...whispers Casper (Devon Sawa) to Kat (Christina Ricci) as they slow dance in the middle of the room. 


Those words also lingered in the minds of two siblings who started a cafe in Melbourne back in 1998 when they realised the ridiculous amount of waste that was accumulated from the line of business. They decided to reinvent the non-disposable cup for a more sustainable environment. Alas, the reusable KeepCup was born. It is a movement. It is a revolution. One that is taking over the world, one coffee drinker at a time. 

Feeling uber hip with my KeepCup!


I'm not an avid coffee junkie. To be honest, my body can't handle that buzz, but I do love hot drinks on a cold morning and as much as I love the hustle and bustle of cities, we cannot deny the importance of urban sustainable development. The environment-eating Fast Fashion giants have also started taking a stride to reduce their environmental footprint. They've come out with more eco-friendly and ethical collections such as the ASOS Green Room and the H&M Conscious Collection. 

When Delwin (on Twitter and Instagram) introduced me to KeepCups, I was so intrigued by the concept that I wanted to know more about it! Because, what better time for Bruneians to start living a more conscious lifestyle than with the sprawl of cafes all over town? I tested my KeepCup one night and to my surprise, I fell more in love with the idea than when I first started reading about it. It not only is reusable, but it felt comfortable to hold and the plug is hassle-free! As a bonus, it looks hella good too! It comes in different colours and in different (standard--yup I didn't even know there were standard volumes for coffee!) sizes, and is available at several places across the country. I happened to find a few lurking around at my favourite pizza place--Caffe Verve.

If you want to get your hands on these really cool cups (available in 8oz, 12oz and 16oz), head over to the following:

Unit 6A Simpang 68, 
Jalan Batu Bersurat, Gadong

Unit 47, Block C, Gadong Central

Unit 106, Ground Floor, Bangunan Bersurat,
Jalan Batu Bersurat, Gadong

Ground Floor, Regent Square, Kiulap

11 Jalan McArthur, Bandar Seri Begawan

Unit No. 27, Block D,
Bangunan Lim Eng Ming, Kiulap

1st Floor, Unit F11,
Setia Kenangan II, Kiulap


Oh hayy you pretty thang!
Take your pick!


Last month, Sip N' Tell held an event called Collaborate at the Collective's Makerspace with the purpose of creating a mini melting point for creative heads, social influencers and coffee aficionados. I truly loved the idea of people getting together to collaborate. Urban economists use the term 'agglomeration economies' to explain the dynamics behind cities and that was what it was. The event brought a group of people together with the hopes of sparking innovation and ideas! I, sadly, was not able to make it to the event, BUT I hear that there'll be another one coming soon so I am very excited for that! Click here for a snippet of the event!

So, what are you waiting for? Be part of the movement that 'has kick started the demise of the disposable'! I'm definitely on board!

For more information, visit Sip N' Tell on instagram to follow Brunei's KeepCup journey or go to the KeepCup website!



(Sponsored Post)
Love,

Can I Keep You?

Monday, 27 June 2016

...whispers Casper (Devon Sawa) to Kat (Christina Ricci) as they slow dance in the middle of the room. 


Those words also lingered in the minds of two siblings who started a cafe in Melbourne back in 1998 when they realised the ridiculous amount of waste that was accumulated from the line of business. They decided to reinvent the non-disposable cup for a more sustainable environment. Alas, the reusable KeepCup was born. It is a movement. It is a revolution. One that is taking over the world, one coffee drinker at a time. 

Feeling uber hip with my KeepCup!


I'm not an avid coffee junkie. To be honest, my body can't handle that buzz, but I do love hot drinks on a cold morning and as much as I love the hustle and bustle of cities, we cannot deny the importance of urban sustainable development. The environment-eating Fast Fashion giants have also started taking a stride to reduce their environmental footprint. They've come out with more eco-friendly and ethical collections such as the ASOS Green Room and the H&M Conscious Collection. 

