comfort clothing; a skinny affair

A pair of dark washed jeans or pants are old news by now. I think everyone might have two or even more folded neatly inside their wardrobe. But a pair of really good dark washed jeans or pants (plus point if they're skinny)...are rare.

It's not that it is that hard to find one that really fits you in a way that you can exclaim, "Heaven!," of course you could find abundance of them in stores like Guess and GAP, but for a savvy, to really find a good quality one is as hard as to find the last airbender. Eh?

I've been asking my friends on where they score their skinny jeans as I have been on a hunt for them. I admit that I have always been the tops and shirts buyer rather than paying attention to the pants. Maybe again, it was influenced by the fact that I have really no luck in finding my perfect match in jeans. There were a lot of futile attempts in making my jeans fit- always a problem of altearing them or having to wear a belt around the waist. Not until a few months ago did I manage to get myself a 24 super skinny fit jeans at Forever 21. Oooh that has been my baby.

I went again to check for other colors, this time aiming to buy a dark washed one in black (the first one that I got was in dark blue). I walked into the store, tried it on in a fitting room and it looked a bit ehh on me. I simply don't know why but I guess luck doesn't shoot its arrows two times for moi. So I went to another favorite store of mine, just to check on the clothes without expecting to stumble into the most purr-fect dark washed skinny jeans that I have always wanted...err, as of now :)


Bought at a store called Viva in one Utama...was originally priced for RM79.90...on the sale rack for 70% the original price...bought it for less than RM30.00!

The typical story ends here.

Only I noticed that the material of this pants are not jean-like, if you get what I mean. I felt it to be like those corduroy pants. But I don't care how it looks like, I just like the way it fits! It hits just around the ankle and I don't have anything of this sort.

Black blouse: read here
Blazer: AGENDA
Pants: VIVA
Heels: Nichi
Necklace: read here
Bag: Robinson

Bai all =)

p/s: maybe next time my mission will be on the real corduroy pants!

the dryer in the fryer gets higher!

Nice view, ain't it?

As you all may or may not know, I have severe dry skin. Okay, maybe I'm just exaggerating the 'severe' part, but that's how I would put it when if my skin consultant back in my hometown suggests it. On every appointment, she would go, "Norlaila, kulit awak masih kering. Sila kurangkan pakai Meeeeeekap,"

Yep.

But for starters, I dislike people calling me Norlaila. We all have the names that we don't want people to call us because that would reflect the total opposite of us. Norlaila is that name to me. Instantenously, I would feel the need to be all shy and respectful just to give credit of the name. but what does Norlaila has to do with the topic right now? Nothing.

There is absolutely nothing I can do with the makeup part. I mean, I like makeups and I want to be able to wear them regardless of my skin condition. As long as I have a face lah senang cerita. Hehe, the exaggeration this time is also mine, so my apologies.

The only way I know, and which is obvious to me in order to still wear makeup and maintain the condition of my skin is by way of skincare. First of all, like in my of my posts when it relates to skincare, I would like to state that EVERYONE is different, and EVERYONE should consult his/her skin consultant for suggestions on types of skincares to be used. Because of my skin is the kind of normal to dry, and because I can still pass using sensitive-tested products thanks to the dryness of my skin, I don't need to be on doctor's medication or wear just few limited recommended products. I am free to survey around, and survey I did.

Be warned again that everything I stated here is from my own personal encounters with skincares. And mostly are directed at normal to dry skin so if you're one of the oily skins, can't help ya thur. I used 99% affordable skincare line because I don't have any major problems other than my dry skin which sometimes flakes out. But thanks to the wet weather right now, my skin is doing pretty okay. Thus I could safely used products of the shelf without having major breakouts.

In the past, I've used most of the International drugstore brands like Clean & Clear, Biore, Nivea Visage, Neutrogena (still very fond of this skincare line), Dove (my first ever- worn it when I was 14!) , Ponds and Oil of Olay(was deeply influenced by TV Commercials at that time on this one, I remembered they even have series out feauturing Melissa Maureen). The one that I've been using occasionally from then till now is Fair & Lovely. I've also used local products such as Shurah, Safi (the green one) and Safi Balqis (the blue one). Not enough, I score on Temulawak as well. Those jamu kiosks really sold me out on those days. The only high end brand that I've ever tried-twice- is Clinique.

Until this day, I haven't had any breakouts resulting from my skincare, even when I have dry skin since way before. All my breakouts are - as put nicely by my 'Norlaila-calling' skin consultant, are contributed by my makeups.

Okay, let me rephrase that. It is not attributed to my makeups. It is attributed by the way I clean all the makeups that I wore at the end of the day. Yes, that's the acceptable excuse.

As of now, I am very keen on using products which are specially made for dry skin. And I noticed that I have leaned towards products enriched in nature ingredients. Those are the above and I shall explain them further.

I have used all products for a couple of months now and so far, though there are no extraordinary differences, but it does keep my face at "normal dry" level...and not worse than it is. I am not seeking to make my skin whiter or polisher, but merely to prevent any future breakouts that never happens to me. Probably because I don't have really major skin issues to change, so these products work fine for me.

Simple Kind To Skin Hydrating Light Moisturizer
This is, to me, a moisturizer speacially formulated to hydrate your skin, as the name suggests. I bought it because my skin obviously needs slap of moisturizing and nourishing and my pocket loves the extra money saved. Now I know that most people break out from Simple products, and to me that is because their lines are actually specially formulated for sensitive skin. If your skin is dry or oily but neither is it sensitive, please avoid using sensitive formulated products as the extra concentration in it can clash with the issues that your skin is dealing- most especially if you have oily skin. (notice that 'most' and 'especially' are redundant, so please take extra note!)

