Mirror, Mirror on the Wall

Mirror, mirror on the wall... who's the craziest of all?

*ting!!* It's me. 

And this is what the crazy people do. They took photo of themselves in front of the mirror.... and get fashionably late to work. (yikes!)

shirt - Asos, waistcoat - COS, trousers - River Island

iPad case - Dior Homme, watch - Nixon, camera - Canon, bluetooth headphone - Jaybird

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

BigFat Chocolate Sunday

My nose today is like a leaking tap on a sink; the 'fluid' keep on running non-stop without even being asked for. I got cold... so this runny nose is part of the whole package, okay. I think it's all due to last week where I've been drenching wet in the rain trying to get into my car. The downpour is absolutely unexpected coz it hit in the afternoon, just on the right time I'm going for my lunch break. And a week later, this is what happen. Getting sick due to the cold struck. Moral of the story - if it rain, always bring the umbrella! (I forgot my Burberry brollie that day...sigh)

Unlike yesterday where I am mostly bedridden due to being slightly weak myself (or sofa-ridden to be exact, eeek!) - and by which my lunch + dinner is just the pizza delivered to my house at the noon - today things getting better as I gain the strength again. Though this nose is still like waterfall, and my voice is sounding much sexier than ever... I brave myself to go out. Otherwise I'll be much sicker than ever.

Anyway, long story short after getting my groceries at Jusco I went to the new Haagen Dazs outlet which has just being open at De Garden in Ipoh, just opposite the Kinta City. Pretty cool outlet, just like where I used to go to the one in front of the Gloucester Road tube station in South Kensington, London. You should've known that HD is all about the delish ice creams (and their ice cream cake too), and who won't be tempted by the cold confectionery, right?

So, my choice of the day is 'making' my own sundae - the 2+2 version. Belgian chocolate + Chocolate Midnight, topped with the Chocolate sauce + chocolate sprinkles. Ok, I know it's too much chocolate... but that's actually my weakness. Chocolate! Delish without a doubt. 

When I wanna pay at the counter, I asked the cashier is they ever had any 'opening special' promotion? Thankfully they do! And guess what, I got a free scoop of ice cream of my choice from the purchase. And what did I chose? No, not chocolate again silly. It's the cappuccino truffle. Ok, fine... there might be a hint of choc bits in it, but who can say no to that?

I actually wanna eat it in store, but after seeing lots of people I just do a take-away instead. Upon bringing it to my car, it so freaking hot outside and the ice cream just slightly melt. Dang! But it doesn't hampered the temptation to finish it all. And voila... in less than 5 mins, the cup is successfully emptied. :)

I wanna sit here, but suddenly come three old ladies who search for seats. I'm a good Samaritan, I just gave up my seat then... ^__^

 The choice of the day. Too much choc? Doesn't matter coz it's all gone in less than 5 minutes!

Prior to my way back to the car park though, I stopped by at Coffee Bean & Tea Leaves on the ground floor at Kinta City to get some dose of caffeine. (hehe) I asked the waitress if they got anything special for the new season, and they pointed to the 3 new flavors: the agave cappuccino, triple chocolate cappuccino and crème brulee cappuccino. I have previously tried the creme brulee cappa, so for today I chose the triple choc instead. Whaaa..tt? Choc again? Well, I'm in the chocolatey mood - so why not? Nggg.... :)  

Oh, btw. What am I wearing today? Some chocolatey mood as well. I brought with me the moc-croc leather bag from Zara in dark brown. The shoes is my choc brown Chelsea boots by Emporio Armani... that looks like it hasn't been polished for ages. Actually it is, coz I haven't found the right shoe polish for the color (wait for my next post about my discovery!)

And of course, my driving won't be completed without putting on my fingerless glove. (watch is the black Nixon Shutter, if you're asking)

Unfortunately, for my tee I opted for a cheapo white shallow V-neck which I previously got from Primark London. It costs only £4... but it fits great on me, you know. (So, ada aku kesah?)

Oh, btw. My cold getting better after eating the ice cream. I think it's true what people say, you've gotta fight cold with cold. Nggg.... (and I lose my sexier voice, tho the nose is still like waterfall!!)

