The Ready-made Beige Maxi Dress That Fit Me Like A Glove
During the recent month of Ramadhan, I went on a solo quest to find a nude/beige/cream dress to wear to the upcoming nude/beige/cream-themed wedding of my cousin in Pekanbaru (the solemnization had a mint green theme) when I saw this beige maxi dress hanging all alone on a rack at a bazaar.
PS: You'll see LOADS of little indoor bazaars inside malls here during the fasting month, selling everything from clothes to cookies to cushion covers as Muslims prepare to celebrate Eid. So fun, I miss it all!
Even though the dress was discounted it was still a little above my budget, but there was just something about the dress that made me linger around — so of course the person manning the booth sniffed out my hesitation to walk away (recognising the golden opportunity to make a sale, no doubt) and convinced me to try on the dress.
The dress looked super basic and very plain-looking on the rack but once it was on me, it was like love at first wear. I was actually sceptical about pulling the dress over my head, let alone onto my body, because it was a size XS (I'm never an XS here in Malaysia! Also, very rarely an S!) but it simply flowed over my shoulders and hips, resting comfortably on my shoulders — shockingly, with the right length as well. It truly fit me like a glove. (If a glove could have a flowy flouncy skirt, that is.)
To further explain my predicament: most ready-made / locally-made dresses with a more fitted shape always have proportions that look all wrong on me (as opposed to the many shapeless caftans I buy off the rack, which is always one-size-fits-all).
I'm only about 5'4-5'5 but I'm considered slightly above average height for females here in Malaysia. Not including lanky supermodels, Asians are generally shorter (something I can vouch for having visited Asian cities and European cities) so most of the locally-sized clothes that fit beautifully around me will always be too short, as they're designed for a person of (local) average height. More often than not, I would need to go one or two sizes up to get the length desired, and send it off for alteration, snipping away excess fabric wherever needed around the top area.
PS: You'll see LOADS of little indoor bazaars inside malls here during the fasting month, selling everything from clothes to cookies to cushion covers as Muslims prepare to celebrate Eid. So fun, I miss it all!
Even though the dress was discounted it was still a little above my budget, but there was just something about the dress that made me linger around — so of course the person manning the booth sniffed out my hesitation to walk away (recognising the golden opportunity to make a sale, no doubt) and convinced me to try on the dress.
The dress looked super basic and very plain-looking on the rack but once it was on me, it was like love at first wear. I was actually sceptical about pulling the dress over my head, let alone onto my body, because it was a size XS (I'm never an XS here in Malaysia! Also, very rarely an S!) but it simply flowed over my shoulders and hips, resting comfortably on my shoulders — shockingly, with the right length as well. It truly fit me like a glove. (If a glove could have a flowy flouncy skirt, that is.)
To further explain my predicament: most ready-made / locally-made dresses with a more fitted shape always have proportions that look all wrong on me (as opposed to the many shapeless caftans I buy off the rack, which is always one-size-fits-all).
I'm only about 5'4-5'5 but I'm considered slightly above average height for females here in Malaysia. Not including lanky supermodels, Asians are generally shorter (something I can vouch for having visited Asian cities and European cities) so most of the locally-sized clothes that fit beautifully around me will always be too short, as they're designed for a person of (local) average height. More often than not, I would need to go one or two sizes up to get the length desired, and send it off for alteration, snipping away excess fabric wherever needed around the top area.
But not this beige dress, guys — no alterations needed. (And an XS too! XS!!!) Now if you'll excuse me I'll be on my way to see a tailor to get this dress replicated for future uses...
Wearing: Dress from Ramadhan bazaar in Subang Parade | Zara mules (on repeat at the mo!) | Michael Kors studded clutch
When The Main Attraction Of The Outfit Is Not The Star
Don't get me wrong: I do really like this tied oversized striped white denim jacket (phew that's a mouthful). Big fan of stripes and of denim jackets here — especially oversized ones and especially tied oversized denim jackets.
My guess is this particular tied oversized striped white denim jacket (copy pasted from above) is probably the first thing people would notice when they see this outfit on me. On the account that it's, well, intentionally oversized — like I'm swimming in it — making it hard to miss.
But the thing is, the star of this outfit for me wouldn't be the jacket, no. There are actually three stars according to my (personal style) book, and they are:
1) That adorable lilac beaded bag
Beaded bags were made famous by the brand Shrimps, which I thought were cute and all, sure, but I wasn't comfortable shelling out that much on a bag — especially on a bag that I would have to buy online. Seeing knockoff after knockoff didn't sway me at all either.That is, until I laid my eyes on this sweet lil but sturdy one.
2) Those off white mules
I clearly have an obsession with mules (ask my mom and little sister, who constantly made fun of my "slipper shoes"), but these are on another level. The block heels! The high V-cut! The off white shade! All the exclamation marks!
