NOT #WOKE ENOUGH?

For almost eight years, I’ve primarily populated Bohemian Brighties with my fashion adventures and occasionally visual documentations of my travels but never really on the “real stuff”. I write this blog with hopes to bring a sense of hopeful whimsy to what I do and obviously life isn’t all la vie en rose. And yet, there are so many non-whimsical topics that I would like to engage with my readers. How does Bohemian Brighties evolve when all it has ever been was just one voice? (the same voice that started with a bored 15 year old with too many clothes)

Exhibit A of Bohemian Brighties seeing the world through rose tinted sunnies

I wouldn’t say that I’ve avoided contentious conversation altogether. But there has always been a solid portfolio of topics left untouched, with the rationalisation that I as a fashion blogger am not informed or ‘woke’ enough to cover the bases. As much as I really-really want to talk about the Duck scarves’ critique[1], because it’s amusing, but I also really-really want to talk about education, because it’s what I do for a living. 

The point being is that anyone should be able to have an open conversation about topics that are currently flooding our surroundings without condemnation. Of course you may think a fashion blogger may not be the best endorsement to be talking about education or politics. Or that she should stick her nose to what she knows best. But we need to move past that and we can't all be ignorant. 

[1] http://songketalliance.com/post/160069147323/what-the-duck-a-critique-of-the-duck-scarves

Bali Diary

It took me at least a week to cure my post-Bali blues. This year has been a bustling work-year and whenever I thought that things were going to slow down, something inevitably comes up to monopolize on whatever crumbs of “free time” I was anticipating. Anyways, Bali!

Where do I even begin to describe Bali?

If Bali was a drink it would be a clear blue liquid to reflect its waters, fairly sweet as a reminder of how friendly and charming Balinese are and the drink would have one of those fun little umbrella just because… the whole trip was fun.

Visual List of What I Did in Bali

1. Trek Mount Batur at 2 AM. Yes you read that correctly.

2. Explore the Rice Fields on wheels

3. Tried out Luwak Coffee and didn't like it. 

 4. Ate like the locals and tried out a few warong in Kuta and Nusa Dua. 

5. Beach Beach Beach

However, I was not a fan of the beach that we were brought to in Nusa Dua as it was too crowded.

5. Dinner with a view at Ayana Resort

6. Chilllllllllled

I've actually stitched a few clips  from the trip and made a short video so do watch it and subscribe if you want to :)

much love,

{HARI RAYA} ZALIA

Zalora’s resident label Zalia may not be a new player in the game, but one that I know I will keep returning to. Effortless, precious, and romantic; the brand is almost like a lovechild of Zuhair Murad and Elie Saab which is no wonder that these two are the main sources of inspiration for the label.

On the subject of Raya, I picked out a few favourites for my sister and myself. On Iqah, I chose the geo sequined mermaid dress; a cascade of embroideries pouring over the black silhouette which complemented her figure and made her look as if she was a character from one of the A Thousand and One Nights stories (or perhaps The Real Housewives of Brunei would be more fitting).

As for myself, I chose this floral embellished printed blouse to complement my ruffle skirt from Lubna. The colours reminded me of Posh Spice in her gorgeous Cavalli dress (huge huge fan of Vic so I remember most of her memorable dresses hehe). 

Here in Phnom Penh, my family only celebrates Hari Raya/Eid for one day so I didn't particularly came equipped with 5 extra dresses. 

In another note, the news have been a lot to bear recently so wishing everyone a very blessed and safe Raya with your loved  ones wherever you may be. 

love,

{OOTD} A FIT FOR ALL MONOCHROME

A general rule of thumb that I follow is all about looking expertly tailored, picking out clothes that look flattering on your body type, with it all wrapped together in a bow of confidence. There is however, an easier way to streamline your look; an outfit that you can quickly pull together and walk out the door, knowing at least you look good: It’s the monochrome look.

When weekend or the holiday enters the picture, style inspiration is ripe for the picking. While you could spend hours poring over countless street style photos Amal Saima and I dreamed up three monochrome looks as part of her ‘A Fit For All’ series. When keeping this look chic, we played with length and texture to elevate an otherwise consistent look. I was obviously up to this task.

1. BLANC

Everyone looks good in white in my opinion. Whether you’re slim, toned, or cute, sticking to this single colour is flattering for all.

2. ROUGE

What colour encompasses both power and femininity at the same time more than red? Love how Amal Saima can pull off this colour effortlessly by creating a streamlined silhouette.

3. BLEU
Next to white, the easiest fool-proof mono-look is blue. If you're like me, you can never have enough layers.Just be sure to balance by layering pieces that complement each other.

Click here for the full video edited by Amal Saima herself. Enjoy!

love,

SYOMIRIZWA GUPTA PHOTO DIARY

Photo credits:

Billy H - Article on Brunei Times

May Cho

Nabeela of Lipstickmyname

Izzy Osman

Jeera

Yellow for Proceed with Caution

photography by Syafiq Saini

Creamy, with a hell lot of mustard in, like a dessert disaster, is one colour that I am drawn to. I drooled over this long blazer the first time I saw it at the BIFASH event with Ainul and I had to come in the second time to purchase it (took my time drawing a list of WANT vs NEED). ANNDDD because great minds think alike, Ainul even purchased one! 

So what me & Ainul thought of together was how we would incorporate mustard in our daily wear... although in my case I was thinking of how far such colour can be business-appropriate. Granted me and the colour wheel go way back and associating complementary colours together is inherited in my DNA so a very easy formula that I usually work with is pairing neutrals with bright colours. As for Ainul, she pulled off a very chic casual lookbook with an already busy printed shawl.

On me:

Scarf - Hijabelle

Blouse - Zalora

Trousers - Yasmieen Zara

Heels - ZARA

On Ainul:

Scarf - ARIANA

Blouse - Zalora

Pants - River Island

Heels - VINCCI

And the beautiful long blazer is from a new Indonesian brand by Syafina Feriyal (to think coming back to Brunei would mean less of me buying outerwear!). 

{OOTD} Legally Miss Sunshine

OKAY so there is a story behind these banana trousers. For the past two months since I've started working, I've succumb to the system and wore baju kurung to work and if not I would be wearing black all the way. One day after a meeting my boss in his own words said, "why is it you law people always wear black?? please wear something colourful!"

With that in mind, I've gone completely unorthodox and I've started wearing colours again (and pants!). It's not a suprise as there seems to be an unspoken rule that the quintessential legal silhouette comes in Black & White. Since I'm also teaching in some days, I'm given the best of both worlds. 

I'm really digging the blazer from Galore-Ra as it is airy and the size that I'm wearing fits me perfectly. Or that I'm biased because I am obsessed with outerwears!

love,