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

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? ;)

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!

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.

Wild Heart

I know this post may be a bit untimely. What with the cold weather we have lately, but I just wanted to show you guys another side of me. From denims and leather booties to something more delicate like lace and crochet tops.

I'm not sure if you guys have noticed, but lately I've been slowly but surely shifting my style (see my instagram). I've been collecting clothing articles that I don't have yet and opting for styles I don't usually wear. If I was still my old self, I'd definitely pair this crochet top with something of the likes of denim cut-offs.

Wanderland 2016 is also coming up soon! I've been there last year and I must say people really make an effort in coming up with out of the box boho outfits. Perhaps this oufit may be one of your pegs?

Top: Naya Crafts | Shorts: Zara | Shoes: Soludos | Necklace: Edge Co | Bag: Mumi | Mandala Tapestry: Armstrong & Smith

Excited for this change in me and I'm also excited to show you guys more of the styles I'll be going to explore!

'Til the next ♥

Shy Boy

My little brother, Dadu, officially became a teen yesterday! Just a simple and intimate celebration for his 13th birthday, that's how the family usually prefers to do it. We had dinner at a Japanese buffet, and my parents bought Dadu his present afterwards. Namely, four PS4 games and a charger for his laptop (cause my brothers keep fighting over who gets to use the existing one they have). Of course, the birthday boy has to look great on his special day, so that's where I came in! Boys, take note!

Sweatshirt by H&M x Alexander Wang | Skinny Jeans by Zara | Sneakers by Adidas

Why Shy Boy? Well, if I had to rank my brothers, Udo (the youngest) would have zero shyness and Dadu would have around 90% shyness. I had a hard time taking nice photos of him cause he went all awkward every time I asked him to pose, but hey I got a few lucky shots.

As for his outfit, I checked how the weather yesterday would be so I dressed all my brothers in sweaters. For the birthday boy I made him wear my H&M x Alexander Wang sweatshirt which was just sitting around in my closet. He didn't like it cause of the stiff material, but I insisted he looked great haha. My mom also wanted Dadu to wear his Adidas Micropacers, so I based his jeans on that. I figured shoes like these would look best with super skinny jeans thus, the hand-me-down-from-mom Zara jeans.

The Adidas Micropacers are really cool. First time I saw it, I was like "What the heck, this is so weird, why'd you even get this?", but then I realized it's one of those hard to find, unique pieces you'll be sure you wouldn't see everyone wearing... cause it looks weird... but cool at the same time.

I'll probably borrow it from my brother (evil laugh).

City Sunset

You might've noticed that lately I seldom blog about outfit posts. Truth be told, I'm having a hard time finding what to say when it comes to posts like these. Do I talk about what happened while I was shooting this? Do I talk about the logic behind my outfit? What if nothing noteworthy happened while shooting? What if there was no reason why I chose this shirt and shoes, I just felt like it? On the other hand, I'd hate to just throw a bunch of photos and then tell you guys where I got my clothes from. I mean, I could easily do that on Instagram right? Well, now that I've let that out, I finally have an enough chunk of paragraph for this post... ha ha kidding. Hit that 'read more' button!

Sunnies by AestheticEmporium | Plaid button-down shirt by Bershka | Shoes by Zara | Bag by Louis Vuitton | Watch by Rolex | Necklace by Stoneriver

In my earlier post, I shared to you guys what my lazy go-to outfit is — an oversized shirt dress and sneakers. Well here is a more dressed up version of that go-to outfit.

I wore this ensemble for a Bulgogi Brothers affair at Resort's World. It's Resort's World, I thought it would be appropriate to dress up a bit and it wasn't just some Korean fast food I was going to but at the same time, I wasn't feeling like wearing anything tight around my skin. I wanted to look like I wasn't somebody you can just mess with but at the same time I wanted to look effortless.

With that in mind, the oversized shirt dress was replaced with an oversized button-down shirt (with a printed back to retain the edgy, youthful feel), and the sneakers were replaced with classic black chelsea boots. Topped with signature accessories as my cherry on top, viola!

What would you wear if you were to go to a kinda fancy place but you're too tired to dress fancy? Tell me in the comments below!

Photos by Duff Orate