This moisturizer is okay in my opinion. Used it to replace my old Neutrogena one and I think if it's not better, it certainly isn't worst. And what I like about it is that it is free from harsh chemicals. Yep, I have a thing for things au naturale now.


Neutrogena Norwegian Formula Hand Cream
For the love of God, you wouldn't even want to know how dry my hands are. Not even in comparison with my face. I have dry and chapped hands especially around the nails. The reason from old habits of biting them I think. This hand cream is a gel formula that seriously gives the extra moist that I needed. And because I trust in all things Neutrogena, I couldn't pass this one up.


Garnier Body NutriRepair Milk Lotion
As you can guess by now, this bottle of body moisturizer is specially formulated for dry skin as well. Put this all over the body after shower, and it will just milk into you. Okay maybe that sounds wrong but ya know what I mean. This is for dry and rough skin, so suitable for people who are dry on the elbows and the knees. Not that I'm saying I am one *looks away*


Clinelle Blemish Clear
Bought this a couple of months ago just because I got sick of Oxy and couldn't find the rare Rose-T oil for blemishes, I opt for the Clinelle line. This is not of dry skin purposes, but if I am faced with some breakouts, this will do the trick. Recently, my forehead suffers from blemishes because of excessive makeups applied on during a play. I diligently used this (maybe diligent) should be an emphasis somewhere here in this post), and the blemishes eventually cleared away. For now, I'm going to stick with this one here.


Now for a few tips and tricks that I used (on my own personal basis) but you guys are allowed to try out are this:

• steam your face with a bowl of hot water to open up pores. This will allow your cleanser to sink in easily into your skin. But if you are a savvy like me, splash your face with warm water during shower is sufficient before you put on your cleanser.
• to tone, make sure to do it in upward stroke motions ie place your facial tissue with toner and gently pat in from the chin upwards.
• to moisturize, I would apply it only on areas which are really dry on my face ie the nose area, my cheekbones and my forehead. the reason being that I apply makeup and I used other products like makeup base that would cover up just as well as moisturizer. And because I'm using BB Cream now, there's no need of me to apply lots of moisturizer. To me, the key is not on how thick you apply it, but how many times albeit just a dab that you apply it.
• I don't scrub my face often like most people do. I only scrub like once a week cuz of my dry skin.
• wearing facial masks works wonders. I'm still using the Himalaya Neem Face Pack and loved it till today.

You might have different skincare and skin routines as I do. This is just my fair share of it. My advice is; work on whatever it is best for you and don't be scared to experiment. I have walked the road of skincare since (read above) 14 years old, that the only thing that I can say about product usage is your way of using it ie once you buy a product, don't be lazy in using it. Follow the right instructions. I have not left my 3 steps cleanse-tone-moisturize since I was 14 regardless of what products I was using at the moment.

In the end, it's all in here. Mindset.

Bai all! (=

comfort clothing; the box that was never opened

I don't know what I'm doing at this late hour- this is bizarre of me staying up to write a post. I am usually always forcing myself to sleep at this hour. But I guess the sudden urge to just write and share my latest addiction woos really beats that yawning and sleepyhead sometimes.

But because it IS very late in the night and I shouldn't be up this late, better make this quick and precise!

As if. Okay, the subject of this post that has got me nocturnal ;


Remember the post that I made about wearing baggy clothes? I think this one justifies it more. This just screams baggy, obviously it is. And again, just like the maxi skirt that I have shown previously, I got this in a peach color that I know in real life (isn't it is?) I wouldn't be dead wearing this.

I got this a long time ago, maybe about a month or two at local boutiques in Penang. Now, you all must know this part of me that if I go back to my hometown, I would always without fail, hit the local boutiques first. Why? Because not only are there a bajillion of them littered almost in every corner of Penang, but the cheap prices and the sudden discounts that you get from friendly chinese salesperson (if you often go there enough for them to recognized you) has always got me booted. I just love Penang for that.

But because it was bought at a local boutique, I can't really tell you the brand of it. However worry not as I know (and you know too) that boxey baggy shirts like this are everywhere. Blogshops in my opinion always covers the best of them.

Anyways, at first I was quite sceptical to wear this because a) I am short and b) I am dead skinny, so baggy clothes as I have mentioned earlier would look extra baggy on me. That's partially the reason why I didn't wear this until recently. I've asked opinions from a friend who knows a thing or too about fashion that I love and she convinced me that IF I WANT TO WEAR IT THEN I SHOULD WEAR IT.

So I eased up. I wore it. I levvit.

Shirt: local boutique in Penang
Brown braided belt: Forever 21
Necklace: Forever 21
Skinny jeans: Forever 21

It has two breast pockets which don't work but comes in this cute polka dot theme which I think compliments the fun color of this outfit. It's definitely flowy at the armpits which I think is my biggest problem with these kind of shirts, but on the picture it looks quite okay that I think it's just normal that way. I tried wearing a belt and not wearing a belt with this and strangely, both look quite good on. I'm definitely no longer hesitating in buying baggy clothes after this.

Seeeeee I'm so missed out in all these fashion things that I don't know if the box will cater for me after this!


Bai Semua!

p/s: am going to have my first trial tomorrow. praying hard for a good start!

art is subject to arbitrary

Hello semua!

Before I even get started, let me tell you that if you think the reason why I'm writing this post is because I felt sorry for depriving myself of such good new products out there, you are completely wrong. Sorry lovelies.

I'm writing this post because I have been depriving myself of such good new products. There is nothing that I feel sorry about. Na-da. Not in my list. Not when I know I can't restrain myself. Not even when I know I have to save for supposedly exciting little 'plans' that I have.

