I attended a motivational talk once and a certain video struck a chord with me. It was a video on the 'buts of life' and how the word BUT can be such a dream killer. We shield ourselves from things we fear by using this three-letter word. The consultant said "BUT is used as an argument for our limitations... as an excuse to justify for our lack of action".





I love documenting things that I love. It just so happens that I love... clothes and make-up. In fact I had a beauty page on FB and a youtube account back in 2010 that was very short-lived! That died because I was very conscious of what the community thought of me. But what if they think I'm stupid? But what if I suck? But what if they're laughing at how stupid this whole idea is? But this. But that.

During the talk, my mind drifted (for only about a minute... I was so paying attention!) and I tried imagining how my life would be now if I worried so much about the buts. I even remember getting so much banter for taking photos in front of walls that looking back, it baffles me how I kept on going. I would usually just... stop... the moment I hear people start making fun of me. Strangely, I kept at it weekend after weekend. I enjoyed it. It made me happy that I was able to share what I love to anyone who was willing to listen (or double-tap). To me how you style an outfit is an art. It's a personality test. It's an expression. Food-lovers show us what their eating, artists show their canvases, calligraphers flaunt their beautiful wreaths... it's all the same really.

The truth is, and you've probably heard this like a billion times--you can't please everyone. People will always have something to say about you and what you're doing. They might not understand why you do it. They might not like what you're doing. They might not even like you. But guess what? Who the hell cares? YOU DO YOU. Be happy. Live. Do what you love. And know why you're doing it. If it gets you closer to what you want to achieve in life... if it gets you closer to your dreams... everyone else shouldn't matter. And when self-doubt creeps in and your brain asks you that daunting rhetoric question BUT WHAT IF YOU FAIL? Ask yourself if it really is worse than BUT WHAT IF YOU NEVER TRY?


Wearing the De Moda Wrap from Larney.


This is a reminder for me, first and foremost. To always be brave, with reason of course. I mean, don't quit your job because you're unhappy if you have absolutely nothing to fall back on. You still need to eat (and buy clothes)! Don't buy tickets to a faraway destination with your credit card if you're broke thinking YOLO (I've done that during my student life... starving for a month is not fun but I suppose I don't regret it because I'll always have memories of traveling but that's not the point! The point is to be brave but with reason! Please have savings.). Don't ignore your passion just because people find it unusual.

So go on... live! And remember... no buts.



Love,


The Buts of Life

Friday 31 March 2017

I attended a motivational talk once and a certain video struck a chord with me. It was a video on the 'buts of life' and how the word BUT can be such a dream killer. We shield ourselves from things we fear by using this three-letter word. The consultant said "BUT is used as an argument for our limitations... as an excuse to justify for our lack of action".





I love documenting things that I love. It just so happens that I love... clothes and make-up. In fact I had a beauty page on FB and a youtube account back in 2010 that was very short-lived! That died because I was very conscious of what the community thought of me. But what if they think I'm stupid? But what if I suck? But what if they're laughing at how stupid this whole idea is? But this. But that.

During the talk, my mind drifted (for only about a minute... I was so paying attention!) and I tried imagining how my life would be now if I worried so much about the buts. I even remember getting so much banter for taking photos in front of walls that looking back, it baffles me how I kept on going. I would usually just... stop... the moment I hear people start making fun of me. Strangely, I kept at it weekend after weekend. I enjoyed it. It made me happy that I was able to share what I love to anyone who was willing to listen (or double-tap). To me how you style an outfit is an art. It's a personality test. It's an expression. Food-lovers show us what their eating, artists show their canvases, calligraphers flaunt their beautiful wreaths... it's all the same really.

The truth is, and you've probably heard this like a billion times--you can't please everyone. People will always have something to say about you and what you're doing. They might not understand why you do it. They might not like what you're doing. They might not even like you. But guess what? Who the hell cares? YOU DO YOU. Be happy. Live. Do what you love. And know why you're doing it. If it gets you closer to what you want to achieve in life... if it gets you closer to your dreams... everyone else shouldn't matter. And when self-doubt creeps in and your brain asks you that daunting rhetoric question BUT WHAT IF YOU FAIL? Ask yourself if it really is worse than BUT WHAT IF YOU NEVER TRY?


Wearing the De Moda Wrap from Larney.


