PINAY PASSIONISTA

Bloated.

2009-04-27T21:08:00.000-07:00

That's how I was feeling as I was getting ready for a homecoming dinner with forever-friend M last weekend. We decided on a casual thing and made plans to meet up at the local beer hangout which we haven't visited in a long time and lemme tell you...the place has deteriorated big-time and I have no plans of going back. Anyhoo, good company's good company and that's exactly what was had that night. Plus not a few good laughs to offset the not so good food.

Here I decided to show off the gams instead. Some people tell me they're too skinny. Some people tell me they're a little short. Some compliment me on the color.

I say , when you get to my age, stressing about what people might think of your legs is just so DUH. I've got two of em and I love em anyway :)

men's shirt: thrifted

denim short shorts: people are people

black, wedged round-toe pumps: follie

metallic gray purse: jones new york

black, wooden cuff: manila fame

and the gray skies came...

2009-04-25T07:24:00.000-07:00

gray knit top/dress/cover-up/whatever you wanna call it: thrifted for P50 (less than a dollar)

hot pink tank: second appearance in this blog
shorts: gift from my friend R
shoes: oh we all know these shoes....
black, patent leather purse: SM Department store
bangles: my personal collection
rings: borrowed from grandma

The rain came relentlessly. I know I prayed for it to come but to have it pouring down like crazy for two straight days was way....crazy.

In the midst of this weird climate change that's got everybody talking global warming and what-have-you's, I still keep having daydreams about the beach and its beginning to depress the sh*t out of me coz we can't afford a vacay right now coz we're moving in a new house soon and we need to save for the interiors and blah blah blah blah blah.

Change topic before I cry.

Speaking of things that are gray....this gray knit top/dress/cover-up/whatever-you-wanna-call-it is this week's Fabulous. Thrift. Find.

Okay so it may look weird and totally "useless" and I know I myself can't even define what it is but doesn't it make a simple, weekend uniform of tank tops and shorts a little bit more glam and maybe just a little bit ghetto-chic?

Honestly, the second i put it over my tank I decided I needed to get with the mascara and blush just to wrap up the look.

Right. Now let's bounce :)

Ironic.

2009-04-23T07:38:00.000-07:00

Isn't it?

Its like almost forty f*ing degrees out here in Manila in what is said to be the longest summer in x number of years and here I am blogging about a coat.

Well, like I've said before, I've lived in a tropical country my whole life and for some insane reason, I find winter collections at style.com the most exciting.

Anyway, it's so unbelievably humid outside that it makes the office feel like an oasis. Really.

For the nth time this summer, I'm praying for gray skies....

illustration by bellisima.
date stamp: 11/28/08

The description part of this blog....

2009-04-22T06:22:00.000-07:00

...partly reads "trapped in corporate suits".

So I take it to the sketchpad and pray earnestly to the office fairy that Section X of our Corporate Manual where Dress Code is found will magically state:

For Women: chic, fun and elegant corporate attires that need not be confined to the colors black, gray or brown and are versatile enough to take you through work day to dinner nights with the gals.

As opposed to: skirt or slacks with long sleeved blouses with collar for women. ID should be worn at all times while inside the premises of ___.

Boooooring.

By the way, remember I mentioned (in passing) the first time I tried Fashion Illustration? Well, this is it. This is the first illustration I ever did. What do you guys think?

F.T.F.

2009-04-20T08:20:00.000-07:00

as in Fabulous. Thrift. Find.

I just love how I can wear this to an evening affair and smile quietly inside knowing that this classic, elegant, very lady-like beige dress cost nothing more than P50 pesos. As in less than one dollar. Seriously. I am. Not. Sh*tting. You.

I could barely breathe when I found it hanging shyly at the back end of the racks, down at my favorite thrift store near our house.

I plan on wearing this to an upcoming cocktail event that we're organizing this coming May.

Excuse me while I get me a glass of wine. Cheers :)

dress: thrifted
t-strap sandals: CMG
gold cuff: Shangrila's The Ramp
multi-layered necklace used as bracelet: People are People
belt: vintage Gucci

Green-minded.

