The Art of Comfort Dressing --- in white

I have forgotten how to wear heels and to be honest I am loving the acceptance of flats recently.  Oh the art of comfort dressing, I have embraced it completely. I have hoarded basics lately with silhouettes that cover my problem areas (tummy and arms obviously) and flaunt my assets (legs - the last remainder of my youth and thinness). So happy to find them in the breathable fabric in time for summer. 

Fanciful Shirt Dress with floral detail on the sleeves and pink with rhinestone flats from Zalora

Bershka cotton white dress and gold renegade folk flats

Rose Boutique cotton structured blouse, zara denim shorts, renegade folk flats. 

It may seem that I have forgotten my past self who over accessorizes and piles things on. I have transferred all my energy for that when I am out buying for my store or styling my clients. I have come to love the effect of clean and simple dressing. Lets see how long this sticks though! Maybe its all because of the heat! Who knows 😁

***

much love

Color in the Black and White

Floral ball skirt from my store, Fanciful (3rd Level, Shoppesville, Greenhills)

Oh how times have changed! This is clearly the most daring I have been lately. Yes, a simple print on print outfit made me feel oh so bold!  Gone are the days when I wear something simply because it is different and outrageous. I have tapered my style to a more mature look and have streamlined it to pieces that I truly love.  I have been more reasonable with my purchases too. I used to shop, shop, shop buying everything that I deemed to stand out. Often times items were bought for the sake of an outfit shot. Remembering the hey day of my chictopia account and how each day or night out is made into a pictorial to my hubby's (then boyfriend) dismay. Sometimes I miss my outrageous self but I clearly, do not have the time, effort and money it entailed. HAHA I applaud those who do though! 

However, I am pretty proud of how I have become. Having our resources go mostly to our children and our home has made me more practical. It has taught me the value of every single thing and yet it has also challenged me further. I no longer get to be fashionable because I can buy every new thing. I have to keenly assess each purchase and create looks mixing the old with the new and getting truly creative.  Clearly, its more fun this way ;)

***

much love

Neoprene Blooms

FANCIFUL skirt and top, SM Parisian flats

I am such a sucker for blooms especially now that they have gone through an upgrade! I have rekindled my love for them as they took on their new form, being as graphic and bold as can be, lending them such an edgy vibe. This top was purchased for my store but I cannot help keep one for myself! It was such a struggle though since as the trend on blouses now dictates - everything is so much shorter! I for one cannot sport anything cropped! My solution is pairing it with this flounce skirt since you can easily wear this high waisted! Bonus points on how this flirty hemline balances the boxy cut of the blouse! Full on neoprene on neoprene on a Sunday! 

***

much love

Always a Favorite

There's something about this silhouette that I cannot let go. Maybe because it hides my flabby tummy and creates an illusion of a wider hips that balances my not so slim waist! Plus points for this beautiful color!

***

much love

Arm Candies!!!

Pearls + watch + citrine necklace has been a boring combo I have been sporting for quite awhile now. I am just glad that these arm candies has pulled me out of my accessory rut (that I keep falling into)!  

I have 3 current faves that I would love to share with you guys! 

1. Lala Garcia MNL boasts of using semi-precious stones and crystals that goes for a fun and quirky design! My current faves are her bohippie and newest line - gypsyglam collection!!!

2. Wearmauve  not only brings it trendy and eye catching accessories but this great MANTRA bracelets that reminds you to sport good vibes all day in yummy pastel and bold hues!

3. CrucianiPH are the original macrame bracelets from Italy that comes in cute designs and colors!

I have tried on 3 different combos and its as if the possibilities are endless haha.  I love how they contradict yet compliment each other, my Mantras and cruciani gives a chill vibe while my crystals hikes it up a notch! It is such a gypsy glam* moment on my arms! haha

*gypsy glam - coined by Lala Garcia for her current collection. 

Top - Bottom :  LalaGarciaMNL gypsyglam collection - love those tassles ,  Wearmauve's Mantra Bracelers and CricuianiPH's neon pink clover design bracelet

Left - Right: Purple Gypsyglam bracelet from LalagarciaMNL , CrucianiPH clover bracelet, Dream from Mantra Bracelet set and another from the gypsyglam collection

Left - Right: A bit worn out, white bracelet from LalaGarciaMNL Bohippie collection,  Cruciani PH and 3 of 5 from my Mantra Bracelets WearMauve

I think my summers are covered with my pieces! BUT they are the ones that actually gets you to go and hoard! I only have 6 out of 15, YES 15 of the crystal bracelets, CrucianiPH is already broadening the designs they bring in here, while the Mantras come in so many colors! So good luck to me! I am having way too much fun with these! 

