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Neon Trees
Next Jeans vest, top and skirt from Bangkok, Avon bag, Pink Tequila necklace, Fortune Cookie Manila bracelets, Naturalizer shoes
Yay, an OOTD after two weeks! Knowing that my day would be full of errands and meetings, I played it smart by keeping my outfit cute and casual. I wore a number of prints and textures, bringing a quirky charm to my overall look.
I felt like using the name of the alternative rock band Neon Trees for this blog entry since 1) they’re currently here in the Philippines for the 2013 Wanderland Music Festival and 2) I’m wearing neon accessories and there are trees in the background. Haha! Hope you like this bright, bold and somewhat colorful outfit!
Bench MasterCard Anniversary
BDO Unibank, Inc., Suyen Corporation and MasterCard Philippines celebrated the first anniversary of Bench MasterCard with a shop-all-you-can-treat! The once in a lifetime shopping spree spectacle was held in three separate legs - SM Megamall (April 25), Bonifacio High Street (April 26) and Ayala Center Cebu (April 29). 36 lucky winners were given P35,000, P15,000 and P5,000 each to spend at any of their chosen participating Suyen Corp. Stores. The allotted shopping time for the winners were 3 minutes, 2 minutes and 1 minute respectively. I actually was able to witness the frenzy during the first leg at SM Megamall! I felt the excitement of the winners!
When I saw Bench’s latest collection, I saw a lot of “lakas makayaman” (as fashion blogger Aisa put it) pieces inside the store. Mark my words, you’ll love their summer offerings! They are kicking it up a notch by providing not only basic pieces to their customers, but trendy items as well! Here’s the proof!
Are you convinced? If you’re a fan of Bench and other home-grown and international brands such as Human, Kashieca, Cotton On, Aldo, Charles & Keith, Call It Spring, and American Eagle Outfitters among others, then you should probably get your own Bench MasterCard! The Bench MasterCard offers all the extensive BDO Credit Card features plus benefits exclusive only to Bench MasterCardholders such as unique rewards program that enables cardholders to earn double rewards points at Bench and partner stores, a perpetual 0% installment for 3 and 6 months at most stores, priority access to seasonal sales, invitation to Bench events and shows, and 10% discount during the Cardholder’s birth month at any Bench and partner store nationwide.
The Cardholders can also redeem cash coupons that are automatically and conveniently generated with their credit card monthly billing statement upon reaching 100 points. These cash coupons can be used to shop at Bench and partner stores which gives the Cardholder limitless options! A Cardholder earns double rewards points for every P200 purchase made at Bench and partner stores and 1 point for other purchases. And because it’s a MasterCard, Cardholders enjoy worldwide acceptance! How awesome is that? I should probably get my own Bench MasterCard too!
So now that you’ve seen their stylish pieces, it’s time to show you what I shopped during the event! I picked a pair of sunglasses from Cotton On, a gray tank top and green pants from Bench.
I paired my Bench top and pants with my SM Accessories necklace and Jessica Simpson platforms.
For more info on the Bench BDO Mastercard, like Bench Lifestyle/Clothing on Facebook or visit BDO’s website.
Kultura
Cap from Malaysia, Giordano shirt, Chel’s Shortzshoppe shorts, Avon bag and wallet, SM Accessories necklace, Veloci watch, Topshop boots
One of my favorite things to do is to search for interesting graffiti, whether I’m in the Philippines or I’m out of the country. Gerilya is a group of artists in Manila whose art is inspired by Philippine culture and history. Last February, they made a mural in my school, specifically at the University of the Philippines - College of Fine Arts (CFA), where three of the original members of Gerilya came from. It was the response of CFA students to the Philippines’ social challenges. In contrast to other places where graffiti usually involves at least one swearword, this mural has a deeper message. It forces views to be noticed and it changes how we interpret our surroundings. As I was taking my photos, I couldn’t help but notice all the relevant and poignant words sprawling across the wall.
The blue letters saying, “Tagasulong ng Pagbabago” (Proponent of Change in English) caught my attention the most. Frankly speaking, I myself haven’t got a clue of how to bring about this change. We all know the saying that before you can truly love another person you must love yourself first. That said, I’m starting with myself. I commit to being true to myself, to my passion, and to the path I am meant to be on. I created this blog because I like to write, but more importantly, I like to share. I like to share things that I’ve discovered, I like to share my opinions on a certain collection that I’m really into at the moment, or a dress I just made.
I’m so grateful that my blog has led me to meet many people I wouldn’t have otherwise met, in person or just via the interweb. I have a fair share of (young!) readers who have sent me letters that have affected me in a big way. I was surprised to know that my words and photos have given them great inspiration or help in certain areas of their lives. I think that this can also be considered as a good change. There are bigger issues but instead of trying to take an unmanageable leap straight away, I’m trying to make manageable, incremental changes. Never underestimate the power of a small change, guys! :)
Out of This World
Top from Bangkok, Labels Iloilo skirt, SM Accessories earrings, Veloci watch, Avon bag and wallet, Topshop boots
I’ve always been a huge fan of the space, so when I first saw Christopher Kane’s galaxy dresses, I was smitten. The incomprehensible size of the universe is just one reason why I’m drawn to galaxy-inspired items. I don’t care if the sci-fi trend is “so last year” because I still like it. What I like most about the print is that it can hold up on its own. It’s also a quirky way to add another dimension to my wardrobe!
