The Monk Moccassins

If you're a big fan of shoes like I am, one of the most important thing to have in the shoe closet is the variety. Not just about the color (except mine, where most of them are blacks...yikes!), but also the design, the labels and the most important - the type of shoes that you have. Among the big chunk of the lo-pro shoes that I own, I love wearing the mocs since I don't like to mess around with the laces which sometimes could trip me down when I walk. And one of the mocs that I prefer is the monk-strap shoes that has its iconic side-fastened buckle.

Monk shoes is a very formal footwear that has either one or two buckle straps that sway to the side. What I love about is the the much quintessential gentlemen look it oozes, almost like you're the Cary Grant or Fred Astaire of the modern world when you slip into one. Though it can be in suede version as well, to me I love the typical smooth leather upper for its much chic look and classic appeal. Couple that with the toe-cap front, it looks is taken to another style level.

I own one monk shoes by Gucci which is bought quite some time ago during a Sale in Harrods. It was a purely 'by-chance' moment when I stumbled upon the shoes somewhere hidden in the aisle 'size 43' at the footwear department on the Ground Level. Though at first it was a bit off-ish to me since the look is quite matte (since I love anything hi-sheen), yet upon trying it up ...something just click so nicely. It looks quite good actually. And with the slashed price that's never can be found anywhere in the world except at Harrods, the lure of the monk is too vivid to be ignored. And, erm... because it's a Gucci, of course. Ha! 

[pix from mr porter]

my monk mocs from Gucci

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!

En Vogue in Brown Brogue

Energy lost. That's all I can sum up the mood of this morning when I woke up wanna go to the office. Feel a bit drained since I forgot to take my dinner last nite, due to membuta right after Isya' straight into the morning. Thank God these days Isya' is so early before 8.30 pm; which is perfect to doze off after the prayer. Yesterday it's so damn tiring - too much going on in the day that I don't even bother to finish my lunch (it's still in the tapau thing in my fridge, though!). Oh, did I say I forgot my dinner? Sort of coz I had three donuts earlier since the Big Apple Aliens are still in stock kept in my cold storage. But c'mon... I should ate something nonetheless coz that's how I can maintain this weight, right?

Thankfully today is my casual Thursday, so my timetable is empty - only that I have to focus on my research as my other Thursdays are. And the mood is also going a bit underwhelm since no meeting with the earth dwellings are in my schedule. That's why i chose to be looking a bit rustic with a little twist.

If one of my 'underwhelm' Thursday I've chosen the Paul Smith grey lace-up brogues, today I went for its sibling - the chocolate brown. I bought this at Paul Smith's online store last year's Summer Sale when the shoes went marked down like I can't believe it was. Without hesitant I hit the 'BUY' button and a couple of days later it arrived safely to my home at Tottenham. (pronounce as Tot-nem okay... unlike some newsreader here call it Tot-ten-hem. Baaahaha! *gelak guling2*) 

And to go along with it is none other than the grey suit by River Island, paired with the dark choc slim shirt by COS and the wool tartan tie from Uniqlo. I love pairing the grey ensemble with a brown shoes, coz that's how your GQ style point would be judged really. Grey + black - that's too common. Grey + dark grey shoes - that's too streamlined. But grey + brown - ding! There's a new dapper in town!

Oh, btw... while you're reading this I already change my suit to black. Why... coz it seem I'm not feeling the vibes anymore when afternoon come. Need to look much edgy than this morning though! (boleh tukar2... mcm vampire dlm Twilight pulak yer? ahaks!)

to go along with the choc brown theme this morning is the brown leather strap watch by Pulsar

The 'Rebel With a Cause' Wednesday

The mood for today is rebel, as I opted to go for black to be the base of my main look. Or probably not really a total black... more to blackish instead since the suit I'm wearing is not really in black, rather it's the dark urban grey. But yeah, maybe 'rebel' is much better term I like to use - a symbolic as I regain my strength post-flu breakout that I had a day earlier, I feel like I'm in the mood to 'conquer' the world again; just like any rebel would. Whatever it is I'm feeling better as the dosage of the flu medicine prescribed to me was really a deadly one - one pill knock me off to sleep and whisk my cold away right that moment! (now I had a less leaky tap nose!)

Anyway. What would a rebel pick to go along with the style? It's the 'deadly', slightly pointy derby lace-ups shoes in black leather with the crocodile details by Zara, coupled with the slimming silhoutte double-breasted linen suit by Asos.  Together, is the crochet tie worn with my new slimfit shirt - all by Uniqlo - in the black streamlining theme. Somehow, the black-dark grey combo made me looked like a Mafia mob who ready to do 'kill' someone. But who am I 'killing'?

Those people in the meeting room, 'killed' with my sharp-wit tongue and great style. Somehow, I'm kinda wondering that why they really love my presence today? Oh, becoz I'm the life at the party... I mean, meeting. Ha!