***

Much Love

A Twist On a Classic

Why not turn it up a notch and update a classic? 

A play on silhouettes, tailoring and lengths create such a lovely twist on an old favorite. 

***

much love

Gray Matter

The CROPPED TOP and the TIGHT FIT grey COTTON maxi have been  stuck in my closet and been deemed UNWEARABLE. They have been hanging out in the corner of my closet together with anything that shows off my flabby midsection that no amount of girdle-ing can control. However in a stroke of genius or maybe just frustration - I was able to piece together this look. It was one of those days that the weather was rubbing me the wrong way and cotton just seems to be the only answer. I was looking for something that is comfy and really resisting the urge to don my usual Hanes white shirts and shorts combo since we are after all going to Mass.  Lo and behold  by combining the TWO I was able to get what I was looking for. It is not some striking outfit BUT seriously ain't it something for us mommas? 

I again however apologize for the lack of colors in my outfit lately. I seriously do not know what is going on with that . Hoping the holiday  spirit will inject some color soon enough!

***

much love

Clean Slate

I know I have been sticking with this palette all too often but I cannot shake this color combination. It feels so easy on the eyes and spells R-E-L-A-X instantly. So on a laid back, errands day with my sis I chose to stick to this formula I know too well.  

A clean slate huh... I know that brings all sorts of theological thoughts into your heads. However for me, it is just something as simple as starting the day fresh and renewed, full of never ending hopefulness of what goodness the day will bring. Again, today I was given that fresh start that I needed to remind myself of my worth and the importance of doing what I am passionate about. I am again thanking the universe for chance encounters and endless opportunities.   And of course for the day well spent with my sister who is my rock and inspiration. I know I do not tell her that enough. Let's keep on keeping on sis! 

White cotton tee from Topshop, Cream sporty silk shorts from Topshop, cream platforms online store find, Gray 3.1 Philip Lim Pashli

***

much love

Subtle hints

I have rekindled my love for my cover-ups and this clean, subtle palette of beiges, cream and peach. I got the best inspiration from my new pieces from Lala Garcia Manila which I got first dibs on thanks to my cousin dearie who designs these pieces! Aren't they just lovely? 

     

LALA GARCIA MNL Accessories
Pompom bouquet in mother of pearl chips ring
(available already in different semi-precious chips you may order through ZALORA and LAZADA)
Bohippie Chunky white turquoise cut stone on peach cord strands necklace
Bohippie white tasseled braided cord bracelet
(Bohippie collection to be launched soon!)

Together with this simple outfit post I want to share to you a few realizations that came my way recently.  I want to say that I have been brought up by the principle of being generous. I think my parents ingrained this deep into our beings. I am grateful for the constant reminders from my mom and her examples especially when life was really a bit trying. She would often tell me that you cannot be selfish. No matter what, there are those far less fortunate than you and really generosity takes on many forms. It may not be all about money. It can  be your time and effort too. Although as I said I have practiced this all through out never have I felt the beauty of how the universe and God work than recently. I have witnessed a chain of beautiful events that I want to attribute to the fact that I have been obliging and altruistic. Our efforts may or may not be directly returned but count on it that God will find a way to bless you. I want to be reminded of this moment wherein things just worked out for me. I am forever grateful. Now looking forward to raising my kids with this attitude to life as well. 

***

much love

Proceed With Caution?

I am on my way to undertaking a new endeavour and clearly I am yet again stepping into it with much apprehension - like I always do. I want to be that person who has such deep rooted confidence and no care attitude that allows them to get what they want when they want it. But I am not. I am overly cautious and easily derailed. However, as my countdown to being 30 has started I am coaxing myself to let go of unnecessary inhibitions and pursue my dreams. I have waited long enough and my excuses are running out.  Good bye to that girl who puts things off, who lets go of opportunities and is content in watching others make it. I will no longer sit and wait. God has been too good to me already. I have taken a passive role wherein I allowed fate to blow me in whichever direction it wanted to take me. I have been very blessed. Now is the time to show my appreciation and take hold of the reins. I'm ready as I'll ever be. 

***

much love

28 years.

I'm pretty sure my love affair with maxi pleated skirts will never end.  Something about donning on a floor length skirt/dress instantly spells special. So I reserved this mint number for the day I turned 28. 

