Nude Awakening

“I wanted a perfect ending. Now I've learned, the hard way, that some poems don't rhyme, and some stories don't have a clear beginning, middle, and end. Life is about not knowing, having to change, taking the moment and making the best of it, without knowing what's going to happen next.
Delicious Ambiguity.”

I used to be such a control freak that every step was carefully planned, every outfit was thought of in advance and I refused to be caught off guard. The thing with being that way is that the sad but unavoidable reality that in life, you are never in control and to assume you are, simply opens you up for major disappointment. I came, I controlled (or tried) and I failed and got a harsh lesson and now I am just going with the flow and taking life as it is. I still crave for control (that's just me and I can't control it---okay for lack of a better term to use...) but now I know when to sit back and relax and let things unfold  before me without having to intervene. I simply trust the vibes I get... because at the end of the day, energy doesn't lie. As for being on top of everything, the rude awakening that one never can be and the sooner you accept that, the better as you strip yourself off the pretense (as comforting as the illusion of having control is) and then you're left to deal with yourself in rawest and purest form possible... that kind of explains my title on nude awakenings...because believe it or not... being stripped off all the false pretenses that somehow reassure you or lull you into a false sense of security is what one needs.

On Standards, Taking The Stand and Standing Up For Yourself

"I'm not going to do it. I'm not going to wish for a perfect life. The things that knock you down in life are tests, forcing you to make a choice between giving in and remaining on the ground or wiping the dirt off and standing up even taller than you did before you were knocked down. I'm choosing to stand up taller. I'll probably get knocked down a few more times before this life is through with me, but I can guarantee you I'll never stay on the ground."

 -Colleen Hoover

It is a popular saying in fashion that every woman must dress like they are going to meet their worst enemy. I never really made sense of that and I never found any reason to believe in that. Now that I go to court for hearings, it still quite doesn't make sense to me. Probably because I never really dressed up for anyone other than myself. Simply put, I dress up for me but with the consideration that I am appropriate enough to make an effort to show the people who I am meeting that I respect them enough to have come up with a well-thought of outfit and not be sloppy. Don't get me wrong, I am always appropriately dressed for almost anything as the occasion calls for but I don't really put into consideration what other people will think when it comes to what I want to wear. I am an advocate of "situational dressing." But that is about as far as it goes for me. Personally, I dress up for a said situation/occasion the way I want to and the day I wore this outfit was dedicated to all-white and powder blue, which to me was inspired by a very cool and calming color palette which was the complete opposite of the events that were to transpire that day. You see, I had to take the stand.

A Smile and a Ribbon

 
The beach has always been a relaxing place for me. I am definitely a beach baby and there is just something about the sand, the sea and the waves crashing against the rocks that I find very calming. Whenever I feel the need to take a private retreat from the busyness of daily life in the city, which I have to admit is quite maddening, I hop into the car and escape. Luckily, I live in a country where the beach is only about a two hour drive away. This makes clarity, introspection and soul searching within reach. I can spend days in the beach and would actually prefer to do that. I think nothing is more relaxing than a cold tropical shake, a lovely bikini and a good book and I can get lost in the moment.

Faerie's Wheel

Life is magical. I say that wholeheartedly because despite the many problems we encounter or how "bad" and miserable our day is, at the end of the day, there is always something we find that we can smile about and that is exactly what makes it magical. When we were young, we were told fairy tales and when we got older, the real world had a funny way of catching up with us which made us doubt them but I think that the main reason they continue to exist (or were written in the first place), is because something magical is here and exists that inspired them...And magic can be found in stolen moments. This is exactly what this outfit is all about: enchantment. I had the dreamiest time shooting this outfit which was in every way magical as I was draped in layers and layers of soft chiffon that swayed and moved with me and the wind on the breezy Saturday afternoon that I wore it. Since I was in every way in my own element and revelry, the setting provided to be perfection as I had a Ferris Wheel or as I refer to it, a faerie's wheel, in the background fully complimenting the ensemble.

Last Day of Magic

Magenta Magnet.
(Chiffon Maxi Skirt: Glitterati | Tanktop: Topshop | Accessories : +RUCKUS | Bag: Zara | Shoes: SOULE PHENOMENON)


I wore a sheer chiffon maxi skirt which reveals a little peek-a-boo of the leg as the lining is a miniskirt, it is from my brand Glitterati and comes in black, white, yellow and white (though we have 1 last white left as the skirt got sold out that day). The waist area is garterized, making it easy to move in and very comfortable for Day 3 of the SUPERSALE BAZAAR at the World Trade Center.

