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.

Mode Mondays

images from Stockholm Streetstyle & Lee Oliveria

I'm bringing sexy Monday-style-inspiration posts back. Which one is your favorite look?

Minimalism

Top: Zara / Skirt: The Ramp (similar here) / Heels: Zara / Box Clutch: Made U Look / Eyewear: Karen Walker

Recently, I've been drawn to minimalist pieces in color tones of white and black. Not foregoing my love for bohemian and grunge-infused ensembles, I'm suddenly finding clean and streamlined articles of clothing more and more appealing. This stark white leather shirt, with a subtle punch of texture (in the form of mesh), is a current favorite and is a versatile piece that can go well with anything. I can already foresee wearing this with my white origami skort, my leather dropcrotch trousers or even with my printed tailored pants. I might just do a major closet re-edit though -- get rid of the trendy printed pieces and leave the simple neutral ones behind. We'll see how that goes...

...And I'm sure some of you can adopt those pieces during the Bloggers United Bazaar 5 on June 1 (cheesy segue, isn't it? haha!).

The Unholy

Top: Romwe / Skirt: The Ramp / Boots: Zara / Bag: Phillip Lim / Eyewear: Karen Walker

These past few days, waking up to a slight drizzle, wet pavement and a rumbling sky in the middle of an evil summer season is an unexpected and rare occurrence I'm more than willing to embrace and celebrate...with my pullovers and boots on. This angels-and-saints print sweater is just one of the cool merchandise I was able to source out from Romwe. It feels warm and fuzzy against my skin and even le boy can't stop petting it. Haha.

I wish the rainy season would come sooner. I can't wait to envelope myself with thicker garments and go on cuddle-weather mode.

Paradigm Shift

 Vest: Paradigm Shift / Skirt: F21 / Top: Topshop / Bag & Boots: Alexander Wang / Eyewear: from BF Ruins

I love me a good long vest -- it's one of my go-to pieces, second to leather jackets, when I need to beef up an outfit. This vest from Paradigm Shift is one of the few "classics" inside my wardrobe compartment. I've already paired it with floral-print trousers  and Balenciaga-inspired shorts. Too bad it got tarnished (at the back) with undentified stain marks. :S


P.S. Paging, Paradigm Shift! I need a new leather vest stat! Haha!

Kapow!

Jumper: Romwe / Skirt & Boots: Zara / Bag: Phillip Lim / Eyewear: Karen Walker / Necklaces: F21

You can say that I was going for a collegiate cheerleader look with this ensemble. Can someone hand me my pompoms? Haha! Okay, enough of twaddle talk. There's actually a back story to this outfit -- I wore it on the day of a photo shoot for a very special magazine feature (this fashion magazine is a favorite of mine!). I can't disclose any details yet but I'm so so so excited for this opportunity and I can't wait for the feature to come out!

P.S. Spot the side-shaved head. Kapow!

photos by ze amazing Anton Aguila
makeup by Mica Regala
 

Military Prepster

Jacket: Pinkaholic / Skirt: Clothes For The Goddess / Bag: Phillip Lim / Boots: Jeffrey Campbell

Hello. My name is Kookie and I'm a 12th Grader, taking up Military Science. 

What the h*ll did I just say??? Please don't mind the gibberish text above. It's a foolish attempt to 'sound' witty. Obviously, I failed. Haha. I just think that my button down shirt + circle skirt pairing makes me look like a student...a preppy rebel student that is. How was your weekend so far, loves? Mine's great. I saw the movie, Upside Down, yesterday and I think I might be suffering from Post Upside Down Syndrome -- my neck feels strained from looking up and from imagining the possibility that things, people and a whole different world can exist above us. Hmmm...

Attention

Top: Punk x Pretty / Skirt: F21 / Boots: Zara / Bag: Celine / Jewelry: Mauve

I've decided to enlist myself in a military school...nah, just kidding (and I'm sure you didn't even buy the joke for one second. Hahaha!). There's nothing really special with this look. Wore this two weekends ago on a casual night out with friends in a local bar. I've been quite stressed with quite a lot of things as of late. I think I need to pluck myself out of all the chaos that's happening around me and retire into a place of comfort. La Union...I need you right now.

Don't forget to follow me on Twitter (@kookiebuhain) for blog updates, musings and whatnots!

Giordano Fashion Showdown: Look 1

(Ball Tee: Giordano // Leather Jacket: Mango // Skirt: Incez Axe // Boots: Chloe Sevigny x Opening Ceremony)

About a month ago, I and three other bloggers were invited by Giordano Philippines to take part in the Giordano Fashion Showdown contest. We were challenged to style a Giordano Ball Tee of our choice and to come up with two looks incorporating the Ball Tee. The outfit above is one of the two looks I came up with. I chose a Ball Tee that had some pop of color to it and paired it with tough leather pieces for a rebel, "off-to-Coachella" look. 

If it's not too much to ask, I hope you guys can help vote for me in the Giordano Fashion Showdown by leaving a positive comment (or two) on any of my two looks HERE and HERE. Everyone can leave a comment (yes, that includes you my dear international readers!). All you have to do is:

1. "Like" Giordano Philippines in Facebook

2. Leave as many comments as you like on my two looks (HERE and HERE)

Voting ends on November 22. Remember, one comment = one vote and the look with the most number of comments wins a cash prize! So I hope you guys can help me out on this. I will GREATLY appreciate it! :)

P.S. Check out what looks my blogger friends (Pax, Ava & Gela) came up with as well! It's quite funny and amazing how Pax, Ava and I all chose the same Ball Tee by coincidence. Haha!