Seven Travel Essentials From Muji

The travel season is creeping in day by day and you probably have your tickets ready from those seat sales that went on a few months ago. Where to? Hong Kong? Japan? New York? Hawaii? Morocco?? It’s common sense that each destination would require you to stuff certain things in your suitcases but wherever you decide to go in the next few weeks, may that be a cold country or a tropical beach, there’s always a couple of things that are equivalent to a little black dress in every girl’s closet (or a trusty collared shirt in a guy’s case).

To address just this, I swung by one of my favorite stores, Muji, and had a look around. Muji has always been my go-to place for school supplies shopping. I’d get giddy every time I go through their notebooks, pens, pencil cases, etc and even more giddy when I whip ‘em out the classroom and use them. I love the clean and simple aesthetic vibin’ all throughout their products, it made schooling bearable and a little more fun. Now that I’ve graduated and only have my planner (which I rarely write on lately) as my analog tool, I haven’t had the need to purchase Muji’s magical (yes, they’re magical to me) notebooks and pens. However upon graduation, came traveling and if you’ve been to any Muji store, you’ll know that it’s one of the brand’s specialties. And I, being a young adult, cannot depend on my mother anymore to do my packing for me (like my little brothers do).

So yes, back to the main point, I scoured through Muji’s shelves to compile my 7 super travel essentials that I think would be essential to you guys too.

The mini organizer & the travel sized bottles

When it comes to traveling, it’s really better to travel light. Just bring enough for the trip and that includes all your skincare & haircare products. Muji has all sorts of bottles you can choose from, including bottles with volumes less than 100ml for products you need in your carry-on purse.

Another must have are these organizers so that you can categorize the stuff you have in your bag so you don’t have to dig through mixed up randoms. Toiletries in one, accessories in another, and makeup or underwear on the third pouch. Trust me, you’ll save yourself from lots of stress.

A reliable suitcase with a matching organizer

[column-group] [column]Suitcases don’t come cheap, so if you’re going to purchase one, make sure it’s of a versatile size, something you think would be an appropriate size for most kinds of travels. Pick one that isn’t too small and not too large that you’ll come off as OA. I personally got the size between medium and large (I’m so sorry I forgot the actual numeric size) because I know my stuff would not fit in the medium one even for a 3-day trip, and I also don’t want to spoil myself with the large one because I tend to overpack most of the time (plus, like I said, avoid looking OA with a gigantic suitcase). Another important thing, when I say reliable, I also mean that it’s got to withstand several travels where the airport staff just throws it around the cargo area. Don’t waste your moolah on something that’ll make you spend more in the long run,[/column] [column]invest in some good quality suitcase and you’re good to go for years. What I especially love about Muji’s Hardcase Trolley, as shallow as it seems, is its no nonsense, streamlined, and subtle elegant look. I do want to still look put together even on the airport, and I bet this suitcase will go with about just any look.

Similar to the EVA Box Pouch, I find Muji’s Garment Case to be equally important for suitcases, especially for longer travels where you have more stuff in your bag. You can organize, say, casual clothing from the more formal ones, or separate tops from bottoms. Again, it would make things more manageable and organized.[/column] [/column-group]

The versatile parka

[column-group] [column]For me, whether you’re going to a cold country or a tropical one, it’s always wise to have something that can either be layered or wouldn’t reduce you to a sweat ball in case things get a bit chilly.[/column] [column]I’d go with Muji’s Parka than a basic hoodie anytime since this can be styled up or down depending on what you pair with it.[/column] [/column-group]

A mushy neck pillow

[column-group] [column]My mom swears by these pillows. Traveling can be exhausting so it’s good to have something handy in case you need a little power nap on your way to paradise. May it be a long car ride or flight, these neck huggers will make sure your head doesn’t wobble on some stranger’s shoulders[/column] [column]in case you aren’t seated with your companions. Nothing’s more awkward than some drooling napper’s head swaying towards you. Start the change yourself, get a pillow like this for Pete’s sake. Haha I’m kidding, but really this pillow is really comfy.[/column] [/column-group]

The carry-all

[column-group] [column]Last but certainly not the least, an all in one bag that would carry all the stuff you need handy during flights and long rides. Ideally, one should only lug around two things on airports, their trolleys/suitcases, and one carry-on bag. In my case, this contains usually contains my wallet, phone (of course), tissue, powerbank, lighting cable, blotting oil (and other kikay stuff for touchups), and camera.[/column] [column]I know this may be unapplicable to some people, but like I said, ideally.

