Rise & Shine

Top: ASOS / Skirt & Boots: Zara / Bag: Alexander Wang / Eyewear: Karen Walker

Let me start off this post with a sincere apology for my long absence. After Typhoon Haiyan struck the Philippines with a powerful blow and left most parts of our country in a critical state of calamity, I just couldn't bring myself to blog or instagram about anything fashion or food-related -- they all seemed too trivial against the somber scene of a multitude of Filipinos starving, suffering from unspeakable damage and mourning for their lost loved ones and other possessions. It was best that I took the time off from blogging to grieve, contemplate and re-focus my time and energy on things that mattered most. It has been more than two weeks since the catastrophic Haiyan nightmare transpired but slowly, we've been seeing progress in terms of movement in relief efforts and medical aid for the typhoon survivors. It's heartwarming to see everyone reaching out and lending a helping hand to those who need it and all of the help and love pouring from countries all over the world are truly heartwarming and overwhelming.

I know my previous post was quite heavy to take in so I'm keeping all posts light, moving forward (a.k.a. "I'll try my best to revert to regular blog programming"). This doesn't mean that the aid for the typhoon victims should cease or that we should forget about the victims all at once...but move on, I should. While it may take months, even years, to rebuild lives, homes and other infrastructures destroyed by Typhoon Haiyan, I am positive that our country will rebound from this.

You can still continue donating through the channels indicated HERE and HERE.

#BangonPilipinas.

Is It Summer Yet?

Top: ASOS / Shorts: on sale HERE / Bag: Alexander Wang (black version HERE) / Boots: Zara / 'Kookie' Necklace: oNecklace

Seeing photos from Soul Surf 2013 on my Instagram feed makes my heart pine for summer and for some vitamin sea. While I am loving the colder weather at this time of the year (which means Christmas is just around the corner), I can't help but daydream about the beach and the saltwater brushing against my feet. But just about a month ago, I did get the opportunity to have a short summer retreat by the beach (at Kamana Sanctuary in Subic Bay), albeit for work. En route to Subic, I knew we will be greeted by the scorching sun so I smartly packed this super lightweight chiffon top with me. I've been squirreling a lot of thin-strapped tops like this as of late. I realized how invaluable they will be come summer and how they could also serve as the perfect inner tops for layering under blazers or jackets on colder months.

P.S. I've been experiencing some editing issues with my photo editor lately. Close up shots of my skin always turn out speckled with unidentified marks or spots (see shoe shot above). It looks as if I have a skin disease! Ugh!

Long Vest

Vest, Top & Skirt: Romwe / Bag: Alexander Wang / Boots: Zara / Cross Bracelet: Romwe / Other Bracelets: Mauve

Nothing beats an outfit in a black and white color palette. If you find the combination a bit bland, you can also throw in some bright hues to add some cool flavor to the mix.

Hope you all felt the love on V-Day...and on any day for that matter. :)

Welcoming Change

Wedges: Gold Dot / Jacket, Pants & Top: Zara / Bag: Alexander Wang

Lately, most of my sartorial choices have taken a slightly deep turn into something that is more polished, feminine (ack!) and "grown up". While I still do have a soft, lust-filled spot for anything that looks edgy, urban and grunge, I have to accept the fact that I am getting older and older by the day and I reckon I would not be able to pull off a Coachella-inspired look, even if I want to, when I hit the age of 40. So here I am, stretching out my arms to slowly welcome a few style adjustments here and there, starting off with a predilection towards anything gleamingly white. I've always loved the "color" white -- it looks so clean, urbane and refreshing on the eyes. But I've also been hesistant in covering myself with garments in this pristine hue because the upkeep is quite tricky (white = dirt magnet). One of these days though, I will finally rock that all-white outfit I've been churning in my head.

Cable Knit

 Sweater: Romwe / Skirt: The Ramp / Bag & Shoes: Alexander Wang / Eyewear: Karen Walker / Earrings: F21

Hey, lovelies! How was your Christmas? My Christmas celebration experience was very simple and, well, typical -- we would always have our annual big family Christmas reunion (from my father's side) the whole day on Christmas Day. No matter how simple and typical our Christmas celebration is though, I always look forward to it because it's the only time I get to eat one of my favorite simple home-cooked dishes: nilagang tahong dipped in suka (steamed mussels dipped in vinegar), fresh from Cavite. I love it so much that I can devour a big bowlful of it in one sitting! I also love seeing my cousins, nephews and nieces having a great time as they enjoy the Christmas parlor games and receive their Christmas gifts. This simple and typical Christmas celebration (and family tradition) is something I truly cherish and I wouldn't trade it for anything.

I hope all of you had a wonderful, love-filled Christmas celebration with your family/friends/significant others. Happy Holidays!

P.S. Don't forget to follow me on Twitter (@kookiebuhain) for regular blog updates!

Shark Attack

Sweater & Cap: Romwe / Skirt: F21 / Boots: Zara / Bag: Alexander Wang / Earrings: Satine

Black and blue tones for the 1st day of Bloggers United Bazaar 4. Since I couldn't justify spending on a ludicrously-priced genuine Givenchy shark sweater, I conveniently settled for this dupe option from Romwe. It has the same rugged feel and matches my cotton-and-leather combo skirt perfectly. The Zara cowboy boots, which I purchased using my GCASH American Express Virtual Card, was a last-minute choice but I reckon it still goes well with the dark and edgy look I was going for (and which I terribly missed sporting).

My 1st day for BU4 at the World Bazaar Festival was a blast. Although I came in terribly late, I managed to sell quite a load of items (Thank you to everyone who purchased items from our booth! Virtual kisses to all of you!). My favorite part about the bazaar? Meeting and chatting with my readers and goofing around with fellow blogger friends...priceless! A BU4 Diary post is coming up soon so stay tuned. To the readers who took photos with me, do email me (deathbyplatforms01@gmail.com) a hi-res copy so that I can share them on my blog. :)

P.S. Thank you so much to Anton Aguila for snapping these awesome photos. 

P.P.S. Yes, I was posing in the middle of an island (with tons of cars passing by, I might add) in the 1st photo!