i dress for me.

2011-01-09T07:32:00.000Z

Happy New Year!

Strapless dress - Big Girls, Brunei
Waistcoat - Electric Gypsy, Exeter, UK
Shoes = ASOS

The dress is one of the dresses I hauled from a shop here in Brunei called Big Girls. I bought a couple of others in the same style, it was so difficult to choose just three dresses that I loved, will have to take pictures of them sometime soon. I don't really get to go out much, thanks to work, but I try to dress up when I can :-)

How are you?

xoxo
irmiana

2010-11-14T13:13:00.004Z

I met up with an old friend today, and explored a new shopping centre after breakfast. Found a shop called Big Girls, which is owned by a Thai woman who has been living in Brunei for over 20 years. She brings in clothes from Thailand, and the ones I've tried out (and I tried out lots!) were quite good quality - nice, lightweight material :-)

It stocks sizes from L to XXXXL, or 1 to 4, I believe. I can fit into a size 1 or 2, so it says something about how it would satisfy a demographic that has been neglected for so long!

Maimunah, the owner, is uber friendly and helpful - she suggested different items to try on, and has a notebook in her shop where she gets her customers to write down their phone numbers so she can text them when new stock comes in! How bloody amazing is that? :-D

So... I bought a few things - two tops and two bottoms. I bought one grey cardigan, which is quite heavy, so it'll serve me well at work where the airconditioning is set to quite a low temperature. I also bought one pair of black 3/4 pants to wear around the house, and a pair of beautiful grey jersey harem pants - my first pair! I'm still figuring out how to wear it without resulting in something quite ungraceful :-p

Though, I have tried on an outfit with the harem pants - an emerald green t-shirt underneath an unbuttoned white Oxford shirt, and the grey wedges I wore for my graduation :-)

The second top was one that Maimunah recommended. A chocolate cap sleeve shirt with bronze and rusted silver embellishment around the collar - it's a bit big, though it looks good that way :-)

Maimunah says that there will be new stock sometime next week - I'm looking forward to her text! :-)

Pictures, hopefully in the next post :-))

xoxo
irmiana

2010-10-28T01:27:00.002+01:00

Just a quick blog this morning - I'm sneaking this in at work, and I'm typing as fast as I can in case the doctors come into my office, meep.

This article was brought to my attention this morning via MSN.com - Overweight Couples On Television: Do Fat Characters Offend TV Viewers?

I felt the writer was being quite rude (but we'll just leave my oversensitivity for another day, shall we? :-) ), and neglected to acknowledge that obesity isn't just a mind over body thing. There are different components to it - two that come to mind, are the emotional and psychological.

There are people, including myself, who society calls fat, or meaner names. For as long as I can remember, I've been bigger than the girls I've known - I was always taller, and I've had a tummy since I don't know, forever? I did one diet in the past, and dropped about 10 pounds in less than a week. However, it did mean that it was much, much easier to put the 10 pounds back on, and then some. The time I spent in the UK for my studies was probably the healthiest time of my life - I ate a vegetarian diet due to religious and personal preferences, and increased my physical activity.

Being back in my home country, I've struggled not having that physical outlet, and of course, the food. (oh, the food...) I've gained back a whole bunch of weight, and most of the reason why I stopped blogging for most of the time since I've been back is because I fell back into the role of the insecure 15 year old I was when I left to study in the UK. It took me ages and ages to get some form of self esteem back, with the help of an awesome trip to the UK to see my boyfriend after about 11 months apart.

Medically, I am termed morbidly obese. At this point in time, I feel good with my body. I feel emotionally well, apart from the fact that the man I love is about 8 time zones away. Psychologically, I'm as well as I can be with the strains I have.

My mental health is my priority, because if I don't have that, I don't have much.

I apologise, as I've completely digressed from my initial thoughts as to what this post was to be about.

What do you think about the article?

2010-10-23T08:57:00.004+01:00

Hi! I'm still alive, just currently slightly buried under some paperwork.. As always, meep!

Just wanted to post a few photos to show the slightly varied way I do my makeup.. here goes!

I might venture into fun looks, like a friend of mine does.. her work is pretty amazing! Watch this space :-)

What is your favourite look for yourself for everyday or going out? Are you a bare chic chick, or a full coverage diva?

xoxo
irmiana

2010-09-01T01:50:00.002+01:00

My Sephora haul is here, and so are my Jeffrey Campbell 99s from Solestruck! :-D

Unfortunately, my 99s are a bit snug (I have wide feet, boo.) so I'm wearing them around the house to break them in.. they feel better than the first time, fo' sho'!

Have you made any recent hauls? :-)

xoxo
irmiana

2010-08-31T15:28:00.002+01:00

To continue on my previous post, the second mascara is the waterproof Lancôme Hypnôse. Not sure about the pricing, as I got it without the box.

The curvy tube is a patent black, with blue accents and gold lettering. I don't know if it's just me, but the way the tube was shaped made it easier for me to hold it for a cleaner application.

This was the result of one coat - it lengthened my lashes, and lifted them up! Being Asian, my lashes usually point downwards, though I've had times when my lashes would curl inwards towards my eyeball, ouch!

I do love a thin formula, especially a thin waterproof formula. Surprisingly, this didn't leave my lashes feeling stiff, and the curl held for longer than the heavy Diorshow formula = win! I'm tempted to buy a tube for myself, but I think I much prefer my Maybelline Curling Extension mascara ;-)

Grade = B+

xoxo
irmiana

2010-08-31T08:50:00.005+01:00

My colleague lent me a couple of mascaras to review - she's very into her luxury brands, while I'm not really into anything more pricey than say, MAC makeup. Nothing against luxury brands; I know why people go for them, but I'm more of a bargain hunter ;-) My HG mascara was a Rimmel mascara for a while, and I just bought a nifty collection of sample mascaras from Sephora in the search of another HG mascara :-) Anyway, the two she lent to me were the waterproof Lancôme Hypnôse and the Dior Dioshow Blackout - see what I mean? :-)

The first mascara is the Dior Diorshow Blackout in 099 Kohl Black. It's priced $45 here in Brunei, which translates to about US$30 or £22.50.

The packaging is elegant - a black tube with silver lettering, housed in a silver box with black lettering. Nothing less is expected of Dior ;-)

The brush is quite big, was a bit scared that I'd poke myself in the eye! The formula is quite thick, as was the brush. I don't really like thick formulae, because my lashes are so thin.

Managed to put on a couple of coats, and it resulted in spidery lashes with a bit of clumping. It also stiffened up after a few minutes, which is surprising, because it's not a waterproof mascara.

Overall, I do feel disappointed by it - I expected it to result in a better outcome. It didn't do much lengthening, though it did thicken my lashes just a wee bit. The brush felt a bit big with my tiny eyes, resulting in a messy application, wholly my fault, tbh! It dried quickly, which is a plus for me - I need a mascara that'll dry quickly so I can rush out the door in the morning.

Grade = B

xoxo
irmiana

2010-08-25T17:20:00.002+01:00

Revlon Colourstay in Early Tan.

I previously bought the shade "Warm Golden", which washed me out completely, as it looked about 3 shades lighter than my actual skintone. A friendly sales assistant in the pharmacy I was browsing recommended that I try Early Tan, as it looked like the best match. I've tried it out quickly, and I like the finish! Unfortunately, it seems to enhance my face's pink undertones, making it look quite odd against the yellow undertones of my neck.

Will be trying this for the rest of the week with different techniques, and see which is the best.

Fingers crossed!

xoxo
irmiana

2010-08-13T13:07:00.006+01:00

I recently purchased a pair of 99s from Jeffery Campbell at Solestruck - currently waiting for them to arrive. So I've been planning outfits around them, and tonight, I thought of exploring one area I've not tried in a while - minidresses, specifically those from the TBA line at ASOS

TBA Military Detail Flared Swing Dress

TBA Double Breasted Swing Coat

I can also see those dresses being paired up with these:

ASOS HARNESS Leather Clog Slingback Shoes and ASOS MAVERICK Leather Strap Detail Shoe

What was the last item you purchased for your wardrobes? :-)

xoxo
irmiana

2010-08-12T07:41:00.003+01:00

Hello, again.

