I Know Places We Can Hide

There are some places in life where you can only go alone. Some steps that need to be taken alone. It’s the only way to really figure out where you need to go and who you need to be.  Embrace the beauty of your solo journey.

As much as I love my job with so much zeal and passion, I have to admit that I can't do it 24/7 and that being human and all... I also need to take a break. I've always lived with that mindset that when I start something, I need to finish it so I tend to fixate on things which makes me anxious and very neurotic. I am one of those people who sometimes forget to take a break until I burn out. Thankfully, I was able to find a way to have that much sought after work-life balance and I don't feel guilty or like a slacker when I take breaks. More so, the activities I engage in are more wholesome and enriching and I am happy to have matured...finally. I look back at my past self and can't believe that huge disparity between the person I used to be and the activities I used to do and the person that I am now and the activities I make time for. I've learned to prioritize, to keep a level head and to know there is a great big world out there. This necessary awakening was a result of taking much needed time off boys and dating. I guess I have to thank my ex-boyfriends and my break-ups for giving me the chance to be alone so I can grow on my own... and so far, I like the person that I am. I am more calm and stable. I am no longer impulsive and I've managed to understand the concept of applying myself despite a few setbacks I have. At some point, I also stopped feeling sorry for myself and actually carried on and did something with my life. I figured out what I want to be and where I belong and this level of transcendence and self-actualization would not have been in any way possible had I stayed in a relationship because I learned to stop defining my happiness and myself with the person I was with. Now I can say that the source of my happiness and contentment comes from myself and my advocacy. Suffice to say, I learned to depend on myself and I think I needed that a lot. I wouldn't be able to do all these things and realize all these unless I was all by myself. It's a funny thing when people say that when "God closes a door, he opens a window," because after spending sufficient time reflecting, I think the more appropriate thing to say is that when "God closes a door and shuts the window... it's because He is building an entirely new and better house for yourself..." And isn't that just a lovely thought?

Blank Space

I crave space. It charges my batteries. It helps me breathe. Being around people can be so exhausting, because most of them love to take and barely know how to give. Except for a rare few.

Sometimes, you just need to be alone and I have absolutely no problem with that. I actually love that... and I think that it's okay to be that way. Contrary to popular belief, it does not mean that something is wrong with you or in your life. You see, sometimes, you simply need to create the space to soul search, think, rest and just BE. I don't think you need to apologize for needing or taking this space. At the end of the day, it is part of what makes you a happy healthy person. The thing I realized is that you can't always keep on dealing with people every second... There are times that you have got to stand alone...if for anything- just to find out how damn strong you are...even if it is longer than expected. For an introvert like me, that comes easy... I thrive on this scenario. However, not everyone is like me and if you fall into the other category and are an extrovert, this is something that would be very hard to do. I have seen it all too often and I have to admit that I have been guilty as well of creating distractions just so I don't have to face my problem...and simply sweep it under the rug. I mean ultimately, isn't that the easiest route to go through? Denial? After facing problems heads on, gun blazing... it came to a point that I just got really tired and burnt out. At some point, I wasn't even quite sure anymore what I was fighting for anymore and that was when I decided that what I needed was some time in a beautiful place to clear my head. I also believe that sometimes, the best way to appreciate something is to be without it for awhile. Clarity, peace, serenity are very important things to find...don't you think?

Made To Love

You haven't seen strength until you witness a woman who continues on after being hurt, smiles after being hurt and still remains hopeful even though at times it hurts. You almost can't tell that she's in pain because the way she wears her smile from day to day is symbolic of the strength that only lives within a Queen. You have not seen real strength until you've seen her.

I don't know what it is but I somehow find it odd that I love being decked out in gowns and long dresses... almost like I was born in the wrong era. To be quite frank, I love wearing fancy formal dresses more than I love wearing normal "everyday" clothes which somehow gives me validation that I was indeed probably born in the wrong time period. Now, as I have high respect for situational dressing, as much as I love gowns... it would be quite inappropriate to wear them while running errands, going to work and on a daily basis. That would just be off. However, there are formal occasions that beg for long dresses, pomp and circumstance... one of said occasions include a wedding... which hopefully by now, you are well oriented enough to know how much I love attending them.

