Recent Buy: a so-called Plastic Relief

(White Shoes with beautiful flowery-crafted heels)

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Okey, so there is another reason why am I called the Picnic Girl: I am not a city girl type. I got bored easily in the city; especially when I can't indulge my need of fresh air (not air conditioned), blue sky (not the fake blue sky inside a mall), green grass, fresh handpicked flowers, and the sound of the nature instead of soft music played in the iPod (which is also a great relief of city-boredom, actually).

Last two weeks, I spend several days in the capital city. Living in my uncle's penthouse with a great view in the heart of the city, I'm indulged in every way except for the crisp peppermint breeze, the sunset, and the natural non-purified air. But after all, who would need all those nature-nonsense if you have a fabulous place to live that everyone would envy, house-elves-like maids, a loyal driver who takes you anywhere you want, and a hundred more privilege? Sadly, I did. Although there are happy times of family dining, flower market shopping, and quality times I spend with my beloved uncle; there are times where I was all alone and bored, far from my friends back home, and my friends here are busy working. There are also stressful times when I spend more time on the road in a traffic jam than the time I spend on my destination. So, this city-boredom and stress are great excuses for my ancient wild womanly relief: shopping!

I got bored therefore I shop. I shop therefore I am happy. That is why shopping is also well known as plastic-relief. I suppose to feel exceptionally relieved by spending and splurging. So I bought two pairs of new shoes, a bag, a cape, several books, lots of shirts, skirts, mini dresses, vintage tortoise-shell glasses, treat myself on fancy dining, spa, souvenirs, and many more. After six days, a large pile of plastics, and way too many card swipes, I crave for more and more plastic. If it's not relieving, it's addictive.

So I stop, and I went home. I surely miss the quality time I spend with my beloved uncle, yet, nothing feels like home to me. Maybe I am just not a blackbird-flies-high-type as he is, I'm still a young girl on her adventure of searching for the blue bird to bring her sweet little happiness and warmth. Maybe, I'm just not so ready for big city splurging; thus, I am this sentimental Picnic Girl who's not ready to pay happiness in cash. I'd prefer them free and priceless. Oh, there I go again..

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(Books of fashion- Aksara)

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(Pink Skirt and Blue Shirt- Popperca; Pink and Stripped Shirt-C.swarovski; Belt-Vintage)

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(Vintage tortoise-shell sunglasses)

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(Kebaya-The Executive)

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Photographed by Dito Yuwono

Where the Sunbeams Choose to Fall

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There are certain places where the sunbeams choose to fall~ a special spot where the grass grows softer, and greener with sparkling silvery strands, blooming blossom, warming breeze, and fluffing cloud above. A cat would purr and take a nap on the warmest side. The creepy-crawly little creatures marching around busily, and the world of make believe comes true. And, oh, the smell of fresh citrus-like ground reminds me of warm earl-grey tea in a comfortable evening. I’d like to stumble upon it and spend the day lounging on that certain place where the sunbeams choose to fall.

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Miy

White Dress / Rose
Vintage Flowery Belt / Little Garage
Head Piece / Little Garage
Flip Flop / -forget where I got them-
Bag / Read's

Photographed by Dito Yuwono

Runway Report: Jogja Fashion Tendance 2010

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Dreamiy the Picnic Girl reporting straight from the front row (yes, Ladies.. ) of Jogja Fashion Tendance 2010. *jig..jig..jig..*

This annual presentation of Association of Indonesian Designer and Fashion Entrepreneur (APPMI) shows some collections of 14 Jogja's designer in Phoenix Hotel Jogja yesterday (October 7). A month before, it was also held in Bali and will soon be held in Jakarta. The theme "Beyond Time" brings up four principles of instance, comfort, attainability, and cross-culture.

The overflowing pretty dresses and accessories get me on the mood; but, it was the music, the ambiance, and the beautiful spark that gives me the euphoric funny feeling that reminds me of how I felt on my early days in enjoying performing-art. I like it. So, here are the sneak peak of the show last night. Enjoy!

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(Afif Syakur : Pale)

Afif Syakur inspired by the unhealthy high-polluted life of urban people; shows them on a collection full of pale 'unhealthy' color in Cotton Silk and Chiffon Silk Batik. I love the pale rainbow color on the dress and the Siren-look flowing pretty long-dress collection makes me want a long-dress so bad. I never had any and maybe it's time to get me one, don't you think?

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(Dina Isfandiary: Belle Fille)

Inspired by beautiful (Javanese) country girls who are charming for their innocence, wit, and manner. Unlike the other designer who's splurging on silk, Dina keep it down with cotton batik using her special coloring technique for making the black inc blend in with the white. It somehow looks too casual and too attainable (unlike what I expect from the show) but I like second dress from the right picture.

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(Mia Ridwan: Anthology)

The first time I see this designer, it crossed my mind that Mia Ridwan is special- she's very low profile (almost conservative) and there must be something about her that keeps her survived in the glamorous world of fashion. I expect a surprise from her design- and she did it! Love it.

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(Dandy T. Hidayat: New Line Oriental)

Splurging all over on cashmere, lace, cotton silk, and lurik; I expect comfort and luxury are among his priority. I like the idea of pairing pink dresses with golden shoes. It looks clean and elegant. I didn't fall right away for the dresses for they are not really my style, but I go aahhh-ing and oooh-ing on some of those pretty dresses after the second look. Like it.

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(Ninik Dharmawan: My Green Dream)

Her green dream would be to produce eco-friendly fashion for everybody. It does not only mean using natural-source fiber and material such as silk and cotton, but also in reducing waste and making an eco-friendly production. It is not easy and high-cost, yet, a girl can always dream. The designs are light and airy, casual yet elegant. It looks comfortable too, I feel like wearing one of them and throw myself on a holiday resort.

