Hi, guys!

I'm just dropping by real quick because I have to get ready for my mom's birthday dinner. But yeah, it has been one roller coaster ride of a year. First, my grandma passed away this year. It was hard for me because I was used to seeing her everyday and if you don't know me in real life, I absolutely adore my grandma. I missed her so bad on my birthday but I put on a brave face; wouldn't want to drag everybody down on my birthday luncheon. Second, I got engaged. Exciting journey ahead of us including currently building our future home. Prepping for the weddings has been so much fun and exhausting at the same time so I'm planning to cut back on my blogging. But more on that, next year!

Not to mention the global events that had happened. If you don't know already, here in Indonesia, things have been heating up between two religions. Jakarta city Mayor is going through some tough time and even our President is facing some serious troubles. Don't even get me started on natural disasters or the shootings and the murders. 

I hope your 2016 has been a learning curve to make each of us a better person. I wish nothing but peace and happiness for anyone in this world. Hopefully we all will be a lot more compassionate and understanding to other people. Really, when someone is different than you in their faith, skin color, or politic beliefs, let's show some respect. The truth is different to everyone. It's not always the same thing to all people all the time. 

But that's just me, rambling. Let's take all this in with a grain of salt, shall we?

Thank you so much for sticking with me throughout this year. Thank you for each click, each comment, each share. I truly appreciate it more than you know. I hope you all will have a happy new year ;)

It's currently 11 AM on the 26th of December here in my part of the world, but I'm pretty sure it's still Christmas in another side of the globe, so before it's too late, Merry Christmas, all!

I hope you're not tired of me keep saying that Jesus is the reason for this season, year after year. A lot of people seems to get caught up in the festivities (me : guilty as charged) that they forget the real reason why we celebrate Christmas. It's the day of our dear saviour's birth who lessen Himself; come to this world; so He can sacrifice Himself to bear our sins. So yeah, go take a little time to pray and say happy birthday to Papa Jesus.

Besides that, Christmas is also the time for all the holidays cliche. Going to church with your family, giving hugs while saying Merry Christmas to your relatives, exchanging presents that you might/might not like, eating that second slice of cake, as well as spending the night laughing at your not-so-graceful childhood memories (for example; I was TERRIFIED of Santa Claus; I'd cry and cry when my parents made me sat on a Santa's lap, and look at me now, wearing his hat). Honestly, those are my favourite part about the holidays. Not so much of the presents (altho I like that too), but the time spent together, creating new treasured memories.

Anyway, enough rambling. Have a holly jolly Christmas to those who celebrate it and happy holiday for all!

Hi, guys!

Found this pics from the archive back then when I was a bridesmaid. This was actually last year, my friend got married at Dec 5th 2015. I have a love and hate relationship being a bridesmaid. I do love being there for my friend in one of the most important day of her life. But you also need to wake up bright and early (we had 3AM wake up call) for your make up and hair and then you have to wear heels all day. So you can see why I'm not the biggest fan of being a bridesmaid. 

Hi, guys!

I haven't posted a foodie post in a while so here I am back with a post from Gormeteria Bandung. I went there about two weeks ago on a Sunday and had a pleasant time. I got there around 4/5PM so the place was rather empty; which makes taking photos easier. I absolutely adore the interior design. I know I said this over and over again, but I'm thankful to the Lord upstairs that this is not another industrial themed coffee shop. 

Hi, guys!

I'm sure you all are a bit bored with all Christmas posts that are circulating in the blogosphere  so I thought I do something a bit different with my . . . "90's Band Reject outfit", I'd say. This whole outfit just remind me of Backstreet Boys, Westlife, No Doubt, Spice Girls, and TLC songs. All the most influential 90s bands in my life. 

To this day I still remember the lyrics to Westilife "I Lay My Love on You" and Backstreet Boys "I Want It That Way" and practically turn up the volume whenever the songs came on. And I think I'm representing every girl out there when their childhood dream was to join a girl band to be as cool as Spice Girls. Also, my very first Woman Crush Wednesday was Gwen Stefanie. I still can't eat a banana without singing her "Hollaback Girl" over and over again.