This is a reminder for me, first and foremost. To always be brave, with reason of course. I mean, don't quit your job because you're unhappy if you have absolutely nothing to fall back on. You still need to eat (and buy clothes)! Don't buy tickets to a faraway destination with your credit card if you're broke thinking YOLO (I've done that during my student life... starving for a month is not fun but I suppose I don't regret it because I'll always have memories of traveling but that's not the point! The point is to be brave but with reason! Please have savings.). Don't ignore your passion just because people find it unusual.

So go on... live! And remember... no buts.



Love,


I had to go through my text messages to see when we actually kickstarted the project. It was a while back, you guys! So it all started in September when Farhanna had an epiphany over the waters on her way back to Brunei from Kuala Lumpur. She was peering through the window when the idea came to her mind to work on a very exciting project involving 12 lucky girls whom she picked to work with. We had our first meeting at Twelv--that time it was just me, her, Nuurol and Amal K--and she elaborated more on the whole concept and idea. We were already super thrilled then, and I don't think we've stopped feeling excited about it!

Each girl, together with Farhanna, would sit down together and discuss the vision we had for our piece. Even before we had the actual sit down, I knew I wanted a jumpsuit because if ever I was turned into an apparel I would either be skinny jeans or a jumpsuit. I thought about what jumpsuit I wanted--whether the pants were flared or more like cigarette trousers. I then thought about what Na Forrér signature I wanted to incorporate in my piece--songket or lace--and I obviously picked songket. 

I thought my jumpsuit needed a bit of an edge and you know I am a big fan of structure. It was so easy designing the jumpsuit because Farhanna and I were always on the same page and we always thought the same things! We both wanted big sleeves and a box shoulder! With the sleeves, we wanted it to be dramatic and I had the perfect idea (so did she... I swear we were so in-sync) to have kimono-like sleeves. Farhanna mentioned that I had an oriental look and she wasn't the first to say so! Adila had also mentioned it before! So, I was like, yeah let's give it an oriental edge. A photo popped up in my head. In 2015, when I was doing my final project for that 8-week fashion design course I was taking, this was one that was on my moodboard.




Around, I want to say November, we all had a get-together with Farhanna and she announced our themes and our colours. She divided the collection into 4 colours per our beloved national flag. In terms of theme, we were split into Red Blooded Vixen, The Enchantress, Femme Fatale and An All White Affair. Fina, May and I were grouped under Femme Fatale and we were the grey/black (sheeps) of the clan. 

After fittings, the time finally came for the campaign shoot, which was what we were all so excited about! Moderate Films was the campaign photographer and Natasya did our make-up. Femme Fatale's session was on a Sunday morning. I was there by 7AM, I think, for make-up. And it was the funnest 6 hours of my life! Haha! There was just so much laughter, creativity and direction. I enjoyed it very much.








Farhanna then flew to make us proud in London by showcasing #NFormation at London Fashion Week. On top of that, she surprised us by personalizing the names of our outfits. My oriental jumpsuit is called the Nabeela and I really love it. In all honesty, I love them all. I'd wear the Ajeera, the Disco, the Mayden, the Aliaa, the Lioness, the WeekendFrock, the Ammal, the Namaste, the Ainul, the Rube and the Siddique. My ultimate favourite though is actually the Lioness. I love it so much! 

What I love most about it all, is the sense of national pride. This Bruneian designer is collaborating with 12 local social media heads and bringing our names abroad... to London Fashion Week and to international e-commerce sites. So what are you waiting for? Go pre-order a piece and don't forget you can modest-fy the smexy ones to your own liking. Really thinking about the Lioness now.


Love,


How I got #NFormation

Friday 24 March 2017

I had to go through my text messages to see when we actually kickstarted the project. It was a while back, you guys! So it all started in September when Farhanna had an epiphany over the waters on her way back to Brunei from Kuala Lumpur. She was peering through the window when the idea came to her mind to work on a very exciting project involving 12 lucky girls whom she picked to work with. We had our first meeting at Twelv--that time it was just me, her, Nuurol and Amal K--and she elaborated more on the whole concept and idea. We were already super thrilled then, and I don't think we've stopped feeling excited about it!

Each girl, together with Farhanna, would sit down together and discuss the vision we had for our piece. Even before we had the actual sit down, I knew I wanted a jumpsuit because if ever I was turned into an apparel I would either be skinny jeans or a jumpsuit. I thought about what jumpsuit I wanted--whether the pants were flared or more like cigarette trousers. I then thought about what Na Forrér signature I wanted to incorporate in my piece--songket or lace--and I obviously picked songket. 