I'm just human afterall *insert sheepish guilty look*

Well I have made some happy purchases today. Watsons in my area have recently been upgraded and Essence cosmetics was there. I had to sneak in. i told you how unreasonably cheap they are, and for the thrill of me I've just found out that they've come with a new collection. Some rock-n-roll theme that comes with nailpolishes, eyeshadow base, lipstains, eyeshadow palletes and some cool spraying mist. Funny, for collections always carry the necessities of limited edition eyeshadows, eyeliners and lip colors. This is the first time that I've seen collections carrying eyeshadow bases. And lipstains for heaven's sake.

The two that I bought are the only two in the collection. The front in the picture is called Your Pink Is On Fire while the second one is called Let Me In Rose. Such catchy names that naturally got me.

The reason why I got lipstains is because I know for a fact that Revlon came out with one but somehow the products never reach Malaysia. Probably it never would, considering the span of time for Photoready to get here. And I don't seem to find anywhere else carrying lipstains. Bless Essence for having 'em.

Yes peeps, I just need to snap a photo by only using my old trusted webcam in the wee hours of the night. I'll let you guys to do the imagination.

If you don't know what lipstains are, they are pen-like product that distributes color to the lips by simply, well, coloring them. As you can see from the photo of moi above, it is really more of a marker-like. The point with lipstains is that they're supposed to linger on your lips longer than creamy lipsticks or sticky lipglosses do. I wore Let Me In Rose as soon as I bought them to a dinner out with the family, had steamboat and by the time I got home, my lips are still stained with the color. The only downside of lipstains that I could give here is that, it will dry your lips. Definito. It's like painting your walls, your walls will dry up for the color to stay. So my advise is, layer on vaseline or chapsticks of your choice before wearing this.

Second thing I bought is the Elite Paris Intense Kajal in Dramatic Black. I've only bought their primer so far and I am happy with it. It has now enter the phase of the need to be repurchase. As a matter of fact, I should very well be buying that instead of this liner.

Oh wells.



I've worn this as soon as I got home too- and I levvit. It is not too creamy that it smudges so badly, so definitely you can have a bit if control with it. It is also soft, despite it's pointy looking product, so you can apply it many times onto your lids. The only thing I'm worried about is if it gets no longer pointy when I have used it up. But we shall wait for that to happen in the mean time, we enjoy the present company of kajal liner as inspired by Carrie Bradshaw in Sex and the City II.

Wearing it on my lower lash line with my webcam as the mirror. Heh, a girl gotta do what a girl gotta do.

So long for now dolls!

a penny for my thoughts

Hye all! It's been a loooooong time since I last laid words into a readable post here. Believe me, it has been one hell of a hectic absence from blogging, and Thank God for that, or I wouldn't have the brain, the heart (not to mention teh stomach) to ease it all in one. Believe me too that I am doing you as well as myself a favour by not checking in as I would love too. However that being said, I would not leave out the righteous explanation of this exhaustive behaviour.

I have

• been busy. LLb is taking a toll on me, seriously. Like three years of theory lessons aren't bad enough, the practical year that I'm facing recently has add salt to the injury. I remembered barely going through my second week of the first semester. Barely, no am not exaggerating. It is that bad. Returning to my room most of the night at 10-11 pm the latest and have to stay up for more works after that. It ain't fun, but it's a learning process. Law is tough, but everyone gets there eventually. I have to wait for my turn.
• been sick, really really sick. read above.

Now, that done, onto the main obejctive of this post.


Makeup!



Yes, as sad as it seems, it's true. Just two makeup purchases made over the span of my absence (that will be between the period of this post and the previous post). But hey, at least some people let themselves be consume by work more than sidetracking like a million times..no pun intended!

This is because less purchases requires more pictures. And that little eye does freak me out!

This is a mascara from the Essence line, a brand from Germany that is now available at Watsons and Guardians. I bought mine from the outlet itself in Mid Valley, hence the cute little pink bag. Now first thing's first- the bag. I bought this mascara for RM12.90 which is insane and got me thinking that if drugstore products were rain, this would be the flood. It is super cheap that for me, it has stretched out to being unreasonably cheap. And to think that the salesgirls there are kind enough as to give me this cute paper bag? Dear someone out there, please marry these salesgirls!

But if that's far-fetched, it would be okay just to pop into Essence outlet or the nearby pharmacy to get your hands on their products.

As far as I see, other products from this brand are super duper cheap as well. A lipliner for RM4.90? Even Elianto has to have it's July sale before they could reach that kind of prices on their products. And this line came with it's own bronzers, which is a rare find here in Malaysia but I don't doubt that. Oversea products tend to carry bronzers, shimmers and highlighters into their range. They have a huge collection of mascaras...which made me had a hard time picking the right one...and which explains why I only bought a mascara from that brand. Because usually when a new brand came out, or in this case, came into Malaysia, I would take my time to browse through their stuffs, doing appropriate research on the internet and 'abuse' the salesgirls with a lot of questions instead of jump right into it...which could happen considering again, the unreasonable price.

This baby is called the Essence Multi Action False Lashes Mascara. It was an okay mascara in my book. Better than the last Rimmel one but Loreal Ultra Volume Collagen was still the clear winner in my book. But this one coated a few times together with the Rimmel Glam Eyes would make quite a good dupe for Loreal. Would not repurchase this once it dried out because as I said, they have a huge collection of mascara in their range.


The next item is a Topshop Concealer in Light. Currently I am still using the Soap & Glory concealer but this I would use interchangeably. As you can see, I have barely ever swatch it as my former concealer was sufficient enough for the coverage that I needed, and I particularly don't like using cream concealers as they tend to crease in your faceline. But this one turn out to be okay. Not great though, just okay. And the packaging has a lot more in common with what I'm studying right now than me myself LOL.