I paired it with a tied at the waist basic tanktop from Topshop and then added fringed and feather accessories from my cousin's brand +RUCKUS who also was showcasing several pieces at the bazaar. I paired it with black strappy wedges (wedges are comfort and high heels combined) and was set to go. It was an eventful and VERY VERY full bazaar. Thank you to all those who came to support!

xx, JL

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I'm coming apart at the seams...

Friday night outfit archived from last week which I wore to watch Despicable Me with my boyfriend and friend. It was such a cute movie, definitely a friendly reminder on why I am missing out on cartoons/ animated flicks so much. I just found it was too adorable. It’s just soooo fluffy, I’m gonna die!

Anyway, I wore all Glitterati for my clothing which is a 3 pc outfit composed of a semi sheer metallic chiffon cape (it has tiny glitters that make the chiffon shine but it can’t be seen on the photo!) over a tiered ruffled chiffon zebra print spaghetti strapped top. I decided to contrast the flowy look of the top with a more structured liquid PVC skirt which is again from my brand. Accessorized with my never failing studs and dogtags and of course, shoes and socks. Very simple and easy look to put together and I loved it. The cape was such a great add on to the look since it made the look softer and definitely more laid back. I hope it worked!

Till the next post!

PS: To everyone asking...

The cape is now available at our store in Bel-Air 3 Makati in white and black. It should be available online by next week. Made to order colors are Red, Brown, Beige/Gold, Yellow, Green, Purple and Orange.

PRODUCT DETAILS:

Blazing Caped Crusader | Item Description: Metallic Chiffon oversized cape | Colors: White Black | Colors for Made to Order: Red, Brown, Beige/Gold, Yellow, Green, Purple and Orange.| Size: Free Size|

Price :P 800.00

Hit me up for inquiries!

The New Polka Dot

A wise woman once said, “Houndstooth is the new polka dot.”

I am all about polka dots, trust me. But when I am into a more classic and clean print, I go to the no fail print of Houndstooth, It is always fierce, fashion forward and fabulous! While polka dots have a quirky, whimsical feel… I consider houndstooth to have a more conservative and timeless take when it comes to prints and I am in love with the classic black and white combo that is very reminiscent of old school Christian Dior couture. This is why I knew that I just had to design a dress in the much loved print. Thus this mullet style body con dress which is topped with a sheer chiffon layer. This is one of my favorite new dresses for Glitterati since the plaid optical illusion print is contrasted by the sheer solid softness of the chiffon. More so, the chiffon overlay can be tied at the waist to a bow as an option when leg baring is more optimal.

What is Houndstooth?

Houndstooth is a fabric whose black and white pattern resembles a star, or the tip of a dog’s tooth; hence the name. The choice fabric of college prepsters and inhabitants of the English countryside, houndstooth is a favorite of conservatives and fashionistas alike. Having enjoyed brief popularity in the 1960’s, it was only a matter of time before houndstooth made a comeback! The fabric is usually made of wool, which makes it a great choice for outerwear such as coats and jackets. A popular variation of the houndstooth pattern is glen plaid. But don’t be alarmed! Rocking houndstooth this season will hardly put you in the same fashion category as Sherlock Holmes! The pattern has a fun, retro-chic appeal. This season, it is readily available in many forms, including accessories.

Suffice to say, I had a great time in the dress! The way the chiffon shimmied and swayed as I walked was exquisite and I felt totally at home with the idea that I was baring just enough skin since the chiffon has that peek-a-boo effect..providing just the right coverage and revealing in a more subtle manner. More so, the off-shoulder cut is very flattering especially when emphasizing one’s shoulders. I wore this to a very fun night to celebrate Patricia’s birthday at Amber where we had so much fun dancing to hip-hop!

Me with the boys and fellow blogger, Lissa

My brother and his girlfriend, Patricia, the birthday girl who also blogs and is quite known in Chictopia!


(Above): Me and my boyfriend, TJ. Finally, I am putting a face to the guy I usually talk about in blog posts after like a million posts! Haha!

(Below): Me and my brother's best friend, Ice.

and the Grand Prix caps I won for us....

The girls:
Upper photo: Me with Krystel.
And the rest of the gang: Patricia Mariano in a Glitterati lace tanktop, Patrish and the models: Kara G. and Samantha

BTW this dress will be part of our up and coming new line which we will be releasing at The Prive Fashion Series at Member’s Only this September 1,2010. I know I am revealing a peek at our up coming collection but I just cannot resist not wearing this dress! Hope to see bloggers from back here in Manila there!