We Found Wonderland

You’ll learn, as you get older, that rules are made to be broken. Be bold enough to live life on your terms, and never, ever apologize for it. Go against the grain, refuse to conform, take the road less traveled instead of the well-beaten path. Laugh in the face of adversity, and leap before you look. Dance as though EVERYBODY is watching. March to the beat of your own drum. And stubbornly refuse to fit in.

It's been a good 11 days since my last blog and I apologize for the lack of updates. The thing is- I wanted to make my blogs for this year extra special and amazing so I knew I had to actually make time for every outfit post. Until three days ago, I was actually quite distracted by other things (one of them, being video answers on Ask.fm which I found so much fun) and while my social media presence was actually quite very strong, unfortunately my blogging had to take a backseat. However, now that I am back, expect me to be back in full force... with guns blazing... I am excited to share with you my outfit and my thoughts for the year to come... so let's get started with this post...

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.

Lucky Strike

Today I wondered why my eyelashes aren't thick enough and why my feet aren't small enough. Then it hit me. Why do we take these insignificant things like millimeters on lashes and shoe boxes and then try to fit ourselves into those stupid molds? Why do I take the beauty that is me, and measure it up to a shoe size? A length of hair on my eyes? Am I not the more wonderful creation, far more great than those stupid things? Why do we take ourselves and desecrate ourselves daily? Pushing ourselves into cubicles because we think we are supposed to fit into them? Are we ice cubes? And suddenly I just don't understand the inadequacies anymore! Because they're not even inadequacies, at all! I will laugh and be beautiful.

Songs of Innocence

C. Joybell C. once said: “I think that the best thing we can do for our children is to allow them to do things for themselves, allow them to be strong, allow them to experience life on their own terms, allow them to take the subway... let them be better people, let them believe more in themselves.” 

Last week, fresh from the hospital, I was granted a wonderful chance to visit Keys School Manila where I was invited by the lovely faculty and staff especially Teacher Joyce to be a resource speaker to talk about Journalism and Blogging, a new topic that they are introducing into their curriculum as a special project. After my talk, the kids are going to come up with their own web blog wherein they can talk about their interests, hobbies, feelings, emotions etc. I was thrilled when I received the invite. Usually, I don't agree to give talks as much because I go to work on weekdays however since I was given the week off (from my recent confinement) and because I just simply cannot say "No" when it involves kids, I instantly responded that I was more than willing to go and give a short talk. You see, I love children. I really do. I find it refreshing to be with the young ones because there is something so magical in seeing the world through a child's eyes: with so much innocence, enthusiasm and spirit. If anything, I would love to be around that kind of energy more often because it is so pure and untainted by the world's ways. It was a beautiful day when I went to the school and the experience was absolutely unforgettable and one for the books. I am so glad to have been there since this was a day I definitely would not have missed out on the world.

