Happy 50th Merdeka!

Every single one of you contributed in defining Malaysia as we know it today.

Gaz Collections

Gaz, formerly a cabin crew, brings interesting and unique collectibles acquired from his travelling to Bijou Bazaar.

Laila and Majnun have been characters for Sufi poets, as Krishna was for the poets of India.

The story of Laila and Majnun is one of the most popular in the Islamic world, enduring in legends, tales, poems, songs, and epics from the Caucasus to Africa and from the Atlantic to the Indian Ocean. Laila and Majnun have always exerted a great fascination, for it is not only a love story, but a lesson in love. Not love as it is generally understood by man, but the love that rises above the earth and heavens.

The above photographed artworks are based on Laila and Majnun love story. The artist would sing 'The Song of Majnun' every time he attended to his work.

Alas the Persian artist perished in the 70s, during one of the Gulf Wars.

Others in Gaz's collection which caught my eyes are:

MOBILITI Charity Bazaar

Persatuan MOBILITI Selangor & Kuala Lumpur has voiced their interest to take up space with the bazaar, to hold a month long charity bazaar from Sunday, 9th September 2007.

MOBILITI is the first community transport service in Malaysia as well as South-East Asia. Their main objective is to provide a "door-to-door" transport service for disabled people in Klang Valley. MOBILITI service operates on week-days and Saturdays between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Users are charged a minimal fare of RM 3 per journey, irrespective of their destinations (within Klang Valley).

MOBILITI currently employs a full-time Operations Manager, an office assistant (who is visually impaired) and four full time drivers. The organisation is managed by a committee of 13 people, the majority of whom are living with disabilities. It is also supported by a team of volunteers who render their time and kindness to all activities and function which they conduct.

If you wish to render services to the organisation, e-mail mobilit@po.jaring.my or speak to them at +603.7957.7255. :o)

Watch this space!

12 Fashion Tips for Big-Girls

We'd like to try something new in this blog - we'd like to start writing articles for our readers.

We'd love for bigger-sized girls to stake claim to and embrace their right to chic, feminine dressing! Enough of going under cover with all those shapeless tops and long sleeves!

Let's face it: If you're big, you'll look big whether or not you wear an oversized T-shirt (which so happens to be a la mode; stick-thin Paris Hilton makes it look dead stylo, when for some of us, it's somewhat for lack of better options).

#1

We all know that black is always the best bet. Extra pounds get hidden in the shadows, and it's a smart colour that takes you from day to night. But black can also get booOOOooring!

If your wardrobe is full of black, only because you think that at your size, you need all the visual tricks in the book, we want to encourage a paradigm shift! Try something in colour or a big bold print and see how it makes you look and feel cheerier and younger! But choose flattering colours and be sure how you wear them. And pair them with black, by all means!



#2

If you like prints, do opt for large bold patterns rather than small ones, which emphasise a large build. And you like stripes? Go for vertical lines rather than horizontal, as the former give the illusion of slimness and length.


#3

Avoid too-clingy fabrics (like spandex!!) that, well, cling, to those areas of your body you'd rather hide. Clothes that show every fold of your body are not flattering.

That said, wearing billowy tent-like pieces gives the illusion of a larger, heavier build. Stick to fabrics that gently skim the body and that are neither too tight nor too loose. If you're going for matte jersey, make sure it's lined.

Details to go easy on: Ruffles, frills, and anything that adds bulk and makes you look frou-frou-frumpy. A little is OK, but don't go overboard.


#4

Get a good-fitting bra that doesn't cut into the flesh in your back or your sholders, causing unsightly indents and bumps. Worse yet, too small bras create the quadraboob effect!


#5

If you have big boobs, stay clear of low-cut camisoles, sheer blouses, and ultra-tight jackets to avoid looking vulgar. Halternecks are actually quite flattering for larger girls, as long as your boobs aren't spilling out the front and the straps provide ample support.