I find Muji’s Boston bag to be just perfect for this. It’s of the right size, and it looks safe (but never boring) to match most if not all outfits. It’s also got an accesible pocket on the bag for slipping in your passport or boarding pass.[/column] [/column-group]

That, my friends, sums up my travel essentials. Just a final point I need to mention, you would think, “why Muji? There are a lot of brands that carry some travel stuff too”.

Like what I’ve mentioned above, one of my favorite things about Muji (aside from housing stuff that are of excellent quality), is how simple all their stuff is. Now simple could sometimes mean it’s plain or boring but I’ve never looked at any of Muji’s products that way. The simplicity of their stuff makes stressful daily tasks a little bit more calming, plus it looks really good. I’ve always felt that way with Muji. I mean, when you open your suitcase, would you rather have mismatched crazy printed pouches one heart shaped, one embellished with studs or structured, neutral colored, semi see through ones like Muji’s? I’d go for the latter any time.

What do you guys think? I’d like to know what you guys have in your list though, mind telling me in the comments below?

Parking Lot Shenanigans

Grabbed the opportunity to do a quickie shoot in a nearly empty parking area shortly before getting in the car to go home. Photos by Duff Orate.

What I'm wearing: Faux leather blush cami and booties from Zara Lace bralette from Krate the Label Jeans from Topshop Denim jacket from Bershka Nude purse from Céline Velvet cord from The Bead Shop Tooth pendant necklace from Forever 21

So I've been thinking a whole lot over what I do lately.... You know, blogging and such. I thought, if I could choose only one category of blogging to fall under in, it would definitely be fashion. That is, if I'm only allowed to choose one. So a few days back, I looked through my blog entries and if I wanted to be mainly a fashion blogger, then there's certainly a bit of a shortage with my recent outfit entries. So here's a start ;)

My outfits are usually pretty straightforward. Top + bottom + shoes, or maybe dress + shoes, or if it's little chilly, I'll throw on a jacket to the ensemble or opt for a thicker top with long sleeves instead. However on this specific day I figured I wanted to complicate it a bit... and yes, this is a bit complicated for me already. This fit is a mix of different textures: faux leather, lace, and denim. Also, I love how the oversized denim jacket tones down the sultry vibe of the lace bralette playing peekaboo. I do think lace bralettes are made to play peekaboo though.

I should mention that this Céline bag is my first ever designer bag that I was able to purchase with my own moolah. All those bags you see me donning, all those are just borrowed from my mom (thank you mama ♥). So this one's pretty close to my heart what with the blood and tears (a.k.a. hardwork) behind it. Kidding, there was no blood nor tears involved, I love what I do. Anywho, I purchased it from my good friend Keith, who also happens to be the owner of A La Mode.

I know the rain sometimes sucks especially when it becomes a hindrance from us doing our daily tasks, but I miss layering. So perhaps some few drizzles here and there won't hurt? Drizzles please, not tornadoes.

So what do you think of this fit? Do you think that lace bralettes should indeed play peekaboo? Let me know in comments below. Also, a little pinky promise that I shall stay connected to my roots, more outfits for you guys! :P

Rocco + Ruru

Photography, direction, styling, and post-processing by mebut hell no, this shoot isn't possible without the team I toiled with.

Pardon me for getting sidetracked at the very beginning of this post, but I'd just like to dwell on the fact that writing isn't really my forte, a fact that may be obvious in this visual heavy, yet "short & sweet texted" entry. Well, at least I'm good at inventing these non existent "phrases" to mask my not so wide vocabulary. I can write, but between other things I can do, it's not exactly my specialty. Consider this a warning, though I do have high hopes for the visuals of this entry.