Apologies for being away for about 6 months; I've had to focus on straightening out paperwork for my job, and settling down into it. It's been great - I'm working in a field I adore and am passionate about, though it's not related in any way to fashion.

I'm planning to do blog posts on makeup, as I only started being interested in it a few months ago. The plan is to focus mainly on reviews of products I already have, just to add onto the 11ty billion review blogs out there ;-)

How is everyone?

xoxo
irmiana

2010-02-15T06:34:00.002Z

I'm still mourning for the untimely death of Alexander McQueen. Everything feels so surreal. Been watching videos of his collections on youtube, and this has captured my heart more than most:

Which was your favourite collection from Alexander McQueen? Do you have any specific pieces that you love?

xoxo
irmiana

2010-02-11T17:42:00.003Z

Today has been a bittersweet day.

Firstly, I hung out with my two bandidos, Naz and Zuul, and Naz's girlfriend, Mash. It was the last get together before Naz flies off on Sunday to Malaysia (which really, isn't that far away) to continue his studies. I won't be able to send him off at the airport, as I will be with my cousin on her engagement that same day. Zuul won't be able to send him off either as he is on duty til Sunday evening. Naz and Zuul are two of my closest friends, we're the kind of friends who just get each other. We first bonded on our fascination of the morbid, and from there, our friendship bloomed. We've supported each other through thick and thin, and there is a deep love between one another. I am grateful for this weird and wonderful friendship, thankful for their undying support. Tonight was no different, and it made my week.

Secondly, is Alexander McQueen's death. I spent the first 10 minutes sitting in front of my laptop hoping it was a hoax, but upon reading the statement to the press, I started feeling a sense of loss. He was probably my most favourite designer, someone who was a true visionary. Someone who nudged the boundaries of fashion and happily jumped them given the chance to do so. Someone who produced items that were truly decadent, and somehow knew my current lusts and indulged them in his designs. I understand his profound feelings of loss, though deeply wish that he didn't turn to such an extreme escape route. I understand why he did, though, as I have contemplated the same route, though taking a different exit. To me, when someone says, British fashion, I think, "Alexander McQueen. Vivienne Westwood. John Galliano." as my first three. To me, Alexander McQueen will always be one of the greatest British fashion designers, one who died far too young, far too soon. One who is leaving such an amazing body of work.

Rest in peace, Lee Alexander McQueen. May you finally find your peace in your rest.

*breathe*

So sorry for the sad post, I just feel rather devastated and feel like having a cigarette even though I don't smoke.

Onto happier news..

I has a MAC mini-haul. Yus I does. Daddy went to Kuala Lumpur for a couple of nights, and I managed to sneak in a "Please, Daddy, can you get this for me and a friend?" list. The MAC blushes I wanted (Style or Pinch Me) were not available at all, sadface. Though, - if anyone wants to get me these, feel free to! *cheeky grin* But my friend's stuffs were - a lipstick called Cherish, and a blush called Gingerly. Daddy felt bad about my stuff not being available, so he bought two sets of Cherish, and two sets of Gingerly! Bless him <3 I'm quite excited to try these out tomorrow!

Finally, and of course, not the least.. I've received my first blog award! It's so exciting! I received it from the drop dead gorgeous Weesha, and it's such an honour! I do love her blog, and her hair, and her clothes, and how gorgeous she is.. oh the envy twirled with adoration..

(Can you tell I'm excited by my incessant use of exclamation marks? lolums)

Sadly, I shall have to post the six blogs tomorrow morning - it's now 2.15am my time, and I still have my makeup on, meeps!

xoxo
irmiana

2010-02-08T07:53:00.004Z

Mustard long sleeved top - Primark
Waistcoat - Electric Gypsy
Jeans - Dorothy Perkins
Shoes - Converse
Necklace - ASOS

It's hilarious how awkward I am in front of a camera that I have no control over.

I was going to wear pinstriped trousers, but decided not to - the place we went to was more casual than that :-) My family (all 16 of us) went out for dinner to celebrate my eldest sister's birthday, and my dad's birthday.

On other news, I've been obsessing over makeup, which is unlike me - I usually go barefaced, with the occasional red lipstick. Even then, that's usually the only makeup I wear, meep. Now it's the whole shebang - concealor, foundation, blusher, highlighter, etc. So far it's a bunch of things from Benefit - their base stuff has quite a good reputation, though I wasn't aware of their actual cosmetics until recently!

Forgot to mention - my Coastal Scents haul is here! I bought their HD foundation, which seems too light for my current skintone :-( gutted :-( The reviews did talk about how it would suit my skintone - around a MAC NC30-35ish. I don't actually know my MAC number thingamabob, just gauging it against my friends here.

Still trying out the eyeshadows - so pigmented! The 88 Warm Palette is sooo pretty. Loves it - the hot pots are about the size of a dime, or if you're in the UK, a bit bigger than a 5p piece :-)

My current makeup collection - lots of lipsticks which I rarely wear, heh.

How about you, reader? Are you into makeup? What's your go-to look? What products do you use daily/for special occasions? Do share! :-)

xoxo
irmiana

2010-02-06T09:26:00.005Z

I found a few dresses I quite :heart: over at ASOS..

Aqua Couture Drape Back Oversize Dress

Aqua Couture Padded Shoulder Layered Dress

Aqua Couture Strap Back Dress

Louise Amstrup at ASOS V-Neck With Draping Dress

*dies*

I do love the Louise Amstrup dress, it's heavenly. Shame it's already out of stock :-(

xoxo
irmiana

2010-02-04T03:41:00.004Z

My favourite item from my ASOS haul :heart:, is a dark grey asymmetric top, with breast pocket detail. I do love the pop of the other colour - "hot poppy" - but I wanted something versatile, something that's a statement piece, but still quite subtle to wear.

Top - ASOS
Skinny jeans - Dorothy Perkins (slight distressed detail at the thighs, and zip pocket detail)
Platform heels - ASOS
Sneakers - Converse

I've basically put two looks together, just with different footwear to illustrate how simple it is to go from say, a smart casual dinner, to just hanging out with buddies. I've worn this top with the shorts from two posts ago, just around the house.

Here's a sneak peek of the next post ;-)

xoxo
irmiana

2010-01-30T04:02:00.003Z

I found my camera (ish) - it's in my cousin's car, silly me! I really did think I brought it back in with me when he dropped me off a couple of days ago. The nutter didn't think of texting me to tell me my camera was there!

I went to my cousin's birthday gathering yesterday, hence no post for yesterday. There was some confusion about the dress code, whether it'd be more appropriate to wear traditional clothing, or whether we could relax and be more casual. At first I opted to wear a smart casual look - pinstriped trousers, long sleeved mustard top, and a waistcoat, but after asking her what she was wearing, I decided to go with a simple traditional dress

(lol, I look like such a dork with my grin.)

Generally, my traditional dresses are quite colourful and while I like mine cut simply (we get to custom-make all our clothes here!), other people go wild with different styles and quirky twists on the clothes. We get to choose the material from the stores, and choose how we like it cut. For more formal occasions, we make it more glitzy, I suppose, with embroidery and exaggerated fashions.

As I'll be working soon, my mum has been on a rampage to make new traditional clothes for me, as that's what we wear to work - traditional dresses with the headscarves. As a result, I do have two separate closets - one for my everyday clothes, and another for my work wardrobe, and that's just a burst of colour!

Will probably take a photo of it soon, when I get my camera back, hopefully!

xoxo
irmiana

2010-01-28T13:26:00.002Z

Trends.

I know some people who follow them religiously, and some who just avoid them like the plague, instead, sticking to what they want to wear. I've always been an observer, and sometimes, I'd dip into the trend if I think it'll suit my body shape and size. As a plus-size, I've stuck to classic, timeless pieces with a quirky twist.

However, since I've finished my degree in the UK, and now back home in Brunei, I've had to cut back on my clothes because of luggage weight restrictions and all that. I've had to prioritise and really, really think, "will I wear this in the heat? How will this hold up in the humidity?". Hence the lack of outfit posts - most of my clothes are still in transit!

I miss my clothes, I really do. I never thought I could ever be so attached to my clothes, but I packed them into the boxes with an extremely heavy heart, as dramatic as it sounds..

Anyway, I digress! Trends!

