Black Friday

I love doing cliché sometimes. If some Mondays I tend to wear blue shirts to play along with the 'Monday Blues' mood, yesterday I do it again when Black Friday returned into another round in the calender. I know that I'm not celebrating Thanksgiving due to religious matter, but going all-black H2T on the Black Friday seem to be fun nonetheless. It's not a new thing that I wear black on Fridays, coz it's the best day of the week to wear a color that doesn't being classified as 'real color' in the printing industry. And oh, I hope you know what is Black Friday means. If not, there's always Google.... ngggg!

So, I decided to go black all-around. From the shirt and trousers, the accessories, underwear and outerwear.... they're all black. For the accessories, it's all about 'reuse' what I have in my wardrobe again - my zipper boots by Jimmy Choo, the iPad case by YSL and the tote bag by SEED. The best thing, they're all in luscious, oh-so-intoxicating-smell leathers! What more could I ask for?

For the ensemble, other than my slimfit blazer from Asos - the rest is all Uniqlo. My +J wool slimfit trousers, the studded-cuff slimfit shirt and the crochet knitted tie with some V-dotted element. All highstreet at it's best. And of course, paired with the Lanvin tiebar, which is apparently not black. Errkkss... (you can see the close-up of the tie here). (You can't see my innerwear btw, just so to let you know. But I'm wearing my black Calvins, if you still wondering.Ahaks!)

I think I do made the fashion statement, huh? Somehow it made me think I look like a cool, dark, evil warlock! And nope, I'm not supporting the NZ's All Black either, who won the recent World Rugby, if you're asking...

Even my coffee is black!

Wordless Wednesday: Beautiful Earth

Read about the bag ...[click]

Pieces That Change My Taste on Fashion Forever

Making that first step in changing your style direction is probably the hardest. I still remember how I used to be - in baggy jeans, baggy clothes, stupid pilgrim shoes... not worrying what people think about me when I walk on the street. Or, the correct statement is - I don't wanna let people think about me; coz that's what comfort 'safe fashion' zone is all about. You wanna blend in and disappear into the background, rather than standing out. But the thing is, I started to come to the term that how big the opportunity in life I will miss if I really stay in my old style today. Too big that I can't even bear and don't wanna think! Whether it's in the work-related matter, or relationship stuff or... even anything!

Reminiscing on my fashion journey, there are a couple of things that's somehow completely flip 180 degrees on how I perceived men's fashion and choose to dress and accessorize myself. Tell you, it is that first step I took in trying on those items I saw on the shelf that I think is quite 'forbidden' or 'out of your reach' to my previous personal standard. Something that I always give me that 'nanti apa orang akan kata..." or 'if I wear this, what would people think...what would people say..." - which has somehow proven to be a great hindrance in moving up on the style ladder! Yet, I really have to thank on my own guts to be able to take that first step.. purchase that first item which has put me somewhere on the style map.

Wreck open my wardrobe, there are a couple of the first items which has somehow transform my taste on fashion forever. Whenever I look at it, I can't believe how it has helped me in a very BIG way... 

1. The Chelsea boots by Zara

This is the first ever boots I bought. I saw it prior during the winter sale in its normal price tag, but quite put off due to its cost (I was quite poor that time..student, biasa la!). But, come the winter sale in FallWinter 2008 it was at Zara Covent Garden I saw it again among the discounted shoes on the shelf with the perfect size of mine. I said to myself I just wanna try it coz who knows it might look good one me? 

And so I did. Suddenly there's a biggest light-bulb moment happening in my life! My goodness... it's perfect! It was amazing. I can't believe how my jeans is anchored downward so greatly by wearing the boots. Now I understand why many people love wearing boots coz they're the best footwear to be slipped into!

And then things not stopping there. It was then my boots fetish went on and on... and its resonates to my Gucci. Fendi, Dior, Armani, Kenneth Cole.. to say the least. I can't be even more thankful to this Zara coz it has changed my taste on shoes forever!

2. The leather tote bag by Zara.

One summer I went to Sainsbury's in Tottenham Court Road to get my late afternoon lunch. Upon queueing at the counter, I saw a guy across the aisle in his afro hair paying his groceries as well. It was not his hair that I'm interested to, but the bag he's carrying that bears the name 'DSquared2'. It is a tote bag with two handles that sit nicely on his shoulder and the other longer one which I think could be used to sling across the body. It looks awesome! And right that moment I suddenly got that *ting* lightbulb again... and said to myself, I'm gonna find one that look exactly like his!