When Delwin (on Twitter and Instagram) introduced me to KeepCups, I was so intrigued by the concept that I wanted to know more about it! Because, what better time for Bruneians to start living a more conscious lifestyle than with the sprawl of cafes all over town? I tested my KeepCup one night and to my surprise, I fell more in love with the idea than when I first started reading about it. It not only is reusable, but it felt comfortable to hold and the plug is hassle-free! As a bonus, it looks hella good too! It comes in different colours and in different (standard--yup I didn't even know there were standard volumes for coffee!) sizes, and is available at several places across the country. I happened to find a few lurking around at my favourite pizza place--Caffe Verve.

If you want to get your hands on these really cool cups (available in 8oz, 12oz and 16oz), head over to the following:

Unit 6A Simpang 68, 
Jalan Batu Bersurat, Gadong

Unit 47, Block C, Gadong Central

Unit 106, Ground Floor, Bangunan Bersurat,
Jalan Batu Bersurat, Gadong

Ground Floor, Regent Square, Kiulap

11 Jalan McArthur, Bandar Seri Begawan

Unit No. 27, Block D,
Bangunan Lim Eng Ming, Kiulap

1st Floor, Unit F11,
Setia Kenangan II, Kiulap


Oh hayy you pretty thang!
Take your pick!


Last month, Sip N' Tell held an event called Collaborate at the Collective's Makerspace with the purpose of creating a mini melting point for creative heads, social influencers and coffee aficionados. I truly loved the idea of people getting together to collaborate. Urban economists use the term 'agglomeration economies' to explain the dynamics behind cities and that was what it was. The event brought a group of people together with the hopes of sparking innovation and ideas! I, sadly, was not able to make it to the event, BUT I hear that there'll be another one coming soon so I am very excited for that! Click here for a snippet of the event!

So, what are you waiting for? Be part of the movement that 'has kick started the demise of the disposable'! I'm definitely on board!

For more information, visit Sip N' Tell on instagram to follow Brunei's KeepCup journey or go to the KeepCup website!



(Sponsored Post)
Love,
A month ago, I received another email from the Queens of modest-wear--Love to Dress. After a few emails back and forth, I am truly honoured to announce that I am officially a part of LtD's 2016 Influencers Team! Love to Dress never fails to churn out beautiful dresses. I am always blown away by their designs. When I think about modest-wear dresses, the standard black abaya comes to mind, but Love to Dress redefines it altogether. Their dresses are a perfect blend of colours and fabric, as well as the perfect balance between modesty while still retaining that feminine silhouette. LtD totally nailed it with their Modern Romance themed collection for Eid this year! 

The package finally arrived. As I unwrapped the beautiful black box and unfolded the paper to unravel my dresses, there it was--an artwork of my favourite Quranic verse. 

"He knows what is in every heart" - al-Mulk:13

Other than creating these elegant dresses that keep you covered (yes, they got us covered! Pun intended!), the extra surprise was so heartfelt and thoughtful that my love and respect for the brand multiplied like cellular reproduction.

My sad attempt on a flatlay. I tried :(

What I love about these Modern Romance dresses, and I'm sure everyone does too, are the unique sleeves that give it a very victorian romantic look. The peony petals on the Lara, though. I can't get enough of it! Pure genius! I've never felt so much woman-power in my entire life than when I wear my Lara. Did I mention it's a cape blouse? CAPE! (I think it's obvious now that Lara is my favourite hehe!)


Click here to watch my lookbook on Youtube!

Saskya

Saskya

Saskya
I thought I'd have picked my top three--Saskya, Ellery and Lara--but when I saw a few girls donning the Aloura, my heart stopped. THE FITTING WAS ABSOLUTELY PERFECT ON THEM! I think I might have to get myself one after raya (because I'm maxed out on clothes for Eid right now), so I hope they will still have my size left by then.

Lara

Lara

Ellery

Ellery

Ellery
With a theme about love, it's no surprise I'm really into their Eid 2016 looks. I love LOVE. I love being in love. I love falling in love. I love being loved. I love loving people. That moment when you feel love in your heart, like a little chocolate lava that's cracked open and sweet love just oozes out. I love listening to Bruce Springsteen's Secret Garden and Taylor Swift's You Are In Love, I feel the gush of feelings when Keira Knightley opens the door to read those cue cards in Love Actually and when Meg Ryan says "I wanted it to be you so badly" in You've Got Mail. Yup, I am a sucker for romance, so LtD really did it for me.

