Kaleidoscope Dreams

I've Moved!

2009-09-07T09:26:00.003-04:00

It's been months and I am finally back to blogging.

I thought my change of everyday, scenery, and pace warranted a change of web address too.

You can follow me here.

I would definitely love to get reacquainted.

see you on the flipside! ♡

DIY

2009-04-17T00:30:00.003-04:00

Topshop opening, SoHo.

I'm Back!

2009-04-07T21:24:00.004-04:00

So the delinquent blogger is back. I do apologize the M.I.A. status for the past few weeks; I've been pretty busy going around Manhattan and soaking in all I can from the city. As of right now, I am typing this lying on my bed, my own bed, back home. I am back in Manila! It is kind of bittersweet, I am back home but missing New York. Now is just about that time that I go back to work, I have been spending way too much and earning way too little (try nothin) the past few months and it's time I crash back to reality. Still trying to feel my way through this, but I definitely have not ruled out changing zip codes in the future.

So more of my Montreal friends came for a visit and we had a blast!

If the still-nippy weather has been no indication, my allergies have told me that Spring has indeed come. Bring out the plaids, florals, and brights! My favorite kind of clash dressing is finally in season once again.

I've also been in a head band craze as of late.

There's a DIY one that was born out of pure obsession, coming up next.

♥

xoxo

2009-03-23T16:21:00.011-04:00

I never used to like Vanessa in Gossip Girl. I always thought she was boring and I didn't like how they paired her up with Nate! But all that changed when I saw Jessica Szohr and Ed Westwick shopping in Urban Outfitters. Now I adore her. She is just gorgeous and so sweet! I thought Ed Westwick looked better than Chuck with his disheveled hair and oh-i-just-rolled-out-of-bed-and-threw-this-leather-jacket-on vibe.

They were such a cute and affectionate couple!

Photo credit: People.com

So spring is officially here! YAY. No more cold, frigid winter; only clear, sunny skies and the crisp air of spring. The city is just lovely and I am as in love with it as ever.

Bracelets and necklace, Forever21. Watch, the boyfriend's. Leggings and plaid layered tunic, Urban Outfitters.
Floral tank and denim jacket, H&M. Studded belt, Mossimo. Sequined headband, H&M.

An afternoon with a green tea latte and a good book = contentment.

Cristophe Dercarnin is a genius. He reworked the shoulders and bling trend he brought out last spring for this year's fall line. It's all rock chic and glitzy glamour in black, silver and leather.. Please excuse me while I drool.

(click to enlarge)

hope you all had a good weekend!
♥

190th Street

2009-03-19T19:04:00.007-04:00

Friday the 13th, last week.
It was a pretty awesome day. I received a hundred and one greetings and compliments. (I'm exaggerating of course, but you get the pic).
Met new people, which I always enjoy!
Spent the day at The Cloisters, Chelsea Market, and the office for the interns' workshop and social.

Sleeveless jacket and gloves, H&M. Striped dress, Kate Moss for Topshop. High socks, Chinese Laundry.

Bracelets, Get Happy & F21. Ring, Marc by Marc Jacobs. Snakeskin ace-up booties, Penny Loves Kenny.

Sleeveless jacket and gloves, H&M. Striped dress, Kate Moss for Topshop. High socks, Chinese Laundry.

☆

“What is the feeling when you're driving away from people,
and they recede on the plain till you see their specks dispersing?
-it's the too huge world vaulting us, and it's good-bye.
But we lean forward to the next crazy venture beneath the skies.”
-Jack Kerouac

♥

P.S. My internship is for this beauty/fashion blogsite

Spring Fling

2009-03-14T20:54:00.010-04:00

I am so enchanted by small hints of spring's coming. The frozen lake now ripples with water, grass tinge with green, rain showers alternate with the bright shining sun, and temperatures rise and fall. Aahh, adieu hiver et bienvenue printemps.

A light jacket was all that was needed.

I cannot wait to burst out in blush, ruffles, florals, and checks.
***

I missed terribly someone's kiss today.

Maybe that's what life is...
a wink of the eye, a beat of the heart,
an impulsive kiss on the cheek, a spark of chemistry...
and the winking stars.
♥

Much Love

2009-03-11T18:07:00.011-04:00

I have been neglecting my blog for a while now, I have been so caught up in surfing fashion websites (so many awesome ones out there, it's dizzying!) and writing for my internship.. well that's it. Other than that, I have just been plain lazy. Yeah, I admit it.

And so it embarrasses me to even post these awards left me by the beautiful bloggers:

Dane - Trust Me, It's Paradise

Trisch - Th e Trisc h Express

Cheyenne - i devour fashion

thank you, I truly feel undeserving, but you ladies are awesome and thus,
I feel awesome by association having been tagged with these badges. ☆
I now pass it on to all you lovely readers who bear with my slowpoke/erratic manner of posting.

I'm have really grown to love anything boyfriend- it makes me feel sexy being in men's clothes, especially if they're actually my man's pieces. This one I wasn't so sure about at first, because I wanted something more tailored and streamlined.. Although walking around the apartment in it made me see how slouchy could work (for me) too.
I'm making a mental note to take better photos of this jacket outdoors -or at least somewhere with brighter lighting.

Olivia Palermo and La Lohan rock. *love*

J'adore this image -particularly the boy's insouciantly preppy outfit. C'est fabuleux!
♥

More Updates For The People!

2009-03-04T20:54:00.010-05:00

Okay girls and boys. I apologize for the slow pace of posts, it's been just a really lazy weekend after the Montréalers left. I took the time to veg and catch up on some reading.

I have great news. I just scored an editorial internship for an online beauty and fashion site (woohoo! *doing a victory dance*). Needless to say, I am very very excited. It should be an awesome experience and invaluable training is to be had -something that I am really looking forward to. I am meeting with them tomorrow and having an orientation --more details when all is final and stamped with a seal!

Last week, I received a super awesome package in the mail. It made my day! Sweets for a rockin gold necklace makes a great barter. Thank you, Laura luv. [Do check out her charming trinkets here.]

For outfits, I leave you with some old ones from my holiday visit back in Manila last December. I have been very lazy to take pictures the past days but I will take more from the rest of the week, I promise!

Cape hoodie, Silence and Noise. Jeans and tank, MNG. Platforms, Zara. Bracelets, Get Happy. Ring, H&M.
in Zara's dressing room. ;P

Dress, H&M. Belt, Zara. Bag, UO, Sandals, Renegade Folk. Ring, H&M.

And to bid adieu, I leave you with some cool clips and vids from websites I have been hounding this week.

I looove Marc Jacobs.

New York Street Fashion --too cool, effortless, aspirational.

click links for the videos.♥

P.S. This post is dedicated to my new favorite boy (boys?) in the blogoshpere! Check out their super rad site. xx

Great Days Come In Threes

2009-03-01T15:10:00.012-05:00

And those days were Thursday, Friday, and Saturday. I had such a wonderful time in the bright-lighted city. Yes, New York and I will have many happy memories together.

Thursday
The day my good friend Pat and I went to the Barney's Warehouse Sale.
I stuck close to my budget. hah. Congratulations, me, for not overspending. It wasn't easy, but I think I'm starting to learn the lesson of shopping with restraint. (It's not that hard when you don't have a job.)

I say Go for the gold.

There's a fire within my soul
Just one look and I can hear a bell ring
One more look and I forget everything
Mamma mia, here I go again
My my,
how can I resist you?

It was spectacular! The entire show I was on the edge of my seat like a little eager schoolgirl, following every line, subtly bopping my shoulders to every beat.. I love musicals. It was such a high! And one that lasted me way into the cold crisp night. My nightcap consisted of Magnolia red velvet cupcakes and red wine with wonderful company. I went to sleep with a smile on my face and the tune of Mama Mia playing in my head.

Friday
My good good friend from Montreal finally arrives! She came with her girlfriends and we went around New York being touristy and having a ball being girls. [At one point, someone got proposed to. And at another, my girl and I got trippy recording video messages on Facebook.. at the Apple Store on 5th. Oh joy. ;)]

Walked everywhere from the Upper East to Chelsea where we had dinner at TGIF (how appropriate!) and dessert at Il Bastardo. The night was still beautiful even with the tiny raindrops falling on our head and a walk under the glow of Times Square was the perfect way to unwind.

Saturday
The ladies and I headed to Cafeteria for a good power brunch. A long day of endless shopping loomed ahead.

I know, I really love my food.

don't leave..

***

Thank you for the music
for giving it to me ♥

Give Me Them Bright Lights, Long Nights..☆

2009-02-22T15:50:00.017-05:00

I had the most awesome opportunity to work backstage at the Oscar de la Renta show. I have no words. To say that it was amazingly, mind-deadeningly beautiful would not be doing it justice.

I wish I had the balls to talk to Mr. de la Renta as he was hanging out backstage, but of course I was too awestruck and intimidated to do more than just stare at him. Nevertheless, it was the BEST. DAY. EVER.

I dressed Bruna, and she was spectacularly gorgeous (as we all know).

