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!

Pieces That Change My Taste on Fashion Forever

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

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

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

1. The Chelsea boots by Zara

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

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

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

2. The leather tote bag by Zara.

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

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

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

3. The slimfit blue jeans by Uniqlo.

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

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

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

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

At least to me - I LOVE CHANGE!

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

En Vogue in Brown Brogue

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

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

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

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

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

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

The 'Rebel With a Cause' Wednesday

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

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

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

It's Not Skinny!

I know it's slim, but I didn't really realised that it's really slim tapered towards the bottom. Not until when I try to perform the ablution and lifted the leg part of the trousers to wash my foot, suddenly it stuck to the middle of the calves! And it became so tights-like. So, it's true then... this trousers IS a slim-tapered!

...but ironically, a student complimented yesterday "I love your skinny pants". Erm... hey, it's not skinny!!

+J Uniqlo wool mix trousers

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)

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?

Ka-Ching...Ooops!

Right after my breakfast with my bestest of friend at Hotel Maya during my birthday weekend last week, I thought it was still too early to go home as it's barely 11.00 am in the morning. Upon checking out from the hotel, I realised that I shouldn't miss all the best thing the city could offer coz I'm not here that frequent anyway. While I was around the Golden Triangle area in the capital KL, I thought why not go and visit my fav store at Bukit Bintang instead - where else, other than Pavilion and Fahrenheit88. The initial plan to visit my other shopping spot, 1Utama had to be shelved coz the lure of this two mall is stronger!

So, I parked my car at Fahrenheit88 since they offer the cheapest parking rate ever - RM1 for the first 3 hours, provided that I shop more than RM300 at Uniqlo, or some other stores in the mall. Not too bad, huh, especially when I do wanna get something from Uniqlo. Otherwise, I'd have to pay RM3 per hour, or worse RM5 if at other parking lots. So, okay... Fahrenheit88 is great enough (though had to be very early since the spaces are limited).

Anyway, long story short. Uniqlo - awesome! New +J collection is in store and I am loving the new slimfit trousers in wool/polyester mix fabric. It's like match made in heaven coz it's the best work trousers I've ever found out there in the market - though I do have to admit, it may raise some eyebrows as it does look a bit 'skinny'. Yikes! The good thing is, Jil Sander finally did it right with this final collection. And to me... it's ka-ching!

Next stop, Pavilion which is just across the street. Good weather that day, as if even lure me to get my wallet become thinner. What can I say I'm falling head over heel with the mall after finding out about it in my last visit. Goodbye KLCC, I found a new love! It's a supremo... At SEED, I thought I wouldn't get anything coz not many new stuff on the rails. But while walking out, this eyes of mine is really a very strong preying eagle-type coz I spotted something that just came out from it's Fall/Winter 2011 catalog. Loving it,  and... ka-ching! (what is it? tak yah la cakap..huhu!)

And then, this store and that store. Oooh, that look nice! Ka-ching! And, ooh, that look nice too! Another ka-ching! and more zruss zrass! (the sound of the swiped card, lol!). At last, alamak! After realizing I've been spending almost 3 hours in both stores, it's time to leave (otherwise, more ka-ching siot!!)

Anyway, on my way to the car, I stopped by to get some dessert at Gelato kiosk at Fahrenheit88. Fyi, gelato means ice cream in Italian. There's a lot of choices, and I end up getting the choc mint (coz the color is divine!). Oh, the ice cream is so authentic as it taste the same as the one I tried at Palermo, Italy back in 2009. Magnifico! (though have to shelve more than RM7 for a scoop, eeek!)

So, end of story... there's not many shopping bags carried home that day. But the amount spent on them is on the contrary. Ooops..! *good weekend*

the glorious Pavilion on the good sunny Sunday...

spotted this at Bernard Chandran window display, his new collection for the ladies...

Gelato, delish...!

ka-ching... ooops! :)

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! =)

Back to Black Jeans

One thing that everyone agrees is that, when it comes to autumn the mood is set to be dark. Gloom and sombre, which seems to be very synonymous with the season. Though on the Fall/Winter 2011 catwalk there appear to be many injection of colors by some designers - one thing that many will not forget is the color black. And as edgy as other colors could be, black remain steadfast in the trend book of most people, since it's the easiest to be paired with anything.

