The Girl who Stares at the Sea (pt.2): The Shell Seeker

The wind carries the hat away with a longing mind of the girl who stares at the sea. (1)

Up.. up and away.. 

..above the pastel-beach..

..and a small hidden paradise of tranquility..

..and finally stops..

..at a place where the shell seekers went collecting forgotten treasures every morning.

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For her, the sea tells thousands stories through forgotten things she found along the shores, washed away by the waves from the other side of the world. Bottles, shells, shoe, dried leaf, toys, curiosities, or anything at all. 

She could wander all day long with her mind up on the cloud, wondering what the story of the thing she found. Might it be thrown away, or was it fell off from a loving owner. Might it be a precious little gift from someone, or is it just another crap. 

That shoe, where the other half might be.. that broken toy, might a child somewhere was looking for it day by day? And that leaf.. what is the tree look like? where is it located? who seat under that tree? who grew that tree? is it still alive? 

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Her mind floats on the cloud the way she floats through life gently like a feather in the wind.. like a bottle on the sea, and like a hat carrying another girl's wandering dreamy mind. 

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This hat.. 

where does it come from? Who is this girl losing this hat? What's her story? Where she might be now? What should I do? Should I return it to her? Who is she? Is she even looking for this hat? Oh, what is that thing sparkling on the sand? Is it a pearl? Is it a glass or a bead? 

Wait! There's a baby crab. She's so cute. Look at those little tweezers! Will she hurt me when I catch it? Well, why should I catch it anyway? Oh, it such a lovely day! I should just jump and play at that clear water. That must be very refreshing. There must be a lot of colorful fish in there. I'll swim with them. 

Might the mermaids join me and sing a lullaby? or might it be a cherry merry song? Will they tell me stories? What the story will be about? The newborn baby whale? The dying old creature? The party held for celebrating the moon at its peak? Or might it be the story of their journey across the ocean? 

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..as her mind goes on wandering and floating, she soon forgot about the hat and where it comes from or whatever story it has and whoever owned it before.. 

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..and so the wind decide to carry the hat away once again, with fractions of memories, and daydreams, and the wandering mind of the shell seeker. Fractions of two wandering minds of two girls in separated slice of paradise are taken and fly up and away once again.  

>>to be continued<<

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Miy

Grey Lace Dress / Number 61

Headpiece and Necklace / Little Garage

Photographed by Dito Yuwono at a little paradise we first discovered in a perfect 2007 roadtrip 

Read part 1 here



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And a great news! 
My baby is here:


The latest edition of Huff Magazine: Tell Your Story (photography edition)

(read here)

(download here)

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The Girl who Stares at the Sea (pt.1)

We felt the imprisonment of being a girl, the way it made your mind active and dreamy, and how you ended up knowing which colors went together. We knew that the girls were our twins, that we all existed in space like animals with identical skins, and that they knew everything about us though we couldn't fathom them at all. We knew, finally, that the girls were really women in disguise, that they understood love and even death, and that our job was merely to create the noise that seemed to fascinate them.

(Jeffrey Eugenides -The Virgin Suicides)

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On a secluded cliff by the sea, lives a  girl in her solitary world; imprisoned by a dark spell unable her to leave the site. To escape, she loves to stare at the sea and let her dreamy mind wonder further than her feet can take. 

Day by day, she would sit on her backyard and stare at the twinkling sunlight fell on the deep blue water and its never-ending movement. Then, she would begin to wonder things like a fast growing black wing on her back that is so beautiful and strong it could take  her to leap and soar to the wide wide world. Tasting the sweetness of absolute freedom.

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She longs to travel to that free world. A world that she believed would be so magical, and fresh, and new, and shiny. A wide world where many other girls live and run free, and happy, and soar higher than she could ever imagined. She longs to see the world of wonder. 

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Day by day, she would start to wonder how nice would it be to have other girls to play tag with, to run on the sweet tender grass bare feet, and to share the world of wonders. How lovely to giggle, tell stories, and be each others' sister. 

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Sister..

Even the sound of it feels like a musical tinkling bell on her lonely soul. So refreshing like a cold minty lemonade on the hottest day of summer.  So warm, like a blanket on the colder night. So pure, that sisters can love each other just because they do.

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One day, when the wind blows in an unusual manner, she knows the day has come. The day where she would find her soul sisters separated by time and space: her twins. More than anything, she'd love to travel with the wind, but she hasn't grew the wing and her body is still imprisoned on that cliff. 

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"What should I do?", she asked to the wind. 

"Let our mind wonder and I'll carry it with me. I'll send your letters to them, and your affection, and how your longing soul waiting for them to come rescuing you. I would touch their gentle cheek and whisper sweet words to let them know that you're still here",the wind whispers. 

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Then, she let her longing mind fly on her beloved hat; carried by the wind to travel up, up, up and away. 

 

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..and she waits..