Now back to the reason for this post.

Get this, I just styled & shot Rocco & Ruru. Yeah, that just happened.

I was given the opportunity to style two of GMA's biggest stars who also happen to star in the remake of one of the most popular Fantaserye in Philippine Television. Though "styling" turns out to be a massive summary of my role. Later on (literally a few days before the shoot), I was informed that I would be basically in charge of the whole shoot. My responsibility escaping self went through minor hysterics.

I know you guys are dying (kidding) to see the photos, but please don't scroll past this as I'd like to recount the hardship I went through while pulling out the clothes for this shoot. A million thank yous aren't enough to thank my ever loyal friend, Duff, who spent 6 hours with me walking up and down Bonifacio High Street, carrying 10+ uber heavy paper bags in the midst of our then incomprehensible, humid, Philippine weather. Oh and I was wearing this really fluffy sweater + jeans + boots cause the weather looked gloomy while I was dressing up. How deceitful.

So a big shoutout to all stylists out there and their loyal friends who're ever so supportive of their stylist friend's endeavours.

For the first set, I dressed the two stars based on their profile sprinkled with a teeny bit of my style.

Both heartthrobs who are adored by females (and perhaps males) all over the Philippines Islands, yet different in their own sense. Rocco being the fit, brooding, mature moreno, and Ruru being the teen, Spiderman-esque lanky tisoy.

Rocco wears button down shirt and khaki chino pants from Cotton On, wristwatch and spectacles from Aldo, and lace up boots from Pedro.

I dressed Rocco in a safe yet classic ensemble — A midnight blue button down shirt, paired with khaki chino pants, and accessorized with a brown leather strapped wrist watch. Finished off with rounded spectacles and lace up boots the same color of the watch for a contemporary touch.

Ruru wears polo shirt and sneakers from American Eagle Outfitters, black parka from Factorie, and khaki shorts from Cotton On

As for Ruru, I took into account his teenage charm. The iconic "Taft conyo outfit" popped in my head. A polo shirt, paired with slim cut shorts, but instead of the usual combo including a pair of loafers or boats, I replaced the shoes with grayish taupe sneakers and added in a parka for some street style vibe.

Ive failed to mention this earlier, but the location and feel of each set is based on the aesthetics closest to me. The first one having that clean white + foliage thing going on and this second one, a clean, light and airy pastel vibe.

In the first set, I've considered both Rocco & Ruru's profile & possible (hehe) personal style, but for this set I only considered my vision (insert evil laugh here... kidding).

Now I've came across a comment saying "Nahhh that's not what a skater dude looks like" blah blah blah. My vision may be distorted but hey this is my shoot, my blog, and when I say this is my idea of a skater dude in an alternate pastel universe, then it will be.

Convictions aside, I think this makes for a quirky chill outfit on hot, sweaty days.

Ruru wears pink shirt, shorts, and sneakers from Cotton On, and floral cap from Aldo. Socks are stylist's own.

Rocco & Ruru's outfit are pretty similar for this set, but Ruru's lies more on the lighter color palette. I know I've already mentioned this a bajillion times, but pastel pink, light colored denim, and clean, cloud white sneakers make a great, foolproof combo. Topped with a blue and white printed headgear and dual hued striped socks to break off the plain colored monotony.

Rocco wears shirt and shoes from Cotton on, board shorts from Factorie, and bracelets from Aldo. Socks are stylist's own.

As for Rocco, whom I know is very much into fitness, a knowledge I got from "researching" on his Instagram and from having a little chat over breakfast, wore board shorts instead of denim ones. I feel like the the shirt and layered bracelet gave him more of a surfer dude appeal? Have I mentioned that I absolutely adore tops with statement backs?

I should also mention how much it was a breeze to work with Rocco and Ruru. As talented actors and regulars on the spotlight, of course these two knew exactly how to pose and project. They were especially fun and light to be with too, in my case, it was most fun to shoot the second set, my favorite shots being the candid, laughing ones.