And time goes on. One day I went to Zara Highstreet Kensington to do my usual BigFatSnoop on a midweek Wednesday. Upon browsing around suddenly my eyes stuck to one bag on the higher shelf. OMG, a tote bag?? I said to myself. I can't believe what I'm seeing! It's leather... it's a moc croc, and the best part: it's a tote bag! This is surreal, coz what I wished for alas is right in front of my eyes. My first ever tote bag!

And it was then my taste on bags changed from the backpack and sling bag, into the 'tote bag' only choices. From Burberry, Hugo Boss, SEED, etc..etc... I have more tote bags than other people do, I think! 

3. The slimfit blue jeans by Uniqlo.

Who would've thought that the moment I have the guts to try on the slimfit jeans at Uniqlo in Oxford Street East, is the one that changes my life forever in a tremendous way. If the Zara boots changes my choice of footwear in a large way, and the tote bag revolutionize my taste on how do I carry my stuff everyday - this Uniqlo slimfit jeans IS the one that metamorphose my style of clothing in a way that I can't ever imagine. 

Slim. It's the huge buzzword I've been using in this blog... and it's all due to the moment I tried and bought this jeans by Uniqlo. Words can't imagine how grateful to be looking at the mirror and seeing someone really change amazingly with just one jeans. The way it hugs the legs, the way it slim out all the proportions, and of course, the way it made me look hot. Yeah, I have to say the word 'hot' coz that's what I say to myself as well when I look in the mirror in the fitting room. OMG I look hot!

I can't believe the 'slim' aesthetics has somehow being carried on my shoulders ever since - from the tee to the shirts, the work trousers to the jacket... I love everything bearing the word 'slim'. I have to say, it is the biggest magic moment in my entire life when I slipped those jeans on me - and can't even be more grateful for having the guts to do so. 

So, there you go. The first step is always the hardest... but can also be the sweetest. You'll never know how that by taking the first step, your life might change forever in a good way. All you need is to be open to changes, and always be optimist no matter what. If it works, it works. If it doesn't, well... at least you try, isn't it?

At least to me - I LOVE CHANGE!

BigFat Chocolate Sunday

My nose today is like a leaking tap on a sink; the 'fluid' keep on running non-stop without even being asked for. I got cold... so this runny nose is part of the whole package, okay. I think it's all due to last week where I've been drenching wet in the rain trying to get into my car. The downpour is absolutely unexpected coz it hit in the afternoon, just on the right time I'm going for my lunch break. And a week later, this is what happen. Getting sick due to the cold struck. Moral of the story - if it rain, always bring the umbrella! (I forgot my Burberry brollie that day...sigh)

Unlike yesterday where I am mostly bedridden due to being slightly weak myself (or sofa-ridden to be exact, eeek!) - and by which my lunch + dinner is just the pizza delivered to my house at the noon - today things getting better as I gain the strength again. Though this nose is still like waterfall, and my voice is sounding much sexier than ever... I brave myself to go out. Otherwise I'll be much sicker than ever.

Anyway, long story short after getting my groceries at Jusco I went to the new Haagen Dazs outlet which has just being open at De Garden in Ipoh, just opposite the Kinta City. Pretty cool outlet, just like where I used to go to the one in front of the Gloucester Road tube station in South Kensington, London. You should've known that HD is all about the delish ice creams (and their ice cream cake too), and who won't be tempted by the cold confectionery, right?

So, my choice of the day is 'making' my own sundae - the 2+2 version. Belgian chocolate + Chocolate Midnight, topped with the Chocolate sauce + chocolate sprinkles. Ok, I know it's too much chocolate... but that's actually my weakness. Chocolate! Delish without a doubt. 

When I wanna pay at the counter, I asked the cashier is they ever had any 'opening special' promotion? Thankfully they do! And guess what, I got a free scoop of ice cream of my choice from the purchase. And what did I chose? No, not chocolate again silly. It's the cappuccino truffle. Ok, fine... there might be a hint of choc bits in it, but who can say no to that?

