Fleur

Flowers don't worry about how the're going to bloom.  They just open up and turn toward the light and that makes them beautiful.

~ Jim Carrey

When the weather goes cuckoo, a dress and a cardigan are your best buddies. You never know when it's going to rain, but since you have a meeting to get to, you have to look decently presentable. I never compromise my personality in dressing up. Whenever I want to go girly, I explicitly do so by donning a dainty patterned dress like this one from Mossimo. Paired with a sheer cardigan of sorts (which keeps me surprisingly warm despite its translucent appearance), and a pink and mauve cap-toe flats from Parisian, this ensemble just gave me the right amount of morale boost for an easy-peasy day up ahead.

Over the years, I've come to realize, thanks to my punk core and goth days, that experimenting with style is never a bad thing. We go through phases and it's all part of the growth process. Eventually, we find our niche, but it doesn't mean that the fun ends there. It's always fun to try new things and incorporate them into what's in your comfort zone -- just to keep things fresh.

If you ask me now what my style is, I probably can't give you a single word to nail it down. That's the fun part! I dress according to how I feel or what inspired me that day or what the music made me think of! It really varies. Of course, I also take into consideration the comfort factor. Since commuting is a big part of my daily schedule (too lazy to drive!), I aim to dress appropriately, with many factors being considered -- the travel time, the commute, the weather, the event or situation I'm going to, and so on.

At the end of the day, just have fun with it! Fashion is a philosophy. Every time you step out in a certain outfit, you let people know of your very own kind of story, even for just that day. You make a statement, an expression of things that mere words cannot contain. Make sure it's a story worth telling. Make sure it's worth your own while. ;)

Dress: Thrifted, Mossimo

Cardigan: Thrifted

Flats: Parisian

Watch: Swiss Military

Braided bracelet: from Quiapo

Wheel earrings: from Quiapo

Special thanks to my Mom for taking these photos!

Hope you had a great day! :)

Love,

SGT <3

In Full Bloom

So you're probably asking why I named this entry as such. Well, aside from the dainty floral print of my chiffon dress (there's something about chiffon that's so feminine, I love it!), my luck has been turning quite well and in my favor lately.

I used to be a very pessimistic person. After going through training in theater, I realized how my negativity follows me around and drags down my energy. I decided to make a change. The moment I started looking at life differently -- in a more positive light, that is, everything seemed more bearable. I also learned that we have to let nature take its course or for things to fall into place. Patience really pays off in this life time. Plus, I think the universe makes it up to us whenever we experience heartbreak or disappointment. Also, the more good we do, the more good we get in return.

I'm not saying that we should commit acts of charity just because we expect to rewarded by fate in one way or another. We must think, feel, and do good for the sake of doing it. It feels amazing too. Smile at a stranger (not in a creepy way, just be polite); give your seat to the old lady in the bus; offer to help your mom carry the groceries; be kind to the earth, seas, and skies; say thank you. There are a myriad of ways to live positively. If you surround yourself with toxic, negative vibes all the time, you'll eventually suffocate. Why not choose the lighter, more pleasant side of being?

Anyway, about this outfit, I went to the office to sign a few papers and to make my employment official. Then, I met up with Fel and Eis in Greenbelt afterwards. We grabbed an Italian and carbo-heavy lunch *cringes* and hung out. I posted the inspiration to this ensemble previously. Just look for Bloom in Business. Sans the nude pumps, of course. I did a lot of walking that day. My feet stood no chance otherwise.

There's something about neutrals that I love. Whenever I wear a nude-y or a peach-y monochromatic outfit, I really go all out. I like subtle prints like the little floral details on this dress, then I accentuate with a bold color, like this tan blazer and the tawny flats from Ultimate OH, to give it a much needed-boost and so I won't look like a flushed and pale woman. 

If you're wondering why the other shoe has no ribbon on it, the ribbon fell off on my way out. I didn't have time to glue it back in. :)) I'm such a klutz!

In any case, I hope you like this "business casual" look. The blazer really added that professional factor to an otherwise casual dress. ;)

Dress: Thrifted

Blazer: Thrifted

Earrings: Gift from Vanni Liwanag

Flats: Ultimate Oh

Photos by Fel Salido

I'm really grateful for how things turned out in my career. I'm still young, I have a lot of dreams that are waiting in the wings, waiting to be fulfilled. All that matters right now is that I bask in this glorious moment, that I live day-to-day with sheer glee and hope, and that I give all that I can to whatever it is I decide to do. There's so much more time. Heartbreaks? Inevitable. Gratifications? Always. Unrealistic Expectations? Must cease to overwhelm me. I just know I have plenty of reasons to smile. As one friend, Darlene, puts it, "Follow your bliss." And I will. :)

Love,

SGT <3

Casual in Floral

With less than 30 minutes to prepare (make-up and breakfast included, GAH!), I had no choice but to run with this very casual outfit. A vintage floral polo and a vintage distressed denim skirt. Throw in comfy and colorful flats, and I dash right out the door.

I didn't know what to expect, in terms of the weather. To be safe, I went with something that I wouldn't really mind getting wet in, and something that's heat-friendly as well. The only critical item I failed to pack is a jacket or a scarf. My mom's office was COLD. I actually felt a little sick from the volatile hot-cold temperatures outside and inside the mall and the office.

I wish I can share more tidbits with you all, but I'm feeling under the weather and I have a long day ahead of me tomorrow. :(

In any case, feel free to enjoy this outfit post for now and read my recent posts as well. One and Two. :)

Please excuse the sleepy expression. I had just woken up from an uncomfortable nap and I was feeling slightly feverish in these shots. :-/

Top: Thrifted

Skirt: Thrifted

Flats: from Mom

Good night, everyone! Have a great weekend! ;)

Love,

SGT <3

Floral Formal

Today, I had one of my long-time dreams realized... I got a new digital camera - a new Sony S5000 in yup, you guessed it, PINK! I'll post pictures soon... hopefully. ;)

Met up with Mom in Galle then we went to Greenhills to have lunch at House of Minis (I broke my vegetarian spell, I'm sorry!), an old family fave. Their steaks are to-die-for! (bad pun not intended, sorry animals!)

Anyway, I'll just be leaving y'all hanging today with an outfit post-slash-photo-journal of today's events. :) (photos were taken with/by Bunny; outfit photos were taken by my momma)

Me and my momma. See the resemblance? :)

Mom and her boss, Tita Beth.

Manly legs, anyone?

Feelin' a little flirty and floral than usual. :)

This necklace reminds me of a waterfall. :)

I'm not a big fan of the color blue, but these earrings are too cute to resist!

Interesting lace design on the collar.
Thrift store finds are full of surprises.
No two pieces are the same and that's what I love about it.

The skirt was loud enough. I toned down my makeup for today. :)

Browsing catalogs while waiting for 5 o'clock!

That's me alright. Barely-there makeup. Thanks to Etude House's Bling Bling Eye Stick.
Check out my previous review on it HERE

Still got that 80's fever!
Shoulder pads add structure and volume to this top.

Top, thrifted. Skirt, Landmark (Php179). Faux snakeskin sandals, Parisian.
Accessories, from Quiapo.

Check out the interesting detail of the skirt. It has a collar!
Don't you just love the cheery print?

This is what you call "Like a boss."
Haha!
Been practicing on wearing office clothes for my work in  Myanmar!

Can barely keep a straight face. :))

At 55, my mom is still as youthful as ever!

How was your Tuesday? :)

Love,

SGT <3