Seriously, as of now..nothing much to be said. So please allow me a paragragh (or two) to continue rambling on about my life these past few months.

Big changes.

That's the exact words to describe it. No need two paragraphs, as with the case of my concealers, those two words are, sufficient. Sufficient, and excited for it. One thing for sure, instead of going with the flow as I always have all my life, I could finally and safely say that all are about to change and I have been living over plans now. 5 years plan, 10 years plan, 20 years plan...finally feeling the sense of grasping onto something and work hard to keep it.

So despite all the hectic and turbulences these past few months, there lies a better road ahead.

p/s: If you're wondering why I have been absent, as in put my blog in private and suddenly crop out of the blue..please check this out. Hope it clarifies everything :)

comfort clothing; "maxi"mize

I always have, in my point of view, an issue with maxi skirts. Being not even 5 feet tall and that maxi skirts tend to be like exaggerated "wedding" gown on me is the most obvious reason that I could throw out there. Nevertheless, as in the case of baggy shirts, I have always envied those who can pull of maxi skirts so well. The most common picture that I would always have in my head (thanks to constant street fashion), is that of one of the classic black paired with high heels, preferably 5 inches no less. No need to remind me that that look sooooo yummeh!

And yes, the reason why I always picture black is of course, due to it being the safest color to coordinate. Sometimes I would get sudden urge to squeal in front of my mirror whenever I pair my clothes with black stuffs. If black was a figure just as lively and valiant as Harry Potter's godfather, I wish to say "Black, you are so cooperative,". And I do own one long fitted skirt in black from Cotton On that I refrain from wearing ever so often no matter how much I really like it.

I think here is the part where I insert the typical story. Yes, I think I should insert it now.

It was the weekend where my boyfriend had to leave to go back home - went to send him off on board a train - feeling sad - need something to take my mind off the feeling - went into a nearby kiosk at the station - spotted a pleated maxi skirt in the most vibrant color (one I would normally would not go for considering my fondness to black) - skirt was freaking RM49! - start thinking for 5 second that I could score a better price in Penang - 5 second passed and I thought, "what the heck" - pulled out cash and pay - walked out a happy person.



And because impatient girls like me exist in this world (LOL!), I had to wear this maxi skirt the very next day and send a picture over to my dearly beloved with a caption of, "you shall not be missed for you have been replaced".

I like this skirt for three obvious reasons;

1. That it's pleated. It adds sash to the look. Initially I thought this would be hard to maintain once I started to wash it but then I have folded it and crammed it in my bag for once and it was still in perfect pleated condition. Don't know how that happens, must be the material.
   
2. It has an elastic waist. I love that it is obvious too. Ones with a zipper and a waist measurement would definitely not work on me.
3. It's not too long!! This one is a big score. It landed nicely just above my ankle and I could wear it with/out heals. Major plus I must say.
   

Skirt: Random kiosk at KL Sentral
White top: TESCO
Knitted cardigan: MNG
Black wedges: AGAPE blogshop (bought from a friend)

But of course, I could not run away from the usual black. The first outfit felt a little put together, whilst when I wear black, I would always feel laidback (it rhymes!) I like how the two different material clashes though, for in here, I wore a silk black top and the skirt was (if I am sure) of cotton material. This is the after effect of it being folded in a bag. Not so bad, eh? You can hardly see the pleated but at least it is not crumpled.

So I guess the way to replace the irreplaceable for the time being is by an impromptu purchase of superficial things!

You can see how I struggle with that sentence. Teehee, so long for now!

everlasting...and I'm such a hypocrite

I really enjoy doing this current favorites type of post. It is not only an avenue for me to ramble further to anyone who cares, but also a good way of cheating around the "I don't know what to blog about" feeling that would usually disturb my inner peace (hypothetically speaking) every once in a while. I would find this useful and helpful to chart up my posts day by day although I know this is an easy trick. That being said, I do love making this type of post and hope that this would not be one of my gleeful moment that will get short lived.


No, I will write this with dedication.


Onto the subject- my current fave eyeliner. Got it like a month ago and have been wearing it at least every other day. It is called the Absolutely Resistance Liquid Eyeliner by Elianto. The color is in Twilight Black.



I have first seen it on their website, and I must say that it didn't struck me as an awesome product at first. I have seen Avon coming out with the "everlasting" line and wasn't keen on trying it. I still love my Rimmel eyeliner but some days are good with it (if I'm careful when applying) and some days are not. I decided to give the Elianto one a shot and purchased it and it wasn't until Raya that I wore it out. And boy, did it make my Raya :-)

My face again, full with assurance if you want to believe it.

It is a product that lives up to its name- absolutely resistance. It lasts all day on my upper lash line and glides smoothly. Only downside is that it has a scent (aloe vera, I think, or maybe peppermint) that is somewhat strong but not too overwhelming.


As you can see, the tip is promising and adjustable (a whatever description, as usual!) and it glides on smoothly. However on the back of the hand, it does come off after a few rubs but don't worry. It doesn't rub off as easily on the eyes.

This one costs me below than RM20. But Elianto often holds sale so don't worry so much if you don't want to get it on full price.

Onto the next part of the story. Now, where do I begin? Okay, y'all know that I keep dissing on how I hate Datuk Siti's cosmetic line, the SimplySiti, has her song titles as the name of the products, especially her lipsticks. I still hate it though... but that doesn't stop me from browsing though the SimplySiti rack at Watsons to see if there is any lipstick that does not have her song stuck in the back.

And I did found the little devil.