Photos from Style.com

There at the show, I met and fell inluv with my wedding dress. Nevermind that I don't plan to get married for at least 5 years. Nevermind that everyone around me is getting married -I don't care, I'm not ready (at all)!! Nevermind that the dress is not white. When I saw it, my mind just screamed "wedding dress!!" It was obviously a moment of lasting insanity. The wonderful handcrafted creation was maddeningly exquisitely magnificent. Yes, even all the big superlative words don't suffice.

It rained the whole day, and I found it was the perfect excuse to have a glass of red wine with my perfectly Italian Il Bastardo late lunch. My girlfriend and I hung out at the cozy resto, safe from the raindrops and winds, and had our delightful 4-course meal over talks about fashion and boys. Mmmm, it all equates to a wonderfully girly afternoon. For post-dessert dessert, we headed over to Urban Outfitters (happy place!) on the Upper East and shopped a bit before heading out to Richie Rich's show at the Waldorf Astoria.

Sketch from the show. Photo by: Courtesy Photo

That show was crazy wild! Lots of strong vibrant personalities and colorful energy backstage. The whole thing was electric. My favorite part was the ballet portion before the actual fashion show. I am such a sucker for ballets and musicals and always enter a trance-like, googly-eyed euphoric state when presented with such performances.

It was the happiest day of my too-short Fashion Week A/W 09 existence.

Cape, Rendezvous by Paul and Joe. Plaid tights, UO. Houndstooth dress, UO. Feather headpiece, F21.

The next day I woke up to an unexpected message that made my heart smile the whole week. ♥

...as soon as something is set in motion, it can't help but gain momentum.

-Newton's Law of Motion

Hearts All Over NYC

2009-02-15T17:47:00.018-05:00

Cropped Jacket, H&M. Latex tank tunic and satinized leggings, F21. Locket, Urban Outfitters. Ring, H&M.

I had a most fabulous time on Valentines Day. Although it was uneventful romantically, it was awesomely exciting for I, myself and moi! Started the day early --5am, yo- to get ready for my first show at 6:30am [QVC Fashion Week Live Broadcast]. My next show [Richard Chai Men] was at 2:30 downtown West, so I had a bit of time to chill, have some coffee and donuts, and a satisfyingly spicy Thai lunch.

I loved the backstage energy at Richard Chai, everyone was lovely --especially Mr. Chai himself!

Of course, being a romantic, I had to have a gift on Happy Heart's Day. But who said it had to come from a boy? ;) I heart my new Hello Kitty for MAC lipcolor and Plush Lip Glass.

I got the beige hue, Fresh Brew.

I originally planned to cap off my night with Audrey Hepburn and a glass of wine, but I was so sleepy that by the time I hit the sack, I fell asleep almost immediately. My last bit of energy went to catching a few scenes of Lipstick Jungle on NBC.com, replying to Facebook messages (♥) and slathering on my daily beauty lotions. Drifted off to these images playing in my mind: Victory Ford licking the icing off a cupcake (presumably Magnolia), his smile and his lips, New York Fashion Week. Oh happy day.

but he doesn't.. ♥

***

To love oneself is the beginning of a lifelong romance. -Oscar Wilde

♥

in the pitter patter of a heart♥beat..

2009-02-14T00:01:00.019-05:00

I am back here.

It's been minutes, it's been days; it's been all I will remember.

"I've been lost in your hair.."

And in a naked slumber, I dream all this again.

Look at me I'm twenty three
Beautiful a sight to see
Tonight

We talk and talk
'round it all
Who'd have thought we'd end up here
But I'm feeling fine
Cos with you I'm running, running, running
Somewhere I can't get to
Yes I have to change the rules;
I'm with you

What if you get off at the next stop
Would you just wave as I'm drifting off?
If I never saw you again,
Could I keep all of this
Inside..

Someone like you, and all you know, and how you speak
Off in the night, while you live it up, I'm off to sleep
Waging wars to shake the poet and the beat
I hope it's gonna make you notice
...someone like me..

I'm ready now.

****
Boy I hear you in my dreams,
I feel you whisper across the sea..
I keep you with me, in my ♥

Feel this
Can you feel this
My heart beating out of my chest
Soul and spirit
Chord and lyrics

Let go, let go and believe,
Let go..

"Never say never; these things have a funny way of working out.."

**
you have me smitten once again...

Flying High - Jem

I bet there's hearts all over the world tonight. ♥

The Beautiful Ones

2009-02-11T23:02:00.009-05:00

I've been pretty busy the past couple of weeks. Pre-Fashion Week shows have officially started in New York and I cannot express how ecstatic I am and how surreal it feels to be right smack in the middle of it. Working amidst the high-paced energy of the staff and being flanked by insanely gorgeous models, I am exactly where I want to be. It hit me just the other day that this might just be the right place for me. I have fallen in love with the city, seriously deeply smitten.. and I want to live and love in New York.. let's see where this goes. :)

Yesterday I was at the JC Penney show, dressing models. We stayed at the party and had a blast! Funny how we, the backstage staff, looked like we were having the most fun at the party -dancing, talking, laughing. Today, I arrived at the GQ show.. and was immediately struck dumb by all the insanely BEAUTIFUL male models. It was madness, I tell you. Young, chiseled, men in all their GQ gorgeousness. One of my guys was français, et il etait tres beau! I can't talk about the show or the models or any backstage experience any more than I already have, so I stop here. Just be sure to watch out for them at Style.com! ;) [I am still reeling.]

I had the most fabulous day. It was super warm today, almost felt like summer in NY. By a stroke of luck, I was able to fit Georgie in for an appointment at the heavily booked Genius Bar. I rushed out, no time to wash my hair and took the bus to the Apple Store on 5th ave. Apple rocks!! they replaced my battery and now my baby has brand new stamina to stand my very long hours on the internet. [Thank you, Tim!]

It was such a lovely day that I stayed out and chilled in front of Central Park. I sat there people watching and listening to my "NY Rocks" playlist, basking in the city's palpable energy. I was perfectly happy and content by myself, but after a few minutes I thought about how sweet it would be to have someone beside me to hold and kiss just when I feel like it. [why aren't you here!!] When I looked up, I saw this cab driver across the street smiling at me and making gestures about taking a picture. I took out my earphones just in time to hear him say, "You are very cute!" with his indian accent. I shouted back a gracious thank you and smiled to myself. Not long after, this italian dude sat beside me and struck up a conversation. He says he's also in the fashion industry and invited me to some parties.

It was all well and good, but it's funny how I was surrounded by all these men today.. and I just can't seem to stop wishing and wanting for this one boy to be here.

♥

**star sightings: Kelly Cutrone and Kate Lanphear!! both at the GQ party. I fell in love with Kate's quiet fabulousness.
*celebrities in attendance (JC Penney): Kimora Lee Simmons, Nicole Miller, Charlotte Ronson
Got a very busy week ahead, but I'll try back at commenting as soon as I can. Thank you so much for all the sweetness, I ♥ you all!

Drama Queen(s)

2009-02-08T18:08:00.013-05:00

Being in the frigid weather of New York while my roommate flies off to the sunny shores of LA (lucky butt) makes me wistful for the beach. So I'm finally getting around to posting my holiday pictures on the tropical island of Boracay. The boyfriend took me there for our 6th year anniversary and my birthday, two consecutive events following Christmas. We didn't actually leave until after my birthday, since I wanted to celebrate with friends and family.

**birthday night, before flying off to the beach
Dinner at Balducci, Wines and Cheeses at CAV, nightcap drinks at Embassy Cuisine

Wearing the dress I got as a gift from H&M (yey!), an Eric delos Santos lace bolero (received it with a dress in a special birthday package. love you sweetie!), Get Happy buttons-and-charms necklace, boyfriend's Kenneth Cole leather strap watch, Aldo ring, and Steve Madden platforms.

the next morning and the following days... **

Above: with my little Australian cutie. Below: cutie's Aussie Dad, boyfriend and friends waiting for our food

we were FAMISHED!!

the boys and the girls

on a cruise ship that circled the island and ended the trip with fireworks (not as exciting as you may think. I fell asleep.)

***
Happy to finally be able to wear the color-block swimsuit I purchased on my trip to Milan last year!

swimsuit: United Colors of Benetton

maillot: Lae

Best trip ever. ♥

Isn't it funny how drama has this stubborn determination to follow you all over the globe? I've always tried to keep my distance from it and had, for most parts, remained blissfully unaffected. Now it pop its colorful head once again, amusing me to my bones! And I'm getting them back to back too. Oh ~~ladies~~ girls.. ;)

I might've lost my mind somewhere between Park Avenue and Serendipity..

2009-02-07T01:50:00.012-05:00

So I've been chilling the past week with family friends in Pennsylvania. I really love the tranquil atmosphere here and the time I have to myself. No outfit posts (save for the one from the day of my last post).

Turtleneck tunic and belt, Zara. Tights, Aldo. Thigh-high leg warmers, H&M. Coat, Topshop. Bag and boots, Zara.