3) These light wash jeans
As a hijabi who no longer gives skinny jeans another glance, I am constantly on the lookout for wider-cut jeans with a flattering fit. I could feel my heart singing when I tried these light wash jeans in the fitting room (considering how much yo gurl also loves some good frayed action in jeans!).
• • • • • • •
My star(s) might not be your choice of star, of course, so which do you pick as the star of today's outfit?
Wearing: Monki tied oversized striped white denim jacket | Zara frayed straight jeans | BFF The Label mules (from Tangs Empire) | Skinnydip Penelope Lilac beaded bag (from Topshop)
Sorbet Ombre Caftan with The Sweetest Pearl Sewn Scarf
OK, let's talk about this sorbet ombre caftan. Guys, I LOVE THIS CAFTAN. I bought it in 2014 when I paired it with a printed scarf for Eid, and has been wearing it many times since. I then matched the caftan with a soft pink hijab for a wedding in 2016 (in which I matched this caftan with the EXACT same bag, yes).
Wore it again and again outside the blog, until I reached a point where I felt like I've got to stop wearing the caftan to each wedding and whatever fancy event I get invited to, or run the risk of people thinking I don't own any other nice outfit!
A green-themed solemnization party last month seemed like the perfect time to fish it out of the depth of my closet but I was dismayed to see the stretchy material starting to wear off; there were a few spots of faint discolouration, and I could see certain parts of the caftan losing its stretchability and forming odd tiny bumps. They're hard to see unless I physically point them out to you in real-life, but I'm still so bummed about the fact that I won't be able to keep this caftan around for my use forever.
But in the meantime, before it just completely decays, I'm just going to enjoy having it around!
A little background on this outfit's story: My family and I — plus a whole bunch of our extended paternal family — went to the city of Pekanbaru in Indonesia last month over a long weekend for our cousin's wedding. It was the furthest we've ever travelled for a wedding, but anything for the love of our extended family!
It's normal for the families of each the bride and groom to have a "colour theme" for their outfits during a wedding event. For the solemnization, mint green was decided for our family's side — the groom's — and this sorbets-hued ombre caftan was the closest thing in my closet I could wear to fit into the theme.
Adding a green scarf definitely helped make me look more "on-theme" overall, and that's where this faux pearl-sewn scarf came in. It actually belonged to one of my cousins that I pinched years ago (lucky me because dang I'd never buy a scarf that expensive!) but never worn. After having it on in Indonesia, I am officially in love with how delicate and sweet the scarf is.
It'd be interesting to see how I wear the scarf with usual casual ragged outfits, wont' it?
Wearing: A very old caftan from Subang Parade | Zara white leather mules | Issey Miyake Bao Bao tote
FOLLOW ME
The 'Pyjama' Top My Mother-In-law Surprisingly Liked (& Wanted For Herself)
My mother-in-law and I have very different tastes when it comes to fashion. Most of the times, my sense of style borders on casual ragged, when she would like me to dress more sweet and feminine. Her choice of shades are exclusively deep, bold jewel tones (which I adore, yes), while soft pastel colours do not impress her; I remember showing a soft bluish grey abaya dress that I was going to wear for a wedding before she politely asked, "Do you......have anything else to wear?"
Also: she prefers lots and LOTS of bling.
The one thing that truly sets us apart? She doesn't like the colour black (gasp!) while I cannot live without the most versatile colour in the world.
Another important thing to know about my MIL: she dresses to impress, and impress she does a lot.
As different as our tastes are, there are times when our preferences merged. Like this white caftan she bought for me that she thought I'd loved, which I truly treasure. She also approves some of my beloved matching sets.
And, surprisingly, she is really into this oversized printed pyjama-inspired top I just threw on top of jeans and sneakers — so much that she asked me to buy it for her if I ever see a copy.
And, surprisingly, she is really into this oversized printed pyjama-inspired top I just threw on top of jeans and sneakers — so much that she asked me to buy it for her if I ever see a copy.
Let's do a recap of why I thought she wouldn't be a fan of this pyjama top:
1) It literally looks like a pyjama top. Casual ragged at its best, pretty much, no?
2) It is VERY BLACK.
Just goes to show that when you thought you knew a person, well, maybe you don't after all.
Or maybe our tastes are just rubbing off on each other, after almost 10 years being in each other's lives!
1) It literally looks like a pyjama top. Casual ragged at its best, pretty much, no?
2) It is VERY BLACK.
Just goes to show that when you thought you knew a person, well, maybe you don't after all.
Or maybe our tastes are just rubbing off on each other, after almost 10 years being in each other's lives!
Wearing: Warehouse pyjama inspired top | Mango two-toned jeans | Issey Miyake BaoBao tote | Adidas Relace Low sneakers
FOLLOW ME
Why I Blog About My Outfits | The Golden Dress
The day I was wearing this dress and was getting ready to go outside to shoot it, I was asked, "Haven't you already shot this dress before?"
