Sunday

Yesterday was the wedding reception of my cousin the groom.

Today, we were also invited to the bride's side.

I chose something sunny and bright that will definitely perk up my Sunday.

What did I choose?

naimefied look

Scarf: Kaffah

Outerwear: Birue

Skirt: Kree

Shoes: Studio

bLUe

It was my cousin's wedding yesterday. I needed a dark blue scarf to match my outfit. 

I contacted TudungPeople SG to ask if they had a piece of navy blue Arraynaa Diamant. 

They were seriously amazing.

Despite the fact they were busy, they were willing to accommodate to my needs and help me arrange to collect after work so that I will be wear it in time for the wedding the next day.

This is how the Arraynaa Diamant Navy Blue looks like on me.

Oh so elegant!

And here is how the naimefied look wear was designed specially for the wedding.

This is something I never tried designing for myself before. A flare skirt with flare-y peplum top. It was airy and comfortable, something I did not expect.

After this event, I might be mixing and matching the top and changing it to a casual wear. 

Let see how it will work. 

To-do List 2015

Some time ago, I made a resolution. 

To be happy.

This resolution pretty much stuck with me and I was glad I made that. Every single day, I try my best to ensure that whatever I do, it equates to someone's happiness. Be it mine or others. Like surprising your friends, being courteous on the road and a whole lot of other things.

Recently, I made a list.

Not exactly a bucket list. 

But it's perhaps the kind of list containing the things I wanna be able to achieve by the end of the year. It's more like my to-do list for 2015. 

I thought about this list for a while. I realised that there are quite a bit of things that I have been wanting to do but I have always set them aside due to work, other commitments, blah blah blah. The next thing I knew, the year went by and the same cycle starts again. 

Floral arrangement was part of that list. In my recent class at Shop Wonderland, I learned that in order for the peonies to bloom, you have to place them in warm water. The last time I got peonies from the florist, they were perhaps premature, hence the peonies did not bloom. 

After class, I was determined to ensure that I practise what I have learned and keep doing it till I am good at it.

Last night, in the middle of the week, I was driving home when I decided to make a stop at the florist.

The smell of flowers, hmmmm, I could just stay in there for hours choosing from one to another and could still not be able to make up my mind on what flowers I should choose. This time, I decided to give the peonies another shot to see if the advice really works. 

Guess what?

They worked!

Thanx to the floral arrangement class, I think I am now slightly better in arranging these blooms than before. Thanx Mel.

The peonies just seemed to be growing bigger and bigger as time goes by. Each time I walk passed them, they looked bigger than before and seems to be competing among themselves to see who will bloom the largest. 

Oh wow, they just make my day (and night) alrite.

For those in need of ideas on which flower to brighten up your room this week, try the peonies. 

Hope they make you smile too :)

Let's see what will be next in my to-do list. 

Keep guessing....

Kay ELL

The trip up to the capital of Malaysia was not only unexpected, it was a really short one too.

How to dress in KL?

As comfy as possible, and this is my idea of comfort!

I like how my outfit here matches the walkway of the hotel rooms, hahaha.

The fact that we barely had much time, one of the places that I wanted to check out in KL was Kree. I have been wanting to head down and check out their showroom for a while. Since I'm there, I finally have a reason to head there. They are the skirt specialist and I seriously love their skirts. Flair, mermaid, you name it, I love them all.

The night before, I met Qayyum, Kree's PR Exec, at FV runway show. He is such a friendly person. The next I met Beela at the showroom. I communicated with Beela over the phone before and when I finally met her in person, she too, like Qayyum is friendly and bubbly. Needless to say, I got myself a few stuff from them and I can't wait to get them on. 

After the serious shopping at Kree, Erwin needed a kickstart to her sleepiness.

Where did we go?

Coffea Coffee at Bangsar.

It sure is a cosy coffee place where we chilled for a bit.

I wanted to check out Mimpi Kita boutique while we were there.

