Hello & Happy Lunar New Year 2014 to those who are celebrating! This was a rather quiet new year in my opinion, perhaps largely due to the rising costs of living and inflation.

Nevertheless, the New Year is the best opportunity to reconcile with relatives, spread cheer & joy, and of course, collect red packets.

For me, it is also the best excuse to whip on some traditional outfits (ie: the Cheongsam or Qi Pao)!

Pink Cheongsam from Oriental Noble, Sunway Pyramid, RM100+

Nude wedges from Ti Amo, RM59

Clutch from Padini, RM42

Not gonna lie...I've always been petrified of Cheongsams. The form-fitting material and cutting guarantees that every little flaw will be exposed whether you like it or not. 

But this year, I conquered my fears.

For the first reunion dinner with my maternal grandparents at a fancy restaurant, I donned this pink flowery Cheongsam which belongs to my elder sister. Not sure about the exact price but I'm guessing it costs RM100+. 

I paired it with nude wedges and a pink clutch from Padini. Also, so sorry about the blurry picture!

Grey T-Shirt from H&M, £5

Military Shorts from Brands Outlet, RM39.90

For the second, home-cooked reunion dinner at my paternal grandfather's place, I went with shorts and a T-Shirt for comfort. Tucked in the T-Shirt to expose the gold studs on the military shorts.

White Cheongsam from Oriental Noble, RM259

Dong dong qiang! On the first day of CNY, I wore this white Cheongsam with burgundy embriodered flowers. I loved the traditional buttons running down the side, creating a more streamlined and slimmed silhouette.

Cheongsam girls!

Paired it with blood red lips (Revlon's Colorburst Lipstick in True Red) and eyeliner (but you can't see it in this photo).

Cheongsams are certainly not an everyday necessity - however if you wish to take the leap and invest in one for future wedding dinners/formal occasions, it's still not too late! Here's some resources to purchase plus-sized Cheongsams online:

1. Femme Elegante
2. Beauty Myth
3. Miracle Mall
4. GC Fashion Online

Hope you enjoyed reading, and have a very prosperous new year! :)

Love,
Mabel.

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

Hello fashionistas! How was your weekend? I know I'd promised to blog more often (at least one post per week), and preferably with more fashion content - so here's my review on Trendy Confessions, an online Plus Size store!

A couple of weeks ago, the lovely Jiar sisters left a super sweet comment on my post about Plus Size Shopping. I hadn't been on Trendy Confessions for some time, but HUGE PROPS to Jiar Yi & Jiar Hwei for the incredible new collections! Plus, they have sales from time-to-time!

Love the colour schemes, patterns & cuts - and they have sizes up to UK24! Simply couldn't resist picking up a few trendy items to add to my wardrobe.

The parcel arrived neatly packed in a plastic bag, sealed with a Trendy Confessions sticker! How chic!

The first item I chose - a Bodycon dress with blue sleeves (RM44.25 after discount) - which fits perfectly! Very impressed with the superior quality material, inner lining and amazing fit. Perfect with my silver necklace from Lovisa (RM29) & black open-toed wedges from Walk In.

Item 2 is a pair of Galaxy Skorts (RM59). Yes, you read that right - skorts: combination of a Skirt & Shorts. Makes a statement yet super comfy when paired with a white cotton tee!

Got my skorts - ready to head out!

Overall, I'm very pleased with the friendly service and quick delivery from Trendy Confessions - thank you to the Jiar sisters for getting in touch! I like the fact that they're always easily accessible via Instagram, Whatsapp and even Line! 

We definitely need more awesome plus size stores like this in Malaysia and I'll surely return to show my support in the future! :)

Plus-o-meter: 5/5 Stars

Check out Trendy Confessions: http://www.trendyconfessions.com/
Like them on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/TrendyConfessions
Follow them on Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/TrendyConfess
Follow them on Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/TrendyConfessions

Till next time! :)

Love,
Mabel.