CLARITY

Sunnies from 21 Men, A copy of "ASOUE: Hostile Hospital" by Lemony Snicket, Sweater from H&M, Shorts from Topman

Leather Rucksack from Topman, Straw Fedora from F&H

THE LOCAL "SHOPPER" PROJECT

THE LOCAL "SHOPPER" PROJECT is a little thing that I decided to launch with this latest look of mine. I'd been thinking a bit about starting the project, and I guess I went ahead and followed through. The idea just popped out from the blue and into my mind when a bayong lying around the house caught my eye. It'd be great, I thought, if there were a rising movement that promoted a new trend of using an indigenous bag that would popularize even just a pinch of Philippine culture. A bayong is a durable, local/indigenous bag woven out of palm leaves (I think), and is mostly used as a sort of shopping bag (specially in wet markets where people buy different types of produce and ingredients for cooking like, fruits, vegetables, meat, etc.)-- hence the name "the local 'shopper'". The project is meant to urge Filipino bloggers to take the humble bayong bag, and use it as if it were a regular, ordinary bag, as well as to incorporate it in a "look". Fingers crossed, I really hope that this project catches on; it doesn't have to spread like wildfire; I just hope it ignites a spark-- a spark of appreciation for local products, and culture.

MOUNTAINS BEYOND MOUNTAINS

Luxury-print Button-down from Solo, Jumper from Zara, Carrot-fits from Bench;

Saddle Shoes from Bass, Satchel from U by Rustan's;

At this very moment as I type this, the sky is weeping rather fondly, as if it has bottled-up all the emotions that are bothering it, and couldn't hold it any farther, and has since released them in the form of tears since yesterday morning. The droplets of water fall against the windows that surround me, and like stars, create nebulae and galaxies that we can only dream to behold, and explore with our own eyes and bodies. The sun, with its blazing glory, is nowhere in sight, and the trees outside dance to the tune of the gusts of wind; sweater weather, you might call it. I'd say it's a rather gloomy time here when the typhoons knock on our doors; well at least for me it is, so I try to make it feel as if the sun has suddenly reappeared, and play songs that remind me of summer and all the things that go with it. Just because the rains a' coming, doesn't mean that the sun can't stay with you a little longer than it should.

SO SHUT YOUR EYES AND BURN THE PAST

"So shut your eyes and burn the past", is what I've been trying to do these days. To set fire to the misfortunes that have gone by, and also to focus on what's going to happen today, at this very moment. And after we've burned those misfortunes, we have to build up the strength to collect the ashes and release them at sea, as if they were the remains of a deceased loved one. If you feel even a hint of hesitation, cast it aside at once, and get on with it. Because sometimes, it really is for the best that we move on. When a new beginning knocks at your door, you welcome it with open arms, and try to embrace it even though it might be a struggle to do so.

Polka-dotted Shirt from Bench, Thrifted Knit Jumper, Carrot-fit Chinos from Topman;

Baseball Cap from New Era, Sunglasses from 21 Men;

As for the outfit, I chose to go with something simple; it's just a combination of a button-down shirt, a knitted jumper, and a pair of chinos. But the addition of the sunglasses, the baseball cap, and the tasseled leather shoes, creates for a more appealing look, at least for me. The baseball cap, in particular, is what I hope is the highlight of this outfit. You could say that I sort of tried to be more adventurous with the use of the cap, since most, if not all of my looks are usually topped-off with a fedora. I think that the denim baseball cap definitely adds a touch of sportiness to this look, which usually is lacking in my outfits. Expect that I'll be sporting (see what I did there) the New Era cap in more looks to come. On another note, I'm also wearing the one and only pair of sunnies that I have. Okay, well they're not the only pair that I own, but really, all the other ones that I do have, aren't exactly to my liking anymore. Thank goodness that versatility's there to be a friend when we're in need.

Oh, and if you haven't yet guessed, "back to school" is now a reality for me. Classes had already started about a week ago, and it's now devouring most of the hours I've left in a day after I wake up from precious slumber. I apologize, and I'm sorry to say, that I will now have less time to blog (as exhibited by the ten, lonely days that have gone by since my last update). Rest assured, though, that I will not abandon this ship and let it be swallowed into the depths of the blogosphere's non-existent ocean.You can count on me for that!

WON'T YOU COME SEE ME, QUEEN JANE?