Since spring is coming up for most of you, I'm taking a stab at guessing some "new" trends for spring.

1) Lace. White lace over a white background, or maybe a nude background, to incorporate the nude trend too.
2) Nude. I think it's all the romanticism of spring that does it everytime.
3) Colour. Bold, jewel tones, in contrast to previous years where it was all about pastels and soft, soft colours.

I've always been the kind of person who'd think of something random I'd like, but would always have to venture onto eBay (oh, eBay..) to find them! I remember venturing into the vintage stores on Exeter's Fore Street.. Electric Gypsy was my favourite! I looked around for a waistcoat, as I had been craving for one to wear over my tees, and to try out a more tailored look. I found two that I loved - one of them is in my previous post (£8, bargain!) and another for £7, which I rarely wear, because it doesn't button up for me. I did try passing it off to my boyfriend (who looked just yummy in it), but he wasn't having any of it, lol!

Same story with fascinators too, but I never got the chance to wear fascinators, as my schedule was crazy intense. Though I did begin to explore wearing dresses at that point, as a simple and easy way of getting my head out of the course for a while, I guess as a form of escapism.

That's what fashion is to me. It's escapism. It's a chance to put on an outfit that makes you feel fucking awesome about yourself. Fashion at its highest point is art, putting together shapes and colours. Construction. Deconstruction. Prints. Shapes. Lack of shape, fitted, slouchy, everything. It all intrigues me and it makes me smile.

So, I guess the point of this post is to ask you, dear readers,

What does fashion mean to you? Do you pay attention to trends, or are you like me, and incorporate trends into an already established sense of style? What are the trends or looks you'll be sporting this spring?

xoxo
irmiana

p/s - outfit post coming soon, promise! I've just misplaced my camera, and I'm kind of freaking out :-( I'm so lost without it, it's crazy.

2010-01-26T07:18:00.007Z

First of the ASOS haul, is a sheer navy top with pleat detail on the back. I bought an 18 for this, thinking that it draped rather beautifully on the model, so it should work roughly similarly with me (not!) It ended up fitting like a slouchy tee, which I have no complaints about - in this weather, anything slouchy and pretty is more than welcome!

I've been wearing it at home all day, and it's made of such soft material, I forget that it's there, which can be slightly worrying! Wore it with a black tank top underneath, and a pair of denim shorts with side pop buttons. We go around barefoot at home, so no shoooooes <3 I love shoes, but going barefoot feels so comfy, noms.

I tried out different looks with this top - I looooove the colour. I don't have much navy in my closet, as it's a tricky colour to wear with my complexion and it doesn't really fit well with the general palette I have in my closet. Here're the results!

I bought three tops on this 'haul' - the top featured in this post, a grey asymmetric top (which I love to bits and pieces!), and a plain white slouchy tee. The other two tops are coming up soon :-)

xoxo
irmiana

2010-01-25T13:59:00.004Z

Following on from this post, here is the dress.

Worn with my favourite heels (and my only ones until my things arrive, boo!)

I'm quite happy with how it turned out, though the waist was slightly big - I was holding it taut on the other side! I'm thinking about shortening it and making it knee-length, so I can wear it to more informal weddings and such. Thoughts?

xoxo
irmiana

p/s - here's a sneak preview of some of my ASOS haul:

2010-01-24T08:31:00.003Z

Apologies for being away for so long! I haven't been in the best of health as of late, and it's taking a toll on everything, really.

While I've been slobbing out in bed, been looking at makeup (?!) which is something I've never really been interested in beyond black eyeliner and red lipstick. Red lipstick kind of became my go-to look for when I needed a pick-me-up, or when I was wearing a simple white tee, jeans and sneakers. I never really thought about wearing eyeshadow or foundation or concealor - just way too much fuss for me, tbh!

But after random video hopping on youtube, I came across makeup tutorials, which made it seem easy. So I headed over to Coastal Scents and checked out their amazing palettes, which my friends have been raving over for ages. So to start off, I decided on the following palettes:

1) 88 Warm Palette

2) 26 Shadow Blush Combo Palette

3) 28 Piece Eye Shadow Neutral Palette

4) Contour and Blush Palette

5) Professional Camouflage Concealor Palette

A friend and I combined our orders about 2 to 3 weeks ago, they should be here in another 2 weeks or so, hopefully! I've also ordered some stuff off ASOS via a friend (lessthanthree), and hopefully meeting up with her soon-ish :-)

Can't wait!

xoxo
irmiana

2009-12-12T03:22:00.002Z

I've been browsing Free People, which on hindsight, was probably a really, really bad idea.. Because I keep looking at the lovely lovely shoe section.

*dies*

2009-12-10T06:56:00.003Z

Hey y'all!

I just got my first wedding invitation in my name! How terribly grown up and exciting! It's for a really close friend of mine, Mells :-D And along with the other ceremonies (weddings here last ages, about two weeks, at times!), she's having a Wedding Ball, dress code is Black Tie and Evening Gown!

As I don't have an evening gown, and stores here don't cater for my size.. I'm designing one and shopping for the fabric and sending it to my mom's tailoring shop. I was really stumped and thought about just going in a black dress, then thought of designing a floor-length version of this dress!

To make it more appropriate for the ball, the top material could be an emerald green, and made of satin, and the skirt can remain black, but made of a silky cotton material. I was thinking about elongating the panel underneath the bust, kind of making it into a bodice, and having a column of buttons running down the middle of my back. Also, adding a little detail to the side to make it stand out a bit more! I'm still playing around with ideas, adding them to my sketchbook as I go along.

Wish me luck - hopefully I can actually materialise this dress!

2009-12-08T12:49:00.002Z

Mustard yellow long sleeved top - Primark
Royal purple long cardigan - Dorothy Perkins
Blue skinny flare jeans - Dorothy Perkins
Belt - eBay
Shoes - Converse All-Stars

Slightly more colourful today - I was thinking about what to wear, then saw the yellow against the purple in my mind, and thought that it might just work :-)

2009-12-04T08:46:00.002Z

White shirt - eBay
Dark blue skinny jeans - Dorothy Perkins
Buckle platform heels - ASOS
Polka-dot bowtie (used as arm candy) - ASOS

Tis a long overdue outfit post, apologies for that!

I've been feeling rather dreary since I got here, so tis a rather plain outfit. I usually wear this outfit with my gladiator sandals or my chucks, but today, I felt heels might be able to lift my mood a wee bit.

I was right ;-)

2009-12-02T13:30:00.002Z

Shoe post!

Betz posted a pair of stunning shoes recently, and it reminded me of this pair I saw from ASOS:

Sooooo pretty. I love it in teal, such a pretty colour! I've been drawn to more teal items, as well as prussian blue and purple, so weird for me, as I'm usually drawn to red and bursts of yellow, and of course, the safe black.

What do you think?

2009-11-27T05:32:00.002Z

I want this dress so bad.

Might try making it myself. In a plum purple-y shade, maybe? And probably some embellishments at the waist, huge gems, in a faux belt?

Will sketch something out and post it up here :-)

What are your current must-haves? I feel rather disconnected from the world, being here.

xoxo
irmiana

2009-11-23T01:47:00.002Z

Kate Moss said, "Nothing tastes as good as skinny feels".

http://www.guardian.co.uk/lifeandstyle/2009/nov/20/kate-moss-motto-pro-anorexic

Representatives say that it's part of a longer answer during an interview, and was taken out of context.

I'm plus-sized, and while I'm comfortable in myself, I know others aren't comfortable being bigger than a size 10. I don't blame them, if it's a matter of physical comfort, rather than self-esteem or confidence issues.

I've been fascinated with eating disorders for a while, as part of my course. It's a macabre interest, granted. I'm interested in the psyche of it, what drives a girl to trying to stay just that. A girl. Not blossom into a woman, just stay a girl.

I'm not here to preach, mind you. I'm just aware of the physical, emotional, mental, and social consequences of eating disorders. As far as most of those with eating disorders are aware, there is only the physical.

One of the women on my caseload about a year ago, was a recovering anorexic. She was a classic anorexic, textbook in every way possible. It was stressful for me to be in the same room as her, because of her nerves, her anxiety, her worries. I had to get over my own judgemental issues towards people who deprived themselves of a pleasure that I wouldn't deprive myself of. Yes, I do follow Ramadhan, but for religious and cultural reasons, not because I want to lose weight.