Yes I have, once, but...what's wrong with me wanting to shoot it again?
This printed maxi dress is one of my favourite things in my closet, ever. I've worn this dress many times without shooting it, of course, but this day felt like the right day to get it in front of the camera again. I loved my choice of golden scarf and basket bag to go with the dress, plus I had my favourite mules on.
Then again, I also loved the baby blue sneakers and chain bag I paired the dress with the first time I posted it on this blog, which resulted in sportier and "edgier" (and less ladylike) vibes.
And that brings me to one of the reasons why I blog about my outfits here: to show my readers that you do not need different clothing pieces to come out with an entirely new outfit. To make use of what you already have in your closet. To challenge yourself to re-wear the things you presently own in a fresh way every single time. To have fun mixing and matching with your wardrobe.
Yes I have, once, but...what's wrong with me wanting to shoot it again?
This printed maxi dress is one of my favourite things in my closet, ever. I've worn this dress many times without shooting it, of course, but this day felt like the right day to get it in front of the camera again. I loved my choice of golden scarf and basket bag to go with the dress, plus I had my favourite mules on.
Then again, I also loved the baby blue sneakers and chain bag I paired the dress with the first time I posted it on this blog, which resulted in sportier and "edgier" (and less ladylike) vibes.
And that brings me to one of the reasons why I blog about my outfits here: to show my readers that you do not need different clothing pieces to come out with an entirely new outfit. To make use of what you already have in your closet. To challenge yourself to re-wear the things you presently own in a fresh way every single time. To have fun mixing and matching with your wardrobe.
Once you start to get the hang of it, that's when it gets easier to practice mindfulness on your shopping trips. Buy pieces that you know you can wear many, many times, that you know in your heart you will love and care for, for as long as possible. In with long lasting pieces, out with wear-it-for-just-one-Instagram-post.
Wearing: H&M x Morris & Co maxi dress | Mules from Haji Lane, Singapore (worn previously here and here) | Basket bag from a bazaar in KL (worn with blazer here)
FOLLOW ME
Wanderlusting & An Important Travel Tip
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| An old-time facade in Venice, Italy |
Remember the time when I refused to get my photos taken, in PARIS AND ROME AND ALL THOSE WONDERFUL EUROPEAN CITIES, of all places?
Remember when I lived in New Zealand for four and a half years and never once went on a scenic trip voluntarily?
You may not remember but I absolutely do. I try to make up for moments lost ever since.
The travel bug is very, very real; once you caught it, you can never get rid of it — no antidote, guys. And I definitely have it.
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| Strolling through Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden, Tokyo |
I haven't had the chance to go on a special vacation for a while now, not overseas and not even local (hence, the wanderlust) so this is why I'm so glad for capturing the many beautiful snaps during previous trips; reminiscing about the places I have visited does help with that ache I feel whenever I miss travelling!
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| By the beach in Arenzano, Italy |
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| Motiongate Park in Dubai |
I do remember most of the cities I've been to but sometimes, what little details my brain could recall cannot possibly match the actual places themselves, so I turn to my travel snaps to act as the most reliable sources. Safe to say I am a big proponent of taking as many pictures as you can while you're on vacations. There is nothing wrong and everything right about being shamelessly touristy while you're being — that's right — A TOURIST.
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| The rainbow-coloured houses on the island of Burano, Italy |
Use a techy camera, use your phone camera — it doesn't matter. What matters more is storing that moment away in your digital collection, forever. I personally appreciate scrolling through my own Instagram pics for reminiscing purposes so I give myself extra points if I could make a photo Instagram-worthy. (And so should you!)
It's tricky to find the balance between "being in the moment" and forever capturing the said moment with a camera, I know, but it's a skill worth sharpening!
The photos in this post allow me to look back on some of the incredible backdrops to my outfit shoots Shah and I had the privilege of snapping. Honestly, my next vacation can't come soon enough!
The photos in this post allow me to look back on some of the incredible backdrops to my outfit shoots Shah and I had the privilege of snapping. Honestly, my next vacation can't come soon enough!
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| Among the Great Wall of China crowd |
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| Visiting Taman Mini Indonesia Indah in Jakarta |
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| Checking out the frozen waterfall at Nami Island, South Korea |
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| Exploring Milan's quaint streets |
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| Breathing in the fresh air at Kundasang, Sabah, Malaysia (as fresh as a cattle farm could smell like, that is!) |
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| Shanghai Disneyland's unique castle front |
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| Venice's gorgeous canals and adjacent little buildings |
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| An eccentric square in Nice, France |
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| China's own "Venice", Zhouzhuang Water Village near Shanghai |
I have SO MANY dream destinations on my bucket list; I'm not a beach person but even so, Maldives and Fiji are on that list! I'm not opposed to going back to some of the cities I've visited either, like Bruges and Barcelona.
Which cities are your dream destinations?
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