We went up a few staircases only to end up at the wrong place. We finally figured that the staircase leading up to their boutique was close, shattering all my dreams of checking out their RTW collection. We gave up and headed for lunch.

For lunch we went...to...

ROA by Malaysia's famous fashion designer, Jovian Mandagie.

My friend, Idrina, recommended me this place. The food there is delicious and affordable. We were too hungry to snap any pictures of the dishes. Their Rica-rica beef is finger-licking good. Spicy to me but so sedap!   

Done with lunch, we had a few pit stops looking for Modvier.

Pit stops included the bookstore, accessories outlets and we even ended up in the previous location before Modvier moved. We had to walk back, make a U-turn and walk down the opposite side of the road before we finally ended up at Modvier. I love you so much KL, but I seriously think there could be more traffic lights for the ease of pedestrians and noob travellers like us. Not that our opinion matters anyway. Despite the lack of it, we still were resilient enough to find Modvier anyway. 

Modvier now houses 70 brands under one roof. It was a pleasant experience being there. I was warmly greeted and entertained by Anita who made our shopping experience at Modvier a welcoming one. Anita helped us with our queries and curiosities. She also made our tiring walk all the way there, worth it.

Done with shopping? Yes.

What's next?

Chilling time at PCLO Cafe.

The hot churros and cheesecake are just too yummy as we both finish them off like piranhas. 

Would I do this again? 

Yes, but next time, I'll grab a cab to the location instead of walking over.

naimefied look:

scarf: dUCk

top: Mango

pants: Haflins

shoes: Studio

FV's Eid Style Collection 2015

I received an unexpected invitation from Fashion Valet last week to attend their Eid Style Collection 2015 for last Friday. Like seriously? This was what I meant when I said I seriously did not expect the unexpected. This invitation was totally unexpected. 

My respond was... 

Yes! Yes! Infinity Yes!

I was allowed a plus one to the event. Who did I bring?

Erwin!

Then reality sets in. I had to ensure all my work was complete. Make all the necessary arrangements and that nothing else was on that day so that I can catch the flight immediately after work, reach Royale Chulan KL hotel by 6pm and still be able to look fabulous by the time the show started.

After the mad dash to the airport, facing the heavy traffic jam from KLIA2 to the hotel, worry if we were gonna be late, trying to hold in the bladder in the middle of the busy traffic of KL with no washroom in sight, we were all too happy to finally reach Royale Chulan safely by 6pm.

By 7pm, we were there. Hungry, but I sure was glad to be there.

Everything seemed surreal to me.

A few thoughts crossed my mind as I sat there waiting for the show to begin.

This was actually happening. I flew in to KL to support my favourite online retailer, who has never failed to disappoint me with their endless ideas and continuously improved design collaborations with various celebrities and designers mainly from Malaysia. I was proud of Malak, (being a Singaporean) for being one of the collaborators with FV.

I remember thinking to myself, is this worth the trip up north? Am I going to be disappointed? 

After all, I did drop pretty much everything just for this show and a bit of shopping in Kay Ell.

The show started and check out just some of my view from my front row seat...

What can I say, except it was well worth the trip up to my neighbour's place. Malaysia has definitely grown to be a fashion hub of the east and Fashion Valet is definitely listed as one of the companies contributing to this rise in the eastern fashion industry. 

The Eid Style Collection 2015 was only released for a few days on their website featuring 5 designers and 4 icons. Unfortunately the collection has already been removed from the website after Friday night, but who knows, they might decide to put them back online?

Congratulations to Vivy Yusof and Fadza Anuar as well as the whole FV Super Team for the hard work in putting together the #fvraya2015 collection show at Royale Chulan, KL. I am pretty sure a lot of tears. sweat and maybe blood was put in to ensure the success of this show. It was a great show and I was so glad I made the decision to fly in and check out the collection up close and personal. 

I truly appreciate the invitation, FV. 

Thank you.

