14 June 2012

Black Lace - Back to root

I was browsing through the mall aimlessly the other day and suddenly I stumbled upon this lace blazer in Stradivarius and first thing that came to my mind was.. "Oh, my! That looks like the 'kebaya'!" 


'Kebaya' is my native country, Malaysia's national dress but is also widely used in Indonesia and Brunei.  If you have traveled on Malaysia Airlines before, you would have noticed that the female cabin crew have the kebaya as their uniform.  It is basically a form fitting jacket like top with lapel (or without) pull together with a set of 3 brooches called 'keronsang' 



'Kebayas' are normally worn during formal ceremonies like weddings, festival gatherings, formal dinner and state functions and they are beautiful in laces, silks and organzas, adorned with beautiful floral pattern embroidery .  They usually are worn with sarongs or batik or other traditional woven garment such as ikat or the luxurious songket with a colorful motif.


While I remember how beautiful my wedding 'kebaya' was (now tuck safely at the back of the closet), it is still fun to don this gorgeous lace blazer and know that I can always have a piece of 'kebaya' in my everyday life here in Dubai.  











What do you think of the 'kebaya'?  What about your country, do you have some sort of traditional outfit? I would love to know more :)


:: Outfit::

Tank top : Gap
Lace Blazer : Stradivarius (not availabe online)
Jeans : America Eagles Outfitter (here)
Belt : Gucci
Shoes : Steve Madden
Clutch : Vintage Furla
Accessories : Murano from Venice



55 comments:

  1. That jacket is absolutely gorgeous, and I loved learning about kebayas! You look very Hollywood glamour, back when Hollywood really was glamorous. :)

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  2. awesome blazer. i love that lace thing that is going on right now. you look great.

    Ivy
    http://manhattanfashionstoryingermany.blogspot.de/

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  3. That lace jacket is so pretty! Would love to see a pic of you in your kebaya from your wedding! :)

    <3 Jenny
    www.crazystylelove.com

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    1. I came from another era, Jenny.. there was no such a thing as digital back then so all pictures were printed! That shows how 'young' I am LOL!

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  4. What a beautiful item! And how fun that you get to have a piece of home now.

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  5. Pretty blazer! Love the white on white looks that you put up.

    Following you too.

    www.wardrobemenu.blogspot.com

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  6. beautiful blazer! love it paired with the white denim! xo

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  7. Looks great on! I love clothing from different cultures :)
    http://starvogue84.blogspot.com

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    1. What a beautiful positive take! Love it :)

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  8. This lace blazer is amazing...I 'm so happy u found me I follow u through Bloglovin...
    xo...xo...L.

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  9. That blazer is simply stunning. I'm so happy you scooped it up!

    Your comment about Marty made me laugh- that may be a new nick name around here. ;)

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  10. Love the lace blazer, such a fun and unique piece!

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  11. Hey saw your blog from TPF, we matched today (black and white) haha :)
    Your style is very classic and a touch fun too! Would you like to follow each other? :)
    Let me know!

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  12. Can't ever go wrong with black and white! I also love lace
    M

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  13. Cute! I'm loving your pump. xoxo
    http://www.hellohellofriday.com/

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  14. Thanks for visiting! I love your belt! So classy with a little pop of color! Excited to follow along.

    xo,
    Courtney
    http://girlavantgarde.wordpress.com/

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  15. I love B&W outfits¡¡ you are so ellegant dear¡¡ xoxo

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  16. Black and white is always a winner!!! Love the lace blazer...I am on the hunt for some lace shorts!!
    xo,
    Shanna

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  17. outfit looks super sophisticated and classic.. love it :)

    megha
    http://meghafashionista.blogspot.com

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  18. Love the black & white combo. It's so timesless and classic.

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  19. amazing ! I adore lace and this blazer is so unique and gorgeous on you! Thank you so much for your kind words on my blog!!! I also hope it will be the same as you wished me..it's just a matter of time . best of luck to you too with everything!!

    http://shesconstance.blogspot.ro/

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  20. The black lace is a really beautiful look. I like the subtle way the belt ties the contrasting colours together!