>>to be continued<<



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Miy

Headpiece / D.I.Y.
Straw Hat / Mirota Batik 
Bolero / Orchid Boutique
 Polkadots Tube Dress / Thrifted

Photographed by Dito Yuwono

Picture was taken at the same site with this post here

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For my sisters: Mirna and Mirla~ my best friend.

Carmelito.

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That word: carmelito; popped up in most of the frame of our photo-shoot. Even the sound of it is too cute.. more like a mix of sweet 'caramel' and 'lito' (little one).. I roughly translated it into 'the little caramel'. Turns out that Carmelito is the smooth blend of sweet caramel and strong espresso. How coincidental! 

Apparently, that was what we're talking about that day. Hours of girl talk about sweetness and strength; business venture opportunity and gossips, cute restaurant that never fails to impress us and boys who took photos in their own ways, gorgeous picnic spots and disappointing nation, on and on and on.. 

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My Picnic Pal this time is a fellow blogger, Thika~ Marla Singer of The Versicle (she's so famous, I really don't need to introduce her, do I?). She is the blogger I meet the most often in real life. First time I met her, she was so young and carefree. Then, I got to know her better when she slept over in my place back when I was still at the city. When I meet her again now, it was very surprising to see how tough and mature she is. I simply adore how she jumped out of the Wonderland and decide to grow up: one thing I still unable to do.  

Our life was somehow attached in thin lines (she even wrote a sweet post about my Cups before we know each other.. and that's how I said 'hi' for the first time, I guess.. ) Hopefully this thin line that attach us gets stronger and bolder by time. It's amazing how this little world of fashion blogging has introduced us to new people that later be our friend. Hopefully, there will be more friendship start from this strong community of blogosphere. ;) 

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♪ ♫ ♪ Urge Overkill - Girl You'll Be a Woman Soon ♪ ♫ ♪ 

♪ ♫ ♪ Carmelito  - Eddie Brickell and Cem Monthey ♪ ♫ ♪ *

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In fact, none of us ordered Carmelito that time. Thika enjoys her ice chocolate very much she order the second glass in no time; as for me,  I was overwhelmed by my tea tier so I order green tea ice blend to match it (this place doesn't offer any cute treats so I decide to bring my own homemade sweet treat). I just wish I brought  cute cups too, the plastic glass is hideous.  Next time, I'll be back for the carmelito and bring my own cup.

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(*) The second song is dedicated for the handsome little Carmelito of Thika.. *hugs*

Hey! Now I'm on Teen Vogue Fashion Click! ;)

Check out the other Picnic Pal here

Miy

Headband / Strawberry

Lace Dress / Forever 21

Wedge / Friday to Sunday

Mega Mendung Bustier / a.k.k.u.

Charm Bracelet Watch / a gift from Dito's mom

Teacup Ring / Forever 21 (went missing a day after this photoshot..so sad!) 

Photographed by Dito Yuwono

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Fashionably Late | Out of Season?

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Just a quick outfit and opinion post. 

I just realized that I almost always wear dress or skirt; both in my daily life and here in this blog. So, this time I try to give a shot to Jodhpurs pants. All these times, the closest thing to a 'real pant' for me are legging and tights. I even have a little problem with jeans, I can only put it together right in a rainy day or cold night. In my case, the humidity and the heat of my city makes me depend merely on breezy outfit. 

But, Jodhpurs pant is different. It's not as heavy as jeans, and yet, it's not as tight as legging. It's still breezy and I enjoy wearing it almost as much as I enjoy my skirt. Too bad its season was quickly pass. Maybe this is the last time anyone can wear this pant and still considered o.k. (or not?). Well, at least the color is so now.. (no?) 

Ah! Anyway..

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(click the photo for larger images)

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About being fashionably late.. in your opinion, how late is fashionably late? 

No, not in terms of 'fashion' but more like the 'party-style fashionably late'. Like, showing up a bit late (just 5 minutes or so) at an event to give the impression that you are busy or a popular person that was held up with other business (via Urban Dictionary). 

Sometime, being late is not a big deal considering the fact that we Indonesian are accustomed to this 'fashionably late' attitude; it can even be perceived as five minute to one hour late here (no, seriously!). 

In the other side, I think this custom is somehow unfashionable anymore. Sometime, I think it's a little bit rude, selfish, and disrespectful.  Seriously, what about not being late at the very first time? What about changing the point of view and see it in a way that being so busy and popular; you have to maintain tight social schedule and can't afford being late for one meeting to another? That's fashionable enough for me.  

It's not like I always on time, but lets say that in my opinion, being fashionably late is a bit out of season.. just like this comfortable Jodhpurs pants; some people might say c'est passé, while some others are still comfortably wearing it. Do you agree or disagree?