I must go on and say that this lipstick is not from her regular line, but her Gold Edition line which comes with a blush and bronzer duo, an eyeshadow quad and a lipgloss of partly the same color as the lipstick. The lipstick is called LC21. Yes, you don't get the "Bisikan Asmara" type of lipstick but you get her codes. I rather take the codes.

This is a thick and creamy formula and distributes the color nicely on the lips (as worn). Nothing else to say, I like it. I'll get a lot of wear out of this one and the casing is sleek and expensive looking. Somewhat like the YSL casing. Okay, I probably should stop comparing things to YSL.




A hypocrite. Guilty as charge.

take me by the tongue and I'll show you

Maybe people don't know that apart from me 'feasting' over makeup, I also appreciate the little trinkets that could be worn to make an outfit stand out. Okay, that is apart from me liking clothes too. And shoes. Well, maybe not shoes. I get too tedious when it comes to shoe shopping.

The thing about accessories is that we can either have too many of them or too few. Most of the people I know would always have either one or two bracelets that they will always wear, a necklace, a pair of earrings (my roommate is an exception, she has tons of earrings) and one or most the the time, no rings at all. I have worn my mother's engagement ring since I came out of Form 5 and never took it off. And I, speaking on the things of accessories, fall into the earlier category of having too many of them (or at least I am slowly getting there)

And Lord knows I love a good accessory bargain. I often get mine from Forever 21, Chamelon (I semi dislike this place now) and sometimes if I really really find something that I like, and I have sleep on it for two or three days, Vincci Accessories. But recently I just found out about a store that sells cheap accessories of my type. I like rusty gold/gold necklace and rings, feathers, charm bracelets, skull, gun, metal design. I don't own any owl necklace because I don't get the trend at that time. Now I just wish I had because everywhere I look people are wearing them and it's getting overwhelming.

I've actually been to this store's kiosk in The Curve Flea Market but obviously I do not know the name of the store at that time. Bought two rings for RM10 each. Then I went to Sunway Pyramid's Asian Avenue because I like me a little Asian ;) Bought a necklace there for RM19. This was from months and months back. Yesterday was the third time I went there and got myself another three pairs of rings, and this time I made sure that I get the name. The store is called Charmz.

One of the rings that I bought, again for RM10, was a dupe (BUT IN MY EYES IT WAS A TERRIFIC, TRULY GLORIOUS AND MAGNIFICENTLY MADE KNOCK OFF) for the classic YSL Arty Ring. And let me tell you now that if I ever going to get a designer jewellery, I'll make sure to get me hands on this first!


Score the biggest image of it on Google! Now if only they would fit my fingers through the screen..


The one that I got. Yes, let's not kid ourselves in drooling much over this piece, I know I know it has a lot to live up to the real YSL Arty Ring. But hey, even I got to admit that this is not bad for a RM10 ring. The store only got a black one and a turquoise one. And since I have a turquoise gem and none of black, I've decided to get this one in my collection instead.

I hereby declare this new ring as my baby and will protect it as if it were $250.00.


Toodles.

comfort clothing; when you think it won't look good on you

A couple few updates before I jump into the entry. Been keen on doing this lately but I just have to squeeze these non-exciting life jitters of mine in a blog post.

• I am currently addicted to the Olsens tumblr. If you're one of the person like me who lurks in the dark and pops out only to find that fashion is amazing, please check this out. It's a cool site for girls who love to put on pretty things together behind their back but don't have enough imaginations (or guts) to do so.
  
• Slowly changing my eye makeup routine. I've added just a bit of black eyeshadow which you can't really tell once it's on. That's why I've been putting of blogging about it. I know.. I know..
• Addicted to the TV show, Merlin. I know Merlin is old news, but there is something about me and ancient history movies lately.
• Am still on the hunt for the perfect black skinny jeans. Right now the chances are second to none.
• Contemplating into getting one of the many BB Creams that Face Shop has come out with. I've barely scratch the surface with my Super Skin 79 because I've been using my old trusted Revlon of late. Believe me, I should not get another BB Cream, no matter how pretty they are in my collection.

Done. Now onto the main part of the post.

I've always thought (as I'm forever in awe of my 'knowledge' in certain type of clothing) that those massive baggy batwing shirts won't cut it for my body type. And truthfully, there are some out there that despite the baggy look, obviously look baggier on me. I don't want to end up looking like an overgrown bat. I know that the Olsens rock baggy shirts, up to their knees and pair them with skinnies (where are mine?) and some black boots. But they look good in it coupled with the famous out of bed look whereas for me, I couldn't afford to make my scarfs and shawls any scruffier looking then they are at present.

Don't get me wrong, I do have a couple pair of baggy shirts (usually cropped) that I like. Zara makes good ones and if you're attentive enough, you'd find pretty ones in Time Square. But this time around, I want to find something that isn't cropped, a blouse perhaps that have baggy arms but one I could pull off.


I got this blouse at a store called Rest & Relax. To me, this store is seriously overpriced. Lucky I managed to get this on a discount for RM30-ish. It's a kimono type of blouse, which for me personally (judging from my body type), fits into the category of baggy clothes. I have had a few issues with this blouse when I brought it home. First, it has a low back, which would mean that I have to wear my scarf really low just to hide the peeping skin. Some of my tops aren't this low so layering proves to be a problem. I kept tugging it back and fro. The color scheme is nice though, I would consider it safe. And as for the baggy arms, I'm glad that they finish off with small cuffs at the end so it closes the baggy-ness of this blouse on me.



It still doesn't look any less baggy on me, which I like. Lucky that it has an elastic waist, which means I don't have to carry the baggy-ness down below my abdomen.

Coupled with my favorite accessories, this was during a sister's day out I had with my sisters in Penang.