TWENTY freaking EIGHT! 

I remember being 16 and thinking 28 will be the year I am allowing myself to get married. By then surely I would have a job and be all financially stable and secure. I would know how to run a household, cook, clean, budget etc. It was that magical number that I thought then to be the time I would be all grown up and mature enough.  It is just evocative of how things do not go as planned isn't it? (1) I got married 3 years earlier than the goal. (2) I will admit that there are times I feel I am just playing house. (3) I was utterly slow in finding the career path that I love. 

When I was younger I was quick to assume that the number of years would equate to the state of mind. That growing up will happen in a snap. I thought, that by this time, I just got to be, you know - a proper adult.  You guys are probably shaking your heads in amusement. Yes I know I am a young 28 year old. I am a walking contradiction. A mom of three and yet still pretty much think of herself as a kid too. 

You must also be wondering how I am faring. Well it is a constant learning process. I have to admit I was a pretty laid back learner when I was a kid. Not very pro active. I always assumed there will be a time for that in the future. Of course if there is one thing my life story can attest to - is that, lets us reiterate -  nothing ever goes as planned.  I had my eldest when I was 22. So yep I pretty much skipped a lot of years that I allotted to learning time. I pretty much dove head first to everything. Which may be why I still feel that I am in constant panic. I am rushing, rushing into figuring things out as I live it. 

At 28 this is my greatest and most proud of accomplishment. 

This is also why I am so grateful for the support system that I have. My family and my hubby's never failed to be there to support us in any way.  Maybe that is why we are slow at the up take. But seriously I do not know how we would have survived if they felt the need to cut us off completely. We both have a nurturing family sometimes even bordering on spoilers (for a lack of a better term).  And that is the philosophy we live by. When I had the guts to voice out my fears of raising my son to my dad all he had to tell me was "when he cries always pick him up no matter what". Simple yet encompassing on how we were raised. 

***

much love

"And Say It As Loud As You Can!"

WARNING!

This post is a bit self-deprecating, touching on rather superficial aspects of me and nothing mommy related lessons at all!

 

I am clearly in a state of disbelief and shock! Whoa! Am I really out again, and on a weeknight nonetheless???! (taken on a Thursday) Well as you can see, my emotional state clearly had some effect on my dressing. I seemed to be overly excited, bordering delusional when I thought I can still pull off a bandage skirt and a white cotton tee! I was holding my breath the entire time my photos were taken. No need to lie! Mommahood has given me flabs of excess skin that my derma deemed impossible to get rid of with exercise or even those laser treatments. I made a huge mistake of not wearing my bestfriend - the girdle that night. It didn't help that I tucked in a quesadilla before the bday party that also served tremendous amount of food and cake! 

After this photo, gone are my thoughts of flaunting my legs - the only remaining part of me that is visually pleasing to the eye. It actually tricks you into thinking I am thin. haha Or maybe I should just distance myself to anything that hugs my tummy this much! But I couldn't help myself with this one. This skirt (photo did not capture the detail unfortunately) is a shade of highlighter yellow in stretch lace fabric -  a cloth usually associated with romantic and classic shades. Me, being a sucker for a contradiction, just had to. 

What really surprised me the most about this look is how I chose to accessorize it. I rarely go for the full kablam - in your face styling. I felt that my accessories were so loud but it actually works!  You can say I had some fashion epiphany with this one. After coming out from my long retreat of being a hermit momma, I found myself at a loss mostly with accessories. At that time I felt that too much effort is exerted in adding more from my usual pearl earrings and wedding band combo. 

As such is the case, we often downplay the importance of accessories and often choose to forego it completely. We even sometimes stick to what is easy, a formula we have perfected that we no longer experiment with something new. However the time and effort is clearly necessary and much deserved since they are the object that completes a look. They also transform. A quick change of earrings can carry a day outfit to a night out look in a matter of minutes. It can change something so basic to something fabulous in a snap. In addition, it is also the easiest and one of the cheaper ways to update your wardrobe and stay on trend. 

So clearly I am moving forward and devoting my time on this topic. As silly and shallow as it may seem.  I actually feel this is something monumental for me. I think I expressed it in my past posts how my pregnancy left me feeling a bit out of sorts. Although it is evident that my experience has left me more mature and more caring as a person. I cannot begin to say how glad I am that I have come so far in my spiritual and emotional growth. However, I still also miss some snippets of the younger more carefree me. The one that clearly cares too much about fashion and ootd! HAHA I still miss her.  So I want this post to mark the return of that girl. Hoped you missed her too coz she's itching to come back!