Do excuse the typo, I am short on time so this post will be brief and informative (hopefully!). Honestly, I do feel like December is the month where I rock red lipstick the most. I think I've worn it almost 5 times already just in the past two weeks. It is the secret to look like you took more effort in your make up than you already did. There is the perfect crimson shade for everyone so just make sure you know your undertone, skin tone, and pay attention to your eyes and hair colour.

Hi, guys!

The easiest way to get in the holiday mood is having the ultimate Christmas Playlist. It's the playlist that I listen to when I decorate my Christmas tree and pretty much every day in the car on my commute. It's a mix of classic songs as well as some pop songs that you might not to familiar of but I promise each song is super Christmas-y.

Hi, guys!

I have always loved the idea of red and black outfit for Christmas but this year, I thought I'd try something different, I'm thinking . . . something white. Here I round up five white comfy blouses that I thought will be perfect for all coming up Christmas soirees.

Hi guys!

I don't have that much items this month mostly because I'm still loving some stuff from October. But anyway, here are some items that I have been loving in the month of November.

Hello, guys!

Last series of my vacation diary is from Macau. It's always a bittersweet feeling every time I'm finishing up a vacation diary posts. But anyway, it was one sunny day in Macau as you can see from the pic above which is The Ruins of St. Paul.

Hello, everyone.

I am feeling slightly better now. Two days after I got my wisdom tooth pulled out and the pain is almost gone. Just a slight discomfort because of the swollen cheek. But anyway, today I am sharing with you my Shenzhen Vacation Diary. 

We head to Shenzhen in a bus from Hong Kong and arrived at dinner time. After dinner and hotel check in, we went to Luohu Commercial City which is a mall. I wouldnt recommend going there since I didn't shop anything. The items are too old school, something that your granny would wear. There were good choices of fake branded bags, which I had no interest in. But anyway, the next day was a city tour for one day only and it was on day four. Read my day 1 to 3 vacation diary here.

Hi, guys!

I got back from my holiday last night and still pretty much beat. I was sleepy all day long and would love nothing than to hit the bed but I want to put something up today since I missed Monday post. I thought instead of doing one post for each outfit, I just mashed them up together for a fresher take on my vacation outfits.

Hi, guys!

Apparently it is time for prom. I'm clearly not in high school anymore so I never really remember when it's prom season. So yes, it's the moment to bring out the dancing queen inside you once again. I have always loved dancing and I found shorter length works best when you want to get your groovy on. Here I put together three short prom dresses which you can check out here and I've thrown in two long prom dresses (click here for direct link) that are lightweight and easy to move-in.

My favourite is obviously the fuchsia two piece taffeta with beaded bodice. I love the fun vibrant colour as well as the flattering A-line cut. Paired it with silver accessories to match the beads on your top and you're ready to jive and having the time of your life. A close contender is the almost backless prom dresses (top row, middle; direct link here). Obviously, the sexy back is a big factor but I also really like the soft pastel color.

Hi, guys!

I am going to Hong Kong tomorrow (follow my instagram @steviamaria for updates!) so this is a scheduled post actually because I am busy packing when you're reading this post. But I want to share with you my hair care routine. These products are (almost all) tested and true and not sponsored at all. I bought all products by myself, some I have been using for as long as I can remember, some I have only used in the past 3 months or so.

Hi everyone!

Do excuse the super puny title, in case you didn't noticed already, I do love puns. I feel like front bangs are having a moment so I bust out my bangs hair clip and take it for a spin. Camouflaging the clips with this headband and loving the retro vibe that I got going on here. Opted for a drop earrings with minimalist design to add some contemporary touch and ended up loving this whole ensemble. And yes, I'm still continuing my red outfit fascination (can it be just Christmas already?)

Hi everyone!

I feel like after Halloween, the year always past by so fast and it's now time to prepare for my favourite holiday of the year, Christmas! Not only it's the most festive season but it's also the time to gather with your family and loved ones. You might see some distant relative that you'll only see once a year and you'll want to look your best.

Well, what better way to get into the Christmas spirit than rocking a red dress? I've compiled my top 5 picks from StyleWe. From a simple shirt dress to cute two piece dresses , there's one dress for each of you. My favourite is a tie between number 3 and number 5. I love the off shoulder dress but number 5 is so much more flattering on my body type. And the embroidery is gorgeous. You don't need to add any accessories with dress number 5. Bear in mind, Black Friday and Cyber Monday are coming soon so make sure you put to good use those amazing sales!

