Read in White Chicks tone: Let’s go (grocery) shopping!
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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!
Outfit Guide: Paradise IMF 2016 /
I'm sure you've heard... There's something lit happening on April 9. Huge names from different genres (read: from OPM to EDM to Hiphop) clumped in one surreal night. I honestly don't know how the organizers managed to pull this off, and more importantly, I honestly can't believe that I'm actually going to this music festival.
I just have an itsy bitsy problem — I still haven't decided on what to wear yet. I figured there would be a lot of us who share the same sentiments. There is no room to look crappy when it's an event headlined by Kanye West and Wiz Khalifa, yes???
With that, I assembled four sets of looks to give you some ideas on what to wear and given that one of the headliners has a very distinct sense of style and has his own clothing line, I figured maybe I could pattern these looks from that.
Look #1
Adidas Originals top, 7,920 PHP / Adidas Originals top, 7,920 PHP / Balmain brown legging, 54,735 PHP / High waisted pants, 790 PHP / Tan shoes, 8,270 PHP / Fendi backpack, 105,730 PHP / Isabel Marant bracelet, 11,385 PHP / Maison Margiela ring, 17,075 PHP / Mirror sunglasses, 555 PHP / Mac cosmetic, 1,535 PHP / Nars cosmetic, 2,035 PHP / Nars cosmetic, 1,210 PHP
Basically all four looks featured here all share the same thing: a neutral colour palette. Warm khakis, nudes, taupes, and soft pastel pinks. If you've ever seen Kanye present Yeezy Season 1/2/3, you know these are the dominant hues (well, except the pastel pink hehe).
The first look leans more on the dark side — blacks, browns, maroon. If you want a chill, quick, and fuss free look you can easily dance around in, this is definitely for you. Put on a cropped top, leggings, sneakers, your not-so-big leather backpack, some silverware and minimal nude make up to enhance that pretty face of yours and you're good to go.
Look #2
Brown t shirt, 1,160 PHP / Blue coat, 1,855 PHP / Jillian Plain Strappy Bodysuit, 575 PHP / Alexander Wang denim shorts, 13,805 PHP / Common Projects white shoes, 24,510 PHP / Burberry tinted moisturizer, 2,470 PHP / Nars cosmetic, 1,510 PHP
If you want to bare some legs and cover up above then you may opt for this look. Been raving about nudes in my past blog and Instagram posts and it looks especially cute when paired with washed out denim. If you're feeling a bit hot with the coverup, you can wrap it around your waist 'til things get a bit more chilly again. Top it off with a nude cap and a clean pair of white sneakers. Velcro, for added character ;)
Look #3
Adidas Originals sweatshirt, 19,235 PHP / Pink shirt, 1,070 PHP / Tee shirt / Adidas sneaker, 3,485 PHP / New balance sneaker, 5,580 PHP / Common Projects sneaker, 16,420 PHP / Vince Camuto scarve, 1,765 PHP / Mykita round sunglasses, 26,020 PHP / Christian Dior aviator sunglasses, 22,985 PHP / Round sunglasses, 285 PHP
Ever heard of lampshading? If not, it's simple... it's the "no pants are the best pants" look. If the first set didn't cut it for you in the laidback field then maybe this will. Just select an oversized shirt (printed or not, it's up to you), wear quirky shoes, and just dump on the equally quirky accessories you deem necessary. I find that putting on a neckerchief gives a lovely sense of contrast to this look.
Now I know this look makes you appear like you're not wearing bottoms, but please do, for your own sake. Any denim short shorts would do the trick.
Look #4
Topshop ripped boyfriend jeans, 2,760 PHP / TopShop Strappy Low-Back Body, 1,050 PHP / Common Projects low profile sneaker, 16,355 PHP / Lulu s vegan jewelry, 560 PHP / Wanda Nylon nylon cap, 2,575 PHP / White iphone case, 1,160 PHP / J.Crew rounded sunglasses, 8,360 PHP / Edward Bess palette eyeshadow, 3,995 PHP
Last but certainty not the least, the 4th set. If anything, this would be my favorite — a nude halter bodysuit paired with light denim mom jeans. Similar to the second look but, you guessed it, with pants! Hah!
Kidding aside, I love how this outfit bares just the right patches of skin (shoulders, clavicles, and back), and hugs you in the right places (namely: the waist). Protect your face from that open field sun with a cute satin cap and a belt bag for extra hands-free convenience.
What do you guys think about the looks above? Do you have any more ideas you could share? Write it down in the comments below!
If you guys want to stay updated about this fire Music Festival happening at Aseana City Open Grounds on April 9, follow them in their social media accounts below:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/paradiseimf/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/paradiseimf Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/paradiseimf
You can also check their website here for more details and go here if you're ready to purchase. See you guys there!
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.
Hybrid Events
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
Lunch Date with the Boyfriend
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
Chill sesh with friends
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
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!
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?
- The puffy sleeves made a kind of kiddie impression to me
- 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.