White Out
“Where do you find inspiration?” — I have been asked this question several times already. Like writers, designers suffer a form of “writer’s block” which can be a big problem before they even start.
I would say I have an eclectic sense of style as I draw inspiration from everywhere, oftentimes, at the most unlikely times and places. I take inspiration from everyday people on the streets, buildings, architecture, nature, and so on.
As Coco Chanel once said, “Fashion is not something that exists in dresses only. Fashion is in the sky, in the street, fashion has to do with ideas, the way we live, what is happening.”
So when I made the swimsuit (worn as a top) below, I thought of all things white.
Amber Avenue vest, self-made swimsuit/top, Next Jeans shorts, Fashionabelles bracelet, CMG shoes
I like creating a high contrast between items in my outfit, but since I have tops and bottoms in shades of white, I wore some of them and went for a crisp, clean and fresh white-on-white look. Did it work?
How about you guys, where do you source your inspiration from?
Versailles on My Dress
I’ve always wanted to go to Versailles in France and visit the palace, gardens and hamlet of Marie Antoinette. I’ve learned a lot just by enrolling in Landscape Architecture (a minor subject in school). When my professor showed us pictures, my classmates and I were all in awe of the sheer opulence of the palace!
I’m glad I stumbled upon WarmHotChocolate.com and saw detailed pictures of Versailles. I’m sure it would’ve been 100 times more amazing up close! And because I was so stunned, I took inspiration from the palace and wore a dress that’s a little bit inspired by the magnificent French Baroque architecture.
Floppy hat from Bangkok, Labels Iloilo dress, SM Accessories bracelet, High Style Fancy shoes
Speaking of Versailles, have you guys seen the Secret Garden - Versailles video for Dior? If you haven’t yet, I suggest that you watch it! It is so BEAUTIFUL! It was filmed last year by Inez van Lamsweerde and Vinoodh Matadin and featured models Daria Strokous, Melissa Stasiuk and Xiao Wen Ju. Enjoy the video!
Double Denim
Taking street style shots is one of my favorite hobbies. My photos have been published in a Japanese-based fashion guide book called roomservice, which was distributed in Tokyo and Paris, in a Malaysian-based magazine called Hanger and Malaysian-based website called Tongue in Chic. They asked me to feature people on the streets of Manila who were dressed in an interesting way.
Ever since I saw Bill Cunningham’s documentary in school, I got more inspired to take photos. Bill Cunningham is a guy that most of you probably don’t know, but should. He’s been taking pictures of the fashion scene, celebrities, parties, and other events in New York for over 5 decades now. He’s like the father of street style photography!
I’m also a fan of Scott Schuman’s photographs (although I’m somewhat iffy about his personality). Here’s a lovely collage taken from his blog, The Sartorialist:
Isn’t it nice to see various shots of the denim-on-denim trend from various cities?
I caught a denim fever as well so I’m going to show you my take on the trend.
The Overruns Store Pull & Bear button down, Chel’s Shortzshoppe shorts, SM Accessories necklace, H&M x Margiela shoes
I like doing denim-on-denim, even though it takes me back to the 80s and all sorts of fashion faux pas! I’ve always seen denim as something neutral; it’s a way to balance the positive and negative spaces in an outfit. If you’re going to try the denim-on-denim trend, make sure that the colors of the denim are separated by a shade or two. :)
Union Jack
Topshop sweater, Labels Iloilo leggings, Asian Vogue shoes, Pink Tequila necklace
How awesome are these leggings from Labels Iloilo? Union Jack is one of my favorite prints ever!
If you’ve been reading this blog long enough, I’m pretty sure it hasn’t escaped your notice that it’s been my dream to study/to get my master’s degree at Central Saint Martins in London. Aside from its reputation and credibility, I prefer it over any other fashion school because of its location. When it comes to my designs and my personal style, I take inspiration from London city as it’s such a melting pot of ethnicities, subcultures, and stereotypes. I haven’t been there, but I’ve heard a lot of good things and I’ve seen a lot of beautiful photos already.
Ever since I knew what the BS Clothing Technology program of the University of the Philippines was about, I knew I had to study there. It’s not an easy feat to enter and stay in UP but that just pushed me harder to achieve exactly what I wanted. I’m about to finish school and I’m about to partake in the next stage. I don’t know if I will apply in Central Saint Martins as it’s bloody expensive (with an emphasis on “bloody” hahaha), but I will continue dreaming and try my best to make it happen! :)
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