Ola amigos! Hope all is well with you. :)

Over the weekend, I went on a window shopping spree with the best buddy and wound up with a myriad of photos for (yes you guessed it), another Inside the Dressing Room post! We were on the hunt for dresses for her upcoming dinner and formal/work clothes for my new job.



To our delight, H&M rolled out some affordable pieces and we found ourselves with armloads of clothes to try on. I was also in Brands Outlet a couple of weeks back and tried on a couple of items as well.

Let's get right into it!

Item #1: Quilted formal black flared skirt from H&M, RM39 (sale!)

I immediately picked up this classic, versatile piece from the sales rack in a size L. The quilted material is extremely stretchy and comfy, great to pair with a simple white tee.

Item #2: Beachy crossback striped dress from H&M, RM79

All hail the stripes! I saw this piece on a mannequin and literally went on a hunt for it (Size L). Alas, it fit well around the chest area but I felt that the waistline was a bit too low on me. Would still have bought it if I had the $$$ though. Way too adorable to pass up!


































Item #3: Feline printed top from H&M, RM59 (super super love)

You're gonna hear me roarrrr...I can't get over how amazing this top is (Size L)! It was made with a thick structured fabric and would be perfect paired for work AND play. Sadly, the top was a bit out of my price range but I'm heading back with my next paycheck. Wait for me!

Item #4: Mint Green Flared Dress from H&M, RM39.90

Upon realising that I need more colour in my wardrobe, I felt obligated to try this out in a size L. It fit extremely well and would definitely suit all kinds of occasions. Throw on a denim jacket OR a black blazer - outfit complete!

Item #5: Grey Flared Dress from H&M, RM39.90

Essentially the same design as Item 4, but in a work-appropriate colour palette. What a steal!

Item #6: Blue printed skinny slacks from Brands Outlet, RM49.90

I had never been able to fit into Brands Outlet's slacks/jeans range (Size 10), so I was pleasantly surprised when I tried this on! Subtle, barely there prints add to the overall semi-casual vibe of the slacks.

Item #7: Dark blue printed formal shirt from Brands Outlet, RM49.90 (RM69.90 for 2)

Of late, I'm drawn to loud printed shirts and this was right up my alley in a size 10. It would go well with black slacks or a pencil skirt and pumps. Easy peasy!

And that brings us to the end of this post. I have stockpiled a few posts to revive this blog, and would definitely look into investing in some lighting/camera equipment for better photos. Do leave a comment to tell me what you think - your feedback is welcome here! :)

Thanks so much for reading and see you soon. Happy shopping! xx

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!

When out shopping recently, I noticed the wave of prints overtaking retail outlets - from loud, colourful geometric prints to aztec-inspired prints to subdued hues, from dresses to maxi skirts and even leggings!

Thus, I present to you my Plus Size Fashion Wishlist + some styling tips cultivated from hours of online browsing.

1. Colour Me Up

For plus sizers, prints can something of a hit and miss. Some even forbid horizontal prints for fear of the 'plus size myth' which can make our bodies appear larger. But I'll say: Take a chance - you might find some ferocious prints that flatter.

If you're curvy, go for bodycon dresses that hug your curves. Another good way to hide bulges and emphasize shape is with a top-fitted dress that flows down from the waist onwards.

Styling tip: Since the prints are loud - skip the accessories and go for a simple nude or black pump. To cover up sleeveless versions, throw on a simple black blazer and you're good to go.

Left: A Line Crinkle Maxi Dress from Roamans
Right: Junarose Printed 3/4 Sleeve Midi Bodycon Dress from Asos Curve

2. Sashay Skirts

Or if you're slightly intimidated by a printed dress, try going for skirts instead. I love these flowy, beachy skirts that ooze simplicity and style.

Banish frumpiness by tucking in your top and throwing on a belt, ensuring that the skirt sits higher on the waist for proportion. If the wider part of the skirt lands too low on your hip, it might make your hips seem larger.

Styling tip: Pair these funky skirts with a non-descript top, simple necklace and gladiator flats for that laid-back Bohemian look!

Left: Print Skirt from Trendy Confessions

Right: Asian Print Skirt from Roamans

 3. Black & White

Be the star of a Charlie Chaplin movie with these classic black & white printed dresses. Perfect for any occasion - be it work, school, a date or even cocktail party!

Styling tip: Balance black and white with neutral tones such as a tan belt, simple bracelet and comfy wedges.

Left: Skater Dress in Bird Print from Asos Curve
Right: Monotone Shift Dress from Trendy Confessions

4. Colour Blocking

Inject some colour into your wardrobe with these simple colour-blocking pieces. I love how these dresses subtly add elegance and flair without going all out.

Styling Tip: Let the colours be the hero. For bodycon dresses, pair with leggings and boots on a chilly day, or show off those legs with a neutral strappy heel.

Left: Colourblock Tunic from Roamans
Right: Junarose Graphic Stripe Print Midi from Asos Curve

5. Printed Kicks

Left: Peg Trouser in Heart Print from Asos Curve

Right: Jersey Leggings from H&M

Leggings are a must-have in any wardrobe. Versatile and fashionable, you can dress these up or down for almost any occasion!

For curvy fashionistas with a heavy bottom, try wearing a longer top to balance your figure. Ensure that the top ends just below your derriere (mid-thigh) and not below the knees, as it may make you appear shorter.

Styling tip: General rule of thumb for loud leggings - keep the top simple to avoid overcrowding. Black, white, grey or neutral works best with colourful leggings.

Left: Peg Trouser in Floral Print from Asos Curve

Right: Animal Print Leggings from Roamans

Well, I hope you enjoyed reading and happy printing!

Till next time, stay fabulous! xx