2009-04-18T06:45:00.000-07:00

Another one from my sketch pad, inspired by the overgrown, unruly foliage that is taking over our backyard. I know they say its a garden but honestly, its a small forest to me.

As for this dress....well....firstly, the day I learn how to sew this one myself - I will turn my resignation letter in and give up this whole corporate lalaland that I go to everyday. I mean it.

Secondly, the day I get enough guts to wear something like this out of the house is...well, its not coming anytime soon.

Must hit the gym or do a thousand crunches or something. Ulk.

I'm turning Japanese...

2009-04-16T07:29:00.000-07:00

...because these are taking me on an inspiration high that makes me wanna pile on the powder, draw sharp, black lines on my lids and wear red - which i very seldom do.

Had dinner a few days ago at this fabulous new Japanese restaurant in Eastwood city. The sign outside says "Euro-Japanese cuisine". I say it's just good sh*t, you guys. The food's really yummy.

Another bonus is that I could barely concentrate on the menu coz the decor was so artfully-done, like I needed a minute or two to just take it all in.

These photos right here, believe it or not, were lighted boxes installed in the ceiling. Imagine how weird I must look taking these photos from my seat.

The last photo is a micro-shot of some sort of mirror/art installation that spans a whole wall of the resto - makes me wanna do a little-red-dress-piled-on-with-huge-silver-accessories kinda look. It also makes me re-think red lipstick - which I've never worn except once for a "Pimps and Hoes" costume party.

I think I'm gonna head off to the mall later after work.....

Chin Up.

2009-04-14T07:44:00.000-07:00

That's what it feels like when I put on this gray, pinstriped, high-collared dress.

Its amazing how a miniscule, cramped little closet like mine can hold a world of pleasant surprises. I remember I bought this last December and I haven't had a chance to wear it out - what is wrong with me?!?!

Note to self: Will wear this outfit next weekend for my movie date with partner.

You know, I read somewhere that all good "stylistas" (i'm just not comfy using the word "fashionista") should have a solid, written inventory of all the things they have in their closet.

I say, good advice but where's the fun in that?

the great outdoors.

2009-04-13T07:02:00.000-07:00

gray, mesh top: thrifted
black leggings: local bazaar
high-cut sneakers: converse
scarf: bench
metallic gray bag: jones new york

There's a first time for everything and clearly, these outdoor shots are a first in this blog.

These were taken last weekend on a disappointing visit to one overrated eco-park near the city. I broke out my trusty old chucks and my leggings coz I wanted to be ready for long walks, a frisbee match and an exciting plan to try out paintball war games - none of which, except for the long walk, happened.

We ended up going to the mall instead to retreat from the sweltering, Manila heat.

Oh well. All was not lost anyway coz I kinda enjoyed walking around the mall in this outfit - save for a few (jealous?) stares from some adolescent brats. Haha.

Summer and Swirls.

2009-04-11T08:23:00.000-07:00

I've had this dress for ages but it remains to be one of my favorite summer dresses ever.

Okay. I know, the rule is summer dresses are supposed to be light in both color and material. Contrary to this one right here, with its black, pleated neckline and the chocolate brown color.

But take a look at these fun little swirls! While they are clearly reminiscent of cinnamon buns, for some insane reason they remind me of the sun - you know those little sun figures you used to draw when we were little?

And besides, who said I was a fan of rules anyway, especially in fashion?! I have enough of that in the corporate world, thank you very much.

my fave summer dress: bought from a Christmas bazaar 2 years ago
mocha-colored, slim leather belt: vintage Gucci, gift from mom
shoes: i knoooow, i'm wearing them out. new shoes on the next post, i promise :)

Earth Angel.

2009-04-10T14:48:00.000-07:00

It took me over 3 hours trying to decide which 2 words I wanted to "wear". Seriously. 3 hours. I. Kid. You. Not.

Hello, the art of over-analyzing. This is one of my talents, duh.

The irony is that it took me less than an hour sewing the little, glass sequins on to this plain black shirt.

Oh well. I think it was worth all the effort.