People with bones showing, scare me. I think my maternal side kicks in and I just want to feed the muffins and cupcakes and T-bone steaks. Potatoes too.

People who are slim, and of a healthy weight, that makes me ever so slightly jealous :-) I like my curves, and I love myself. First step to getting over most disorders, really. Acknowledging, and believing you are worth something.

(Reference: Drop Dead Dive, Season 1 Episode 2, thankyouverymuch)

Anyway. As much as I love some models' looks.. they're a healthy weight, they're not skinny for the sake of being skinny. Heck, Lily Cole has some boobs too. (Reference: that movie she was in with Johnny Depp, Heath Ledger and Jude Law.)

I don't support anorexia, bulimia, or any eating disorders. Eating is a pleasure to be cherished, and it's supposed to nurture you, nourish you, rather than send you on a guilt trip and a starving frenzy.

So, please, fellow fashion bloggers, take care of yourselves? Grab a muffin

xoxo
irmiana

2009-11-20T03:17:00.001Z

RIP, Daul Kim.

xoxo
irmiana

2009-11-18T00:41:00.004Z

Hi all,

Firstly, an apology for being away for so long - it's been a whirlwind the past few months! I've been on placement for the past few months, in a very high pressure setting, which required me to focus completely on that. I had to plan my leaving the UK for good as well, which was quite sad, and I did avoid it for as long as I could. This was because by leaving the UK for good, I was also leaving the place where I came into myself, where I discovered different parts of myself. I tried different personalities, some fit, some didn't, some I've retained, and some I've hidden in my closet. Also, I've had to leave my boyfriend. We are still together, giving this long-distance malarky a shot. We have faith that we'll survive it for as long as it takes for me to work off my government bond.

Anyway, I'm back in my home country, and I've started some work. And I'm redecorating my room and making it look more.. me. I'm having one wall painted quite a dark red, and the bed is going to have a white frame, and the other furniture will either be white or dark brown or black. The other walls will remain white, but I'm still debating on having black and white wallpaper, like they have in one of the Camden markets, like in the picture below

Though I do like the idea of having a light colour theme.. like this

Though something like this, on one wall, while the other walls are a nice teal or lemon yellow, would be quite striking.

Anyway! ha, I've digressed from what I originally wanted to blog about. I was doing my usual random rounds on the blogging world, and came across a link to Tabitha Simmon's site. She's an editor for American Vogue (I think!) and she's also a shoe designer! Her shoes are named after her friends, and I do quite like Bailey, and Brian, and Karen.. I haven't checked out the prices yet, but I'm thinking they're out of my price range, obv! Would be great to have a pair, if I do find a store near me by some weird miracle!

Here are some pictures, courtesy of Google-ing "Tabitha Simmons shoes":

I do recommend you check out her shoes - they look so beautiful, it hurts.

Phew, long post! Time to get back to work! And outfit post coming soon :-)

xoxo
irmiana

2009-11-17T03:26:00.003Z

I succumbed to the plaid madness. Worn on Halloween. Apologies for the crappy phone camera photo

Plaid shirt - Primark
Tank top - Marks & Spencers.
Jeans - Dorothy Perkins.
Belt - TK Maxx
Scarf - Barcelona Airport.
Shoes - Converse All-Stars

xoxo
irmiana

2009-10-16T20:26:00.002+01:00

White oxford shirt - Dorothy Perkins
Skinny jeans with zipper and slight distress detail - Dorothy Perkins
Cowboy boots - New Look
Bag - ASOS
Necklace - ASOS
Glasses - ASOS
Red lipstick - Bourjois So Rouge

:-)

2009-08-06T08:38:00.001+01:00

Hi.

I'm currently on placement at the moment, but just dropping this post to inform those of you currently in London..

UK Exhibition 2009

I'll be there, it should be pretty awesome, mostly because of the following:

It will be the first ever national public art show to be curated by currently serving prisoners, and ergo, will have a unique women's perspective - as the curators are from female prisons.

I think it'll be pretty ace. Will definitely be there before I leave the UK at the end of October!

xoxo
irmiana

2009-07-29T15:53:00.003+01:00

White long-sleeved top = Dorothy Perkins
Black tunic = Select
Grey skirt = Dorothy Perkins
Shboots = Evans
Room = Ciano's.

Feeling tired and uninspired. Apologies.

xoxo
irmiana

2009-07-18T18:53:00.002+01:00

Tunic (tucked in and worn as top) - Zara Basic. My dad bought it for me when he went to Milan last month. I don't usually wear print, or that much colour, so it has been a challenge to incorporate it into my wardrobe without looking like a fool.

Jeans - Grey skinnies from Dorothy Perkins, two years old.

Shboots - From Evans, bought on a whim. The shape of the shoe reminds me of elves, for some reason. Maybe it's the bit that turns up at the toe that reminds me of them.

I was using my housemate's room for this, I love his room. So much more closet space than mine! Wish I took the room while he hadn't moved in yet, because he doesn't really use it and my wardrobe is kind of overflowing.. :-$

Anyway, I'm off to pick my sister up from the train station with my landlord, will reply to comments soon, byeeeee!

xoxo
irmiana

2009-07-12T11:54:00.001+01:00

Lustin'.

xoxo
irmiana

2009-07-08T21:39:00.002+01:00

I'm back home, yaye! Though boo, because I have to work on rewriting my essay - pah! London was awesome, spent a good few hours in beloved Camden, bought a few things there from a shop that had a bunch of Pussycat stuff. Equals heaven, mmmm.

I also buckled and bought my first pair of sandals. Not quite gladiator sandals, but I guess, gladiator inspired sandals? Originally £80, but bought it for £35 on sale - bargain! Wanted a different pair, a white pair of gladiator sandals (supposedly Marc Jacobs), but they didn't have my size :-( So, anyone in London with size 39 feet, get them! I believe the shop is called Destiny, on 208 Camden Street (used Google Streetmap - tis great!) :-D

Anyway, here're my purchases!

I love the colours on this dress. Will have to look for a scoop neck tee in one of the colours from the palette though, tis a wee bit low cut ;-p

Loves this tank top, though it's a weird colour on me. Not quite grey, but it's more.. I dunno, mink? I love the lace bow detail, though might have to do a DIY on the button - it looks as if it's falling off a bit :-(

Been wearing the purple top as a nightie - so comfy and awesome for the hot summer nights, and to wear around the house with shorts in the day. The white top is kind of awkward to wear, but I'd only wear it under the purple layer, so :-)

My venture into sandals - still wish I had a white pair, though I'm quite happy with this pair!

Will take some photos tomorrow, as I have my tripod again *loves*

Will also be uploading more things to sell off. I do hope there'll be some interested parties :-(

xoxo
irmiana

2009-07-08T21:29:00.003+01:00

For sale

I don't quite remember where/when I bought this - I do love it to bits, but it won't fit around my neck. Length of chain is about 17 inches full circle.

Pendant itself is about 2.25 inches, and the chain is double stranded.

Setting the price for £6, p&p is free in UK and flat charge of £2 for the rest of the world!

If interested, e-mail me at irmiana@hotmail.co.uk and we'll arrange it from there!

More to come :-)

xoxo
irmiana

2009-07-05T22:21:00.002+01:00

Dress - Dorothy Perkins
Shoes - Converse All Stars

Will post more tomorrow, after the other girls I'm sharing this room with, leave.

Just to clarify, the stuff I'm selling will be free P&P for the UK, and a flat charge of £2 for the rest of the world, so keep your eyes peeled :-)

xoxo
irmiana

2009-07-02T18:02:00.003+01:00

Hey y'all!

Just a quick update - I just arrived in London about an hour and a half ago, staying in Central London, ideal :-) So if any of you want to meet up or anything before the 7th, e-mail me over at irmiana@hotmail.co.uk , it'll be awesomely awkward :-p

I'll be posting up outfit posts, as I have a room all to myself, with white walls and awesome natural light. It's nice and cool in the room too, so no complaints as of yet. Other than the fact I'm in a hostel for Bruneian students, and I already feel like an ogre.

