Three years the wait

My God, where did the time go?!.

Not counting the below mini post, its been three years since I've posted anything and life cannot be more different.

I went from a stay-at-home mom to becoming a working woman juggling (unsuccessfully) several things simultaneously. 

My Toto is turning six this year (SIX!) and yes, I still have only the one Monsieur Toto. So it will still be Maman et Toto (sometimes daddy can join if he's nice, harhar).

I've moved back to Malaysia for good. 

The first year was tough and I had withdrawal pangs ever so often to the point that I would ask, nay begged, to be included in anyone's luggage if they were going to London. This was met with nervous laughter to see if I was actually serious - I was. Dead serious. 

So a little update on life, as we know it.

In my previous post here, I hinted briefly of new things to come, which was basically my big move back to KL and also, working! 

There I was at the ripe old age of 28 officially starting my working life. What did I know about working in the corporate world. To be completely honest, it was a little daunting in the beginning and I was eager to prove myself but Alhamdulillah, I was blessed with lovely colleagues who made the transition very easy. Not everyone is lucky enough to have a good relationship with their colleagues - more like friends  - and for this, I'm thankful every single day. 

Family is another integral part of making the transition smoother and I cannot stress enough on the importance of having a good support system. I come from a very loving close-knit family (although if you see our fights/screaming matches, you would probably go running in the opposite direction OR lock the knife drawer, I kid you not) and Alhamdulillah I know that they will always have my back through thick and thin. Also, to slap some sense in me when I get too caught up in my dreams and fantasies. 

Fast-forward one year into my big move back home, I started to miss England less (less, mind you, I didn't say I stopped missing it completely - hence, I still jump at the chance to go back and visit). Most importantly, I started a side hustle! :)

Now you would think "is this chick for real? she just started working 1.5 years and she thinks she can juggle full-time working life, mom life, and also start her own brand?" Well, to answer your question, yes I do. Why, do you ask? Well, going back to that support system right above - I have awesome partners. :)

The idea to start a children's clothing line didn't suddenly fall from the sky. Ever since I had my Toto, there were specific brands that I loved - especially the ones that did not necessarily dress children in typical children designs. My frequent trips to Paris also further cultivated that love and interest - I loved french labels like Petit Bateau, Bonpoint, BONTON, and Jacadi. In fact, one of my earlier posts was dedicated to the Petit Bateau store we always frequent on our favourite high street in London ( see here ). 

So when the opportunity to start my very own children's label arose, of course I jumped at the chance! And so, Petit Moi came into fruition in December 2016, but I'll leave the whole story of Petit Moi for another day because it deserves its own blog post.

Back to life so far, I'm turning 31 this year (yes, I passed that turning thirty crap last year and I have to admit that I am at a place where I am very comfortable with myself). 

I'm still happily working in AirAsia, the best company in the whole wide world! Yes, I'm biased but its still the truth - there has never been a more people-oriented, innovative company that treasures each and everyone of its employees. AirAsia itself is a global brand and I'm proud to call myself an AirAsia Allstar.

I've created Petit Moi with my two awesome partners, Farihin (my SIL) and Pamela (a close family friend). I have high hopes for Petit Moi in 2018 - this is the year to grow the brand even further and increase our customer base so that everyone will come to love Petit Moi as much as I do. Well, maybe not the same amount. I do get too attached to every single design we produce. 

And, I've also played a part in bringing a well-known iconic Parisian brand into Malaysia, but I'll leave that for another post too. :)

Truth be told, everything properly kicked off in 2017, the year I turned thirty. For that, it will forever hold a special place in my heart. My son celebrated his fifth birthday in the same year and my husband and I celebrated our sixth wedding anniversary (I can't believe I've been married six years and going into my seventh! How did Mus'ab get so lucky? And vice versa of course, harhar). 

Alhamdulillah for all the blessings - I cannot thank Allah enough for everything. Its funny how things turned out. Looking back, I don't think I could have ever pictured things as it is now. 

Of course, it was not all smooth sailing. There were difficult times, but we powered through. I foresee further challenges up ahead, but only by overcoming adversity will you truly succeed. After all, you will only truly appreciate what you have if you work hard for it. 

Also, never underestimate the power of du'a as well - surely, Allah knows best. This is something that I hold in everything I do. 

I'm looking forward to 2018 and all its challenges and blessings.

And with that, I close this post that took me three years to put down on paper (or type on my laptop because technology, duh) on the very last day of the very first month of 2018.

