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  • #WonderWoman - Terrena

    0 comments / Posted by Vivien Chong


    In conjunction with November being ‘Depression Awareness Month’ here at Twenty3, we had the opportunity to sit down and chat with the lovely Terrena. Here she shares her moving story about gender identity, struggling with depression, and learning to love herself.

     

    “The name my parents gave me was Terrence. For as long as I could remember, I always felt like I was a little girl trapped inside a boy’s body. I loved playing with dolls and always wanted to dress myself up in beautiful dresses instead of wearing t-shirts and pants like boys do. When I turned 5 years old, my family began thinking that it was strange I was still playing with dolls instead of toy cars. This led to some of my relatives accusing my sisters of influencing me to be a girl, instead of a normal boy.

     

    Terrena wearing the Nikova Romper from Sher by Twenty3. 

    Gender identity is a funny thing; you think you know who you are, but everyone else tells you you’re supposed to be someone else. Primary school was a very difficult time for me, because kids can be so cruel to anyone they see as “different”. I was the subject of constant verbal and physical bullying. Not only was I certainly attracted to boys, but my body language and the way I spoke had femininity written all over it. Boys would purposely walk past me and hit me in the chest. Even at that age, I felt sexually harassed, but because I was a “boy”, no one cared. Once, a girl told me that she wished I would stop behaving like a girl and act more like a boy. It hurt me, and confused me even further.

    Home wasn’t a place where I could seek refuge. My mother’s friends would comment openly with disdain that I was turning into a girl. I knew that this bothered my mother, but she would just laugh with them and shrug it off. But I knew it was eating her up inside.

    I vividly remember the first time my family turned their backs on me. When I was 8 or 9 years old, I innocently asked to play with Barbie Dolls and discovered the dolls went missing the next day. They threw them all away and refused to speak a word to me. It scared me – I loved my family, and I was terrified of being alone. Everyone hated me in school, I couldn’t bear to lose my family too. From then on, I tried my best to be a normal male, even though it was far from who I was.

     

    Terrena wearing the Cezlio Romper from Sher by Twenty3. 

    I’d told lies before, but to actually live a lie made me question my own identity. Who am I? What defines me? Do I exist if nobody will recognize the real me? Do I exist if I don’t even have any sense of my self? It’s a heavy burden for anyone to bear; for a child, it was crushing.

    Growing up, my mind was constantly filled with suicidal thoughts. It started when I was in Primary 6. I would constantly ponder on the quickest, most painless way to die. I began harming myself by hitting my head against the wall, but never cut myself because I was afraid of blood. Several times I tied a rope to the windowpane, but never mustered enough courage to put it around my neck.

    College came and went and yet, I did not find the courage to embrace my feminine side. I wasn’t ready both financially and emotionally to face the consequences of coming out to my family. You only have one family.

    After graduating, I found a job and moved to the city. Away from the environment in which I grew up, I finally began to open up – KL is a much freer and much bigger place where I could grow and learn to rediscover my own self and self-worth. Back in my hometown, I was the weird child under scrutiny from friends and neighbours, but here, I was free to start over. Most importantly, I found a group of friends who have never judged me, and who have been incredibly supportive of my rediscovered gender identity.

     

    Fion wearing the Fronna Culottes, Terrena wearing the Fronna Dress. 

    Two weeks ago, with their constant encouragement, I stepped out in public in a dress for the first time. It was terrifying at first, but I had their unwavering support. They weren't embarrassed to be seen around me – in fact, they were thrilled for me!

    As for my family, I eventually came out to my eldest sister about who I truly am. Her first reaction was shock but she quickly learned to accept it. She even offered to research for the right doctors for me to consult in order for me to receive the right treatments!

    I now own several dresses of my own, but I still have a soft spot for that first dress – it was a Shanon Dress from Twenty3. They contacted me, and convinced me to share my story with the world.

    For anyone reading this who’s going through the same situation as I did, please know that you are not alone. I promise it gets better.

