I've moved on...
...to a different domain. Why, what were you thinking? The truth is, I just woke up one day and decided it's time for a change—a metamorphosis, if you will; or, in layman's terms, if Britney can shave her head, then maybe so can I? Nevertheless, it's been a rather handsome 10 years of talking to you, and thank you for putting up with all my moodswings and terrible dad jokes. Fear not! The hormonal imbalance and jokes are more terrible on CUBICLE, see you there.
www.cubiclejournal.com
13th October 2010
Sweater & Geometric Print top – Courtesy of Urban Outfitters, Dress – Primark, Khaki top – Uniqlo, Bag – Vintage DIYed, Socks – Tabio, Shoes – Anarchy Street

Thank you Jill for helping with the photos!

Here’s a peculiar situation – this blog was about DIY and cutting back on spend-spend-spending yet you’re seeing new items on me in every outfit post. Oh hypocrite me. There, I wrote my own mean comment – beat you to it, HAH. I’m finding myself not knowing what to do with little or no time to finish personal/DIY projects, while free clothes arrive at my doorstep every day. I’m absolutely thankful for the gifts, and I don’t mean to brag – I just wanted to acknowledge that the blog has indeed changed a lot, and so I’m installing a leash. It’s like a horse gone rogue after having one too many free carrots from the stable kids from the farm next door. Pull some potato cart, why don’t ya.

Please feel free to leave constructive criticism about the blog at any point in time, the comments are always open, I always read them. I’m somehow blessed with a civilised and engaged readership, and I wouldn’t trade that for anything.

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68 Comments

  1. Jessi Lou
    October 13, 2010 at 3:29 pm

    You look so cute!! I love the fisherman cardigan and shearling boots! <3

    http://thechicaddict.blogspot.com

  2. Not A Paper Cup
    October 13, 2010 at 3:35 pm

    ahhhh….the top! :)

  3. jill
    October 13, 2010 at 3:43 pm

    Ah but that’s part of what makes your blog, and you, so special, Shini: you have an incredible eye – an artists’ soul – and a way of taking new clothes from various brands and making your mark on it, making it your own. In a sense, you ‘DIY’ even if you don’t actually take scissors to anything. When I saw you yesterday, it wasn’t any one particular item – it was this almost organic way that the elements unfold: like being in nature and realising, oh, wow, that flower, the light on the water.. it all adds up to something that is uniquely YOU.

    Does that make ANY sense?

    I just think you’re an amazing person, and so glad we’re friends. And I do feel that anyone who is open to criticism, as I like to think I am – open to being ‘teachable’… well, that’s also part of why, I feel, your blog – like you – is so popular.

    I am making absolutely no sense today, but I hope you know what I mean. xx

  4. Ley
    October 13, 2010 at 3:46 pm

    I absolutely love reading your blog. You are witty and so down-to-earth, which is really rare among ~fashion bloggers. I support whatever you feel is the right as to where your blog is headed. I actually enjoy all your posts, DIY or not. ♥ :)

  5. Ruyi
    October 13, 2010 at 3:47 pm

    Another lovely entry! :)

    What kind of bag is it?

  6. Shini
    October 13, 2010 at 10:10 pm

    It’s this one, one of my first DIYs! ;)

  7. foxinthewoods
    October 14, 2010 at 4:06 pm

    @Shini, love what you did with the bag. Not everyone would think to put the studs underneath… Do you mind me asking where you got your studs from? I was looking for some recently. MacCulloch & Wallis sent me to kleins, kleins sent me to MacCulloch & Wallis! I guess online but I’m a little old school like that :)

  8. agata
    October 13, 2010 at 3:49 pm

    i’m in love with your chunky sweater!

    http://flash-delirium.blogspot.com/

  9. Mademoiselle Sky
    October 13, 2010 at 3:57 pm

    Such a great mix of prints ! (and I love the shoes).
    I’ve been reading your blog for a while now and I like it just the way it is. You’re indeed very talented ! xoxo

  10. Kate
    October 13, 2010 at 3:58 pm

    I love the prints and the cute cardigan! lovely mix. Things always change, not that its a problem! :) keep it up x

  11. Esther
    October 13, 2010 at 4:00 pm

    i agree with jill wholeheartedly; it’s the way you mix & match conventional store items & the details you put into them that make me look forward to your posts so much. and that, in a sense, is your own diy take on fashion. maybe if you feel just a littttle guilty (hah :P) towards us readers, you could update even more frequently with your outfit posts! ^-^

    but gosh, i cant imagine how lucky you are to have new (& free!) clothes appearing on your doorstep so frequently :P

  12. C
    October 13, 2010 at 4:01 pm

    I’ve always enjoyed how you manage to balance out all the high-fashion-world content that spiffifies your blog with your self-deprecating, and often ridiculously cynical comments. There are ten zillion fashion blogs with pretty pictures of pricey stuff, but yours is always incredibly memorable for the distinctly-Shini commentary. Not that I don’t also like the gorgeous photography…

    In any case, I’d like to steal your dress.