I actually wanna eat it in store, but after seeing lots of people I just do a take-away instead. Upon bringing it to my car, it so freaking hot outside and the ice cream just slightly melt. Dang! But it doesn't hampered the temptation to finish it all. And voila... in less than 5 mins, the cup is successfully emptied. :)

I wanna sit here, but suddenly come three old ladies who search for seats. I'm a good Samaritan, I just gave up my seat then... ^__^

 The choice of the day. Too much choc? Doesn't matter coz it's all gone in less than 5 minutes!

Prior to my way back to the car park though, I stopped by at Coffee Bean & Tea Leaves on the ground floor at Kinta City to get some dose of caffeine. (hehe) I asked the waitress if they got anything special for the new season, and they pointed to the 3 new flavors: the agave cappuccino, triple chocolate cappuccino and crème brulee cappuccino. I have previously tried the creme brulee cappa, so for today I chose the triple choc instead. Whaaa..tt? Choc again? Well, I'm in the chocolatey mood - so why not? Nggg.... :)  

Oh, btw. What am I wearing today? Some chocolatey mood as well. I brought with me the moc-croc leather bag from Zara in dark brown. The shoes is my choc brown Chelsea boots by Emporio Armani... that looks like it hasn't been polished for ages. Actually it is, coz I haven't found the right shoe polish for the color (wait for my next post about my discovery!)

And of course, my driving won't be completed without putting on my fingerless glove. (watch is the black Nixon Shutter, if you're asking)

Unfortunately, for my tee I opted for a cheapo white shallow V-neck which I previously got from Primark London. It costs only £4... but it fits great on me, you know. (So, ada aku kesah?)

Oh, btw. My cold getting better after eating the ice cream. I think it's true what people say, you've gotta fight cold with cold. Nggg.... (and I lose my sexier voice, tho the nose is still like waterfall!!)

[all pixs taken using iPhone4]

Travel in White and Green

It's traveling time today as I took time to drive about 5 hours journey back to my hometown for the Eid-ul Adha celebration. To be honest, I'm not feeling like going home because it's just a short celebration - by Tuesday I'm back to work. But, given that my brother and sis-in-law is here - unlike last year that they left for their Hajj - I think I have to go back though for a short time. Plus, I'm having a big birthday celebration as well with my other two boys and my niece, so I think my presence is absolutely important! (and there might be a barbeque too, just like last year)

Anyway, one thing I hate doing when I got to travel is the packing. (DUH! what else??) However, this time I'm feeling quite at peace somehow coz I don't have any issues in thinking what I should bring with me for this short break. All my clothes are packed in just one weekender, while the other stuff like my IT thingy (netbook + iPad + eHDD) and the camera (and tripod + lenses) - they're all pack in other separate bags. Also, since balik kampung it's always a troublesome in getting a nice blanket for sleep (coz there's a lot of people in the house fighting for one!) - so I brought mine instead. Easy.

The results - all four bags are ready for travel, all in one theme: Off White!

clockwise from top right: Fashion's Night Out canvas-leather tote - Brahmin; weekender bag - Emporio Armani;

leather tote - SEED; pleather tote with side zipper - SEED

Another important thing prior travel is checking the fuel is in full-tank. I am delighted to say that I've returned to use Petronas fuel again after finding out their Primax 95 Extra is much better than the Shell Fuel Save 95. What a surprise, surprise... (at least now I'm doing my part supporting the local brand, huh?)

Btw, upon getting some waffles and mineral water at the Mesra store, the cashier reminded me that I won't be getting any plastic bags today coz it's Saturday. Thank God I spotted the lovely bag-for-life in green color which says : Going Green Starts Here. I said to myself, this is pretty cool... coz somehow if I posted its image in this blog, it could also read the same.

Going Green Starts Here - as in 'going green with envy starts in this blog'; coz I know by looking at my bags and shoes collection in here, some of you already turn a Shrek! Ahahaha!

Anyway, Selamat Hari Raya Aidil Adha.

Currently Loving: Gucci Drawstring Canvas Bag

Sometimes I forgot what does this blog is used to be famous for - the images of the bags or shoes or clothes from the online stores that I used to post and gave my point-of-view about. Something that I took from some brands' websites which I think is such an eye candy to me, and talk about how great the product is. It's used to be less about me and more about them, so to speak. But nowadays I think the focus have been shifted more towards 'things about me' rather than promoting more about other labels' product instead.