A special thank you to the GMA crew and Dianne who tagged along with us during the shoot. Many thanks to Bench's Global brands for the clothes. To Rocco & Ruru, if you get the chance to read this, thanks for being such great sports during the shoot and for doing a great job! Last but definitely not the least, to my forever supportive boyfriend who skipped worked just to assist, accompany, drive, and help me create last minute outfits for this shoot. Love you, Miguel.

If you want to more of Rocco & Ruru, better watch out for the premiere of Encantadia on July 18, GMA channel.

So tell me, how did you like (or dislike) this shoot? Let me know in the comments below!

Current Obsessions #1

Cover photo's background photo by Gabriele Tozzi Collage & crappy handwriting by yours truly.

My favoritism game with my wardrobe is strong. The cycle goes like this, I purchase something, I fall deeply in love with it, I use it almost everyday until it gets really worn out (sometimes beyond recognition), and that certain piece (may be a pair of shoes or a bag, etc), only gets away from my clingy clutches when I acquire a new piece that I am even more crazy about. Only then will my former favorite finally gets its well deserved rest.

I want to share with you guys what I'm currently hyped about. Nope, this is more than your "monthly favorites", these are stuff I think I'll be into for more than a month, and these are stuff I'll constantly be hunting for.

My first set has one thing in common — they're both majestically shimmery :P After being engulfed by everything matte, it's refreshing to have some new texture (or finish) around.

Satin Bomber Jackets

I've always been a fan of bomber jackets. There's just something very comforting about poofy outerwear that feels like a pillow against your skin... plus they instantly dress up a rather plain looking outfit. My two new additions in my bomber collection are something way different from my old favorites, yep you guessed it, they're satin and they're full of embellishments. I acquired my first from Zara, in a neutral khaki color patched with loads of quirky icons and badges. My next purchase, this luxurious midnight blue and cream combo with floral embellishments from H&M. I fell in love with it the moment I laid eyes on it. I didn't purchase it right away though, had to think long and hard if it was worth its hefty price. Here's my first outfit wearing it:

A photo posted by ida anduyan (@idaandu) on May 28, 2016 at 8:08am PDT

Definitely worth it <3

I do expect that brands are going to release more of these satin jackets soon. I've already seen a couple of people wearing them and man, they do look gewd. I believe this'll be the next big(-ish) thing.

Highlighters

If you follow me on Twitter or Snapchat (idaandu), you probably know by now how crazy I am over highlighting lately. I didn't really join in the contouring bandwagon. I'm super bad at it, I feel like I look like a member of the Addams family every time I attempt to do it. So yeah.... never mind contouring. Hello, highlighting! I don't remember how I've come to like that dewy, glowy look. What I do remember is how much I preferred the matte face before mainly because I have such oily skin but hey, people get tired of doing the same old thing and I've grown tired of a plain 'ol matte face. Highlighting definitely adds a whole new depth to your face.

As of now I have three highlighters which I love and cherish (I mean it, I keep them all in their boxes inside another special box lol). My first one is the Mary-Lou Manizer from The Balm. Their Sexy Mama translucent powder has been my holy grail setting powder for so long now. So I figured why not buy my first highlighter from a brand I super trust? This one did not disappoint me at all. It has the most intense shimmer, perfect for those who want everyone to know that they're indeed wearing highlighter hahahaha and for those night outs, too. My second is the Ilia Illuminator in Polka Dots & Moonbeams. It's an organic highlighter packed with skin goodies that comes in a stick form. It gives a lot more subtle glow compared to the Mary-Lou Manizer, well, unless you pile it on, which I don't recommend 'cause its finish lies more on the creamy-borderline-greasy side. Finally my third jem, the Nars Illuminator in Copacabana. There's a stick version of this too, but since I already have my Ilia Illuminator, I got the liquid version. This gives off an ethereal, white-ish glow and I find that it works best when you blend it with a beauty blender as it seems to set immediately when you apply it on your skin. So work quickly if you plan to get this!

My rational self is pretty happy with the current highlighters that I have but my obsessed self lusts for more! Haha. I'm thinking about getting the Marc Jacobs Glow Stick Glistening Illuminator and/or the ever famous Becca Pressed Shimmering Skin Perfector... but yeah I can also wait 'til I use up all my existing highlighters before I purchase anything else. That would be wiser, right?