[all pixs taken using iPhone4]

Third Time a Skinny Charm

Finally, after the third attempt I finally got what I wanted. The first time I try to order it online together with my other Skagen watches last year [click], I received an email saying that the watch is out of stock and they will sent it to me once it's available. Tunggu punya tunggu I was unlucky after all coz the store saying that they will not be getting it for a long period, hence they will refund my payment.

And then, fast forward to this year I tried again for the second time. Realising that the store will not ship to Malaysia, I then contacted my friend Jijoe in the UK asking if I can use his address over there instead. All payment will be made by using my card here; that the only thing he need to do is to bring it home to me since Jijoe is coming back home for good. But dang! Though all the purchasing process was clear, suddenly I received the email mentioning that the transaction was cancelled coz I need to use a UK-based billing address. ~ sigh ~

Hampered by the attempt, I contacted Jijoe saying my purchased is cancelled but thanking him though by letting me use his address. Maybe Jijoe can read my mind on how mad I was about getting this watch, he offered to purchase it on my behalf instead, and to bring it home the next week upon his return. I cannot tell how delighted to be hearing that. I think that's what a true friend is after all - they will help you regardless of what it is, as long as they can.

So, two weeks ago, bamm! Upon arriving in the office, I am so happy not only to be seeing my friend again after a year ago I met him and his family in London when he visited (I love his kids, they are sooo damn cute!!) - but also to be receiving a parcel with the box stated 'Skagen' that I've been wanting for so long. Dream punya dream, I cannot believe it finally become a reality. I think it's true then when people say third time is a charm.

Or, in my case: third time is a skinny charm. Coz this Skagen watch is so ultraskinny after all. (Thank you Jijoe!) 

*present #6, though it is not really a 'present' present... but more of a reward to myself.

it's square. it's thin. it's skinny. and it's a genuine leather strap.

now I have the choice to either go for the leather strap, or the steel mesh strap. awesome!

Kopiah = Skull Cap

Last year my big brother went to Hajj and bought some goodies from the Forbidden City. Among all the stuff that he brought home, from the raisins and figs, apricot and zam zam, to tasbih beads and even the Arabian basmati rice; my heart went to the two Ks. Not, not Kim Kardashian, silly... but the kohl and the kopiah. My heart truly drops when I saw the kopiah coz it's a knitted and stretchy with black and white horizontal stripes. Simple, but it screams very me. In fact my sis in-law also claimed the same thing 'I know you like it, coz you like black and white!'. Ditto... nothing more I can say.

Talk about kopiah, how would you wear it? I still remember when I was a little kid, I like to wear it half-way over and let the front hair get free. Kind of let the jambul nampak la sket... (macam la jambul ada sangat, kann??). I dunno what's about it, but I think it looks cool. In fact, I still do wear like it at times nowadays, especially with this black and white kopiah. And it stays on the head without falling over coz of its stretchy fabric. The time when i love putting it on is when I don't bother do my hair.... so I let the kopiah save my 'messy' look!

I used to think that only Malays do these kind of things, but when I went to London Regent mosque I also saw the Kazakhs and the Uzbeks do the same...proving that there're people on the other part of the world also wear like me (or us)! And when I reminisced the old times living over there, during autumn and winter I wore the skull cap in the similar manner - by half-way over the head, and letting free the jambul. So, I think it's pretty safe to say that my kopiah is now 'officially' my skull cap too? Hmmm... cool thinking, huh?

Oh, mentioning kohl, I think it gave me some seducing power. The last time I put it on my eyes is when I went to buy my Samsung LED TV. I think the salesgirl got charmed by my look, tergoda kot akak tu... coz she gave me the RM300-worth of DVD for free! No questions asked, isn't that brilliant? I think I should wear it quite often then.... to get freebies or discount. Ahaks! ;)

the LBT (little black tee) - Gap ; chrono watch - the Fullblooded Skull by Swatch

Cold-blooded or Warm-blooded?

A bit of both. Or perhaps, even better : it's Fullblooded. The lightweight, chrono, black Fullblooded Skull...