I've mentioned being addicted to The City. One particular night, when I was in the forum with Pat Field and other Ugly Betty execs, inspiration hit me. I remember falling in lust with Whitney's knitted head band, and decided to cut up one of my hats to try and do a DIY knock-off. It has layered bows instead of the flower.. I'm very happy with the turnout. Some people even asked me where I got it, and that felt pretty cool.

(I used the top portion of the beanie to create the bigger bow.)

A sort of madness has been raging in my mind since I got here and it's been crazy fun indulging in it.

☆

I finally got hit by boredom last Wednesday and decided to spend two glorious days in the city. I can't ever remember a time when I have felt so incredibly free and happy and content just being by myself. It was the most fabulous two days and I have no doubt that it will be imprinted in my heart's memory indefinitely.

♥

Story of My Life

2009-01-29T22:21:00.016-05:00

Yesterday was such a fabulous day. It was a day when all my designer and fashion cravings were satisfied. I went back to the vintage shop and got my loot. In it were: A semi-oversized pale green leather clutch, a leopard print faux-fur bag, gold diamond-cutout earrings, a pair of gloves, a turquoise belt with silver braids and buckles, And.. wait for it.... a Gucci pantsuit. aaahh, so happy. ♥

Vintage shopping is basically like a treasure hunt. You are in search of those few key pieces that would fit right into your wardrobe and, more importantly, on you. When I was going through vintage shops in London, I got some cool belts, a few accessories.. But mostly the designer items were super expensive and just okay. Vintage shopping in Montréal was also fun but I had yet to find my star pieces. Here in NYC, I finally uncover gems after hours of scavenging. How lucky was I to stumble into this Gucci 2-piece set and find that it fits me perfectly?

The jacket has this military (I LOVE) feel to it with an epaulet and the four pockets. I love the lapel-less collar too. It's fabulous. The trousers are high-waisted and straight cut and fit me like it was made for me too. Happyyyy.. :)

The color is actually a very dark navy blue and black stripe, somewhat discernible is this (washed out) photo.

I also got myself a Stella McCartney for LeSportSac bag for my Georgie. In the website it says "camera bag," but its size and shape tell me "laptop bag." It's from the Spring collection and is quilted with stars and flowers and has some pretty awesome chain zippers. I'm crazy about it too. And there's that Nicole Miller dress that is LOVE. Yesiree, it was a sweet day for shopping.

Afterwards, I attended a talk by Ugly Betty's producers and stylists (Pat Field of SATC fame!!). That was very interesting and exciting!

Today I got some more great finds which I am very excited about. And now I am totally wiped out. No more shopping for me! Not for a few days at least.

Today:

(Check out my friend's Pumas. I have a crush on the studs.)

(I wore the belt I got from vintage.)

So yeah, I overspent and over-shopped but I am insanely happy. That's the story of my life. I really have to do something about it soon.

After a pretty chill conversation with roomie and a mac-and-cheese dinner in front of The City, I am ready to turn in. Tomorrow's a new day, and I can't wait.

♥

P.S. I love living in New York.

Girl Crushing

2009-01-28T02:21:00.010-05:00

By my roommate's influence, I have started watching The City. It so totally rocks! (so much more than The Hills ever can. or will). And yes, my roomie is a boy, I guess even boys like the show. How can they not? The ladies are SO hot. They have this kind of edge to them, a high-fashion kind of appeal if you will.

Olivia Palermo, I find extremely beautiful. The facial structure, the eyes, the hair... oh gosh, must I start gushing? I find her antagonism wickedly delicious. It reminds me of my number one girl and style crush, Queen B.

Click here for an article that pits the two beautiful New Yorkers head on.

♥

Sewing Shower

2009-01-25T19:00:00.011-05:00

Here goes the unveiling of our final projects in school. We were having so much fun ooh-ing and aah-ing over each others' works that our teachers pronounced that class a "sewing shower," in reference to a bridal shower where everyone oohs and aahs over gifts. Here we marveled over purely hand-sewn creations. My classmates' works were so nicely crafted, they made mine feel so simple. But I'm happy because it's something I can really use. And it's the first time I ever started and finished something I made from scratch! I did an apron meant as a styling kit/ belt bag. Good for holding clips, pins, scissors, tape, stain remover, and other styling essentials! I can't wait to use it for work :)

After class I spent hours in a vintage store my classmates introduced me to. Hours. 180 fabulous minutes in a warm, dusty, basement full of old charming treasures. ahhh, heaven. I found so many awesome things, but the best one is something I feel so giddily excited about. It's still there in the store, in a plastic bag with my name on it. It awaits my return as I wait for my debit card from home. Living (and shopping) in Manhattan is expensive!

I passed by a flea market just before they started packing up... which I would say is the best time to go because they give you great bargains. All this being around vintage really made my day! ♥

My Chinese New Year post to follow when I poach the pictures off from a friend's Facebook!

Warm and Wonderful

2009-01-23T20:51:00.007-05:00

I had a very good day today. Mostly because the weather is beautiful today/ tonight. Just the perfect amount of chill and sunshine. +7 to me feels really warm right now and I'm really lovin it.

Today was: Rockefeller, Century 21 + Ground Zero + St. Paul's Church.
Met up with a friend at the last minute at Rockefeller Center. I finally hit Anthropologie and found the book I wanted to buy! woohoo. Oh and I finally got that 1L bottle of Sprite Zero I've been craving for.

Bow dress, H&M. White coat and Cardigan, Zara. Plaid tights, UO. Boots, Zara. Heart ring, Marc Jacobs.

♥

Busy Bee

2009-01-21T22:04:00.009-05:00

I've been having a pretty busy week so far.

I'm back in Manhattan and alternating my days with staying in the apartment and going out and about the city.

Staying in mainly to keep myself from spending, and partly to do my project for school.

Going out doesn't really necessitate an explanation, does it?

- So last Monday I went around SoHo, Times Square, and a few other places. Pictures from which I'll post soon.

- Yesterday, I spent the day sewing and watching the Inaugural ceremony/ parade/ celebrations on TV. I am not American in any way, shape, or form but even I felt choked up because of the historical ramifications of the grand event.

- I went to meet some friends today and went around the city again. It was a cold cold day with gusts of wind.. very frigid outside! My feet are tired and aching. Now I want those orgasmic foot massages my roommate told me about.. only he got them in China and that isn't exactly a subway ride away. Boo. Outfit pictures to follow.

Please excuse my delinquency from posting, I am soo exhausted and so cold, I just want to curl up in my comforter and veg out. and my TV is calling out to my inner tv series junkie... Show On Demand rocks.

look who got her first pair of kicks ♥ (gym shoes don't count).

***

A Little Bit Country..

2009-01-17T13:26:00.006-05:00

I have fled the city to spend a better part of this week in the country..

Hello, Shawnee Pennsylvania.

I went to visit some relatives and was instantly swallowed by the quiet, serene, and snowy atmosphere of the mountains. I've been doing nothing but snuggling under a fuzzy blanket in front of the TV, reading my Teen Vogue and Nylon, and sewing up a storm trying to get a head start on our class project.

But the very BEST thing about being here is.. the food. Home-cooked Filipino style and absolutely scrumptious. Living by myself means pasta and noodle soup and mostly microwavables. [I still haven't figured out how to do laundry, and I might just have to bring my pile to the cleaners.] Another plus: I have been having the soundest and deepest sleep out here in my big comfy bed and warm fluffy blanket.

Being in a quiet town here reminds me of our usual getaway back home. The boyf's family ranch in Batangas, just a few hours outside the city and an hour away from most beaches in the area.

A perfect afternoon ago with the boyf spent with some easy, feel-good tunes, chips & local fruits, and Tinto de Verano (red wine + Sprite + lime).

Have a fantabulous weekend, everyone! ♥

The Shopaholic Bug

2009-01-13T08:31:00.024-05:00

Who else is excited about Confessions Of A Shopaholic, The Movie?

I adored reading the series for its very witty narrative of an extreme case of the shopaholics. My mom laughingly tells me how much Becky Bloomwood reminds her of me, and although I can relate to her to a certain level, I would like to think that I have a better head on my shoulders. Although that does tend to disappear once I get caught up in the addictive shopping haze and adrenaline. Hmmm..

[She has my laptop's twin! btw, I decided to give my Macbook a unisex name.. I finally ended up with Georgie.]

Check out my loot from a recent stop at Victoria's Secret on 34th. I am just in love with their line, Pink. More girly, less lacey and sophistaced, but definitely just as sexy. Best thing about them is that they fit me oh so perfectly.

Click here to see me in one of my more manic shopaholic moments.

☆

Last Sunday I found out on Facebook that one of my friends from my first job is here. To say that that is an exciting discovery to make by someone who is in a foreign city all by herself is an understatement. Finally, a friend from home to roam around the villages with! Having someone to finally take my pictures was just icing on the cake. *

Yesterday was a busy day. Before meeting up with Pat, I went to Urban Outfitters to pick up some fabric but ended up buying some necklaces and rings.. UO has the coolest accessories. My next stop was Manhattan Wardrobe supply where I got some stuff for my styling kit.

Some more outfit pics in the apartment.

The Marc by Marc store in the West Village rocks.