People have asked me what "earth angel" really means. Believe me, its not as simple as you think :)

black, sequined shirt: my DIY project
black, denim cut offs: old pair of pants that had a run-in with my scissors and my sewing machine
black leather belt with navy trim and that eye-popping gold buckle: Escada
multi-layered necklace in ghetto-gold: People are People
gold/bronze cuff: Tiendesitas
purple purse: gift from my tita

I wear it on my sleeve...

2009-04-09T17:10:00.000-07:00

...and it reads "Love knows no gender".

Didn't they say Fashion is a Revolution?!

Anyhoo, this black shirt dress is my 1st sewing project - i re-made this from an oversized, long-sleeved shirtdress i got from my aunt. I folded the hems inside out and reattached them with buttons to make for those extra-large "pockets". The cut-out letters i also made and sewed on myself.

its out of the cave...

2009-04-08T19:58:00.000-07:00

...the bat, that is.

I have this huge laundry bag full of thrifted items that I recently rediscovered sitting in my closet. I can't for the life of me remember where or when I got this quirky, bat-winged, striped shirt dress but really, who cares?

The important thing is, it's mine. It fits perfectly. And its begging me to take it out to dinner with the girls at the soonest possible time.

Morale of the story: I should really clean out my closet more often. Maybe you should too :)

shirt dress: thrifted
shoes: B Club from Shangrila Mall's The Ramp
multi-colored, multi-strand bead necklaces: my DIY project
powder blue, leather-strap watch: Timex

What I wore last weekend.

2009-04-07T07:59:00.000-07:00

I am EXCITED to do an outfit post today! Top 3 reasons are:

a) because I haven't done one in a loooong time (see post entitled "looong vacation")
b) because I'm happy to share with all of you these shoes that I have been wearing and loving to death for a few months now
c) because I am just loving this purse in a deep, velvet-y shade of purple that my aunt gave me (kisses to you, tita!)

This was taken last weekend before I left home to stay over at a friend's house for the weekend. My weekend in 100 words or less:

early Chinese dinner at Gloria Mari's in Greenhills. coffee at Starbucks in Libis. friend's house for late-night gab fest with my fave girls K and R. late brekky the next morning. grocery shopping at S & R. watch Confessions of a Shopaholic the movie - with a big bag of Crunch chocolate bites. late afternoon walk around UP's sunken garden. seafood dinner back at friend's house. night swimming, camwhoring and laughing until 2am. late brekky the next morning. home by lunchtime to get ready for work the next day.

How was your weekend loves?

Me, I can't wait for this week's upcoming holiday. 4 days of B.L.I.S.S. No phone calls, no text messages from my boss inquiring about who-knows-what....hopefully.

hot, pink tank: this (and last) summer's fave, got it from a bazaar somewhere
denim shorts: one of my oldest pair
extra-long, blue knit cardigan: kisses again to my tita :)
shoes: B Club from Shangrila Mall's The Ramp - they make me so happy!
purple purse: seriously, my tita's too hip for her age!
vintage necklace: gift from my grandma/hand me down from a former ambassador's mom - how's that for history?
silver cuff bracelet: F in Ortigas

Making a debut on this blog....

2009-04-06T17:54:00.000-07:00

...is my sketchpad.

Yes, I am learning to draw. And I am extremely proud to say that I am learning it all by myself.

Okay, the truth of the matter is....I blew off not-a-few thousand pesos on an amazing Fashion Illustration book late last year that's is soooo idiot-friendly (i.e. idiot-me). I was pleasantly amazed the first time I tried to copy one of the figures and found that my feeble attempt actually looked similar to the one in the book. I promise to post the complete title of this book next time (the full title escapes me right now) for those interested to learn Fashion Illustration.

The other amazing thing about this book? The figures are done in sketches so you get free reign on the color and pattern combinations. Don't you just love that?

The left photo I did with colored pencils. The right photo I did with watercolor.

More of my sketchpad in the future posts.

In the meantime, I am singing "This could be the start of something new"...

(oh you know I'm in a good mood when I'm taking off lines from High School Musical....)

LOOOONG vacation....

2009-04-02T03:01:00.000-07:00

No, I have not fallen off the edge of the earth. Let's just say that I went on an "extended vacation". Okay. A few points on why I unceremoniously BUT temporarily disappeared from blogosphere.