    This is me, coming out of my closet. Having lived a lie for so many years, it feels absolutely wonderful to finally accept myself for who I am.

    And who am I? I am Terrena.”

     

    Terrena wearing the Hagne Skirt and the Diarone Top. 

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  • The New Mod: Modest Wear Lookbook

    0 comments / Posted by Vivien Chong


    We were asked by some customers if we offered modest wear in our store. While we don't at present - at least, not in the strict definition of modest wear - we challenged ourselves to put together some outfits from our current collections for the modern ladies who embrace modest fashion.

    And we are pretty excited with the results! We carefully curated these outfits with an emphasis on comfort and chic. Each individual piece creates endless possibilities for effortless mixing, matching and layering for the modern woman to express her own individuality, regardless of whether she's more comfortable covered or more confident exposed.

    Our friend Alyssa (ig: @alyssaaishahshahrir) agreed to play dress-up, and Bean Brothers kindly agreed to lend us their gorgeous space for our shoot. 

     

    Alyssa wearing the Meddeia Romper, the reversible Kiefer Jacket and the Theodoria Wedges.

    Alyssa wearing the Meddeia Romper and the reversible Kiefer Jacket.

    Alyssa wearing the reversible Kiefer Jacket, the Xonique Dress and the Demetrius Pants.

    Alyssa wearing the Leda Dress and the Demetrius Pants.

    Alyssa wearing the Leticia Dress and the Demetrius Pants.

    Alyssa wearing the Lara Dress, the Demetrius Pants and the Theodoria Wedges.

     

    Shop the Modest Wear outfits here. 

     

    Bean Brothers:

    Jalan PJU 3/50, Sunway Damansara, 47810 Petaling Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia. 

     

     

     

     

     

     

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  • Valentine's Day Wedding

    14 comments / Posted by Vivien Chong


    What better way to celebrate your love than by marrying the love of your life on Valentine’s Day? After all, it’s the day dedicated to love, the most whimsically romantic day of the year. Plus, it has the added benefit of being an easy date to remember for your groom!

    Your wedding ceremony won’t only bring everyone you love together; with love in the air and on the calendar, your single friends just might meet their Mr. or Mrs. Right at the wedding party!

    Planning a Valentine’s Day wedding is fun, and the decorations can be simple. The color palette is already synonymously set to pinks and reds. Keep in mind to plan early, as it’s one of the most popular dates of the year to get married!

    Below is our whimsical guide to planning a wedding filled with hearts and flowers:

     

    1) Many Valentine’s Day brides would choose to incorporate hues of reds or pinks into their attire, whether it’s a red dress, or a white dress with pink accents. If you want to stick to the traditional white dress, then dress your bridesmaids in Valentine’s colors. Think reds, pinks, whites and burgundy. Go for romanticism with voluminous skirts for midi dresses, flowy maxi dresses, delicate lace, and traditional luxurious fabrics like satins and silks.

    Sherlyn wearing wedding dress from Annie Loiseau Bridal. Bridesmaids wearing the Galene Dress, the Ottavia Dress, the Monroe Dress and the Hakken Heels.

    Bridesmaids wearing the Josette Dress in both short and long, and the Hakken Heels.

    Bridesmaids wearing the Allyson Dress and Hakken Heels.

    2) “Wear your heart on your sleeve.”

    Or be quirky and wear your heart on your wedding day shoes. After all, Cinderella’s shoes brought her, her happy ever after. If it’s good enough for her, it’s good enough for you.

    Photo taken from www.weddingbells.ca

    3) Incorporate elements of Valentines Day, whether it’s colors or shapes, into your groom’s and best men’s attire. Match pink and red ties with red socks, or swap out boring boutonnieres with cut out hearts. Get creative! It’s your one chance to style them however you want!

    Photo taken from www.popsugar.com

    4) A beautiful red floral arrangement would certainly give a striking and dramatic contrast to your white wedding gown. Roses are common, but other blooms such as bright wine colored dahlias, deep red carnations and berry colored tulips can be just as romantic and stylish.