♥

Jet-Lagged

2009-01-10T20:31:00.008-05:00

Two things that currently prevent me from posting more regularly: jet-lag and fatigue. It's so bad that I barely get 5-6hours of sleep; waking up about 5 times in a night's sleep (if you could call it that) before finally getting up in the wee hours of the morning.

Anyway. I've been having the most fantabulous time in my classes. The final project was something to get excited over too. More on that on a proper post. Right now I just want to share something that delighted me when I caught up on a previous episode of Lipstick Jungle. [I'm too tiired and sleepyyy to post more.]

Yes, she is my favorite: character- and wardrobe-wise. So when I saw that we had the same feathered hairband, my little-girl heart felt happiness the way a fan who sees her favorite R&B singer might. Here's me wearing it last year during Montréal Fashion Week.

Now just to make this post a little bit more relevant, here are pictures of my first day in school.

I expect next week to be filled with more free time, and I will post more of my outfits from home and from my birthday trip to the beach :)

♥

Settling In

2009-01-06T23:16:00.004-05:00

Greetings from New York! I am now officially all moved in and settled in my cozy little apartment. I'm right across Central Park and my bathroom shower has pressure controlled spouts lining its pipe for that water massage thingy (not quite sure what it's called) and it is all fabulous. I love it, really. I especially love the faux sheepskin wall installment beside my bed --my allergies might not like it too much though..

But I have to say, my favorite is the flat screen TV that is mine, ALL mine. (I'm in an apartment share which means I share the kitchen and bathroom with my roomie).

The plane ride en route to Detroit (port of entry) was somewhat poignant, but that all dissolved into excitement once my bus exited the Lincoln Tunnel and into New York city. Tomorrow, I explore. Now is the time to rest my tired tired legs and curl under my covers while falling asleep to HBO On Demand in the background.. Goodnight, all.

♥

Sweetest Sunrise: Bonjour 2009

2009-01-04T04:05:00.011-05:00

And the negligent blogger is back. My days since I got back home have been a blur of days and nights out, dinner dates and chilling at the house, food tripping, shopping, beach bumming, eating, and more eating. Now I get a little time to breathe and sneak a quick entry.

So many events happened in 2008. At dawn of the year that passed, I celebrated with family and friends and looked on to the new year with great hope and faith for good things to come my way. To get to the gist of it, the best things did happen to me in the past year.. of course, as most things, it came with hard work and called for immense responsibility -but I guess that's part of the grandiose of it all. To balance the Yang, I've also had my share of Yins. 2008 showed me some of the best times of my life, and let me experience some of the worst pits I've had to get out from. Through it all, I've been blessed with enough encouragements and love from the best people in my life. But even more than that, the hand of my Lord was always there to uphold me and give me peace amidst moments of such confusion and pain, reminding me that I have a BIG God. A God bigger than all circumstances, all the problems this flawed world can ever throw us. And the assurance of that makes me look forward to just this: the bright future of God's perfect will brewing on realization. And with new mornings and a promising year, I know I am on my way there.

[II Corinthians 4:8-9

8We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; 9persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed.]

It's so easy to praise God when everything in your life is going as it should be and everything feels so ecstatically perfect. But praising God when you're experiencing mind numbing, heart crushing pain.. that's only achieved by grace. It has been an incredible 2008. I laughed my heart out, cried my heart out, dreamt dreams so big it was almost impossible, had some of those dreams come true, had my faith attacked and then strengthened, learned how to live (somewhat) by myself, and loved with my whole being.. It was the year I grew up. Lots more of growing up to do: spiritually, emotionally, and career-wise.. and 2009 sounds like a pretty good year to do just that. :)

Celebrated New Year's Eve and countdown in true Philippine fashion of setting off fireworks one after the other. We had a good show of fireworks (and so did the neighbors) which started and lasted about 30 mins before and after 12m. Everyone is affected by the global financial crisis! In the past years it usually started at 11pm (new year's eve) and ended way past 1am.

Our beloved tradition of pandesal, hot chocolate, ham, and assorted coldcuts after the fireworks followed suit in my grandmom's dining room.

Caught my first sunrise of the year with my bestest friend ♥ It was the perfect way to start off the year.

Wishing you all new sunrises and never-ending beginnings.. may 2009 be the year for growth, hope, and unceasing love. Here's to a most fabulous year ahead.. ♥

***

**more more more outfit posts to follow! from days in between Christmas and New Years.

Love and the Holidays

2008-12-26T13:59:00.017-05:00

I've been home for almost a week now, and every single day has been filled to the brim with activities either by myself or with friends, family, and my love. I finally had my hair permed (yay!), caught up with some friends, been to and held some Christmas parties, spent quality time at the spa, and had Christmas traditions with the family. It has been a great/crazy week. Ahh, and now it winds down to my birthday weekend. How exciting. :)

My first day home, I took my car out and had some reuniting with Manila traffic while I went around doing errands: hair appointment + meeting with my fave designer to fit my birthday dress + office to pick up some cheques + and finally visiting my boyfriend's family at home. We went to the boyf's Dad's stables in Carmona for their annual Christmas party and blessing. It was a long drive especially with holiday traffic but the company made for a great road trip. Boyfriend's half-sister is here from Australia with her husband and super adorable kids -will make sure to take their pic sometime soon.

Last Sunday I went to the Urban Bazaar held at the Rockwell Tent and ran into my fave accessory designer, Happy, who designs the line Get Happy. So good to see her again and I drooled all over her new stuff.. I got two necklaces which are absolutely fabulous. Will be keeping in touch with her to get the rings that I ordered. If you are from Manila, you should really check out her stuff at Rustan's.

On the 23rd, boyfriend and I hosted our annual Christmas dinner with our bestest friends. It was a fun potluck dinner with exchanging of gifts and playing Rockband on Wii into the am.

-----

24th of December

-----

December 25 with my Dad's side of the family.

[btw, the theme this year was shorts. hmm, disappointed me at first 'cause I had that pretty dress hanging in my closet waiting to debut on the special day of Christ.. but in the end my love for and loyalty to "themes" won me over and decided to make most of the whole shorts thing. I tried my best to veer away from any casualness the piece is widely associated with!]

Christmas at my grandparents house was über fun, as it always is with 30-plus grandchildren clustered in groups, the grownups mingling around, and a feast on the round table. Throw in some party games, gift giving, hot chocolate, and other desserts into the mix and it becomes my favorite holiday of the year. Of course keeping in mind and heart that Jesus is the sole reason for this season.. Best factor of all :)

We had some guests from London this year. My parents, sister and I visited with them last April and now they came to celebrate Christmas with our big extensive family. :) My grandmom welcomes anyone and loves to overfeed them too! I took pictures of pretty little Sophie Mae prancing around in her tiered floral skirt. Such a pretty little thing, and I can never get enough of her charming English accent. ;p

Happy Holidays everyone!

Wishing you all the best of times with your friends and families :)

Susanna-Cole sent me the most fabulous card for Christmas,

and I just want to share the love with all of you.

***

On other news, boyfriend and I turned 6 years today. ♥

Home

2008-12-21T20:12:00.007-05:00

Finally.

****

♥

All my bags are packed, I'm ready to go..

2008-12-19T01:42:00.009-05:00

Almost. I just hate having to leave things behind.. and not only half the things in my room (to be shipped later), but the beautiful people I've met and loved here. I wish I could ship them over too.

Since I got here, I've thought of going home and now that I am, I can't stop thinking about everything and everyone here. The beautiful streets, the museums, the yummy food (although there is so much more of that in Manila), and the magnetic atmosphere. It is absolutely wonderful here and I've fallen inlove with my life in Montréal. The sense of freedom and independence, and quiet days by myself was something I rarely got to experience back home. I will even miss being able to take the public transport and being able to walk anywhere. and bike anywhere, like to the library. Oh I will miss my library.

I will definitely miss my girls too! And the wonderful families I've met who made my stay so much more colorful and infinitely happier. Memories made in Montréal will always always be in my heart.

No goodbyes.

Only Au Revoirs.

♥

[P.S. Apologies for the lack of updates, will try to reply to comments soon. Right after this, I am wrestling with my luggage. I do thank you all for the sweetness. You all helped carry me through my finals and now I am happy to say it's all over. I am coming home for the Holidays. ♥ And I am coming to meet my man who can't be moved.]

Winter Bunny

2008-12-11T00:30:00.008-05:00

Finally! I just finished two-thirds of my final requirements and now I can breathe... I've been having a great one and a half weeks now, all making up for that horrible week. Happy to say that everyone is good, sprained ankles have healed, hearts are happy and at peace, and plans are looking good! We are now gearing up for the last leg of Fall Semester finals and that celebratory night-out right after Fashion Marketing finals. We are here to parteyy! Anyway, weather is wonderful. I have trudged through mushy, just-fallen snow (during a snow storm), held a snowflake in my (gloved) hand and marveled over it's tiny intricate pattern, and snowboarded (and wiped out) for the first time! It's wonderful, and I am making sure to make the most of my last weeks here.

So the snow has turned me into an eskimo-lady.