So... awkward sappy Nabeela aside, which one of the dresses is your favourite?


Love,


You Are In Love (to Dress)

Thursday, 23 June 2016

A month ago, I received another email from the Queens of modest-wear--Love to Dress. After a few emails back and forth, I am truly honoured to announce that I am officially a part of LtD's 2016 Influencers Team! Love to Dress never fails to churn out beautiful dresses. I am always blown away by their designs. When I think about modest-wear dresses, the standard black abaya comes to mind, but Love to Dress redefines it altogether. Their dresses are a perfect blend of colours and fabric, as well as the perfect balance between modesty while still retaining that feminine silhouette. LtD totally nailed it with their Modern Romance themed collection for Eid this year! 

The package finally arrived. As I unwrapped the beautiful black box and unfolded the paper to unravel my dresses, there it was--an artwork of my favourite Quranic verse. 

"He knows what is in every heart" - al-Mulk:13

Other than creating these elegant dresses that keep you covered (yes, they got us covered! Pun intended!), the extra surprise was so heartfelt and thoughtful that my love and respect for the brand multiplied like cellular reproduction.

My sad attempt on a flatlay. I tried :(

What I love about these Modern Romance dresses, and I'm sure everyone does too, are the unique sleeves that give it a very victorian romantic look. The peony petals on the Lara, though. I can't get enough of it! Pure genius! I've never felt so much woman-power in my entire life than when I wear my Lara. Did I mention it's a cape blouse? CAPE! (I think it's obvious now that Lara is my favourite hehe!)


Click here to watch my lookbook on Youtube!

Saskya

Saskya

Saskya
I thought I'd have picked my top three--Saskya, Ellery and Lara--but when I saw a few girls donning the Aloura, my heart stopped. THE FITTING WAS ABSOLUTELY PERFECT ON THEM! I think I might have to get myself one after raya (because I'm maxed out on clothes for Eid right now), so I hope they will still have my size left by then.

Lara

Lara

Ellery

Ellery

Ellery
With a theme about love, it's no surprise I'm really into their Eid 2016 looks. I love LOVE. I love being in love. I love falling in love. I love being loved. I love loving people. That moment when you feel love in your heart, like a little chocolate lava that's cracked open and sweet love just oozes out. I love listening to Bruce Springsteen's Secret Garden and Taylor Swift's You Are In Love, I feel the gush of feelings when Keira Knightley opens the door to read those cue cards in Love Actually and when Meg Ryan says "I wanted it to be you so badly" in You've Got Mail. Yup, I am a sucker for romance, so LtD really did it for me.

So... awkward sappy Nabeela aside, which one of the dresses is your favourite?


Love,



Might as well call it that because I don't think this Sultanate has ever hosted that many Malaysian designers and Vivy Yusof at one time. Fashionvalet's appearance is probably the biggest thing that has happened to Brunei ever since falling oil prices (haha stole that from a friend's tweet--Hi Zy!). But it's true, I don't think our purchasing power has been more evident than in the past two days! Well done, ladies!

I woke up at 9AM yesterday thinking my Saturday was going to be chill. My sungkai plans were cancelled and Fashionvalet's pop-up store was by-invitation only, so I only had a date with a friend to go check out Alia Bastamam at 2PM and a quick photoshoot at 4PM. Then at noon, that schedule was chucked out the window (oh I love pleasant surprises, many thanks to @thecollectiveartevents and @ajeeratul, Alhamdulillah). The shoot was moved up to 1PM to make way for FV at 4PM, and what an amazing day it turned out to be.

Trying on this beautiful number from Alia Bastamam
After university, I was still unaware of designers in the region. Alia Bastamam was one of the first Malaysian designers that I heard about. I've always been a fan of her work since then. It's minimal and elegant and sultry and dainty and alluring and delicate and I could go on forever. Other than being here for Fashionvalet, Alia Bastamam is also showcasing her ready-to-wear at Suite C2, Lanesborough Residence from 10AM to 5PM this weekend! If you're looking for eid wear that screams out I'm-too-sultry-for-you, look no further and head over to Lanesborough Residence!

This was my absolute favourite! 
With the amazing Alia herself.
Straight after that, I drove like a maniac to the Empire Hotel and Country Club to meet the FV Team and the designers. I can't thank @thecollectiveartevents and @ajeeratul enough for that! I finally got to meet Veen and she's just a hilarious ball of fun! I love her.