Click Read More for direct link to each dress.

Sliding into your screen with a bouquet full of daisies to cheer up your Monday. I specifically requested Daisies to my boyfriend and even though it's a couple weeks late because daisies are not in season (can't believe boyfriend came through!), these flowers have some serious cheering-up power on me. Just looking at these pretty whites make me smile. Anyway, keeping this post short and sweet. Wishing everyone a good start of the week!

Hi, everyone!

First of all, apologies that this is a Saturday post and not a Friday ones. I was busy catching up with my TV shows (Agents of Shield, Screamqueens, The Big Bang Theory, Gotham, Westworld; just to name a few) but yeah, I am very excited about this particular post!

I have always loved seeing favorites from other bloggers because it feels very personal and when I see an item that I also really like made it to other people's favorites, I feel connected to that person, you know, like, we could be besties. So I decided to also start my favorites series! This post will contain pretty much anything that I have been loving in the month of October. Although for my first post, I only included fashion and beauty related stuff since I'm not fully prepared (just got the idea last week). But next month I will try to include music, food & drinks, cafes/restaurant.. etc. 

Here are my October favorites in no particular order.

For some reason I really really wanted a gold rimmed spectacles last month. I do have a prescribed glasses in a black frame but I've seen lighter frames all over my favourite bloggers so I decided to get one. I wasn't sure if I was going to pull off this kind of frame so I look for cheaper ones online. Believe it or not, this gold rimmed spectacles was only $10 (I bought it at instagram store @karamata_id ) and it starts to grow on me. This does remind me of grandma's glasses but that's why I like it even more!

And yes, don't we all love to shop online. You can search literally anything from the comfort of your bed or your chair. Really, you can do shopping from anywhere these days. And if you're like me, who LOVE online shopping, you can't miss Singles Day and Harbolnas at Zalora. From 11th to 14th November, you can enjoy awesome discounts from your favourite brands. And if you miss that, worry not! There is a second chance for you to get your favourite brands with great sale from 10th to 12th December. Your welcome, ladies and gentlemen. Now set up your phone alarm on both dates!

Happy Halloween from Asian version of Rosie The Riveter. She's the "We Can Do It!" poster lady from the World War II if you're not familiar with my costume. Delivering some vintage worker vibe with my denim jumpsuit accompanied by major wing liner and red lipstick. I own everything I wore here already except the polkadot headband which I got for less than $1. Easy peasy and super affordable! The only downside is you have to pose all night long. LOL.

Anyway, wishing everyone a great Halloween night!

 

Hello, everyone!

The weather has been very unpredictable. One moment it was hot like the peak of summer, the next moment crazy rain will pour down and I will get really cold to the point I start having a runny nose. Honestly, I was sweating in my blazer so I took it off halfway taking these photos. However, just a mere two hours later, the weather starts to cool down. 

So I guess layering is the only way to go and I try to stay in the fall vibe by using fall colors like this maroon lace top I got from H&M. If you didn't know already, I'm all about lace. I don't care if it makes me look old or granny like, I just love the romantic feel. Also, taking my own photos with my old pal Mr. Tripods and Ms. Little Remote really takes me back to the days when I first started blogging. Can't believe I've been doing this for over five years now..

But anyway, wishing everyone a great midweek!

Hi guys!

Put together four simple Halloween costumes for you who always do things until the very last minute. Halloween is officially one week away and these are closet costumes which you can find in your wardrobe or around your house or a simple DIY. Click read more for a checklist of what items you need for each costume :)

Hi guys!

Just something casual I wore for a lunch meet up with some of my friends. These four photos are literally the only pics I have of my outfit because as evidenced by the last photo, dearest nephew show up and I have to cut the shoot short. Hence, apologies for the overexposed shorts and shoes. 

Has anyone seen Inferno? I read the book and I was SO EXCITED but then the movie was kind of a flop. The ending was totally different from the book. I guess test audience must love happy ending better. If you haven't read the book, I do recommend it! Dan Brown does what he does best, which is keeping us from putting down the book.

Anyway, wishing everyone a great weekend!

Hi, everyone.

Just uploaded a video of my visit to Apsara last weekend. Included below are pictures of their menu. There is a minimum purchase of Rp 100k per person. The restaurant closed on Monday. 