Yes, I'm in a fitting room trying on some skinnies as you can see (which I bought, by the way. will show it in future posts!) Trying to see this blouse from a different angle.

The same blouse, only this time with a different shawl.

Blouse: Rest & Relax
Necklace: Forever 21
Watch: Vincci Accessories
Shawl (in the last picture): Curve Flea Market

Bai Semua! :)

all strings attached

You know what's the best thing in my life right now?
The first word of that sentence.
Happy three years :)

comfort clothing; on lazy days

Pardon my language. It is not my intention to start of by being so abrupt and sounding so sudden in a post title. Probably you wouldn't need to read the rest of the post once I put out the picture that I associate it with. Oh well. Something just don't need the beating around the bush to get to the point, and this is one of the things. This is just too...obvious.



Behold the lazy clothing that beats all other lazy clothing out there. Cardigans.

For someone like me, cardigan is a must-have. If people have an umbrella stand ready by their door, I would use that stand to hang my cardigans so that I could slip into them at the dorrway and run out to the street. How twisted is my understanding of sediakan payung sebelum hujan. I always think of cardigans as my savior in confusing or busy days. Days where I'm too lazy or couldn't care less. Days that I want to go with not thinking what I should wear or whether I would look cute. Days where I would trade myself with an Oompa Loompa if that means I could complete my work. Okay, scratch that. I don't want to work in a sticky chocolate factory.

Let's cut it to the point.

Well, I have always wanted to find a cardigan that isn't plain, but not too fancy at the same time. I have looked into stores in Times Square, where to me, one could easily get a nice looking cardigan that would look cute on. And nothing black in it. Lord knows I have enough black cardigan/jacket/blazer to last me a lifetime. No, this time I am determined to find a cream/peach/pink/tan/grey cardigan. i prefer it not to have buttons as well, as I've seen in Korean fashion that a buttonless cardigan, at least in my opinion, would pop up an outfit. And even if I'm looking for one, I would find it with cute buttons.

Mission in Times Square fail. I brought that mission home. Got up one day with an urge to go to some random local boutique in my neighbourhood, pop in, and there it was. Hanging nicely on a rack (clearance rack!) just waiting for me to try it on. And tried it, I did.

This is indeed a RM25 well-spent.

I could pair this up with so many different things- blouse, jeggings, high waisted shorts and black tights, white tshirt, long necklace, bangles etc etc. But for most days (the lazy one, as the post title suggest), I would just go with some black jeans, white/black tank top and a black shawl.


I like how this cardigan has an extra tie around the waist, so it hugs it to my body nicely and gather them in the front so it hung nicely around my legs. And the ruffles around it just add to my point of "not plain but not too fancy" cardigan.



With lazy days, come the matching lazy face. And a lazy face like this consist of moisturizer, BB Cream, face mist and some Vaseline for the lips.

What do we do on lazy days? We go food hunting at the nearest Bazaar. So you would understand how a cardigan like this is much needed in such a situation.

Cardigan: Local boutique
Black tank top: ROMP
Distressed jeggings: Local boutique
Watch: Vincci Accessories

exceptionally and especially

So as you all know, I am very fond of my Loreal Ultra-Volume Collagen mascara that I acquired maybe five months ago. And I have been using it diligently since then, it now leaves me literally scrapping the end-brush to get more products out of the tube. Only two days ago, I have to face the fact that if I was to do anymore scrapping, I would end up breaking the brush. That wouldn't go down well in the history of makeup obsession now, would it? So two days ago, I have switched to a different mascara which I already have in my stash. I was promised good results with this one, I especially asked for the best mascara out of this brand.

As it turns out, I was wronged. Yes, that's it. End of story.

Really, I'm not trying to diss anyone here but merely pointing out my rights to have clear and honest suggestions from salesgirls. I love makeup, and I would always go to the drugstore brands first to see if there was any that I like in there that could match the ones I like in high ends. I like to make my money's worth. And for that reason, I truly despise salesgirls who have everything but knowledge of makeup in mind. Scratch the sale and marketing point- most of the times they would come off as being exceptionally rude and coerceful to me.

I wouldn't randomly bash any products, no matter how lousy they turn out to be because I would always want to make the best out of them in any way (money matters, man!). Let's just put it this way, after I've used the Loreal mascara, barulah saya tahu mana satu kaca, mana satu permata!

Loreal Ultra-Volume Collagen on the right, Rimmel London Glam'Eyes Lash Flirt on the left

The mascara in this case is the one I'm holding on the left, the Rimmel one. I love Rimmel products. I have their lipsticks and lipglosses (which I LOVE, Airy Fairy is one of my favourite), their foundation (used Stay Matte before, wonders wonders) and also their blusher (I shared the same approving view of the blushers with another friend of mine). I know that my roommate has their eyeshadows and I've used it on her once and they were really good. But as for mascaras, and this is the second time I bought their mascaras, only differently each time, I have failed miserably.



As you can see, the Loreal's brush is big, fluffy and busy looking, which means it can take in even the small edges of the lashes and make them voluminous and longer looking. I have been asked by friends and even other salesgirls whether I'm wearing false eyelashes, but no. The Rimmel's brush however is lean, plasticky (if that's even a word) rather than sturdy like Loreal, and it is bendable instead of unyielding. Yes, I am associating my mascaras with Harry Potter's wand. How original. Sadly, it doesn't transfigured much on my lashes. I have to patiently apply two, three and even four coats of mascara each time I'm wearing this to achieve half the results that I get with using my Loreal one. I especially hated the plastic brush and handle though, it hurts my eyes. I thought I have seen the worst with Revlon 3D Extreme mascara, but no.

