For Those About To Rock (I Salute You)

"When anxious, uneasy and bad thoughts come, I go to the sea, and the sea drowns them out with its great wide sounds, cleanses me with its noise, and imposes a rhythm upon everything in me that is bewildered and confused."

-Rainer Maria Rilke

Imagine yourself on a beach, near a cliff and taking a photo...when a strong wave photo bombs you...and if that wasn't bad enough, it also drenches you completely. Suddenly, all you can taste and inhale is sea water and your clothes are completely soaked. This basically sums up my experience in shooting this post. I wanted to show the diversity of styling swimsuits and be creative especially when it comes to covering up so I veered away from the usual and safe coverups and risked it... I wanted to make Palazzo pants happen at the beach so I wore it as my cover-up instead and it was fun and flattering and I love how its wide legged design was so perfect as it swayed in the sand. I always loved wide legged trousers as they are a more risque version of maxi skirts and they're not too constraining. As you know, when it comes to swimsuits, my philosophy is the more itsy bitsy it is, the better. That is one of the tricks to achieving a longer torso and if you are lacking in certain assets (like me), use this trade secret to your advantage. I always loved the design of the Infatuation bikini from my brand, Glitterati and started with it in basic colors. As the years progressed, it was still in demand and I got the liberty of adding more embellishment. This year, I wanted a more animalistic theme so I used snakeskin printed fabric which makes it in so  many levels more alluring and enticing. This is one of my most favorite bikini cuts... tan lines aside.

An Ode to the Little Black Dress

"One is never over-dressed or underdressed with a Little Black Dress.” - Karl Lagerfeld

 The Little Black Dress is the most appropriate piece of clothing a woman can ever own. I say this because truth be told, here I am in another Little Black Dress. The last I wore one, I was due for court. This time, however, I worn one for a very festive occasion which was the Birthday dinner of my beautiful and amazing mother over at Sage in Makati Shangri-la Hotel. I wanted to wear something that looked festive but at the same time maintained the elements of class and elegance and this dress was the perfect fit. This dress in particular which was made of tweed on its top area with a conservative cut and silver detail was exactly that and then it took a youthful turn to fun with the organza and almost tutu looking skirt. It was everything I pictured to wear on an intimate dinner with family.

Dancing in the Sun

Another series of my life is beautiful posts...I am sorry if I keep on harping about it that it almost seems like an advocacy but the one most true and honest thing about me is that because of decisions and changes I took for my own well-being, I ended up in this place where everything I see is quite extraordinary. To best describe it, allow me to borrow from a song, "I see life and light... All the colors of the world... So beautiful... Won't you come with me?...I see birds and trees... All the flowers of the world- So beautiful... Won't you come with me?" and aren't these words the best way to describe this very nature themed shoot and look as inspired by how beautiful the landscape was that surrounded me. This is one of my most natural blog posts to date... I have no extensions, my hair is just unkempt but tied up and I have little to none makeup. Allow me also to mention I have no accessories, save for this pretty Birds of Paradise flower and am in my favorite Mandals. Of course the coordinates I am wearing, provide to be the perfect clothing as well as they are very muted and simple. Do you get the dalagang Filipina vibe in this look? I sure do... And just to prove my point, I do not have to be fierce in every single outfit post. Sometimes, I like to just be carefree and as a reminder: laid back doesn't have to translate to sloppy.

This is letting go

It's time to let go. Who has heard this from someone who cares for them? Who has said it to someone they care about? I am sure at one point in anyone's life, they were on both the receiving and sending end of this saying. The thing with letting go is that most of the time, it is easier said than done. Somehow, we are wired to hang on to things even if the only thing keeping us from falling to the inevitable is the fact that we are hanging by a thread. Then it breaks and we are left with no choice but to stop hanging on... it's always better to jump than to free fall because at least you have control of the former. The thing is I have spent most of my life heavily invested on this idea of control that it is hard for me to let go. I think I need to fix things and handle things even if they are beyond repair. My least favorite feeling in the world is powerlessness and being "out of control" is never an option for me especially since I realized at a young age that I have terrible coping mechanisms. It doesn't sound easy and it is not in any way a fun life. However, recently, I have been aligning myself and putting things in perspective... I've realized that to avoid stressful situations and major diva-style meltdowns, I need to be more flexible, more capable of going with the flow and of course with that comes the ability of learning the art of letting go.

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..."

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.

Painting The Town Red

So it's been forever since I have posted a "perfect for a night out" ensemble as I feel that most of my outfits have been best worn during daytime. I just had to make an exception since this dress from Sheinside.com is just simply phenomenal (and you have to agree with me!) I knew I needed the dress as I remember Kim Kardashian donning a similar style and well this dress was absolutely the next best thing to that! Well, aside from that, there are a few reasons I am loving this dress and it is that, (1) I have been wearing a lot of red lately and the color is something I have learned to be fond of all over again (2) I love the Gothic feel of the dress with the beaded cross design. It is elegant yet also very baroque and romantics and I am all for that and (3) It fits perfectly! I have decided to give up on body con dresses because I've reached my saturation point for them but this dress is perfect because it fits tightly in all the right places. Also it is sophisticated and sexy at the same time as I love how the red and black contrast each other. More so, the black area is made of beautiful mesh with a nude undertone giving the illusion of more skin but in a very subtle way. 

