SUGARY TiPs | Same Dress, Different Looks

Who would've thought that a pair of nylons and a bright coverup can make the same dress look different?

Hi, everyone! Reinventing clothes is something I have to master since packing light is probably one of the skills that I need to improve much on. 

OUTFiT | So Underdressed

There is always that question before you leave the house if one is invited to an occasion. What to wear? And if one cannot decide, the seemingly second question will be "Is it better to be overdressed or underdressed?" Perhaps I am one of those who would like to look a little nice before walking out door. No, I do not exactly mind what others think of me. How I look at myself is more important. That's why I pick clothes that I believe will bring out the best version of me.

OUTFiT | Monochrome

Hello to all my beautiful fellow bloggers! 

Having worn monochrome today made me think of its representation. Do you know that white, according to color psychology, means new beginnings. Just like a blank canvass waiting to be written or painted upon. While the color black means power and control. Well I neither have the latter. But I definitely am looking forward to my new beginnings no matter how inchoate they may be. 

OUTFiT | Lazy Casual

Hey, loves! I am sorry that I am not sorry for posting this look. Guess we all have those days when we lack inspiration and just put on the first thing that we see in our closet. For which this kind of feeling is getting a lot to me these days. Oh, snap.

OUFiT | Sneakers, Shirt and Skater Skirt

I know by now you all are aware of my love for sneakers! They're super comfy, stylish and fun. It goes with any wardrobe! And when I say any wardrobe, I literally mean, ANY. A friend of mine wore a pair of bright pink converse when she walked down the aisle! YES! She exudes such confidence she was able to carry the unconventional pretty well!

ThOUGhTS | Hello, Mid October!

Heya my loves! I know I've said in my IG account about updating you all with a blog. Sorry I was slacking. My days were, I would, say cray cray enough that I am once again in that state of getting lost! Insane. Sometimes I think of how we are all placed in a very difficult task.  Some might not be even aware of this but everyday is a blank page as that of a journal.

OUTFiT | Nike and Tulle

Black and white. Nike and Tulle. 

The first thing I saw when I opened my closet is this black tulle. Yes, if you are following me on Instagram, you will recognize this skirt. The story behind this piece, I guess, is worth sharing in my next post, so, hope you can all stay tune! With less inspiration whatsoever, I ended up pairing this cute tulle with my running shirt. Unconventional, but well, it worked for me.

REViEW | Discovery on a Laid Back Sunday

Discovery Sunday! It's official! 

With the help of my equally adventurous new found friends, I get to add something to look forward to during my rest day. Exploring new places to dine or hang out is -- cliche as it may sound -- so much fun! Thanks to audacious spirits, google map and Instagram, we discovered a charming patisserie near home!! Presenting: Amor Bakery, sBread Your Love. 

Cozy, Dainty and Sweet

OUTFiT | Denim and Plaid

Working 2 jobs is one of my firsts. I've never been so busy in my life except the time I was completing my Thesis. My only rest day is Sunday. I am not complaining. I love how I get to manage my time and learn how to prioritize things. It's also a great avenue to ignore cynicism. When your hands are full, you won't have the luxury to entertain bad vibes. Your mind is tracked to move forward and work for solutions. 

OUTFiT | Thrifted and Borrowed

Hello, beautiful people! It's July. 4th of July that is. Happy Independence Day to all my friends in the US. Hope you all are preoccupied enjoying your holiday. 

Holiday is something I can relate to these past few weeks. Life has been so good to me that I feel like it's been a holiday for days! I've learned to believe that things happen for a reason and that even if God put you through a phase you thought is not survivable, the impossible happens!! I never thought that He will shower me with the blessings that I have now. Everything is borrowed but His graces aren't thrifted.

OUTFiT | Circusy Balloon Dress

This dress is a perfect depiction of what my schedule was like these past few weeks. Circusy.

I've been busy of late! I've tried to organize, set priorities. But I still cannot fit everything in my day's to do list. Though blogging is in the books, time isn't exactly a friend to me. Thanks to all your emails and messages, I was encouraged to get my blog back on track. You guys are the best!

ROADTRiP | ID Weekend!

June 12, 2015. This day marks the 117th year of the Philippine Independence. And yes, I consider myself as a patriot. I love my country come what may. I have written a bit about our history and my fascination of how things came about here.

To everyone's delight, this legal non-working holiday fell on a Friday! The long weekend means only one thing. Roadtrip. I am very blessed to have my two bestfriends with me. They have such adventurous spirits! We drove for 2 hours to Shercon Park, Batangas.

