Memorable Moments

Life....is unpredictable. And that is not a bad thing, but sometimes it can make you feel completely, utterly hopeless. That being said, there is no point to dwell and drown in hopelessness for a longer period than the time taken for you to finish a plate of warm, moist chocolate cake. Happiness is essentially a choice, one chooses to be happy, or chooses otherwise. It really is simple as that. It is hard to look at the bright side at times and it is even harder to appreciate what we have especially when we are stuck right in the middle of reality. But where does one find the strength to choose to be happy when one is physically and mentally drained? I don't know. I mean really, who knows? Some find strength in prayers, some find it in their partners, some find it in giving and some (ME!) find it from watching the Ellen show.

September has truly been a rough month for me, I would even call is a month of shattered hopes and dreams, but that isn't going to stop me from dreaming, loving and appreciating the moments in my life.

This photo post is dedicated to my memorable moments of September à la instagram.

This quote I came across in Singapore when I needed it most / This batch of chocolatey chocolate chip cookies that was gooey on the inside / the H&M VIP launch that was all about fun and shopping / adorable poodle at the bazaar in desa park city / rekindling childhood memories at this mooncake festival family dinner at Aunt Jenn's place / this pair of earrings that reminded me of an old friend

H&M VIP Grand Launch

We were invited to the H&M grand opening in Lot 10 last night thanks to our ever awesome Aunt Jenn! It was a fabulous event filled with glamour and good music. To top it off everything was on a 20% discount. We have always been avid lovers of H&M, now that it has finally arrived in KL, we have one more reason to love it. 

H&M heart KL!

Part of our haul of the day

Sorry for the lousy quality for some of the pictures, we somehow managed to forget our camera after prepping ourselves. Mehhh I reckon we need a new point-and-shoot camera anyways. Overall, it was a really great night sipping away Moet champagne while going on a shopping spree. We're absolutely even more in love with H&M now.

HQ Pictures credits to: Cheryl Chan Photography

What to wear? (Smart Casual)

I don't know about others though I'm pretty sure every girls feel the same in the morning, but I always have a problem not knowing what to put on for the day, and certainly even more so for an occasion. So, here's the thing, I have a couple of job interviews for intern positions in the next two weeks, and most of the dress codes for the interviews are smart casual. To be honest, I have no idea what to wear as I never fully understood the term "smart casual". Mehhh. I never truly cared however I am now obliged to take the extra step to ask around and research. So this basically sums up what (I think) smart casual means.

Smart casual = dressier than your typical everyday outfit but a little undone compared to business wear.

I'd like to think of it as a balance between both everyday and business wear. A summer dress and a simple blazer, a dressy top with dress pants/slacks, no cleavage, not too much skin, proper skirt/dress length and I think you're good to go. I am certainly no fashionista but I enjoy putting pieces of apparels together so here are some smart casual outfits in mind.

#1 - Classic Smart Casual

Jigsaw wool dress, 240 MYR / River Island black jacket, 220 MYR / Wolford stocking, 160 MYR / ALDO flat platform shoes, 215 MYR / Big Buddha , 275 MYR / Marc by Marc Jacobs marc jacobs jewelry, 190 MYR / Comptoir Des Cotonniers longs jewelry, 245 MYR

My main element here was to keep it simple and classic with a touch of fun with the bird stud earrings and boho-ish charm long necklace. The essential piece that made is "smart" is definitely the black blazer. I think every lady should have a properly fitted classic blazer in their wardrobe, throw it on to any outfit and you'll instantly look like you put some effort into your outfit without trying to hard.

#2 - Smart Denim 

Rare London metallic shirt, 49 MYR / Slim fit blazer, 140 MYR / H&M low jeans, 49 MYR / Bamboo heels, 61 MYR / Oasis mini tote bag, 150 MYR / TarinaTarantino flower stud earrings, 52 MYR / Cruciani , 35 MYR

Don't be afraid to go all colourful, you can certainly add in a splash of colours yet keeping it smart. I chose a bright pink top and orange tote bag, but I balanced it out with a pair of sexy black heels. To top it off, the gorgeous white blazer just makes everything look put together and professional. I could head to the mall or a date right after my interview and all I'll need to do is leave my blazer in the car.

#3 - Sweet and Smart 

H&M flare dress, 99 MYR / Striped tight, 55 MYR / H&M high heel pumps, 74 MYR / Dorothy Perkins , 150 MYR / Tarina Tarantino post earrings, 135 MYR / BCBG Max Azria , 115 MYR

Another simple outfit that could potentially look dull and boring, but I played it up with red accessories for that eye-catching pop of colours. If your dress is above the knees, I recommend wearing tights or stocking to avoid looking too improper, otherwise you can choose to exclude them.

I really like the third set as I am almost always wearing a dress. Putting all these outfits together certainly helped me narrow down my choice of outfits for my interviews in the next 2 weeks. I truly believe in the term "dress for success" and that the first impression is the most important thing. I hope this will help and inspire you put to put together an outfit for any smart casual event! Wish me luck for my interviews! :)


What do you think?
Did you like this post? Which outfit is your favorite or least favorite? Are you inspired?  Remember to leave your comments, suggestion and tell us what you think!

Who doesn't like pies?

If there is one thing that heals a broken heart or weary soul, it is good food, and my goodness, this tomato and basil savoury pie that Christie baked made me put all my worries and heartache aside while I gobbled it up, like a monster lady, of course. 

Christie adapted this dish from this site

Ingredients
1 homemade or prepared pie crust

3 cups assorted heirloom tomatoes - sliced

1 small /medium eggplant, thinly sliced & salted

2 cloves of garlic

olive oil

salt & pepper

handful of fresh basil - torn

The cast of characters (well part of it)

Missing characters: pie crust, basil leaves.

Fresh eggplants. Yum.

Drizzle on some extra virgin olive oil

Before entering the heat chamber (oven)

Look at this baby.

 A slice of heaven.

I apologize if I made you hungry and cranky from this post, but I just had to. You know we love you. If it makes you feel any better I'm just as hungry as you probably are now. Go ahead and give this recipe a try. It is absolutely worth it.