Though, bumped into my cousin's cousin when I was checking in. Typical *rollseyes*

Anyway, I best go get something to eat, I fully plan to lock myself in this room and people watch for a while. I only packed tees and a couple of dresses in a small bag, so uhm, me thinks shopping.

xoxo
irmiana

NINJA EDIT!
So I'm moving out of my current accommodation soon-ish, and clearing out my stuff, and turns out that I have a lot of jewelry that I don't wear anymore - I went through a phase where I had to have everything, and it's just piled up in these boxes on my windowsill! So will be putting them up for sale on this blog when I get back home

p/s - free p&p ;-)

2009-06-24T22:09:00.004+01:00

I made more cupcakes today. Though the icing didn't turn out too well :-(

Pictures of red lipstick - Bourjois' Rouge Dress Code

I bought a tunic/dress from Dorothy Perkins, and I'm not too sure about it as it's kind of short for a dress, but too long for a top.

What do you guys think? Keep, or return?

Bedtime for me - going to spend some time outside tomorrow :-)

xoxo
irmiana

2009-06-22T23:01:00.006+01:00

(warning, long post, lots of talk, some pictures!)

Hey y'all! :-D

It's Monday, and I'm somewhat fully rested from the weekend (it's 11pm now, yaye for slightly screwed up body clocks) The party was great, got to see my coursemates, haven't seen them for a month or so, caught up on news and all, stayed up for a while, around the fire, just talking about the future and plans, and relationships. I had a couple of sneaky cigs, which I regretted yesterday on the train home, felt horrible! I personally don't drink, but the smell of alcohol in the air resulted in me feeling slightly uhm, happy. And it resulted in me having a banging headache the next morning/afternoon, I felt and probably looked like death had bodyslammed me. The cupcakes went down well though, soft sponge vanilla-y cupcakes, with melt-in-your-mouth chocolate buttercream icing, topped off with Milky Way buttons. T'was amusing when I realised I hadn't a big enough container to lug it on two trains - cue ransacking housemates' cupboards for their tupperware!

This is what summers are made of.

Got tagged by the ever so fabulous Overdressed Me, here goes!

My 20 Favorite Things

1) COLOR - Red. It used to be black, but I eventually ventured out onto Red.

2) DESSERT- I'm traditional. So, chocolate! :-D Been having cravings for cupcakes the past few months, but didn't fancy the fancy looking cupcakes, so eventually gave in and decided to make my own and stuff.

3) SMELL - My boyfriend. Smelling him, even when he's not there, makes me smile :-) So, I loves. Also, Carolina Herrera's 212 Sexy is the only perfume I ever really liked. I tried Valentino's Rock 'n' Rose, but found it too weak.

4) FLOWER - I like white roses, and red roses. There's something so inherently romantic and tragic about them.

5) ANIMAL - Cat. More specifically, black cats.

6) MONTH - I love the summer months, because they're generally happy months, and I think that I'll always associate the summer months with romance, because that's how my summers have panned out.

7) BEVERAGE - Dr. Pepper, or anything fruity and fizzy. Kickapoo, anyone? Or even Mirinda Apple?

8) SHOES - I love my heels to no end, but my chucks are my saving grace.

9) SNACK - I usually snack when I'm travelling, so usually M&Ms nomnomnom. I miss the peanut butter flavour :-(

10) SONG/S - That'd be like asking me to name my favourite nephew/neice :-p I love most music, though I tend to stay away from mainstream, charts. Currently loving Super Furry Animals, The Kills, Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Silversun Pickups, Sonic Youth, Future of the Left and The Vaselines.

11) BOOK - I like random books, something surreal, anything that can transport me to that particular moment. I grew up reading Enid Blyton, R. L. Stine, so a mixture of the surreal and horror and a completely different century, with romance, tragedy, betrayal galore.

12) FRUIT - I like Fiji apples, they're huge, and it can take me a whole day, from morning til evening, before I give up completely. I also really like soft pears. And strawberries. nomnomnom.

13) HAIRSTYLE - I worshipped my sideswept bangs for a long time, then eventually took the plunge to a blunt fringe recently, even though I have a round face. No regreats with my current haircut, as it's kind of awesome when I curl the long bits, or if I leave it to its natural poofiness.

14) PIECE/S OF CLOTHING - Currently loving the Primark dress I bought with my dad, didn't think it would fit me as I knew I gained weight due to lounging at home, but lo and behold, it fit perfectly!

15) STORES TO SHOP - I'm willing to give most stores a go, in vintage stores, I usually zone in onto the mens' section, as I'm most likely to fit the things there :-)

16) SEASON - I adore the in-between seasons, spring and fall.

17) HOBBY - I'm currently reigniting my love for painting and sketching, as well as baking.

18) THINGS TO COLLECT - My boyfriend (being the bundle of sweetness that he is) recently added to my stamp collection. I collect a lot of random things, especially anything to do with my boyfriend. If I see something I think, "OOH!" when I see it, I'd probably try and nick it..

19) MOVIE - I'll always love The Secret Garden. I'm such a girl in that I love the magic in it, and again, the recurring theme of romance and tragedy.

20) RESTAURANT - I'm currently loving the sushi restaurant, Koishii.

I tag...

Lottie
Louise
Jae
Becca
An92

Midnight, time for bed!

xoxo
irmiana

2009-06-20T11:52:00.002+01:00

Hey y'all, just a quick update, been on a rollercoaster as of late.. I just finished baking some cupcakes to bring to my friend's birthday party later, two hours to get ready and pack an overnight bag (sleeping bag, face wipes, moisturiser, eyeliner, eyelash curler, mascara, lipbalm..).

I do apologise. More outfit posts coming.. haven't been able to take photos as my dad was visiting, and he kind of took over my room for a bit. But he bought me some stuff from Madrid, so that's always nice! One sheer floaty top, and a tunic, both from Zara. Both extremely colourful, so I've been playing with ways to tone it all down, as I'm not a huge fan of big colourful prints. He also bought me a watch that I can wear if my phone dies on me (which it usually does, as I always forget to charge it).

I'm currently bidding on this bag.

I want it SO bad. It's the perfect size for me to bring all my things to London in July! But I won't be around for the last few minutes of the bidding war, so I might just have to let it go :-(

*cries*

Ohman, I just put in a maximum bid of £23, plus postage of £7 = £30, which is the maximum I'll spend on a bag, and someone's maximum bid is higher than that.

*cries*

Oh well, will have to have a look around elsewhere then..

Will update soon, promise! Hope all y'all are alright <3

xoxo
irmiana

2009-06-07T14:12:00.002+01:00

I'm a sucker for red lipstick. I'm currently bidding on B Never too busy to be beautiful's Boudoir on the ever so trusty eBay. Thanks to Vanessa Jackman, who brought the brand and shade to my attention in this post. I personally love the photos she takes, with an SLR, who could go wrong, really? :-)

xoxo
irmiana

2009-06-04T17:58:00.004+01:00

I has a dress. But I'm not too sure on how it looks on me as such. The hem is a wee bit dodgy, but I do like the cut. If only it were more of a full skirt rather than a bubble hem skirt..

Thoughts?

xoxo
irmiana

p/s - I had my hair cut - it's got long bits in the front, but quite short at the back.. don't think I like this haircut much :-(

2009-06-04T17:09:00.003+01:00

Louise Ebel is my current fashionista love <3 First spotted her in an issue of Teen Vogue, turns out she's a style blogger, and a magazine editor too! This is her blog, and this is the magazine

Would you believe that the red military coat is from Primark?!

*jealous*

But seriously, I do admire her style. There's a sense of romanticism, with lots of modern twists and edges chucked in for good measure, but the aesthetic remains pleasant and not overdone. Verdict? Loves it.

xoxo
irmiana

2009-05-30T23:05:00.003+01:00

Credits to : Papermag

Credits to : Examiner

Credits to : Papermag

Credits to : Babbler

Credits to : OhNoTheyDidn't!

Credits to : People

xoxo
irmiana

2009-05-30T22:25:00.003+01:00

Hey y'all, what's up? :-)

Firstly, apologies for not posting in a while - t'was the last stretch of my uni years, so... :-) But s'alright, all has been handed in, and went to the ball that night too. It's been a whirlwind week, and I'm kind of glad I finally got a chance to breathe a wee bit today!

