The MUMBLING MUSHROOM Shop

18 Dec 2011

Was in quite a shopping mood and got myself a few items this week!

SWIVELLE Dazzle Glamour Frock in White

I really love this pretty dress! When I saw the 4 colours available, I was kinda in a dilemma but when I saw one of the SWV owners in the white piece, I was sold. White just looks so classy, elegant and somewhat ethereal, especially with the asymmetrical hem. I love that even with all the dazzle from the embellishments, the dress still doesn't look too shiny or glaring with the bling (that's also why I chose white so the embellishments would blend in better). And I'm quite impressed that the embellishments are sewn on rather securely. The dress just has a very festive feel, perfect for this season! I'm loving it! :)

OHVOLA Scallop Hem Work Dress in Taupe

I actually first spotted this dress when I came across the BO page, but the BO was closed by then. When I saw their restock special and found this dress, I was delighted! Haha. I always thought the chiffon pleated top + scallop hem bottom was a really unique combination, and great not just for work but for play as well! I just love the whole look. It's a really nice change from normal work dresses. Think this dress would fit up to UK8 though, as the skirt portion fits me just nicely, so those with bigger hips might find it tight.

OHVOLA Ruche Sleeve Jacket in Apricot

I've been looking for a nude/beige coloured cardigan for awhile, so when I saw this jacket with its unique cascading front (in the restock special), I thought I should give it a try! I was initially afraid that without the detachable sash the jacket would look a little messy, but thankfully, it looks fine too without the sash. Love the whole look of the jacket; very stylish! Oh and I must say that this jacket is actually quite warm; it's definitely not made of thin, filmsy material. So overall, I'm really pleased with my Ohvola buys, especially since it's the first time I purchased from them! :D

CATWALKCLOSE Jacey Skirt in Eggplant M

All this time I've been purchasing from CWC, I never had any defective pieces. Unfortunately, my CWC Jacey skirt in Eggplant M has a defect. The back of the skirt is clearly longer than the front, so it looks really weird when I wear the skirt. Looks like I have a tail down the middle of the back of my skirt. Even my Mum said it was a defect when she saw it! When I lay the skirt flat, you can see that the back of the skirt is clearly longer. So I've emailed CWC about it already. Hope they'll get back to me soon!

Any other girls experienced this?

In case anyone is interested in the sizing, think the M would fit a 26" waist best. The pleats actually fall quite nicely. However, the belt loop is quite small, so may not be able to fit a lot of belts.

11 Dec 2011

SWIVELLE Enchanted Bandeau in Berry Ash

When I saw this design, I instantly fell in love with the dress! It would be great for dinners and parties, especially with Christmas coming up! Though I was super afraid I wouldn't be able to fit the PTP (as SWV cutting is generally smaller), after much contemplation, I realized I was still willing to take the risk, and bought the dress anyway. Haha!

Well, the colour is a really nice purple and I love the way the drapes fall. The dress fits me well - not too tight on the PTP! I only wish that the dress was a little bit longer, so am still in 2 minds if I should keep this dress.

LEFLIRTINI Oopsy Daisy in Navy M

Firstly, the material of this dress is really impressive! Really smooth, luxe, good quality material that is non-sheer. Comes with a sash in the same material too. Took Size M, which fits me just nicely (dress is not stretchable). Love the navy/sand combi of polka dots, the paperbag details as well as the pretty back details (sorry couldn't capture nice pics of the details). There are slight pleats on the skirt, which gives it a nice flare too.

Overall, I think this is a really nice and classic dress that can be dressed up or down. The only con for me is that the straps are slightly long for me, so I'd probably have to get it altered. But as usual, I'm really lazy to bring it to the tailor, so I might just let it go instead haha ...

29 Oct 2011

CATWALKCLOSE Bianca Pocket Top in Lemon

Received my CWC top but my first thought was that the yellow colour of the top differed from what was shown on screen! The top is really more lemony, and less of the pastel, sweet yellow pictured online.

The second thing that struck me was that the postage for this top only cost 3 "1st local" stamps (which probably amounts to about 60 - 90c at most) while we are supposed to pay $1.50 postage. Sigh.