These are pretty much the (material) things that I'm currently obsessing over. I'd like to know what you guys are going gaga over though, mind to tell me in the comments? ;)

My two cents on Instagram's big update

Disclaimer: I am no pro with algorithms, coding, social media, and any other similar field. This post simply states my opinion and I am speaking from observation and experience as a social media user since grade school :P As of now, I still can't decide whether I like the upcoming update or not. Yes, I do think that it's true. It's not a rumor, and I think Instagram's owner, a.k.a. the owners of Facebook, are decided on pushing through with it. However, like all major changes in any platform, it won't happen one time big time. They will roll it out slowly, testing bugs as they go through and with the sudden panic of Instagrammers big and small all over the world, I think Instagram has taken a step back and is currently testing out the waters.

So here's two sides of my story, what I like, and what I dislike about this big 'ole update.

What I like:

I'll be able to see more of my favorites, if they post at a time I wasn't scrolling through the timeline, I'll still be able to see their posts upfront when I open the app since Instagram's new algorithm will recognize that I am fond of checking this person's/brand's account or that I always have regular engagements with them. That's cool right? Instagram but smarter! However, that isn't really the reason why this app has been wildly popular in this era.

What I dislike:

Long story short: it's redundant. This smart algorithm is perfect for Facebook since the platform uses the friendship system. When a person requests to be a friend, you both get updates from each other (although there's an update where you can 'unfollow' a friend and you won't see their posts in your timeline. Like I said these updates and features are really redundant). What if you want to be virtually friends with this person but don't really want to see all their annoying posts flooding your timeline? Like in real life, friendship is two way, mutual, and so the selective algorithm is just the solution for this, where Facebook displays updates from people you regularly interact with. However with Instagram, it's a whole different story. Instagram doesn't have the friend request thing. It a follower-following thing. When a person follows you, you don't necessarily have to follow them back if you don't like to see updates from them or you don't like their content. The proposed algorithm is a perfect fit for Facebook, but it's redundancy at its finest when you apply it on Instagram. Of course you'd like to see updates from @username real time, that's why you followed them in the first place. If I change my mind and refuse to see updates from them, I can always unfollow them.

Also, I think each social media platform has its own specialty and it sucks that these developers are making them very similar with each other.

Now, like I said, I'm still not decided if I like it. It has good points and bad. A tailored feed has its charm and it's nice to see your favorites upfront, but an unbiased, real time feed where you get to discover more about all the people you follow effortlessly just by scrolling through your feed also has its own thing. Either way, I love Instagram and I definitely won't let an update stop me from sharing content to my readers :)

What about you? What do you think about this big Instagram update and all the madness that's coming with it?

Visual Diary: Anvaya Adventure

Sometimes there are just no words (and okay I admit sometimes I'm lazy too... kidding) so I'm doing this series, "Visual Diary" where I can share to you guys an experience, an event, my mundane day, or even my thoughts, visually through photographs. I'm gonna be babbling sometimes in between photos but yes... not so much. Last Friday was a dream. A great break from my daily life in the urban jungle. I woke up extra early than usual, around 6am, and yes, that is extra early for a night owl like myself, and rushed to get ready for the trip. Miguel and his blockmates planned a trip to Anvaya and I came along with them.

Road trip. Food trip. Warm sun-kissed skin. Sparkling pool water. Laughter. Friends. Puto bumbong by the sunset drenched beach. Read more to see our calming adventure.

I mentioned earlier that I woke up super early and rushed to get ready right? Well, I wasn't able to prepare my stuff the night before so the time for eating breakfast was spent on packing quickly instead. We stopped over real quick along NLEX instead and ate quickly at KFC. Grabbed some funshots on the go, too.

Are we there yet?

Touchdown, Anvaya! My superman carrying all our bags. He wouldn't let me carry mine.

The boys' mini reunion.

What welcomed us upon entering deeper into the clubhouse. What a lovely view... and the water looks so welcoming given that it was so hot that day.

