Transporting Back in Time

Allow me to take you back in time through culture, nature and food in Yogyakarta and Solo.

Taman Sari (Water Castle), also known as the garden for the Sultan of Yogyakarta, was originally built for multiple purposes. Some of its original functions were a place to rest, to meditate, to work, to hide and to defend the Sultan’s family. Let’s be real though, it’s famously known as a former bathing space for the Sultan’s wives, wives-to-be and daughters.

Mt. Merapi, an active volcano that last erupted in early 2014, is one of my family’s favorite spot.  No, we didn’t hike. We went to chow down the local delicacy called Jadah Tempe in the midst of the soothing, cool breeze. Oh, and one disgusting thing that I apologize to mention: Sate Kelinci (Rabbit Satay). Yup they exist. Nope I didn’t eat it – I’m pescatarian.

Gumuk Pasir is a new hot spot that offers sand-boarding. Although it was miserably exhausting to climb up the dunes, it was sooo worth it. Just don’t go at noon or else when you fall, you’ll be sorry for your ass.

Taking you north from Yogyakarta is Solo. Nothing much was done there except for my brother’s fucking wedding!! 😀 It was central Javanese-themed, subtle and beautiful. Here I am donning make-up by yours truly – inspired by Lana Del Rey – wearing a Kebaya and hair styled into a modern Sanggul.

What a much needed, relaxing summer break.

Xoxo,

Mirel

 

 

 

TOPS // BRANDY MELVILLE / H&M // BOTTOMS // CIREBON TRADITIONAL MARKET / SPORT’S PLANET // SANDALS // DR. SCHOLL // SNEAKERS // CONVERSE // KEBAYA // TAILOR MADE //

‘Tis the Season of Leos

Leo girls love luxury and are extremely romantic. They dream of simplistic lives filled with happiness and are not the biggest fans of drama. Some might say Leo girls are overly generous.

All I wanted to do on my birthday was dance to Hip Hop/RnB music, with like-minded people, in a pretty dress and comfy shoes. Forget about reality for the night – just focus on my happiness!

At 22, I wish to have a more positive attitude facing things brought up to my face. At 22, I wish to find/stick to like-minded people. At 22, I wish to always experience, even if it’s something I never imagined on doing. Most importantly, at 22, I wish to focus on myself; my well-being and growth (career wise).

Cheers to all Leo Babes this 2017!

xoxo,

Mirel

 

DRESS & EARRINGS // FOREVER 21 // BAG // NINE WEST // SHOES // NIKE CORTEZ //

Beauty Steal: EMRATA

There is undoubtedly a way to compare oneself to the bombshell, Emrata or Emily Ratajkowski. But this look seemed doable and summer appropriate. Personally I would absolutely don bronzed eyes, contoured face and brown lips, with a high pony, gold hoops and a white top this summer. Now, all I need is her tan…

FACE// L’OREAL PARIS MAT MAGIQUE BB ESSENCE / CHANEL VITALUMIERE AQUA FOUNDATION / MAC UNDER-EYE CONCEALER / BENEFIT HOOLA BRONZER// EYES// BENEFIT HOOLA BRONZER / MAC EYESHADOWS / L’OREAL PARIS FALSE LASH SUPERSTAR// BROWS// SILKYGIRL NATURAL BROW PENCIL (BLACK)// LIPS// DIOR LIPSTICK//

 

\\ Ratajkowski picture taken from Instagram: emrata //

 

 

Voyages: Belitung

Belitung or Belitong (say it like the locals do), is one of the thousand islands found in Indonesia, precisely off the east coast of Sumatra. According to Indonesia Tourism’s website, the word Belitung is taken from the local language, which means sea slug. Laskar Pelangi, or The Rainbow Troops, is an Indonesian movie released in 2008 that happened to take place in East Belitung. You could say that this island became a checklist on several traveler’s list after they watched that movie. Although Belitung isn’t a household name like Bali, the beaches will captivate you.

NATURE. S U N. S A L T Y H A I R. O C E A N. C O C O N U T. S E A F O O D. P A L M T R E E S. All made my first time in Belitung oh so relaxing! Did I mention sun? It felt like the sun was so pure – no pollution overriding the sun rays whatsoever. Definitely worth for a quick getaway to get some sun, ocean and delicious food. I swear, you wouldn’t need social media. (fine, I sneaked a couple of boomerangs and snapshots just to share the beauty of this island) Especially remember about reality…

x, Mirel

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// VINTAGE SWIMSUIT / BLOOMINGDALE SKIRT & ROMPER / ADIDAS CAP / H&M SUNGLASSES / IPANEMA SANDALS / PRADA BACKPACK //

Photographed by me (iPhone 5s) & Salsa (iPhone 7)

Moodboard.2

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WATER. SUN. CURLS. WARM TONES.

Those 5 words are currently what I seek day to day. Water from the ocean or pool, sun on a clear sky, natural curls formed by double french braids and a color palette that’s not only black or white. The month of May has opened my eyes to once again embrace color and naturalness.

Ramadhan Kareem, lovelies! X, Mirel

\\ Photos taken from Twitter //

Voyages: Kuala Loco

Lovelies, I made a homecoming trip to Kuala Lumpur late April till early May of 2017. My main agenda was to attend my university cheer captain’s wedding day. But of course, it was also an excuse to rejuvenate. Regardless, Kuala Lumpur is home and I’d always come back. Boy was it so different this time around. Well, I didn’t visit any white sand beaches and what not but shopping was fun, as well as eating my favorite foods and bonding with my favorite people. Thank you to all who squeezed in sometime to meet me. I love you guys 😘✨ Although I couldn’t manage to meet everyone, this 6 days and 5 nights trip was absolutely lovely. And it was an independent moment for me, since I was able to afford all of the expenses based on my savings. At 21, I’m utterly blessed to be where I am.

Yes, I opted for a jumpsuit as my wedding attire. It was my mother’s haha. Also! You can probably tell that my style has converted to athleisure with a feminine touch. More on this style update soon!

Have you recently visited another city? xo, Mirel

// GARAGE SALE JUMPSUIT // LEWRE HEELS // WOOLRICH DENIM JACKET // MARSHALL’S TOP (ORANGE) // FLEA MARKET ADIDAS CAP // FOREVER 21 CAP // FOREVER 21 TOP (BLUE) // FOREVER 21 SWEATPANTS (BLACK) // CLARKS SHOES // 

Most Painful Ear Piercing, EVER

The lady who did my piercing gave dotted marks with a red marker on the spots that I requested. At this point, I was still questioning myself to proceed or not.

She smiled at me. “Looking cute is painful,” she said.

Holding back my tears from dropping onto my cheeks, I legit shouted at PIM 2’s third floor. “Fuuuuuuck!!!” my eyes were glossy.

Hopefully you can tell that it’s on a part of the ear bone, which is known to be a sensitive piercing area. So imagine how painful that felt. What was I even thinking???

Here’s a minor tip for a distraction to whoever might go through a painful piercing; go help your girlfriend shop afterwards. It worked well for me.

xo, Mirel

// VINTAGE  // GIFTED NECKLACE // SILKYGIRL MATTE LIPCOLOR BALM (VOGUE) LIPS //