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!

Walk the talk

My Heels story + Contest

All Photos by Zedrik Europe

I wasn't always into heels this much. About a year ago, I remember being more of a sneaker (or any flat shoes for that matter) kind of girl. I would immediately brush off the idea of wearing heels when it was suggested and would only give in if there was a super important formal event I needed to attend.

Fast forward to now, I sometimes find myself wearing heels almost everyday in a week. Even if it's just a casual window shopping sesh at the mall, or a quick dinner date with Miguel after work, I would still opt for heels. They might be torture, but if you find a great pair with just the right height and fit, you'll be hooked.

Heels, for me, can put some fancy or edgy (depending on what kind of heels) vibe in any outfit. Imagine a plain white shirt with light denim jeans. Imagine it being paired with sneakers, versus being paired with heels. It gives off a completely different look. I'm not saying sneakers aren't cool, they are and I love them but if you want a more put together, #GirlBoss look, heels are your bestfriend.

CHARLES & KEITH is definitely one of my favorite brands when I'm on the look out for new heels and bags to match with them. They got all sorts to fit every personality, I definitely found several pieces that spoke to me and thus, another haul.

Read more and see how I style my heels in my daily grind. Maybe it be a lunch date, chill hangout with friends, or to events.

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Hybrid Events

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A Hybrid event calls for a hybrid outfit.

/ hy·brid / adjective of mixed character; composed of mixed parts.

What's a hybrid event? It's kind of hard for me to explain, it's like those fancy events sprinkled with a little urban street culture. If you're going to an affair like that, you have to look the part, too.

For events like those, I usually combine contrasting pieces. For this outfit, a sleek black body-con dress, minimal nude heels, neat low bun hair, spectacles, and to throw the outfit off the fancy schmancy category, I put on an oversized vintage bomber jacket and a structured leather backpack.

What I'm wearing:

Dress by H&M | Bomber Jacket is thrifted | Nude Heels and Structured backpack by CHARLES & KEITH | Spectacles by Shade.specs | Necklace by Forever 21

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Lunch Date with the Boyfriend

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I'm really not into feminine ensembles but I can't help but lean on to my lady like side whenever I go on dates with my boyfriend. Well actually, if you took out the scarf I used as a headband and replaced the pretty peachy bag with something more dark and hard edged this is a pretty edgy outfit. Hah hah... like I said I'm not girly, so to make up for the overall cheerful hue of this look, I put on these timeless black strappy heels.

I absolutely love this color scheme a lot though. Light denim really looks great with light airy colors. It just screams, "hola I'm so fuuuhresh and ready for Spring!" Kidding. Half kidding.

What I'm wearing:

Nude bodysuit by Topshop | Mom Jeans by Levis | Black double strap heels and peach handbag by CHARLES & KEITH | Scarf by Céline | Watch by Triwa

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Chill sesh with friends

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If there's anybody else I can totally be myself with aside from my family and boyfriend, it's with my friends. They have seen me without make up, in my house clothes, they've seen me wasted, haggard, and all other uglier sides of me. So what's the point of dressing up when I'm just going out for a chill sesh with them?

Now I know what you're all thinking, "chill sesh but you're wearing those heels????" I get you, but like I said before, when you find the right height and fit, it won't be so much of a torture anymore and with jeans that look like you were just washed up from a shipwreck plus a cute little backpack and pastel pink sunnies, well, for me, this outfit is as chill and happy-g0-lucky-vibe as it gets. Besides, the warm camel color of the shoes is really calming.

What I'm wearing:

White halter top by Topshop | Frayed Jeans by Zara | Brown Platform heels, Pastel Pink Mirrored sunnies, and Structured backpack by CHARLES & KEITH

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These outfits basically sum up how I wear my heels on a daily basis. If you're the type who, like my old self, immediately dismisses the idea of heels, I say give it a chance. It opens up a whole new set of styles and looks. Trust me ;)

Which of these looks do you like most? Share it with me as 1 lucky reader might stand a chance to win a shopping spree at CHARLES & KEITH through the following steps:

• Like the CHARLES & KEITH Facebook page at facebook.com/charleskeith.ph
• Like your favorite look from my STORIES through this link: http://bit.ly/CHARLESKEITHSTORIES
• Tag 2 of your friends on the photo you liked

We will be choosing 1 winner of a P10,000 shopping spree at the CHARLES & KEITH flagship store in Bonifacio High Street from the look with the most likes! Contest ends on Easter Sunday, March 27th and winner will be announced on March 28th.

Open to Philippine Residents only

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Special thank you again to my loves Zedrik Europe and Duff Orate. I owe you guys!