Enjoy the video and happy midweek!

Hi, everyone!

Just checking in real quick with this outfit that I wore for a dinner date last weekend. I have always loved the idea of an all black outfit with red accents here and there for a pop of colour. I think the stark difference is what makes this colour combo so aesthetically pleasing to the eyes.

Anyway, more about this restaurant on my next post.

Have a great start of the week, all.

Rocked this matching set outfit to a friend's wedding party last week. I know matching set is not exactly the most fashion forward considering this trend flamed down in 2015 but I still really like this outfit. I love the cool-tone colour of the flower, it feels very winter. My set has a shiny fabric with a pencil skirt so it exudes a slightly formal vibe, thus allowing it to be worn for a wedding. I can dress it down if I paired my top with a white culotte, for example, and it will be a nice weekend outfit. So much versatility in one outfit. Not to mention how slimming a matching set is.. Really, now I'm a bit confused why this thing is not trendy anymore.

Hi, everyone.

Apologies for missing Friday post, I got a stomach flu last Thursday and still recovering. But I'll save you from the gross details and go straight to business! Changing your lip colour is the easiest way to stay updated in the trend of make up. I didn't watch that much fashion week so these three lip colours that I chose are strictly personal preference.

It's officially fall! Well, here it's officially rainy season since we are a tropical country. But we still get to layer without sweating like there's no tomorrow so yeay for that! 

Bomber jacket is actually not my favourite outerwear because I feel like it's very sporty and it doesn't really match my style. However, in the spirit of fall, I did get one with a few patches from a local boutique and you know what, I don't hate it. I like pairing this bomber jacket with a simple dress although I did wore it with a t-shirt and jeans as well and both look equally good as well as super comfy. I guess I'm ready to bombs away (is that even a word? I'm not sure) with my jacket this fall.

Anyway, wishing everyone a great midweek!

I am having a terrible headache but I powered through to edit the video. It's my first time using Final Cut Pro since I've been using iMovie for a good while but decided to graduate. Yes I did need some time adjusting and it has been around five hours since I first sat down but I like gaining new skill so here's to more video in the future!

Visited Taste Market last weekend and didn't eat that much food considering we were in a food festival. I'm not sure why. I guess it was the heat (they held it in an underground parking lot so there's no AC or fresh air whatsoever) that makes me too lazy to eat. But anyway, I hope you enjoy this very amateur video and I hope everybody will have a good week ahead.

Hello, everyone.

Visited Oliver's Hostelry in my beloved Bandung city a couple weeks ago. There weren't that much hype about this place but I noticed this place from my friend's instagram post and I thought the place looks cute, which is one of my main reason to visit any new cafe. As it turns out, this place, as the name suggest, is indeed a hostel. I believed they have around 12 rooms all with different themes and interior. More info about the room at their website olivershostelry.com since I didn't stay there, I'll just talk about their cafe.

Hello, everyone.

I hope you don't mind with a little tech joke presented above. I do think that is quite funny and I thought it will be a nice opening for today's post. I am terrible at technology, I'm very not up to date with the realm of wireless and bluetooth. To this day, I still can't figure out how to use the bluetooth in my iPhone, that's just how inadequate I am about technology. 

Thankfully I came across dewired.co.uk ; a website where you can get all the scoop on the latest bluetooth and wireless products to make your life a little bit better. And with iPhone 7 launching their wireless earphone, it's the best time to go wireless. I just figured out there's a water resistant wireless bluetooth speaker. I mean, I always listen to music in the shower. Not only in the shower, you can definitely use it for a pool party as well! I pumped up my iPhone volume to max and still can only barely hear the song so I will most definitely check out TaoTronics for that.

Hi, guys!

Just an outfit I wore to a friend's wedding two weekends ago. The wedding was much simpler than the usual lavish wedding we always have here in my country so I decided on a two-piece look for a less formal vibe. I also opt for a normal handbag instead of a clutch.

Obviously my favourite part of this get up is the one shoulder top. This kind of top is just flattering on all kind of body type. The prints on my skirt is very fall, hence the title. I got this skirt on my last year' trip to Bangkok and it has been a staple for days when I want to look put together.

Anyway, I had quite a productive Monday and hopefully you will too.