A little bright sidenote,

I got this lipstick from Maybeline, just because. It's not a new product or whatever. I haven't bought anything from Maybeline for a long time, and a lipsctick wouldn't go wrong. This one is called BP03 Nude Pearl from the Color Sensational line. It is a pearl finish, so aside from the nude, it also has tiny sparkles of gold that reflects light. I have yet to decide the lipstick finishes that I like the most, so far I have like them all. As for nudes, I often go for the more brown-tone ones instead of the pink-tones or the ones that leads to peach. I couldn't pull them off as easily as I did with brown nudes, which is why I like Revlon's Fleshtone Creme lipstick. The Maybeline one I have here has light brown tones and the rest are sprinkled in gold reflects, it still works fine for me though. I've been wearing this one for the past few days already.


...and if you can see it on my lips.

Bai Semua! (Haven't said this in a while, silly me!)

as close as I'll get to KPOP fandom

A little updates in my life before I ramble on to the usual beauty stuffs :

Ramadhan has been welcoming. I'm enjoying cooking,baking and even cleaning up the house here and there just so that I do something productive in the day other than mourn in hunger. I haven't yet manage to do any Raya shopping at the moment. I've merely look into stores, but nothing really caught my eye. I've already bought my Raya shoes from a friend, and yesterday I got one black satin shawl and one black-purple shawl which I doubt I would wear for the upcoming Aidilfitri. But as for clothes, I'm not a fuss really- I just want something that's nice but wouldn't strecthed my purse.

Other than that, my official result from my previous semester's examination came up yesterday (about time!) I was beginning to worry. But as I've suspected, it came torn and half-opened, meaning the postal service had messed up. And as it turns out, it was not the official result that I want. It was just a letter telling me that I, and the other 89 persons in my batch, have passed our Attachment programme. Sigh, that one does not need telling T_T.

Last but not least, my dear friend from Indonesia has been called for work in the Indonesian Embassy here in Penang. I am completely stoked! I knew he is the adventurous type but I can't help feeling a tad worried for him for being in this country. But as it turns out when I met him the other day, he was pretty much stoked as well that I don't think the fact that he will be working away from his family has sinked in yet. He could survive though, I knew he will.

Alright now without further ado, onto the recent beauty stuffs that I got.

Etude House eyeshadows in BR 302 and GR 002, Nature Republic Stain Girl's Tint in number 3, Nature Republic cream eyeshadow in number 5, Elianto frosted liquid eyeliner in deep brown.

I have gotten a bit into the Korean/Japanese makeup brands lately. Not that I have not always been one with Elianto, Face Shop or Skin Food, but I just realized recently that I'm more drawn to Sasa products than the ones in Watsons or Guardian. There are a lot of them out there that are fascinating in my opinion, and lets not argue on the facts that they make the cutest packaging. I've entered the big ol' Nature Republic store in Time Square and was just sold. Same goes to the ones in Sasa. Too pretty to choose from.

Only downside that I know of is that I could barely understand any description on their products, hence the names of the products in numbers as you saw above. And you all know how much product names mean to me (case in point: SimplySiti lipsticks). Luckily enough, I don't find any of that too overbearing for me that I overlook the actual products.

I have not used much of these items that I purchased. I have only used the green Etude House eyeshadow once to do the Parseltongue look in the previous blogpost. I like Etude House eyeshadows, and they are not overly priced (again, case in point for comparison: SimplySiti eyeshadows). I have around five or six of their eyeshadows to date and I have always gone for the natural shades. I was quite surprised that they only have ONE shade in green, I would have love to make the Parseltongue look without incorporating greens from other brands.

I have also used the Elianto eyeliner. I have a similar one in dark grey and it was beautiful. A bit sticky, but that's what you get from using colored eyeliner. It would be great if I want to do fun looks or simply divert from the usual.

I haven't had the chance to use the Nature Republic products yet. I know from swatches at the store that the tint was a nice coral-peach color. They have three shades; a red, a pink and a coral. And the cream eyeshadow- I have been wanting a color like that for AGES. Right when I'm lusting over MAC's Paintpot. I saw one in Sasa from the brand TheBalm and it was a little over RM50++.

TheBalm Creaseless Cream Eyeshadow

Not wanting to pay MAC or TheBalm's money, I opted for this nice dupe instead. I think I'll use it during Raya.

Parseltongue?!

This is going to be a short (hopefully) but precise post about my favorite all-time book slash movie series ever. it's the hype of the millennium, non other than Harry Potter.

Like this if you are a Harry Potter fan and not a Twilight fan. Heheh ;)

A clear intro- I have been reading the series for 10 years, diligently waited two years per book to come out. I was one of those people who would line up in front of MPH early in the morning just to get the book, ad mind you,when it was my time, the books were sold out in early afternoons! I was one of the giddy girls who daydreamed of Harry and Hogwarts, memorized spells by heart and wishing that there was a King's Cross with Platform 9 3/4 nearby. Believe me, you can't say I'm not a Potterholic.

In the spirit of the last movie, I have decided to make a look inspired by one of the Houses in Hogwarts, Slytherin. It was just a subtle everday green look that one could do without incorporating Harry Potter fanatic into the picture, but I was obviously determine into calling it my Slytherin look. But before that, here's a few cuts from the book mentioning about this 'evil' house.

"Better Hufflepuff than Slytherin," said Hagrid darkly. "There's not a single witch or wizard who went bad who wasn't in Slytherin. You-Know-Who was one."

"Not Slytherin, eh?" said the small voice. "Are you sure? You could be great, you know, it's all here in your head,and Slytherin will help you on the way to greatness, no doubt about that-no? Well, if you're sure- better be GRYFFINDOR!,"

"It matters," said Hermione, speaking at last in a hushed voice, "because being able to talk to snakes was what Salazar Slytherin was famous for. That's why the symbol of Slytherin house is a serpent."