The top is slightly sheer, so nude undergarments are advised. This is one of the few tops from CWC that has quite a fair bit of allowance on me, especially on the sides. Think it can probably fit up to UK10. Oh and this top definitely needs ironing if you want the lapels to fall properly.

Overall, I like the chic, utilitarian style of this blouse, which is good for both work and play, so it's still a keeper for me!

I've matched the top with my ALLTHINGSLOVELY Paperbag Waist Skirt in Cream.
It's been quite a few months but I haven't really seen reviews on this skirt, though I've seen it sprouting all over on various blogshops e.g. Pearlavish, Leflirtini etc.

Well I must caution that this skirt is not suitable for tall girls! I'm only 1.6m but the skirt is damn short for me, particularly the back of the skirt. And also do note that the thin camel belt provided with the skirt (also pictured in my photo) is made of very very cui material. After using it a few times, I feel like it's gonna fall apart any moment. But I like the colour of the belt though.

Overall, the skirt is really great for matching tops. Think it would fit up to UK10 best as the waist is stretchable.

THEBLUSHINC Cannes Split Front Frock in Wine, S

Love the pretty shade of this dress though it's not very true to TBI's pics. Surprisingly, the dress when worn with a belt, instead of the short black sash provided, does not have the "pong" effect pictured. Haha. It's really strange and I can't figure it out!

One downside about this dress is that it doesn't have any side zip! And since I took S, it's really quite fitting for me at the bust. Nevertheless I'm lovin' the split front of the dress :)

MOMOTEAPOTS Knottinghill Dress in Forest Green

I'm always on the lookout for simple dresses that are timeless in design and also easy to throw on. So when I saw this on MMTP and that it was still available, I decided to get it! Hah. This was also my first purchase from them.

The dress has an interesting twisted/knot design at the waist. The shade of forest green is also very lovely (true to MMTP's pic below). Fits me just fine, but for skinnier girls, the knotted waist part might be a bit loose on you.

DRESSABELLE The Wedgewood Dress

Oh I pondered so long before finally deciding to join the BO for this. Ha. Well, I like the asymmetrical hem, which just adds to the whole flowy, chiffony feel. Can't remember if the dress comes with any sash, but I matched it with my own black satin sash for added definition at the waist, if not the dress would look like a pretty maternity dress (haha). Think it's suitable for wearing to dinners to! :)

9 Oct 2011

THEVELVETDOLLS Versatile Flap Blouse in Rose
THEDESIGNCLOSETS Pleated High Waist Skirt in Black

This is an insanely late review of this TVD top (I received it months ago from the BO). Hahaha! When I first received the top, I was a bit confused as to how to wear it. Well, now that I've figured it out, I quite like the style of this top, plus the rose colour is really pretty, but my Mum says the shirt looks abit messy on me. So I'm still in 2 minds if I should keep the top. Sizing wise, I think it would definitely be able to fit up to UK10-12!

As for the TDC skirt, I really love it! The waistband seems to give a slimming effect and the pleats of the skirt fall really nicely. The skirt is also made of a nice chiffon material, non-sheer and quite a decent length for work too.

I was originally torn between the wine and the black, but I decided that black would be a good replacement for my CWC High Waisted Chiffon Skirt (the chiffon at the waistband seems to be loosening and doesn't fall neatly now) and honestly, black is way easier to match than wine. And the skirt is only $24 - quite reasonable! I would really love it if TDC could manufacture this skirt in grey or navy blue. That would be 2 colours I would definitely buy! Haha.

This skirt comes with a side zip, but I wish they had sewn on those type of hooks at the top of the zip, so we can secure the top of the skirt, before zipping. It would be easier to zip up the skirt that way. There's slight elastic at the back, so I think this skirt can probably fit up to small UK10. But best fit I would say is UK6 -8.

THEVELVETDOLLS Moschino Military Shirt in Forest Green
Received the TVD shirt from the BO quite some time ago but only took it out recently to try! Well, I'm lovin' the green and the top fits me quite nicely but the little flap on the shoulders is a little strange. I thought it would be sewn down onto the shirt. Not sure if I want to keep this top, coz if I keep it, I might remove the flaps on the shoulder. But the material isn't bad, non-sheer. I'm just wondering if the top will shrink after washing, anybody know?

