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 It's extremely outdated and I apologise for that - but I particularly liked this outfit even though it was put together at the very last minute.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

Aloha! How have you been? I've been loving the cool tropical weather in Malaysia recently, but my skin - not so much.

As mentioned in previous posts, I have the dreaded curse of sensitive, dry combination skin, which means parts of my face (forehead, cheeks and chin) can get dry and flaky while other parts (nose area) remains relatively normal. It's been a struggle finding the best skincare products - I've tried countless moisturizers - some of which stung horribly and left a patchy redness, and others were simply absorbed by my skin in seconds.

Check out the dry skin around my forehead and laugh lines - even after slathering on moisturizer!

I guess what I truly needed was a cream/oil-based moisturizer but at the same time I didn't want to end up looking like a greasy mess.

Alas, the condition got worse about a month ago, probably due to round-the-clock air conditioning, a poor diet, stress and what not. I went on a desperate moisturizer hunting spree in KL and as per my colleague's advice, finally decided on the new Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion +.

This 50ml bottle costs RM68 from Sephora, however considering I'd only need to apply a small dab per usage, it is relatively budget-friendly. On websites and reviews, the texture is often described as silky - and on my dry skin I would agree that it feels smooth and silky - not at all thick or greasy. Then again, it's built for Very Dry to Dry Skin, and if you have Normal/Oily skin, you might find it a tad greasy for your liking. 

I also love the subtle scent, not too overpowering for daily use. After applying this lotion for two weeks, I noticed a drastic change in the texture of my skin. The flakes are gone, and the redness has decreased significantly.

 Look! No more flakes!

Another product that has become a staple in my skincare regime is the Mizon Multifunctional All-In-One Snail Repair Cream. I first came across this cream while browsing on Qoo10. Apparently it's the No. 1 Best Selling snail cream in Korea with 92% snail secretion.

If you're hearing about snails and skin care for the first time, don't be alarmed. I know it sounds disgusting at first - that was my exact reaction - but it turns out snail slime is proven to have miraculous skin benefits for healing and repair. The cream also claims to help skin recover, reduce the appearance of wrinkles, trouble spots, pores, provide hydration and soothe skin.

Say no more - I was immediately enticed by the cream (plus it was on offer at RM54.60 excluding shipping!) and placed an order via Qoo10. The cream finally arrived 3 weeks later via Korea Air Mail.

The flakes & redness - GONE!

The website describes the texture as 'chewy' and 'elastic', which is quite true! It glides on the skin smoothly and is absorbed in seconds, but does not leave skin feeling taut or tight. I love the fact that it also leaves a healthy after-glow and radiance which lasts for a few hours.

I typically use this right out of the shower, followed by the Clinique lotion to seal in moisture. Definitely my best skincare combination thus far! 

For days when I crave something refreshing and cooling - I apply some Bioglo Skin Perfecting Moisturiser with Pure Aloe (Price: approx RM25+ from Cosway). It doesn't do much in terms of moisture, but it definitely soothes the skin and smells absolutely heavenly.

For toner, I use the Hada Labo Hyaluronic Acid Moisturising Lotion (Price: approx RM35++) - which doesn't need much introduction for it's hydrating properties.

And as for cleanser, the Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser does wonders for my sensitive skin. No more tight, 'squeaky clean' skin! It retails for about RM25+ at local drugstores :)


Before I end, here are some skincare tips for dry skin:

1. Avoid scrubbing your face with a towel. Use gentle dabbing motions and seal in moisture immediately after showering.
2. Avoid using hot water when cleansing - it strips skin of natural oils. Lukewarm or cold water works best!
3. Mask up - take three tablespoons of instant oats, soak in half a cup of water and drain. Add honey, mix well and you've got a soothing homemade mask! Leave on for 15-30 minutes and rinse off.
4. Less is more - Lathering on too many heavy creams may clog pores. Try applying a dab of Vitamin E oil followed by a lightweight moisturizer instead.

What are some of your skincare tips? Share with me!

Well, that's all for today's post! Thanks a million for reading - and I hope this post was helpful in some way for you! Till next time, stay beautiful! :)

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.

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.

Let's face it. Shopping can sometimes be more of a chore than a convenience, especially for plus sizes. As a teenager, I remember dreading the prospect of going shopping, mainly because I could never find the right sizes that fit my body. I would gaze longingly at the clothes labeled 'free size', knowing that however 'free' a sizing, it would never be right for me.

Thankfully, international clothing manufacturers have begun to realise the expansion of a global plus size market, and recently started releasing larger sizes. In Malaysia, the plus size clothing industry is still rather limited, but gradually improving. While size UK14 is still considered XL in Malaysia while UK16 is 2XL, I've heard that size UK16 is no longer labeled as plus size in the US due to vanity sizing!

After much research and hours of browsing clothing stores, I've come up with a few of my favourite stores to shop. It's still a jungle out there, but hopefully by sharing some of my favourite plus size stores, it would serve as form of inspiration to all you lovely plus sizers out there. We've all got to be clothed, haven't we? And there's no excuse to bum around all day in baggy T-Shirts (I used to do that, guilty as charged).

So, let's march towards plus size fabulousness!

