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!

Slim Shady

It was very early in the morning prior hitting the MEX highway at Sepang, I pulled out the dashboard compartment to took out my sunglasses since I have to drive to Putrajaya for some photoshoot session. And that's when Amin, my bro in-law who's sitting on the passenger's seat next to me said, "banyaknya spek!" after seeing quite a number of shades that I have in it. Probably 5 or 6, which I've lost count. I replied, "ha'ah, memang la... sebab lain2 spek lain dia nyer fungsi" (translation: different shades has different functions)

And that's the truth: I do wear different sunglasses at different conditions since my eyes are quite sensitive to the glare coming from the traffic. Now that I'm involved with the air pollution engineering back in the campus, I came to understand that various course of the day has different brightness, which is why I'm wearing a different tinted glasses to suit certain conditions.

For example, my black-tinted is for the very bright day - such as the very sunny afternoon, as it great in preventing the superhigh glare from hitting my sight. My bluish-tinted is for the medium brightness environment - like the cloudy day, when the use of black shade is too dark to see what's going on out there. And my reddish brown-tinted shade is when the day is almost dark - such as at dusk, as I still can see things clearly while at the same time protecting my eyes from the glare.

At the moment, I'm loving the aviators coz it has that uber-masculine simplicity and classic feel, which is very Tom Cruise's Top Gun. With the slim handles, it adds more sex appeal to the sunglasses without adding the bulk. Coupled with a good UV-radiation filter, I just love wearing the shades when driving during the day as it looks stylish. No glare, but more glam!

p/s: someone asked, why didin't I get the photosensitive lenses instead? Well, they're all look crap. Period. (yikes!)

from top: reddish brown-tinted aviator - Asos;

bluish-purple-tinted shade - Asos; black aviator shade - H&M

Black and Slim

When I open my wardrobe I just realised that I don't have a proper black suit. Am I kidding myself? No, I'm not. I do have a lot of grey suits... name it: light grey, steel grey, urban grey, dark grey, linen, wool, wool-mix - they're all there on the hangers. Black? No. Well, okay, probably graphite color but that's more to softer black than a proper jet black. And the other black that I have - my cropped with white hem from Sub - that's not a suit, that's just a jacket! So, yes... there you go. I Don't really have a proper black suit to say the least.

I went for a quest to find one, but not in store coz all that I saw here in Malaysia are all having the same cut, the same fabric, the same design, and the one that I hate - the same two-buttons. I try to shun anything two-buttons coz I hate it when one element in the clothing is not being used. What's the point of having another button if I never utilized it, right? So, online it is of course.

Thankfully I found one at Asos. (you know Asos has been my only go-to shopping site nowadays!). But I am torn on which one should I picked as there are two different slim suits. But having my prying eyes wide open and really 'scrutinizing' the suits carefully I finally selected one which I think hit the right notes.

Apart from the one-button, slim silhouette that the suit is offering, other features tick the boxes for me. Slim lapels? Check (coz sometimes, though the suit is categorized under 'slim' the lapel might be quite broad!). Hugging waist? Check (if it is slim but not really cekak the waist, what's the point?). Another check? The extra point I gave to the diagonal or slanting pocket coz this is one element on how any great suit jacket should be. It's more Italian and more edgy, as what most famous fashion houses did. 

And the price of course. Though it's cheap (with another 20% discount), the quality is good coz knowing Asos all these years I'm always satisfy with any of my purchase. I think they really emulate what they preach though: ASOS - As Seen On Screen. What you see designer do, they can do the same but with fractions of the cost! Brilliant.

Suit by Asos. Shirt by +J Uniqlo. 

Vest by H&M. Bag by Burberry. Cuff by Burton.

Bow tie by Kitschen

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)

Breakfast Date. And, Thank You Dear!

*rewind to two weeks ago*

I pulled an Obama on the morning after my birthday at Hotel Maya. You know what is 'pulling an Obama'? It means - I did a power breakfast meeting with someone; just like what Mr. Obama did during his Presidency election where he invited the New York Mayor, Mr. Bloomberg in securing his support for the vote. But in my case, I'm not having a business meeting, rather it's like a breakfast 'date' with my bestest friend. I invited her to join me for breakfast that morning, as we also have the exchange of gifts as well (coz her birthday was one week earlier!).

After fetching her at the lobby, we went down to the cafe on the ground level called the Maya Braisserie or Still Water, which ever one I can't remember the name coz I was so drawn to the chic ambience of the cafe. Oh, btw I love what my 'date' is wearing though - so glammed up as if she's going for a dinner instead. In a knee-length floral dress paired with a cardigan throw, that looks so very pretty... I loike. (oh, I love your ring too... to die for!)  ^__^

Upon taking our seat overlooking the hotel entrance and the 'still water' indoor pool, she handed me one gift bag bearing the name 'Cuffz' on the outside. It's my birthday, and she did told me before she's gonna give me something during the breakfast. I can pretty much guess what it is - as it might be a neckwear as what Cuffz is famous for. Yet, I didn't take a look what's inside since I don't wanna spoil the moment. She did asked "don't you wanna see what I gave you?" I said "No. I'm not gonna spoil the surprise!" 