In the previous issue of Shortlist mag, black has returned to be vying the attention in its editorial spread. From highstreet labels to the high-end brands, there's an array of black denims for you to choose. The fit? The fav of this season is the skinny or slimfit as usual. It's very mod, always edgy and not to mention... very Hedi Slimane circa Dior Homme in yesteryears which has now becoming a huge cult through generations.

From left: Slim fit '511' by Levi's, Superslim 'Defend' by G Star Raw; Black denim 'Thenaz' by Diesel

From left: Black denim 'Jones' with waist adjuster by Acne; Black straight leg by Uniqlo; Black 'Arbass' by Replay

[pix from shortlist]

To me, when one talks about black jeans; how black is the black coz there're plenty of the hues out there! It can be Selvedge black in its raw denim texture. It can be soft black, or washed black with the 'whiskering' features. Or it can be graphite and also 'true' black, which can be a bit formal than its previous siblings.

And wrecking open my wardrobe, I found a couple of black jeans that have been in there for quite some times from various highstreet brands. Since my hitherto is all about slim - the fit is either skinny or slim-fit which is always figure skimming. What I love about black jeans is that, not only the color also helps to streamline the body figure (or in other word, slim you down!), black is always look chic no matter what, especially when throwing out a simple white tee with it. And another important thing though, there's always that technique to make my look appear interesting: never pair any faded top if I wear a faded jeans. And if I wear an aged trousers (with the whiskering and stuff), the top has to be kept clean and simple so that the overall ensemble doesn't look too busy.

That's the art of wearing clothes, which I think Kenneth Cole also agree with me!

Black skinny Selvedge denim - Uniqlo : Cropped, contrast-hem blazer - Sub Zero

White tank top - H&M : Black chrono watch - The Fullblooded Skull by Swatch.

Black slimfit washed denim - Uniqlo : Neo leather symmetric biker jacket - Uniqlo 

Black slimfit, waxed, raw denim - Uniqlo : Waistcoat - Cos

Black 'Sliq' ultraslim denim - H&M: Drummer boy military jacket - River Island

And mentioning autumn, the one thing I love is to wear a simple tee and the black jeans, with the wool overcoat fastened with a belt, and finish off by tucking the jeans inside the hi-top lace-up boots. Simplicity at its best. And I have no idea, why by wearing this I became one of the case study at London College of Fashion... Fashion people are pretty weird, huh?

 

Black 'Sliq' ultraslim denim - H&M:  Wool overcoat - Burton

White tank top - H&M : Studded fingerless glove and hi-top lace-up boots - Zara.

Monday Blues

Don't you just hate Mondays? I think this is what I'm gonna wear to really make it a real cliche - wear blue for the Monday blues. Ironic?

sheen chambray shirt - +J Uniqlo

tie - Red Herring @ Debenhams

BigFatSnoop : +J Uniqlo Final Collection

Jil Sander's work for Uniqlo, +J , is finally in-store throughout its flagship store worldwide last week. It's the final collection that celebrate the best of simplicity from the German designer with the Japanese affordable fashion line after more than two years collaborating together. I have to say it's kinda sad and nostalgic coz it somehow brought some great memories to me when it was first hit the highstreet back in 2009. I love the collection, its simple sihouette, the no-fuss design which is synonymous with Jil Sander herself. But hey, something has to come to an end somehow.

Anyway, I got a chance to really had a snoop to what the collection is all about when I visited Uniqlo flagship store at Fahrenheit 88 in Bukit Bintang, KL. As what I've seen and experienced in the past +J pieces in the previous seasons, there're mix bags on what the collection got to offer. Variations of suits and outerwear, formal and casual, and a collection of accessories like belts and scarves. Collectively I really love this time around compared to in recent season coz they're all about the celebration of the luscious and gorgeous material like cashmere, tweed and selectively better wool, higher-thread-counts cottons, and very soft, high quality jersey.