Shinny of The Collective not to pleased with me stealing her rad hat!
With Phoebe (Brand Ambassador of Naforrer) and Min!
There's Veen looking so serious!
It was not long until Vivy Yusof stepped into the room and the crowd formed a line (well done again, ladies, for getting into formation!) My jaw instantly dropped because I was wearing the same top--the Lara blouse from @lovetodress. Let's just stop and stare at it in awe for a minute.

YES. If you need to get something from their Eid collection you need to get this (and Salamah and Ellery and Saskya) because just look at the sleeves! It's supposedly inspired by the petals of a blooming flower. 

Anyway, back to my story, I felt like Samantha in Sex and the City 2 when she bumps into Miley Cyrus wearing the same dress. Oh crap... I ruined her day I say to myself. Thankfully, Vivy was extra cool about it. Phewf! We also made sure our outfits wouldn't clash tonight... so that's sorted.

Girl, stole my look! Photo by: @aimanbesar
Photo by: @aimanbesar
I also had the greatest opportunity to meet these two gentlemen (who smell so nice btw). Rizman and Ruzaini (of none other than @rizmanruzaini) were the sweetest that they pushed me over the fence (because I was on the fence about purchasing another raya outfit... I mean... falling oil prices is no joke everybody) and made me purchase one of their dresses. I'm going to be a blue peacock this raya... I don't care.

One with Rizman Ruzaini (also do you see my petal sleeves?)
Anyway, I have to go get ready.

I don't know about you, but I'm excited for the fashion show that will happen in a few weeks time--a fashion show called Hari Raya Aidilfitri.



Love,

Brunei Fashion Weekend

Sunday, 12 June 2016


Might as well call it that because I don't think this Sultanate has ever hosted that many Malaysian designers and Vivy Yusof at one time. Fashionvalet's appearance is probably the biggest thing that has happened to Brunei ever since falling oil prices (haha stole that from a friend's tweet--Hi Zy!). But it's true, I don't think our purchasing power has been more evident than in the past two days! Well done, ladies!

I woke up at 9AM yesterday thinking my Saturday was going to be chill. My sungkai plans were cancelled and Fashionvalet's pop-up store was by-invitation only, so I only had a date with a friend to go check out Alia Bastamam at 2PM and a quick photoshoot at 4PM. Then at noon, that schedule was chucked out the window (oh I love pleasant surprises, many thanks to @thecollectiveartevents and @ajeeratul, Alhamdulillah). The shoot was moved up to 1PM to make way for FV at 4PM, and what an amazing day it turned out to be.

Trying on this beautiful number from Alia Bastamam
After university, I was still unaware of designers in the region. Alia Bastamam was one of the first Malaysian designers that I heard about. I've always been a fan of her work since then. It's minimal and elegant and sultry and dainty and alluring and delicate and I could go on forever. Other than being here for Fashionvalet, Alia Bastamam is also showcasing her ready-to-wear at Suite C2, Lanesborough Residence from 10AM to 5PM this weekend! If you're looking for eid wear that screams out I'm-too-sultry-for-you, look no further and head over to Lanesborough Residence!

This was my absolute favourite! 
With the amazing Alia herself.
Straight after that, I drove like a maniac to the Empire Hotel and Country Club to meet the FV Team and the designers. I can't thank @thecollectiveartevents and @ajeeratul enough for that! I finally got to meet Veen and she's just a hilarious ball of fun! I love her.

Shinny of The Collective not to pleased with me stealing her rad hat!
With Phoebe (Brand Ambassador of Naforrer) and Min!
There's Veen looking so serious!
It was not long until Vivy Yusof stepped into the room and the crowd formed a line (well done again, ladies, for getting into formation!) My jaw instantly dropped because I was wearing the same top--the Lara blouse from @lovetodress. Let's just stop and stare at it in awe for a minute.

YES. If you need to get something from their Eid collection you need to get this (and Salamah and Ellery and Saskya) because just look at the sleeves! It's supposedly inspired by the petals of a blooming flower. 