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Miy

Jodhpurs Pant / a gift from my mom | Floral Cropped Shirt / Little Garage | White Wedge Shoes / Conexxion | Black Tube Top and Crochet Bolero / Orchid Boutique | Black Chiffon Top / a.k.k.u. | Black One-Shoulder Top / I made it myself | Purple Bag / Hers | Purple Shoes / Chrysalis | Brown Wedge / Friday to Sunday | Brown-Black Checkered Bag / Vintage | and some random accessories.. 

Photographed by Dito Yuwono


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Hugs,

The Muse Series: Refeshing Sofia and Sultry Jane

As time goes by, my fashion muse changes along with my life evolves. Deep down inside, I'm still a girly girl loving the classic sweet details Coco Chanel and Audrey Hepburn carried. Yet, I'm now longing for something more modern, simpler, easier, and a bit sexier in the girliest way. Then, just like that, my eyes struck on Sofia Coppola and Jane Birkin.. the queens of anything easy, simplicity, and girlish-sexy.

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Sofia Coppola

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Sofia Coppola's style is about simple clothes in muted colors, nude makeup, and just a tiny glimpse of jewelry. Even in the red carpets, she would opt for low-key LBD and pair it with flats rather than heels. With all this simplicity, she has successfully shows the elegance and glamor of understatement outfits.

She's all about effortless chic that reveals even deeper to her girly whimsical soul. A soul in which shown clearly in the films that she made (Virgin's Suicide with all those dreamy pictures, Marie Antoinette with the girly glamor in pastel hues, and Somewhere~ tea party underwater, anyone?). But, don't get me wrong here.. This style icon might be simple and a bit understated, yet.. She is the kind of girl who opts for quality and classics. She wears Chanel even when she was still 11 y.o., being Karl Lagerfeld's assistant and Vogue cover girl at 18, and also being the muse of Marc Jacobs. With all her inner elegance and calm disposition, those things comes along her was very natural. 

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Jane Birkin

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On the contrary, when Sofia Coppola rocks in her cool calmness, Jane Birkin was more vibrant, hot, and full of life. She is naturally sexy and innocently represents sex kitten of the 60's. In some ways, she's a bit uninhibited about her body and some of you might remember her notorious duet with Serge Gainsbourg (Je t'aime... moi non plus)  

She redefines mini skirt (I mean, really mini), combined with long hair with bangs, thick mascara or false eyelashes to complement her doe eyes, and long boots or socks. She is known as the girl who carries picnic basket as the replacement of a purse and she is the goddess in pairing jeans with simple shirt. Really, looking that good in jeans is such an achievement only Jane Birkin could do. Her chic look is refreshing even today, and somehow, she managed to bring the hot and sultry aura even in the most easy breezy style. Her free spirit is one of the key to the iconic style.. I mean.. She’s this kind of girl who could walk around the pedestrian wearing no shoes and still looking absolutely fashionable!

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Fun facts about these two fabulous ladies: they both has been the muse for iconic bags called by their names. Louis Vuitton made a bag especially made for Sofia Coppola and sure we all familiar with Hermes Birkin Bag, right? Psst.. Rumor has it that Jane Birkin didn’t actually wear Birkin Bag.. She opts for that iconic picnic basket to carry around instead. What could be sassier than that, eh?

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(it's not very surprising that these two photos of Sofia-Ford and Jane-Serge here became my dream prewed photos,right? ;p )

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P.S. : Happy International Women's Day, Ladies..

Pictures are gathered from here and here

A Leap and the Shadow

“All growth is a leap in the dark, a spontaneous, unpremeditated act without benefit of experience.” 
(Henry Mille)

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The great debate inside me, whether I am the black bird or the blue bird, doesn't matter anymore now. So long as I still have my wings to fly high, ride the wind, take the leap, and soar~ I'll be perfectly fine. 

Life has been a roller coaster; it has been a great adventure and still is. Ups and downs with a twist here and there. In and out the rabbit hole. I used to be really terrified to get stumbled on that dark shadow; forgetting that it might be the one that make the adventure worthwhile: the mystery of growing up. Doubt has made me forget the one most important thing to live the life wholly. Not anymore now.

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Hold fast to dreams
For if dreams die
Life is a broken-winged bird
That cannot fly.
Hold fast to dreams
For when dreams go
Life is a barren field
Frozen with snow. 

-Dream by Langston Hughes-

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Now, here comes the parade of dreams coming true: a new playground, a self-created rare opportunity, a little corner of the world that might as well follow, a new friendship comes with a new opportunity, and the wind that guides me home on and on. This time, I'll try harder not to get overwhelmed by whatever comes along. This might be the big leap I've been searching for. On and on, I've learned the art of stumbling upon that shadow. Now I'm not afraid of the shadow anymore. I'll take the leap and ride the wind to help me soar. Dare enough to dream bigger than it used to be.

Wish me all the best, will you?

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Miy

Cape / (x)s.m.l.

Batik Dress / a.k.k.u.

Tight / Centro

Accessories / here and there

Wedge Shoes / Friday to Sunday

Photographed by Dito Yuwono

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Love,