'Cause Darling I'm a Nightmare Dressed Like A Daydream

Okay, so I don't quite know how accurate this title is but granted that I am self-deprecating, I wanted to post this as it was one of my favorite lyrics to that new very self-deprecating Taylor Swift song, Blank Space, which is what almost everyone is talking about... along with THAT photo that broke the internet that just had this weird effect on me because I felt like there was too much oil involved. Okay, not to veer off from topic, I always liked Taylor Swift as an artist and love her songs (even her unreleased ones) but before, as a person... not so much. I always felt there was something she was hiding with her squeaky clean image and since I am one of those people who love to admit my faults before anyone else could point them out, I felt like she was hiding something. With her new look, sound and image with her 1989 album though, I've begun to see a more human side to her and I liked it that she went over and beyond that and exaggerated how she is portrayed and showed off her flaws in such a self-deprecating way that made me really really like her. I think as humans, we are all flawed. But it is up to how we accept them, react to them and use them (sometimes to our advantage) that matters. So right now that she is showing a more fun and "hey, I'm also human" side... I like her as a person too. I have to admit  I haven't quite given myself enough time to recover after the fuss of last week since the minute I was released from the hospital, I found my schedule full of appearances and commitments that I have signed off to even before I got sick. Granted that these commitments involve an advocacy that is very important to me, I couldn't live with myself if I were to just cancel last minute so after I checked out from being admitted... I found myself planning my wardrobe for the days to come which involved me in very demure, dainty and classic pieces since these engagements I booked all involved education, which as you know is a very important cause to me and something that I will fight for no matter what. I decided to postpone the time needed to recuperate so I may attend to these functions because I am professional and I will go above what is expected especially if it involves this particular cause. I'm human, I am flawed but here I am trying my best to represent... and in this ensemble, it would be hard to go wrong with the entire representation thing as it was in every way elegant. This is my usual outfit for daily life as I want to represent myself in a very put-together and classic way especially as I represent one of the most rapidly growing scholarship and educational foundations as I am its Executive Director. As I am an advocate of situational dressing, I try to be respectful of the environment I am in and the cause I am representing and that involves dressing up in a manner that is graceful, dignified and refined. 

First Things First

First things first, after the three post hiatus of costumes and rocker chic outfits, here I am back in my corporate attire also known as my uniform and I am incorporating my two favorite colors: powder blue and powder pink. The colors I have been wearing have mostly been muted (nothing to glaring or bright) as I feel I am at that point in my life where I am calm, serene and prefer not much noise and theatrics. I wore this on a Hmmph-day Wednesday where I also had a great (yet very long) lunch over at Wild Flour which was always fulfilling. Everyone always inquires what my favorite cuisine is and my automatic answer is: Comfort Food as I have decided that deserves it own food subgroup. Actually, I rarely do lunch out on weekdays and prefer to eat packed lunch in the office which is why it surprised me when I saw how much people were there (the restaurant was packed and there was a waiting line) to eat lunch out. I know it may not exactly be a big deal to anyone at all but since I am in this new stage in my life by working in our foundation, I choose to see the world with fresh eyes and a child like curiosity- things as mundane as these actually fascinate me. Call it crazy but I think it's important to see the beauty in even the most simple matters and also to still be amazed over little things.

Just Like A Dream

“Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn't do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.” 

- H. Jackson Brown

I believe that no matter how irrelevant, we must not only chase our dreams... but make them reality. Call it optimism or idealism, but I would like to think that dreams do country... if you work hard for them. The day I wore this outfit was exactly that...like a dream. I never thought I would enjoy the day being in a place that was cold (yes, bring me anywhere cold and I am not a happy girl). But then I came to realize that sometimes, it isn't so much about where you are or what is around you but so much about being with the people you care and love most. This day was like that. For lack of a better way to explain it, allow me to go in detail. I am in a much better place now. I know it sounds silly, but I think I am at a place where everything turned out to be right for me, all my problems have not exactly been solved but I have come to accept them as they are and I am finally finally happy... I find that the progress I’ve made in my life and the adult that I’m becoming has made me more aligned as an individual- I finally know what matters to me and what doesn't simply because I got my life on track and opened myself up to so many new possibilities. I didn't really know how to go about this all before as I seemed to always distract myself with unnecessary things. I was basically going through life as if in a daze because I didn't know any other way to go about it. However, once it was clear to me what I wanted to do and the person I wanted to be, it set the path for me to move forward and make my dreams real. There is no better feeling than finally knowing what you want and going through the process of trying to get it.

Locked In My Own Daze

I live in a generation where everyone always is all about what the new thing is. While I think that may indeed be a good thing, since having something new always means there is development and progress, I cannot help but think that sometimes, reverting back to the old, the tried and the tested matters too. I've heard it all happen over and over again, people complain about doing the same old thing. I don't quite know when it happened exactly when the "same old thing" became synonymous with "boring" and I know that such a generalization is absolutely false. I find comfort in the classics which is probably why I find rummaging through my mom's old clothes so much fun. Case in point: this dress.