Secondly, outfit posts.. ah, uhm. yes. Time was not on my side, but I will get back to doing more outfit posts and stuff :-)

Thirdly, I has my first h8r! lolz. "Anonymous", oh how shall I rip thee to shreds? Simply put, I won't. Not putting your name is cowardly. Calling me ugly won't destroy my life. Etc, etc. Consider your comment deleted and IP blocked, etc. kthxbi :-)

Fourthlyyy. Hm. I did try making a vlog for you guys, just because it was easier, but I came out kind of like an uber twat, so didn't post it up :-p

Again, really really sorry I haven't posted in ages, will post a couple of pictures from the ball and such :-)

Big love!

xoxo
irmiana

2009-05-13T10:08:00.002+01:00

These beauties arrived yesterday.

Loves loves <3 <3

Shoes are from ASOS - been eyeing these shoes for a while, debating whether I should get the "natural" or black. Ended up getting the "natural", but tempted to exchange it for the black - what do you ladies think?

Bag is Oushka @ ASOS. I personally love the orange, yellow and green against the white, with the brown strap to contrast. Tis a good size too, so will be able to bring my laptop around, whee :-)

xoxo
irmiana

2009-05-09T15:52:00.003+01:00

Hi all, today has been an awesome day. Mostly because it's the first time in a while I actually went proper shopping - trudging around the shops, trying on stuff, dragging around all the shopping, and mostly doing damage to my bank account!

(My contact lens appointment slash eye checkup went fine, didn't get the cute doctor, but got a really nice father-ly doctor. Made me miss my dad a bit.)

Anyway, I'm SO glad I went out today - I found my statement piece for the summer :-D From my favourite label, Pussycat London. At first I was rather disheartened looking through the racks, because all the Ls seemed to have disappeared. Been snatched as soon as they came in, no doubt! Grr!

Uhm, yes. I digress.

Top - Pussycat London.
Grey skirt - New Look.
Purple tights - Primark.
Black lace-up canvas shoes - New Look

What do you guys think?

When I got home, I took it out of the bag and stared at the print for nearly half an hour (I get really fascinated with lots of pretty colours. I swear, if I ever did decide to try hallucinogenic drugs, I'd probably just sit there watching lights go around in swirls for hours and hours).

And please note that I am not advocating the use of drugs. Be cool, stay in school.

So that was my pathetic attempt at a catchy slogan. lol?

Anyway, I'm digressing (again!)

Bought a bunch of tights from Primark. I generally don't buy stuff in Primark, because it's so busy in there. Too much visual stimulation makes me a bit panicky. Uhm, yes. I usually buy hosiery there, because it's easy and cheap - though today, I spent a while looking for the tights section. Turns out, they had moved the sections around and I ended up in the mens underwear section - not good!

Anyhoos! it's 10 minutes past 4pm - going to have a nice cup of sweet milky tea me thinks!

Before I go.. this is a song I never get tired of.

xoxo
irmiana

2009-05-08T22:36:00.003+01:00

Yesterday's outfit

Blazer, white long-sleeved top, three-quarter ruched sleeve cardigan & jeans - Dorothy Perkins. Drop necklace of hearts - ASOS. Shoes - Converse. Badges - New Look, Le Chat Noir, Silversun Pickups, My Embrace, The Vincent Black Shadow and Museu Nacional d'Art de Catalunya

Today's outfit

White oversized shirt - eBay. Grey skinny jeans - Dorothy Perkins. Black shboots with zip detail - Evans. Bag - ASOS. Necklace - uhm. I don't remember :-$

I'll edit this post with the details on the outfits tomorrow, mi chultios ;-) tis 10.49pm and I'm feeling uber uber sleepy and I need a good amount of sleep as I'm having my contact lens appointment tomorrow where they see how "well" my eyes are taking to the lenses. Oh joy.

I hope I'll at least get that cute doctor again.

xoxo
irmiana

2009-05-07T22:42:00.003+01:00

Hey ya'll, how's it going?

I got tagged by the lovely EternalJade, so here goes! :-)

[1] What are your current obsessions?
Fashion-wise, vintage bags. It started out with me looking for a vanity case to keep my tiny makeup collection, as I have nowhere to keep them, then went to eBay, and that's where all the madness (but oh-so-beautiful madness) began. Academic-wise, current policies and legislations for learning disabilities, and developmental psychology theories.

[2] What is your weirdest obsession?
I have lots of weird obsessions, because I have a slight tendency to fall back into my OCD when stressed. Off the top of my head, I like things in 2s or multiples of 5. And I like eating M&Ms in pairs of the same colour.

[3] What are you wearing today?
I wore a long sleeved white top under a three-quarter ruched sleeve cardigan (done up only three buttons on it), faded black jeans, white belt, black and white chucks, and a red drop necklace made up of teeny tiny hearts. *note to self: upload pictures*

[4] What’s for dinner today?
Well, I had awesome fish cakes with a nice salad. Had heated apple turnovers with ice cream for desert. I love my food waaaaay too much to ever lose weight, hah :-D

[5] Why is today special?
Because I handed in my current issues assignment, AND! Got to see my boyfriend after not seeing him for 10 days. He picked me up from uni and we went to his and played Guitar Hero. So yes, today was quite special :-)

[6] What would you like to learn to do?
Play proper guitar, I guess? And to make my own clothes, really. I might ask for a sewing machine for my next birthday lol :-D

[7] What’s the last thing you bought?
Ahhh... A Scientific American Mind magazine at the train station, because I'm a geek that way.

[8] What are you listening to right now?

[9] What is your most challenging goal right now?
Completing the last two assignments for my undergraduate degree!

[10] What do you think about the person who tagged you?
EternalJade is so awesome - I love love LOVE her cheekbones, and her key pendant necklace! Her sense of style is kind of a modern, preppy twist on the 1930's, which I adore. :-)

[11] If you could have a house totally paid for, fully furnished anywhere in the world, where would you like it to be?
I'm going to be mushy and say anywhere I can live with the boyfriend.

[12] What would you like to have in your hands right now?
lolums. My degree? And possibly my perfect wardrobe.

[13] What would you like to get rid of?
My pile of cartoon/slogan tees that don't fit me anymore since I've gone up a couple of bust sizes in the past 3 years or so. I love them to bits and pieces, but showing off my huge tummy isn't going to make anyone happy :-p

[14] If you could go anywhere in the world for the next hour, where would you go?
Be with the boyfriend (sorry, I get like this after I see him, all mushy and stuff lolums)

[15] Which language do you want to learn?
Catalan. I learnt a bit before my dad, sister and I went to Barcelona last summer, and I only learnt the phrase, "Where are the shops?" hahahaha! oh man, *facepalm*

[16] What do you look for in a friend?
Kindness, a sense of humour, wit, intelligence, passion, open-mindedness.

[17] Who do you want to meet in person?
Hmm.. I'd want to meet fashion bloggers in South-East Asia, for shits and giggles, obviously mostly for giggles.

[18] What’s your favorite type of music?
It depends on my mood really. Two weeks ago, I was having a walk down memory lane and blasting Evanescence through the night. Currently, it's acoustic stuff with vocals like Kat Badar's.

[19] What’s the favorite piece of clothing in your own closet?
lol that's like asking me to pick my favourite nephew/neice (my first nephew, ND) Favourite piece of clothing would have to be my trusty blazer that I've had since Christmas 2003. I can just throw it over anything and it'd look presentable, or roll up the sleeves and make it into a form of boyfriend blazer. Right now, I have a bunch of badges of local/unknown bands in one corner, with my yellow swallow brooch (yes, I found it, yaye!) hovering over them.

[20] What is your dream job?
It sways from being an awesome specialist occupational therapist in an eating disorders unit or a forensics setting or in neurosciences... to a fashion/music photographer. I'm not that great at photography (evidence - Flickr), but I like to think of it as a dream, really.

[21] Any favorite models?

I absolutely LOVE Lily Cole. I have a soft spot for redheads, and doll-like features, and when they're mixed together, I'm head over heels.

[22] What would you mostly likely spend $100 on?
All sorts of clothes and accessories and shooooooes. Oh shoes....

[23] What would you like an endless supply of?
Please refer to q. 22.