  13. agata
    October 13, 2010 at 4:02 pm

    i also agree with Ley- it’s not easy to find so special and unique yet so down-to-earth blogger these days. no matter what is your post about, it’s always interesting. plus the things you write about are never rubbish, so it’s the evidence of your intelligence.
    i’m sorry for my poor english, hope you’ll understand me though. xx

  14. Geneva
    October 13, 2010 at 4:14 pm

    You make a great point Shini – we all do DIY out of necessity when we are starting out in fashion, but once you gain a following and brands start to recognise how powerful your readership is, I can imagine the free swag comes flooding in.

    I think thats a pretty standard process – and don’t worry, your lovely tie dye outfit inspires me to do some DIY…. so dont feel so bad! Although, it would be sad not to see more DIY from you, although at what point DIY becomes actually designing something is a big question – maybe its time to cross that line?

    see you friday!

    x

    Geneva

  15. Mademoiselle Robot
    October 13, 2010 at 4:16 pm

    I wouldn’t worry about the DIY/not DIY conundrum too much! Your style remains the same whether you made your clothes, altered them or received them as press gifts. There is nothing wrong with that! Your personality shines through your outfits no matter what you wear.

    Also – the cardigan: I DIE.

    x

  16. Victoire
    October 13, 2010 at 4:27 pm

    Seriously amazing photos. I love all your style – its so unique, creative and completely fascinating to look at. really inspiring :)

  17. Kb
    October 13, 2010 at 4:39 pm

    I love the way you’ve mixed everything and even though it’s free swag, you’ve chosen items that fit into your wardrobe seamlessly. I would never begrudge a blogger taking a few freebies here and there, as we all know how much life costs. I know this is really delayed, but I’ve recently just got my internet sorted (like yourself) and it was great to meet you at Fashion Week! Wish I could go back to Somerset House asap.

  18. the style crusader
    October 13, 2010 at 4:40 pm

    love that jumper and the shoes. i don’t mind you posting about freebies. you always present things in a very honest and open way. the styling is always very unique and it doesn’t feel like you are just representing something that you’ve been sent in a pre-styled way. you always put your own spin on it. xx

  19. Kit
    October 13, 2010 at 4:44 pm

    There’s plenty of time for diy-ing…we all get abit lazy in the middle of it. I’m still diy-ing my old pair of shoes which i’ve started before LFW…it’s 1/4 done LOL.

    Loving the top and is that the best selling Tabio socks?

  20. Shini
    October 13, 2010 at 8:59 pm

    I dunno actually, it was the first pair I ever bought, I think it was 2006 or 07… looks like mens socks actually :P
    Let’s see those DIY shoes, now!

  21. renee
    October 13, 2010 at 5:21 pm

    oh…geometric-knitwear…good gracious….me…i love it….and that tie&dyed dress…gives it a completely different vibe…..the shoes are of course….cherry on the icing..or more like vice-versa…
    i like that you defend your blog…though completely..unnecessary…its awesome as ever….and free clothing is what we die for..so…seriously..anyone hating you for that is probably jealous…of course….(oooh…free gifts clothes..everyday..waaahh…)
    p.s-its always nice to know that one reads one’s comments….its truly assuring…cause then you know one knows one’s not compromising the state of their fingers for nothing….lol…(excessive use of one…result of english classes)
    much love..
    bisous…bisous….

  22. Blah Blah Becky
    October 13, 2010 at 7:36 pm

    Great outfit, the shoes in particular are AMAZING!

  23. spanxmama
    October 13, 2010 at 8:06 pm

    Hey, who can argue about free stuff?

  24. Kirsty
    October 13, 2010 at 8:27 pm

    I would worry about your blog changing, people change so why shouldn’t a blog? You still have absolutely beautiful images and your blog is still a must read. x

  25. nyrha
    October 13, 2010 at 8:35 pm

    Cute outfit! I love those prints with that knit. shoes are amazing

    jenni@gtie.fi

  26. Amy
    October 13, 2010 at 9:07 pm

    I really like your shoes!