#6

Bustiers or corsets may be more than a little tricky (imagine the armpit fat horrors), but tube tops aren't off limits for big gals. Not the stretchy fitted tubes (see tip #3) and definitely not too-short ones! Instead, try A-line styles that fit around the bust and flare out to hide your tummy!


#7

When choosing shirts, go for 3/4-length sleeves and slightly fitting styles. The shirt should skim just past your hips. If you have an hourglass figure, flaunt it with pieces that are nipped in at the waist. Otherwise, accentuate this area with a nice belt.


#8

Choosing pants? Go for straight-cut, flatfront, pocket-less styles. And make sure your pair sits comfortably on your waist. The waistbad shouldn't be too tight, to avoid "muffin top". Don't go near tapered styles.

Forget low-rise anything. This trend is well over and looks best only on 14-year-old girls with platform bodies (no curves, hips or thighs). Imagine your whole jelly-belly sticking out above the waistband? Not pretty. Besides, nobody wants to see your butt cleavage.

Jeans: Bootcut or flared jeans are the most flattering. Go for designs with larger backpockets, as the law of relativity means tiny pockets make a larger derriere look humongous. Heaven forbid!


#9

As for skirts, pencil is a good way to go. The skirt should end just past your knees and be slightly fitting around the derriere so it doesn't look like you're wearing a "tent skirt".


#10

Avoid skimpy, tight, flouncy or mini dresses that do nothing for a curvy woman. Instead, choose elegant wrap dresses and A-line cuts that give you room to move. Stay away from satin, Lycra and other flimsy, unforgiving fabrics.


#11

Accentuate those areas of your body you love and that look good. For example, if you have nice shoulders, wear a halter-top or dress. This doesn't apply to cleavage over-exposure, though! (see tip #5)


#12

If you have a double-chin or short neck, avoid frilly collars, turtlenecks and even shirt collars that are too high (if they brush your jaw, they're too high). These make you look like your head rests directly on your shoulders.

Instead, go for lower V-necklines that reach at least till the modest halfway mark between your boobs and your shoulders. This elongates your neck visually.

Embrace colour! Go bold with prints! Choose structure over cling any day — remember that clothes slightly heavier-weight fabrics with strategically placed seams and darts give your body shape and hide a multitude of flaws. Free your mind and try on that gorgeous sleeveless top!

And hey, make your own rules whenever you feel like it! That's the fun of being a girl!

(images from biggirlswardrobe.co.uk, article reference girls at large [at] fash-bash)


Note to readers: At the moment, we do not have any traders selling stylo apparels for full-figured women sized 14 (UK) to 20 (UK), while there are limited selection for size 12 (UK). (Hint! Hint! to micro retailers out there)

Jaipur's Odhni

Another micro retailer, Nahlah, has voiced her interest to be part of the Bijou Bazaar family - Nahlah specialises in 'odhni'.

(Don't worry, I scratched my head as well when I heard the word 'odhni'.)

Apparently, at the remote villages of Bihar, close to the India/Nepal border, men and women work at home on hand looms to create colourful fabrics, including the traditional scarves called 'odhni'. For centuries, young women have worn the simple garment as head scarves. The scarf, with its multiple stripes of royal blue, crimson, magenta, and teal, is a great lightweight travel piece, and can be used in various styles.

You can be creative and turn them into head scarves, belts, and anything your creative mind can think of. Oh! I like that challenge and I thought of them images when I heard the call:

(useful to cover the low neckline or a bad hairday, in a stylish manner. :op)

(images from facehunter.blogspot.com)

watch this space!

Note to readers: Psst! Whilst studying in the UK, Nahlah attended a make-up artist school part-time in Paris. Oh yes! She's really good. The only reason she's not doing it professionally is because she's a computer genius by profession. If you're like me, who's clueless when it comes to make-up, maybe you can seek her services to doll you up for a special occasion. ;o)

e-Shop Talk

We have good news for the fashionitas!

An e-shop operator is contemplating in joining the Bijou Bazaar family, an alternative to the bold and funky wear being retailed by La Petite Penderie, e-Shop Talk offers gorgeous girlie clothing as well as girlie fashion accessories (and I can't believe the price tag, definitely below market price).