The Pink & Fendi Tuesday

I was about to update this early but am too busy after being caught up into finishing up my class and making up quiz, as well as having a meeting in the afternoon (see, meeting again). Things around me can be ups and downs - sometimes it'll be crazily busy, the other days could be very as calm as the still waters. But I like how my work days are really, since it's not monotonous like what some other people are having. Add that to being one of the person with 'authority' and have the 'power' to change, what more could I ask for?

So, what did I chose for Tuesday? I'm back to my Fendi boots again after wearing it about 2 months ago (if I'm not mistaken). Okay, now I'm feeling a bit guilty of wearing too much patent leather again coz there's someone who commented that it does look a bit OTT. But, hey... you are talking 'me' here - everything about moi could be flamboyant sometimes. Nama pun BigFat, so things has to go the same way as well... BIG!

For the top, I slipped into my pink stripes shirt paired with the crochet tie with horizontal pink stripes to give a sense of juxtaposition of vertical and horizontal cliché. Since my trousers is black, I think the tie kinda resonate the look and keeping the black-pink theme together. Early when I clocked in to work, I wore the waistcoat by COS to accentuate the slim silhouette, yet after feeling a bit cold while staying in the office I change to the slim blazer by Asos later on. At least it protected me from being much colder than the cold that I'm having. 

Oh, btw... I'm feeling quite elated that finally my anxiety on my class really paid off after I discovered I got a very high evaluation given by the students. More than 90% gave me 7 out of 7 marks! What a total surprise. What's even surprising is all the comments they're giving which are so thoughtful... *terharu* (I probably gonna talk about that in my later posts, if I want to.. :D)

A Cole Monday

So uncomfortable. That's all I can say about my condition today as I got hit by the flu. I thought I was already okay last night but getting up this morning I think it's worse than I could ever think of. My nose is like a pili bomba coz fluids keep on running out without having to ask for. Head feeling a bit heavy, as what flu-hit people normally experiencing. Sniffing, snorting... that you don't have to mention as I think I might've disturbed the colleagues in the office. Sneezing... urrghh... can't help it. Thankfully it sounded "aaah-JimmyChoo!" instead! Ha!

But whatever it is, life's going on as usual. Have to go to work coz fabulosity won't happen if you're not working hard, people (suddenly pinjam what Kimora said, coz I've just saw her on the E! News. ahaks!). So, what do I've chosen to spice up my look of the day? Nothing special coz I just grabbed whatever I can snatch in my wardrobe to go along with my new grey linen blazer from Asos. Hence, the Zara slimfit shirt that is that's paired with the striped tie from Red Herring @ Debenhams (style reused!).

The shoes? I'm seriously making a statement today as I went defying the gravity. It's the patent leather Chelsea boots by Kenneth Cole which has also created such a hoopla when I wore them during emceeing the convocation ceremony last year. One of the graduating students even said "sir, people back here is talking about your shoes coz it looks so different. Is that new kind of shoes?"

I have no comment coz I think they might've never seen a guy wearing a high-heel boots before. Yes, repeat: high heel. Or to be exact the Cuban heel or meel (men's heel) since it's like almost 2-inch thick. Seriously? Yup, and that's how I kinda 'defy' the gravity! It boosted the height without a doubt, and the heel kinda straighten up the posture by pulling the back (now I know how it feels for women who wear stilettos, eeek!). Paired it with the slim trousers, the look is awesome. I think I might've done a shock tactic again when the public went like "ooooh" when I walked to the class. Ahaks!

Anyway. I went to the doctor to get some prescribed medicine to cure the flu. Since I'm gonna travel up north and down south this weekend and next week, I better not be sick. Or otherwise I'm gonna be missing the opportunity again. But what's surprising me is when I read the label - do I really need to eat 11 tablets a day? Are you kidding me, doc? 

Owh, it's two... not 11. Nggg... *pengsan*

From Lacklustre to Lust-worthy

So, the discovery during the weekend really paid off. I have revived the chcocolate beauty of my Armani boots, thanks to the help of the Kiwi shoe polish in neutral shine. Now I can rock better, coz these boots are truly made for walking!

Btw, I wanna make a special shoutout to my nieces - Nadiah Shinee and Finie Sky (nama2 glamer facebook le teww, huhu) - who're gonna be sitting their SPM exams starting today. GOOD LUCK and ALL THE BEST!! Don't forget to solat hajat a lot! ^__^

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]

Operation Desert Storm

What kind of footwear that I don't have in my shoe closet? Desert boot, that is. I have the typical Chelsea boots, zipper boots and even lace-up boots. But not desert boot. I dunno why this type of footwear doesn't really appeal to me. One reason, maybe it's because of the design itself with the very rounded-almost-squarish toe front which kinda repel to my taste. I've been searching for a good desert boots quite some time - but always come across the one by Clarks Original, i.e. so synonymous with the 'desert shoes' tagline.