So, bla bla bla... after almost two hours chit chatting from all sorts of things from work stuff to our former classmates to her recent travel, and munch munching all sort of food available on the counter... finally it's time to say goodbye. I headed back to the room as I'm checking out from the hotel, and she went back home as she's living nearby Ampang. But before her departure, I take a peek what's inside the bag that she gave me. I took out the present... and was stunned."Oh my God, there're two boxes!!"  I screamed as I'm taking out not just one box, but TWO! Whaaa..tt? I only gave her one present, but she gave me two? I am so very touched...

In the hotel room, I wrecked open the wrapper and feeling quite anxious on what it's gonna be. I know the larger box is a tie - but what material would it be, as I can't and won't wear anything 'silk' due to religious reason. But I am so much relief + ecstatic + joy + happy when I found out it's something I really love.

It checks all the boxes. It's a slim tie, check. It's grey - one of my fav color, check. The material is microfibre, check. (Aaaaahhh!!! I'm happy it's not SILK!!!). And much better, it's a reversible tie!? I can't believe that the black side is actually becoming reversible upon how I choose to wear it. And of course, it's a tie...which is something I wear every day. What more could I ask for? It's AWESOME!!

And oh, pairing up the tie with my Lanvin platinum tie bar is like match made in heaven!

But, wait a minute. That's not all. There's one small box that stuck to the larger box too. I can actually guess what's in it - the cufflings. Yet, it's not JUST a pair of cufflings. When I opened it, my jaw just dropped like it never should! Why?

It bears my initials - Z and A!! Whaaa....tttt? This can't be real!? I just can't believe that someone really went to a great length to customize a special cufflinks just for me? I am just speechless and beyond words. Absolutely ecstatic for the very thoughtful gesture by a bestest friend. What else can I ask for?

All I can say: THANK YOU, DEAR! I love the gifts! ^__^

p/s: There's one thing she said to me though, "you know it's very hard to shop for you??" Haha! Yes, I know dear. I find it hard for me to shop for me as well!  Ha!

Anyway. The breakfast at Hotel Maya is not all that glam. Most food are continental English breakfast, only some with a touch of Malaysian. I was expecting nasi lemak on the menu, but there's none on that day. There is roti jala, though... plus some Chinese fried chow mein. But, the 'prettiest' are the yoghurt selections - they have loads of varieties filled in a cute little shot glass!

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?

Wordless Wednesday : Prezzies...

TGIT : Thank God It's Thursday

Suddenly I became quite superdizzy after these eyes have been stuck to this flatscreen LCD monitor; trying to crunch numbers, and doing these iterations and what not like it's neverending. But I don't wanna complain, in fact I'm glad that I've back to my modelling world again. Erm, correction... mathematical modeling to be exact, not fashion modeling. Ahaks! And today the 'second' glad is that it is Thursday, the last day of my working week this week. Last day, how? Apparently I have to take a leave tomorrow - a 'must-take leave', which I don't wanna waste at all. Since last month I've worked during the weekend as an event manager of a national-level symposium, therefore I've been granted unrecorded leave to be taken in any working days, provided that it's within one-month period from that mentioned date. Since the due is approaching... there's no more other day except tomorrow. Otherwise, it'll be burnt just like that, yikes!

Though I'm feeling quite elated, I woke up this morning didn't know what to wear. Skinny suit again? Nah... otherwise I'll be doing the fashion faux pas by wearing the same thing twice in a row. While I was wandering about in my wardrobe, I felt that I just wanna keep it safe and simple just by wearing the white shirt from Jil Sander's FW11 collection for Uniqlo and the double-breasted chambray suit by Asos instead.

But there's one dilemma, which ties should I pick? The steel grey horizontal stripes on the left or on the tartan checks on the right? Since I can't actually decide, I just bring 'em both in my bag with me so that whenever I feel the need to switch, I can always do so. What about the shoes? Suddenly I'm in the mood for patent, I just slipped in inside the mid-ankle patent leather boots by Fendi instead. Easy peasy and no fuss. Simple and understated, and at least it'll keep me to be incognito... (I know in this campus now, there is no way I'm not gonna be noticed, erkks!)