Thrifted Coat, Floral-printed Shirt from Topman, Carrot-fit Trousers from Topman;

Hat from Onesimus, Suspenders from Hicock, Tasseled Shoes from Aldo;

A coat, whatever kind of coat it may be, surely would not be something you'd wear all the time here in Manila; particularly if it were one of those hot, summer days. But I guess the infatuation that I have with wearing coats got to me that day; wrapping its arms around me like a dear friend would after not seeing each other for quite a while. I think I'm actually getting used to braving the heat to shoot these looks of mine, or rather, I hope I am. There are some things we can just hope to change, change to suit our preferences. If the temperatures here in the Metro dropped some ten to fifteen degrees, I probably would be dreaming. My hopes for cooler days here aside, I do believe that the coat I'm sporting really pulled the whole thing together; its dark, navy-blue color complements the sort of camel color my trousers have nicely. The crisp, floral printed shirt, I think, makes the look a lot more interesting as well. Prints definitely can give that sort of "pizazz" to your outfit; you can never go wrong with them, you just have to choose the right ones. As of late, I've been growing fonder and fonder of "luxury" prints (I hope you know what I'm referring to), and was lucky enough to have purchased a piece from a local brand that somehow satisfied that lust. Can't wait to show it to you guys! Oh, and before I forget, the title's from a glorious song called "Queen Jane Approximately" by Bob Dylan, which I discovered from watching The Dreamers (the song was played after the part where they ran through The Louvre). Everyone should listen to it.

GOING HEAD TO HEAD WITH THE GREAT UNKNOWN

White Button-down Shirt, Jumper from Pull & Bear, Shorts from Topman;

Patterned Socks from Aldo, Saddle Shoes from Bass;

Briefcase from my dad;

Admittedly, this isn't much of a "summer" look if you're residing here in the Philippines or any tropical country; but I guess I couldn't stay away from layering even though I had to brave the treacherous heat for this one. It's actually quite possible to still layer clothing during the summer here in the tropics; just remember to utilize pieces that are "breezy" and light, and also refrain from wearing dark colors as these absorb more heat in comparison to light colors (yes, you can actually apply Physics in styling yourself in correlation with the climate). On another note, the fundamental pieces of clothing or "basics" (such as the white button-down shirt, jumper, and shorts I'm sporting) can really help you make the most out of your arsenal. Basics are rather recyclable, which in this case means that you can incorporate them into your outfits over and over again. I strongly suggest that everyone should really build up their collection of basics. And what's great is it'll pay-off immensely in the long run.

THISFIREGROWSHIGHER

Printed Shopper Bag from Topman, Chinos from Topman;

Sweatshirt from Zara, Thrifted White Button-down;

Shoes from Aldo, Straw Fedora Hat from Folded & Hung;

I'd really want to wear this outfit outside, but the oh-so-warm summer temperature here is preventing me to do so. I'm sorry, but I just really wouldn't be able to take the heat haha, not to mention the sensation of sweating! The red Zara sweatshirt I used for layering's a pretty thin piece, actually, but it's the button-down I'm wearing beneath it that's the problem. Maybe during the cooler times of the year, I can sport this one. As for the chinos, they're perfect for summer; they're light and versatile, and they come in great colors!! Hopefully I'll get to invest in some burgundy-colored ones soon. Anyway, as I said in my previous post, I'm now officially on summer vacation!! It feels great to wake up each day knowing that I don't have to do any schoolwork or anything. Though I really hope I savor the freedom that I have, 'cause I've now realized that time moves by pretty quick. Gotta make the most of what we have, right?

BLOOD

Floral Button-down from Topman, Hoody from Pull & Bear, Chinos from Topman;

Bag from Rustan's;

I cannot stress how glad I am to have bought the hoody that I'm wearing in this look. It's not something I would normally purchase, because I usually just buy cardigans, but this hoody is fantastic; it's really comfortable and soft! Also, I hope you've noticed the new button-down that I'm sporting. I've really taken an immense liking to prints and I hope to collect more printed pieces soon! As for the bag, it's actually my mum's; I kind of "borrowed" it haha.On another note, I've realized that time passes by quite fast these days. I can't believe that another school year is coming to an end, and that summer vacation is just around the corner. So much things are changing, and sometimes I'm not fully aware of them. I'm sure it's all going to sink in soon though, but it scares me a bit. That's one of the things that's always constant and inevitable in life, change.

