Gong xi fa cai! :) 

Apart from Christmas - the Chinese New Year/Lunar New Year is my absolute favourite time of the year. Red money packets, savoury cookies, free flow of alcohol...what's not to love? 

And as tradition calls for, a new year often poses a reason for a new you. But like many others, I quickly realised that I hadn't much time left to hit the stores.

Thus, I decided to put together a few outfits from my wardrobe to usher in the new year - no extra money spent! There's no harm in recycling outfits, as long as you switch up the styling, no one may even notice ;)

Top: Cotton On, RM30
Shorts: H&M UK, £5

 Flats: Vincci, RM20

Bracelet: thrifted, RM20

If you don't believe in the superstition of wearing black in the new year, welcome to the club. Nothing screams CNY like tones of gold & red - and this ensemble is something I would wear to a reunion dinner at a relative's house.

The sequinned sleeves are slightly dressy, yet toned down by the nude shorts. Fit for a casual setting especially if things get a little crowded and humid.

 Jacket: Independent Boutique, RM39
Neon dress: H&M UK, £7

Heels: Walk In, RM42

Belt: Primark UK, £2

For the first or second day of new year, feel free to bust out the pinks and reds! This neon dress is much too loud to wear on regular days, but I think its just perfect for CNY. If your family is more conservative, the puffy jacket adds formality to tone down the look just a notch.

 Dress: Padini, RM40

Wedges: Ti Amo, RM49

Gold Belt: thrifted, RM10

Of course, you can't celebrate CNY without stepping out in red and gold. I wore this outfit a few years back - with the exception of the gold belt. The cotton dress is perfectly breathable and endlessly practical especially if you're going to be collecting ang paus from house to house.

Learn how to do a chopstick chignon here!

Hi-Lo Dress: Cotton On, RM30

Belt: Independent Boutique, RM15

Heels: Padini, RM42 

In case you hadn't realised already - I'm all for flowery patterned dresses especially during the festive season. This Hi-Lo dress was an absolute bargain from Cotton On Online, and it is perfect for sit-down lou sang dinners when you want to look a bit more dressed up.

Top: Cotton On, RM15

Skirt: Cotton On, RM15

Flats: Forever 21, RM49

Hair Bow: Chameleon, RM3.90

Finally, greeting visitors can be a tiring affair. I'd throw on a cotton skirt and simple top which is comfortable yet not too homey. Add a hair bow and you're good to go!

This post was inspired by the Click Network's latest video on CNY Fashion by The F Word. :)
My latest fashion inspiration icon: Wendy's Lookbook

Thanks so much for reading! I hope this post gave you some styling ideas for the upcoming festive season. Do leave me a comment telling me what YOU would wear for CNY. Wishing you a very happy New Year & happy holidays!

Love,
Mabel.

Hello Plushionistas! It's been a while.

I'm glad to report that one of my 2014 resolutions is devoted to updating this blog at least once a week. Yes, it's not one of those vague, unrealistic, unachievable goals - it's entirely possible. So...get ready to see more of me in the coming weeks! ;)

To kickstart the year, here's my #OOTD from my cello performance in November 2013. It's extremely outdated and I apologise for that - but I particularly liked this outfit even though it was put together at the very last minute.

My church was celebrating its 60th anniversary and had us 3 cellists perform an ensemble to commemorate the event. Our theme was black - and no skirts because, well, you have to hold a cello with your knees while sitting down. Heh heh..

We'd originally planned to wear all-black with a colourful scarf, but I found this photograph on Pinterest and was inspired to go for gold instead.

Here's what I wore that night:

Textured Peplum Top - RM39 from Brands Outlet

Black Leggings - RM15 from Cotton On Online (similar item)

Skinny Gold Belt - belongs to my sister

Open-toed Wedges - RM42 from Walk In

The outfit was comfortable & I loved how the gold belt + peplum top created an illusion of a smaller waist and streamlined silhouette. Goes to show how keeping things simple can accentuate your best features. 

I straightened my hair and paired the look with simple winged eyeliner and coral lips. As for accessories, I wore some old school silver stud earrings.

More photos from that night:

Thank God for a smooth-going performance - we were definitely nervous but everything went well in the end.

I hope you enjoyed this post! Do leave your thoughts on my outfit in the comments below - I'd love to hear from you.

Till then, stay fabulous! xx

Hello lovelies! How has life been treating you? With the holidays in full swing, I've decided to snap and post a few outfit & beauty posts to revive this blog. 

So recently, I've been inspired to focus on a single piece and create multiple looks for a variety of occasions. My first experiment is this basic tankdress with a polka dot print. I've had this tank for ages and lately discovered how versatile it is.

I purchased the tankdress from Mirrorcle in Fahrenheit 88, which carries Korean/Taiwan inspired fashion pieces. They've got a branch in Tropicana City Mall as well.

Featured item: Polka Dot Tankdress, RM29.90 from Mirrorcle (Fahrenheit 88)

Jeans: New Look UK,  £10

Belt: H&M UK,  £2

Bag: Gift from a friend

Shoes: Forever 21, RM49

Necklace: Charmz Paradigm Mall, RM8

Laidback & casual, the first emsemble is something I would wear on a mall shopping trip, movies or an outing with the girls.

White shirt: Brands Outlet, RM35
Celine Inspired Bag: Glossy Addiction, RM79
Shoes: Ti Amo, RM59
Ring: Lovisa, RM10

Time to get dressed up with a white button-down loosely tied at the waist, a structured bag and nude heels. Perfect for a special night out or drinks with your significant other.

Cardigan: Kitschen, RM49
Belt: Jusco, RM10
Bag: Glossy Addiction, RM62
Shoes: Vincci, RM42

Time to get working by layering on a cardigan, skinny belt and no-nonsense pumps.

Inner shirt: Jessabella Pluz Size Stealz, RM15
Bag: Gee Bag in Sungei Wang, RM35
Shoes: Random shop, RM50
Hello Kitty Glasses: Belongs to my younger sister

Bring out the inner child with a uniform-inspired look, a satchel bag and sneakers. In fact, I used to wear something similar back when I was studying in the UK (minus the glasses)!

With Shu Pin on the superbly clean grass!

Well I hope you've enjoyed reading this post as I have enjoyed creating it - let me know what you think in the comments below! :) I will be brainstorming for more similar ideas and content really soon.

Thank you & if you're celebrating, Selamat Hari Raya! :)

Love,
Mabel.