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(Indarty Setyawan: Uniquely Inmode)

The sheering chiffon silk, taffeta, dyed silk, and lurik with sparkling beads scream luxury and glam. Say no more, say no more..

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(Lia Mustafa: Salvage)

Off beat style as the portrait of independent Indonesian female worker, this blunt cut dresses full of patchwork style caught my eye. Yet, I fell for the unique colorful bamboo woven shoes. Look down! It's the shoes that underlines the uniqueness of the look. Like it!

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(Wiwin Fitriana: Mini Chic- Instant Cosmopolitan)

Before this collection, It doesn't even cross my mind to think about the model's mood. In this collection, it's essential. The models are cheeky, laughing. and happy, and cheerful. They are whispering one another, smiling, proud, and behaving as -well- a model. It's the minis and the hair that bring up this fun mood. Thumbs up.

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(Michael: Tribal of Java)

It's all in the title: tribal of Java. A number of various batik dress style. But I feel a bit guilty for forgetting to take the designer's picture. (But he's in the lot in the last photo- you see, the guy at the back wearing white shirt. That's him.)

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(Kristiana Noviantari: Bolly Jeans)

Cross culture between western style with Indian style. I love the mini sari-lookalike dress (second from the right) and the long dress. The signature of her collection is the airbrushed picture of Indian Goddess on every dress. I found it a bit distracting in some (especially when it's so large), but in the others, I like it as a decorative accent.

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(Amin hendra Wijaya: Dreamnista)

Multicolor evening dresses in non-machine-woven silk and Thai Silk with gold accesories, as a symbol of the dream of wealth, beauty, queens and godess. Period.

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(Nita Azhar: Cross Culture)

It's the color! Nita Azhar actually use color in this collection, unlike her always-neutral-dark collections I once posted before. The highly-defined waistline, obi (worn in different ways), flowing cut, and matching colors are the key. And of all, I love obi and defined waistline. Enough said.

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(Alma Riva: Chic to Chic)

This sexy designer play it with basic this time: Little Black Dress. Bravo! LBD could not go wrong, but might be unfit. This collection reminds me of the black swan Odille from the Swan Lake story~ I think I might need another LBD. ;)

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(Dewi Syifa: Diversity in Unity)

Another batik creation- no wonder they said it in the press conference that 90% Indonesian designer nowadays use batik in their collection. This one is one of them, but not just another batik dress. I kinda impressed by the petal-style of the flapping dress. It looks like Hibiscus flower to me. ;)

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(The Designers)

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Photographed by Dito Yuwono
(Please do not take the picture without our permission. Thank you..)

[b!] for Blush

The first edition of the free-zine is now published (Yay!). It called Blush!

Having a new-born zine gave me a simple clue of having a new born baby~ all the intriguing moment and stressful hours of writing deadline, debating (brainstorming), color picking, little details, artistic work, styling, and doing photo session are simply relieved. Like having a hot-tub soak and a sip of wine after a looong tiring day. Through all the imperfections of every first edition can make, I consider myself almost satisfied with this (and I'm not that easy to satisfy). Thanks to my partner-in-crime Bentar for being my hand in making my pastely-concept comes true (thanks God he's not stressful and can meet my detail need nicely).

Here are some of my works in Blush:
(click on photos to enlarge)

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(Highlight: Dare to be New)

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(Movie Review: Coco Chanel)


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(Street Fashion)

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(Window Shopping)

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Steal The Look: Audrey Hepburn

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"My look is attainable. Women can look like Audrey Hepburn by flipping out their hair, buying large sunglasses and the little sleeveless dresses.", that's what this humble lady said long long time ago. Yet, a lot of women around the world inspired by her look. And as for me, I adore her!

Audrey Hepburn's style is truly attainable. You can steal her look simple by owning a simple white shirt (and wear it with scarf and tie it up in the waist- as in the Roman Holiday), black and white fashion items, pearls, diamond, Capri pants, Sabrina-neckline dress, little black dress, and a pair of flat shoes or kitten heels. For her daily casual look, she would prefer wearing turtle neck and skinny pants in monochromatic colors. All of these combined with high definition of the waist line and completed with a splash of red lipstick and a good parfume. "I may look dirty, but I aim to smell pretty", she said.

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Miy

Boatneck Dress / a.k.k.u
Flat Shoes / Hers
Bag / unbranded

Photographed by Dito Yuwono

The Muse Series: Audrey Hepburn

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Audrey Hepburn was born 1929 in Brussels and died 1993 in Switzerland. She was a ballet dancer for many years before playing several English movies, being a leading role in Gigi on Brodway, and writing herself a legend on American movies that soon become classic and never out of style. Breakfast at Tiffany, Roman Holiday, and Funny Face just to name a few.

It wasn't until a year ago I actually watch Audrey Hepburn's movie. But the rumor of her elegance and everlasting style, echoed long before I saw the movies. Her simple monochromatic outfits, dark hair, flat shoes, and slender figure of a ballet dancer steal the moment in a modest way. She rings a tender bell with her arrival instead of a drum and loud trumpet sound as Marilyn Monroe does. She's cheeky and sweet instead of sexy. Her natural charm does it. Her wit, and braveness makes me (and everyone else) watch her movies over and over and over again. The idea of keeping the shoes in the refrigerator, telephone in a box, running away from royal protocols and being a stubborn smart model thrill me.

Despite her glamorous character as supermodel, princess, and socialite, she keeps it low in the real life. In the late 60s, she made this decision of leaving the glamorous star world and become an humanitarian activist for Africa. There is something about this girl and people usually address it as elegance.

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