Tuesday, March 29, 2011

/Bread + Water/

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Wearing an Adrienne Vittadini vest, NY&Co. maxi dress, booties from Hong Kong, Topshop belt, Michael Kors sunglasses, and gold accessories. (Sorry about my hair on that first picture. It was so windy out!)

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Normally when I wear this vest, I tend to pair it with more quiet pieces to let its details stand out. The very first thing that allured my eyes to it are the layered flaps that bedeck the front, but now I'm even more enticed with the cascading round collar. While I'm totally in favor of the texture on this vest, the mysterious yet mythical design and color are what initially captivated me to this dress... the cinched silhouette and mini mermaid flair towards the bottom are the main factors that truly differentiate it with the other maxi dresses out there. With all this texture, color and detail, I just had to pair the two together and throw on some of my favorite gold jewelry.

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I'm so very EXCITED to be attending the first ever Privé Fashion Awards tomorrow at Members Only at the Fort. Being in the presence of some of the Philippines' most fashionable people gathered in one room just sounded like too much fun to pass up in comparison to a normal Wednesday spent at home. If you happen to be familiar with local Philippine designers and have a second, you can cast in your votes here.

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(Photography by Mr. Boyfriend)

Saturday, March 26, 2011

/Bubbles/

Sometimes, one of the best ways to enhance one's mood when one is feeling a little down is to dress up. I know it seems rather superficial and vain to some, but it really does put me in a better mood when I'm having a blues-y kind of day. It's funny because a couple days ago, I was having a long discussion with a friend about fashion, and we harmoniously agreed (in unison) how dressing up not only allows for one to express themselves freely, but it also has this consequential feeling of growing confidence and adjusts one's mood for the better. The funny thing is, he's a guy, and I remember thinking, how amazing that both men and women share this simple little pick-me-upper that can change one's attitude in such a positive way.

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Wearing Forever 21 blouse, shorts and necklace (yes, yes, I know most of my posts include at least one Forever 21 item, but what can I say... I love their stuff and their prices are easy on the wallet), Calvin Klein socks, Zara shoes, and Cynthia Rowley sunglasses.

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Mr. Boyfriend took these pictures right before we had one of THE most GLUTTONOUS dinners of the year with 2 of our friends... Walking to the car after dinner was the biggest struggle of my life. Breathing came in at a close second.

xx

(Photography by Mr. Boyfriend)

Thursday, March 24, 2011

/Beach Makeup/

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For about a week now I've had this unrelenting desire for a little R&R and with the sun regularly shining these days, what better place to go to than the beach. Sunny weather is a condition that always requires some maintenance, but having a beauty routine that focuses on illuminating skin, hydrated lips, and healthy hair can do just the trick. Sometimes splurging on expensive makeup tends to cause long-term regret and endless rants to Mr. Boyfriend on my part, but good reliable products are truly the way to go... they tend to last longer, are visibly better in quality when worn, and ultimately gives me more time to bask in the sun instead of having to touch up 248 times a day.

1.) Urban Decay Baked Bronzer in Toasted $24
2.) Smashbox Photo Finish Foundation Primer $32
3.) Hawaiian Tropic Golden Tanning Dry Oil Sunscreen SPF 6 $6.39
4.) Dior DiorShow Waterproof Mascara in Jet Black $24.50
5.) Clinique Rinse-Off Foaming Cleanser $19.50
6.) Bumble and Bumble Surf Spray $23
7.) NARS Illuminator in Laguna $29
8.) Josie Maran Magic Marker Lip & Cheek Stain in Jive $19
9.) Urban Decay Eyeshadow in Blunt $17
10.) Laura Mercier Shimmer Bloc in Peach Mosaic $38
11.) Laura Mercier Secret Concealer in #2 $22
12.) Clinique Brush-On Cream Liner in True Black $15
13.) Bare Minerals SPF 15 Matte Foundation in Golden Fair $28
14.) DKNY Delicious Duo Rollerball $20
15.) Chapstick Lip Moisturizer SPF 15 $1.79

Images via: Sephora, Amazon, Walgreens

Tuesday, March 22, 2011

/Colorful Weave/

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This denim jacket is without a doubt one of the OLDEST things I own in my closet to date. I recall receiving it as a Christmas gift when I was around 13 and the total number of times I've worn it from then until now can be counted with just one hand...and that’s counting this outfit right here. Yes, how very UNeconomical of me to NOT maximize the utility of this jacket, but I think I do deserve a couple brownie points for keeping it close to "brand new" status for this long. I think an inevitable vice that occurs with most girls is the unintentional negligence of clothes. It’s the truth… I’m speaking from experience.

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Wearing a DKNY jean jacket, a somewhat ripped and disheveled Forever 21 woven knit top (For some reason, the more tears and loose threads this top unravels, the better it looks), vintage silk scallop shorts (originally part of a nightie set), random black tights, H&M booties, Michael Kors sunglasses and watch.

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I don’t know what it is about growing old or if it’s just me, but time goes by exceptionally fast. I feel like I went to sleep in 2009 for a minute and woke up in 2011... Just a random thought.

