The Rest Is Still Unwritten...

Today is the first blank page blog. 

I have decided that this time around, I am writing a good one.

My mom and I were talking earlier today at 2:30 am (yes, unlike everyone else, I decided to spend my New Year after the clock struck 12 midnight at home...) and she asked me about what it was about my never ending obsession for sunrises. Again, yes, I am one of those people who bask in the dawn and absolutely love witnessing the sun ascend on the horizon. I have never been a sunset kind of girl. Probably, I surmise, it's because I hate endings but am absolutely obsessed about new beginnings. Granted that, I guess that by now, you would know that I absolutely LOVE LOVE LOVE new years. I love the fact that I am closing the chapter of one whole year behind me... no matter how good, bad or average it has been... I like that kind of closure. There is something about it that I find so fascinating. I love the feeling of at least being able to be given the chance of starting over again (even if everyone says there is no such thing as do-overs) and I love having a fresh 365-days ahead of me... filled with (and I say that with so much hope)- new chances...new experiences. A new year comes in and with it... the possibilities are endless.

 I once stumbled upon this quote that goes, "An optimist stays up until midnight to see the new year in. A pessimist stays up until midnight to make sure the old one leaves..." Right now, granted everything that has happened, I am not quote sure which side of the pole I belong to... perhaps (and probably) a combination of both. To explain myself more clearly- I am happy and thankful for everything that I have been through and at the same time, I am looking forward to see what life has in store for me. "Cheers to a new year...another chance of getting things right..." I think Oprah said that or something.

An Ode to the Old Me

This is going to be a quick post but first let us bow our heads, close our eyes and reminisce to the time when I was 23 and could wear this outfit, rock it out and totally get away with it- fringed boots, sequined shirt, torn graphic sleeveless shirt included. I felt like I was stuck in a neutral, classic and clean whirl so I took things to another level and decked out in this. As you know, I only operate on extreme poles so when I committed to this outfit, boy, did I commit. Big time. So for no other reason than the fact that I missed going out in micro-mini and open side tank tops, here is this look. I won't lie. I didn't exactly feel as much as myself in this outfit more and I actually was quite more self conscious. I am 27...turning 28 in a few months and I think it is pretty acceptable that such a stand out and risque outfit would still make me feel weird. I never thought I would go through that, but here I am- doing exactly that which- is proof that truth and time truly changes things. As with our manners and behavior, so too with how we perceive the world. Deep down, I will always be that rocker chick but right now, partying (which is where I would have worn an outfit like this) isn't in any way a part of my life anymore. I love going out when the sun is still shining. The causes I so vehemently fight for have been everything to me and I doubt this is an acceptable outfit for that unless I want to channel the entire Rebel Without A Cause vibe which would be inappropriate as I am the Executive Director for a Scholarships foundation. There are so many things you realize when you hurdle into your late '20s and the things that I specifically love doing usually require button down tops, double or single breasted coats or blazers or a perfectly tailored business suit. A few days ago, I cleaned out my closet and with that, I let go of this ensemble and a lot more like this and decided that it was time for my retail branded clothes (some I have never worn) to find a new home where they would not be taken for granted or buried at the back of the closet. When I looked of all that remained after the 4-hour and counting long purge, I saw what remained and I was satisfied. Step 2 to my Breaking Free strategy.

Habits (I've been around and I've seen it all)

Autumn is here and that means that 'tis the time of the year again I can experiment with rich fabrics such as jacquard, velvet and for this day- my personal choice- brocade. I always found richly decorative shuttle-woven fabrics laced with metallic gold absolutely elegant and glamorous and if anything, it spells one thing: royalty. Okay, so I will never be royal... even if some of my readers and followers call me Queen but I sure as hell can dress as one and that was exactly what I did when I chose this ensemble for a very important lunch where I was to present achievements of our foundation and orient my two sisters who are based abroad all about it. When I wore this outfit, I felt quite pleased with myself... Although when my sisters and staff saw me, they had one name in mind: Blair Waldorf. The irony of it all.

2012: Paradise Circus

Baby, you're a firework.
(Mesh sequined gown: Glitterati | Shoes: CMG | Bag: Chanel | Pearls: Mikimoto)

In true New Year's Eve tradition, I decided to sparkle and shine my way through the holiday like a gold shiny disco ball as I bid farewell to an amazing 2011 and welcome a glittery and definitely sparkly 2012. It was the perfect night to go all out and I did, in this one of a kind sequined with sheer mesh details dress which I designed for my brand, Glitterati. It’s not out though for retail sale. I must admit this is very similar to the gold gown I wore to my aunt's wedding last December 5 but I consider this version less tame, more sexy and less princess-like!

I complimented all the shimmer with a pair of CMG peep toe heels (with a cute crystal detail on the heel and sole) and a gold Chanel 2.55 purse. Kept everything minimal: the dress was accessory enough!

For my makeup- I did a gold smokey eye paired with red lips and curled hair- an homage to old Hollywood glam...

Wore this dress for over 15 hours as the first agenda was a fabulous set dinner at my favorite restaurant, Red in Shangrila Hotel with the family. Headed home for lots and lots of FIREWORKS (I only do sparklers though), some bubbly, a lot more food and then capped the night or early morning off at Skye Lounge with friends. It was a blacked out blurry night but I am sure it ruled! Hello, 2012!
Happy New Year Everyone!
xx, JL
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Snapshots of my New Year:

Food...

Fireworks....

Cheers to 2012!!!!