I thought my jumpsuit needed a bit of an edge and you know I am a big fan of structure. It was so easy designing the jumpsuit because Farhanna and I were always on the same page and we always thought the same things! We both wanted big sleeves and a box shoulder! With the sleeves, we wanted it to be dramatic and I had the perfect idea (so did she... I swear we were so in-sync) to have kimono-like sleeves. Farhanna mentioned that I had an oriental look and she wasn't the first to say so! Adila had also mentioned it before! So, I was like, yeah let's give it an oriental edge. A photo popped up in my head. In 2015, when I was doing my final project for that 8-week fashion design course I was taking, this was one that was on my moodboard.




Around, I want to say November, we all had a get-together with Farhanna and she announced our themes and our colours. She divided the collection into 4 colours per our beloved national flag. In terms of theme, we were split into Red Blooded Vixen, The Enchantress, Femme Fatale and An All White Affair. Fina, May and I were grouped under Femme Fatale and we were the grey/black (sheeps) of the clan. 

After fittings, the time finally came for the campaign shoot, which was what we were all so excited about! Moderate Films was the campaign photographer and Natasya did our make-up. Femme Fatale's session was on a Sunday morning. I was there by 7AM, I think, for make-up. And it was the funnest 6 hours of my life! Haha! There was just so much laughter, creativity and direction. I enjoyed it very much.








Farhanna then flew to make us proud in London by showcasing #NFormation at London Fashion Week. On top of that, she surprised us by personalizing the names of our outfits. My oriental jumpsuit is called the Nabeela and I really love it. In all honesty, I love them all. I'd wear the Ajeera, the Disco, the Mayden, the Aliaa, the Lioness, the WeekendFrock, the Ammal, the Namaste, the Ainul, the Rube and the Siddique. My ultimate favourite though is actually the Lioness. I love it so much! 

What I love most about it all, is the sense of national pride. This Bruneian designer is collaborating with 12 local social media heads and bringing our names abroad... to London Fashion Week and to international e-commerce sites. So what are you waiting for? Go pre-order a piece and don't forget you can modest-fy the smexy ones to your own liking. Really thinking about the Lioness now.


Love,


Sorry for the lack of updates! I have been busy. If not for LMN, it's for my day job, and they are both equally important to me so I tighten my reigns on both horses and I beat myself up if I feel like I've been slacking in either one of them. It's not healthy, I know. I need to learn how to take a breather sometimes but there's just no rest for the wicked! I sometimes complain to my husband that I feel a little exhausted but I keep telling myself that someone somewhere is working a lot harder than I am and then I snap out of it and push even harder. 

Alhamdulillah, my March has been eventful! I was a little tired, I can't lie, but it's all good and fun! 

The Wedding KL

This trip was a little impromptu but little did I know it turned out to be the getaway I really needed. Yes I had two shows to attend, but somewhere in between I managed to squeeze in some good food and some shopping. I ate at my usual places--Shell Out and Serai--but I was most happy about my meal at Kyochon at Pavi; I absolutely loved it. I might even like it better than 4Fingers, but don't quote me on that! I could have just been extra hungry that day.

Of course I had to wear songket to a bridal fashion show!

My favourite from the FV Intimates and Robes show.

My favourite from the Mimpikita show! Just look at that angular peplum detail!

#NFormation

In conjunction with IWD2017Na Forrér launched her new collection which was a collaboration with 12 local influencers, including myself! I'll elaborate more on that and the whole journey soon, but I have to say, this has been the most exciting project I've been on. I absolutely enjoyed our girlgang meet-ups, the campaign shoot and the showcase that was held on 11th March. And a huge congratulations to Farhanna for representing Brunei at LFW2017!


Strutting our stuff at the showcase! Go pre-order the Nabeela now!

The fun bathroom shoot we did with @moderatefilms and @makeupbynatasya.

Peek-a-box

This month was also the launch of Peek-a-box Brunei Edition at the Modest Fashion Network event and I was invited for the unboxing that took place on 11th March (4-6PM and then I had to rush to RBRC for the Na Forrér showcase). Because it was the Brunei Edition, they asked me to be their March girl, so I have been pretty excited about this for a while. It was pretty surreal when I saw my face on a card first thing when I opened the box, with some beauty-related information about me that I provided the team (translated in Malay). Again, I intend to do a proper write up about this soon! (Yay! More content for my blog!) But in the mean time, do check them out on www.peek-a-box.com and their IG (@peekabox_beautybox)

I was so nervous during this event but everyone was really nice and encouraging!

