Stepping into a dressing room can feel like a collision between heaven and hell. Some days, you wind up with the best fitting clothes while on other occasions, nothing seems to want to look right on your body.

Last weekend, it was that time of the month to battle with the wrath of the dressing room. I have to admit, like many other girls out there, I indulge in the satisfaction of snapping away (unless there's a mile-long line queuing outside, of course). If you can't have it, at least you've got a photo of it!

I've also recently been watching 'Inside the Dressing Room' vlogs featuring Amanda from Fashion, Love and Martini's. I love the concept but to actually film in our dressing rooms would actually be a challenge. So, photos will have to do for now.

My colleague mentioned that Brands Outlet was having a 'Buy 1 Free 1' sale at only RM69.90 for formal/sheer blouses, so I headed over to the Paradigm outlet for a spin. They had a huge selection of shirts: from casual button-downs to checkered boyfriend shirts to formal blouses. 

I selected a few from the racks, and here's the outcome:

Shirt #1: Sheer cotton blouse with studs on the sleeves and collar.

I loved the flowing material that oozed sophistication yet effortlessly casual for work and play. Fit-wise, it was loose on my body but just right around the arms. The only downer would be the wrinkles that came with the package, which meant more ironing. (insert collective sigh here)

Shirt #2: Formal sheer button down blouse with lined pockets and puffed sleeves

This one looked awesome on the hanger, but when I tried it on, it was a wee bit tight around the boobage area (another collective sigh). Unfortunately, I couldn't go up a size since the largest was XL. A shame, indeed.

Shirt #3: Semi-sheer button down top with electric blue sleeves

Yet another disappointment due to Mr. Boobage there. But I loved the colour combination on this blouse - one of my favourite combos, anytime!

Shirt #4: Black cotton shirt with rolled-up sleeves and tiny buttons down the front

The first thing I noticed when trying this on was the super comfy material! I almost bought it just for that reason. Only...the cutting on the top was slightly off, and if I'd bought it, I would have to fix an extra button between the first and second buttons to avoid looking like a nun (sorry don't think that made any sense but yeah). This was a no-go for me either.

Shirt #5: Electric blue cotton blouse with studs on the sleeves

I can NEVER get enough of this colour. And Mr. Boobage strikes again! The sleeves alone were a definite yes factor. Oh well.

Shirt #6: Casual printed button-down denim-like blouse with functional pockets

Denim is BACK, and here to stay. This blouse looked amazing on the mannequin, and I started playing out all the possible outfit combinations in my head even before entering the dressing room. However, once I put it on, it didn't seem right, and the material was a bit too stuffy for my taste. Loved the print and style though, but this just wasn't meant to be (cue sobbing fest).

My Thoughts:

To sum it up, I picked up the Shirt #1, and almost bought Shirt #4 and #6, but ended up sharing the Buy 1 Free 1 deal with my sister instead. But I couldn't get enough of the shirts, so I went to the Sunway Pyramid outlet and bought 2 more shirts (which may appear in future outfit posts, maybe). 

The only downside would be the limited sizes - the largest size is XL - however, keep searching and you might just find the right cut to flatter your body shape.

Since we're on the topic, I went to Padini a couple of weeks back and snapped up these two blouses! All hail the long-sleeved sheer blouses trend!

Left: Nude sheer formal top with white collar

Right: Semi-casual sweater with sheer coral sleeves (love this!)

My Thoughts:

Unlike Brands Outlet, Padini carries many brands varying in sizes and measurements. These two blouses were from the Seed line, and available in up to Size 10 (not sure about the equivalent in UK or traditional sizing). They also have Buy 2 for RMXX promotions that run from time to time.

Some Dressing Room Tips:

1. Before battling the dressing room, be prepared! Try to wear a black tank top or camisole underneath. Not only will this be more sanitary - it will give you an idea of the coverage you need for sheer tops/low cut dresses.
2. Keep it bare! Remove all earrings, jewellry and accessories to avoid snag and tear incidents.

Well, we've reached the end of my first Inside the Dressing Room (Plus Size Edition) post. Let me know what you think about this series, and hope to see you around soon!