These are some pieces that I picked to try, which are the one I previously wrote in my previous blogpost. [click]. Not everything is in store yet as some will be stocked as the season goes by. I'd have to say these clothes looks and feels amazing. The wool shawl collar wool knitted jacket felt very snuggably luxe. The pleated front shirt and the diagonal hem slimfit shirts are awesome, though I'm slightly confused why I have to try the medium size compared to the current small from my previous +J shirts (I think Malaysian 'medium' = European 'small'!). The t-shirt, I kinda dig it as coz that diagonal hem that went slightly towards the front is kinda unique on its own. And above all - as a true Jil Sander +J's spirit, the fit is either skinny or slim - which is fantastic!

My only problem; dang... just look at the price tag!? Now I wish I could buy 'em in London, in pound sterling coz at least the number is 'smaller' (though the conversion is still the same, ahaks!)

Btw, I'm still waiting for the tweed jacket to be in-store, coz that one my friend, is a definite must-have!

As I mentioned, those in Malaysia can only find it at Uniqlo flagship store at Fahrenheit 88. Fyi, the store spans to three floors and maintains the look as what I've seen either in London or Paris. Oh, after you go to Uniqlo, do drop by at Sephora just across the street. Or to Pavillion KL, in front of the store. That'll be a fantastic outing for you, no doubt! :)

I love that Uniqlo do offer free alteration for the trousers, just like in London!

+J The Finale

In within two days time, it's gonna be over. Nope, I'm not talking about this blog though- rather, the collaboration between the two mega giants in planet fashion: Jil Sander, on the high-end designer side who is known for her simplicity take on clothes, and Uniqlo, one of the big names on the highstreet fashion counterpart. The collab that has spanned for about 2 years finally gonna have its curtain call moment when both sides finally saying it's a wrap! And for Fall/Winter 2011 it will be the finale, the ultimate final collection that the +J Uniqlo collection would be in store for all fast fashion lovers would enjoy.

  

The final collection would see the return of some hot selling items of the collaboration, such as the slimfit shirts (that till date I swear how I can't get enough of), the wool oversize peacoat and wool jackets (for a hint of classic outerwear pieces), the cashmere stoles (to wrap around, preventing those chilly breeze sneaking thru your neck) and the wool trousers.

In addition to that, these pieces from the collection are also have my eyes on. The tweed and the wool jackets with the contrast-hem shawl lapel, the cashmere stripes sweater and chunky cardi, and the pleated white shirt and the classic slimfit shirt with the diagonal seam on the front; they would probably gonna be flying off the shelves soon. Totally simple look, yet having experience it myself in the previous collections I know how great the fabric and fit are. Who knows, soon they also gonna be in my wardrobe?

So, this Thursday mark your calendar as the final +J collection gonna hit stores worldwide. For those in Malaysia, you can only get it at Uniqlo flagship store @ Fahrenheit 88.

Oh, mentioning Uniqlo in Malaysia - their KLCC store is expanding twice its size and will be open this Friday. Another Uniqlo will also follow suit, at 1Utama (Old Wing) in Damansara which I am very esctatic about! 

[pix from uniqlo]

The King's Speech

It's time for me to take the stage.

Public speaking has been my thing for quite some time. I never felt nervous whenever I have to speak in front of an audience. Give me a mic, then I'll do my thing. If there's no mic, I still can do my thing - though I have to scream a little bit to let this voice out. My involvement in public speaking is not new since I've been doing it when I was in the primary school. Being a Head Prefect then, it came so natural for me to be able to recite the speech in front of hundreds of students. In fact, I can recalled there's one time I have to reenact a scene in a play for the sake of 'giving the audience a taste' of what's coming for the interschool drama competition that I've involved in.

And then things rolled from there, as I've frequently being in the public eye not just in the secondary school, but also at Uni. From being in the school debate team (both Malay and English!), to being a deejay - talking in front of public is something I yearned for. When it comes to the career world, it's my nature of work to speak in front of the audience coz I teach. Nonetheless, I think lots of people at my uni also known me as the emcee since I've been emceeing in so many high profile events, both internal and externally. One time I remembered I shared a stage with the former PM - Tun Mahathir - in an event attended by not less than 3000 people. It was quite daunting, since only me and him in front of thousands, but I kinda find my calm in handling things down. (you have no idea how my knees shiver!!)

