Expanding Too-Tight Shoes

I bought this quirky pair of Fiorucci comic-print flats over the weekend and decided to wear them on the spot coz I just love them so much. One hour into walking around the mall, my feet felt like they were squashed in them. If feet could breathe, mine would have died. So reluctantly, I changed back into my old flats. It really bothered me that I bought them to small and would never wear them again... so sad, coz they're so pretty... They were in my size, but maybe my feet expanded just a wee bit.  

So I went home and google-d for tips to stretch shoes. Even went to the extend of going to Ikea to purchase the OMSORG shoe tree. I placed them in the flats for a good 24 hours before trying them again. Managed to stretch them by maybe a minute 2mm. Not good enough. 

I was quite surprised that the internet offers hundreds of tips to stretch shoes. Some involve Ziploc bags, water and a freezer, others require stretching liquid. One caught my mind that doesn't involve stuffing your  shoes in the freezer among your poultry and ice-cream *yucks*, so I decided to try - and lo and behold, it worked like a charm!

Here's what you need - a pair or two or really thick socks, a hairdryer and too-tight shoes. Put on the socks  (make sure they're really thick) and then stuff your feet into the shoes. This will hurt but it will be worth it in the end!

Next, take the hairdryer and heat up the areas that are tight for 5 minutes while stretching and flexing your feet. Let them cool while keeping the shoes on.

When they're cool, remove the socks and check the fit of the shoes. Mine fit like a glove! Repeat the process if they're still tight. It's a tried and tested tip, but only if your shoes are 1/2 to 1 size smaller than your usual size.

Perfect fit

I'm gonna do it again tonight to loosen it a bit more :)

Bernard Chandran's "The Contemporary Malay Wedding" Exhibition

I travelled to Pahang for a one-night trip on Monday for internationally-acclaimed Malaysian fashion designer Bernard Chandran's "The Contemporary Malay Wedding" exhibition. The exhibition was presented in the stunning Sultan Abu Bakar Museum, in Pekan, the Royal town of Pahang state, and it explores Chandran's unique and contemporary interpretations of traditional wedding attire, through a discerning selection of his own past and present designs as well as related film footage, archive photography and text.

With the approval of the Royal Family of Brunei, whom - along with artists and celebrities from the international entertainment industries - rank among Chandran's most high profile clientele, the centrepiece to the exhibition is an array of original designs which he created specifically for some of their own Royal weddings, during the past two decades.

These remarkable creations have, with great generosity of spirit, been exclusively loaned to "The Contemporary Malay Wedding" from members of the Royal Family's own personal archives. The exhibition includes, among many other must-see pieces, Chandran's incredible designs for the 2005 wedding of Princess Hamidah, the daughter of Prince Jefri of Brunei; the 2007 wedding of Princess Majeedah, the daughter of the Sultan of Brunei; the 2012 wedding of Princess Hafizah, the daughter of the Sultan of Brunei, in addition to the design notably made for and worn by Dr Halina Mohd Yunos, the wife of Malaysia's first astronaut, for their wedding in 2010.

The spectacular Muzium Sultan Abu Bakar in Pekan, Pahang

My favourite piece worn by Datin Dr. Halina Mohd. Yunos, wife of Datuk Dr. Sheikh Muszaphar Shukor, Malaysia’s first astronaut

Worn by Dayangku Ratna Siti Nooraishah
Design: Short modern Kurung in royal blue Jong Sarat

Another one of my favourites worn by Tengku Dato’ Nurul Kamalia bt Tengku Besar Pahang Tengku Kamil Ismail
Design: Short Kebaya in light gold beige Jong Sarat

From Bernard Chandran's Petang Raya 2008 / 2009 collection. A modern Kurung in pure white silk jersey

From the Swarovski Spring Summer 2003 Collection KL.
Design: Modern Short Kebaya in lace and songket

From Rias Fashion Show 1996
Design: Long Kebaya in beige Lurex lace

Also worn by Dayangku Ratna Siti Nooraishah at her Muleh Tiga Hari ceremony
Design: Modern Short Kurung in Red and Gold Jong Sarat

This piece was specially designed for the museum
Design: Updated version of the Kurung Pesak Gantung, traditional embroidery with ’Zardozi work’(wired-work) with pearls and glass crystals

From the Piala Seri Endon 2002 collection
Design: Modern Kebaya with beadings on lace and chiffon

An intricate veil to complement one of the dresses

"The Contemporary Malay Wedding" runs from 27th June 2013 until 27th February 2014. The exhibition is open on Tuesdays to Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays from 9.00am to 5.00pm; Fridays from 9.00am to 12.00pm and 2.00pm to 5.00pm and close on Mondays.

Sigh... seeing all those designs made me wanna get married all over again... The museum was modern and spectacular the, and the 4-hour journey by bus to Pahang was so worth it. Here are some photos I took with  my fellow travellers:

With all my favourite fashion editors the different publications

Yana, fashion editor of EH! is gorgeous as always. Love her floral pants :)

Back Home in London: Burberry Prorsum Spring / Summer '14 Menswear Show

"London is the creative heart of Burberry and our global headquarters, so we are incredibly excited to be showing our next men's collection here. The country's proud menswear heritage and outstanding contemporary talent give it a unique and powerful energy. It is a wonderful time to be bringing our menswear show home," - Christopher Bailey, Burberry Chief Creative Officer

Watch the livestream of the show tonight at 9.00pm here and shop directly on the Burberry World Store immediately after.