Anyway, pardon me for wearing it with the TDC skirt. Couldn't be bothered to wear it with another skirt. Think it would look better with a more structured and rugged-looking bottom. This pleated skirt is way too feminine for this top. Haha!

SASHPETALS Chance Pinafore Dress in Slate Blue
I was actually deciding between the burnt orange and blue for this dress, but since I'm not very fair-skinned and was really afraid I might look even more tanned in orange, I decided to go for the slate blue instead.

Well, the material of the dress is surprisingly quite good, thick and non-sheer. It comes with a thin sash of the same colour, but I felt that the dress looks better with a thicker belt that would bring more detail and colour to the dress. Sizing wise, it's a little big for me at the PTP, so I would say that it can fit up to UK10 or small UK12. Oh ya, I do wish the dress was shorter though (it's 35")! But overall, it's a pretty simple and classic dress that's quite easy to throw on for work, and easy to accessorize too, so it's still a keeper for me.

INTOXIQUETTE My Fair Lady Dress in Vanilla Cream
I got this dress from a trade recently. Well, firstly, the dress is slightly sheer, so nude undergarments are a definite must. Also the colour vanilla cream is kinda weird as it's more like white which has turned a little yellow, so I can imagine many girls would not really like the colour as it's neither pure white or cream. But I really like the design of the dress, and that it's great for both work and play (would even look nice as a bridesmaid dress), so I'm still gonna keep it! I think it would fit up to big UK8 best.

14 Aug 2011

AMBERAVENUE Chiffon Pussybow Blouse in Light Peach, M

Received my blouse from AmberAvenue this week, so decided to do a review, for those who might wanna join the BO!

Firstly, I think I might have bought the wrong size... again. Hah. Size S was stated as 16.5" while M was 17.5". One of my chiffon blouses from CWC was about 16.5" and it was so snug on my bust, so I decided to go with M (17.5") for this top from AA. Well, there's really a lot of allowance still, especially on the sides of the blouse. Perhaps it's coz the blouse is somewhat of a straight cut. The allowance is obvious coz of the side zip, which would tend to "pop" out if the blouse is too loose on a person. But if I leave my arms down (like in the pics), the side popping out isn't too obvious. Thus, I think S would have been a better fit for me. I would recommend M for bigger UK8 - 10.

Secondly, I think the length of the ribbon is way too long. It's slightly strange. If I tie a bigger ribbon, it would look weird if the ribbon flops down too much.

As for the quality of the blouse, it's not too bad. The blouse isn't sheer (as far as I can remember). Only the sleeves are sheer, while the main portion of the blouse is lined. There's also a sleeve button closure, and the circumference of the sleeve opening fits me quite comfortably with allowance still, so I think most girls shouldn't have a problem with the sleeve opening (unlike CWC sleeve openings).

PEARLAVISH Compliment Heart Swing Work Dress in Teal
P.S. Dress does not come with black sash

M versus S size

A good shopping experience to share...

In June, I ordered the M size from Pearlavish. I loved the cut, design and colour but it was a little too big for me. As most blogshops don't allow exchanges for size, I didn't even think of emailing Pearlavish to check. But after some suggestions from girls online, I decided to try my luck and email Pearlavish.

Thankfully I did, because Pearlyn (the owner I think) agreed to provide me with an exchange! At first she mentioned that there were no more stocks for teal S, so I decided to go with cream S. And then when she went to check her stocks again, she found a teal S and asked if I would like that instead! Omgosh I was so happy la, as teal is a more unique colour than cream, and part of the reason why I bought the dress in the first place was coz it was in teal. Heh.

So I tried it and S fits me perfectly at the shoulders, bust and waist. S is also slightly shorter than M, which is great coz I'm not so tall. Haha. So I'm really quite happy with the dress! I would recommend M for bigger UK8 - 10. If you look carefully, even the sleeves for M are bigger!