Till then, stay gorgeous!

xoxo

Mabel

Beauty subscription boxes are literally, everywhere these days. What sets a box apart? For me, it's the concept, followed by the brands.

So when The Lilac Box first hit the market, I was drawn in by the unique 'Blind Date in a Box' idea (how cute!). But truly, the ultimate surprise was unveiling the brands in the box, mainly higher-end premium brands such as Roberto Cavalli, Kerastase, Burberry, Jimmy Choo and more. 

When subscription opened for Box 2, I jumped at the opportunity. For a price of RM49.90, it's comparably steeper than other boxes, however I liked the notion a one-month-only subscription, no strings attached for three months or six months like some similar boxes.

Upon receiving the box, the first thing I noticed was the weight of the box. It felt really heavy! 

Pretty, nondescript and solid brown box with a lilac bow.

Another thing that struck me immediately was the sweet floral, feminine scent emerging from the box. The interior looked like a nature's dream with the acid green wrapping paper.

What a nice touch!

An incredibly sweet note from the 3 guys who founded The Lilac Box.

Simply fantastic!

Items in the Lilac Box 2:

1. Calvin Klein Beauty and Sheer Beauty - RM200+
2. Redken Intra Force Shampoo 145ml - retails for about RM35
3. Redken Intra Force Conditioner 145ml - retails for about RM35
4. Nuxe Huile Prodigeuse - full size available for about USD$30
5. Nuxe Rêve de Miel Cleansing Gel - full size available for about USD$26
6. Lunasol Skin Modeling Powder Foundation and Smoothing Makeup Base - retails for about RM200+

The variation of Redken shampoo & toner (conditioner) I received is intended for colour-treated thinning hair, probably because I selected 'coloured and damaged hair' in my Lilac Box Beauty Profile. 

According to the Redken website, the Intra Force shampoo detoxifies and gently cleanses to reduce excess sebum while promoting a healthy scalp and safeguarding hair colour.

More than 70% of users have claimed to experience increased fullness, hair density and a thickening effect after using this shampoo.

I have yet to try out this shampoo and toner combination, however, the scent smells spicy and refreshing - and the travel size would definitely come in handy on road trips. I will definitely to whip out this shampoo after making a trip to the salon to touch-up my ghastly overgrown black roots.

Reviews on Make Up Alley rated this cleanser 4.2 out of 5 stars, and users remarked that the cleanser is perfect for dry skin in the winter months. 

I love that this is yet another curated product for my dry skin and sensitive skin, and will try this out to testify if it holds true to it's promises!

The Nuxe Huile Prodigeuse Multi-Usage Dry Oil claims to nourish, repair and soften skin. Better yet, it's a triple threat - suitable for face, body and hair! 

Personally, the idea of using oil anywhere on my body (except for makeup remover) is a little intimidating, but this tiny bottle might just be an elixir of life to revive my terribly dry skin. 

Hah - I've found the source of that sweet, lingering, almost mysterious scent. Not one, but two sample size Calvin Klein Sheer Beauty perfumes!

Comes with an EDT spray/vaporiser (White) and EDP spray (Black). Definitely saving this for special occasions! Subscribers of The Lilac Box can also head over to the Calvin Klein counters for an exclusive gift with purchase.

What? There's more? I've seen this Kanebo Lunasol foundation in a couple of beauty boxes, but this is the first time that I'm receiving one. Reviews rate it as the most skin-transforming powder foundation, even better than Dior or Chanel!

Although I'm not a huge fan of powder foundation (more of a BB Cream hoarder), this is worth giving a try. The shade looks a tad too orange for my skin tone, but we shall see.

Topping it all off, there's two sachets of Lunasol Smoothing Makeup Base to prep the face for foundation. Woots for flawless skin!

Overall, I'm pleased with this month's blind dates from The Lilac Box. Most of them are indeed blind dates for me - but incredibly pleasant ones! Keep it up, Lilac Box! Stay tuned for more reviews and updates on these products as I take the time to get to know each of them personally.

Head on over to The Lilac Box and create an account to get firsthand updates on Box 3!

Thank you for joining me! :)

xoxo,

Mabel.

*All items were purchased with my own money.