Disproportionate Ah-Poh in a Cheongsam...
Hmmm...
Today's post isn't like my normal posts, I guess...
But I thought I'd go ahead and post and see what people think! So yes, I really appreciate any form of feedback guys!
Ok, so I looked like I've got a bad case of sunburn...
I have been hunting for a cheongsam for as long as I can remember, but for some reason, I have never found one...
Two particular reasons stand out vividly:
1) I look horribly old...
2) I don't have the ahem, proportions to carry out a cheongsam...
This is weird...
I have sarees, punjabi suits, and baju kurungs, but I don't have a cheongsam...And I am Chinese...
If all goes well, I will be leaving the country to further my studies at the end of next year, and I would really like to bring a nice cheongsam with me; one that I can proudly wear and say "Hey, I am Chinese and I'm from Malaysia!"...
But I have had no luck so far in finding one...
For some reason, Cheongsams make me look old, and with my braces *Smile*, it makes me look like a joke...
Cheongsams also require a great body to pull off well...Let's just say I'm not well-gifted in that department...*I've don't have Jennifer Lopez's butt!*...
I tried tailor-making one, but it turned out horrible...
So what do you guys think? Anyone have any suggestions on where to get a good one? Or does anyone have any idea what kind of design to get which will not scream old ah-poh? Or does anyone know a tailor that will flatter any kind of body/face/size?...
Cam-whoring: My friend Sandra and Me...
This picture my friend took was me messing around with some long Cheongsam in the dressing room of some shop in Queensbay Mall...
Unfortunately, Sandra and Justin both agree, I look like some old Widow in mourning...And yes, waay too long...
Help!
I could do with some fashion-advice here...
And someone, please tell me, why is it all Cheongsams in the teenage/young people department come in sizes so small, even my head can't go in? Come to think of it, most Cheongsams are just horribly small...
Hello? Some people (like me!) actually like to eat, you know?
Sheesh...
PS: Forgive the photos...Bad lighting and colour scheme and my friend's phone resolution didn't help...
Comments
2. Daphne, you look nice in a Cheongsam! Find your colour - what makes your face glow? There are certain colours that brings out one's undertones. Makes a big difference when you wear your colour. You won't look like old ah-poh. Oh yes .. and get a tailor to sew it to fit you. A good cut is important - it flatters "hidden assets".
3. I have never owned a Cheongsam. Love Chinese silk. So I got my tailor to sew me a short jacket. I can wear it buttoned-up like a cheongsam blouse or opened like a jacket. I have worn it over a good pair of fitting jeans (yes.. it works! hehe). Also, it can be worn with a skirt or tailored pants for a more dressed up look. Possibilities are endless. :)
You are being too critical of yourself love. First rule, you will look the way you feel. I say you look great in cheongsam.
1 I agree with JT, that you need to find something that complements your colour tone. Colour tone is not about being tan or being fair. We simply have some colour tones going from pink to peach to yellow, like that.
2 Cut is important. Fow instance I can't wear a kaftan. My body shape requires a more structured cut. I think you have the height and being young you might have more options.
3 I have been to Etho's at KLCC. I think I saw some nice cheongsams there. There's a gentleman there who is honest with his opinions. Should you be in that vicinity do have a go and you don't have to buy, just to get ideas dear. Good luck.
Sorry that was me up there, typos..he he.tbucq
They are expensive, but good tailor-made cheong sams lasts a lifetime (just to make it toooo fitting!).
Plus, EVERYONE looks like an Ah-Poh if they wear the 1sizefitsall cheong sam la... ;-)
'just DON't make it too fitting.."
First of all ... loved your little write-up in yesterday's Star. So nice one lah ... okay coming to fashion ... how urgently do you need that Cheongsam? JT used to have this wonderful tailor somewhere in PJ, and I truly believe that she can work wonders ... she made me look real hot & sexy in my bridesmaid outfit ... he he he.
One thing good about her is that she is honest in telling you whether a certain cut will suit you or not. Ask JT to give you the contact ... that is if you want to come all the way to PJ. Plus as JT said, you can always improvise on the cheongsam ... don't have to follow the traditional look mah!
Btw check my blog later tonight ... coz you're tagged.
Nak pergi Canada oh, IF all goes well...Adoi! Don't lar recommend tailors in Kuching!
Same question I'd like to ask...Size zero is the in thing, now they say...Hello?
Doesn't size zero mean you're not in existence? Hmmm...
Everytime I get into those Cheongsams, I literally have to hold my breath, or risk popping everything...Sheesh!
Tried this lovely turquoise one the other day, and guess what? The XL was so small, I could barely lift my arms and/or breathe...I felt like I was going for those Rosie Phua's (Phua Chu Kang) slim-wrap or whatever...Like a bak-chang (Chinese dumpling)!