    Photo taken from www.instyle.com

    5) Floral decorations are simple and effective. Pick a variety of different colored roses, ranging from whites to pinks to reds, and place them in decorative vases as centerpieces. To add a little more flair and drama, candles and scattered rose petals create an even more romantic atmosphere.

    Photo taken from weddingcolors.net

    6) What about writing your marriage vows on a heart?

    Photo taken from www.popsugar.com

    7) You can also have your guests’ names written in hearts attached to each individual chair for seating arrangements. 

    Photo taken from www.weddingbells.ca

    8) There can never be too many heart-shaped props at a Valentine’s Day wedding. Line your aisle with hearts leading up to a beautiful larger than life heart backdrop, where you and your groom will exchange vows. This is also the perfect backdrop for some simply memorable photos!

    Photo taken from www.popsugar.com

    9) Heart balloons not only make for a wedding photo prop, they also look great in videos when everyone lets them loose at the reception. The balloons will also keep the kids entertained while the grown-ups enjoy the ceremony.

     Photo taken from wedding.allwomenstalk.com

    10) Cupid’s in the house! How about a whimsically fun Valentine’s Day themed cake with Cupid’s arrow striking your cake?

    Photo taken from www.weddingbells.ca

    11) Send guests home with something sweet, packaged in a creative way. Steal their hearts with a festive box of sweetheart candy and leave a little note on it saying, “Thank you for being our Valentines!”

     Photo taken from www.marthastewartweddings.com

    12) Last but not least, Valentine’s Day is all about the love you have for the people you care for. This one is from the bridesmaids to the bride; give your BFF a unique gift on her special day; your love framed in the form of lipstick-stained kisses!

     Photo taken from www.weddingbells.ca

    Even if you’re not getting married on Valentine’s Day, consider incorporating some of these touches for a truly love-filled day!

     

     

    Annie Loiseau Bridal:

    95, Jalan SS2/75, 47300 Petaling Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia
    +60 3-7865 1942

    BloomThis Flowers:

    http://www.bloomthis.co/

    Check out our other wedding ideas:

    - Frozen Themed Wedding

    - Fitness Themed Wedding

    - Bridesmaids Dresses Inspiration 

     

     

     

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  • FROZEN Themed Wedding

    0 comments / Posted by Vivien Chong


    Your heart skips a beat every time you glance at the diamond ring on your engagement finger, especially when light bounces off of its surface making it sparkle and shine, like a snowflake in the sun.

    Complement that beautiful engagement ring given to you by planning a winter themed wedding! The wedding doesn’t have to take place in a cold climate. Simple, effective decorations as well as color coordination goes a long way to set a wintery tone, even if your wedding is located in a hot climate. Think shades of blues, silvers and white as well as sparkles, crystals and dashes of glitter.

    Check out our suggestions for your winter themed wedding. Spoiler: Olaf not included.

     

    1) Your wedding dress is only worn once in a lifetime, and you will likely have more pictures taken in it than any other outfit. In line with the winter themed wedding reception, pick a white wedding dress encrusted with silver or white crystals. In addition to that, show your appreciation for the effort your bridesmaids have made by dressing them in different shades of snowy white. The texture of their dresses are key to pulling off this look, so look out white lace or embroidery.

    Sherlyn wearing wedding dress from Annie Loiseau Bridal. Bridesmaids wearing the Giovon Dress, the Summer Dress Version III and the Prugova Dress.

    Bridesmaids wearing the Giovon Dress and the Summer Dress Version III.

    “Something old, something new, something borrowed and something blue.”

     You don’t have to stick to the traditional white dress; you could opt for a shimmery blue wedding dress instead. Complement your beautiful bridesmaids in shades of pastel blues and white for a true blue Frozen look.     

    Sherlyn wearing wedding dress from Annie Loiseau Bridal. Bridesmaids wearing the Abramova Dress, the Abramova Top and the Abramova Skirt.