My snowboarding adventure that made boyfriend über jealous ;p

I usually go for fashion over comfort; and this is seen by my love of sky high shoes, worn no matter how long I am gonna be walking, dancing, whatever. But when the degrees drop 10 below zero, all that goes out the door and I settle for comfort (translate: non-frostbite).

But okay, I cant stand the plain ones no matter how comfy they really are. So I got these, and I think they are lovely. They're fluffy and keep my itty-bitty toes warm. It feels like walking on carpet! Okay, but the best part is still the patent paisley pattern ♥

Now I snuggle under my favorite cape and sip a steaming cup of raspberry tea. Mmm...

♥

Random things that made me happy: Another friend saying I looked like Lindsay Price. (aww..)

Boyfriend saying I looked hot on the snowboard. (haha. he's jealous.)

[Excuse me for being smug, these just made my vain heart smile :)]

and the most wonderful thing that fills my heart with pure joy:

God's promises.

There aint nothing better :)

Peace after the Storm

2008-12-03T13:21:00.004-05:00

hello hello, well I am still here. Last week was incredibly unlucky for me and my friends. One of my girls sprained her ankle, one found out her Christmas vacation plans weren't pushing through, one lost her contact list and had her phone and internet connection break down in one day, one went home to a flooded apartment and found her computer, project boards and all her belongings immersed in water.. I found out my plans weren't going exactly the way I wanted and my homesickness reached its all time peak last weekend. And amidst all that, we were rushing to finish a final project. Whew. What a hell of a week. Glad that's over. Everyday is a new day and this week a new week. I've realized a lot over the weekend and now this week, God has graced my heart with His peace. I'm learning now to be joyful and content solely in Him, regardless of how my plans and situations go. I am extremely thankful for God's hand in my life and for the angels He sent in the form of my beautiful friends.

Winter has been harsh and thus, no outfit pictures. Just one from last Monday :)

Sweater, BCBG. Tricot leggings, AA. Tights, from Korea. Turtleneck, Zara. Necklace, Claire's.

Just talked to my former boss too and she told me one of her fashion girls had resigned.. And I told her I may be going home earlier that planned. Now I think I may have a spot open for me back at my old job, where I absolutely loved what I was doing. I've been thinking.. maybe this is part of God's master plan. All I have to do now is trust and follow where He leads. I'm sure wherever He takes me would be awesome. ♥

And I'll praise you in this storm

and I will lift my hands

for You are who You are

no matter where I am

and every tear I've cried

You hold in your hand

You never left my side

and though my heart is torn

I will praise You in this storm.

2165 Days

2008-11-26T17:10:00.017-05:00

The end of the semester is coming up and there's nothing like final projects and midterms to preoccupy you. I have a feeling the next weeks will come by in a flash, with me cramming my orals and studying for final exams. It's a good thing too, otherwise I'd probably go crazy waiting for the day that I finally get to fly home. I'm excited out of my mind!

Winter and snowfall have finally hit Montreal, and I admit that the cold has totally pierced through to my lazy bone, hence the lack of outfit pictures. Here's one from last week:

Jacket, Topshop. Cardigan, Zara. Tee, AA. Scarf and ribbed tights, Urban Outfitters. Boots, Zara. Leather gloves and ring, H&M.

Today, boyfriend and I have been together for 71 months. One month to go 'til the big anniversary.

♥ Just a little something I put together today.

Scribbled images from Rags and Scribbles.

"I got the sweetest love there ain’t nothing sweeter."

Happy Surprises and Perfect Dresses

2008-11-20T01:57:00.010-05:00

I am so honored and incredibly delighted having received the You Rock Award by none other than the blogger who inspires and someone who truly absolutely rocks, S-C of Girl Meets NYC. It's such a sweet surprise, thank you.

I also answered the happy tag which asks the blogger to list 6 things that make them happy.

my 6 random things:

- the sun on my face. and the glorious beauty of God's creation.
- tuning on to my fave tv show(s) with a good meal.
- being in praise and worship with the church.
- being silly and having laughing fits with my silly silly sister. also, family time.
- snatching a good buy or the last piece of an item I fell inluv with --makes me feel like it's meant to be!

- dates and talking and laughing with boyfriend ♥

blogs make me happy too, and as such, I pass on the You Rock! award to these lovelies:

1. Stompface

2. Qin at the Disco

3. The House of Style

4. The World is My Catwalk

5. Le Love

6. Strawberry Kisses

Now: who wants to buy me this beautiful dress so I can wear it on Christmas??

It's perfect, I luv it and it luuuvs me back....

anyone? Mom? (I know you're reading this. Text me.)

♥

hope everyone had a good weekend!

These boots were made for Dancing..

2008-11-19T21:12:00.009-05:00

The best thing about going out is getting to dress up more than usual. Primping is part of the whole enjoyable process and I love taking my time painting my face on. Primer, foundation, highlighter, eye color, bronzing powder, mascara, lip color = bliss. We had wine and pasta with salad and bread and it was delish. I can live off pasta forever.

Beautiful night without wind chill equals walking downtown in our party garb. The gray dress I wore was the first thing I ever bought at the Manila-based boutique, Tyler, when I started working there. It was love at first sight.. it went out on stores right about that time Chloe Dao won Project Runway Cycle 2 and I went crazy over her 13th piece. It was a gold halter babydoll dress with pockets. LOVED it. So when I saw this jersey halter bubble dress with pockets, I didn't hesitate for one second. It's still one of my favorites until now.

So we went out dancing and having a crazy wonderful time being girls. I'm off alcohol (except wine), have been for a while now.. and I find that a super fantabulous time has nothing to do with getting a buzz! Natural highs, baby. Dancing, laughing, tripping, pointing.. Fabulous night all in all. *

Coat, M. Mittis Green. Dress, Tyler. Belt, Zara. Ring, Aldo. Tights, Urban Outfitters. Woven Clutch, Aranaz. Watch, boyfriend's.

♥

Snowed

2008-11-18T22:04:00.005-05:00

Been having dark days recently and it's really kinda wearing me down. I've just been wallowing and cuddling under my covers before dragging my bum off to school. I really have to start perking up and avoid drifting off into slumber on the public transit (loser). I haven't had time to update too because of oral presentations and midterms, so so busy! It's gonna slow down a bit before picking up again so I'm sure to post some more this week before being M.I.A again in the following weeks.

I was gonna take a picture of my white Zara funnel-collar coat's first night out yesterday, unfortunately freezing wind and the absence of my camera prevented the photo-op. It's winter now so the coat will get some wear-time and make an appearance soon.

For now, some (old) pictures of my trip to London last April. Just because I really LOVED it there.

And a very big thank you to all the beautiful people who read my randomness and especially everyone who leaves me sweet sweet comments. It really brightens up my day like you don't even know, and you guys rock.♥

Rise and Fall

2008-11-15T20:58:00.006-05:00

Hard to think that just a week ago temperatures rose, albeit sparingly and temporarily. Today, it is officially winter here in Montréal. It was a gloomy day with constant rain. Why must the rain come at such inopportune times when I don't have my lovely flat umbrella.

I slept over at my friend's flat after a crazy night out with the ladies. We had to wake up early to catch McDonald's breakfast before our makeup Fashion Communications class. Maybe not such a good idea to stay out 'til early morning, but ingenious plan to sleep over at the apartment right across school (Thanks, Laura). Despite rains today, we were so lucky to have beautiful weather last night. It was so nice out that we walked down to Crescent and opted not to take a cab even on the way home. That was a pretty fabulous weekend. [Photos to follow.]

These pictures were taken last Thursday, when we had lovely weather. Warm enough to wear a light sweater and let the feet breath with semi-open chaussures. I remember that day, I visited AA and got new favorite things. I can't wait to come home. One month to go.

♥

Tagged!

2008-11-14T13:53:00.002-05:00

Here are the Rules:

1. Link to the person who tagged you : Peaches of The World Is My Catwalk

2. Post the rules on your blog

3. Share six non-important things/habits/quirks about yourself

4. Tag six random people at the end of your post by linking to their blogs

5. Let each random person know they have been tagged by leaving a comment on their website.

Okay let's start:

1. I count steps.

1-10, go reverse, then repeat. I have no idea how it started, I just know that whenever I go up (or down) a flight of stairs, I count in my head. Remember how exercises in P.E. require us to count 1-2-3-4-5-6-7-8-7-6-5-4-3-2-1? I think it might have started from there. I realized this is a very Monk (luv the tv series) thing to do.

2. I am very anal with how I have my food.

I cannot eat just one type of food at a time. There has to be a siding or two, the more the merrier. My food proportions must also hit just the right balance. For example, rice must not overpower the saltiness of meat. Same goes with sauce, pasta, gravy, ketchup, barbecue sauce, and so on. I have weird eating habits. I can go from a spoonful of my entrée to my dessert then back to my entrée. I'm also a strict follower of the perfect last bite. :) Usually that last bite is salty. If I have dessert, I usually have something salty afterwards. Like that one last perfect twirl of pasta on my fork. Usually I just trade in the sweet stuff for chips.

And, I am addicted to food. It's my worst vice!