By the way, Fadza, Vivy and lil Danial passed by me and I wanted to take a photo with these amazing people. Unfortunately, my shyness simply got the better of me and since I saw them rushing, I thought I shouldn't stand in their way. 

I know, what was I thinking right? Where the heck did my thick skin go to at that very moment?

*sob sob*

None the less, would I do this again?

YES! YES! INFINITY YES!

I would do it in a heartbeat all over again. Except this time, I gotta make sure I grab something to eat first (even if it is a snack) and not attend the show with a growling tummy.

Hello!!!

Can't believe we are doing this.

We are here in....

KAY ELL!!!!!

Not Expecting the Unexpected

This year has been a tornado of unexpected happenings. 

What's more, it has been a whirlwind of stuff taking place lately. Maybe this is Allah's way of strengthening me, getting me closer to Him with His tests, Alhamdulilah.

I finally had time catching up with Ayu and Ratna along with their cute tiny additions to their family, babies A & E. The cuties have grown so much since I last saw them weeks ago. It was nice seeing them again recently.

These days, my to-do list just keeps growing and growing on a daily basis. Not that it is a bad thing. It keeps me busy and my mind occupied along with tonnes of other things.

In between my free time when I am back nestled at home, I looked for classes to upgrade myself as well as try out something new. The last class of floral bouquet class was something I enjoyed. I thought of learning table arrangement next. Most likely, the class would be once off, and I will be able to practice what I learned on my own. Looks like my mama's living and dining room will be filled with gorgeous flowers arranged by her even more gorgeous daughter. 

hahahhahaha.

But on another note, I am now thinking of committing to another type of class. A longer than once-off class. Not too long, not too short either. Maybe 3 months? Somewhere near my home so that I will not feel the need to drag myself there. 

While all these thoughts are floating in my mind, something unexpected happened a few days back. 

When that happened, what did I do?

I messaged Erwin, told her the plan and now we are both excited.

to be continued...

Mint

On my recent birthday, Marli got me this minty printed scarf from TudungPeople.

Thank U Marli :-*

Oh wow!

I have never tried any piece from them before, this is my first. 

But I gotta admit, I love this. 

It is about 2 meters long, soft yet easy to style!

This best part is, it actually stays in place the entire day while I was busy running around and getting my stuff done. Definitely plus points here. 

Will I get more from here on?

Oh yes I will.

Let's see which piece shall I pick next...

Amazing is my middle name

After the order was settled for 2 cups of signature hot chocolate at almost midnight, I simply told the lady behind the counter, 'Can you put our names down as Amazing?'

The lady behind the counter smiled while Erwin laughed and mumbled nonsense which I chose to ignore and right now, can't even remember.

Fact is, we are amazing girls. 

Me so, more than her, of course.

But we are.

I always believe that happiness is a choice.

And in my case, so is being amazing. 

Anyone can be amazing, anytime, every time. 

Stop humping on the past.

Stop being angry out of the blue.

Stop being negative.

Instead, just clear out all that negativity you carry with you and learn to be positive for a change.

Start something...

Start being thankful for something, anything, everything.

Say it in your prayers, write it down in a book or a card. 

Just be thankful, others might be having it worse than you.

Start smiling at strangers as they past by you. What harm could you do? They might not smile back, so what? They might not remember you after 10 minutes. But after a while, you will see people smiling back and some in some countries, it's followed by a short conversation and even a beautiful friendship. All from a simple smile :)

Start laughing at yourself. At your clumsiness, at your cuteness and whatever unique qualities you have.

Erwin fractured her toe not to long ago. When I asked what happened?

Her reply was, I had an argument with the chair.

Then she laugh. Naturally, I laughed too. 

Always look at everything in a positive light. Give the other party the benefit of the doubt. 

Be amazing!

And if you choose to be like me, make that trait your middle name. 

hahahahhahahahha.

Go ahead, laugh, I know you're laughing. Even I laughed after typing that. 

Wonderland

I was not kidding when I stated that I was heading down to Wonderland today.