Anyway, finally I found some collection that is worthy to be on my ooh-that-look-nice list after all. They got almost similar form factor, but slightly difference in term of the material and the construction of the undersoles.

Two of them are by Cheap Monday @ SSense.com in black leather and olive canvas. I love their simplicity of not being over-the-top. The undersoles are almost flat, with a slight jagged look which I think could give a good grip when you take it on any slippery or wet pavement. The black leather suits anyone who wanna look edgy without going overboard, while the olive green in canvas material is great during the warm weather as the material is breathable and won't heat up your feet too much.

[pix from ssense]

But if you love something slightly different and wanna win on the hi-fashion side, these desert boots by Emporio Armani in patent leather might tick the boxes. From the watery, hi-sheen patent leather upper to the contrasting undersoles, these shoes are for those who're dare to stand out in the crowd. I love that the chunky soles which hit the FW11 trend right on is not too thick unlike Burberry or Prada, which means you may not look like a total fool when wearing them. The grey one looks quite ok, which I can see pairing it with a trousers or jeans in similar grey but in a one tonal lighter. And the light caramel desert boot looks quite delish itself... to delish that I feel like licking it instead. It's more  'dessert' than a 'desert'!

[pix from emporio armani]

Freaky Friday Wear

So, Friday 11/11/11 has join the forces to become one of the dates to remember, huh? Pretty cool isn't it given that the date really happen once in a century. (It is a century, right? Coz the last one is 11/11/1911 !!). I know there has been a lot of hooplas going around the world, including the one that says that the Pyramid Giza has been closed to public due to some Pagan believers who wanna take the advantage of the 'supreme power' happen on the date. Errkss.. kinda freaky, don't you think? Others, well.. some just wanna get hitched on the special 11/11/11, while there's also one case even booked a Ceaserean birth yesterday. Whatever it is, as long as their happy to commemorate the day, why not? Me, what did I do? Oh, that you-know-what thing.. ahaks! (jgn marah aaa... nanti kena jual!)

Anyway, yesterday I decided to be in the freaky mood as well coz I wore another pair of patent lace-ups derby to the office. It's by Zara and I just love the simplicity of the shoes. Pretty dressy and almost to OTT for the office. A friend at the PR Office even complimented on how it looks "wah, kilatnya kasut!" Absolutely, coz that's what patent gives you - the very watery, hi-sheen glow. Not Glow by J. Lo... just, glow. :)

And since I'm having meeting again in the morning with my research group, trying to qawtim on our multimillion dollar research fund that we received from the Government; I decided to wear my new black slimfit suit from Asos, paired with the purple Oxford shirt from River Island + black-purple stripes crochet tie from Uniqlo (plus, the Lanvin platinum tie bar as usual). Right now I presumed lots of my colleague at office already noticed that I wear different shirt every day - and when I put on some color, that effect is even profounded. "Wah, hari ni pakai purple Zamri?!" say one of the exec. 

"Ha ah... ingat nak pakai color mcm you (referring to her brown ensemble), tp nak go spiritual color sket...haha!" I replied. Indeed, purple is one spiritual color based on the chromatotherapy, which is good for freaky Friday like yesterday.

Black 'n White & Perforated Thursday

Today is the day back to the office as usual. Though I previously mentioned that I'm back to work on Tuesday, actually I'm still on my raya leave until yesterday. Oh c'mon, not everyday people celebrate Eid, right? And not being able to celebrate for the previous 5 years together, I think I do deserve that long Eid break. Oh, someone did asked me in my fb fanpage how many times do I eat during the holiday. The actual answer: I dunno... coz it's all about eating, eating and eating non-stop. The thing is, tak la plak rasa kenyang. (Lupa baca bismillah le teww kot..nggg!). And nope, I haven't gain a pound too (jangan jeles, hokay!)

Anyway, today there'll be a meeting in the department as I'm reprising my role as the Secretary for the conference that we're organizing next year at KLCC. A huge international conference which hopefully be attended by the delegates around the world. And I'm in the mood of something understated - hence black 'n white it is as usual.

My shoe-of-the-day is the faux-perforated lace-ups derby from Zara which is bought during Summer Sale in London three years ago. I said 'faux' coz the punched hole details looks a bit like it is perforated, but in actual it is not. If I can recall, in late 2009 or early 2010 Emporio Armani did the same look - which raised my question, does designer also inspired by the highstreet pieces?

My outfit is the simple slimfit white shirt + black trousers all from the latest FW2011 +J @ Uniqlo, paired with the check ties from Tie Rack + Lanvin platinum tie bar + black with white-hemmed, cropped sleeve blazer from Sub.

Simple, just like what I love as usual.

p/s: Oh, btw.. I can't believe that this is 1800th post! Too much I've blogged, huh?