Cascades.

I believe that there is no one moment where anyone clearly understands the other persons' thoughts. There is no way anyone can fathom folds upon folds of complex neuron messages. If science permits us to take a snapshot of a single moment, we could probably unwind the intricate web of thoughts and piece the puzzle together, no? Thoughts are transient, forever morphing. It's like play-doh, with various factors like sticky hands and plastic moulds casting changes on the matter's appearance.

Understanding is an art form. That, I hold firm belief. Oh the complexity.

On an unrelated section of things, Xin Wen, Sabrina, Cheryl (fresh home from the land of sheeps and more sheeps) and I had a quick lunch cum catch up session at MidValley a few weeks ago. Desperate for a break, why not.

Now here are a couple of pictures on my simple outfit, served up extra-large.

3/4 sleeved crop top from H&M, asymmetrical skirt from Miss Selfridge, shoes that you are probably sick of but I am not of from Nose and cross-body bag from Coach. Picture credits go to the ever-lovely Xin Wen.

...... And my mani-pedi for the past 2 weeks. First time trying out plaid nails. 美吗? 

In a while crocodile(s)!

(Cobalt) Blue Mondays.

Hey all! Quick update after a busy busy week. College application is a hot mess and activities are a mouthful. Now just basking in the aftermath of the rush, watching Friends.

So Monday huh. Most of my Mondays are fine, really. Blues are just something waiting to happen for me. Perhaps when I hit the working world in another 0.5 decade (or longer) will I take to social media to express my hatred of the said day. Perhaps only then will I understand what the blues is all about. 

And another busy week ahead. 
And see I cannot make sense into what I am typing now. Let me just replay Beyonce's latest album (legit full length vids plus songs!) and jiveee. BUH BYE.

Blue cami spag top from Summerlace, B&W striped skinnies, the Charles & Keith bag I always carry and strappy heeled sandals from Nose.

See you guys in a few.

Out we go.

Put 4 girls together, pretty much sworn to BFF-dom, for 2 days and 1 night, what do you get? Minimal sleep, constant camera action and chats that go on forever. It is no doubt that good friendship is one of the best things in life. You can go full on goof mode and still remain "normal" to your friends. You can talk about the weirdest shit like unruly body hair *ahem* and hold conversation for hours. I could go on rambling but I know you know what I think I know.

On an annual basis (save for the last year), we will take a day trip down to the Bukit Bintang area for shopping. The mall haven holds Sungei Wang, Pavilion, Lot 10, Fahrenheit 88 and access to many more, so why the hell not. However, this year we decided to go against tradition as we found ourselves with no true aims. So, what better than a movie, a karaoke session and window shopping?

Ok. Picture time.

We spent the first 15 minutes being lost in the game.

Day 2:

Sorry if Sabrina is more apparent here.... I stole it from her blog.

And now the outfit deets.

Speckled skater dress from Miss Selfridge, floral chiffon bomber jacket from Fabspy (scored during their sale), satchel from Coach (sale as well) and sandals from Aldo.

Striped crop top from my lovely friends, floral chiffon skirt from a boutique.

Did you catch a proper glimpse of my ombre purple (but instead red) hair? If no, help yourself to a second read.

Picture credits to Sabrina, Xin Wen and Carmen.

The book or the movie?

When a film adaptation (from books) comes out, do you read the book first or watch the movie first? Or just watch it and give a damn about reading? I usually prefer reading beforehand. However I found myself wondering which option will give maximum utility to the beholder after attending the premier of Catching Fire (thanks Sabrina and Xin Wen!) last Wednesday. Post movie marathon, I was aware of my heightened sense of satisfaction, hence I wandered into this question. Of course, I read Catching Fire, from a free online version here.

Thanks to encountering Harry Potter late in life, I have set myself to read books pre-movie. It was a requirement that I unconsciously upheld. My reasons were: a) I do not want my creativity of visualization to be restricted by the fixed play out of the story in the movie b) I feel the need to understand the standpoint of the writer which may be compromised by poor execution of directors/ editing so the movie would "sell" c) To know the development of the original story. Yes, I do enjoy shouting out the results of characters' actions throughout the movie (mainly in my head to avoid malicious repercussions).... BUT since utility is the one in the limelight, shouldn't everything else be dropped?