Swatch Fullblooded Skull

A must-have for any fashion lovers. The Fullblooded Skull chronograph watch from Swatch in their latest Fullblooded range. I just love the skull-print on the face dial which looks like a spitting image of the one by Thomas Sabo. Looking at the picture alone I thought the material of the bracelet is stainless steel, but upon checking and trying it out myself at the Swatch store couple of weeks back I was surprised when the saleslady said that it is actually aluminum. That is why the watch is very light, as if I'm not wearing any when I put it on my wrist. The case is however made of plastic that looks a tad transparent diaphane material. 

They come in two color choices, but the black one has my eyes on it. Since it's a chrono watch, that's why the price is a bit yikes! at RM570! But still, it looks so handsomely cool...

[pix from swatch]

Micheal Kors 'Runway' Chrono Watches

One thing I loike about chronograph watches is that it made me look much masculine when I slipped into one. I think it's all because of its bulky appearance with the extra buttons or knobs alongside the typical crown which elevate the look to be quite 'roughen-up' without having to wear any combat attire. There're plenty of chrono watches out there, but most comes with too ornate dials on the outer part of the case with so much thing going on. I like something quite plain and simple, but still manage to function as a chrono and having all that 3 minidials within its face.

One designer brand that look quite cool is Michael Kors, with its array of chronograph watches under the range 'Runway'. Pretty nice to look at as the outer section of the case is not scripted with numbers or 'ticks'. Just plain. Inside, only even numbers are spelled out making it less crowded (which somehow reminds me of Marc Jacobs watch!).

They come in different variations - the silicone/rubber and stainless steel bracelets, and variety of colors including the multi-tonal.

[pix from nordstrom]

Too Much Bretons!

Breton stripes are huge this season. And I do mean HUGE with the capital H. You saw it everywhere - on the catwalk during the Spring/Summer 2011 show, in the highstreet stores, and of course... on the streets. It's stripes galore! Whether it's stripes all the way, or the Jean Paul Gaultier sailor lookalike - Breton is definitely a hot trend that never fail to appear whenever summer comes. I think the way it breathes nautical theme is what charmed people.

Me too has been succumbed into the lure of stripes. My victim of the situation? Absolutely at Asos, coz they got a humungous collection of stripey t-shirts. Either short, three-quarter, or long sleeves; Asos has a burst of Breton this time around in many color choices to choose from. With the price tag that's always dear to the wallet, Breton stripes at Asos is one stop to head down to. Period.

For every tee you see below, I have at least two for each pair coz I have a simple principle: if I like it, always buy two. That's why I have too much Bretons now!

(L) Breton tee in navy-white - Asos : Jeans - Uniqlo : Denim bag - He by Mango : Watch - Calvin Klein Sight

(R) Breton tee in green-dark green - Asos : Wool trousers - River Island : Tweed backpack - Zara : Watch - Nixon

(L) Breton tee in light grey-white - Asos : Jeans - Uniqlo : Grey leather tote - Bill Amberg : Watch - Bench

(R) Breton tee in grey-light graphite - Asos : Jeans - Uniqlo : Suede studded tote - Jimmy Choo x H&M
Watch - Calvin Klein Bold

(L) Stripe tee in green-white - Asos : Chambray trousers - Asos Canvas tote with leather trim - Jaspal: Watch - Skagen

(R) Tee in navy-yellow - Asos : Jeans - Uniqlo : Mock croc tote - Topman : Watch - Nixon Shutter tortoiseshell

A Little List of Things to Love...

[pix from river island and mr. porter]

Clockwise, from the top:

• Chunky knit buttonless cardigan in ecru - River Island.
• Asymmetric sweatshirt jacket in grey - River Island.
• Denim backpack - River Island.
• Orange-faced watch in gunmetal - River Island.
• Ted leather satchel in tan - Mulberry.

Nixon Shutter Tortoiseshell Watch

Sometimes, adding some texture to a plain something can up it's style in an instant. And recently, I'm in the mood of some tortoiseshell... so what better to let it ornament me in a discreet feature that wraps around my wrist. The Nixon Shutter tortoiseshell watch is simple, but awesome in its own way.