I realised I've come to the term that when I posted some other people's pictures... the post become so 'cold' and 'lifeless'. It's like a promo shop without end, just like some other famous blogs in this region or in this world too - they do the same, yet generated a lot of audience somehow. But yeah, I do have to admit their blog is a little bit 'without personality' which I think is too sad. Aren't they happy themselves? To me I'm not gonna do that anymore. I'm gonna posted less about other people's product that I didn't buy it myself, and more about thing circulating around me instead coz that's what my blog should be. I have family and friends and real life that is so magical... and if I share that in this blog alongside the product I'm showing - that I think how I should be writing. Right? I know I've lost quite a number of audience from the overseas due to me being 'myself' a lot and less 'oh, this product is bla bla bla...' coz probably they do like 'cold' and 'lifeless' style. But by putting a bit of my own self in here, I dunno how come suddenly I got tremendous amount of audience from Malaysia! Maybe they like to hear more about my stories, eh? High five! Malaysian rocks!

Anyway. I'm still gonna put the pix of any brands' products, but it's gonna be less. That including this one, by which it's something I found so droolworthy. The Gucci drawstring canvas bag in their Resort 2011 collection. I just love everything about it. The color that looks quite nautical theme with the navy and white combination. And the canvas material that looks very hardwearing, embellished with the paladium hardware; trimmed with leather in navy color. It's always the little neat thing when Gucci try to always inject their famous signature in every pieces - by which this one is the modern interpretation of Gucci triple-stripes printed webbing on the center body of the bag.

It looks pretty sporty given its size is quite large, which is very practical to be carried to the gym or to a casual weekend getaway outside the city. One thing I wish though; the handle is a bit longer so that easier for it to be slung on the shoulder. Yet, with the additional removable strap you can always do that, right?

Price? Would you be willing to pay USD$ 2180? Hmmmm....buat downpayment keta lg bagus!

Btw, what do you think about what I said before? More about me is a good idea? (I think you'll puke more if you listen too much about myself lah!)

[pix from gucci]

Proenza Schouler Toiletry Bag

Upon my arrival to my sis house after returning from the Big Bad Wolf booksale a couple of weeks ago, my bro in-law suddenly asked me a weird question. "Eh, kau punya bag make-up tu brand apa?" What?? What make-up bag? When did I have any make-up bag? Or, the better question is - how did he know I have a make-up bag. Feeling like kantoi la plak, because indeed I do have one. Yikes! But nope, it's not a make-up bag 'make-up bag', silly... but a toiletry bag instead. Or a small vanity case, if you may. Come on, I'm in the traveling mode, so it's not wrong to fill my toiletry stuff inside a small pouch, right? (more about that story later...)

I didn't answer his question, but replied I don't have one instead. Upon sitting down on the couch for a breather, I pulled out my DLSR camera case from my Key Ng's denim tote bag and that's when he suddenly shouted, "Ha, yang tu. Tu bukan beg make-up ker? Brand apa tu?" "Bukanlah! Ni bag camera ... bukan bag make-up!" (ayat nak cover...huhu). "Ni brand Crumplers, beli masa kat UK dulu".

He then looked at my sis and said, "Ha, brand ni la yg banyak kat Saigon tu. Bag untuk traveling pun banyak ada". Yes, indeed the Crumplers brand is so synonymous with the traveling bag, on top of the camera cases that they do. And my bro in-law; he always go to Saigon every now and then to take up supply of the kain sembahyang bunga timbul for my sis' business which happen to be very cheap over there. Sometimes they went together to get a lot of stuff too like the baju smocking and stuff... which I care less coz they're all for the ladies!

Anyway. Talking about make-up bag, or ehem... toiletry case, I dare not answer his question though coz there's nothing special about mine. But I probably will if I get this Proenza Schouler toiletry case since they look quite amazing. The design is absolutely the spitting image of the brand's PS1 satchel with its signature flap and strap details. What I love about it is the combination of the clear PVC and leather upper and trims that looks so chic. To secure the toiletries inside without falling off the case, there's zipper closure and snap button to do just that. The size is quite reasonable for travelling - 8.5 x 3 x 6 inches - which is also good to handcarry when you pass thru the security at the airport as the clarity of the case wouldn't be a problem for them asking you to show them at the counter. Talking about brilliant + stylish, huh?

