Corporate Chic: Black, White, and Gold

Aaaand I'm back!

Things have been getting pretty busy at work and I haven't had much chance to shoot what I wear to the office. If you knew me any better, you'd probably know that black is pretty much my go-to color. Open my closet and you'll be in for a no-brainer. 

I find that black clothing helps me get through down days, it never fails to add that extra sophistication and attitude to my outfit. Some say black represents sorrow, I say it brings out the fierceness in me, especially when I'm stressed out. Plus, it doesn't hurt that a black ensemble can take you from day to night, from casual to dressy. You can style it anyway you can!

For this look, I experimented with gold accessories, just to give the seemingly blah color palette a little dash of glitz. 

Believe it or not, the top is from ukay (I call them treasure troves!) and the houndstooth print leggings are from Divisoria, which I got for only PHP 100! I topped off the look with my trusty slingback stilettos which I also got on sale for less than PHP 600 a while back.

Who says you have to wear off-the-rack or designer to look and feel fabulous? It's all in the head, ladies and gentlemen. The price tag doesn't have to get in the way of your creativity and flexibility in fashion choices. 

Top: Vintage

Pants: Divisoria

Stilettos: People Are People

I would have taken the safe route and go with either red or silver accessories, but since I was going for a more luxe feel, I figured, why not throw on some gold accessories instead? You only live once, right?

Accessories: Luxe and Luster
Watch: From a friend

My work friends and I were really amused with this promotional display outside our building so we took turns having photo ops with our new BFF!

After our small photo walk, I met up with my college friend, Diane, at Nolita to catch up. Guys, I'm telling you, if you want good pizza, Nolita is a must-visit restaurant in Bonifacio High Street. I always have their fresh tomato and garlic pizza. Partnered with a bottle of Estrella Galicia, and you have the perfect menu for a great dinner!

Stay tuned for my Halloween look post! Cheers!

Corporate Chic: Bloom Where You Are

Always strive to improve yourself.

If you follow me closely on Instagram, you'll notice I like posting inspirational and very positive messages to serve as notes-to-self and as reminders to others as well. I used to be a chronic pessimist but at one point, I figured, there's no harm in maintaining a certain sense of sunshine and joy in everyday and whenever possible, passing it along to others. True enough, it made life more bearable for me. Even when the Universe is unkind, my small glimmer of positive vibes helps me cope.

It's not enough to just be positive, we have to carry out that mindset and welcome all sorts of chances for growth to be better versions of ourselves and encourage others to do so too. I'm a firm believer that it's never too late to grow. There's always something more we can do. Life is a big classroom. It will be unfortunate if we let chances for learning to just pass us by, right? After all, in self-improvement, what have you possibly got to lose?

That's what I thought. Nothing. 

This week's outfit was all about embracing and trying new things. I recently discovered the power of comfy pants and how it can take you from functional to fab. I guess it's safe to say that you'll be seeing more of me rocking pants in the next couple of posts. Stick around.

White top: Forever 21

Pants: Forever 21

Blazer: Custom-made

Sandals: Celine

Necklace: Luxe and Luster

Please welcome my work buddies once more! Only this time, we have a new addition to the group, Rafi!

Photos: Ja Quintana

What do you say? Yes to change? Yes to bigger, better and brighter things? Bloom, lovely. Bloom where you are.

P.S. I have recently enrolled at 360 Fitness Club right above my office. Here's a snapshot after my unofficial first day working out after a long time. It's the first time to try circuit training and I can't wait to get good at it!

Corporate Chic: Let Loose

"Work hard, play hard. Keep partyin' like it's your job."

David Guetta sure has gotten this statement down to a tee. It's a yuppie's dream. Work-life balance. When you're drowning under a pile of paperwork, spending hours on end on that impossible assignment, losing friends one by one because you can't just seem to make the time to show up in barkada get-togethers, and finding yourself slumping in bed after each and every work day. Sad to say, but it's a common scenario. Even I am unfortunately suffering from this too-busy-to-socially-function syndrome, but I am still in the process of struggling to strike that perfect balance between work and play. Work to live, not live to work, right?

I guess I'm blessed to have learned, grown, and evolved so much from my severely idealist fresh-grad self. And I'm beyond grateful for having met such amazing people that I choose to surround myself with everyday. When there's just so much going on in your life at any given time, being around positive souls that encourage you to outshine the darkness that engulfs you really helps.

Don't dwell on the negative, on what's exhausting. Instead, liberate your spirit and enjoy the ride!

Inner top: Forever 21

Loose knit top: Vintage

Pants: Stradivarius

Heels: Charles and Keith

Watch: Basic from Unlimited Manila

Snake wrap-around bracelet: Luxe and Luster

Shades: Random

Photos by Ja Quintana

And now, making their debut on She Goes Thrifty, I'd like you all to meet Ross and Red, fellow yuppies, hipstrrrrs, Mean Girls, and soul sisters.

Stay warm and dry!

Corporate Chic: Brilliant Blue

Hey, guys! How's your week going so far?

I write this entry live from Baguio. The weather up here is chilly, just the way I like it. I'm actually here for work, but hey, how bad can traveling for work be?

This outfit was worn about a few weeks back. Late, I know. There are about 3 more posts waiting to be written about, so let's get to it.

Lately, Manila has been experiencing a pretty cool, breezy weather. Don't you just love it? I know I do! It's time for our knit sweaters to shine, and shine, mine did!

In case you're wondering, the Corporate Chic segment is a new introduction in this blog. This will feature what I wear to work. Expect to see more office outfit posts soon!

Whenever we get strained and drained at the office, my friends from work and I take little strolls to clear our heads. More often than not, we end up taking outfit shots in various places near our building.

Once again, special thanks go to Ria for the wonderful shots and to Cea for the direction!

Knit Sweater: Vintage

Skirt: SM Department Store

Shoes: People Are People 

The wind decided to come out and play!

These wedges are j'adore! They may be a little heavier to walk in than usual, but I love its quirkiness. Plus, it's surprisingly comfortable!

I hope you like this look! Feel free to like this look on Chictopia!

Sending much warmth and love all the way from the north! Happy Tuesday!