    Sincerely,
    Sabrina

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  21. I loved learning about the kebaya! How cool! The blazer is very pretty!!
    :)
    Allison
    afashionfiles.blogspot.com

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  22. great outfit!!

    http://estilohedonico.blogspot.pt/

    xoxo

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  23. thanks for your lovelly visit dear¡¡ xoxo

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  24. Thanks for educating us on kebayas :) I do see the resemblance with the black lace! How nice that when you wear it, you'll think of your home country!

    -Sharon
    The Tiny Heart

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  25. I collect traditional costumes. I know. Pretty weird hobby. Not that I have many. I had a Kebaya made. There's a keronsang (never knew that's what it's called) somewhere in my jewelry box.

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    1. I'm sure there are some nice cheongsam in your collection, I love them, I think they are sexy, kebaya too. If you have the set of 3 keronsang, keep them as they are pretty hard to come by nowadays.. the traditional fish and 2 stars like in the picture above :)

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  26. What a lovely lace find Mrs. C.....I'm such a huge fan of lace on everything!!

    Rebecca
    www.redtagchiclosangeles.com

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  27. That lace blazer is so beautiful!!!^^

    xoxo

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  28. beautifil outfit!! it's so classy & chic!!
    dear what about to follow each other? :)
    xx
    veronica
    http://in-the-jungle-of-fashion.blogspot.it/

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  29. I really really LOVE your comments, you are my favourite (shhh....) Loving the lace addition, it looks so comfy as well. I also have a bit of Malaysian in me, yayy!

    xx
    Couture Caddy

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  30. What a great find! It does resemble a Kebaya. And you look great in it! I especially like that it's form-fitting.

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  31. Love the classic black and white look, the lace just makes it so chic! You look great. :)

    xo, Yi-chia
    Always Maylee

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  32. Your style is great :) Beautiful lace blazer :)

    http://anna-and-klaudia.blogspot.com/

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    1. and I forgot to say that I'm following you now :) Great blog!

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  33. you look great = )


    Kisses from La Mode En Rose =)

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  34. Loved the combination! Great picks! I am following you now sweetie. Follow me back please? ♥

    I am inviting you in my blog.

    http://blowarainbow.blogspot.com/

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  35. Hi Mrs C :)

    Didn't know what a kebaya was before, so thanks for teaching me something new. I love the look of your lacy blazer. And What I wouldn't do to get my hands on that kebaya with the 3 keronsang on that first Rizalman Ibrahim photo. The detail in it looks out of this world!

    xx
    BB @ http://motherhoodcareerfashion.blogspot.com

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    1. I agree, it is so beautiful.. perfect for wedding :) Rizalman is a famous Malaysian designer.. he's like the Vera Wang or Monique Lhuillier for Malaysia ;)

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  36. You learn something new every day! This is the first I've heard of the Kebaya and it sounds lovely and looks great (thanks for providing pictures)... You are right, your blazer does simulate that look and it's gorgeous by the way! I wish we had a Stradivarius around here so I can go and get that blazer too! I love black lace!
    We were at Barnes&Noble and I couldn't help remembering out chat about books and summer reading!... thinking of you!
    Have a lovey Sunday!

    http://danaslookbook.blogspot.com/

    Dana

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    1. Dearest Dana.. you made me smile with your sweet comment. I think had we live in the same city, we'd be going out shopping together or sampling food or browse through book store.. great to find new friends even if we are thousands of miles away.. by the way, which city are you in?

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  37. I love the lace blazer. It's perfect on you! :)

    xx Love & Aloha
    Come follow me...
    http://elisharon.blogspot.com

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  38. I love your outfit!!! New post: "Glamour Chocolate gives you Asos discount codes". Follow each other on Twitter and GFC?
    www.glamourchocolate.blogspot.com

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  39. What a beautiful lace blazer. This is the first time I have heard of Kebaya and it sounds so beautiful. I have a few traditional clothes that I have stored away. The traditional clothes are usually worn during New Year celebration or wedding.

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    1. I love the Chiongsam, they are beautiful especially the silk ones :)

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  40. What an adorable jacket! I also enjoyed learning about kebaya. Here in Canada, we don't really have a traditional costume... we borrow from many different cultures.

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    1. I can imagine since many from all over the world had travel and settled in Canada (your great-great grand dad was one of them) Actually that is not bad at all, Elaine.. one big melting pot of culture sounds great!

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