Habits (I've been around and I've seen it all)

Autumn is here and that means that 'tis the time of the year again I can experiment with rich fabrics such as jacquard, velvet and for this day- my personal choice- brocade. I always found richly decorative shuttle-woven fabrics laced with metallic gold absolutely elegant and glamorous and if anything, it spells one thing: royalty. Okay, so I will never be royal... even if some of my readers and followers call me Queen but I sure as hell can dress as one and that was exactly what I did when I chose this ensemble for a very important lunch where I was to present achievements of our foundation and orient my two sisters who are based abroad all about it. When I wore this outfit, I felt quite pleased with myself... Although when my sisters and staff saw me, they had one name in mind: Blair Waldorf. The irony of it all.

A Rose By Any Name

I am all about situational dressing. I personally think that it is absolutely vital to know what to where depending on the occasion and the occasion I wore this outfit to called for flats, as a must and while I do prefer heels, I didn't want to be inappropriate so since the situation called for it, I wore flat shoes instead. The event I wore this ensemble to was the Cocorose Launch here in Manila where my FOSSIL Dominique was a muse and as you all know, I am very supportive and so, I made sure to support her all the way in this outfit and in flat shoes which I wore for the whole day...(I know, shocker, right?)  At the end of the day though, I was happy I chose to go and dress up this route as everyone was in flats and it was a strictly flats only event. I would've been totally out of place in my sky-highs so as much as I love my stilettos, it was only appropriate to leave them in my shoes closet, for that day at least.

Call It Magic

Last Sunday, I got the great experience of attending one of my dearest College friend's wedding. It was beautiful. I always loved weddings. Yes, I am that friend who will gush to you about how beautiful you are, willingly come forward once all the single ladies are called out to catch the bouquet and actually stay, which qualifies me as the best wedding guest ever but the allure of it will never fade for me- no matter how many weddings I attend. Add to that the fact that I was born in the wrong time period and think wearing gowns and high heels should be my default outfit and my unwavering belief that it is really beautiful to see two people who love each other and want to publicly declare it have every right. As cynical as I may portray myself to be, I still do believe in happily-ever-afters and there is nothing like a lovely wedding to bring that out. So, on that day, I decided to be appropriate and finally wear this nude gown I've had in my closet for a long time... (to those of you who don't already know, I am that girl who has two closet full of gowns for no other reason than because I love gowns and always love having a dozen I haven't already worn yet... just in case.) Thankfully, I wasn't wrong and on this absolutely marvelous night, I decided understated and elegant was the way to go. The good thing is I also actually blended impeccably with the surroundings at the reception, which was in so many ways absolutely beautiful, by the way... the way I think all receptions are because they are filled with so much love and happiness all in one location.

Autumn Afternoon

“I'm so glad I live in a world where there are Octobers.”
                                                                                 ― L.M. Montgomery, Anne of Green Gables

For most people, I am sure, October seems like such an awkward month. It signals in a lot of changes and transformations happen.  I have come to realize now that transformation sometimes begins with a fall. So never curse the fall. Personally, I am learning to embrace all the seasons and the changes that accompany it. I find that there is something nostalgic and significant about the season. Out with the old, in with the new... transformation is such a wonderful and often unappreciated thing. As with seasons changing, so does my outfit configurations and I find myself removing all the cool and casual ensembles from my rack and start to layer. There is nothing more that signifies the start of a new season for a fashion blogger than a change in outfits pending. There is an adjustment but in time, we learn and get accustomed to it. I sure did which is why it is absolutely so easy for me to discard my summer clothes and immerse myself in layers and knits and cold weather wear. Adapting to the changes is key. So here I am getting all knitty gritty in my favorite and fail safe fall staples: a cozy knit wrap that is so soft that one can snuggle in it. I find a strange sense of comfort in wearing clothes that keep me warm and are at the same time fuzzy. The weather definitely does not dictate for something that is too binding and uncomfortable.

On Breaking Ground

Fresh starts. Put your past behind you, and start over. It is hard to resist the chance at a new beginning. A chance to put the problems of the past to bed. But who gets to determine when the old ends and the new begins? It is not a day in the calendar, not a birthday, not a new year. It is an event. Big or small. Something that changes us. Ideally, it gives us hope.

 A new way of living and looking at the world- letting go of old habits, old memories. What is important is that we never stop believing we can have a new beginning. But it's also important to remember that amid all the crap are a few things really worth holding on to. 

