The Happiness In Her Eyes

My only goal in life right now is to be happy. Genuinely, intensely and consistently happy, regardless of what that looks like to others...

 

It's Christmas time! I love everything about this season...probably because everyone seems to be jolly and happy and generous...and also because people are at that point where they are settling old scores and trying to close cycles in preparation for the New Year. It truly is the most wonderful time of the year! Aside from the festivities, one of my most favorite things about the Christmas season is the gifts. I love the gifts. Now, not to sound materialistic or something, because the gifts I mean are those that you can't purchase in a store or those that have monetary value. I've been raised in a loving family where the most fascinating and most important gifts are those that you don't have to buy and I think that personally, I prefer it that way. I am not one of those people who appreciate something expensive or costly to be given to me to make me happy... I think I am a more simple and practical person where effort is more appreciated over the cost. After all, if you are the kind of person who can have anything you want, what you want are the things that money can't buy and this actually requires more energy than having to go to a mall and buying something and paying for it at a counter. Now what gifts am I referring to? It can be anything from a simple smile, an apology from someone you had animosity towards (and a reconciliation), having good and unforgettable memories with people that will last a lifetime or perhaps being given another chance to make things right. I find those gifts more fascinating... don't you think?

All Laced Up

If there is one fabric that I love, it would be embroidered lace. It is absolutely so intricate and delicate and of course definitely absolutely beautiful. I used to juxtapose lace with leather to make it have a somewhat tougher and edgy appeal or dress it down with a plain top to make it look more casual. However, on this day, I felt like I wanted to take a chance and commit, thus wearing an all lace on lace with tweed ensemble. As you know, I love neutrals and have been quite committed to it so here is yet another neutral look- this time in cream from top to toe. I love that I am growing up a bit more when it comes to my fashion choices. I find that I am growing to love elegant and sophisticated pieces and build an outfit from there. I think that as with most things, my fashion sense and style is also evolving and that's not a bad thing.

Postcards from Heaven

I lean against the wind, pretend that i am weightless and in this moment i am happy.

If you currently are not happy, it might be time to ask yourself what it is that is stopping you from experiencing happiness at this very moment? Well it's not all about throwing a forced smile (although based on my experience, that's not a bad start), however, where would you begin when attempting to get yourself in a genuinely happy state of mind? These were the thoughts going on in my head as I was sitting about 2,500 feet above sea level on that cool, overcast but absolutely calm morning as I just sat amongst the clouds (a past time I enjoy) and just had to clear my head and be as they say "away from it all." To begin with, I had the laid back look perfected: loose over sized knit sweater, ripped boyfriend jeans, appropriate mandals (and do not get me started on the woven hat over my head which I rarely wear unless I need my thinking hat back on, which is what this hat is...) The look is so coordinated and coherent it practically makes me look like the poster child for self-reflection which isn't always a bad thing but as I said, there's more to me than that and to borrow from Ani Di Franco, "I am a poster girl with no poster, I am 32 flavors... and then some..."

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.

Neutral Territory

I had quite a week and I mean that in a "I-am-majorly-in-shock-and-awe" with how much has transpired. Some good things and some not so good happened but ultimately when you want a life that is very quiet and not so up and down like a Richter Magnitude Scale, these highs and lows are exasperating. I've never been a labile girl and I am not up for emotional roller coasters, even if the sparks tend to become attracted to me like a magnet, making life a never-ending saga. So, where to begin? When life starts to resemble a television drama with the plot line of Days of Our Lives or  The Bold and The Beautiful, that's not usually a good thing and you have to let go. Don't get me wrong, these shows are fun for entertainment value but not so much when you become part of the cast and it's playing out in your own life. The past week covers the full spectrum and I prefer not to go into the details but I am quite proud of myself for still standing. The secret to that is this: when life tends to become too overwhelming, it is wise to retreat to a neutral territory and that's what I did and perhaps my subconscious was affecting my decision making that it manifested in the clothes I picked out. 

What I wore: Bloggers United II

Panic Switch.
(Tank top: Topshop | Skirt: Glitterati | Shoes: US | Accessories: Cultus ChiChi | Bag: Marc Jacobs | Sunglasses: Prada)

I had a blast at the most recent Bloggers United II Bazaar held over at Treston International College over at the Fort. To say the bazaar was a major success would be an understatement- it was phenomenal! I loved meeting my blog readers and get to take photos with them and also get to interact with my fellow bloggers here in the Philippines! The amount of support, love and friendship among bloggers here is intense. I love how we never compete but rather support each other's endeavors. PS: We buy pre-loved stuff from each other too!

It was an amazing event and I hope to see all my photos with my readers that day- do link me up or email me at shopglitterati@gmail.com so I can post them! I love you all! Thank you for buying from my booth btw! Hope all the stuff I used to own and still love have found better homes with their new owners!

Will post photos from the event in my next entry...

xx, JL

PS: Thank you to Celina Valconcha for the lovely surprise at the bazaar. I deeply appreciate and love your treat.

PPS: Congratulations to the organizers, Melai, Ana and Aisa for a successful event and to Gelo for being an amazing co-host with Melai. We were all truly entertained! I CANNOT WAIT FOR THE NEXT!

Peach Cobbler

Peaches and Cream.
(Lace cropped top: Topshop | Bandeau: La Senza | Scallop trim shorts: Topshop | Shoes: H&M | Bag: Parisian Patent Purse Designed by Audrey Ednacot | Accessories: Topshop and Forever 21)


I love the coral/ apricot/ peach/ cream palette which has been on full force in dominating the S/S 2011 runway and retail fashion scene. When I saw these separated at Topshop, automatically, I knew I had to buy them together and wear them together. Sometimes, I guess it saves me the time and energy... by pairing things together before I buy them, it saves me the time and energy of having to rethink my closet and picture if I have something that goes perfectly with it. In this case, I was luck to find a complete outfit in just one visit.

I wanted to play up the peach/ coral color which was why I accessorized with an identical colored pair of shoes and purse. I went neutral and creamy on the accessories and heavy on the floral tulle (in my hair and bracelets). I loved wearing this outfit. It was casual but not quite as it was stylishly sassy and sweet. It was ultra comfy too. As for the shoes, this is probably the lowest I can ever go for heels.

xx, JL

Delicate Objects

Dress: Topshop
Shoes: Topshop
Purse: Vintage Nina Ricci

Sunday Dressing.

Was a bit lazy to dress up for our little Sunday tradition so I opted for a whimsical printed dress from Topshop which has cute shoulder shape/ detail. I would normally pair blue and white with red, but since it is not Independence day and I am not feeling too nautical, I opted to do pastels instead by accessorizing with cream. I noticed how this dress is about 80% almost like this other one I wore a few posts back, (Click HERE to view it)... I realized, you can wear something so similar in a totally different way only by accessorizing differently...and that is what I plan to do. No shopping rule: since it's December, I shall shop for other people first!

It is after all, the season of giving!

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