My opinion: Experiment. Keeping in mind that every movie is subjected to many factors involved, try living both lives and see which one turns out better. There is such a thing as majority. Who knows, you could have the best of both worlds *inserts kitten floating in space with Miley cao-gan face*.

Below is not the outfit I wore to the premier, but what I wore on Sunday.

Sorry for the lack of pictures. The rest are below the already miserable par. 

Gypsy floral chiffon blouse from Miss Selfridge, staple black skinnies from Topshop, ethnic loafers bought from Kenanga Mall.

Trial and error.

On the surface, the camera is a simple gadget. All you have to do is aim, point and shoot. That is what I thought before possessing a DSLR (I do not own one) a few years back spiked your cool factor. Then, I came to know the plethora of models and how varied the functions are. Not a very technologically inclined person, I tried venturing into photography after being inspired by tumblr (yeah, I know) but only got as far as knowing what ISO is. Do not laugh at the ephemeron.

Although armed with a guidebook (never seriously reading, just skimming), I was still fumbling with the array of modes during my attempt on an outfit shoot. Amidst all the clumsiness, I managed to obtain a few passable shots. Thank goodness for photo editing softwares. The B&W effect saved the photos in which I looked like an oompa-loompa. Yay. Now, let's pretend photography is not confounding. 

Chiffon bomber jacket from Fabspy, tank top from H&M, skater skirt (so over-worn, cost per wear is reduced to cents) from Topshop, shoes from Nose and satchel from Charles & Keith. 

And yes, my face is shiny. Will powder the next time. Until then!

Random schmandom.

Allo! The weekends are here and are you psyched? Because I AM.
I have French lessons, band practice, rehearsals and yoga to look forward to... I mean TEDxYouth KL Is pretty replaceable right?

Failed sarcasm aside, I have rekindled my connection with music! Connection is when you start feeling groovy and unconsciously swing your torso extensions to the rhythm. Connection is when your cheeks and ears feel hot, and something fluid moves around in your body. Connection is when magic happens. I miss the skin prickling effect music gives you as you proclaim "yessssssssssssssssssssss..... this is my jam" behind closed teeth and proceed to jive. Yes, precisely? No? Okay.

Whether you are curious or not, I'll just give you the songs that make up majority of my YouTube history.

Marina and the Diamonds - How To Be A Heartbreaker
Lykke Li - I Follow Rivers
The Naked and Famous - All Of This
NONONO - Down Under
The Blow - True Affection
Lorde - Bravado
Lorde - The Love Club (I have her album on serious replay)
Lana Del Rey - Ride
Two Door Cinema Club - What You Know
The Neighbourhood - Sweater Weather

Do click on a few. The songs are entertaining.

Before I sign off, the picks:

1. Houndstooth sweater with zipper shoulders from EmmyCubic, RM 42.
2. Printed shift dress from Bellecroft, RM 70.
3. Silver shorts from Temptations, RM 28.
4. Oxfords from Temptations, RM 86.
5. Satin slip from Topshop, RM 209.

Until next time!

Background is the Ancient Region of Anatolia in Cappadocia, Turkey. Credits: here.

Tiresome Tuesdays.

Lately I have been obsessed with slinky cami everythings. You cannot get enough of the strappy tops and swing-y midi dresses. Let's be real, your pyjamas do not even look that fabulous. My urge arises from instagram ootds from genuine, nonchalant style advocates: Rumi Neely, Olivia Lopez, Shea Marie, Alexandra Spencer and company. Boy oh boy, let the hunt begin.

So, my week was made better in company of the items splayed out on my sheet:

1) My rad ethnic scarf I bagged from Indonesia.

2) Reading material - September issue of Cosmic magazine, October's National Geographic magazine and The Hobbit (which I read in order to catch the movie premier on tv).

3) OPI's Alcatraz....Rocks from the San Francisco collection. This baby is my first textured polish in my collection. You will get mesmerized by the sparkle it gives off under the light.

4) Olive Body Butter from The Body Shop.

5) Green tea kit kat. Needless to say, I gobbled it up after I finished taking this shot.

6) Cozy over-worn jumper from Dorothy Perkins. 