It really was a wonderland,  a man-made euphoria. Okay, okay, maybe you might not believe me but it was perhaps, MY definition of euphoria. 

So I woke up, performed fajr prayers and prayed that Wonderland will be a wonderful promise as how I was hoping it would be. 

So where is this Wonderland that I am talking about?

It is somewhere in Haji Lane.

37 Haji Lane to be exact.

Can you see the name of the shop?

Shop Wonderland!

Told you I was gonna be in Wonderland.

Upon entering Wonderland, I was mesmerised by the beautiful ribbons which filled up the ceiling and the warmness of the staff as well as the ambience of the interior.

I headed upstairs.

After all, I was there for a reason.

I simply could not stop smiling as I looked up as how cozy this place really is.

What's more, the entire place smelled of flowers..hmm...

Euphoria...

I later learned that one of the staff of Shop Wonderland held her solemnisation ceremony on the second level and had their dinner in the first level some time back. She filled the ceiling up with ribbons and the owner, Melissa, decided to just keep the deco from then on. 

Good idea Melissa! 

I would do the same if I was her too. 

The second level was filled these beautiful cards and framed wordings which were made available for anyone to purchase anytime they feel like it.

As well as candles. 

Or if you are just there to chill and kill time, you can grab a magazine along with a cup of coffee.

So why was I there?

Floral bouquet classes, that's why.

My love for flowers have gotten the better of me. Since I was pretty much at the flower shop every weekend, I decided to learn some floral arrangement. I stumbled upon shopwonderlandsg via instagram last week and learned that they conducted classes there. Aside from that, they also create bespoke floral bouquet for pretty much any special occasions. 

Meet Melissa, the super sweet and friendly owner of Shop Wonderland as well as the person conducting the class.  She explained about the different types of flowers we were working on and gave up some useful tips about these beautiful creations as well.

Here's a tip I'm gonna share with you which I learned:

Tip No. 1:

If you want your peonies and roses to bloom, put them in warm water.

Tip No. 2:

If your hydrangeas look tired or dry, soak them in water, head first. this is because the petals drink water as well. 

Here's the flowers we were given to work with. We were definitely spoilt for choice.

We can choose to use all the flowers or pick and choose them any way we envisioned them to be. 

Halfway through our class, some customers decided to come up to level 2 and have a quick bite. Melissa did not mind it at all. Some just came up to check out what was going on. It really was a warm and cozy place.

So after conditioning (which actually means removing the leaves) of all the flowers, we learned to created our bouquet. We did have a lot of flowers we could choose from. Yeah, Melissa sure spoilt us silly, thank you Melissa :)

Everyone worked on one big beautiful bouquet.

I, on the other hand, was working on one bouquet first. Then I realised my bouquet was too small after Melissa helped me tie them up.

Here's the result of bouquet number 1, taaa daaaaa...

I am not gonna lie, I love how the peony bloomed here. 

Oh yes, Shop Wonderland, you guys sure did not disappoint my expectation. 

Below is the up close and personal view of bouquet number 2 which happened by accident. I was not planning on 2, I just did not wish to waste the oh-so-beautiful flowers.

Melissa then helped us wrap up our tied bouquets so that we can bring these lovelies home.

I can't help falling in love with all the bouquets made by pretty much everyone in class.

So here's how mine looks like.

I don't care what others have to say about my bouquets, I love them. 

love, love, loveeeee

These 2 babies had the first class seat in my baby Caliph as we headed home.

Dear Shop Wonderland,

I had a super great time there. I was worth every minute of my time. In fact, not once during the lesson did I even look at my watch to see what time it was or how long more till lesson end. I was too submerged with the flowers and before I know it, we were coming to an end. I met nice people there and I do hope I will be able to learn more from you guys in the future. 

From what I learned today, I know I'll be exercising what I learned realll soon.

Let's just hope it works.

Thank you Shop Wonderland :)

Love,

Naime