    Sherlyn wearing wedding dress from Annie Loiseau Bridal. Bridesmaids wearing the Abramova Dress, the Abramova Top and the Abramova Skirt.

    2) Wedding rings are a visual symbol of your love, and your past and future promises. The feeling of each other’s rings when you hold hands is also a tangible reminder of the commitment you’ve made for each other. A wedding ring with diamonds forming the shape of a snowflake is not only the perfect keepsake for your winter themed wedding, it symbolically freezes the both of you in that moment in time.

    Photo taken from blog.bettereverafter.com

    3) Accessorize the wedding dress of your dreams with a crystal bouquet, instead of a regular bouquet of flowers. It will look like you’re holding a beautifully carved ice sculpture without freezing your hands! It also lasts forever, a memento that you could keep forever to remember your wedding day.

     Photo taken from closeronline.co.uk

    4) Instead of having a ring bearer pillow, have rock candy holding your wedding rings during the exchange of vows. Rock candy look like icicle formations - just resist licking them!

     Photo taken from popsugar.com

    5) Notify your friends and family of your wedding details with an invitation card fitting the color scheme of a snowy landscape. Add a little snowflake brooch to give them a hint of your wedding theme.

    Photo taken from etsy.com

    6) Winter is often associated with snowy landscapes in the purest form of white. Decorate each table’s centerpiece with fake snow that feels cool to the touch. It will be visually similar to real snow, and it will last longer (no melting!). Vases of white roses adorned with crystallized bare branches, surrounded by fake snow gives a miniature effect of a romantic, serene winter wonderland.

    Photo taken from www.weddingomania.com

    7) A simple all white wedding cake decorated with enlarged snowflakes is nothing short of chic, magical, and sums up all the work you’ve put into your winter themed wedding.

    Photo taken from fairycakesoffulwell.co.uk

    7) Lastly, inject some warmth into your snowy wedding. Nothing is more comforting than a warm cup of hot chocolate. Say thank you to your guests who took the time off to celebrate your union with wedding gifts of jars of creamy chocolate mixed in with miniature marshmallows.

    Photo taken from simplypeachy.com

    We hope you found some inspiration from these ideas. Good luck with your own wedding, and may your union be as magical as a Disney movie!

     

     

    Annie Loiseau Bridal:

    95, Jalan SS 2/75, SS 2, 47300 Petaling Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia
    +60 3-7865 1942

    Bloom This Flowers:

    http://www.bloomthis.co/

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  • Fitness Themed Wedding Inspiration

    1 comment / Posted by Vivien Chong


    Sparks fly, butterflies flit in your stomach, tiny little hearts pop up in your eyes. He’s all you’ve ever wanted, the only one who understands you, who loves, and cherishes you, and he’s just popped the question. What comes after that is planning the wedding of your dreams to immortalize your love, and to share that love with those dearest to you. But how do you recreate that spark that first bonded you both with your wedding guests? How do you create a truly memorable wedding that represents all that your relationship stands for?

    Here’s a wedding post for couples whose ideal date night is a serious sweat session together in the gym. For the couple who eats, sleeps and breathes fitness. For the couple who lives the mantra, “Train together, stay together!”

    There are many subtle (and overt!) ways to incorporate fitness and health theme into your wedding. Combine your love of muscles and each other with some fun ideas below:

    1) You’ve found the perfect dress that shows off your hard-earned physique. Now it comes to dressing your bridesmaids, the girls who make you laugh a little louder, smile a little bigger and have been there with you through the thick and thin, ups and downs, and squats and sun salutations. Dress your girls in chic sports bras or tank tops, with matching sports shoes and an ethereal skirt to exude a sporty feel for an unconventional wedding party.

    Sherlyn Tan wearing wedding dress from Annie Loiseau. Bridesmaids wearing the Loanna Skirt and the Hakken Heels.

    Sherlyn Tan wearing wedding dress from Annie Loiseau. Bridesmaids wearing the Loanna Skirt.