Last week I decided to take the centre stage and give a speech in the event that I'm chairing. Normally, I don't wanna be in the spotlight when it comes to the students' activities, where I just let the Project Director to do his things instead. But given the fact that the event has been rebranded and with many things going on, as well as receiving so many questions by my colleagues on 'why the need to change the name??' thing - I decided that my speech could explain just that. 

It took me a couple of days to think about the concept of my speech, yet when it comes to really pen it down, the text is done within just 10 minutes. I presumed every points that's been swirling in my head has been let out into those paragraphs. The result - a four-pages manuscript for about 10-mins period. Not that bad I guess.

There was about 300 people in the audience including the Vice Chancellor and the Deputy VC + participants and guests (quite a low key ceremony). I think everything went smoothly. But what surprised me when I return to my seat, the DVC reached me out, and shook my hand saying 'that's a good speech! give me one copy!'. I'm quite stunned but delighted nonetheless. Yet, what is even surprise me is when the event is over and we walked out from the hall : lots of people complimented me how great the speech was. I was quite bemused really since I think what I wrote is just simple things.

Btw, I think that's what happen if you give a blogger a chance to recite a speech - he/she will rock it, definitely! :)

Anyway, in case you're wondering what's in the speech, well, here is some of the excerpts. Some part here and there I picked from the four-pages manuscripts I wrote. Pretty simple and easy to understand. Just like this blog too! Since the event is about the design exhibition, having being involved in it myself for more than 7 years (as a judge and 'observer'), plus me myself have won four design awards previously; I think I pretty much know what I'm talking about. =)

".........To me, the essence of design begins with the basic principle, which is simplicity. As Leonardo da Vinci used to say, simplicity is the ultimate sophistication. Because at the end of the day, you want is a product that is simple to be used, or simple to operate. However, to achieve that simplicity, is not that easy because one must understand the concept of balance. A designer need to strike a balance in any aspect of his/her design methodology. In fact, science is all about balance. Engineering is also about balance. We talk about the balance of electron in the atomic orbital that calls for its stability. We talk about balance in a chemical reaction equation for it to reach equilibrium. We talk about balance in the First Law of Thermodynamics. We talk about balance when dealing with the conservation of mass, energy, and force. Indeed the concept of balance in Science and Engineering is highly emphasized.

In design, a designer has to balance between the engineering & technical aspects with the aesthetics of the product; its functionality with its ease of use. A balance between its economic contributions with the environmental impact. A balance between its practicalities with its sustainability. It’s really about the balance. In fact, it is in line with ______ Brand Essence itself – Energy Receives, Energy Returns – which indeed emphasizing on the concept of balance.

........ we have reintroduce the category for the primary and secondary schools. In order to extend the innovative culture to the surrounding community, the Organizing Committee which is through our Science Ambassadors, has coordinated a ‘Reach-Out Program’ to the school students within the vicinity of the campus in order to get their involvement in the creative and innovative activities.  This is also aligned with the Corporate Social Responsibilities (CSR) of the University, and also the Prime Minister’s vision to develop and implement strategies to stimulate and support innovation in Malaysia. It is hoped that through this activity, we will help to support sustainable innovation to both develop and galvanize Malaysian future entrepreneurs and innovators.

........ I would like to encourage you to visit all booths to really notice how creative and innovative our generations are. I also would like to point that last semester, the booths arrangement is designed like a herringbone structure – a symbolic meaning to the ‘moving forward’ of this event. .....the booths are designed like a star shape*, which epitomises that ‘a new star’ is born. It also reflects the star in the Malaysian flag – our homage to the month of August, the month of Malaysia's Independence.

.........May this event be your first stepping stone in sustaining the innovative culture in your life. While you are having a good time showcasing your researches and innovations, please do not forget to protect your ideas. Your intellectual property is indeed worth more than you could think of!"

See, how simple the speech was. I dunno how it touches the audience hearts? Hmmm...

I'm wearing River Island slimfit suit in graphite + taupe Asos shirt + stripe knitted tie from Uniqlo + Jimmy Choo boots.