Anyway, back to my story, I felt like Samantha in Sex and the City 2 when she bumps into Miley Cyrus wearing the same dress. Oh crap... I ruined her day I say to myself. Thankfully, Vivy was extra cool about it. Phewf! We also made sure our outfits wouldn't clash tonight... so that's sorted.

Girl, stole my look! Photo by: @aimanbesar
Photo by: @aimanbesar
I also had the greatest opportunity to meet these two gentlemen (who smell so nice btw). Rizman and Ruzaini (of none other than @rizmanruzaini) were the sweetest that they pushed me over the fence (because I was on the fence about purchasing another raya outfit... I mean... falling oil prices is no joke everybody) and made me purchase one of their dresses. I'm going to be a blue peacock this raya... I don't care.

One with Rizman Ruzaini (also do you see my petal sleeves?)
Anyway, I have to go get ready.

I don't know about you, but I'm excited for the fashion show that will happen in a few weeks time--a fashion show called Hari Raya Aidilfitri.



Love,

Hi fashion heads!

I bought this shawl at the Brunei Islamic Fashion (BIFASH) week earlier this year from @ell.izette_brunei. I went to the event thinking I wasn't going to spend (because new year, new me and new me was going to be a wise spender) but NOPE. Saw this shawl and immediately had to grab it because a) it's satin and b) it's in navy blue. SOLD. 


Here's a hijab tutorial of how I wore it in the photo above (in the photo though... I pulled the shawl a bit lower to the front to cover my inner scarf). 



Have a wonderful day, all!

Sponsored Post.


Love,

Hijab Tutorial: Ell'izette B'Luxe Satin Shawl

Friday, 10 June 2016

Hi fashion heads!

I bought this shawl at the Brunei Islamic Fashion (BIFASH) week earlier this year from @ell.izette_brunei. I went to the event thinking I wasn't going to spend (because new year, new me and new me was going to be a wise spender) but NOPE. Saw this shawl and immediately had to grab it because a) it's satin and b) it's in navy blue. SOLD. 


Here's a hijab tutorial of how I wore it in the photo above (in the photo though... I pulled the shawl a bit lower to the front to cover my inner scarf). 



Have a wonderful day, all!

Sponsored Post.


Love,

Can you believe that it's already June? I feel like time is moving at the speed of light (and you can tell by the number of new wrinkles that have formed on my face), but I have yet to make 2016 a memorable one. Slow down, year.

Anyway, last month's favourites are all beauty-related! Don't get me wrong, I've been loving the new inhabitants of my overpopulated closet but I haven't worn them enough for them to be deemed a favourite. Maybe next month!

May Favourites
I was packing on the highlighter and contour powder even more than usual for the month of May. I layered Kevyn Aucoin's Sculpting Powder on top of Burberry's Face Contour Pen on days when I wanted sharp cheekbones (or on days when I have extra time on my hands before I go to work). On days when I want to look like a disco ball, I layer the Glow powder in the Charlotte Tilbury palette and the Burberry Fresh Glow Pen on top of my cheekbones, down the bridge of my nose, on my cupid's bow, on my brow bone... and wherever else Youtube beauty bloggers tell us to. Otherwise, I just use the Pen in the car on the way to work. I don't think there was a day in May where I didn't highlight... I lived for the (nice) sweaty look.

Charlotte Tilbury Wonder Glow, Kevyn Aucoin Sculpting Powder in Medium and Charlotte Tilbury Filmstar Bronze and Glow.
Charlotte Tilbury Wonder Glow
Wonder Glow gave my dull face the much needed light bulb effect. At first, I was like... meh. But eventually, it managed to sneak into my daily routine right after my SPF or BB cream. It doesn't glow as much as my Dior Glow Maximiser Primer but I think that may be a bit much for every day use.

Left to Right: Kevyn Aucoin Sculpting Powder in Medium, Kylie Lipkit in Koko K (Liquid Lipstick and Liner), Mac Matte Lipstick in Yash, Diorskin Rosy Glow, Charlotte Tilbury Filmstar Bronze and Glow, Burberry Face Contour Pen in Medium 01 and Burberry Fresh Glow Pen in Nude Radiance 01

Charlotte Tilbury's Filmstar Bronze and Glow was the first product from CT that I ever bought. Don't be fooled by me hitting pan on the bronzer, I'd much prefer if they sold the highlighter separately cause... sometimes I don't even see the bronzer on my face. 