OUTFiT | The Stylish Streets of Manila

My usual weekend errand turned into something exciting when I saw these three young friends, chit chatting on the road, on my way to the grocery store. Their practical yet simple sense of style caught my eye. I ended up getting to know them a little and learned about their various definition of "fashion" and how they incorporate it with their kind of lifestyle. Listening to these kids suddenly inspired me to go on a hunt for Manila's everyday fashionista.

© paololapid

© msgeekinthepink

OUTFiT | Not Just Pink But BubbleGum Pink

You all have to admit that pink is an unmistakable representation of anything girly. For that matter, I believe I'm not much of a girly girl. Which explains why I don't have a lot of pink in my wardrobe. Though I like looking at this dainty tone, it won't be the first color I'll choose to put on. 

But everything changed the moment I saw this piece slightly hiding on the rack of Landmark Department Store. I gravitated to it's delicate charm. Who wouldn't love a bubblegum pink, white polka dot, summer dress?

PPL vibe?!

SToRY | Plaid and Print

We made it to June! How time flies! And I'm guessing it does when your schedule is full and when you are having fun. You know that feeling of not having enough time and wishing you can delay it even just for a little while?

Well, that's exactly how I felt just last weekend! The usual hours isn't sufficient when catching up with friends. Started my day at 4:00 AM, took the early morning bus ride to Clark and visited my bestfriend. Clark is 58.9 miles away from where I live. Since I will be on the road for almost half of the day, I wore the most laid back outfit that I can think of. My light plaid bomber jacket, printed tee, shorts and laced flat shoes - Plaid and Print!

It's a sunny day... when you're not around..

OUTFiT | Casual Urban Wear

Hello, everyone!

Hope you all are enjoying your holiday weekend the same way I am enjoying mine. No, I don't have 3 days off. But I am thankful for just 2 even if my weekend was packed. 

So, tagged as "important" in my schedule is an invite for the 2nd branch opening of my best friend's pet shop, The Barking Zoo (will be featuring this awesome story soon so, hope you all stay tune). We girls know too well  that in social occasions, the first question that pops in our head is "What will I wear?". I am proud to say that it didn't take me too long this time to decide what to put on. In a bustling city where getting your hands dirty is usual and public transport is the main means of getting around, it is key to wear comfy clothing. I don't want to trade comfort over style. But can we be stylish and comfy at the same time? The answer is a resounding, YES!

Keeping the green theme in mind, I opted to put together what I call my casual urban wear so I can move around easily and extend help to the staff. And boy! That was a good decision for when I got to the pet store, the place was already packed with cute furballs!

Street Style

REViEW | Cannes Film Festival Looks 2015

One of the anticipated events every year during the month of May would be Cannes Film Festival. Aside from the glitz and glamour, this event premieres acclaimed cinema works of artists of different genres from all over the globe in which they are given equal opportunity to showcase their talents in film. With gargantuan media exposure and by invitation only, the Cannes Film Festival is considered as the most prestigious.

Dreamy, overflowing fabric ran down Promenade de la Croisette's red carpet. I've only seen it on TV yet it's hypnotizing! To have sheer elegance and utter glam in one event running for two weeks, Cannes Film Festival is indeed living up to its name --- the greatest social event of the season. With my eyes overwhelmed with too much pretty,  I've created a list of my 7 Best Cannes Film Festival Looks!

Left: Emily Blunt in Stella McCartney
Right: Soo Joo Park in Oscar Dela Renta
PC: Harper's Bazaar

ThOUGhTS | You are Beautiful!

I get intimidated with a table full of liquid foundations, primers, contour powder creams, the whole shebang.

It's because all my life, I've been battling with skin problems. I constantly have break-outs. That's why I am very careful with the products I put on my face. I admire girls who create magic using cosmetics! Been always wanting to learn how to apply glittery eye-shadows, falsies and stuff. But unfortunately, make-up makes my skin look oily and splotchy no matter how expensive the product is. I have to settle with the basic, oil free and water based brands. Ironically, despite my "need" to cover the blemishes on my face, I walk the streets with just sunscreen, fresh powder and lip gloss on.

Confidence is key!

OUTFiT | 96.2° Black Summer Dress

You got that right! I am wearing what I call a black summer dress even if the temperature will literally disintegrate the soles of your shoes. Errr... alright, I got carried away. It won't disintegrate. But you will have that "I AM MELTING! I AM MELTING!" feeling.

Okay, enough with the weather rant since you've already heard me complain about it a lot. Haha. There's nothing I can do to change the heat so I need to just focus on making myself comfortable when I step out of my door and do my usual errands. In which today, I chose that little black summer dress.

Everything will be in bloom and it'll be beautiful!