Another random thought: I wish the weather in the Philippines could suddenly multiply from 2 seasons (rainy and scolding HOT summer) to 4 seasons. I feel the weather here serves as one of the biggest hindrances for showcasing a wider variety of clothing... I mean, sometimes I wanna be able to wear mid-calf boots and a trench outside in the middle of March (which is technically Summer in the Philippines) without having to sweat up a storm, you know?

(Photography by (the infamous) Mr. Boyfriend)

Saturday, March 19, 2011

/Textured Magenta/

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I was listening to another throwback -- Nick Gilder's Hot Child In the City -- while I was getting ready for my late afternoon rendezvous with Mr. Boyfriend and some friends when I noticed that I had inadvertently dressed in accordance to the genre and rhythm of this song. I didn't want to get too grungy so I decided to add a little pop of bold magenta in my outfit. Right when Mr. Boyfriend saw me, he was immediately determined to find graffiti of any sort... hence, our stop at the graffiti wall.

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Wearing a Liz Claiborne blazer (last seen HERE), Tyler shirtdress, BCBG pants, Asos shoes, Forever 21 necklace-turned-bracelet and brooch.

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Off to spend another Saturday with my favorite person, Mr. Boyfriend. Enjoy the weekend!

xx

(Photography by Mr. Boyfriend)

Tuesday, March 15, 2011

/Currently.../

From time to time, I like to post the things that I'm currently into, mostly pertaining to my favorite hobbies/things: music, books, fashion, food, etc. Now I know the title of this post is currently, but to tell you honestly, currently I've really been kickin it back old school and have been taking a LONG walk down memory lane, back to the stuff I love and that provide me with that gooey, satisfied feeling.

Reading:

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Listening To:

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Escapade, one of the tracks on Rhythm Nation, is probably my favorite since it's one of those songs where you can dance that "who the hell cares if I look like a fool" dance. Jay-Z's (my ALL-TIME favorite rapper/hip hop artist/producer/CEO of Def Jam/investor) The Black Album... mmmmm... wow. That's all I can say. WOW. Waaay too many ingenious tracks to pick a sole favorite. I'm just gonna list down my personal number ones, and you're gonna have to listen for yourself as to why they WOW me so much, even after all these years (unless of course you're not into hip-hop/rap music). My favorites (not in any order): Dirt Off Your Shoulder, Change Clothes, Encore, Public Service Announcement, and 99 Problems. This album's just a little taste of Jay-Z's musical brilliance.

Wearing:

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These were my mom's vintage accordion pants from the late 1980's. I secretly (kind of) stole them back when we were rummaging through old storage in Chicago last year and recently had them altered a couple months ago -- they were originally HUGE, almost parachute-like.

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I have on a Zara men's linen button down, my mom's vintage accordion crop pants, Bakers shoes, vintage necklace, DKNY watch cuff, and Cynthia Rowley sunglasses.

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Now I know this is the second post in a row that I'm mentioning this, but seeing newly released pictures and videos of Japan and its current status continuously breaks my heart to the point where doing nothing is just NOT an acceptable option. Please help by making a donation.

For international readers:
American Red Cross

For Philippine readers:
Groupon Beeconomics (they have a great deal going on right now where they will match your donation)

xx

Images via: Google Images

(Photography by Mr. Boyfriend)

Sunday, March 13, 2011

/Bare Midriff/

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(Left to to Right: Versace Spring 2011 RTW, Versace Spring 2011 RTW, Rag & Bone Spring 2011 RTW, Dolce & Gabbana Spring 2011 RTW)

Inspired by the Spring collections of these inimitable labels, I decided to create my own version by throwing on some comfy trousers, a sheer crop top, and a blazer. Though these lines do an impeccable job executing the chic bare midriff look, I think the one person who does it like a true SUPAHSTAH is the queen of style herself, Carrie Bradshaw.

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Wearing Forever 21 crop top and blazer, vintage harem pants, H&M belt, Janylin shoes, Cynthia Rowley sunglasses, and Michael Kors watch.

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I've been experimenting with a lot of post photo processing colors and themes and was quite pleased with how that last picture turned out. I like how the colors, as well as the fact that surprisingly no cars were passing by, made the shot look a little eerie.

I'm so sorry about the lag in posts (once again). My internet has not been cooperating, hence my inability to upload pictures. The consequences of not having internet resulted in me constantly watching CNN... My heart goes out to all those affected by the calamities in Japan. It was absolutely surreal to watch on TV.

(Images via Style.com and Google Images)

(Photography by Mr. Boyfriend)

Wednesday, March 9, 2011

/Hush Tone/

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Okaaay, so I know in all but one of the pictures I'm either looking down or looking to the side and this is strictly due to the fact that I look so haggard and am trying my absolute best to distract this problem, but what can you do. A loong and tedious day in an office where there is no outlet to provide fresh air is hardly the means to looking vivid and refreshing. I guess the constant change in weather and the toll it's taking on my body doesn't help either with my goal to looking resplendent. Nonetheless, I decided to wear something radically uncomplicated to brighten up my mood and colors that do it for me are in the nude family. To avoid the monotony that could result from an all-the-same-color kind of outfit, I threw on the over-the-knee socks to give my favorite color a little shout out (I'm all about the shout outs, if you haven't noticed already).

Wearing a Forever 21 blazer, Urban Outfitters top, Topshop shorts, black knee highs, black booties, and Ralph Lauren necklace.