    Much Love.

  27. Hannie
    October 13, 2010 at 9:34 pm

    I love your boots!
    xoxo from Hannie

  28. Sarah
    October 13, 2010 at 9:54 pm

    That’s a great cardi, Shini. It looks quite similar to the Next one I’ve seen a few bloggers wearing but is maybe a little bit shorter. I don’t think it matters if you’re wearing freebies rather than things you’ve picked yourself or DIY items – you put such a unique stamp on everything anyway, it always looks creative and individual. xx
    http://www.weshopthereforeweare.co.uk/

  29. sk
    October 13, 2010 at 10:32 pm

    I think as the blog kinda morphed into something a little different than what you had planned, the readers changed with it and adjusted. And in my opinion, I’M TOTALLY COOL WITH IT. hehe. I love that your clothes are light and fluttery but you still look so warm and cozy. Perfect transition :)

  30. Aimee
    October 14, 2010 at 12:00 am

    ahhh shiny u got those boots in tan!! i have them in black and i was debating for a long tym whether to get the tan or black.
    u look soo good in them!!
    i love ur blog and i’m so thankful to have a somewhat of an online friendship with you!
    can’t wait to meet u one day w/ Nadia! hehe <3

  31. Carri
    October 14, 2010 at 12:16 am

    I’ve been readying your blog for a while and I LOVE it! Even though I don’t know you in person I can tell you have this very special taste (from your writing style, gorgeous photos, this simple but unique layout… don’t let me write on – I’m not good with words at all – about all the compliments I have for your blog) that has made all your readers royal and fascinated. Why don’t you just follow your instinct and I’m sure I will support whatever you feel is right that takes this further.

    With that aside, there’s a question I really wanna ask at this time – about the mini golden cross necklace your were wearing. Guess you might think it’s too miner or too much a personal piece to mention but I adore it so much and am so desperate to get one for myself. I’ve been looking for that everywhere but can’t find such a petite and delicate one. If you could let me know where to find or if it’s available online somewhere that would be perfect! I feel so weird asking about this in my very first comment here and it’s totally unrelated to the topic… but I just have to. :P

  32. Shini
    October 14, 2010 at 12:52 am

    Ah my little cross! I always have it on, I didn’t realise I had it on for this outfit!
    I had it since I was very little, I think even since 2nd grade or so. I’m sure though you can definitely buy it in a fine jewellery store – you know those that do granny gold and simple gold band rings and owned by a family? I’ve never seen anything like it in a highstreet store or even designer stores… I guess it’s too simple of an item you just can’t really design. You know, I bet if you show a pic of it to someone at the jewellery store they could even make it for you ;)

    Thanks so much for your kind words btw <3

  33. Yoshi
    October 14, 2010 at 12:34 am

    To be honest, I only really started thinking about how your blog had changed when you mentioned it just then.

    I STILL love it. :D

    Sometimes I wish you would do more DIY posts though… or more knitting… that’s a weird request isn’t it?

    (As a side note, I just clicked your ‘portfolio’ link in your header and it just went to a cPanel placeholder page… just letting you know…)

  34. Shini
    October 14, 2010 at 12:47 am

    Hahaa ‘knit more!’ I definitely will! In fact the DIY I’m doing now is knitting, just in time for the season, huh ;)?
    Thanks so much for letting me know about the portfolio link, should be fixed now!

  35. Kirsty
    October 14, 2010 at 12:54 am

    would just like to make it clear i meant “wouldn’t” not “would”, haha! x

  36. Moni
    October 14, 2010 at 3:30 am

    Like everyone else says, I don’t mind that you don’t do as many DIYs anymore. Your DIYs are AWESOME, mind you, but your style and your discerning eye (e.g., new designers) are what keep us all coming back — me at least.

  37. coté provence
    October 14, 2010 at 3:39 am

    Love the skirt and the booties! lovely. I love your blog and always enjoy reading it!
    I am hosting my first giveaway … hope you’ll stop by!

    xo

  38. Marilyn
    October 14, 2010 at 4:42 am

    I love your cardi and your boots..It’s really interesting the way you layered your clothes!

  39. Natalie
    October 14, 2010 at 5:41 am

    ahhhh love your photography! just got my first “real” camera so i’m coming after you! jk. but i am excited about upgrading from my point and shoot. awesome texture in your outfit.