EAT

Tortoise-shell Sunnies from 21 Men, Tie-dyed Rucksack from F&H, "Eat Krispy Kreme Doughnuts" Hat, Leather Loafers;

Brown Leather Belt from Topman, Varsity Jacket from Penshoppe, Shorts from Topman, Printed Button-down;

I love Poptarts;

I actually shot this look a while back; but not too long ago. I thought it'd be fun to wear this Krispy Kreme paper hat that you get when you buy their doughnuts. It makes me feel like I'm a kid, to be honest; well, at least a younger kid, since I still am one. Also, I found that I hardly incorporate belts in my looks anymore, so it's great that I'm wearing one in this look. Belts can really secure an outfit, if you know what I mean lol. Anyway, setting aside clothing for now, I want to stress how important eating is; specially for us teens. Don't ever starve yourself because you want to lose weight and be skinnier. Do it right by eating healthy and by exercising; it's not impossible! Eating is an important thing; trust me. A little boost of self-esteem'll also help a lot. Love yourself! It'll work you wonders.

I WANT TO RIDE MY BICYCLE.

Shopper Bag from Topman, Shorts from Topman, Sunnies from 21 Men, Black Socks, Saddle Shoes from Bass;

Sweatshirt from Zara, Polka-dotted Button-down from Bench, "Thrifted" Knit Scarf;

This is what I wore for the entry that I submitted for this contest by Garage magazine and Topman Philippines.
Scarves are a really great accessory, take my word for it. Even though I live in a tropical place, I think I should consider wearing scarves sometimes; just maybe not ones that are knitted haha! These photos were taken by my friend, Alissa, and edited by yours truly. Wish me luck, everyone!! I'll find out about the results soon.

MACAU DAY No. 3

Skull-printed Tee from Artwork, Patterned Cardigan from Bench, "Thrifted" Coat and Knit Scarf, Tortoise Shell Sunnies from 21 Men;

Beanie, Chinos from Bench, Printed Shopper Bag from Topman, Printed Socks from Aldo, Shoes from Bass;

This is the outfit I wore for my last day in Macau. I miss being able to layer freely because of the chilly weather immensely!! But I guess it's true that all good things have to come to an end, right? I'm hoping that that coat of mine won't be stowed away in my closet for too long. I love cold weather too much. I'd like to thank my sister, Jeline for obliging to take all my photos throughout the whole trip haha!

MACAU DAY No. 2

Carrot-fit Chinos from Topman, "Thrifted" Knitted Scarf, Patterned Socks from Aldo, Lace-ups from Bass;

Sweatshirt from Zara, "Denim" Chambray Button-down, "Thrifted" Coat, Shopper Bag from Topman;

This is what I wore for my second day in Macau. Oh how I miss the cold climate there already! Anyway, these shots were taken up inside the Macau Tower, by my sister. Another thing in looking great and staying warm in chilly weather is layering! There has got to be an endless amount of possibilities when layering, so don't be afraid to just go wild and try. The climate here in Manila isn't always good for layering since it's pretty tropical, so being able to layer like I did in Macau was a real treat for me.

MACAU DAY No. 1

"thrifted" Beanie, Navy Coat, and Knitted Sweater;

Carrot-fits from Bench, Shopper Bag from Topman, Printed Socks from Aldo, Shoes from Bass;

This is what I wore on my first day in Macau!! And yes, that's the coat that I failed to show you guys prior to the trip. The climate in Macau's much colder when compared to what we have here in Manila. For me, a coat is a must when you go there during the winter; even more when you don't fancy the cold. Various knits (like beanies and sweaters, as I'm wearing) can also help you stay warm while looking great.

AND I LOVE HER

Patterned Cardigan from Bench, Chambray "Denim" Button-down;

Navy Carrot-fit Chinos from Bench, Black Leather Loafers, Gray Fedora Hat;

Now Playing: "And I Love Her" by The Beatles

Knits have got to be one of my favorite pieces in my wardrobe, even though the climate here in Manila doesn't always permit me to wear them. I must say I'm also a sucker for patterned knits; they remind me of Christmas or the holidays somewhat. Bench, a local brand here in the Philippines, has been putting out a lot of great pieces lately. Their cardigans, button-downs, and chinos as of late are fantastic and really appeal to my taste.

I'M DONE WITH MY GRACELESS HEART.

Straw Fedora from F&H; Regular Black Socks; Oxfords/Saddle Shoes from Bass;

Brown-leather Briefcase/Over-sized Satchel from my dad;

Grey Pullover from Topman; Olive Green Carrot-fit Chinos from Topman; Off-white Button-down;

Tortoise-shell Sunnies from 21 Men;

Now playing: Shake It Out by Florence + The Machine (Ceremonials); You can hype this look on Lookbook.nu over here!!