Overall, I was really impressed with Pearlyn's service. Other blogshops would probably not have done an exchange for me, or even bothered to check back with me if wanted teal or cream. Though I had to pay an extra $3 for postage (to and fro), it was definitely worth it, not just to be able to get a dress in a colour, cut and design that I love, but also to be pleasantly surprised by Pearlavish's good customer service and the fact that there are still really nice and understanding blogshop owners out there who care about their customers! :)

30 July 2011

ALLTHINGSLOVELY Pristine Blouson in White S

Though this top cost $27 (excluding postage!!!), since ATL described this as "Non-sheer (for white as well), high quality material", I decided to give it a try, since the design is really great for matching my work skirts and I need white blouses.

However, when I received the top, I was sorely disappointed. Firstly, it is slightly sheer. Secondly, the material is just normal chiffon, nothing really fantastic or "high quality" about it.

Definitely not worth $28.50. I'd say it's not worth anything more than $25.

I'm only keeping this coz I like the design and fit of the blouse. In addition, one of its saving grace is that in between the 3rd and 4th button, there's a press stud already sewn on to keep the blouse from gaping.

SMOOCH Madison Dress in Olive M

Wow, is this the same dress? Did SMOOCH send me the wrong colour?

Those were my first thoughts when I ripped the package open. The real colour of the dress is so not OLIVE. This is more like light green/ jade. Really quite shocking. The pics are so different. I almost wanted to email SMOOCH about it but I decided I don't really mind the light green/jade colour.

Anyway I only decided to join the BO for this dress after seeing the rave reviews on forums. However, I have to admit that I am slightly disappointed. The chiffon material is quite thin and isn't very fantastic. Also, the belt is pretty filmsy and the buckle is always slanted. Definitely can't get the belt to look like what the model's wearing in the pics.

I took M for this dress, but it's kinda poufy at the bust area, and there's quite a bit of allowance at the PTP. I'm starting to wonder if I could fit into S instead. I was actually advised by the SMOOCH girls to take M. Oh well. Putting aside the colour discrepancy and quality of the dress and belt, the design wins me over and thus I'll still keep it. Hah.

SMOOCH Grazia Wrap Dress in Plum M

A really pretty and unique design from SMOOCH. Quality of the dress is pretty good and I think this dress is good for both work and dinner functions! The only gripe I have is that I wish the waist could be tighter for the M size. Otherwise it's still a keeper for me!

2 July 2011

CATWALKCLOSE Ruffled Peplum Top (White)
CATWALKCLOSE Gathered Bow Skirt (Peach)

Firstly, I really LOVE the design of the ruffled peplum top! The ruffles are of the right size and fall in the right way (in contrast, I felt that the way the ruffles of the CWC chiffon cascading ruffled tops fell didn't look nice on my frame). It's such a lovely top to match with high waisted stuff! I tried something like that at F21 a few months back, but there wasn't my size, so I was actually really excited about receiving this piece from the BO.

However, sad to say, this top is slightly small for me. So I probably have to let go of this top, albeit extremely reluctantly. I think this top is best for skinny UK8 girls. I really hope that CWC/other blogshops will come up with a design like that, but in sizes!

As for the skirt, when I first opened the parcel and saw the colour of the skirt, I was thinking that the colour would be too close to my skin tone. However I was surprised that it actually looked fine against my skin tone. But this skirt is kind of sheer and I'm slightly surprised there isn't lining. As for the ribbon tie, it has to be looped twice if not the ribbon will be rather long. But it's still a pretty nice skirt that I'll keep. The length is good for office too. Btw, I actually think the eggplant colour is the nicest colour, but I didn't get that as it probably can't match a lot of tops.

25 June 2011

SMOOCH Waisted Flare Skirt in Cream S
SMOOCH Waisted Flare Skirt in Bronze M

Cream S vs Bronze M

I am guilty of buying 2 skirts of the same design in different color and size! Haha. The skirt in cream was my first purchase from Smooch, after seeing the awesome reviews on the skirt. I was really not let down at all. The material is really fab and thick, doesn't require lining, and also has a nice matt sheen to it. And I just like everything about the skirt la - how it's so easy to match; its simplicity and elegance.