***

much love

Black and White

Out of nowhere hubby asked me if I wanted to go out last night. WELL DUH of course I DID!!! But going out is not as easy as it sounds. Now that we are currently without a helper and have just one yaya, every day out or night out should be planned days ahead with accompanying valid reason too. Hubby and I rarely get to go out together since one of us has to stay home.  So dates/night outs are even more special now. 

Chic ensemble in black and white for a laid back night out.   I realize my default is  to create contrasts in my ensemble. I rarely go full on a theme. For this outfit I preferred to balance out my faux leather shorts with something classic and soft, with my chiffon blouse from my MIL's store to offset it. 

Last night was one of those miracles. It was impromptu but it pushed through! Luckily my mom was available and willing to baby-sit. Funny how it all felt like I'm in high school and going out was highly dependent on my mother's permission. HAHA 

Faux leather paperbag shorts are becoming a staple in my closet. 

Was actually waiting for her to criticize my outfit choice too like before but this time she approved! Even willing to take my photos! YAY mom!!! =)

Armed with statement earrings and pink lippie and I am ready to go!

***

much love

Layers and Leather

Made a quick run to buy baby food and something for C who just finished his exams! Hubby actually was a bit skeptical when I came out looking like this...

He was all "we are just going out for 30 minutes!!!" But you know I rarely get to go out and I take every chance I can get to dress up! AND SERIOUSLY I had to just take advantage of the cold weather! I got off by saying that I am seriously just wearing track pants and a shirt and just threw on a jacket! Which is entirely true!!! That's what's nice about anything leather. It transforms an outfit. And with this jacket, the draping, color and combination of materials allows this look to be casual chic - not so harsh with still a softness to it. Exactly what I was going for for what our day entailed. 

C all happy with his pasalubong!!!

***
much love

Love All Around

For this year's Valentine's Day, hubby and I agreed to be practical. We are not really suckers for this occasion but we are not completely cold hearted people too. We needed the excuse to celebrate! haha He was asking what I wanted, do I want the usual flowers + romantic dinner OR opt for a gift. I opted for the gift. NO need for the mush I said, it has been so long since I bought anything for me.

I wanted shoes.

So we trooped to the least romantic mall ever (MEGAMALL) and went to F21. HOWEVER I DID NOT GET MY SHOES! THEY DID NOT HAVE STOCK OR EVEN SIZE FOR THE ALTERNATIVE STYLES!!! boo hoo to me really!

So we were stuck in megamall wondering what to do or where to go next. We did not have any dinner reservations so we just decided to go to Rockwell, catch a movie and find a resto that would take us.

We ended up watching Die Hard. Yes yes that action flick! Our day just seemed to be the anti-thesis of a romantic date. But really I was sooo happy and it seemed that he was too! We felt like how we were before, just a couple out on a normal Friday date night! We were on a high even though our day did not turn out as planned. We realized how much we needed this break!!! I WAS SERIOUSLY EUPHORIC over the simplest thing! It turned out to be the BEST Valentine's DAY ever!

OH AND I ALMOST FORGOT...
Hubby did give me flowers even after we agreed he did not need to. I love it when they do that!!! He knows me too well tee hee. And my son got me 2 cards this year too!!!! SUCH AN AWESOME DAY!!!

MY work table is looking happy!!!


***
much love

On Outfit Posts as a MOMMA!

I will not be true to myself if I stray away completely from my outfit shots (much to my hubby's dismay). As soon as I was able to find time to be out of the house (usually on Sundays) I make it a point to still dress up a little. I do believe that it is very important to stay beautiful and not let yourself go after having the bebes -
for our good ole self-esteem of course
and really for your kids too!!!

A girly girl's take on studs

tight knit

where's the cargo

My son is pretty much head over heels in love with me (as yours is most likely too) I can pretty much get away with jeans and shirts BUT with the girls I know it will be a different story. As soon as I found out that Im having girls I went through some much needed self reflections. We all know how tricky mommy-daughter relationships can be.  So one of the things I promised to myself  is that my daughters will always always be proud of their mommy! So one aspect of that is simply dressing and fixing yourself up. It may seem shallow to some but I DO NOT THINK SO.  It is important to look good and be presentable. Be someone your children will be proud of and even idolize.  So see there is really a good explanation for all this kaartehan haha

***

much love