  40. vasilieva
    October 14, 2010 at 8:28 am

    shades of this dress are totally great + loved the look

    vasilieva
    http://elenavasilieva.blogspot.com/
    x

  41. JANE!!
    October 14, 2010 at 9:34 am

    here is what i think: while i do like your blog when it’s in its DIY gung-ho “in my day we built this city with rock and roll” lumberjack and beards thing (???), it makes little difference whether the clothes you’re wearin are old or new or hand-woven by mice. it is you yourself + your look/personality/i don’t know what exactly, that endows whatever you wear w/ your own color and old soul feel (enhanced by the pretty backgrounds and old world settings of your photos). basically everything you rock due to the way it’s put together and worn ends up looking fresh and DIY anyways. so yeayy

  42. Sophia
    October 14, 2010 at 10:11 am

    I love your blog, you’re writing style especially and of course the outfits you choose. The diy aspect, in terms of being a reader, isn’t a must since I am here to read about your style and if you also made something then that’s great but I don’t expect it all the time! I just love your photography, witty commentary and amazing outfits! <3

    http://skiepies.blogspot.com/

  43. duckalicious
    October 14, 2010 at 10:48 am

    sorry, no criticism for you today. I love the look!

  44. duckalicious
    October 14, 2010 at 10:50 am

    I do envy you the free clothes though. here, I admitted it.

  45. kim
    October 14, 2010 at 11:20 am

    honestly i think you dress weird. but somehow, it just looks SO right ;D

  46. pink
    October 14, 2010 at 12:52 pm

    woww fantastic!

    check out my fashion blog at http://thetalesofselfindulgence.blogspot.com

  47. Amalina
    October 14, 2010 at 5:13 pm

    Aw, who could make a mean comment about YOU? You’re so sweet, and have amazing style!

    http://www.fashion-feline.blogspot.com

  48. Sole Sol
    October 14, 2010 at 6:50 pm

    Shini I love your blog! I’m from Mexico, I love the boots that are in these photos, where I could buy? greetings and blessings to you!

  49. Winnie
    October 15, 2010 at 1:47 am

    I don’t mind the freebies Shini! You write in such a way that It’s not actually that noticeable and we just love the way you style things up! There’s a lot of love here!

    Also LOVE that you did the flowerpot baby thing with the frilly collar, haha! I want pictures!!

  50. Stephanie J
    October 15, 2010 at 5:42 pm

    Hi Shini!

    I still am a great fan of your blog!

    I wondered if you’d received the email about N.E.E.T.’s Top Secret Project? I’d love to have you on board!

    Can you let me know if you haven’t received it, or if you have, whether or not you’d like to be involved?

    Thanks so much!

    Stephanie

  51. nonamecoco
    October 15, 2010 at 9:31 pm

    Hello my boots! I just wonder why every blog I have a look at, I see those camel/black boots… I’ve got in camel ones. Well, I know what’s the feeling wearing them. Take care!

  52. Lucy
    October 16, 2010 at 10:36 am

    I love your shoes!!

  53. Sofie
    October 16, 2010 at 1:50 pm

    Hi Shini! (:
    I really enjoy reading your blog. it’s very inspiring! I must admit, that I really miss your DIY’s. I hope, that you will get the time to show us more of that soon, because they are my favorite!

    take care.

    -Sofie (:

  54. Shamini
    October 16, 2010 at 2:03 pm

    oooh! the shoes are just divine!
    xoxo

  55. Janne
    October 20, 2010 at 5:56 am

    I definitely would love to see for DIY posts, they’re absolutely amazing! But change is a part of our lives and your blog, so I don’t mind too much. :)

  56. San
    October 21, 2010 at 9:15 pm

    As I said to Jill before: It’s YOUR blog, do what you want. And hey no complaining about freebies, you put them together in your own way, without a stylist right? So it’s DIY.

    DIY is fine if you have the time. Don’t worry too much.

    Hugs from Germany

  57. Suzanne
    October 26, 2010 at 7:57 pm

    love the boots <3

  58. Isabel
    November 10, 2010 at 4:38 pm

    I love your blog because it´s not the kind of “fast food blog” do you know what i mean?
    Sometimes we see ten or twenty blogs and they look all the same,with the same informations ,the same editorials.
    Your blog it´s different and that´s why is so damn good!!
    (sorry my english)

  59. PARK & CUBE » Day Five Outfit
    February 25, 2011 at 4:01 am

    […] understand, a few months ago I said sorry about not having enough DIYs and for letting this blog run wild. So I understand that […]

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    March 22, 2011 at 2:34 am

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