We travel not to escape, but for life not to escape us

I'm not sure whom that quote belongs to but it had stayed in mind for a while since the meaning of that simple sentence rings so true in my heart. I looove traveling. I'm not used to, when I was in junior high school, I used to hate it because I have to talk to strangers all day everyday (I was an excruciatingly shy little girl). However, as I grow older, prominently since university days, I fell in love with traveling. Evidently, I'm still shy, but I don't hate conversations anymore, even just casual convo with someone I barely know, now actually kind of fun.

Anyway, back to the topic, people assumed they need some sort of escape from their daily life and doing so by going on a vacation. Which is not a bad idea, but for me, I feel more alive than my normal day-to-day schedule when I'm on a new place that I have never been to. I meet new people, I gain knowledge of culture and history of the place (I like history, by the way), inhaling different atmosphere,  and all in all, it adds a little something in my life. You are never going to be the same person when you go somewhere new; almost like an upgraded version of you.

So I do encourage all of you to try plan a vacation amidst your packed schedule. Find next year calendar to figure out long weekends and take a leave for an extended holiday. Go book that airplane ticket to Paris or anywhere else in the world. And obviously, find the best hotel that suits your wallet. You can try comparehotelprices.co.uk  to find an extended choices of hotel.

Hi, guys!

I haven't dabble into beauty for a while so I thought I start again with ColourPop and a beauty vlogger, Kathleen Lights collaboration. If you don't know her, do visit her youtube channel here. She's funny and keep things real, I LOVE HER. I never missed a video of her (she updates three times a week). But anyway, she collaborated with ColourPop a couple times before and this is her latest collab; three ultra satin lip and one gel eyeliner. I didn't get the eyeliner because I'm not a fan of gel eyeliner, I found them to be very difficult to apply. However, I do love the colours of the ultra satin lip so I decided to get all three of them and they are Alyssa, November, and Point Zero. (watch Kathleen talks about her products here).

TGIF, right?

I am a big fan of weekends and I personally think there's no better time for retail therapy as the lazy Friday nights in can provide. I am a girly girl and I never shy away from cute casual dresses, more point if such cute casual dresses have a vintage flair to it. This time I browse around Fashionmia which provides cheap clothing with a wide stylish options to choose.

Upon opening www.fashionmia.com website, I was very much impressed with the number of styles they have for cute casual dresses. Cheap clothing has never looked so good. I managed to narrow it down to three beautiful dresses with a 50s 60s vibe. I will buy the floral dress in a heartbeat because the flattering V-neckline, nipped in waist, those gorgeous prints, what more could a girl ask of a dress? The plain navy blue number with unique collar is also very flattering for those of you who doesn't like prints on your dress. I'm not sure I can handle so much polkadot in one dress but for those days when I feel like going all out being a 50s lady, I will most definitely wear it with a sultry red lips.

Hi, guys.

Apologies for missing my Monday post, to be honest, my Friday post last week was something I typed on last Monday. It has been one busy week indeed and I was recovering from my birthday weekend which also happened to be a long weekend here in my country. Worry not, I am back to my usual schedule now and I thought I'll show you what I wore on my birthday luncheon.

It was small, I only celebrated with my family but I couldn't help feeling oh so very blessed to be surrounded by people who have known me in my darkest time and love me anyway. I am still beaming from all the love. Back to the outfit, I wanted to wear something simple but fun in the same way so I ended up with this little pink dress with a shoulder cut detail. I added a statement necklace just for a fashion point and complete the look with a low heel ankle strap sandal. Apologies that the big flower bouquet kind of hiding my dress but I refuse to take photo without it. It's just too pretty not to be in every single frame.

Anyway, wishing everyone a great midweek!

Hello guys!

I am back with another sponsored post. Today we are going to talk about first communion dresses. It's not a very common topic, I know, but just look at how cute this communion dresses are! The model here looks so pure and angelic in white communion dresses. So for all mothers and god-mothers out there, check out these first holy communion dresses by MARIACOMMUNION.

The first communion is such a monumental moment, you know, like some such a rite of passage. I got my first communion the moment I turned 12 and it was very exciting to be a part of something that I used to only look at adults doing. Indeed, it made me feel all grown up. And what better way feeling like a grown up than when you're wearing your beautiful 1st communion dresses, right?

