Wardrobe Essentials: On Getting Perfect Tops Online!

People always ask me about what my wardrobe essentials are. I already discussed how I find the Little Black Dress as an essential for every girl’s wardrobe. Now let me dive in to another closet essential: plain and classic tops. I cannot seem to get enough of them! Now shopping for the perfect top (which fits you perfectly- another requirement) is important because this will be the backbone of any outfit. The ways you can style it up or down is limitless. But getting access to such tops is a rare thing but when you do find it, you know and that’s when you start investing. I’ve been on the prowl for classic tops and shirts for the longest time and its either a hit or miss thing. Luckily, I was able to stumble upon women’s tops online from Metalicus, which is an online store that offers a wide array of classic pieces- from dresses to bottoms and knitwear, but my favorite section is the one featuring the wide selection of their tops, which are definitely an investment. Now I won’t lie- I am always wary when ordering online but I took the chance and got myself a piece and I was immediately sold upon wearing it. It fit me perfectly (and that is an understatement!)

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.

You Might As Well Be Walking on The Sun

One of my favorite things to do is hang by the pool (which makes me think I should find more interesting activities...hmm...) I know, I know. I feel like my life is in perpetual summer mode which is funny because the quest for bright and shiny is a never-ending thing for me.A lot of people have been asking me to show them outfits of me in coordinates and while I have done shoots a few weeks back, showing another one won't hurt, right? So here I am in flamingo glory, basking in the sun by the pool and for a moment... life is absolutely perfect.

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.

Tea and Sympathy

It was a beautiful and colorful day and nothing was quite as beautiful as taking photos of my outfit in a place that was just pure perfection for it! I have always loved quaint and beautifully made places and settings and this location was the best place for it! It was like playing tea in my own personal doll house and the interior decor and over-all feel of the place added on a whole new touch to my outfit...don't you think? As for my outfit, despite it being the rainy season, I decided to add some color to my outfit because I missed wearing bright hues and there's nothing like a bright colored outfit to instantly lift your mood. I took a gamble on quite the "unsafe" combination of coral and chartreuse which I must say was a good decision because it worked out in the end and I have my Suiteblanco shoes to be thankful for when it comes to integrating the entire look.

Waves Crashing: Of Rocky Shores, Rocky Roads and Hitting Rock Bottom

"Soul surfing to me is what you do when you are thoroughly in the moment- enjoying and expressing yourself on the wave and being one with the ocean."

- Tom Carrol, Australian Surfer

We encounter waves in every minute of every day. There are the light waves which make things visible and sound waves so we can hear. I was at the beach (my favorite retreat away from life and the best place for introspection) and I observed the behavior of the waves. On this rocky shore of the Punta Fuego beach, (a secret spot that I found) I could see how energy changes from one state to another and back again as the waves came crashing madly against the rocks. So I may not be on my best shape ever and I am fully crediting the fact that I am not consistent with my "gym, tan, juice" life as it is the "off season" and I am giving my body a break from the drought Labor Day at Boracay has brought upon. Just like the tides, my body also goes through changes: high and low. But no matter where the wind blows, I am comfortable in my own skin to know that I am beautiful just the way I am and my value as a person does not rely on the value stated on the weighing scale. As long as I am into clean and healthy living, I am more than happy... I am fulfilled. 

On THAT Incident: Of Beat Downs, Getting Beat Up and Beating Them at Their Own Game

On Literally Hitting Rock Bottom: The Anatomy of a Beat Down

I had to learn the hard way that the world is not all sunshine and rainbows. It can be a very mean and nasty place and no matter how tough you are, it will manage to beat you down and knock you down, even if you fight against it and just when you've got the world figured out and at the palm of your hand, the world throws a quick, clean, bone shattering jab (well in my case, in the literal sense, it was jabs...two to be precise.) Also in my experience, I ended up on the floor- dazed. Everything happened so fast that it seemed surreal. I felt as thought the world (all because of two mischievous and sinister people) was standing over me, spitting in my face as it yelled insult after insult and in my current state, I was helpless to do anything about it. For that short time that I was on the floor, every single thing this person who hit me has done comes flashing right before me... I remember how she cursed me out, spread rumors about me, called me names and wished me death when I was about to go through one of the most difficult events of my life... where my body was literally going through a battle that I wasn't even sure I was going to survive...and there she was, tweeting me and actually rooting for me not to survive. The blows of course did not end there and things got very physical... the latest one as of then, resulting to me crashing on to the floor. I lay there for a moment or two. These were pretty powerful hits, probably the hardest ones I have ever taken.  

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.

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. 

Of Betrayal and Backstabbing: The Ebb and Flow of Lies, Fake Friends and Walking Away

For whatever we lose (like a you or a me), It’s always our self we find in the sea.  

E.E. Cummings

Last week, I had the chance to be in a tropical backdrop and welcomed the familiar sensation that always came from being at the beach. I probably sound like a broken record already on how much I love being in this kind of environment. But that is just me... when I like something, I like something and I will not stop talking about it. The same applies when I establish relationships and friendships with people- I only have a limited amount of myself to give- so I choose who I give my attention to "very carefully". I had no itinerary or set schedule on what to do so I had the chance to explore Punta Fuego. Normally, I would prefer to go to the beach with friends but it was a weekday and well, everyone else was kind of busy so it was just me. I took the time to take advantage of being alone to shoot some pieces I brought with me and so far, this maxi dress is a favorite of mine because I love the color, the draping and the slit which you can pull up or pull down... depending on the exposure you want. Now, I always have a "no heels, no wedge" policy when it comes to the beach but for this dress, I knew I just had to make an exception. Besides, it was not like anyone was there to tell me not to don these sky high wedges as I was alone... on hindsight though, now that I am posting it for the world to see, it doesn't make sense... but well, it seemed like a bright idea at that time.

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.

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. 

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. 

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---

And all I wanted was the simple things... A simple kind of life

Less is more...so the saying goes. With all the new minimalist take on fashion- one cannot help but beg the question: are we replacing fake clarity with real confusion? Of course, the "normcore" trend has been interpreted as a reaction to a fashion oversaturation resulting from ever faster-changing fashion trends. I do like to dress up and make myself very presentable most of the time but the norm-core trend isn't really something all too new to me because I reckon I have subconsciously been dressing that way on my "blah" days and I call it casual dressing. This outfit is an example. It is perhaps the most laid back outfit I have every posted yet. In a world where dressing laid back takes a lot of effort as it is now deemed as a fashion trend: a girl cannot help but be confused. Think about it.  However, I do believe in this: More is generally more, to contradict the cliche, but it isn't always intrinsically a good thing---if you do it all the time.

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...