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!

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*

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?

Wordless Wednesday : Prezzies...

Lanvin Buckle-Strap Boots

Chestnut, strappy, boots, pointy - I think I have to chew my old words saying that I hate Lanvin. But now it seems that I just fell head over heel over this Lanvin boots. Very simple yet accented by some cool factor. Some je ne sais quoi that doesn't require any explanation. Simply awesome!

Just one question: with no zippers, I wonder how long will it take to get my foot in?

[pix from louisaviaroma]

Lanvin F/W 2011.12

 Photograped by Steven Meisel

School's Out, What Should You Pack?

School is officially ended for its first term! Read : school. As in kindergarten, primary and secondary schools. Not university or colleges, okay! How envy I am to the teachers out there coz they got to take a long break before it resumes in another two-weeks time. ~ sigh ~ For sure, those teachers would definitely be feeling overjoyed and overwhelmed just like in the Mastercard ad video!

Anyway, long break for the school means the parents are definitely thinking of going for a vacation. In fact, not only the parents - others who're singletons or anybody else out there would also thinking the same thing - wanna whisk away from the daily work for a couple of days and winding off somewhere without having to see those spreadsheets and MS words documents for a while. At least I do. Hmmm... where should I go for a break. Would it be a vacation away from home, or just do a staycation instead..?

So, how should you pack? Or what should you pack? Not to worry coz the people there at Mr. Porter has come up with some travel essentials which you could bring with for that break. Designer luggage? Check. T-shirts and loafers? Check. Some lighter knits and linen jacket? Check. Sunglasses? Check that too. Passport? Unless if I'm fleeing the country, then I don't have to. Whatever it is, you should always travel in style!

Am I forgetting something in my luggage? Owh... my iPad! :)

p/s: next week rasa mcm nak balik kampung... huhu.

Shirt - E. Tautz, Trousers - Mr by Rouland Mouret, Sunglasses - Linda Farrow Luxe

Shoes - Polo Ralph Lauren ; Holdall - Yves Saint Laurent ; Blazer - Richard James ; Sunglasses - Ray-Ban

Swim shorts - Hartford ; Polo shirt - Polo Ralph Lauren ; Sunglasses - Gucci

Shoes - Car Shoe ; Case - Filson ; Hat - Lock & Co Hatters

Sweater and blazer - A.P.C ; Polo shirt - Polo Ralph Lauren ; Sunglasses - Cutler and Gross

Travel wallet - Bottega Veneta ; Passport holder - Lanvin

[pix from mr. porter]

The Overnight Bag

For two consecutive weeks late last month I did my weekend break outside the comfort of my own home. I can say that in this new year 2011, I hardly went away from the vicinity of my house due to so many commitments in hands. The big university events that I'm chairing, the classes I have to handle, the errands here and there - really, finding a suitable time just to go for a quick weekend break is truly a big luxury, if it's any.

And suddenly I got a call from my uncle from the other side of the Titiwangsa, asking me to come home for my cousin's wedding. Well, I actually demanded him to call me personally to invite me to come to the event, otherwise it's not worth if it just my mum who broke the news to me instead. (I'm so mischeavous divo, huh?). So, voila... he called me one night and the next week, after about 6 hours driving, cutting thru the hills and passing thru the big lake, alas I'm in Newcastle for the wedding fiesta. (Oh, Newcastle as in Kota Bharu, okay...ahaks). I just stayed overnight where the next day I have to rush home instantly. Seeing my quick exit from the house, my 100-year-old grandma asked, "you came home just to attend the wedding?". Umm, yes... and she added "ohh.. you're such a good boy!!" *big grin*

And then the next week, I went for another weekend break in KL area. I was having a meeting at the Twin Tower that morning and it lasted to the late noon. I decided not to go home, but to stay overnight at my sis in Sepang. And of course to see my nephew and niece, who can't get enough of me and always make me their climbing tree as usual!  