Price? If you're willing to pay more than $300, then it's yours! *gulp* 

[pix from proenza schouler]

So, going back to my toiletry case story. I have to admit I do carry one all the time. Travelling out of the city, or even to the office or just during my usual weekend outing; I bring it with me always. It's all started back in winter 2008 when I started to have cracks on my fingers due to the dry weather in London. Since I always wash my hands during the ablution (ambik air semayang la..), the skin always become very dry right after. Worse, the cracks started to bleed and I'm always in pain. So I bought a tube of hand cream to keep it moisturized. Thankfully it works. 

And then times goes by. Since I also love trying on shoes at the highstreet stores, at times I've accidently touch the pigskin leather innersole without realizing it. That cause a huge problem since I need to take the bus to go to Hyde Park, and find some soil to cleanse my hand. It's really far...coz that's the only place nearest Oxford Street I know where I can get soil for free! But when my friend brought me the taharah soap, I'm so delighted coz it's much easier. I bring it all the time by which I put it in a small plastic and tucked neatly inside my bag in case I accidently touch the pigskin leather again.

So, yadda yadda yadda... since my face and skin become too dry after ambik air semayang in the dry London weather (regardless seasons), I also keep the body lotion and the face cream with me, alongside the lip gloss as I do have a severe chapped lip syndrome (ooh, syndrome ker?). And that's when I decided instead of those stuff lying everywhere in my bag, I should put 'em all inside one small pouch instead. Hence, the transparent PVC case from Muji become my victim (it's actually a pencil case!). And when it finally rosak and tear apart I am happy to find it's latest replacement - the black & white stripes pouch from S&J at Jusco. Cheap and chic.

So, that's the story of my toiletry bag. One thing I learn; to keep looking young (young ker? wuhuhu!) I must always moisturize my skin coz by having the moisture lock inside, the hydration will continually supply oxygen to the skin, energize it and hence keep it youthful - without having to go for botox! If not, the skin will be so dry and wrinkly - by which people may mistaken you as a scrotum instead. Wahahaha!

This is what I bring with me always:

• the taharah soap in a small plastic.
• the eye drops for the contacts (since I wear contact lenses).
• L'oreal eye roll-on, to give that instant undereye bags and dark circles makeover.
• L'oreal White Activ moisturizer, for the face.
• the Vaseline Men body lotion in the medium tub by Muji .
• the Vaseline Men hand cream in the small tub by Muji .
• Jean Paul Gaultier Monsieur lip gloss (which my niece used to say.. eeee, pakai gincu!!!)

All tucked neatly inside the stripes pouch by S&J. Murah saja... costs less than RM5 (but its contents inside cost more than RM100!!)

Next time, aku beli Proenza Schouler yang tu la plak...!

[p/s: balik M'sia jarang pakai all the lotions coz it's already humid here. Skin became naturally moisturized!]

Louis Vuitton Damier Infini FW11/12 Ad Campaign

Louis Vuitton always come up with a new range of bags and accessories every season. If previously it was Macassar and Revelation collection, for this season it is the reinterpretation of its famous checks design but in the calf leather material codenamed the Louis Vuitton Damier Infini, which is equally luscious and droolworthy. The time when I saw Simon Nessman came out on the runway early this year clutching the Infini in white color, I think I've just spotted something that made my heart drops. The design is amazingly chic; simple  yet screams the Damier checks without you even knowing it.  I instantly fell in love with the new range, similar to the the time when I saw the Damier Graphite a couple of years back as LV did for Fall/Winter collection as well (by which I do own one of it, i.e the Tadao tote!).

This season, the ad campaign featuring the LV Damier Infini was fronted by Andrea Preti. Handcarry, slung on the shoulder, clutch it by the side, tote it, or even slip it into the back pockets of the jeans... the bags look fantastic! I just love leather, enough said. Throw it some Louis Vuitton brand and the checks design, I love it even more. And I think these pieces would direly become much supple and more luscious as you use it through the years - coz that's what leather do - though the claim has it that they're all already buttery soft themselves coz the calf leather material is specially selected by the Louis Vuitton artisans.  

The price? Oh, come on... why should you ask that question if you already know it's an LV? My one wish : I want the white Infini-ty and beyond!

And now let's see how they're all made of. It's all in the craftsmanship, people!

[pix from ilvoelv]