Days of Delirium

Before all you religious zealots out there get your panties tangled over my blog post title, let me just clarify that I simply want to make a point that I've officially got myself my first Bottega Veneta. Nothing to do with converting - sheeeesh . Anyway... I've been lusting over Bottega Veneta since forever . I adore the intreciatto design, the classy/minimalist look and of course, the label's heritage. I've always been a fan of labels with strong history - Louis Vuitton, Hermes, Goyard and of course, Bottega Veneta.  Continuing my streak of newly-found love of wearing loafers, I got this pair in brown suede with the vamp in its trademark intreciatto woven design and rubber sole. Like most of Bottega's merchandise, the design is simple and it is oh-so-comfy.  I daresay after my Lanvin lace-ups, these have got to be the most comfortable pair of footwear I've ever owned (minus those Nike Dunk hi-tops, of course. Those are the real winners)....

I'm happy to acknowledge that I have always been a beach bum. I'm a sucker for beaches, islands or anywhere that brings me near to the sea.  Thus, it felt really good to be back in Cherating few weeks back to celebrate Ayi's birthday while spending some time with nature while hearing waves gently pounding the beach. Just writing that down still makes me smile.  After three years, I returned to Impiana Resort, Cherating and spend days and nights surrounded by lush greenery and its beautiful beach. Aside from turtle-watching at the nearby Turtle Sanctuary, we didn't leave the hotel at all. I was more than happy to be sitting by the beach and admiring the splendour around me.  That certainly made up for the three-hour drive from KL. All is forgiven and forgotten when I arrived. Next stop: Karambunai and Langkawi in the future, insyaAllah. juicyword@gmail.com Twitter: @kyeberry

Book #6 for 2012: Before I Go to Sleep by SJ Watson "Memories define us. So what if you lost yours every time you went to sleep? Your name, your identity, your past, even the people you love—all forgotten overnight. And the one person you trust may be telling you only half the story. Welcome to Christine's life." Those words at the back cover totally sold the book and made me a fan. It tells the story of Christine Lucas, who lost her memory every time she goes to sleep - resulted from a mysterious accident. Every day, she wakes up not knowing where she is, what happened to her or how she got married to her husband, Ben.  As suggested by her doctor, she keeps a journal to keep track of her daily activities but one morning she found a startling thing written in the journal - ' Don't trust Ben '. That opens up the floodgate of suspicions - what really happened to her and is Ben really telling her the truth? Before I Go to Sleep is fil...

If you happen to search for a certain bag that is preppy yet casual with a hint of British touch, get yourself a hold of anything by Paul Smith. Like this messenger bag for instance, which I love and found it to be totally useful.  Known for the iconic picture of a multicoloured striped Mini in front of a Paul Smith boutique - for this Spring/Summer 2012 season, it's the Los Angeles' - this ' Mini on Location ' messenger bag is an English dandy-chic powerhouse to be reckoned with.  Made of canvas with purple canvas inner lining, it's perfect for your - in this case, ahem , my - around town day to day use without looking so serious, yet roomy enough to fill in all of your necessary belongings.  There is an internal zip pocket and an iPad/netbook compartment. The shoulder strap is of chocolate brown and the metal hardware is in gold. If you're looking for a decent bag less than RM2000, then this one is a steal. With Paul Smith stamp on i...

Book #5 for 2012: The Girl Who Kicked the Hornets' Nest This third and last instalment of the Millenium trilogy by Stieg Larsson brings us back to Lisbeth Salander, the femme fatale of the story, who is in critical condition with a bullet in her head. Laying somewhat 2 doors away from her hospital room is Alexander Zalachenko, whom Lisbeth tried to murder albeit unsuccessfully.  Upon her full recovery she would be taken back to Stockholm where she is to be tried for numerous criminal offences put against her. At this last straw she must prove her innocence with the help of Mikael Blomkvist, a famed journalist, and at the same time denounce those in power who have allowed those vulnerable, like her, to be used, abused and suffer.  If you are a follower of the previous two instalments of this trilogy, you would really want to get hold of this one as soon as you're done with 'The Girl Who Played with Fire'. In contrary with its predecessors, 'The Girl ...

Why loafers? Because they're comfortable and exudes that certain air of effortless-ness yet still being preppy.  Since Spring/Summer season is upon us, I thought, hey why not get myself a new pair of loafers that I could wear for weekends, either with shorts or khakis. This is the only time of the year where you could get spiffy loafers and sandals in abundance at every store (seriously, who would sell or wear loafers and sandals in Autumn/Winter?). Initially I was thinking of getting a pair of those Tod's ' Gomminos ' loafers in bold hues...until I laid my eyes on these.  These 'Monte Carlo' loafers are made of suede calf leather embossed with 'Petite Damier' pattern (the checkerboard design). The upper part of the shoe, or the vamp, is hand-stitched and finished with shiny Palladium LV logo and rivets. At the hind part of each loafer, there is the label's logo. For someone who has never worn a pair loafers before ( okay, maybe ...

Book #4 for 2012: The Girl Who Played with Fire by Stieg Larsson The chronicles of Lisbeth Salander continue in this second book of the Millennium trilogy. The story picks up where The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo left, whereby Mikael Blomkvist is planning to publish a story by Dag Stevensson and Mia Johannson about a big sex-trafficking operation which may put Sweden echelons in not-so-pleasant spotlight. The situation gets an unexpected turn when both writers were found murdered and our femme fatale, Lisbeth Salander's fingerprints are found on the murder weapon. The murder triggers an extensive investigation into the matter which may reveal more than they have anticipated and shed a new light on Lisbeth Salander's well-kept past.  Those who have read the first installment of the Millenium trilogy will appreciate this sequel as it probes deeper into Lisbeth Salander's life - both present and past. Readers will finally get to know ' All the Evil ...