Oh, what's the point of writing those actually? It's about quick travel and overnight stay, which is I'm not so good at when it comes to packing my stuff. I always fail in that sense. Every time I brought home my travelling bag, my niece always say "banyak giler barang utk 2 hari?! (there's a lot of stuff for just 2 days?!)". It's so true coz I normally put in so many clothes to give some choices. That doesn't include all the gadgets as well... it's manic. But thank goodness, the size of my bag can still manage to fill all those stuff in (or otherwise I bring another bags if it's not enough, and that's why banyak giler barang!!).

Anyway, what bag would you choose to bring with you? Travel backpack or duffel bag? Designer or highstreet? Leather, canvas or techno-fabric? Whatever it is, the people at Mr. Porter have chosen for the classic duffel overnight bag for a touch of class. From Gucci to Bottega Veneta, Mulberry to Lanvin... those who have a big wallet could definitely grab those. As for those who are . . .erm. . .skint, plastic bags can also do! :)

p/s: I'm thinking of another weekend break. Where would I go?

[pix from mr porter]

One of my own choice, the tweed duffel bag from Reiss. So simple, yet classy...

my boots from Gucci. picture taken in Metropolitan tube line, London.

Lanvin Got Pebbled

At last, something worth to be checking out at Lanvin has finally arrived. Seasons after seasons when Lanvin came out to offer their hi-top sneakers, all my reaction is just to give a 20-cents facial expression: unimpressed. Just like Anna Wintour gave her 'curved' smile when she saw a bad design, if you know what I mean. Not that I hate 'em, but I think there's something missing in the sneakers. Probably becoz most of them are canvas (I know they had exotic skin too), or maybe becoz the color combo is not right. I've tried and tested some of them before during summer and winter sales - at Harvey Nicks, Selfridges and Harrods - but still it doesn't excite me to own one.

But voila... as if some je ne sais quoi has hit on it, I think the new sneakers looks amazing. I don't really know what or how, but it just click to my likings. Maybe becoz of the pebbled leather that is truly tempting (since I love leather footwear!). Or the playing with the white piping and darker body that looks fantastic and its dark bronze color that exudes sophistication beneath its simplicity. Or the design in general that rocks both street edgy and sporty chic. Or probably becoz it looks as if it's been carved from a single piece of leather! I dunno what... yet this new Lanvin hi-tops has that je ne sais quoi.

Price? About USD$800. Whooops...!

Lanvin Tennis Mi Haute Sneakers @ SSence

[pix from ssense]

Highstreet Vs. High End: Python Clutch

When snakeskins made their way into Fall/Winter trend this year, I am quite surprised coz they're normally a major favorite only during Spring/Summer. Especially when people talk about African theme, or tribal fad. In previous fall/winter seasons the only exotic skin (and its imitation) that I saw on the shelves is croc: very luxe and much-loved material due to its irregular pattern of the scales. But snakeskin? Not until autumn 2010, which I think a good sign to let it become a 'seasonless' item. I can say I'm quite pleased though coz at least I don't have to wait for another year to see snakeskin and its family to be up there in the accessories department.

Mentioning accesories, I love this python clutch by Lanvin for Fall/Winter 2010/11. At a glance it looks like a vanity bag, that you can store your toiletries and stuff upon travelling. But it's not, coz this is another type of 'wallet' that you can use. More room to fill not only your wallet in, but also handphones, mp3 player and what not due to its size. I love the understated design that is simple, only to be upped in term of high fashion style with the use of the exotic skin. The scales pattern make it looks fantastic, and surely gonna be the talk-of-the-room when you bring it with you anywhere.

Lanvin Fall/Winter 2010/11 ad campaign

When I saw that Lanvin's, I'm quite taken aback coz really coz it looks like the vanity bag that I got ages ago during Summer Sale at Selfridges. It's from Ordning & Reda and costs just a mere £6! It has the python look and all; but not the real leather, no. This one is from PU yet it has all the details of a python skin and the color scheme as well. I love the roominess of this 'clutch' which has no problem storing my stuff like wallet, iPhone, external HDDs, point-n-shoot camera - all in one. Pretty awesome.

Plus, it's much more environmental-friendly since no poor creatures are murdered to make one. Hey, I'm a bit of an animal activist too, okay. And an economista too!

Ordning & Reda python vanity bag SS09