[24] Girl crush?

Scarlett Johannson <3 I find it amusing that some of my friends think I sound like her, but I don't think I have a husky, sexy voice like hers.. *melts*

[25] Do you admire anyone’s style?

I admire anyone who stays true to their personal style. Currently, it's Celia Ammerman from ANTM Cycle 12 - I don't like the fact that she's so skinny (I'm paranoid that if I sneeze at the screen, I might just break her!), but her wardrobe is essentially made up of key, investment pieces.

[26] Describe your personal style.
I like to think that I dress to what fits and complements my body, and it always, always, depends on my mood.

Now, I'd like to tag the following:
Jae
Louise
Fiona
Lottie
Char & Sea

Big big loves

xoxo
irmiana

Quick Update!

2009-05-03T22:16:00.006+01:00

Hey all,

It's 22.16 on a Sunday night, and tomorrow is Bank Holiday Monday, so buses will be a tad iffy, so will the shops. But it's alright, I need to do 900 words by Thursday, but preferably by Tuesday, so I can have til Thursday to look through the transcript of my focus group and pick out some themes - been neglecting it for so long!

Seriously, where has April gone?! It's f'in May!

Anyway, uhm, yes. Apologies for not updating for a week or so - been going to uni and stuff, but dressing with more effort this time round! I feel that dressing up a bit makes me feel better as a whole. It is actually something that my course encourages, in a roundabout way. It's an odd course, but the only place where an oddball like me can fit in really, hah! :-D

SO! I'm due in for a haircut sooooon-ish. When I went in for a fringe trim, my hairdresser wanted to cut my hair kind of asymmetric bob-like. I was thinking pixie cut, but I think the lack of hair might just drive me nuts..

Also, I've been getting child tickets on the bus the past week or so.. So at 21, I don't look older than 15? I just learnt not to argue with the bus driver (I have a really REALLY strong guilty conscience..) and accept it. At one point, it came to him asking me for ID, to prove I'm 21. Like, uhm, yes. ok. I'll prove I'm older so I can pay the more expensive bus fare.. pah!

Oh! I bought red lipstick. hahahahaha jaysus. Barry M's Pillar Box Red. It goes on kind of pink at first, but the more I swipe on, the more it becomes reddish, but not quite the red I'm looking for. Also, it looks a bit odd on my skin tone. I'm not uber tanned, but I'm not uber Asian toned either. I have pink cheeks for f's sake! And the lipstick just made me look flushed, which is a look I like, but with my lips, it looks kind of ridiculous. My lips looked HUUUUUUGE I tell ya, HUUUUUUUUUUUGE!

Just to illustrate my point, here are unedited photos of yours truly.

Big picture - sans lipstick and any other makeup really, eek.
Top right - with a wee bit
Bottom right - full effect

And I tried it on again today, again, no other makeup other than the lipstick..

So... what's the verdict - yay or nay?

xoxo
irmiana

p/s - :o! Three followers! :-D

2009-04-23T14:44:00.003+01:00

Hi :-D As Sod's Law has it, the moment I say I barely have time to do anything other than work, I had about half an hour to play around with before I had to catch the bus to uni, so I thought I'd post this collage :-) It's been hot the past few days, and today's not an exception, so decided to wear this dress I bought aaaaages ago, but hadn't had the chance to. Mainly bought it because it was from a label I adore, and it was only £8, so what the heck, right?

Dress is from Pussycat London, cardigan (knotted at the front - it's actually quite long, and has pockets) is from New Look, shoes from Evans, and bag is from ASOS. Sunglasses were my late aunt's from the 60's/70's :-)

Back to work for me, byeee!

xoxo

2009-04-22T16:08:00.003+01:00

Hi all,

Just wanted to drop by to apologise for the lack of updates - been immersing myself in all my assignments (all three due in a couple of weeks, argh!) so haven't been updating or wearing anything other than jeans and a tee. Tis been too warm for a blazer (!) but been carrying it in case! We never really know with the fickle British weather!

I fell asleep in the sun yesterday though, t'was awesome :-D Though I woke up when it started being a bit breezy and the sun hid away behind the clouds for a while :-( And uhm, managed to kind of scare Lou because I was on an immense sugar high after having like a teeny tiny tub of Ben&Jerry's Chunky Monkey ice cream! I was running, skipping, jumping, climbing trees.. no wonder I crashed lol!

Anyway, I should be back in a couple of weeks, or whenever I've dressed in anything other than jeans and a tee :-) (Also when I'm not rushing around in the morning trying to find something to wear/eat/pack) Hope all y'all are doing alright :-)

xoxo
irmiana

p/s - I'm in love with Celia and Allison in ANTM's Cycle 12. They so fee-uz!

2009-04-13T09:06:00.004+01:00

Hello,

Apologies for being gone for a bit - my assignments have been piling up and it ain't looking pretty now :-( But! I'm going over to some friends' house and brainstorming for a bit, so that should be good :-)

Outfit was worn on hm, Saturday, me thinks? It was so hot out, that I went out without a blazer. But even wearing that was so hot, I went back in to change into an oversized blue tee that I thrifted from an awesome store called the Electric Gypsy in Exeter a few years ago.

Waistcoat is old, old Dorothy Perkins. Again, three years ago, maybe? I'm going through a phase of re-wearing my old clothes, which are completely different to the things I wear now.

Ooh, re. prom dress, I decided to forego the prom dress shopping and just wear my traditional dress instead :-) In particular, this one - don't mind the guy, he's just a friend hah :-)

Hm, that photo doesn't really do it justice. Brbrbrbrbrbrb!

Wearing that now, it's made me realise how much my body has changed. The nature of the dress is that it's custom made for you, so they use your exact measurements at that point in time, so if you gain/lose weight, it shows in how ill-fitting the dress becomes. The dress used to be awfully snug, the arms were a nightmare to move in as I was terrified I'd rip it apart or something. But it fits loosely now, yaye!

Time to go get ready for the study session!

xoxo
irmiana

p/s - I've already added all your links to the side :-) <3 Thanks for the link exchange, lovelies :-)

2009-04-07T22:16:00.002+01:00

I've been blog-hopping on the fashion blogs - much more interesting than the random blogs I used to hop through! So much inspiration, so many pretty people! And so many shoes I'm lusting over! Especially Char's studded wedges over at FashionSqueah!. Ah! I so want them too! But I seem to have lots of trouble walking in wedges; 5 inch heels are fine, but wedges, not a chance!

It's odd, because wedges are supposedly more stable because they have a flat base, so technically, it'd be like wearing flats. But I think that it's the juxtaposition of my tactile system saying I've got heels on, and my vestibular system going, "Everything's dandy, you've got flats on!". I'm oh-so-easily confused.

Anyway, I digress. I meant to bring up the topic of prom and prom dresses...

I'm in my final year of uni (ohnoes) and my year have decided to arrange for a ball. Yes, a ball. I have horrible images of boarding school, juxtaposed with images of the debutante ball as in Gossip Girl.

Yes, I'm kind of obsessed with Gossip Girl, style-wise. I'm not too hot on the plot at the moment. Ed Westwick equals swoon. I would've loved to see him as Edward Cullen in Twilight, tbh. Oh, the smouldering looks he could have given. *swoon*

I has weakness for smouldering Brit boys. Yum.

Agh, I digress again! I'm feeling slightly ADD at the moment, it's rather annoying :-( Apologies.

Anyhoos. Prom. Dress. Ball. Yes.

I've decided to go in my traditional outfit - a "baju kurung", which unfortunately translates literally into "clothes that act as a cage". It's basically a long top, with a long skirt, and it's usually shapeless. I know that sounds completely boring, but we get to play around with the cut, the shape, the length of the sleeves, the embroidery, the material, the colours, the accessories... ah, the choices are endless!

*Note to self - I will post up a picture of the baju kurung tomorrow*

My girlfriends and I have been talking about dresses to wear and things, I've been helping out, mainly by scanning through a few websites and firing the links of the dresses I think they'll look absolutely amazing in, to them. I'm happy with my choice to wear my traditional dress. What better way to finish up my uni years, by publicly embracing my culture, right?

xoxo
irmiana

p/s - Just in case anyone was wondering, I'm a Malay from Brunei :-) Most women back home are about 5'2" and a size 6/8, whilst I'm about 5'5" and a size 16, so wahey!

