Let's Tessellate...

Sweater & Skirt: Zara / Bag: Balenciaga / Shoes: Alexander Wang (available HERE) / Necklace: Mauve

I'm flying to Shanghai on Thursday for our annual out-of-the-country company trip and I'm starting to feel fidgety and panicky. I hate the idea of leaving work behind and I wish I had more time in my hands to finish and polish what needs to be accomplished. I guess the excitement for another rendezvous with China (I was able to visit Beijing 7 years ago) hasn't sunk in and I would have to wait until the very last minute for the thrill of traveling to a different country to kick in. While I collect my thoughts and force myself to smile even with a ton of work on my lap, I leave you with an outfit post featuring another tribal print piece: an elusive sweater from Zara which I've been tracking down for months (and which eventually appeared online, brandishing itself at a sale price point of a mere $19.99!). I wore this to a night out with blogger friends whom I haven't seen for a while. It was great catching up with the FFT crew -- reminiscing how our group was formed and how much fun we had during our "fashion field trips" (hence the term, "FFT") years ago. I wish we could have more of these get-togethers. Le sigh.

P.S. I've recently renewed my love for my (faux) leather skirt from Zara so expect to see more of it in upcoming posts. You've been warned! Haha!

Over & Under

Shirt: Illest (via Trilogy) / Leather Bralette: similar HERE / Pants: Zara / Bag: Balenciaga / Denim Shirt: Folded & Hung / Pumps: Aldo

For those of us who can't fully commit to baring our upper (untoned) torsos with just a cropped top on, a bralette over t-shirt is an acceptable compromise. It's a novel look that not many would appreciate (I actually got a few menacing stares from people for wearing this) but I'd rather parade around in this combo than show my belly button to the world (save for when I'm on the beach, of course).

Happy Monday, everyone!

P.S. Pardon me for the awkward faces in these photos. We all know I'm no model. :P
P.P.S. Get a chance to win two tickets to "Tiesto Live In Manila"! Details HERE.


Cop my look with these affordable pieces:

The Basics

Jacket, Top &Shorts: Zara / Shoes: Alexander Wang / Personalized Necklace / Bag: Balenciaga (available HERE)

Leather jacket. White shorts. Black strappy top. These are just a few of the basic pieces that every woman should stock up on. And trust me, you can never go wrong with these -- they're failsafe, versatile items that you can play around with and mix with other pieces from your closet. When I'm cast in situations wherein I can't be bothered to even dwell on coming up with a decent OOTD (a.k.a. #busyworkinggirl), I rely on these basic pieces to get me through the day. Case in point: the achromatic and casual ensemble pictured above which I wore to a long, tiring day which entailed orchestrating a big client event and mobile on-location shoots. Whew.

P.S. This is what happens when you're not looking and the camera is clicking...

#BloggerPoseFail (insert crying smiley emoji here)


*photos by Nina Abuzo

Youngin'

Shirt: Illest (via Trilogy Boutique) / Jeans: Zara / Cardigan: F21 / Bag: Balenciaga (available HERE)/ Shoes: Stella McCartney / 'Kookie' Necklace: oNecklace

Back in grade school, I went through a bit of a "tomboy" phase. I lived in a formulaic mix of baggy shorts, t-shirts, a cap and velcro-strap rubber shoes complemented with a juvenile fringe and ponytail hair (oh, the horror!). At that time, I really didn't give a rat's ass about how I looked. I was quite the insouciant dork who preferred academics and playing "Tag" with friends under the sun (and moon). Obviously, fashion took a backseat (or was even nonexistent). How I evolved into this fashion-obsessed of a stylephile that I am now, even I could not explain...but I'm tremendously thankful for the divine fashion intervention. Lol. Lately, that tomboy side of me has been on relapse though. You've seen me sporting these simple t-shirts (such as the Illest shirt I'm wearing in this post) and other casual menswear-inspired streetwear looks (HERE and HERE) in the past few look posts...but I ain't complaining. I do like channeling my inner 'boy' from time to time.

I guess you really can't shy away from who you really are or what you were accustomed to.

Happy Pill

Top: Romwe / Pants & Heels: Zara / Bag: Balenciaga (buy HERE) / Earrings: The Jewelry Shop / Eyewear: Cotton On

Last week, Manila chanced upon two good days of sunny weather (albeit transient) which gave me an opportunity to concoct an equally sunshine-inspired ensemble. This loose peplum number  (which looks more neon lime in person) paired with comfortable wide leg pants (a steal from the Zara sale!) seemed to go well together and made for a perfect happy mood-inducing weapon.

This week has been challenging, what with a dreadful weather forecast of heavy rains, coupled with severe inundation in various parts of the country. My heart goes out to everyone who had to suffer from the aftermath of the heavy typhoon, Maring. If only the taxpayers' money are and were put to good use (for proper drainage and sewage systems, etc.), we wouldn't be experiencing these recurring problems caused by heavy rainfall/monsoon/typhoons (or at least, the aftermath wouldn't be as grave). Is it useless to hope for a better future for the Philippines?

I hope not.

photos by Patricia Flores