If I were a mother, I will make sure my daughter get all dressed up in holy communion dresses that will look beautiful not only in the church, but the celebration with family afterwards (and in all the photos too!). If full length girls communion dresses are a little much, there are shorter less formal option as well. Visit MARIACOMMUNION to see more dresses for first communion.

Anyway, wishing everyone a great weekend!

Link to dress -> http://www.mariacommunion.com/square-neck-two-tiered-organza-first-communion-dress-with-flower-at-waist-p-83.html

Link to gloves -> http://www.mariacommunion.com/lace-trims-bow-short-satin-first-communion-gloves-p-101.html 

Link to bag -> http://www.mariacommunion.com/vintage-lace-rhinestone-inserted-satin-round-first-communion-gift-bag-with-bow-p-105.html

Hey everyone!

I am having a small case of stomachache so I will keep this post short and sweet. Anyway, as per a couple of months ago, patches are everywhere and what used to be related to girl scout now we all think it's a fairly cool trend. I am all patched up with my overall and I don't know, I don't hate this trend. It does give you a youthful vibe and being 26 about to be 27 this weekend kinda makes me try to dress in a more childish way #denial.

Well, wishing everyone a good start of the week!

Yes I know it's actually still summer and I am truly feeling the heat but the stores and boutiques around me are all displaying fall items and I can't help to think of all these stuff I want to buy so I can update my wardrobe for fall. Nothing's wrong with just thinking about it, right? 

So I headed down to GearBest and picked up a few items that I think everyone need in their closet. These are pretty basic and you can wear them multiple way all fall long. The first is this pretty lace up dress with spaghetti strap. Lace-up neckline is a big hit this summer so I can see it carrying on until fall. In case the weather gets colder, you can layer it with this khaki outer (or any kind of outer). I really like the drape silhouette! For more definition, you can add a little belt on top of the outer. Since it's plain and neutral. colored, you can wear this outer with pretty much everything. I will probably just throw it on top of a black top and some ripped skinny jeans with boots. Effortlessly chic. Last but surely not least, a kimono dress that I will pretty much wear just like how the model wear it! A nice hat and an ankle boots (probably with tights) will do.

Anyway, who's excited for fall?

I always love the earthy color palette on all skin tones. I found them to be very flattering and slimming!

Well, wishing everyone a great weekend!

Hi there!

Just popping in real quick with this beautiful off shoulder dress. I really like how it looks like paired with the choker. Definitely feeling like it's fall with my outfit. So excited that the weather is finally starts to cool down a little.

Wishing everyone a great midweek!

I truly believe you can never be to early in terms of mentally preparing your outfit for any kind of event. So eventhough Thanksgiving is still three months away, I see no harm in preparing what kind of your outfit will be. I took the liberty and pick up a few items from StyleWe and come up with a classy/preppy look that will be perfect for those family/friend dinners. Using green as the main focus because I feel like those colors complements all of the fall colors. I make sure I included a trench coat because November is going to be colder than now. Add a stocking and your favorite boots and you're all set for your THANKSGIVING DAY.

For more options and outfit inspiration you can check out StyleWe Pinterest and blog.

Wishing everyone one productive Monday!

Link to the dress : https://www.stylewe.com/product/casual-crew-neck-sleeveless-printed-a-line-mini-dress-25849.html

Link to trench coat : https://www.stylewe.com/product/black-long-sleeve-buttoned-trench-coat-7468.html 

Link to the bag : https://www.stylewe.com/product/green-casual-medium-cowhide-leather-shoulder-bag-64563.html 

Wot Batu (http://www.wotbatu.id) is an art space that exclusively display stone scluptures by Mr. Sunaryo, a famous sculpter from Bandung. There is an entrance fee of Rp 50.000 (around $3) in which you will get a bouqlet and a warming welcome drink ( a ginger something, it was sweet and hot at the same time). Also, to my surprise, you get a guide that explains all of the meaning behind each art. I tried to keep an open mind throughout the tour but can't help feeling sleepy. 

Camera is not allowed, strictly a phone-camera only and there are security that will tell you to not use your camera. 

These photos are from two months back so I barely remember which stone has what meaning but Mr. Sunaryo emphasizes a lot about how life is temporary and death is eternal so we must live our lives well and in tune with nature; and to always remember that there is a sky above this sky that we can see (meaning to always stay humble because there is always someone that is better than you).