Today Was A Fairytale

I wanted to find something of the beauty of myth that we’ve left behind, carry its shreds before us all, so we could acknowledge it, somehow bring it back to life. I wanted to delve back into that world that cradled us when we were young enough to still touch it, when trolls lived under creek bridges, faeries fluttered under mushroom caps, and the Tooth Fairy only came once you were truly sleeping. I wanted to see if enchantment was somehow still there, simply waiting to be reached. When I felt my loss, I realized that if I could do anything in this life, I wanted to travel the world, searching for those who were still awake in that old dream time, and listen to their stories – because I had to know that there were grownups out there who still believed that life could be magical.
And in that moment I decided: I am going to find the faeries... and write my own fairytales.

Before the noche buena festivities commence, I would like to wish everyone: A Merry Christmas. Granted Christmas Eve is such a big deal in our country, I am sure everyone is excited to have a fun-filled night until morning with loved ones. I think the ability to reconnect is one of the best things about the Yuletide season and I do hope you spend this opportunity well. You see, once you get older, the holidays become more of a chore rather than a cause for celebration. I get it... we all have responsibilities now and we were already told Santa doesn't exist and that it really was our parents who are stuffing our Christmas socks after all. That's the thing about growing up--- we find out the reality of things that we used to marvel at and believe so intensely. This is the reason why I find people who manage to see the magic in everyday life and continues to be enchanted absolutely fascinating. It's a hard knock life but having hope is something to revel at. Not everyone is like that anymore... maybe except for a selected few. As jaded as I think I tend to be, one thing I still do believe in magical things and that's how I choose to be. Enchantment lies in everyday moments if you are observant and if you are willing to write down your own tales. It's quite simple really... for my case. for example, all I have to do is to find the beauty in the mundane things... and even simpler yet, all I have to do is wear an dreamy ensemble that spells "QUEEN" all over it... this gown is an example of that. After all, an enchanted day is only enchanted if we ourselves believe that anything is possible.

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.

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.

On Bubbles, Baubles and Bliss

A lot of people ask me what happiness is. Personally, I want to tell them I don't have a clear cut definition for happiness because I think happiness isn't objective but rather relative. It varies from person to person and I think you have to go out and learn what that is for you. Of course, you will never learn what true happiness is without suffering... Pain is weird that way- it makes you realize all the good things you had and appreciate them. However, if you want me to paint you a picture of what happiness is... allow me to show you... because this set of photos shows me very happy... if not, in total bliss. I especially love taking this set of photos because it shows me casual, fuss-free, happy and well, to put it simply: just me.

Of Settlements, Settling the Score and Not Settling for Less: Know You Deserve Better

Traditionally, red is a very vibrant color and is ideally used to celebrate something (well in the Chinese and Asian culture anyway...) Personally, I never regarded red in a negative way and do not associate it with anger, war or danger. Instead, I always thought red was a very intense color that I associate with strength, power, passion and desire. I usually do not use the color solely on an outfit... I use it as an accent instead. That is obviously not the case with this outfit since as you can see, I wore a vibrant red silk satin dress and Lanvin pumps in the same hue (it was so matchy-matchy that both items even had bow details). It is all so very monochromatic and all so very red but I ended up taking a risk and loved it. I kept everything else simple and fuss-free and to avoid overkill, I decided not to accessorize anymore. I reckon I am feeling a bit more empowered these days and I decided to spice things up - as I always do when it comes to fashion choices and wore red on red. It's funny how I went full-on committed to the color but then again, that is just me... I never do half-baked and when I do something, it's all about going all in. 

Boho Beach

Rarely am I seen barefooted, in a flowy dress and playing along the shore of the beach. I saw this dress and automatically thought of the character of Misty Day from American Horror Story Season 3!!! Back to my free-spirit being undocumented...I don't quite know why. Maybe I get too lost in the moment to take a photograph or ask someone to- but this is a habit that I happen to love doing. I am not the kind of girl who will sit all prissy in oversized shades under a cabana trying top avoid the sun, slathering on sunblock while lounging in my sun chair. It's an unhealthy habit but the terms SPF, UV rays, bites and stings tend to be lost on me the moment I felt and caught a whiff of sea breeze. I am the "I-like-to-chase-waves-as-they-crash-along-the-shore" girl and when I see sun, sand and sea- I get so excited I almost spazz out. People rarely know this side to me as I do present myself in quite a very formal way- fierce blogger poses, smiling with no teeth and chin up photos circa 2012... Exhibit A. So here I am, finally sharing my happy-go-lucky side. Ah, in praise of life's natural highs...Priceless.

On Tears, Lies and Alibis (While Daydreaming in Pink and Blue)

I am almost always in neutral like cream, white or beige or black for court appearances. Yes, for those of you who do not know, I am going to court as I have pressed charges against someone who I thought was my friend but ended up physically assaulting me...to know the back story to all that, CLICK HERE. Anyway, I was feeling a bit colorful that day and my mood needed it since I was already getting upset by the other party's delaying tactics that I knew that this day would be no different. Apparently not. 

The Merry-Go-Round

“I am suddenly consumed by nostalgia for the little girl who was me, who loved the fields and believed in God, who spent winter days home sick from school reading Nancy Drew and sucking menthol cough drops, who could keep a secret.”

I know a man... He puts the color inside my world | This isn't goodbye.

My brother is heading to Spain. I told myself to be rational and logical about this. I denied myself having to feel his departure as a coping mechanism but as the hours dwindle down and I realize how my time with him is ultimately running out like all the sand draining from an hourglass... I cannot help but be emotional. He's my brother, my protector and the one man I know who never ever hurt me... And here is a tribute for him...

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.

I love Elle Fanning!