Can't wait for tomorrow. It's gonna be round-the-clock tour to Unisel, UIA, UPM, Sepang, Serdang, Putrajaya, KL etc... etc...

oooh, sempat lagi camwhoring through the bedroom mirror, huh? blurry, blurry... nak kena rembat iPhone4S nampaknya! =)

Lord of the Rings

Once upon a time, I was given a ring by my sister a couple of months after my dad's passing (which is about many, many, many years ago btw). She said to me that the ring is one of its kind - it's gem is called the Serpent's stone or geliga ular in Malay. Legend has it that the person who sold it to my dad got the gem from inside of a snake, which is quite mystical I think. The gem is divided into two halves, that both ornated onto two separate rings. One rings is the one inherted to me, and the other is kept by my mum's cousin. My sister dearly asked me to keep it safe, not to let it fell into my mum's cousin's hands coz they possess some kind of 'magical' power. What power? I asked her. She further mentioned to me that if anyone wears it on both hands, he or she will be immuned from the venomous bite should he/she is being fanged by the snake. And what's more, he/she will not be bitten by the snakes at all!

Whoa... how mystical was that, huh? To be honest, I'm not really into these kind of supernatural things but it made things look so cool. When I took a look at the ring, it's not any kind of fancy ring at all. It's hideous. Looks more to orang tua punya rings. And it doesn't fit my finger either coz that time I was still a teenager. So, what I did is just kept it safe into one of my bags.

And you know what, I've lost the ring. I dunno where it went and I'm totally lost it. Either someone nix it from my possession, or it really lost with time - I've just lost the ring. Period. But I still think that I am immune from any snake bites - as long as the snake is ular daun or python!

Anyway, mystical or mythical - I just don't like wearing rings. There is one time I used to wear the sterling silver rings which I got quite cheap from Cameron Highland. It looks quite cool, but whenever I met somebody new, they will ask me are you married?. Why? Coz the ring looks like a platinum wedding band. Errks, what a major partner-rejector I guess...! Not to mention, wearing cheap sterling silver rings left some kind of dirty mark circling around my fingers which is hideous. And itchy too. So, it been years I haven't put a ring on me ever since! (cue Beyonce's Put a Ring on It, lol!)

Yet, a couple of years back I suddenly got a new craze of wearing rings again though not on a daily basis. Just casually. All thanks to Topman by which I found the wing rings during my snooping around at their Oxford Circus store in London. What's special about it is the elasticated band which is brilliant coz it suits any finger size. They got both colors - golden brass and silver - so I get them both (with discount of course!)

The other ring which is also interesting is the one by Asos, in a shape of a leaves ornamented by faux diamonds. Got it quite cheap, and it looks fierce in any fingers.

Talking about rings, suddenly reminds me of the famous trilogy : The Lord of the Rings. I dunno how many times I've watched the movies, coz I just love the epic fantasy adventure story like that. The story of magic, sorcerers, elves, etc...etc.. it's just a great trilogy. Not to mention the most iconic phrase : my precious!!! And the elves' language - that sounds like you just wanna spit your phlegm.. khukhukhaahhwaaaptuii... lol.

You know what, I think I just got an idea to write my own Lord of the Ring trilogy. How? Let's see. Here we go...

*** The Lord of the Ring : The Fellowship of the Ring ***

Story about a low-maintenance guy who lived in a city called Ipoh (not Iphone, not Ipod, but Ipoh) who happen to fly to a far, far away land called Stóru Reykja - translation: The Big Smoke aka London (get it?). At the new place things changed when he got the rings from some'cave' called Topman and Asos... suddenly he turned into a high-maintenance, shopaholic, trendspotting, fashion addicted bloke which is quite phenomenal (kena la puji diri sendiri, ye tak?).

The rings cannot be separated from him. Whenever he put 'em on... there would be some magical power happen on him : the couture power! 

*** The Lord of the Ring : The Two Towers ***

The guy went to a land called Bologna to fight in the war (actually to present conference paper, ahaks!). And there, he saw the Due Torri - Italian for the two towers - located at the heart of the city. So amazing coz the rustic building still standing strong.

But when he return to his own country, he saw another Two Towers or better known as KLCC. This place is magical to him, coz it's where he always go for meetings with other 'elves'. Not to mention, the place where his 'servants' present their projects there.... (kena evaluate presentation, huhu!)

And at the foot of this Two Towers is another magic happen. The place is called Suria, so magical that his credit card balance always depleting. Swipe, swipe, swipe... coz he loved shopping for new 'crowns' there. :)

*** The Lord of the Ring : The Return of the King ***

This is to say, I'm back! Though at first I decided to take a month-long break from blogging, it seems that it'll make other people also go nuts. They can't live without me. They can't start their daily life without reading this blog (perasan bagus la plak, ahaks!!!). Though I am quite nuts myself with my crazy schedule and everything that's previously happening to me, I think there's no harm to write again.... The king of blogging and king of shopaholic has returned, people!

abis toto mak aku, tau...

