does it mean we don't need to wear sunscreen anymore?

Anyway. Uniqlo from Tokyo to Kuala Lumpur City Centre: coming soon...

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Highstreet Vs. High End: Knitted Tie

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The last time I wore my knitted tie to the office, my colleague, R, asked whether what I'm wrapping around my neck is socks. "Kau pakai stoking ker?"  She asked. I think it's funny coz I can't blame her when she mentioned that since my tie does look like a pair of socks in a way. Probably because both share the same 'attributes' - they're both knitted!

My encounter with knitted ties is not too long ago - back in 2008 - when I dropped by at Uniqlo Oxford Street and found they got a great collection of knitted ties in various colors. There's horizontal stripes, plain and dotted pattern. And yes, they're all have 'blunt' square in the end. And one of them is this one. (click here to read previous post).

What I'm quite surprise is that Paul Smith also has a similar version of the 'dotted' pattern in the new SS11 collection. The look and all is almost similar, if not the same, with the one that I got from Uniqlo. While this Paul Smith cost a whopping £84, my highstreet knitted tie cost only £7! See the price difference? So, which one would you choose? Only you can decide. 

Btw, if you look closer, the dotted pattern resembles 'hearts'. Brilliant, don't you think?

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Get the Fashion Week Look: Simon Spurr FW11

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Don't wanna wait for another seven months to rock the Fall/Winter look? Well, do it now then!

These are the two looks that I can easily copy from Simon Spurr FW11 that's previously showcased in New York. Something that's already in my wardrobe. Don't have to buy a new one to look the same.

Isn't that menswear much more seasonless these days?

On me:

Light grey suit - River Island.

Wool fingerless glove - H&M.

Grey extra fine merino wool sweater - Uniqlo.

On me:

Black slim fit suit - River Island

White V neck long-sleeve tee - +J @ Uniqlo

Black wool snood - H&M

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