This was the outfit I wore to a very important day in my life and starting over (yet again) as I wore this to the ground breaking of my soon to be future home which I find something good to look forward to. Hopefully, like me, this represents a transition into something new, something bigger and better. This is also what makes the outfit quite monumental. It signifies a fresh start and a new beginning for me. 

Oh baby, you're a classic like a little black dress

I always believed in the little black dress as a classic piece and staple in every girl's wardrobe. I can not stress that enough. Every girl needs to have one or two or three black dresses. The thing about the little black dress is that it is appropriate for every occasion...it all depends on how you style it and it is the single most appropriate and versatile thing anyone owns. It dates back from ages ago but the most iconic moment it was brought to life was when Audrey Hepburn made it is "the dress" from her movie Breakfast at Tiffany's. I watched it when I was 11 years ago and from then on, I learned and how I capitalized on it is probably one of the proudest things I have done in my blogging career out of it. The ways I have been able to wear the LBD from ten ways to Sunday established me, back when I started in 2007. The Little Black Dress, and trust me on it, is everything.

Proud Soul

The past week has been all kinds of topsy-turvy but I am not complaining as I do believe and see that I am very blessed to be safe and in a good place compared to other people. I find nagging, complaining and whining are to no avail and do not help at all when it comes to fixing things so consider me in a very good place...and I would rather not be anywhere else. I have been on this new sense of calm recently that nothing seems to faze me... not even a 4-hour black-out in this outfit in an enclosed space won't bring my spirits down. In all ways, this sweater weather outfit and a midi skirt from the lovely clothing brand I Love NL Clothing was perfect and would have been appropriate- if the situation was one where electricity was existent- and it is something that conveys a strong message. The text of the sweater reads: PROUD SOUL...and in light of my disposition lately, I have to say, I deserve to wear this...FINALLY.

Wide Awake

Rushing Ruffles

Bustier with beads: Glitterati
Skirt: Vania Romoff
Shoes: Online
Purse: Chanel
Accessories: Forever 21
Jam-packed weekend.
After my Super Sale Saturday, headed on to Member's Only for an exclusive party and the launch of their Forever 21 Gift Card and lovely brand ambassadors who also happen to be my friends/ fellow bloggers, Lissa, Patricia, Domz and Tricia.

The Higher the Better.

SKIRTING THE ISSUE? The skirt is the issue.... Major scene stealer.

I loved the night and I loved it all the more because I got to wear my stunning Vania Romoff skirt which has these gorgeous ruffle frills. I've been saving wearing this skirt since forever and I am so happy I finally got to that night! Since it was a F21 event, I thought it was only fitting to accessorize in Forever 21...which btw are my few fave accessories in my stash right now!

Patricia Prieto, blogger, model and up and coming fashion designer sparkled in sequined dress.
I'd love to wear this to new year's seriously!

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Lissa Kahayon, blogger and up and coming stylist in a very whimsical outfit which is so her. Fashion creativity is so Lissa!

Tricia Gosingtian, cyberlebrity, blogger and photographer in a long black maxi.

Dominique Tiu, marketing maven, blogger and columnist, in a stunning coral one shouldered dress.

Jane Kingsu, Forever 21 Philippines Marketing Manager


Congratulations to the lovely muses and awesome team who worked the night!
Now for some party shots....

Blogger Love: Patrish, JL, Lissa, Kookie and Nicole.
(Photo credit: Patricia, Kookie and Nicole)

My best guy friend/ cousin/ partner in crime, Mikko.

My 2 fave fashionistas: Kookie of Death By Platforms and Nicole of Soule Phenomenon.
(Photo Credit: Kookie and Nicole)

And lastly....What is life without the WOO? I love my WOO Girls and I do not know how I'd get by without them!

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Pink is my favorite crayon

For my BFF Nina’s birthday bash, I decided to come in color (as she requested) and chose a pink bodycon dress I got from Tyler which had mesh detailing and these gorgeous Balenciaga-inspired knotted details. There’s always just something about pink that makes me so HAPPY and while I did go all out with matching shoes, I made sure to contrast the girly feel of the color with black and studs.

It was such a fun night out…no issues, no drama… and I had a blast hanging out with friends!