    Sherlyn Tan wearing wedding dress from Annie Loiseau. Bridesmaids wearing the Loanna Skirt.

    Sherlyn Tan wearing wedding dress from Annie Loiseau. Bridesmaids wearing the Cacee Top and the Ambre Skirt.

    2) Many couples usually opt to have pre-wedding photos taken before their wedding day. One of the reasons is to get to know your wedding photographer well before the big day so both parties are comfortable with each other. For fitness enthusiasts, instead of going for the traditional beautifully manicured gardens and parks, why not have your wedding pictures taken at the gym where you spend so much time together?

     Photo taken from alinaroseblog.com

    3) Bridal bouquets brighten up your wedding day and add a little more charm to your wedding dress that you painstakingly chose. Flowers were originally integrated into wedding ceremonies as a symbol of fertility, with the first bouquet made out of herbs and slowly evolving into the decorative flowers we use today. They also express your personal tastes with each flower symbolizing something different, such as roses representing everlasting love, ivy for fidelity, and so on.However, bouquets can be made out of just about anything... Why not have a beautiful, ornamental bouquet made out of kale representing the healthy lifestyle you share?

     Photo taken from www.greenweddingshoes.com

    4) Wedding decorations are often the first impression guests have of the wedding theme and help create the right ambience for the reception. Often vases filled with colour-coordinated flowers stand as centerpieces. How about replacing the vases with trophies? Fill them with flowers for a fun and sporty, competitive vibe while still preserving the grace and feminine appeal of beautiful fresh flowers!

     Photo taken from bridalguide.com

    5) It is important for your guests to be able to find their tables and seats easily in a wedding reception to eliminate any additional stress. Put a little twist in guest place cards and table names by using exercise names like ‘lunges’, ‘squats’ or ‘shoulder press’ instead of numbers. You can even get creative and attach them to miniature dumbbells. Seat arrangements could be made into miniature barbells. Your imagination is the only limit!

     Photo taken from www.popsugar.com

    Photo taken from crossfitwedding.wordpress.com

    6) Nothing can replace having a beautiful cake at your wedding. There is a belief that eating the crumbs of the wedding cake would give guests good luck because the wedding cake is supposed to symbolize happiness and a good life ahead for the newlywed couple. Create a custom wedding cake that is personalized and represents you and your groom as a couple, maybe with a cake topper model of the both of you lifting! Hey, if you’re going to eat cake, make sure it’s a cake that lifts as much as you!

     Photo taken from etsy.com

    7) Your wedding day wouldn’t be nearly as fun or memorable without all of your friends and family who travelled near and far to celebrate with you. Express your thanks with wedding favors that are meaningful and will be appreciated by your guests. Don’t lose your personal touch, involve your health and fitness theme in to your thank-you notes and wedding favours!

    - Granolas are healthy and offer a heap of health benefits and can be infused into many different recipes. Present them in colourful boxes with mini scoops and this could kick start your guests into starting a healthy lifestyle for themselves!

     Photo taken from www.theknot.com

    - For the healthy foodie couple, have your favourite health recipes available for the guests written on beautiful recipe cards. Add a little more flavour to the gift by giving away one of its ingredients to go along with the recipe card!

     Photo taken from flourishinglove.com.au

    - Or opt for something as simple and fuss free with fruits like personalized apples and pears, with wedding guests names beautifully etched on to ribbons.

    Photo taken from popsugar.com

    Good luck with your own interpretation of a sporty themed wedding! If you have any further ideas to suggest, we’d love to hear them in the comment box below!

    Sherlyn Tan wearing wedding dress from Annie Loiseau. Bridesmaids wearing the Loanna Skirt and the Hakken Heels. 

     

    More bridal inspirations here:

    http://www.twenty3.my/pages/bridesmaids-dresses-inspiration 

    Annie Loiseau Bridal:

    95, Jalan SS 2/75, 47300 Petaling Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia. +603-78651942

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