Some of what they have in stock:

If you like what you see and you want them to be at the bazaar, say so in the comment box (but don't laa say aye and not drop by to support their business at the bazaar). Ala-ala Afdlin Shauki ... we say, "power to the people!"

*UPDATE* E-SHOP TALK WILL BE JOINING US THIS WEEKEND!

Note to readers: The e-Talk Shop owner, Anis, is a freelance translator as well; she specialises in Japanese translation. You know where to find her!

Celebrity Spotting in Bijou Bazaar

I didn't realise this earlier but our appointed paparazzi for the PEWANIDA Charity Bazaar launch ceremony, Nadia Shazrin, spotted Wafa Tan Sri Dato' Abdul Kadir in Bijou Bazaar.

Precisely, Wafa the actress (I thought she looked familiar). Words has it, she is currently producing an animation called 'Budak Lapuk'.

Note: Maybe we can start a celebrity gossip column here next? NOT! :op

Dato' Shake @ Bijou Bazaar

The Bijou Bazaar Team would like to thank Dato' Shake for making time to launch PEWANIDA Charity Bazaar, being hosted at Bijou Bazaar, this morning, eventhough he was leaving for Paris shortly after. He was kind enough to present roses to the single mothers trading at the charity bazaar.

PEWANIDA Charity Bazaar is open daily at Jaya Shopping Centre sidewalk, between 1901 kiosk and a Korean restaurant, until 10 September 2007.


Images by Nadia Shazrin (nadia.asari@gmail.com)

Announcement: PEWANIDA Charity Bazaar Launch Ceremony

Dato' Shake has agreed to launch PEWANIDA Charity Bazaar @ Bijou Bazaar before flying back to Paris (if you're lucky, you can get him to sing 'Ummi'for you).

The ceremony will be as detailed below:

Venue: The Alcove (next to Delifrance), Jaya Shopping Centre, Jalan Semangat, Seksyen 14, Petaling Jaya
Date: 19th August 2007 (Sunday)
Time: 11 a.m.

Hope to see you there!

Mm...Oven Fresh

Baked out of passion ...

Bijou Bazaar is now hosting a charity bazaar - PEWANIDA Charity Bazaar, which opens daily at the sidewalk. PEWANIDA or Persatuan Ehsan Wanita dan Anak-anak was formed to offer shelter to single mothers and their children as well as working towards their personal development.

'Mm... Oven Fresh' is our anchor tenant, accompanying other food stalls by single mothers registered with PEWANIDA.

Today is the third time I hear from shoppers that their cookies matches Famous Amos's cookies (hence the post) but are sold at a reasonable price, i.e. way way cheaper.

Do drop by for breakfast, lunch or dinner at Bijou Bazaar, all for charity!

Update: La Petite Penderie

Would anyone be interested in getting the reproduction selling at RM 35?

Watch this space!

PEWANIDA Charity Bazaar Starts Today!

Update: Bijou Bazaar

We had a good weekend. We also had talks about a week days food charity bazaar as well as a rooftop party. We already have shoppers, who overheard the discussion, registering their contact details to be notified of the rooftop party. If you are interested to be on the notification list, do e-mail your details to bijoubazaar@gmail.com with a title "Rooftop Party".

Do watch this space!

Hanni's Bridal

Hanni Hassan, a Wedding Planner has a booth in Bijou Bazaar. She sells embroidery works, handmade paper products as well as other handicrafts by her and her adorable daughters.

If you are looking for unique gift items, I recommend items being retailed on her shelves. If you are planning a wedding, you can drop by to speak to her as well or to just watch Hanni and the girls produce beautiful handicrafts.

Update: La Petite Penderie

The sisters will be bringing new stocks this weekend. Some of them are:

They will also give handbags retailing a try. One black handbag got sold while they were sorting out the goods. Here are the ones left; if you're interested, do be at the bazaar early since they only bring one piece per design!