ThOUGhTS | Shades of Blue

It's an understatement to say that we have struggles at some point in our life. Maybe even some of you are currently battling and working real hard to reach your dreams or get your feet back up, in which I am absolutely familiar with. But, no. I am not going to be a shrink and tell you to do this and do that. This, I will say though: Let us not give up and be thankful that we are still here to face the challenges of life! Trust me, it's not that difficult to believe that everything will be well. As what the alchemist said:

"My heart is afraid that it will have to suffer," the boy told the alchemist one night as they looked up the moonless sky.

"Tell your heart that the fear of suffering is worse that the suffering itself. And that no heart has ever suffered when it goes in search of its dreams

- Paulo Coelho, The Alchemist

My Lost Art

I have been exposed from visual to performing arts ever since I was a kid. Singing or dancing in-front of a crowd was acceptable to the larger audience. However, I didn't get much support in appreciating lines and textures and explosion of colors. My playmates find me a bit weird back then. 

I do not have formal training when it comes to drawing or painting. My delineating memory is being giddy ecstatic over crayons, a blank canvass or anything to that matter. I just drew, painted and try to be what I think was creative. Growing up, I started joining competitions and even represent my institution. Surprisingly, bagged either 1st, 2nd or 3rd place. I find freedom in painting.

Tried to capture that blissful dream I had with my boo

OUTFiT | Recycled

I bought this contemporary dress because I fell in-love with the print! And because it's in my list of faves, here's an outfit repeat for you all, for which I am certain that you have something like this (favorite wardrobe) in your closet, too.

Special shoutout to my gorgeous older sib, Honey, for taking my photos today. Thanks always for your support, Te! Love you tons.

Contemporary is all that I can afford. LOL.

OUTFiT | Bipolar Weather

Hello, everyone!

Hope you all are enjoying your weekend.  I was thankful that I had with me my favorite denim jacket when I went out. Aside from the office ACU set at high, the weather acted a bit bipolar. First, it was madly searing hot then moments later, the wind carried a bit of cold breeze which I wished lasted for the entire day to give me an excuse to put this denim on. 

I just love a good comfy dress! Perhaps the reason why you all see me in dresses and skirts a lot is because it's my "comfort clothing". It's basic, of low maintenance (most fabric used in dresses doesn't need ironing), versatile (can be styled in different ways or can be paired with almost anything) and most importantly, it's summer foolproof!

Hot and cold

ROADTRiP | Intramuros - The Walled City

Happy Labor Day! 

On this meaningful occasion for us, workers, allow me to share with you one of my many dreams and perhaps my motivation to slave so I can one day achieve them all. *wink* 

My desire is to travel to distant, historic places. Visit medieval castles in Europe -- walk inside the home of Vladimir the Impaler, follow the trail to Donnattar Castle or feel the stone walls of the Hever palace. I've been wanting to see the Valley of the Kings, the Nazca lines, Machu Picchu, the Mayan Aztec Temples... There's just a lot to write down here!!

History fascinates me. I love to find answers to questions and know how things came to what they are. Who wouldn't want to know the story behind Pumapunku? It's thrilling and mind boggling at the same time. History is knowledge and knowledge can be powerful, don't you think?

While I still work on my dreams, what better place to start than home. Here's an  untold adventure of the time I played tourist in my own city and went to the historic Intramuros - also known as The Walled City.

Coordinated with this black wall

OUTFiT | Nerd in Red #tbt

No. I am not nostalgic. But here's a throwback for you all! 

Used a pro camera

OUTFiT | A Bit of Color Block

As you all already know, I am charmed with anything bright! Statement pieces and bold colors create a simple yet stylish look. It is always fun to wear multiple solid colors!  Well, alright. In this look, I started off with just 2 bright hues. The third shade I chose is neutral.

Lady bug

OUTFiT | Pixie Short

I've done something drastic this week!! And that's to cut my long curly hair real short. Most of the people around me have something bad to say when they saw me with my new do. But I don't care about the negative feedbacks. I find this perfect for summer and timely for I am in the process of remolding my inner self.  It still needs a little getting used to. It feels weird waking up in the morning not grabbing a scrunchie or putting your hair up in a bun. I am also learning creative ways styling for a pixie. But overall, I LOVE MY CUT!  

It's 96 degrees today!

OUTFiT | Daises on Red

Oh, my! First of, I would like to apologize to all my readers. Apologies for it took me a while to blog for April. I was quite loaded with A LOT. Like A LOT. But I am working things out to keep myself back on track. So, I hope everything will work out well.

Dress. Heels. Two Wheels.

ThOUGhTS | Embracing Your Perfect Imperfections.

Hi, everyone! 

Before you scroll down or click - Read More, let me say you'll be viewing dark (un-enhanced) photos. These were taken indoors with not much natural lighting. But I decided to post them despite the not-so-good-quality and despite the style blog rule:

"You can get away with bad content. But not with bad pictures."