3. I love kisses.

And I love seeing people kiss. Some may find it gross, I find it sweet. (Well, it depends at the type of kiss too.) The hopeless romantic in me loves ogling those photos where the couple is caught in a passionate embrace, or even in a sweet lip lock with the guy cradling the girls face in his hands. My favorite thing is how my guy is never ashamed to give me a bear hug in the mall or stand one step lower on the escalator so he can kiss me. He occasionally twirls me too while we walk and I used to find it embarrassing but after 5 years, I've learned to live with it. ;) Okay, enough mush!

4. I am a multi-tasker!

I usually can't sit and do one thing at a time. I always have something in my hands while I watch TV, it could be a magazine or food or this baby (no name yet). I also can't eat without doing anything. It's either I'm enjoying my meal with someone, with a book, or with a good show.

5. I am a devil on the road.

On good days I can cut the usual 20 minute drive down to 10 minutes. Those crazy ass drivers in Manila have honed my skills in avoiding, cutting, and tailgating (I rarely let anyone cut in front of me). It's just because Philippine driving requires you not only to be a defensive, but also an aggressive driver. Try to be nice and let someone take his turn on an intersection and see if anyone's gonna be that nice to you. Although on lazy days I do my good deed and let the occasional car or two cut in my lane. That said, I also hold such disdain over slowpoke and pushover drivers (when I'm riding with the latter). Also helps that I learned from the best safe-driving-kaskasero (road devil) of them all, none other than the boyf. Of course the lessons usually elicited shouting matches which ended as soon as we stepped out of the car. I also love parking, I do it so well! Haha, my Dad was a great teacher. :)

My best moments include crossing bumper-to-bumper traffic on a five-lane highway(Commonwealth). Literally bumper-to-bumper, like a pedestrian wouldn't fit in between cars. That's how selfish those drivers are; there's no where to go, but they wouldn't let anyone cross the intersection. I crossed that and was swallowed by the traffic. My rearview mirror told me no one even got to follow me across the highway.

6. I am addicted to buying makeup. I have loads of blushes/ bronzers, mascaras, eyeliners, face powders, etc. There's so much that I end up not finishing or even touching some of them. I blame it on the packaging. They look so nice that you just want to have them. Prime example, I have been buying the Holiday Collection eye palette from MAC for 4 years now. And the brush set that comes in the super cute pouch. Although those are really good buys, I use them all the time! I don't like this year's collection's Red theme too much though, so I'll skip that one. One thing I don't actually use is lipstick. I don't like the feel on my lips and it just looks unnatural! The only lipcolors I use come in the form of tinted lip balm, and usually just nude. I have the lip palette from MAC's Holiday Collection (Tan Lips) last year, and I luuuv it.

So now I pass the tag on to anyone who wants to answer. Have fun!

My driving instructor doubles as my favorite foot masseur :) Pap-pa-rap-pap-pa.. Love ko 'to.

Everything

2008-11-13T03:15:00.009-05:00

This is one of my favorite pieces by Lifehouse. I found these videos of some skits that were made for the song.

It's such an amazing approach to the song, and it just gives you an idea how God struggles to be in our life. He establishes a relationship with us and the devil just works twice as hard once you believe in Jesus. He wants you to fall and often times, the enemy is not a scary evil monster; he is a beautiful charming thing that lures you away from the will of God. He is a deceiver. But the pleasure that worldly things give you never last.. its highs are temporary, but then you get caught up in it and it brings you down and farther away from the Father. Sometimes it's sad that we have to hit rock bottom before we decide to seek Jesus again. But it is glorious too, for how can we be saved by the God's grace if we're not broken? His power is perfected in our weakness, so that by Him we can be strong. I love that part when He knocks down all the sins.. it is exactly what Jesus did for us. He pulls us away and frees us from the bondage of sin. He died so that sin may no longer rule over us. Don't let His act of ultimate love and sacrifice be in vain. Find your way to His arms and let not temporal things hinder you from the abundant life that the Lord wants you to have. There is an indescribable joy to be experienced in living life in the fullness of God's love.

Here is another interpretation that is just as amazing.

My God is mighty to save. ♥

All Plaid Out

2008-11-12T01:32:00.012-05:00

Waiting for our teacher at school

Aida M and her fabulous fringe bag from Paris.

(She calls it her lion.)

Layering plaid on plaid can be tricky, but my love for mismatching prints made me try it tonight. I played with different patterns of plaid with contrasting colors and textures. And to finish the look, my leather jacket and studded belt toughened the preppy print with a grunge attitude.

♥

Preview November

2008-11-11T11:32:00.002-05:00

I love Preview's November cover!

I think Preview really liked the color purple this year.

the darling Ogie Rayel of Kiehl's expertly coiffing Heart's hair.

This guy is the best! He also did my hair for the annual Preview ball.

channeling the "allure of vintage chinese movie posters"

love her bag!

its contents too.

all photos taken from Stylebible.com

♥

I invite you all to read...

2008-11-10T01:51:00.006-05:00

The Shack

I mentioned borrowing this book from the library and I have just finished it. (I have a tendency to read a number of books at the time, so it took me this long to finish this one.) To say that it was amazing may be an understatement. It gives such a graphic and loving image of who God is in our world and lives. There were so many things I learned from this book, not the least of which is to make God the center of our lives. It was such an eye opener: He doesn't want us to make Him first in our list of priorities.

Jesus speaking to lead character:

" ...I don't want to be the first among a list of values; I want to be at the center of everything. When I live in you, then together we can live through everything that happens to you. Rather than be a pyramid, I want to be the center of a mobile, where everything in your life- your friends, family, occupation, thoughts, activities- is connected to me but moves with the wind, in and out and back and forth, in an incredible dance of being."

The Shack is a story about a father's struggle with his daughter's tragic murder, which ultimately brings him to face his issues with God, his daughter's killer, and his own estranged father.

Earth's crammed with heaven,

And every common bush afire with God,

But only he who sees takes off his shoes;

The rest sit around it and pluck blackberries.

-Elizabeth Barrett Browning

Weddings and Outfits

2008-11-09T18:42:00.008-05:00

If I were to get married tomorrow at sunset on a higher plane overlooking the beach I would wear:

with

I just chanced upon the Lanvin 2008 Bridal Gown and thought it'd go so beautifully with the Giambattista Valli Lace Demi-Platform Pump I previously posted here. Although it is a bit too casual for my taste (I want my wedding gown to be this whole big production), I thought Alber Elbaz's masterful crafting of airy, fluid gowns would be perfect for a beach wedding. Can you just picture the light, flowy material billowing with a soft breeze? Dreamy.

Last Friday I did some volunteer work and was a coat check girl for Musée McCord. They had an event for the Reveal and Conceal exhibit and since I basically had the day free, I signed up. The exhibit was marvelous: all about the evolution of silhouettes and women's intimates. I was able to sneak some bad-quality photos with my cellphone's camera, but I'm debating whether to post them or not because they're so grainy.

Long-sleeved top and oversized ring, H&M. High-waisted pencil skirt (with belt), Zara. Lace tights, Urban Outfitters. Oxford booties, Zara.

Necklace, Get Happy. Canvas clutch, Aranaz.

Last Wednesday's outfit

Metallic dress, V Clothing. Coat, F21. Tights and scarf, Urban Outfitters. Ring and bag, Aldo.

Belt, Rockit (vintage shop in London's Covent Garden).

♥

Of Prints, Textures, Relationships, and Other Stuff

2008-11-08T01:11:00.014-05:00

This is what I wore last Tuesday, the day I got my baby from the Apple store back. Yes, I remember.. It was a pretty good day :) I am really luvin this scarf that my Dad got me. It is so wonderfully soft and I just adore the candy pastel stripes on gray. One of those things that I just find so so pretty.

Textured tunic, Topshop. Tights and Sheer textured high socks, Nine West. Coat, Zara. Necklaces, Aldo and Urban Behavior. Bag, Aldo. Scarf and Canvas Cutout Lace-ups, Urban Outfitters. Ring, BCBG.

On a side note, I found this picture(s) of Agyness Deyn today while searching for an image of a pair of Zara gladiator platforms I fell inlove with last Sunday. I've always been drawn to her quirky cool sense of style. This Brit girl is awesome. I luv how she wears those brogues. TOO COOL.

And I've been searching for a picture of those Zara platforms because my boyf is in Macau with his friend Christian, who happens to design for the label, Christian Audigier, but is not Christian Audigier... I'm babbling. Anyway, let's just say his Dad gave him a pretty generous amount of pocket money and he asked what I wanted him to get for me. So there, I threw all modesty aside and said I wanted the beautiful beautiful shoes that was luv-at-first-sight. I couldn't find pictures of the exact ones, and these other ones came up on Google. They would do.

Please excuse my dabble on Photoshop. I know they are pretty bad, but I'm still trying to figure it out. It's so complicated for computer dummies like me. Hopefully I'll get better :)

For those wondering what a long distance relationship looks like, here is a picture of me and the boyf having breakfast (well, he is while I look extremely happy at the sight of those yummy fries there). It was quite an enjoyable conversation with the boyf and his Dad (he was sitting across the table). And look at that room, it's gorgeous and so huge. They are staying at The Venetian which was said to be so big that the hotel's basement can fit six (six!!!) 747's easily. Geez. His Dad propositioned to bring us there if I come back home soon, like next week. I know he was just joking, but maybe I should show up at their doorstep next weekend and claim my prize. That would be a hoot.