Ergh...
Thanks for the note on Etho's...Will remember to go pop-in and have a look when I'm in the area...
My mum thinks I shouldn't pay too much for a Cheongsam at this point, cos well, my weight fluctuates quite a bit...
This custom-made Cheongsams right, besides the fact they're tiny at the top, have a big 'area' for the butt, which I don't have *Boohoo*...
Like the black one I tried, the Cheongsam and me weren't walking together, because my butt was swimming in it...So I go left, the Cheongsam goes right!
Couple with a slit, and voila! Disaster in the making...
Sheesh...
Of course you look nice in the cheongsam..nothing beats our traditional costumes.
Yes, am hoping to find a good one in Ipoh itself...I was told there was one really good Ah-Pek in Penang, but he passed away recently (or so I was told)...
I'm thinking the reason why I always end up looking Ah-Poh'ish is because I've not found a correct colour...
I think I should just go bold and go with a striking red!
Thanks for reading my article...And yes, will go check out your blog again tonight...
Re the cheongsam, I don't need it urgently; in fact, I don't need it...I just thought I should have it, seeing that I am Chinese...
Should remember my roots...
Sorry, that should read 'ready-made' cheongsam and not 'custom-made'...
Yes, I think we should all learn to appreciate our cultural clothes...
I was a little miffed the other day...A friend of mine, seeing me try this Baju Kurung, went: Why on earth are you trying that?
I'm like: I'm Malaysian...
To which she replied: Yeah, but you're not Malay!
Terrible ain't it?
Even if it's not a Malaysian traditional costume, I don't see why I can't wear it!
And to think my mum has a cupboard of more than 20 suits of Baju Kurung, Kedah, Kebaya and Kebarung...I think my friend would faint!
First of all .. all the best to your impending studies, I am sure you'll make your parents proud!! .. just like you always did!!
As for the Cheong Sum .. that's a noble idea to present your identity! But i truly believe your personality and heaven sent compassion speaks volume of who you truly is!!
Take care ..& be good, okay!!
It is true what Pat says. Her bridesmaid's dress looked so good on her (I mean hot!).. that some men had sweat beads when dancing with her at my wedding reception. :D
yea!! you look ah-mah!! ah mah~~
Awwww...You're always soo sweet...I'll try...
In that case, please remind me to check this tailor out if I ever need something drop-dead-gorgeous...
Like when I need to remind say, an ex-boyfriend (not yet ok?) what he lost *Laughs* ;)
Am not laughing at your camera lar! I said the lighting and colour scheme were bad what! Just that your phone couldn't rescue it! *Lol*
Ah go, go merajuk...
I've never tried an au-dai (don't even really know how it looks like, to be honest)...But thanks for the suggestion...I'm thinking where better to show off our Asian culture than in the West? And yes, noted, I must never wear a long Cheongsam...
I have always believed that just like the saree and kebaya, the cheongsam is a very elegant wear..long or short. If I may suggest, try doing up your hair a little different from your current style. And the specs as well. Take a look at cheongsam dolls and see how they do these dolls hair. Might give an idea. Old may not necessay be ugly. Is Liz Taylor ugly? But she's old. Is Katy Ibrahim ugly? So not young. But looking at your pix, your smile is captivating. People might notice more of your smile than the cheongsam.
Hope you will find the right colour before you go off.
Cheers.
Colours do play a part too, brighter colours do make one look more youthful (if you're game, fushion pink, paris blues are beautiful colours too). If you do get a one piece cheongsam, I do think a short piece will make one look 'younger' too.
Still it all boils down to personal preference and as long as you feel comfortable and happy wearing it, no matter what..that cheongam will bring out the beauty in you.
Cheers and good luck in that search for your cheongsam
Thanks for visiting. I will go check out Maggie Cheung in "In The Mood for Love". Thanks for the hint ;)
Yes, agreed that Liz Taylor and Katy Ibrahim are old, but not ugly ;) What I meant was, I wanted a cheongsam that showed my age, and not made me look out of place...Keke...Many people already think I'm older than 21, so the wrong Cheongsam will only serve to make the situation worse ;)!
Thanks for popping by! Yes, I'm hoppping to find something soon too ;) Will probably try out Zorro's suggestion of an Au-Dai, as my mum thinks he's got a point there...Oh, and thanks for the vote of confidence ;)
What a cute nick! Pooh fan, like me! Anyway, I didnt think of a two-piece Cheongsam...Hmmm...
But I agree with what you say about colours! I was actually thinking of a Turquoise ;) Thanks for your ideas. Will check them out!
Bumped into your blog while searching for good tailors in Kuching. Would really appreciate it if if you could recommend a few.
Thanks so much.