Now for the sizing.

Size S (cream) sits just nicely on my waist, but the skirt is rather short on me, so it would not be so suitable for work. Hence I hunted down Bronze M in hope that it would be a better fit.

Size M (bronze) hangs much lower on my waist, but the length is just right. It would be better if the M was slightly tighter (even 0.5" would be good) then it would be perfect!

Overall, I think this is a really great basic skirt that's not expensive (compared to the similar ones in Zara and Bysi), of really great material and cut, easy to match and timeless!

19 June 2011

CATWALKCLOSE Frilled Puff Sleeved Top (Forest Green)

I really love this top, the style and the colour! I think this style is quite flattering for girls with bigger busts as the V neck and the downward cascading ruffle draws attention away from the bust. However, the PTP is kind of tight for me (I need to wriggle out of the top), but I love it so much I will put up with the slight tightness. Haha. I think if the top was just 0.5 - 1" bigger, it would have been better. But at least it's not a button down top, so even if the PTP is a little small, it's still alright. Material wise, it's smooth and non-sheer. A pretty good buy to add to your working wardrobe!

4 June 2011

DRESSABELLE Lula Tiered Work Dress
ASCENTEE Linen Dress in Khaki
MEGAGAMIE Double Collar Pleated Chiffon Blouse in Folkstone Grey

Left: DRESSABELLE Lula Tiered Work Dress
The white portion of the skirt is extremely sheer! Even though there's a very thin white lining for the skirt, the white portion is still sheer, and it would be necessary to wear a petticoat inside or something. All in all, it's still a pretty refreshing piece for work!

Right: ASCENTEE Linen Dress in Khaki
Haha I just bought this coz it was on sale; $18.90 I think. Surprisingly it came with a price tag that said $36.90 or something like that. The material is pretty good and thick; even the lining inside is smooth and thick. Although the colour of the dress looks a little dull on my skin, I'll still keep it coz it's easy to throw on and has a good length for work!

MEGAGAMIE Double Collar Pleated Chiffon Blouse in Folkstone Grey

Received this ages ago but forgot all about it. Haha. Hmm. I dunno why the cuff part of the sleeves is so damn small! The cuffs are quite tight on me I feel like my movement is restricted! The blouse is also gaping for me, so definitely won't be able to fit UK10 and above I think. Oh and I was surprised that "folkstone grey" turned out more like a dull blue! If I knew it was this blue, I would have gotten the white instead. But after so many complaints, I think I'm still gonna keep just coz the design is pretty hahaha.

29 May 2011

Pic 1) MEGAGAMIE Taylor Swift Inspired Chiffon Dress in Rose M - *FOR SALE*
The material is pretty good and I love the style of the dress, especially the pretty drape at the side! However, the rose red is a bit too loud for me. I thought the colour in real life would be darker and more of a muted red. Wish I got this dress in a more pastel colour instead. I took M coz I was afraid S would be tight for my bust, but now that the PTP fits, the waist/underbust part is a bit loose for me. Hence, I think M would suit big UK8 or UK10 better.

Pic 2) SWIVELLE Inspiring Notes Dress in Pink
A really simple and sweet dress! However, the underbust is a bit tight for me (but still acceptable) and somehow the top part seems to have this bust enhancing effect. I just handwashed the dress and I think it may have shrank. Nevertheless, I'm still gonna keep it coz it's just so easy to throw on and perfect for casual days!

Pic 3 & 4) CATWALKCLOSE Summer Dance Chiffon Frock (Lilac)
Managed to get my hands on this pretty piece coz there was a deadbuyer! Heh. Really love the floral prints. CWC always has these pretty and feminine prints which I love!

Pic 5) [2nd row] AMBERAVENUE Belle Draped Dress in Creme - *FOR SALE*
This dress doesn't come with an inner piece, and must be worn with a belt to look nice. At first I wasn't too sure how it'd look on me, as I was afraid all the drapes and "excess" cloth might make me look a bit "bulky", but I'm really liking the drapes effect! Think it's most suitable for UK8 and above. Smaller UK8 might look a little "drowned" in the dress.