Dark and dingy

OUTFiT | From Wardrobe to Neighborhood

I have quite a collection of blazers, cardigans, jackets and the like in my closet despite the summer-all-year atmospheric condition in my country. For me, blazers, in particular, help amp up an outfit no matter how simple the pieces you have on. I am attracted with plain to bold prints and pair them with almost any clothing I can think of. 

There's beauty in anything rustical...

OUTFiT | Midweek Dress-down

I am quite lucky to be working in an industry where dress down is allowed on certain days. As a Talent Acquisition Supervisor, there's an unwritten rule that I must be "presentable" at all times, meaning, corporate or smart casual clothing is required. I don't complain, for dressing appropriately is a way of expressing respect to people or the given situation. But having worn high heels, blazers and pearls almost the entirety of my career, it's an amazing feeling to put my sneakers on at work on a weekday. 

Me: Is it right over left? Or left over right? (Tryna sit like a lady)

SToRY | What an Experience!

I get to be a "model" for less than a day when I joined Forever 21's photo competition for their 30th anniversary.

These photos were taken by my younger sibling, Hershey. She has worked for professional photographers and is into arts herself. With her innate talent and creative ideas, I thought that she is the perfect person to help me take home Forever 21's totally uh-mazing prize!

5 head

OUTFiT | My Only Season

Since it's nearly spring and I am wearing florals, Miranda Priestly's voice is strongly echoing in my head...

"Florals? For Spring? Groundbreaking."

Alright, alright. I've known just 2 seasons my lifetime, HOT and HOTTER. I've been wanting to experience fall, spring and winter. But hearing my boyfriend complain about windchill, snowflakes, snow storms... how he shovels his driveway almost everyday for 2 hours (awwhhh... *hugs*), make me doubt the last of the three...

One of those beautiful days!

OUTFiT | Classic. Basic.

Late afternoon is my favorite time of day. I find serenity when the sky turns orange-y and the sun kisses the horizon goodbye.

I kinda suffered from food coma the previous night that I decided to have my post birthday celebration by lazily walking around the business district chasing sunlight. The weather absolutely was perfect. 

Is this the last light of Durin's day?

STORY | I'm Another Year Wiser

March 1. My birthday!

Having balloons and celebrating it with friends and family was quite a blast. I never really get to have a birthday party growing up. So, the thought of being able to host your own celebration got me pretty excited. Yeah, I get giddy over little things. 

It's time to bring out the big balloons

REViEW | My Favorite Orange Clutch

Hi, everyone!

Today, I'll be sharing with you my favorite clutch bag from a'postrophe! This versatile must-have also comes in green and red! For ages, I've been searching for that perfect clutch. I fell in-love with this piece because it isn't too big or small. It can fit almost everything that's in my regular bag. Believe it or not, I can also squish in a small umbrella and JR Tolkien's The Hobbit, pocket edition *wink* It's practical, trendy, durable and inexpensive! It's also fun for it makes any outfit dashing!

Blouse - Mango Jeans - Forever21
Clutch - Apostrophe
Accessories - Apostrophe/Landmark Dept Store
Shoes - Schu
---------------------------

SToRY | Back to School

I was invited by my friend -- who's a professor at New Era University -- to conduct mock job interviews in 2 of his classes. He is teaching several major subjects for the College of Business Administration. Having graduated from this university myself (AB Political Science), I was delighted and honored to give back and share my years of expertise in Talent Acquisition.

Stepping into the halls of NEU, seeing long time acquaintances, whipping pass former classrooms and visiting the cafeteria made my insides smile. This is definitely one of the places I call home.

My outfit today perfectly reflects this experience. Bright, celebratory, jubilant and thankful. Choosing a colorful, smart casual look is also deliberate. I want to make an impression of --- "Hello, I am approachable. Don't be shy to answer my questions." --- to the students I am going to speak with. Almost every piece here is thrifted! 

Blazer, dress and shoes: Less than $26.00! Hooraahh!

OUTFIT | The Bright Feline

It's officially the weekend! Can I get a yahoo? While most of us are anticipating late night outs and dusk till dawn parties, I am looking forward to sleeping in. My days off would include a good book, hot chocolate/coffee and a comfy couch. That's my definition of "party".

I am always excited smelling the weekend morning dew drops and going to Church. My worship days are Wednesday or Thursday and Saturday or Sunday. Right after my day's activity? I go straight to Church and fulfill my sacred duty. My IG followers already know that faith is my number one priority ---- one of the 20 facts about me. I believe that nothing beats a perfect day than hearing the words of God, thanking Him for His continuous blessings. So I try to look my best for Him.

Today, I pulled out an animal print dress and paired it with a bright yellow blazer. To add that classy touch, I accessorized the ensemble with a gold chained necklace.

I am walking on sunshine!