On Neutrality, Nuances and Nuisances

Apparently neutrality is a concept that is too impossible for most of the population to understand. So I guess, if the world isn't ready for it, I might as well take it out on what I wear... I know I've been donning more than the usual neutral wear but be assured that if you were to look closely, there is still some variety and nuance offered in the pale hues I have been sporting. This time, it's been all about my beautiful new Givenchy Antigona which was perfectly matched with this sporty watercolor shirt I blatantly asked my mother to have since I love the detail and the colors (yes, when I want it and have to have it, I take it...as simple as that. I've always been a fan of playing a word game so for this post allow me to address: neutrality, nuances and nuisances. Allow me to dive deeper into this topic by addressing three things you don't always have to have: a side (to address neutrality), a disregard for the subtle differences that exist (to address how important considering the nuances) and an agreement (which for the past few weeks I personally find to be such a nuisance since I am far from privy to the idea of a mediation of any form happening and I will explain why.)

They don't call it "fall" for nothing

There is always so enticing about fall colors that I like. To be honest, I am not a fan of the weather but I do like the whole situational dressing involved in the new season. I am a fan of the colors and I think that definitely shows in this outfit which involves elements of a few of my favorite colors including cobalt blue and wonderful hues of beige and brown. I have been waiting forever to wear this outfit. You see, I bought it last year and it was just forever hung on the rack of clothing I have already matched and paired. Unfortunately, some clothes were prioritized and this ended up on the back burner of the rack. By the time I realized this outfit existed (yes, it is a very dire situation) it was already almost summer so back to the rack it went. Since it is appropriate to wear now, I knew I had to wear it. I paired it with my favorite beige cape (not seen on the photo) as the weather was quite harsh then but had some time to take some photos of me in this luckily. Don't get me wrong, I am lamenting the return of the -ber seasons. A new season always brings in new hopes, new expectations so I always make it a point to take time and smell that musky scent of earth after rain (it is referred to as "petrichor" I think). It's true that like all good things (aka. summer) must come to an end. And after all, "they don't call it fall for nothing."

Sweet Little Something

 There are times when I like to keep things simple yet feminine and fun. The wonders of dressing up in a monochromatic outfit are endless and it is all about in how you embellish. This time, I decided to keep the otherwise basic look more flirty and girly by adding a hint of blush tones because if anything- I am a girl's girl and well it seemed appropriate for Sunday dressing. I have to admit, there are some days that I feel just BLAH and that is when I have to remind myself that I have to be grateful. You see, as easy as it may be to point out every last thing that you currently do not have, there is ALWAYS something to be appreciative of. A lot of the time, we desire luxuries, situations, finances or people we can't have, completely forgetting about all the treasures we've been granted in life. Even I am no exception when it comes to this. There just some days you are tired and frustrated for no other reason except that you aren't feeling so well. Things to be grateful for having aren't always physical objects. While getting something you've been yearning or saving up for may be great, you simply cannot hold, text and download apps on a loving relationship with your Mom and your Dad, and having good health isn't shiny with nice rims on it... yet it is still most certainly worth being very thankful to have. There is nothing more  disappointing than losing something  or someone you have taken for granted and realizing then that you didn't appreciate every single moment you had it/them. This is why on days that I don't feel my usual cheerful self, I go back to this thought and get up, get dressed and try to be fabulous... there are so many things to be grateful for...and even I need to remind myself that... On days I feel like that, I put on a basic top, a good skirt, great shoes and a good bag and then I go ornamental. I think that's the first few steps in trying to go along...

The Perfect White Tee

"I've always thought of the T-shirt as the alpha and omega of the fashion alphabet."