Other randoms: I am thinking of naming my Macbook, instead of always just calling it "my baby." Any suggestions would be welcome. It's a he; a white macbook wearing a hot pink hardcase. So I'm thinking a unisex sounding name. haha.

Wishing you all a fabulous weekend!

♥

P.S. About the vest, I am now about 80% sure that I'm getting it! Thank you, all, you've been tremendous help! ;)

Decisions, decisions.

2008-11-06T23:48:00.012-05:00

I want this:

I fell in love with this (faux) fur vest! When I walked into the store, I was planning on getting either a bag or a pair of shoes, but I couldn't find any that were just perfect and absolute luv.. Then I saw this fur vest, hungrily snatched it off its hanger, and tried it on. It is so so so soft and so wonderfully comfortable.

BUT. Okay, I primarily live in a very humid country where donning fur would guarantee frowns and stares from the widely fashion-ignorant and conservative public. But (again) I won't be residing in that country for maybe another 7-8 months. I should make most of this time away to wear things I can't wear in my homeland, right?? Right? Right.

Anyway, I have enough of that defiant streak that would give me the panache to wear fur in Manila. [Even if I do look like an outlandish Korean/ Japanese in the process.]

There is air conditioning everywhere after all.

♥

What do you think: should I buy it??

The Sun After the Snow

2008-11-06T12:16:00.005-05:00

I drifted into consciousness today struggling to fall back into my slumber, if only for a few more minutes, before I really have to get up to get ready for Pilates class. It felt chilly and gloomy outside. But after enjoying the lovely weather yesterday (not too cold, not too hot), I wasn't ready to accept that it would have left me quite so suddenly. I squinted at my window and saw the the blinds were shut closed. After a few more minutes enjoying my cozy snuggle under the covers, I got up, opened my blinds, and was then immediately delighted by the sunlight flooding the streets. Yes yes yes. It's going to be a beautiful day, I can feel it. :)

A quick browse through style.com's Spring Accessory Report left me lusting over these beauties:

the chain strap with pearls is just perfect

lust at first sight

that stiletto-printed wedge is genius!

fringe luv. an affordable counterpart is offered by Renegade Folk

now I know how I want my wedding shoes to look like. ♥

Actually, I want this exact one.

All photos from Style.com

T-T-F-N ta ta for now!

♥

Pile it up

2008-11-05T16:11:00.008-05:00

Just a quick uploading of more outfit pics from last Monday. Right now I'm at my friends apartment with the chicas and we're actually getting together for school work, but of course we haven't started on it..

I am so happy Obama won, mostly for what it represents and for the historical significance this victory brings. I won't be pretentious and say I'm glad he won because I believe in his causes yada yada yada.. I've never been interested in politics and as much as I'm ashamed to admit this, I've mostly been apathetic about it. Probably I'll be more interested in the future since I'm growing up and all (haha). For now, I just think Obama's victory is unbelievably amazing in unifying so much of the diversity around us.

Anyways,

as you can see, I had fun with my layers

Sweatshirt and Boyfriend Cardi, Old Navy. Tricot leggings, American Apparel. Leather jacket, Zara. Bag, Aldo. Houndstooth scarf, from HongKong.

♥

P.S. I am slowly but surely getting addicted to American Apparel. So much so that my project on fashion communications (producing a publicity plan and press kit) is based on the label. I am going back there tomorrow before class to get the shirt I was eyeing earlier... And little bit of trivia for you: despite what the name suggests, American Apparel actually originated in Montréal and later on moved its factory to LA.

Backlog

2008-11-05T02:05:00.006-05:00

Hello, lovelies. It's been awhile. Last week was pretty busy as my Dad was here and I was pretty much out and about showing him around. We had a fantabulous time together, the only downside was that the visit was too short. I still can't believe he left already. Anyway, I also turned in my baby to have his iSight repaired. It's been acting up the past month wherein sometimes my webcam worked, sometimes it didn't. I just got it today and the camera is all brand new. Props to the Apple Geniuses who fixed everything and kept my hard drive (and all the memory) intact! Everything is still here and I'm so relieved.. :) I really love Apple. Thank goodness for my Protection Plan too, I didn't have to pay a single cent! Anyone out there with Apple products, I recommend you buy Apple Care protection plan.. it's soo worth it.

Anyhoo, to catch up, I'll start with a few outfit pictures.

Plaid top, La Senza. Scarf, Promod. Jacket, Zara. Hotpants, H&M. Tights, from Korea. Booties, Urban Outfitters. Gloves, Marc by Marc Jacobs.

Ribbed beanie with Bow. (excuse the blurry quality)

Long top, Zara. Tights and Knee-high socks, Aldo. Coat, Topshop. Beanie, H&M. Wellies, Zara. Bag and Arm Warmers, Urban Outfitters.

the bow is somewhat more outlined in this photo

Coat and Tunic Top, Topshop. Ribbed tights, Urban Outfitters. Gloves, Marc by Marc Jacobs.

More soon. Now I sleep.

♥

P.S. Thank you for all your sweet comments on my last post! :)

My First Snowfall

2008-10-29T01:27:00.008-04:00

Beautiful tiny flakes of white rained all throughout Montreal tonight. I can't believe first snowfall happened so early this season! Global warming really screwing things up, eh? We really have to think and act green, people (no dirty jokes, please). Anyway, I loved it. It made me forget about my splitting headache for a second. We walked out the school glass doors and into the rain of snow. I totally enjoyed the surreality of the moment. My first snowfall in Montreal! :)

Look at how thick the snow had gotten by the time I got off the train!

my footprints cutting across the neighbor's snow crusted driveway

magical *
and tonight would've been the night I hadn't brought gloves.

of course by the time I was ready to go inside the warm solace of the foyer, my fingers were almost too numb to turn my key in the lock.

The sudden fall of snow took me by surprise today; but next time, I will be ready.

" Everything's magical when it snows, everything looks pretty. The clothes are great. Coats, scarves, gloves, hats. "

-Lorelai Gilmore, Gilmore Girls

♥

The Warm Fuzzy Feeling of Job Satisfaction

2008-10-29T00:31:00.011-04:00

I realize I've been neglecting my blog the past few days. Partly because of mixed emotions and partly because I'm devoting most of my time touring my Dad around. :) I've been feeling a bit wistful lately, I kind of miss my job. I know I should really make most of my time and use it to my full advantage, and I am. I'm savoring the downtime of attending school too, as opposed to the busy hazy days of work. I guess maybe moving on just inevitably evokes that sense of wistfulness, a feeling familiarly present in every cycle of change. I was chatting with one of my editors and she told me they got a new girl already. Although I was a bit sentimental, I'm really happy for the new girl and she really deserves the post too! She's a great stylist and an person with amazingly distinct style. We're good "society acquaintances" (I only get to hang with her during events) and I'm glad she filled the open spot. :)

(click to enlarge)

I got my October issue when my dad arrived and last night I was browsing through it while waiting for my train. In the Editor's Letter page was the best thing that happened to me that day, it really lifted my spirits. A rave on my Fashion Workshop feature last August on major local department stores! I didn't see it right away; I just noticed the familiar layout of my page on a photo alongside a letter and I scanned through the paragraph as my heart started beating just that bit faster. My lips slowly broke into a wide smile and I started feeling giddy as I realized I was reading the first published rave on my work. Goodness, there is no better feeling! I felt so blessed that someone actually took the time to write the magazine just to say that she liked the feature. Incredible how one comment, a single sentence, can have such an impact on me. Charlotte Chiw, whoever and wherever you are, you are an angel and you made my entire week! Thank you :)

sorry, I'm too lazy to scan the pages. I'm hoping these photos I took with my camera will suffice.

On other pages of Preview, the Louis Vuitton editorial. I just thought I'd share it 'cause I have pictures in those shoes and that crazy sculptural hat. After giggly coercions from Alyanna, Mariane and I tried on the sky high platforms and other LV press samples while she took our photos. Ahh, happy days at the office.

and in the office pullout room/ closet...

platform pumps and boots
Fall 08's "It" hat?
my hooker-chic boots

Mars and I hamming it up ;)

Alyanna's hand, LV bangles, and desktop
The most extravagant plastic bangles
Me rolling my chair over to Alyanna's cubicle ;p

I miss my office!

(and Alyanna even more)

♥

Extraordinary Men

2008-10-25T23:27:00.007-04:00

Thanks for the sweet comments on my previous post! I really had fun on that editorial, since it was also one of the first ones I worked hard on. Vince and I went over fall trends and chose the collections before I coordinated with the Adora merchandisers and had him approve the lines once they arrived. As an assistant is always charge of logistics, I forwarded the pegs for hair and makeup to our artists and talked with designers about the type of bodysuit we needed for the editorial. Vince is really a super genius -star stylist, art director, layout artist (I have no idea what the proper term is), and photoshop-er extraordinaire. In other words, fashion superhuman. It's so amazing working alongside his brilliance, I am awestruck every time! I especially love watching him play with the tones/ hues on the computer, I sit there in a trance while he works his art magic. Okay, I realize nobody asked, but I just let myself rave about working with these amazing people. They are incredible and huge inspirations to me!

