Starburst

Sweater: Beyond Style Manila / Skirt: Cheap Monday / Bag: Givenchy / Boots: Zara / Earrings: F21 / Eyewear: from Shanghai

Just one day left 'till Christmas Day and as per usual, I feel as if the Christmas bug decided to elude me once again. As soon as I started working (which feels like a century ago), Christmas has never been the same. I guess it's partially due to being in constant motion at work that you lose time to sit down, mull over and relish the happy Christmas thoughts you once had when you were younger -- i.e. attending Simbang Gabi, getting dressed up in a cute dress with a windbreaker to keep yourself warm from the cold draft, hearing your kid neighbors go from door to door as they serenade you with Christmas carols, and the list goes on. Oh the things that I would do to get those old Christmas 'feels' back...

 But instead of griping, I think I have to remind myself to be more grateful...because I've been blessed with a wonderful life, coupled with a loving set of family and friends and a stable job -- and this, in itself, is an amazing Christmas present.

Let's pray for all of those who'll be spending their Christmas alone, away from their families. Let's pray for those who aren't fortunate enough to receive gifts this Christmas, let alone have food on the table to eat. Moreover, let's pray for all of the victims of Typhoon Haiyan. They too, deserve a great Christmas this year.

Nava

Sweater: NAVA / Skirt & Hat: F21 / Boots: Zara / Bag: Alexander Wang / Eyewear: from Shanghai

Geez. I feel like December just dropped in without even formally saying, "Hello". And then of course, another new year is about to usher in. I'm not sure if the adage, "Time flies fast when you're having fun" could apply to me as I rarely get enough "fun" time (I'm always swamped with work) but it's comforting to know that Christmas is just around the corner...which only means I'll finally get a long overdue break from work! Haha! But every year, I always look forward to December and the chilly breeze that comes along with it because I have the perfect excuse to wear knit sweaters (not that I abide by the fashion rules of the Philippine weather anyway -- Case in point: I still wear sweaters and leather pants during summer). While sifting through piles of clothes inside my closet and editing which ones to let go of for the upcoming Bloggers United 6 bazaar, it just dawned on me how much sweaters I have -- tons, I tell you! And I just added a new piece to my sweater collection with this rectangle-tiled black and white knitwear from NAVA (as seen in the photos above), which I have to say, is a keeper! I'm quite obsessed with its tight-neck round collar -- I feel a bit cool and prepster-like (lol!).

Nava recently released a lot of other cold weather-appropriate pieces (with this 'Creme de la Creme' sweater) and you can spot them HERE.

And the good thing is...

...NAVA has also decided to join Bloggers United 6! They will have a booth inside the BU6 area where you could shop trendy clothes to your heart's content. And if you purchase at least Php 1,000 worth of regular-priced items from their booth, you automatically get a 10% discount! Cool beans!

I hope to see you all at BU6 this Saturday! Don't forget to bring cameras and tons of shopping money! 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:

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

Ain't Laurent Without Yves

Skirt: Chicnova / Top: Medley Manila / Bag & Heels: Alexander Wang / Rings & Earrings: F21 / Bracelet: Accessorize / Eyewear: Cotton On

So here we are again with another wraparound situation. But instead of the usual plaid shirt and skirt combo, what we have here is a solo ingenious skirt with built-in arms, meant to be tied on the front (ala Phillip Lim). It's sports chic fashion and pragmatism all rolled into one. And the shirt? "Ain't Laurent without Yves"? Word.

Now I leave you guys with this, to perk your week up!

"Heeeeeeeeeeeeyyyyyy, guuuuuurl..."

 Have a great week, y'all!

Stole 'Em From The Boyfriend

Jeans & Heels: Zara / Blazer: Thrifted / Bag: Alexander Wang / Bracelet & Ring: Arm Party Manila / Earrings: Accessorize / Watch: Casio

From time to time, I like to dress like a man (but in a womanly way, of course). And to dial up the androgyny in a menswear-inspired look, I refer to oversized pieces of clothing (a.k.a. "boyfriend" anything). I've mentioned in a couple of posts ago that I'm rekindling my love for blazers -- in the large, boyfriend's type versions. And for me, the best place to find this type of garment without blowing up the wallet is the thrift store. I've unearthed a lot of unique diamonds-in-the-rough in my past visits to thrift stores... which reminds me, I haven't been to an ukay-ukay in a long time so I think I need to hit one up soon.

What cherished pieces have you dug up from thrift stores?

Oriental Express

Top, Pants & Heels: Zara / Bag: Alexander Wang / Earrings: H&M / Eyewear: Cotton On

I'm not one to dabble on an extreme color burst of an outfit but this particular ensemble was an exception. The trousers and boxy sweater seemed to make the perfect pair after I tried them on during a recent Zara sale raid. I've been eyeing these two pieces since the new release of the Spring-Summer '13 collection and was so happy to find out that a few stocks were still available and were priced at 50% off at that.

It really pays to be patient.

If you're into jumpers in acid brights as well, check these out:

Mellow Yellow

Top: F21 / Skirt & Heels: Zara (similar HERE and HERE) / Clutch: Neon Island / Cuff: Pretty Little Blings / Necklace: Mauve

I can't promise you that this skort won't ever appear in this blog again. Obviously, it's a favorite of mine and I'm wringing it for all of its worth (you can say that it's all dried up already). This is actually a backlog post which I forgot to schedule before. Thank goodness I have this post to save me from a probable series of non-existent posts. I'm really having some difficulty packing on outfit posts as the rainy weather is killing my mojo and it's really hard to snap photos in the rain. I'm not a fan of indoor shots (they turn out tacky and grainy) so I need to patiently wait for the right drizzle-less moment to get my outfit shots done. Can you feel my frustration and empathize with my situation (ooh, that rhymed)?

Another Dimension New Galaxy, Intergalactic Planetary!

 Leggings: CROW / Jacket: Mango / Top: Romwe / Boots: Zara / Spiked Cuff: Pretty Little Blings / Eyewear: Subcult

I remember going through a "printed leggings phase" last year (as seen HERE and HERE). Apparently, the appeal of this type of leggings hasn't worn out on me yet. Printed pieces call for minimal accessories, hence the simple ear studs, a solitary spiked cuff and a swag pair of round mirrored sunglasses. On a different note, I feel so refreshed from the one-day holiday yesterday (all thanks to our local heroes). Killed the alarm clock, took a long snooze and woke up to have my nails done and decompress. How did you spend the holiday?

P.S. Brownie points to whoever can guess the song reference for this post's title. :P

*photos shot by the amazing Anton Aguila and edited by me

I'll Track You Down

Pants: Romwe / Jacket: H&M / Shoes: Mango / Bag & Earrings: F21

It's been awhile since these track pants and I got together (do you still remember them from HERE?). I've sorely missed these pants. So here we are with an outfit post, photos of which were shot in the middle of a very busy road (well, almost in the middle of the road) with more than a 1-minute waiting time in-between shutter clicks. Sigh. The things I would do to get a decent blog shot.