2009-04-05T16:06:00.003+01:00

Yesterday's outfit to go into town. Didn't manage to sell my guitar, because it's kind of an uber shit guitar :( oh well.

Bought a dress from Dorothy Perkins, which cheered me up quite a bit. I like it. I like it a lot :)

Pardon the pale-ness of my legs. I don't usually get them out at all. I was so shocked when I saw the pictures, because it looked as if I was wearing white tights, which is on my list to get..

Maybe I can skip the tights and just go barelegged, hah :)

xoxo

2009-04-05T15:14:00.001+01:00

I CAN'T FIND MY YELLOW SWALLOW BROOCH!!

OHNOES!

NOES!
NOES!
NOOOEEEESSS!!!!

*blubbers*

2009-04-01T22:28:00.002+01:00

I haven't worn this dress in such a long time, not since November '08, when my housemates, a few friends and I went out to celebrate a birthday - tis from ASOS :) I love it loads, but today, I realised why I don't wear it out much - it's so short! I wore shorts underneath and even those couldn't save my dignity; felt well embarassed! I think I'll stick to my skirts instead of dresses for now!

Shoes are from New Look :) Again, haven't worn these in such a long time, not since my cousin's engagement party in London in August, I think. Oh, wait... I did wear them once or twice in between, the more recent time being a few months ago, when I went to see the boyfriend. Unfortunately, I was so used to my chucks at that time, that I was so close to tears as I had foolishly chosen to not wear socks or tights, boo :(

Tights are a tad shiny, and from New Look.. not too sure I like them, but I've had them for ages now... Me thinks it's time to buy new tights, as my old ones are getting ladders :(

I wore my ringmaster coat over the outfit, and another coat over it, as Plymouth had no sun whatsoever when I left, but when I got to Totnes and were driving to his, all the sun was there! Boo!

I've made myself a promise, that I won't buy anything until I've worn everything I can in my closet. I have a lot of clothes that I don't wear anymore, unfortunately, and I can't set up an eBay account, as I need a landline of some sort - any other websites that I can go to to sell old but still kind of new clothes?

xoxo
irmiana

2009-03-28T21:52:00.004Z

I bought this a few days ago. I love it to bits - bought it in a size 16, and surprisingly enough, it fit my upper arms, with space to be comfortable, but it's a tight fit over the chest area, so it's going back, I'm afraid :(

I was going to wear it with black tights and my swanky shboots, which is a look I've been wearing out for the past week. Love it when there's a look I love and I just want to wear it all day, everyday.

Speaking of which, I'm still wearing my favourite zip skirt. I tend to stuff a lot of things into the pockets, which amused the boyfriend so. Keys, train tickets, railcard, cell phone, necklace, bracelet, lipbalm... And I was still carrying my satchel!

Oh, no wonder I can never pack "only the necessities" - as far as I'm concerned, accessories are necessary, thankyouverymuch!

xoxo
irmiana

p/s - Update - I've put in a tagboard so that it's easier for everyone to leave a message, so please do! xoxo

2009-03-11T15:24:00.005Z

I was a tad naughty and bought new shoes while waiting for the bus yesterday :$ BUT! On my defense, I had been looking for shoes like them for AGES. It was as if I was drawn to them - I went to a store I don't normally go to, and found them and I plonked down £60 for them, but tbh? Best £60 I've spent. They're only about 9cm high, with platforms, and kind of comfortable to wear! They're from Evans btw :)

I wore them with a plain black v-neck top and a skirt that can be worn on the hip, or high-waisted. Used a stretchy black belt to make sure it stayed as high waisted :) Love Love Love the shoes <3

Also, nail polish = looking alright :) Using Ooh-La-La more than Couture Rouge, as it's quite a nice deep purple-y red. In The Navy just arrived today, so will be trying that on for tomorrow ;)

I cut my hair today too. :) Got a "curved fringe" and chopped off about half the length, now it's shoulder-length-y. Kind of like really happy with it :)

Anyway, going off to see the boyfriend and T&E for the Elbow gig now, changed into grey skinny jeans and chucks, with my old school blazer - rolling up the sleeves and all :)

xoxo

2009-03-09T19:04:00.000Z

I've finally got my red nail polish in the mail today, YAYE! Been waiting for these for a WHOLE WEEK damnit! Been going all green-eyed seeing my coursemate with their flawless red nails..

To those in the UK, the Lizzie makeup range in ASOS is dirt cheap. The nail polishes are only £1.50 - BARGAIN! Click here for the full range. I've bought the liquid eyeliner to re-familiarise myself with it, as the first eyeliner I tried was of the liquid kind. I've been told that it was not a wise choice as a first eyeliner, but I reckon I did fine :) So far, the eyeliner has stayed put after sleeping with it on (I know, I know, bad Mona *slaps hand*) and it smudged just nicely, and honestly? Couldn't even tell I had slept with eyeliner on, it looked as though it was my "look" and it looked awesome.

I've contemplated sleeping with my eyeliner on again, but I decided against it, because my pillowcases and bedsheets are white. Black eyeliner + white pillowcase = EEK.

Anyhoos, I'm off to do my nails. I know I'm going to mess up on the nails - never tried a colour other than black before! Wish me luck!

xoxo

2009-03-06T19:54:00.000Z

Today wasn't a memorable day, other than the issue of me walking around the hills and uneven pavements of Plymouth in my 4 inch stilettos.

My girl friends (Fina J, and Mellsie Pop) call them my f-me heels, only because for a long, long time, they were the only "proper" heels I had. To date, they're still the only stilettos I ever wear and feel somewhat stable in. I'll take a picture of them sometime - they have a scalloped detail around the edges, and a cute little golden bow at the toes. Being black stilettos, they've served me well as they're uber easy to wear with anything, as my outfit that day shows, even with grey skinny jeans.

I've unintentionally been losing weight, so my jeans aren't fitting as snugly as they did :(

Anyway, shoes! I've been eye-ing gladiator sandals, but I have wide, and big feet, so kind of worried they'll make me look like some gladiator, instead of a ravishing Greek maiden of some sort. Well, just my feet, but still.

Next on my shopping list is *drumroll* a pair of gladiator heels, with a chunky heel, pleaseandthankyou. I've got my new-ish bag (the brown one in the picture - loving it so far!) so I think I'll wait til next month to get the heels..

Come on, March, get yourself over with!

xoxo

2009-03-03T02:29:00.000Z

Hello.

Wearing my favourite coat/jacket with a white shirt and a white tank top underneath, with blue jeans and chucks.

My uni coursemates seem to like the coat/jacket. I had to refrain myself from admitting that I wanted to get a whip to complete my gothic ringmaster look.

Oops.

xoxo

2009-02-28T22:30:00.000Z

Hello.

I felt slightly gothic today, and was reminiscing Download Festival 2007, where I bought the skirt and tights. Hadn't worn the skirt in ages, because I gained weight, but thanks to walking everywhere instead of using buses/taxis, I'm wearing old clothes from when I was in college.

The coat is my ringmaster's coat - I'd live in this if I could. It fits awesomey and the sleeves are pretty long. It's the coat version of a mohawk - business in the front, party in the back ;) In spite it being double-breasted, it doesn't make me look bigger than I am. Bought it from ASOS around December 2008. Admittedly, at first I wasn't so sure about it, but it's grown on me. And it's handy when wearing jeans too - no builder's bum, yaye!

The black shirt is my pirate shirt - ruffles at the sleeves, and it's hook-eye fastening with ruffles down the middle too. I've not been able to wear this since I was 17 or 18? So it's awesome. I was going to sell it on eBay, but I think I'll be keeping this gem ;) I think I bought it from New Look, or Etam.

Skirt was bought on the second day of Download Festival 2007, with Nisa Z, who has a similar skirt, but with white ribbons and lace. I took to wearing the skirt as a petticoat, as it's quite petticoat-ish without being so. Plus, it's a nice litte secret, knowing that you have all that lace and ribbon under your dress ;)

Boots are the only pair of boots I've been wearing - these were purchased in January from New Look :)

Pardon the hyperextension in the right leg.

xoxo