* My laptop died, seriously...and it hasn't been resurrected.

* New job. Same corporate sh*t. And I know exactly why I bother myself with it - but that's an entirely different blog all together.

* A new home v.v.v. soon. Planning the interiors is making my head spin - trying to come up with the moolah to pay for the interiors is making me vomit - which is also why my laptop hasn't been resurrected.

Right. Enough ranting because clearly, we have more important things to talk about and I'VE MISSED SOOOO MUCH.

That said, may this serve as my official statement:

PINAY PASSIONISTA IS BACK. FOR GOOD.

Later sweethearts!

P.S. I'm ecstatic to be back..:)

Tee for Tea

2008-11-05T21:10:00.000-08:00

Flying to Davao (way down south of the Philippines) tomorrow for what would be my last work-related trip for the year and for this company (long story, will rant and rave about it some other time).

Have a really full day, appointments and scheduled meetings one after another and come dinner time, I imagine myself just crawling into bed with my clothes and stilettos on.

However, I know M, one of my closest friends (who now lives in the area) will literally KILL me if I didn't meet up with her so......

Im bringing along this baggage-friendly ensemble for my late-night tea date with M. (I remember I used to have this crazy obsession/attraction/attachment to plain white shirts. Doesn't matter where I'm going, there's always one that goes into my luggage whenever I travel.)

Anyway. I know I'm gonna have a swell time chatting up with M.

And I know too, for sure, I will miss travelling to Davao.

white tee: bench
silver belt: robinson's dept store
black shorts: Sunday market at West triangle, QC
stripped scarf: Aldevinco in Davao
blue, green and silver wooden cuff: Manila Fame Convention at SMX
gray flatties: (current apple of my eye, they feel like socks!) Leaveland

Favorite Coat

2008-11-04T22:25:00.000-08:00

I know its bad to play favorites but I can't help it. Now that December is approaching and the winds are getting colder, I am just soooo thrilled to bring out my all time favorite coat.

Please bear with me. I live in a tropical country. And for some insane reason, I am obsessed with knee-high, stiletto boots, winter coats and colored gloves. I don't know why.

So the chance to wear this coat is sending me on hyper-active, inspiration mode.

This look is inspired by my new bag (gift from my partner). If it looks heavy to you, that's because it is.

coat: vintage
white shorts: gift from my partner
wedged, mary janes: B club
fab handbag: CMG
green, dangling earrings: gift from my friend

Opposites attract.

2008-11-04T20:49:00.000-08:00

When I'm not "trapped" in my corporate suits, I like to open my closet and break out clothes like this....

This slightly sheer, blouson top I found in my favorite vintage shop a few months back. Thank goodness I took a second look coz it didn't look much from the racks. But when I put it on.......I fell in love with just the sleeves instantly. Like in too deep. I couldn't let it go.

I love how this top is soooo entirely the opposite of the high-collared, full-sleeved corporate uniforms that I wear Mondays to Fridays. Its sheer. Its girly and frilly with the extra-long ribbons in the middle. Most of all, there's nothing "stiff" about it. Nothing that says "corporate".

This top spells to me "BREAK OUT". I am grinning :)

blouson top: vintage
black, denim cut offs: some bazaar in Makati, x number of years ago
gold, t-strap sandals: CMG
carry-on luggage used as styling kit: gift from my aunt
gold, lace-up bead necklace: Manila Fame Convention at SMX

This week's Fab Vintage Find

2008-11-03T17:12:00.000-08:00

To jump or not to jump. That is the question.

Personally, I like the jumper look better just coz it reminds me so much of my high school uniform :)

But I also love that when I ditch the straps (they attach to the skirt via buttonholes), the skirt might just become my favorite little black skirt for the office.

LOVE.

look # 1: blue polo shirt from Temple St. in Hongkong w/ fave, gray t-strap
wedge sandals from sugar rush
look # 2: gray, puffed-sleeved top from F, red quilted purse from Manel's,
black, double-strap sandals from Follie of Cebu, extra-long beaded
necklace made by me
look # 2: hot-pink, popcorn-sleeved top from F, gray handbag from PRP,
black, patent sandals from Syrup Los Angeles, glass and bronze necklace
gift from a friend

A Closer Look....