Though at the same time, the King is buried in his lair (home office) to settle all kind of task that's dragging his life around. Lots of responsibilities, lots of works, lots of reports to be written... But, once in a while it's okay to blog, don't you think? And for you to read things like this utter rubbishnes, don't you just love it? Muahahahaha (evil King's laugh!)

Btw, do you know that Zamri's Big Fat Blog is currently on #4 world's best fashion & style blog? Pretty amazing, huh? All I can say... you're welcome, boo! :)

Keith Haring x Apple

Keith Haring has been a favorite at Zara when the highstreet label keep on using the pop art from the American artist in some of their t-shirt collection for quite some time. I happen to try on some of them back two years ago when I did my snoop at Zara Oxford Street in one weekend. [click!]. I love the graffiti-lookalike street art especially his signature 'human' either the crawling baby or the dancing folks.

Now for those Apple users who happens to love Keith Haring's famous print, you too can adorn that to your iPad 2 or iPhone 4 coz there are some protective cases for your gadget. They looks pretty cool and could give that extra 'freshness' to your current bland cases. I like that iPad case in black and white print coz the design of the 'puzzle of people' graffiti is not that tacky, plus it was a slip-in type cases which is better than the strap-on-the-corners one (for e.g. Trussardi cases). And to go matching the look, you could use that similar print iPhone 4 case too... Talking about streamlining, huh?

Currently available at Restir.

[pix from restir]

Arch's Wood Veneer Fridge Magnets

The first time I found its kiosk early this year at the Concourse Level in KLCC was the time when I straight away fell in love with what I'm seeing. Though it was just a tiny stall among all others located in the middle of the people's path towards the underground LRT station, I knew that it was very special indeed. So, I stopped to have a look at the products on display and was amazed with what Malaysian art has got to offer. I didn't buy anything coz then I was in a rush, so I thought probably in my next visit to KLCC I could probably get something they sell over there.

Fast forward to a couple of days ago, I went to 1Utama in Damansara for a quick shopping visit. Upon having a detour to find the Starbucks, I stumbled upon the same thing to what I previously saw at KLCC. Even better, it's not a kiosk but a proper store. It's Arch Collection, which sells the art and crafts made of wood veneer; designed and made in this very dear country by those talented people who are very innovative and creative.

If the first time I saw the stuff on display at KLCC, I was already utterly impressed; being at their store in 1Utama made me truly blown away with everything they got in there. It's amazing to see how they can create the arts and all the souvenirs everything from wood! There're many things - from the bookmark to the wall art, the diaries and the desktop accessories to the notebook decorated with the wooden carvings... they made me drool. I just love everything! Too bad I already shopped a lot previously, the only thing I think sensible for me to bring back are these fridge magnets.

They got even sooo many fridge magnets and I'm spoilt with choices. So, I thought for this very first visit I just brought home a couple of them which looks pretty cool. If you look closer, you would've notice the wood grain gives kinda texture to the background. It's awesome. Though prices at RM9 each, I think the fridge magnets are worth buying. 

Oh, fyi... when i asked the salesperson, can I have something customised? Could they do something very personalised which is not sold in the store? And the answer is : absolutely! I can send my own design to them, and they'll made it for me. It may take around 3 - 4 weeks, but it's totally gonna be worth every cents!

My next visit to the store, I think I'm gonna rembat that wooden-carved Sultan Abdul Samad building wall art I saw hanging beautifully, spanning almost 6-feet wide on the wall. That one my friend, if you too saw it - is an absolute drool-tastic! Maybe for that one I can just close my eyes if I pay the RM3000 price tag! Huhu... But who knows, in 5 to 10 years down the line, that wall art will be a great investment? :)

Yellow Fever

Yellow is by far my least favorite color in the color wheel. I dunno what's about it, but there's something about the color which I quite resent. I felt the hue is a bit 'pungent', too overpowering and very attention grabbing; which can came across a bit offensive or in my face kinda thing. Looking through my wardrobe, I can confirm I have no all-yellow clothes - except for some combination with other colors, like my stripes tee from Asos and the checks shirt from Topman. Other than that, nada. [click!]

It's funny that apart from yellow being associated with youth, vibrant, joy and happiness; it is one color that symbolizes wisdom and intellectual energy. Yellow produces a warming effect, arouses cheerfulness, stimulates mental activity, and generates muscle energy. And there's some opinion that you should add yellow in your life if you want;

• some clarity for decision-making;
• relief from 'burnout', panic, nervousness or exhaustion
• sharper memory and concentration skills, and
• protection from lethargy and depression during dull weather.

Huh, really? Still, to me I won't be having any clothes in 'true' all-yellow. Yet to inject a sense of happiness and joy, turning a bit mellow with yellow in the accessories department is no harm instead. It's all about being discreet with the color, that's the most important!