Oh before I wrap up...

.....my family and I came close to owning a bulldog today. So in lieu of the real thing, here is a digitalised one in all its glamour. Check out the rest of the collection "Shake" by Carli Davidson here.

Over and out.

Chunky Sweats

It's sweater weather people! Aaaand in Malaysia that translates to mobile sauna (at least you lose calories sweating). Still, it is only in our climate that we get to wear the thickest of sweats with shortest of shorts. You will put the C in Cool. Plus, it's monsoon season! The chilly weather (relatively speaking) gives us another reason to reach for the nearest knit.

Sometimes I wish we had 4 seasons, like those perfectly depicted in the visual media. Do you not wish to wake up to a lawn/roadside full of crimson leaves and listen to the crunch when you tread on them? Do you not wish to wake up to a fresh blanket of powder and catch snowflakes on your tongue not caring if you look like a total idiot? Yea, me neither. That's why I opt for holidays. Kidding. I need to try my hand on layering! Think about how chic you will look in the Isabel Marant pour H&M coat or this one from Carven. I can only dream and drool.

So for all of you, I have rounded up some knits in our local circle of blogshops. Sure, you can get the Topshop/Zara/H&M/Mango/MissSelfridge kind, but we do not want to langgar baju so often right?

1. Rainbow fuzzy knit? Check. OBambi.

2. Yea, this version has been floating around tumblr and lookbook a while back. We still have to give in once in a while. Cool-ness, check. Fashion Sanity.

3. Something to make you look like the fun sort. Check. The Arrogant Minnie.

4. No, you can keep those scissors away. Cut shoulder knit? Check. Chic Valley.

So, WTF should you do with your life? Get a sweater now of course.

Background from the time I went to Bastei.

Slouch on.

Behold, my outfit for dinner out on a Sunday! This is one of the outfits I have been wanting to try out with the lace shorts I got... the one I have been giving too much love on this space. 

Apart from being infatuated with these shorts, I have begun to read up photography 101s. This ticks a box on my 2013 must-dos. Can I have a pat on my back now?

Oh, I finally sat for the SAT on Sat! (see what I did there?) And how it went, you ask? Well, I'm glad I booked another session in December. The SAT 1 paper is not really as tough, you just have to prepare, prepare and prepare. Initially I was intimidated by it - 25 minute essay, vast vocabulary and the duration of the paper (3 hours and 45 mintues!). But after completing a few practice tests, fear subsided and I found my momentum. Still, I was not prepared. You can never be fully prepared for any test. 

So would you like the deets now? 

Oversized slouchy top from Bershka, which I nearly put on sale but then decided (thankfully) that my mom should hold on to it. Shorts from Fabspy. Tote I scored during a recent holiday in Simpadan island (Indonesia). 

Now back to the last 3 minutes of Piala Malaysia.

Flower Power

Happy Halloween! (not like we celebrate it here...) Also, in other words, it's 31st of October ALREADY.

My teacher once told us he had a theory that time is relative to age, where time = 1/age. Now, that would explain a lot things if it were true.

Anyways, during my breaks between writing application essays, preparing for SAT and painting my nails, I have discovered some pretty cool stuff (to me) on the internet. I will not say any further and obstruct the justice of fascination. So if you are as "katak di bawah tempurung" as I am or very easily entertained, please enjoy yourself!

Cool thing #1: Go to Google and type in "askew". 

Cool thing #2: Play a video on YouTube. Hit pause and type "1980". 

Cool thing #3: Adventure Time.

Cool (albeit weird) thing #4: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wBqM2ytqHY4

I mean...... it's tacit. You are welcome!

Okay. The selection.

1: Denim top with silk overlay from Milktee, RM 89.

2: Plaid (WITH FLORAL PRINTS) sheer top from Mango, RM 159.

3: Kimono cardigan from OBambi, RM 59.

4: Straight dress from ClothesforChics, RM 72.

Background is actually a painting of icebergs by Zaria Forman, inspired from her sailing expedition to Greenland. You can check out some of her paintings here. Moody background to match the moody weather, eh?

Toodles!

Crisp sheets.