Thank you for reading my very long-winded post and hopefully, this will not be the last for this year.

With love,
Iman

Trois Ans...

" To live is the rarest thing in the world. Most people exist, that is all "

- Oscar Wilde -

Well, I guess its time to start living and accomplishing my dreams. 

It won't be easy, but it will be worth it.

With love,

Iman

Exploring Dubrovnik!

Byron once called it "The Pearl of the Adriatic", and its no wonder! Dubrovnik is enchanting. I imagine the Unesco World Heritage city would have been glamorous during summer, but there was a certain timeless beauty to the town during winter. Without the crowds of tourist, it felt as if I had gone back in time. There was a sense of tranquility that would not have been present during the peak season.

 On the way to the caribbean, we decided to stop and refuel there since the maman (ehem ehem, more importantly, me) have always wanted to go. The weather did not deter us from our half a day sojourn. Armed with an umbrella each, we braved the rain and went about exploring the walled old city of Dubrovnik!

Adila Long Luxe Ready-to-Wear and Bridal

Last Friday, I had the pleasure of attending Adila Long's Luxe Ready-to-Wear and Bridal Show held at Monkey Garage, Bangsar. I went home coveting every piece from the ready-to-wear collection and wishing desperately that I could still plan my wedding dress (despite already being married for three years!). 

The collection was simply stunning! I love how each piece was created with the highest attention to detail and how they combine both traditional and contemporary elements within a single garment. Not to mention the embellishments on the wedding dresses were so intricate and the finished effect was like something out of a fairytale! ( And, really, isn't that what weddings are all about, having your very own happily ever after).

The print that was featured in most of the ready-to-wear collection was inspired by a painting that Adila's daughter, Aya Sofya, had drawn. I loved the dreamy print and, in fact, the whole collection could be described in that one word; dreamy. Another thing I loved was how the pieces could be worn separately so you could easily mix and match as you please or how the occasion requires, tres chic et elegante!

Bravo to the Adila Long Team. In this show, they have successfully proven just how versatile the brand is with their take on haute couture fashion as well as the most beautiful bridal wear to rival some of the known names in the business. I'm already eager to see what they will do for their next collection. In the mean time, I look forward to visiting their showroom for a private viewing of this stellar collection. 

Sadly, photos from my iphone do not do justice to the beautiful collection. Do check out their website for a more detailed view or, better yet, drop by their showroom! Brides, I would strongly suggest you make an appointment with Adila herself. Let them turn your fantasy into a reality. Believe me, you wont be disappointed! :)

Adila Long

Jalan Terasek 8, Bangsar KL

03-22019499

adilalongdesign@gmail.com

Good things-a-comin'

A little clarity really does put things into perspective. Alhamdulillah and heres to hoping everything goes well insyaAllah. I'll end that happy note with some pictures of Paris because, well, why not? ;)

Pictures from the charming Rue Cler taken with my iphone. One very fine morning, I went for a walk by myself to explore this quaint street ( also to buy flowers and baguette a la parisienne! ) . There were cafes aplenty perfect for starting your day with a cafe creme and people watching. Rue Cler also has a great fresh produce market and a lovely flower shop. If ever you are in the area, I highly recommend a quick stop for lunch or light drinks to get the feel of a typical Parisian neighbourhood. The close proximity to the Eiffel Tower also means that you could then have yourself a small picnic at the Jardin du Champ-de-Mars. I promise you, the view is well worth it. :)

Backstage at Durrah Jewellery

The other day I was lucky enough to be invited to the press launch for Durrah Jewellery. They have some truly covetable pieces that I was lusting over. Unfortunately, due to a prior engagement, I could not make it for the event itself, but I did have fun taking pictures of the models preparing for the event and, more importantly, got the opportunity to fondle and try some of the jewellery! :)

It was amazing to be able to take pictures of the legendary Raja Malek working his magic. Not to mention to have some of Malaysia's top supermodels pose for me. I was snapping away like crazy and the photos above are just a few of the pictures I took that day. Thank you very much to auntie Farah ( the gorgeous lady getting her hair caressed in the picture lol ) and Kak Durrah ( not in the pictures since being the star of the day made her super busy to ensure everything went smoothly ). 

Alhamdulillah, the event was a brilliant success. And for those of you that missed the launch, do not fret! Durrah Jewellery is available for your perusal at Grimoldi Milano, Shangri-La KL. Do come check them out! And you might come back with a few pretty pieces to complement your outfit du jour.