2008-11-03T00:01:00.000-08:00

...at Look # 2 from my previous post.

Now that I'm looking at this I'm beginning to wonder...........if I may have a crazy attachment to all things BLACK. Question in mind: do i wear too much black?

top: impulse buy from a christmas bazaar
leggings: rockwell urban bazaar
assorted silver cuffs and bangles: my personal collection
cocktail ring: from a local store in Iloilo
necklace: my current fave! black wooden necklace with Audrey Hepburn pendant
shoes: birthday gift from my partner :)

Four Ways: Inspired by Sally Jane

2008-11-01T21:24:00.000-07:00

Look #1: Casual Fridays at the office

Look #2: Weekday drinks with college friends

Look #3: Sunday brunch with partner

Look #4: Saturday night dinner with the girls

One of my blog inspirations, the fabulous Sally Jane of sallyjanevintage.blogspot.com used to do these "Four Ways" posts. Aside from the gorgeous photos, interesting locations and of course, the clothes, Sally Jane's four ways posts were one of the things that I soooo looked forward to.

So, inspired by the insanely talented lady, here's my first attempt at Four Ways.

I just purchased this top last week at a Christmas bazaar - i know, sooo early! - near my place of work. I saw it from afar, took a look, felt the material, asked for the price and not a second later, it was in the bag.

Imagine my utter delight when I came home, did the requisite "mix and match experiment" with all the other stuffs in my closet and discovered that this gray and black stripped top was actually very versatile.

Four ways. One top.

Makes a P150 (around $3) impulse-buy totally worth it, dontchathink?

Oh and Happy Halloween everybody! :)

Vintage Find of the week

2008-10-20T15:28:00.000-07:00

tulip dress: vintage

black patent slim belt: Chatuchak market in Bangkok

my fave sandals for the month: sugar rush from Robinson's Department Store

Isn't it just L.O.V.E.L.Y?

The puffed sleeves, the tulip cut of the dress.....love, love, love!

Please oh please give me a reason to wear this.....a cocktail party, a dinner meeting, anything. Give me a reason coz I just can't wait to wear this out to town!

Not bad for P150 (around 3 dollars), dontchathink?

Meet my new fave top.

2008-10-14T02:58:00.000-07:00

top: vintage
shorts: one of my oldest pairs, i can't remember where i got them
shoes: sugar rush from robinson's department store
silver cuff: rockwell urban bazaar

This is one of my favorite, thrift finds of the month. An absolute gem at 35 pesos (less than a dollar) and in good condition too!

I love how the cut is a little military-inspired while the black, bow-tie ribbon lends it a girly appeal without being sickeningly cute. I just HATE when that happens. Anyway....

I plan on wearing it to my next styling class....which can't come soon enough! I am also on a VIOLENT look out for a pair of dark gray oxfords to pair this top with. I'll let you know when I find the "one".

Later :)

Off to school

2008-10-06T21:53:00.000-07:00

On Mondays to Fridays you'll find me in corporate, monochromatic suits and single-tone, stiletto dors'ay leather pumps while I go through the motions of playing my role as Marketing Executive/Corporate B*tch/Bad-ass Boss.

But on Saturdays I am transformed into a role that I love to play - fashion student at the School of Fashion and the Arts in Manila.This is what I wore to school that day - the outfit that caused this (see below) conversation with a friend while I was getting ready....

Friend: B, you're really wearing that to school?
B: (because I wasn't wearing "that" black, oversized cardigan yet....) Oh, no. Don't worry, Im wearing a cardigan over this camisole.
Friend: wtf, I meant the shorts.

My friends don't get me (or my quirky/eccentric fashion sense) most of the time but that's the thing about our friendship - we can be totally different but we still click. I still love you, friend =)

So this is what it's about.....

2008-10-06T02:55:00.000-07:00

....this is what it feels like to be on blogosphere.

After countless hours of blog-watching and blog-oggling and blog-obsessing, I finally conjured up the guts to make my own.

Well, I can't say much as of now....

....except that I am t.h.r.i.l.l.e.d to be here and I canNOT wait to get started.

Later loves :)