They said, third times a charm; and that goes pretty well too with that Nixon. When I first saw it last year, I straightaway bought it from the Nixon website there in the UK. Yet, damn the blunder done by the Royal Mail - the watch lost in the post (and so does my dosh!). And then I saw it again at Asos. Yet, damn again... they send me a wrong one, though it's from the same Shutter range. Nonetheless, I like it coz plain black casing goes pretty well with anything. Finally, upon browsing some site I finally got it from Japan - and it was shipped safe and sound into my possession.

I think it looks cool; and goes with the same theme as my Gucci tortoiseshell shoes. But syyyyyy! The Shutter is actually falls under the Ladies range, but since it looks pretty much unisex to me, I say... who the hell cares, wahahaha! (this one is an acceptable gender bender, nggg...!)

Crop & Repack

I read the news the other day which says that being in front of the computer screen all the time is equivalent to being a couch potato, and can lead to obesity. I can't argue with that coz I am somewhat agree with the statement. Very strongly agree actually coz I think I'm starting to become one too: the screen potato. I've been so busy lately, I hardly spend time to lift those dumbells and exercise (which ironically my gym is just on the first floor in my house). I've also being neglecting the basketball court for weeks now, causing the ball (the basketball okay!) to be a bit deflated. I dunno what comes of me, coz lots of time is really spending time in front of the PC. Crunching numbers. Perfecting the research proposals by the students, as well as my own research report. Correcting the letters that are sent by my committee members for the big event I'm chairing. Writing journal papers. And of course, attending this blog. It made me more immobile. Stagnant. Not moving. Even if I move, it's very minimal. My life is literally attached to the screen!

Unlike in my research days during my PhD study, I can say my daily life is like an exercise regime. What not: lifting pails and pails of water to pour into the tank of the research rig. Running up and down two-storeys worth of stairs from the lab to the workshop to the office etc. And walking for almost, I dunno, 10,000 steps per day maybe - commuting from house to the Tube station, to the uni; I think my life before September last year is a true full-day exercise! A total body workout + cardio all in one go. That's why I'm healthy those days. In fact the optician at Boots claimed I am free of any ailment coz when she scanned the back of my eyes during the eye test, I'm perfectly healthy.

But now, I despised that. Being less mobile making me a bit slumpy. Lots of family members realised that I slightly piled on weight. In fact my love handles are getting more 'love' these days which worries me. The almost-six pack then, is now becoming a bit full pack due to me being less active. I can blame on the sugary stuff I'm munching coz you know, Malaysia is absolutely a food haven. Yet alone Ipoh, coz there're so many halal things to eat! From the mamak cafe, to the hawkers stall to even the fast-food chain; it's heaven!   (You should get the EATPOH book to know more about Ipoh food 'culture').

Yet, suddenly I got the 'aha!' moment to lose this guts since having belly is not good in fashion. It's awful! My slimfit clothes doesn't look cool with that buldging midsection. I have to get rid of it. To deflate it. To let it go. And that's why I'm starting to revisit my gym, and lift those dumbells again coz I learned that to get a six-pack it's effective if you weight-lift instead of just doing crunches. How? Coz you're actually attacking the core when you do those bench press, flys, squat etc... without you knowing it. Brilliant, right?

And I think I need to hit the court again, dunking on those hoops. I'm not that a good player, just okay la, since me and my mates used to play basketball a lot during our highschool days. Basketball is fun than football coz you're using both the upper and lower body. Now I think it's the right time too coz I can rock in that cropped jogger that I just bought from Standout. Looks good, and much freedom compared to typical sweatpants. What not to love? Cropped jogger is the new harem!

Anyway. I hope I can lose this guts and regain the six-pack. Period.

[alamak.kulit jadi makin gelap daaa bila balik m'sia...yikes!]

grey cropped jogger - voi jeans @ standout.net

blue vest, layered on white tank top - both by H&M

sneakers - Adidas Nizza Hi Plus Denim [read it here]

watch - Breo

dark grey cropped jogger - voi jeans @ standout.net

black tank top - Asos

leather/technofabric multistrap sneakers - GF by Gianfranco Ferre [read it here]

wool fingerless glove - Marc by Marc Jacobs

bluetooth headphone - Sportsband by JayBird