The MANE Event: On Walking the Vitress Catwalk

I think that aside from showing your respect to people on gracing them with your presence on an event you have been invited to, dressing up appropriately plays a major role as well to show your respect. I am no stranger when it comes to etiquette and social graces... since I could remember, both my parents have exposed me in situations where proper manners were demanded. Decorum was always of utmost importance. I do know the functions of various flatware, I know to differentiate a champagne flute from a red wine glass, a white wine glass and a water goblet and I sure do know that a spiced terrine of foie gras is meant to be enjoyed in small quantities preferably with melba toast and not eaten like sandwich spread and placed whole in between a dinner roll. (Okay that was catty of me but I needed to reiterate...) But above and beyond table manners, my parents also taught me how dressing up and showing your host that you actually took time to get ready for their event and try to be on theme is one way to compliment them and also, to show them that you respect them enough to not just throw on the first thing you see in your closet and head out the door. I believe that this is something that some people take for granted but having been a hostess myself to events and dinners, trust me- it is a big deal when someone arrives appropriately dressed. It is a major compliment.

Pretty In Pastel

I always love reverting back to pastel shades. I always thought I was an all black, leather, biker chic kind of girl but apparently, like most things in life, things change. I changed and I decided calm neutrals and pastel shades are so light and easy on the eye which is why I have always been so proud to wear these hues whenever I go out...especially during the day. The past few days, the weather has been cooperative which results in my own sunny disposition. It is always fun to go out when it is bright and sunny, considering a lot of places in the city are open-air and sunshine-friendly.

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.

Crimson Day

Crimson is such a lovely color and it was only fitting to wear this dress for a friend's wedding which had the theme that consisted of fall colors. There were so many choices to choose from- amber, bronze, midnight blue, forest green, burnt sienna etc. but ultimately I chose red because even if I used to try to avoid the color because it made me look more Asian than ever...I realized that it's not a bad thing because after all, I really am Asian and proud to be one at that! I always associated this color to affection, intensity, passion and well blood, which, well to be honest, are all elements of love. I will shed more insight on this topic as I go along the post but for the meantime, enjoy my outfit as I definitely had a grand time wearing it...

She Comes In Colors

I am a complex person who loves to be in control. If there was a handbook on neurosis, I would be the perfect example for it. Everyone always tells me to "Go with the flow. Take my time. Do not judge your own worth by comparing it to the person next to you because life is not a competition. There is no winning and losing. All you have to do is show up." These are all frightening words to tell me- really since I am one who prefers to always be on top of things. I have to admit, I have never learned the art to just breathe, just be and do things at my own pace. 

Roux 29: The Red and White Spectacle + A Blog Giveaway

I am proud to be a part of this event because it is something very fun and definitely something I am going to enjoy going to. That plus the theme applies to my fashion sense: check out my look below---

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.

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. 

Fine China

Everyone always mistakes me for being either Japanese or Korean...save for some of my Chinese friends who actually assume I am Chinese and think I went to an all-girls Chinese school. I didn't and  don't consider myself Chinese even if my paternal grandmother migrated from China and my dad is practically 50% Chinese, which makes me about 35%. I take up after my father in the looks department so I understand why this is a common assumption and some readers do comment that I actually look more Chinese than Domz who is actually 50% and I have to remind them, Dominique is a cross-breed and her German features are much more prominent in the looks department. As for me, I'm all Asian and apparently did not inherit any Spanish trait from my mother's side in the physical department...not that I am complaining... since I love how I look. (And yes, it is http://www.mealready.com)

Hair Mane-tenance: Macadamia Natural Oil

Ivana Trump once said, "Gorgeous hair is the best revenge," and despite everything I have learned about coping and dealing with things, I cannot help but agree with the ex-Mrs. Trump's statement. Think about it. Whenever women undergo a major life changing experience (ie. the breakdown of a relationship), the first thing they always tend to change is their hair style. It is has been a long standing question that I am sure bothered even the most brilliant of psychologists but this has been something that is such a natural phenomenon that survived from generation to generation. Even one of the key players in fashion, Coco Chanel, has been known to have said, "A woman who cuts her hair is about to change her life," and I guess when someone as  iconic and influential as she is is quoted to having said that, it would be hard to contradict. However, time and a roster of bad hair cuts and experimentation brought about by emotional experiences have taught me not to make such major changes and so I resolved that whenever I am feeling down, it would be a better alternative to treat my hair for treatment and to revitalize it. I mean, why change something that's already good, right? The best decision is instead to nourish and improve it. 

First Impressions

Say what you want to say about first impressions... but at the end of the day, we all have to admit it: (even if we don't want to) they matter. Recent studies show that it only takes up to 8 seconds to make a first impression!(And that's not really a long time) So to sum it up, basically, we are given only one shot to show our best foot forward, so let’s make it perfect! How would that be possible?--- you might ask me. And my answer is to begin with the basics: what I do is I make it vital to put my best face forward and I don't know about you but I do so with Maybelline Clear Smooth BB Cream which gives me instant skin perfection, the perfect first step for the perfect first impression! It is all I need to cover imperfections and brighten my complexion for a radiant and healthy glow!