Am I an XS or is it just vanity sizing?
I’m not thin but neither am I large. In the local Asian brand market, I usually take an M (Medium) size for clothes without being over ambitious.
Yet going into to Western (American, British or European) clothes stores, I find I’m fitting into sizes like XS, S (MNG, Zara, Banana Republic) 0, 2 (Banana Republic, Gap) 8 (Marks & Spencer, TopShop or any British brand). The question is, am I really fitting into those tiny sizes? If I am, then how on earth are the even slimmer or smaller sized girls fitting into anything in these brands?
This is the phenomenon of vanity sizing. I personally believe that vanity sizing exists. Why I say so is because when you compare men and women’s clothing sizes, you’d notice that most men’s sizes are constant across most brands. Men’s shirts are measured by collar size (which don’t differ by very much), chest and sleeve length and men’s pants are measured by waist and length of the leg. That’s mostly all there is to men’s wear I’ve found. Know a man’s collar and waist size and you can invariably shop for your man at any time, even with him absent, without too much fear of his clothes not fitting.
Try with with women’s clothes and you have a nightmare on your hands. Continue Reading >> Am I an XS or is it just vanity sizing?
Affordable fashion at People’s … Egg boutique, Bangsar
There is only so much makeup shopping a girl can do before the wardrobe needs updating too! I’m quite lucky to work in an environment where I can omit power suits and blazers in our hot Malaysian weather. Instead, I can stroll into my office looking as pulled together or as casual as I like - lucky eh? 
One place I’ve frequented time and time again for clothes is a boutique in Bangsar known as People’s… Egg. I have no idea why it is called that. I reckon its named after the 2 lines of clothes available in the store - People’s and Egg I spoke to the designer/owner, Angus, once and he told me that they only sell a few pieces of each design as the rest are exported. So, I’d say it is pretty unique stuff you can find there.
People’s Egg is located in the Telawi area of Bangsar, on the same row as McDonalds and is next to the other fashion place, Blook. Continue Reading >> Affordable fashion at People’s … Egg boutique, Bangsar
Xtralicious vintage inspired fashion store
Fashion goes round and round like a merry go round. Its not unusual to have fashion looks from bygone years making a reappearance in the present. Flip through the fashion mags, and one thing is clear – vintage is cool because vintage is about being unique.
Rachel of Xtralicious contacted me recently. Xtralicious is a boutique owned by Rachel, that specialises in vintage inspired fashion. I really like that gold kimono top and black pants look above. I would wear the top (Betty - S$28) with a slimmer set of pants so I don’t look so flowy; and I’d wear the flowy pants (culottes! - S$39) with a more fitting top. Being short has its disadvantages but I think this would create a bit of a modern twist to a vintage outfit. They sell vintage inspired jewelry and accessories too to complete your look.
Xtralicious is based in Singapore (Hi neighbour!) and prices quoted are in Singapore dollars. They do ship internationally and accept paypal, so that’s a bonus for international shoppers looking for an inexpensive vintage-inspired deal. It might be helpful to give an approximate idea of shipping costs for international shipping so buyers have an idea what to expect.
You know, that pant suit has really fired my imagination now! 
Revisiting Marks & Spencer women’s fashion
I happened to chance upon the Marks & Spencer’s Relocation Sale in the Old Wing of 1 Utama shopping centre, just like ShoppingnSales did (picture courtesy of SNS). Go to SNS’s site to read why there is a sale
I don’t usually shop at Marks & Spencer here in Malaysia because the prices are way too high for my wallet and the fashion as I remember is a tad frumpy for me. I’m pretty much a budget or sales shopper but even during sales I am loathe to buy anything from M&S simply because its just too expensive. The last time I bought anything from M&S was when I was in London years ago - that tells you just how long ago it was.
I was quite pleasantly surprised however, after browsing through some racks, that fashion in Marks & Spencer has evolved somewhat, from frumpy school marm clothes to clothes that are classic yet with modern and younger touches. Could it be that I’m getting older? I’d just like to think that M&S is moving with the times. 
Another thing that made me happy shopping at Marks & Spencer was the fact that I fit nicely into a Size 8 which I believe is the smallest size carried. It is such a huge boost to the female ego to know you fit into the smallest size available! Plus, the designs now look younger especially the Per Una range. Even the lingerie has evolved from being frumpy and plain but servicable bras and panties, to cute and racy lacy things. Worth buying during a sale!
I ended up with a midnight blue party dress which cost me quite a bit, but which I know will serve me well, and a comfy woollen cardigan which I wanted for long car rides or for travelling. Pictures will soon follow once I get my camera up and running.
I can see myself visiting Marks & Spencer more, to browse if not to buy. Oh my poor wallet!