For the first few months in 2016, I was addicted to my bright red lipsticks. I switched between Nars's Velvet Matte Lip Pencil in Red Square (recommended by a gorgeous friend) to Estee Lauder's Pure Color Envy Matte Sculpting Lipstick in Restless to the cool-toned reds like Nars's Velvet Matte Lip Pencil in Dragon Girl. However, May was all about getting back into the groove with my nudes. Koko K was a pleasant surprise because I was initially excited for Candy K... but much to my disappointment... it wasn't pale enough and my colleagues called them smoker lips. Mac Yash was always a fave back in university when it came out with the Mickey Contractor collection in 2011. I lost the original one I got, but managed to buy myself a brand new one last year. I thiiiiink, it may be my favourite nude lipstick of all time. I thiiiiink.

Wearing Mac Lipstick in Yash
Wearing Koko K and in need of a lip balm.

What have you been gushing about in May?


Love,

May Favourites

Tuesday, 7 June 2016

Can you believe that it's already June? I feel like time is moving at the speed of light (and you can tell by the number of new wrinkles that have formed on my face), but I have yet to make 2016 a memorable one. Slow down, year.

Anyway, last month's favourites are all beauty-related! Don't get me wrong, I've been loving the new inhabitants of my overpopulated closet but I haven't worn them enough for them to be deemed a favourite. Maybe next month!

May Favourites
I was packing on the highlighter and contour powder even more than usual for the month of May. I layered Kevyn Aucoin's Sculpting Powder on top of Burberry's Face Contour Pen on days when I wanted sharp cheekbones (or on days when I have extra time on my hands before I go to work). On days when I want to look like a disco ball, I layer the Glow powder in the Charlotte Tilbury palette and the Burberry Fresh Glow Pen on top of my cheekbones, down the bridge of my nose, on my cupid's bow, on my brow bone... and wherever else Youtube beauty bloggers tell us to. Otherwise, I just use the Pen in the car on the way to work. I don't think there was a day in May where I didn't highlight... I lived for the (nice) sweaty look.

Charlotte Tilbury Wonder Glow, Kevyn Aucoin Sculpting Powder in Medium and Charlotte Tilbury Filmstar Bronze and Glow.
Charlotte Tilbury Wonder Glow
Wonder Glow gave my dull face the much needed light bulb effect. At first, I was like... meh. But eventually, it managed to sneak into my daily routine right after my SPF or BB cream. It doesn't glow as much as my Dior Glow Maximiser Primer but I think that may be a bit much for every day use.

Left to Right: Kevyn Aucoin Sculpting Powder in Medium, Kylie Lipkit in Koko K (Liquid Lipstick and Liner), Mac Matte Lipstick in Yash, Diorskin Rosy Glow, Charlotte Tilbury Filmstar Bronze and Glow, Burberry Face Contour Pen in Medium 01 and Burberry Fresh Glow Pen in Nude Radiance 01

Charlotte Tilbury's Filmstar Bronze and Glow was the first product from CT that I ever bought. Don't be fooled by me hitting pan on the bronzer, I'd much prefer if they sold the highlighter separately cause... sometimes I don't even see the bronzer on my face. 


For the first few months in 2016, I was addicted to my bright red lipsticks. I switched between Nars's Velvet Matte Lip Pencil in Red Square (recommended by a gorgeous friend) to Estee Lauder's Pure Color Envy Matte Sculpting Lipstick in Restless to the cool-toned reds like Nars's Velvet Matte Lip Pencil in Dragon Girl. However, May was all about getting back into the groove with my nudes. Koko K was a pleasant surprise because I was initially excited for Candy K... but much to my disappointment... it wasn't pale enough and my colleagues called them smoker lips. Mac Yash was always a fave back in university when it came out with the Mickey Contractor collection in 2011. I lost the original one I got, but managed to buy myself a brand new one last year. I thiiiiink, it may be my favourite nude lipstick of all time. I thiiiiink.

Wearing Mac Lipstick in Yash
Wearing Koko K and in need of a lip balm.

What have you been gushing about in May?


Love,

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