On other news, my Dad is about to land the sweet slippery runway of Montréal-Trudeau Airport in, oh, 15 minutes? Ahhhh... who's excited? ..Okay, ME! I haven't seen my Dad in two months and he misses me so. He is the bearer of gifts: the things I unfortunately left behind back home (I left with only three luggages behind me), stuff he got me from the states last month, and some other things he picked up from the airport just today! Yahoooo.... I have got the BEST Dad in the Whole Wide World. I am serious. He SHOPS for me. What man would cross over into the cosmetics section of Macy's just to get me my annual Holiday Edition eye palette, or into Urban Outfitters to buy me shoes, or even take the initiative to buy me all accessories for my iPod and Macbook just 'cause he thought I'd like it? My dad, that's who! He's an even better (personal) shopper than my Mom [hi, Mom. love you.]. And he's coming now to visit me for a few days before he heads off to San Fo for another convention. YEYyyyy. As my own gift, I planned cool things for us to do! We are going vintage shopping on Mont-Royal, window shopping on Ste. Catherine, the Andy Warhol exhibit at Musee des Beaux-Arts, coffee at Starbucks, a nice dinner somewhere downtown, and just touring him all around! Now, before you think we're doing things only I love, get this: I reserved us slots at the Apple store for the iPhoto, iDVD, and iMovie worshops! Oh yes, we are such Apple geeks. And my Dad loves that place, it's the only store he goes shop crazy in. So.. it's time to go! I'm off to the airport. Ta-ta!

Narciso Rodriguez and the Floral Dress

2008-10-24T16:59:00.008-04:00

This was an editorial I assisted in a few months ago; and it came out in the September issue of Preview. It's a lineup of some pieces from the Fall 08/09 Collections of D&G and Etro, and from the 10th Anniversary Collection of Narciso Rodriguez -all from a new department store in Manila named Adora. The editorial was an exclusive spread for said store's merchandise, so it was particularly easy to pullout in the sense that I didn't have to run around Makati getting pieces here and there. For footwear I got Marni, Jil Sander, Pedro Garcia, and two other brands carried by the store: Stella Luna and LYN. I also borrowed some Givenchy belts which I never got to use for this shoot and one of which had miraculously incurred a "damage" (a teeny bit of scratch almost unnoticeable to the naked eye) when my assistant returned them after the shoot. Gah. What misfortune, especially since we never even got it out of the bag! Moving on..

A certain floral zip-up dress posted by Stompface reminded me of one of the Narciso Rodriguez dresses we used for this shoot. It was particularly the structure and silhouette blocks that held some sort of resemblance for me. I promised to show the lovely Stompface the dress, and so here it is (Photo 3).

Styled and Art directed by: Vince Uy

Stylist's Assistant: Myself

Photographed by: Jeanne Young

Makeup by: Paolo Maranan

Hair (and scans) by: John Valle

New Reality Show on CW

2008-10-23T14:46:00.008-04:00

Who else watched the pilot episode of Stylista last night? Did you guys love it?? I liked it.. I don't love it yet, but it is very interesting to watch. I can imagine being all nerves like the contestants when they brought their breakfast trays to Anne Slowey.. and the outfits being criticized, scary! I didn't expect them to compliment Danielle's outfit and was really surprised when Anne and Joe both did. It's not because she's not "model size," I just didn't see anything spectacular about it.

I really don't like Megan. To me she looks like an evil brunette Britney Spears.

Kate Lanphear was guest judge on last night's episode! Looking fabulous as always.

I'm intrigued by the show because the challenge to do pages would be pretty similar to what I used to do for Preview. It's nerve-racking to submit the page and a lot of hard work actually doing it but I loved it. The sense of job satisfaction far outweighs what stress you might feel during production. And seeing your byline on print? Priceless. (Okay I sound like a Visa commercial.)

Stylista looks like a pretty good show to follow. Looking forward to what they cook up for next week..

♥

La vie à Montréal

2008-10-22T19:30:00.017-04:00

I didn't have school today and I celebrated by staying in with a good book and spent quality time on my laptop hanging out with the boyf (on webcam). I have become such a homebody here and I'm loving it. Back home I usually fly out of the house by noon (on non-work days.. and okay, also on work days. flexi-time really works for me), and get back at around midnight. I rarely have time to veg out in front of the tv, much less read. So now, I catch up on my much neglected past-time and read up. I go out once in a while too explore the city too, which brings me to my very first tag.

I was tagged by the very adorable The World Is My Catwalk some time ago, and now here goes,

here are the rules:

(1) Link back to the meme creator: Caz

(2) Link to the person who tagged you: The World Is My Catwalk

(3) Link back to the originator of the positive SA movement (as this is how this all started): Cheap Thrills

(4) List five reasons you love your state

(5) Tag five people

My roots are in Manila, but I currently reside in Montreal so I decided to talk about this very interesting Canadian city.

1. It is so charming. Montreal is a city, but within it are idyllic communities where it is mostly quiet and slow-paced. I really enjoy how laidback it is in Ville Mont-Royal, and especially how it has community parks and centers in close proximity to my house! We have a community center where residents can sign up for sports, exercises, and other activities like arts and crafts, etc. I was so delighted to find they had Pilates classes and at reasonable prices (for community residents) too! And one of the bestest things is the library, which offers a wide array of books/ magazines/ videos/ audio cds and free membership for townspeople. (I make that sound so small town, don't I?)

2. The busy downtown streets. The days I do go out of the house, I head for Ste. Catherine, Blvd. Maisonneuve, Sherbrooke, and that whole area. It is the busiest of streets and it's where most flagship stores (H&M, Urban Outfitters, AA, The Apple Store), museums, and restaurants are located. It is a picture of busy shoppers, employees, students who flit the shops on their spare time. I revel in the energy of the streets and really feel the rush of adrenaline when I step into the throng after spending a couple of hours shopping in a huge store.

3. Everything French. Of course, it's not really French French, nevertheless I find it alluring. It's really different listening to Europeans speak Français, but I like being able to use my very limited knowledge of the language when I can. I like seeing all signs in French, it makes me feel like I'm not just in a western country. It adds to the appeal, I find. There's a place too called Old Montreal where the surroundings look and feel like the streets of Paris. They really preserved that old country charm, and there's even some cobblestone streets in that area.

4. Colors. All my life until now living in a country comprised of only two seasons (dry and rainy), I am really enjoying the seasonal shifts here. From the summer blooms to the warm, burnt colors of autumn. It's really beautiful and it makes me enjoy the outdoors. I especially love how there is no air pollution here. You can take a deep breath and not choke on the acrid fumes of vehicles. The air is cold, crisp, and clean. Oh plus the seasons allow me endless ideas and inspirations for dressing! I can actually layer and wear long coats and all that thermal garb, so much fun :)

5. Safety, discipline and independence. For the first time in my life, I am a commuter. I take the bus and metro on a daily basis. And for someone who has never been on a bus (except on school trips) nor has seen the inside of the MRT along Edsa, it's really a big change. I don't just drive anywhere nor depend on people to drive me anymore, I just up and go. And the feeling is just so liberating, knowing I can take the bus and walk along dark alleys at nearly midnight without worrying about getting mugged or kidnapped. I might be making Manila sound way worse than it is, but it's really not that bad (click here). I've just had a very sheltered life, where everything was available to me and I was given the comfort of convenience and protection. And now that I'm here alone, basically left to fend for myself, I'm really basking in the feeling of independence. Like for the first time in my life, if I get lost, I will have to figure my way out myself instead of instantly calling my Dad or the boyf. Wow, I'm growing up.

Oh and by discipline, I meant drivers' discipline on the roads. When I drive, I don't have to be aggressive, having to claim my right of way on the road: drivers give way. Plus I can actually bike without the fear of getting run over. I really love biking, I have to say! It feels so eco-chic :)

Now I pass the tag on to:

1. Qin At The Disco

2. Daisy Chain Dreams

3. Mwah Fashion

4. Modern Guilt

5. Decadentt

...and just because my heart will always be in Manila, I will also mention a few reasons why I love it.

1. My family, friends, and loved ones are just a drive away. Plus my room.. which is also my sister's room, which also means that I inevitably see her everyday, which as it turns out is perfect for my sanity.

2. The endless choice of cuisine! You could never run out of places to eat.

3. The sense of tradition. You could always feel Christmas time roll around.. with the warmth the cold air evokes, the smell of yummy bibingka and cinnamon sweets, the parols (special lanterns) blinking on the streets, Christmas decor present everywhere, and the re-appearance of Starbucks' Toffee Nut Latte

4. McDonalds' 24-hour Drive Thru (and delivery)! Self-explanatory.

5. One brown-eyed boy who makes everything just a little bit sweeter.

♥