Here are some of my favourite plus size stores:

1. Jessabella Plus Size Stealz (or JPSS for short)
One of my favourite places to shop online - carries a huge selection of plus size clothing, up to sizes UK22-24! I love the fact that Jessica (the owner) always measures the clothing for reference, a key deciding factor towards buying online.

Since we can't touch, feel or try clothing online, the only indicator would be photos and measurements, and  her measurements are almost always accurate! I really love her leggings, shorts and blazer selections. She also responses quickly to emails, and sends out the parcels regularly. I would highly recommend her store!

Price: from RM15 - RM60

Plus-o-meter: 4/5 Stars

Red Blazer (Slim Vivicut Jacket) from JPSS - RM48
Black Slacks from Brands Outlet - RM69,
Inner Tube from FOS - RM9 (if not mistaken)
Heels from Vincci - RM42
Bag from Fiorelli UK - RM120

Black Top from Cotton On - RM15!
Denim Shorts from JPSS - RM35
Heels from Walk In - RM42
Bag from Bonita - RM37
Belt from Primark UK - £2
Moustache Necklace from store in Paradigm - RM10

2. Cotton On!
If I could only shop in ONE store for the rest of my life, it would surely be Cotton On. I'm hopelessly in love with the simple yet fashionable pieces at super affordable prices - especially when they have storewide sales up to 70% off! I kid you not...I bought a few shirts at only RM15 each, shoes at RM10 and even dresses from RM30!

They also carry sizes up to AU14 or US10, which measure up to about UK14-16. My top tip: Spend some time browsing the sales racks! You might just strike gold. And their salespeople are generally helpful and friendly.

The only qualms I have with Cotton On is the fabric tends to stretch and lose its shape after a while, but with proper maintenance it would last a little longer.

Price: from RM10 - RM100+

Plus-o-meter: 4.5/5 Stars

White Lace Dress from Cotton On - only RM45!
Heels from Walk In - RM15 only!

Flowery Print Skirt from Cotton On - RM15
White Shirt from PDI - RM10
Heels from Walk In - RM15!
Bag - it was a gift, not sure about the price
#Likeasir Necklace from a little shop in Paradigm - RM10

Can't get enough of #LikeASir accessories! Only RM10 each!

3. H&M
My definition of H&M would be 'Holy Moly'. Because I can literally spend hours in the store till my teeth fall out, my legs give way and I ascend to heaven saying 'Holy Moly'. Lately I've been obsessed with printed pants - flowery, graphic, leopard?!, black & white, polka dots - just can't get enough of it.

So when I found a pair in H&M that actually fit me (their sizes go up to EU42 - which is about UK12-14), I was ecstatic with joy, but not so ecstatic about the price. It cost a whopping RM119, which was a little too much considering the material was rather thin and sheer. With a heavy heart, I placed it back on the rack. Till next time, my flowery friend.

My experience with H&M in the UK has been far better - managed to pick up a few pieces at only £5 to £10! Particularly love their dresses and sheer tops.

Prices: from RM29 - RM100+

Plus-o-meter: 4/5 Stars

H&M Outifts:
Top Left - Orange Dress £5
Top Middle - White Dress £7 & Black Stockings £2

4. Nichii/Kitschen
Now this is mostly a hit or miss with me - sometimes I find really good pieces but they don't have my size, and other times it doesn't fit well on my body.

A couple of times, I managed to snag deals from their sales racks. Kitschen categorizes their sales items according to size - which makes it much easier to find your size. Unfortunately, the sizes only go up to XL or XXL. But if you're patient, you just might score. Gotta try your luck!

Prices : from RM25 - RM99+

Plus-o-meter: 3.5/5 Stars

One-Piece Formal Dress from Nichii - RM49

White Sheer Top from Nichii - RM39
Shorts from JPSS - RM35
Heels from Cotton On - RM35
Bag from Bonita - RM37

5. Jusco Scarlet Plus
Jusco, or now known as AEON, has a dedicated section for plus size - which I appreciate very much. The sizes go up to UK26 (!) and the selections are quite good as well. However, I have yet to find pieces that suit my age group - I believe their target market is for more mature women.

However, you might just find good formal shirts and slacks there, at pretty reasonable prices too!

Prices: RM30 - RM79+

6. Other Online Stores
Just to name a few:

• Zalora has a Plus Size section at slightly steep prices, but good quality nonethless
• Asos Curve has fabulous pieces, offers free international shipping - and if you're pretty confident to shop online AND know your size well, go for it!
• Trendy Confessions is another local online plus size boutique that I have yet to try, but I love their designs and style! Have my eye on this awesome Button Down Shirt.

Oh, and I picked up THREE pairs of shoes for less than RM100. Yes, I'm cheap like that ;). Walk In was having a sale at Paradigm Mall, and I believe these were from seasons past, all going from RM15 per pair! My inner shoe addict kicked in, and well, here's the aftermath.

Let me know what you think about this post! I would love to hear your thoughts and feedback on the outfits - I'm no Vera Wang - but I do love playing around with different pieces to see how it would look on my body. What are YOUR favourite style tips? Share with me!

Have fun and stay fabulous!

xoxo,

Mabel.