Melur turns 1

How has it been a year already since Melur opened? So happy for the girls for their milestone! On the 12th of March, we had a little celebratory tea party at the store with lovely desserts and awesome goody bags (LOVE MY YELLOW NECKLACE)! I don't know about you guys, but I love the smell of that store. It smells like watermelon bubblegum all the time. There were many things I was excited about that day--I had an excuse to wear my Innai dress, the launch of Ayunne's new scarves, Rai's latest creations, Melur started selling Nita Cosmetics and Ellie Norman was there for the launch of My Apparel Zoo! On top of that Tiwin was there, don't we all just love her?

Pretty Ellie!

We-love-Tiwin-club

In the midst of all that, I managed to catch Beauty and the Beast btw. SO OBSESSED. 

So anyway, how have you been?


Love,



March Madness

Tuesday 21 March 2017

Sorry for the lack of updates! I have been busy. If not for LMN, it's for my day job, and they are both equally important to me so I tighten my reigns on both horses and I beat myself up if I feel like I've been slacking in either one of them. It's not healthy, I know. I need to learn how to take a breather sometimes but there's just no rest for the wicked! I sometimes complain to my husband that I feel a little exhausted but I keep telling myself that someone somewhere is working a lot harder than I am and then I snap out of it and push even harder. 

Alhamdulillah, my March has been eventful! I was a little tired, I can't lie, but it's all good and fun! 

The Wedding KL

This trip was a little impromptu but little did I know it turned out to be the getaway I really needed. Yes I had two shows to attend, but somewhere in between I managed to squeeze in some good food and some shopping. I ate at my usual places--Shell Out and Serai--but I was most happy about my meal at Kyochon at Pavi; I absolutely loved it. I might even like it better than 4Fingers, but don't quote me on that! I could have just been extra hungry that day.

Of course I had to wear songket to a bridal fashion show!

My favourite from the FV Intimates and Robes show.

My favourite from the Mimpikita show! Just look at that angular peplum detail!

#NFormation

In conjunction with IWD2017Na Forrér launched her new collection which was a collaboration with 12 local influencers, including myself! I'll elaborate more on that and the whole journey soon, but I have to say, this has been the most exciting project I've been on. I absolutely enjoyed our girlgang meet-ups, the campaign shoot and the showcase that was held on 11th March. And a huge congratulations to Farhanna for representing Brunei at LFW2017!


Strutting our stuff at the showcase! Go pre-order the Nabeela now!

The fun bathroom shoot we did with @moderatefilms and @makeupbynatasya.

Peek-a-box

This month was also the launch of Peek-a-box Brunei Edition at the Modest Fashion Network event and I was invited for the unboxing that took place on 11th March (4-6PM and then I had to rush to RBRC for the Na Forrér showcase). Because it was the Brunei Edition, they asked me to be their March girl, so I have been pretty excited about this for a while. It was pretty surreal when I saw my face on a card first thing when I opened the box, with some beauty-related information about me that I provided the team (translated in Malay). Again, I intend to do a proper write up about this soon! (Yay! More content for my blog!) But in the mean time, do check them out on www.peek-a-box.com and their IG (@peekabox_beautybox)

I was so nervous during this event but everyone was really nice and encouraging!

Melur turns 1

How has it been a year already since Melur opened? So happy for the girls for their milestone! On the 12th of March, we had a little celebratory tea party at the store with lovely desserts and awesome goody bags (LOVE MY YELLOW NECKLACE)! I don't know about you guys, but I love the smell of that store. It smells like watermelon bubblegum all the time. There were many things I was excited about that day--I had an excuse to wear my Innai dress, the launch of Ayunne's new scarves, Rai's latest creations, Melur started selling Nita Cosmetics and Ellie Norman was there for the launch of My Apparel Zoo! On top of that Tiwin was there, don't we all just love her?

Pretty Ellie!

We-love-Tiwin-club

In the midst of all that, I managed to catch Beauty and the Beast btw. SO OBSESSED. 

So anyway, how have you been?


Love,



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