Pic 6) LOVEANDBRAVERY Heidi Lace Bib Dress
When I first took the dress out of the package, I thought it looked a bit like a nightgown! Haha! But okay la, looks much better with the sash tied. I think it best fits UK8-10.

Pic 7) LOVEANDBRAVERY Enchanted Forest Twilight Blue
A simple chiffon dress manufactured by LAB. PTP is just nice for me though, so I wouldn't recommend this dress for UK10 and above.

Pic 8 ) LOVEANDBRAVERY Vella Embroidery Dress Jade, M
Hmm, I don't know why this dress is not a sellout. It's so pretty with all the embroidery! Looks fine without a belt as well. I like the shade of green; very refreshing. There's inner lining too and the material of the dress is quite soft and smooth. Definitely a keeper for me!

31 Jan 2011

DRESSABELLE Florian Printed Dress (Mint) - *FOR SALE*

Well, this dress could not be truer to the pics provided online! Haha, it looks EXACTLY like the pics online, colour and all. I like the unique colour and florals of the dress; quite a refreshing change from the usual florals on cream base.

Haha, but I think the dress - or all minty colours in general - would look nicer on fairer skin.

Nevertheless, the cut of the dress fits me well. But I do not think that it can fit up to UK10 (as stated on the website). It fits me just nice at the bust; if the dress shrinks after I wash it, I may not be able to squeeze into it anymore (though there's a zip).

Apparently the dress is a Dressabelle-manufactured item but there's no label/tag. I've never bought any other Dressable-manufactured item before so I don't know if they usually have any label/tags. It doesn't really bother me though as I think it's quite a unique and classic piece!

Anyway, I think the dress looks better with a belt! And I think it can pass for Casual Fridays at work too haha.

28 Jan 2011

MYGLAMOURPLACE Oasis Dress in Maroon

I must say that this dress exceeded my expectations!

First of all, LOVELY colour! Exactly the same shade as one of the flowers I'm holding! Haha. But I wouldn't really say it's maroon. It has a more pinkish/purplish tone to it. But I still love that colour!

The ruffles cascading downwards are a very nice touch to an otherwise simple dress. I love that this is one of those dresses you can just throw on and you're ready to go! Good for Dress Down Fridays at the office too!

Fit wise, there's a little allowance for me at the PTP (UK8 here), so for UK6 I think it might be a bit big for you. The waist is elastic, but I wore it with a belt.

All in all, I really love the dress and colour and I think it's priced so reasonably :-)

CATWALKCLOSE Tailored Chic Blazer in Asphalt

I like the style of the blazer, but it doesn't really fit me well at the shoulder when I button it. Hence I think the blazer is actually meant to be worn unbuttoned, and it also looks better that way. If I don't roll up the sleeves, there's a lot of excess cloth along the arms of the blazer. But when I push up the sleeves, which looks better that way, that's also the max I can push it up to haha.

Like some of the girls have reviewed, the blazer is slightly scratchy. But that's not too big of a problem. Since the blazer is so versatile, good for both work and play, I'll still be keeping it!

22 Jan 2011

AMBERAVENUE Knot Front Dress in Light Pink

Pretty old design, but it was still available on AmberAvenue hence I decided to get it in light pink! Love the shade of pink that complements my skin tone. My mum commented that it's quite suitable for CNY haha.

Love the design, especially since the knot front is a really classic design which won't go out of fashion. I think it's quite figure flattering. Emphasizes the right things haha.

However, I would say that this dress will fit UK8 and above better as there's a lot of cloth at the bust area to create the ruching effect. I think it might look kind of "empty" on UK6 or smaller girls.

Definitely a keeper as it's good for both work and play! Only downside perhaps is that at 32.5", the back of the dress might be a little short (coz when you tie the ribbon behind, it will hitch the dress up a little).

CHALLURES Candilious Embroidery Top in Yolk Yellow - *FOR SALE*

I love this shade of yellow and the scallop edges! Workmanship is quite good and material is quite smooth. May be a little sheer so nude undergarments advised (I was wearing black, oops!). However, I think that this top will look better on girls with smaller bust, hence will be letting this go.

Labels: reviews