-Giorgio Armani

Didn't he say it best? From one closet essential to the next... (this is becoming a trend already) but here is yet another post on one of my closet staples which is the plain white t-shirt. It is just absolutely a MUST! I can go on and on and on to tell you ways to wear it and I probably won't run out of styling tips because it is THAT essential. No matter what, every girl has got to have the perfect white tee and it is here to stay. The search for it isn't as easy though since it has to fit you perfectly. Thankfully, I was able to discover a brand that provides exactly that- called Sexy White Shirt and everything about it is just amazing: the fit, the sizing, the quality of the fabric... you've got to trust me on this... I am obsessed with it so much that I even styled it in such a way that I made it appropriate for the office. Yes, for those of you who don't know, I now go to the office and work as the Executive Director in one of my dad's companies. No, it is not an "ad hoc" job where it is simply a title I was given since I'm his daughter... the thing about my dad is he expects much so I actually have to work hard for the company and go to the office and attend to important matters. 

Tropical Punch

I am yearning for the sunny days that are now replaced by heavy rains and thunder booms and what better way to express my eternal love for summer than in what I am wearing? I did exactly just that and wore this pair of palm tree printed trousers which is my own little way of protest in praise of the sun. Of course...it rained but not even that can dampen my spirits which I have to say have been exuberant. I guess having a great support system in the form of a stable relationship with my family and a very select few friends empowers one to survive the rainstorms of life. And, while there is a possibility that there will be people who exist solely to rain on your parade, it's nice to know that the shelter that people who genuinely care for you and love you will provide will leave you damage-free and able to weather any storm.

Caught off guard

Casual but not quite.
(Jeans: Zara | Tanktop: Zara | Shoes: DAS | Belt: Vintage Italian from Mom)

This day definitely caught me off guard. I originally thought I was in for a sedentary day until work crept up to me and I ended up in 3 different places to blog about rather than being in my bed in a rather vegetative mode. Not that I am complaining as I had quite an amazing day! First stop was My Health Clinic in Shangri-la which was quite fun and very very healthy- will save more of that for my blog entry...Followed by a very relaxing "PAMPER ME" treatment over at Chic Nails and Spa (It was phenomenal....seriously) and then capped off by an open house visit to Icon, a chic new condo development over at the Fort and to end the night, a meet up with good friends over at Draft in the Fort Strip, which was just sinful.

The call of duty, as it always does, came in last minute and I had aout 45 minutes to prepare, so I relied on my trusty skinny jeans (in white...I know, I know its a sin to wear white after labor day, so fine me!) and a layered tanktop. Everything about this look spells: CASUAL except for my ultra fab DAS shoes which instantly glamorized the look. I love how shoes can add that instant star quality to a look. Just add water and stir! Hope it worked. Very differen from my usual glamorama drama filled looks but its all aout variety!


xx, JL

Photos from the day:

I'm like a ringleader (I call the shots)

There's only two types of people in the world: the ones who entertain and the ones who observed.. Well I'm a put on a show kind of girl.
Military Coat: Mango | Top: Zara | Skirt: Glitterati | Accessories: Random | Boots: Online | Bag: Givenchy Nightingale

Wore a ringleader inspired outfit which was fitting as we were watching Cirque Du Soleil. I don't know what it is about me but I love dressing for the occasion... it's interesting to play a part sometimes and while this was more "call to arms" than circus, I guess you get the vibe given my coat had a tail. Since it was rainy and we were experiencing typhoon weather back here, I decided it was high time I whip out my thigh high boots and take 'em out for a spin around town. It was a smart choice especially since it covered my legs against the elements esp. the cold since I get really really cold easily. Wore my all purpose Nightingale purse with the look which fit my entire life inside and of course added some bling rings including a cute gold elephant ring which added to the circus theme. (I watched Like Water for Elephants while preparing so I get into the whole circus mood!!!)

Cirque Du Soleil was awesome. Check out some photos I had to sneak taking with my Iphone!!! The set, the VIP Lounge (Tapis Rouge which means Red Carpet, literally) and the atmosphere was inspiring and it added to the vibe! I loved it!
(We were front row and I love the whole harlequin/ pageant of the macabre feel of that night!)

xx

My style gallery outfits

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