Raging sunrays calls for lots and lots of sunblock!

The company <3

In all honesty, I've never seen a beach so clean and calm. I haven't explored a lot of beaches yet though, the best one I've been to was Hundred Islands. Also clean and calm, but quite scary probably because each island feels so isolated from civilization.

Loving my view from here.

Little oopsie my bikini tag is showing moment right here. Haha.

Does this look majesticcasual looking enough? Featuring the clear sparkly water?

After swimming in the pool, we decided to eat some lunch while waiting for the sun to calm down so we can swim in the beach. The smoked salmon carbonara was so delish!

We shot some hoops by the shore before indulging in the beach. You can actually do a lot of other stuff, there was a space where you could play football, volleyball, and there were also kayaks you could rent!

Darkness came, we showered, and went home. That was basically how my Friday went down. It'd be nice to have more days like this!

How about you guys? How did you spend your Friday just a few days ago? Tell me in comments below!

Flash Flash, baby ft. Clothes Buffet Manila

A few weeks ago, Clothes Buffet Manila sent me a big zip bag stuffed with loads of clothes. Some of the pieces were so me, some weren't so Ida-ish. However being an experimental girl, I tried styling each of the clothes sent to me by combining it with pieces in my wardrobe. Want to see how I styled them? Well, read on baby girl (or boy??).

Piece #1: The Statement Shirt

Statements shirts appeal to the sight. I dressed up this piece by pairing it with something that would appeal to touch. I added different textures, namely fur and lace. It's always good to experiment with different materials, just don't go too crazy with your color palette if you plan to texturize your look, which is why I stuck to the safe side by going all black on this ensemble.

Fur Jacket by Terranova | Lace trimmed shorts by Zara

Piece #2: The Quilted Skirt

From all black to colorful neutral (lol, is there such a thing?). What I mean to say was that for this outfit, I wore more than two colors but still stuck to the more subtle, non-shocking colors. Maroon, navy blue, grey, with a hint of faded yellow on my shirt's print.

I found the material of this skirt very dressy so I balanced it out by wearing a very 'I don't care what I look like' loose vintage shirt which I then knotted up front to keep my waist's shape. Who says you can't look cool yet feminine wearing your dad's shirt?

Shirt by Nike 

Piece #3: Gold Lion embellished body-con cutout dress

I personally don't like complicated and intricate cuts on my dresses. Not unless the complicated-ness is around the shoulder (straps) and back area then it's fine. However, styled well, these kinds of peices might just work. For this piece, I wore it on its own and accessorized with metallic pieces to complement that little lion detail on my waist, I then topped with whole look with a hat. Keeping it clean and simple, this dress speaks for itself.

Hat by River Island | Watch by Marc Jacobs

Piece #4: Sequined Bolero

This piece was quite a challenge to style for me. Why?

1. The puffy sleeves made a kind of kiddie impression to me
2. Sequins have a high risk of coming off as tacky when not styled carefully

Fixing the kiddie dilemma, I thought I'd build a mature look out of it. As for the tacky dilemma, a straightforward and uncomplicated piece. So I paired it with this slitted fitted maxi skirt to address both dilemmas. Quite nice for formal events I must say. Although I might need to replace my skirt with a more streamlined one.

Skirt acquired from a bazaar | Watch by Marc Jacobs

Piece #5: Knit Sweater

Here's a versatile piece that I love so much. You can practically dress a sweater with anything (especially a plain and neutral colored one). Shorts, pants, or if it's big enough, you can wear it by itself like a dress. Just to be different from how I usually style it, I paired it with a high waist, knee length fitted skirt and to balance out the girly-ness in this look, I topped it with my favorite New Era NY cap. Wear it with sneakers or heels, sweaters go with anything.

Cap by New Era | Skirt by Bershka

And that's my styling take on these pieces! What did you guys think about the outfits? How would you have styled the pieces mentioned to fit your style? Tell me in comments below <3

The Clothes Buffet Manila is currently happening in the Elements Tent, Eton Centris until tomorrow. A great chance to go crazy shopping without even looking at the price tag! Check their site to know more details about it.