So what do you do on a Saturday night? Coming home from band practice (symphony band, do not get too excited. I will not be releasing albums anytime soon although there is the secret desire....), I will have an internal debate on washing my hair or letting it survive sans shampooing for another day. Tired from the day's matters, I usually go for the latter. What's your excuse? Supper proceeds quick bath and tonight I chose Korean instant noodles. Nothing says chemicals-will-kill-me-faster-than-I-slurp than that. Seriously, how do you freeze dry cabbage that tastes sweet and crunchy? Then it's TV/lappie all the way. I swear my eye bags look the same even if I get 8 hours of sleep.

The fruit of my virgin attempt at aerial photography is displayed above (haha). Well, it is something. That something is my survival kit of the week. 

Scarf from the time my dad went to Shenzhen and did a bit of shopping (shocking) - to wipe my tears (of happiness, ahem) over Orlando Bloom and Miranda Kerr's break up. I needed that because it is only in Malaysia where people switch on air conditioners at mad (low) temperatures to beat the heat and then complain on how cold it is.

Books because duh books. 

Lip balm from my go-to. This week,I had the joy of tearing off dead pieces of skin and subsequently cringe from the sting later on.

Max Factor Nailfinity nail polish in Boji. Scored this mini from the first Lilac Box. Sheer but oh that baby glides. Brings the fall out. Haha, fall-out. Haha....

Lace shorts from Fabspy that I am obsessed with. I am coming up with infinite outfits with this one. One of the purchases I made during the recent Market's @ Jaya One.

.....And it's a wrap. Time for FCB vs RMA under daddy's request.

Simple?

Hello chicas. I spent most of my week writing, watching cat videos incessantly and doing SAT practice tests. Critical reading will be the death of me I swear. But it's good to have a synapse workout sometimes, keeps the grey matter between your ears youthful. Yes, youthful. Brain fun, anyone? *snort*

The Sunday before the recent Sunday, my family went out.... (we rarely do nowadays with busy schedules and my brother having to study for IGCSEs.... the rest of us wants to  stay guilt-free) ....to get our passport photos taken. As a person who jumps at any reason to dress in anything other than shorts and fading tees, I threw on my under-utilized blazer. Yes fellow mall strollers, I never do mind your stares. If the street-snappeds are wearing them, it's cool right? Right?

Blazer from Promod, shorts from Milktee, mum's tee worn as loose tee, sandals from Aldo, sling from Charles and Keith.

Now back to cracking the SATs. *circle whip motion over head*

Markets @ Jaya One

Bonsoir! I have just finished yet another round of hectic applications for UK due to overlooking certain important aspects of it. The experience is different to everyone but for me it is just..... *throw hands up in air*. 

Getting on with my real life, Saturdays are not days to just sit around doinng nothing. For those who need not work, the day is more than sleeping in and having brunch. Saturdays are meant for new experiences and with that I mean exploring a bazaar of plural elements with friends for the first time (with that I mean sans parental supervision for the first time yes yes yes). So on the 5th of October, the Terrific Trio (name coined by Sabrina the bold and brilliant) made their way to the 11th installation of Markets @ Jaya One. Markets was hot, humid and interesting.

So lo and behold.... it is picture time!

My outfit of the day: Washed denim top borrowed from my brother, dip dyed denim shorts from Kitschen, Charles & Keith sling bag, strappy sandals from Nose.

Nails for two weeks.

And part of my meager haul.... Mind you, half of what I bought was for my brother so I was limited on spending.

All in all, the day was well spent with the company of my lovely gals. Could have been better if we had full attendance. But hey. Toodles, I need to concentrate on being sick in order to recover.

Picture credits: Sabrina, Carmen and Bam

If.

IF you can keep your head when all about you
Are losing theirs and blaming it on you,
If you can trust yourself when all men doubt you,
But make allowance for their doubting too;
If you can wait and not be tired by waiting,
Or being lied about, don't deal in lies,
Or being hated, don't give way to hating,
And yet don't look too good, nor talk too wise:

If you can dream - and not make dreams your master;
If you can think - and not make thoughts your aim;
If you can meet with Triumph and Disaster
And treat those two impostors just the same;
If you can bear to hear the truth you've spoken
Twisted by knaves to make a trap for fools,
Or watch the things you gave your life to, broken,
And stoop and build 'em up with worn-out tools:

If you can make one heap of all your winnings
And risk it on one turn of pitch-and-toss,
And lose, and start again at your beginnings
And never breathe a word about your loss;
If you can force your heart and nerve and sinew
To serve your turn long after they are gone,
And so hold on when there is nothing in you
Except the Will which says to them: 'Hold on!'