"You think I was going to use my filthy Muggle father's name for ever? I, in whose veins runs the blood of Salazar Slytherin himself, through my mother's side?,"

Zabini did not make any sign of recognition or greeting, and nor did harry or Neville: Gryffindor and Slytherin students loathed each other on principle.

"I was Head of Slytherin," said Slughorn. "Oh,now," he went on quickly, seeing the expression on Harry's face and wagging a stubby finger at him, "don't go holding that against me! You'll be in Gryffindor like her, I suppose?,"

"The time has come for Slytherin House to decide upon its loyalties," interrupted Professor McGonagall.

Now,onto the 'ever-famous' eye makeup look;

Shots from ze lousy camera phone.

Shot from ze even lousier webcam

as simple as zat!

I didn't give much thought (never at all) when this famous artist started to venture into business. I barely knew she came out with her own tea line. But when I heard...rumours...that she'll be having her own makeup line, I want to get my hands on it!

Mostly because I'm just intrigued by the fact that a Malaysian artist, and I know who better than her, was interested in having her own line. It's a first of many, and I completely support the idea 100%. I like the name too, SimplySiti...not too much but just enough to throw the products out there. So I paid a visit to my dear local Watson pharmacy to take a look at the SimplySiti counter.

As like any other makeup products, I do have my likes (and dislikes) on them. i don't like the fact that they have her song titles as half of their products' names, especially the lipsticks. If at all, it only sounds tacky to me. I'm that kind of girl who likes to memorize makeup name and would always,when doing makeup, find it pretty helpful to picture the makeup look in my head and go, "I think Revlon Cha Cha Cherry would look good, and ohh, swiped Elianto Roasted Brown on the crease as well,". This is of course reserved to everyone's taste, but for me who's big on product's name, I find that I am not drawn to purchase a Bisikan Asmara lipstick or anything that it's called. And that is despite the quality of the product, which sounds a bit underestimating but that's how I always look at it- I go for the names first.

Then there is a question of the blushers. I am not a fan of blushers that's in a jar with a round puff on top that you roll on your cheeks. Elianto came out with those kinds early in its time which I have bought but didn't quite like it. I can take cream blushers, powder blushers and mineralized blusher that's far messier but I can't take those kinds that SimplySiti have. I don't trust anything that I can't swipe with my fingers or brushes because it wouldn't apply just the way I want it to on my face.

There is also the price of the things, which in my opinion, are overpriced. I know it's a Malaysian brand, but I still can't take the fact that Etude House eyeshadows costs a lot cheaper than SimplySiti. And I have noticed how SimplySiti never have sales on their products yet. Don't get me wrong, I do splurge once or twice on products that I know are good and that I have always wanted but that often happens only as much as cows would eat man-made grass in fear of starvation.

All this apart, there are few things that I like about their makeup line, and one which I have always gone back and forth to swatch on the back of my hands. Yes, it's their eyeshadows (prices aside).

Two that caught my eyes. I have always liked the one on the left first, and always swatch it whenever I have the chance. The one on the right caught my attention just recently. And Thank God for non-tacky product names. They are called Praline and Smoky Mountain.




Praline is a beautiful everyday chalky brown that would look lovely to wear on it's own or in the crease. Smoky Mountain is a dark green shade sprinkled with gold, it's a colour I would not have gone for but it seems too lovely to spare on the shelf.

Both priced at RM12.90 each. It does gives of nice pigmentation, and as for it being a Malaysian product, I do feel that this deserves a good review.

comfort clothing; once you go black, you'll never go back

To me, having a little black blouse in your wardrobe is as much important as having a little black dress. Especially if you're not so much as a dress gal, then blouses or tops can be a nice alternative.

Black is a universal color, no one can doubt that. I don't know a person who doesn't love/own blacks in their wardrobe. Well, you don't exactly call it 'love'. I know that if I were to choose between a variety of colors, I would always look at the blacks first to see if the suit is nicer in black in color. You just...choose. Black is a safe option. And anywhere else, black means chic and sophisticated, and people tend to be more creative around this color.

Which is one of the reasons why, eventhough black isn't my favorite color, my wardrobe do seem to pile up on them.


I went into TESCO again, ventured into their clothing section again, got my eyes on one thing or two...same old, same old. This one was a new arrival back then. I was a bit in the mood to find some basics but with a slightly new tinge in it. I mean, I love my blacks and my whites and my browns, but I do think that I need to pay more attention on the details and the fabrics to avoid my choice of basics being too plain. That's the thing I learn (out of observation) that if you're going to buy blacks, make sure it has elements!


I never owned a blouse like this, eventhough I know that for quite some time I wish I had. I was a bit of a dress disciple back then to appreciate the fact that a nice, black blouse could be a savior in the closet as well. Just as chic and cute looking on. And as usual, the details and the fabric sold me. It is made out of chiffon material so eventhough it's black, I know I won't be melting in a blazing hot day. And I particularly like the V cut on the neck, the little cuffs on the sleeves and the elastic at the waist. It's the later part that caught my attention.

It's original price is RM69.00, marked down until it's RM34.50. I admit that it is still a cringing lot of money for TESCO but I think that the making of it does compensate for the price that I have to pay.

... insert sheepish-guilty look.

And with the classic black, came the compulsive need to pile on the accessories.

Black blouse: TESCO
Jeans: F.O.S
Necklace: Sunway Pyramid Asian Avenue
Ring: Chamelon KLCC
Watch: Vincci
Sling bag: Miss Selfridge