If you can talk with crowds and keep your virtue,
Or walk with Kings - nor lose the common touch,
If neither foes nor loving friends can hurt you,
If all men count with you, but none too much;
If you can fill the unforgiving minute
With sixty seconds' worth of distance run,
Yours is the Earth and everything that's in it,
And - which is more - you'll be a Man, my son!

- Rudyard Kipling

Sorry for doing a David Copperfield on you, it was not my intention. 
I just went through a storm of university applications, Buddhist association activities and soul-searching. Now I am basking in the aftermath - glistening puddles, clean pavements, clear skies, moist blanket of vapour in the air. Everything appears to be vivid with life and colour, heightening your awareness of your surroundings. It is like you found out about HD tv all over again. With the hope and serenity in the air, you cannot help but feel rejuvenated as well.

The poem, not having apparent relations, actually serves as the reminder. To me it is a yellow post-it on the board keeping me grounded at all terms and all times. Stay on whatever path you choose and let your heart (and mind) lead the way.

Enough of the zen-y, (post?) new age stuff because knock knock, reality is back!

Have a lovely week though!

Fashion Picks #2

To live a busy life is to live one of value.

How did your week go? I spent most of my time in front of the laptop, staring at blank microsoft word documents. Because, writing can be a bitch. Oh, do not let me get started on stiff shoulders.

So here, post dinner, complacent (and watching criminal minds shhh..).... I bring you the weekly picks while I catch a breather!

1: Floral lazies I could throw on any time any day, from Milktee. 
2: Sexy cutouts, still in? This is top from Covetz.
3: Summer is never over in Malaysia. Sunflower print crop top (Take the cue from Delpozo) from TheLabelled.
4: And.... Floral drop-peplum skirt hello??? Get one from 6thSense maybe?

Okay ciao. I need to concentrate on the show now. Do not worry, you are always my primary.

Weekend Outfit: Navy Baby

Hello!

I hope your weekends were as lovely as mine were. For me, weekends are much more packed than weekdays. Daily rituals during the power 5 days involve me being a computer potato watching tv series online (while eating). I mean, don't we all?

Anyways, my family and I took part in a run on Sunday, organised by SGM. All I can say is that things went smoothly, weather was as pleasant as this dress and I ended up wanting to throw up. What do you expect if you run 8km once in two years. But I'll never find this sense of accomplishment anywhere else.

So, here is what I wore. Mind you, pictures are shitty. My brother and I are working on it, I promise.




using gifmaker
B&W crop top is gifted from my lovely friends.  Midi skirt from Topshop.  Ethnic loafers from Kenanga Wholesale Mall. Sling bag form Charles and Keith.
Okay, happy Tuesday!

Fashion Picks #1

Do you get confused at this time of the week? Monday came and went already, so you shouldn't have the blues, yet Friday is...... Friday is still 1.5 days away. Socially speaking, our emotions are hanging in between. Well, at least to me it is. 

Anywho, I do a lot of blogshop browsing. This unhealthy habit started out as a mean to curb the urge to want every new "it" thing. I figured it will stop after seeing these fashion-must-haves become overrated. Well, it didn't really help. The amount spent on online shopping is still on an exponential rise. I can't hear my purse's cries anymore. They have been reduced to a pathetic, almost silent whimper.

I kid. Being a recent A Level graduate, I can only carry on fantasizing. 

Now, the roundup.

1. Beaded flower top from Sevendays, MYR 119.00

2.  3D flower leather shoes from Arrogant Minnie, MYR 99.00

3. Knitted crop top from OBambi, MYR 59.00 (currently sold out, but are taking restocks!)

4. Denim crop top from EyeCandie (yay they are finally back), MYR 48.00

Pineapples because I am in a tropical mood. Flowers simply because.

Which one is your favourite?

*Picture credits to all the links above and pineapple background from BAM*