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!

Striking Gold

Have you ever had a less-than-stellar couple of days and no matter what you do, you just can't seem to pull yourself up from that slump? I do. How do I deal with it? I wear something colorful or something sparkly.

Glitter is just too hard to resist, even past the holidays, because, well, it keeps me happy despite all the stress that's been clouding my luster lately. I need a pick-me-upper and sometimes dressing up really helps.

On this particular day, things have been anything but super. I've had this top for a couple of weeks now, but I haven't found the right moment to let it take center stage. Oh, and I forgot to mention that this top is ukay. Yup! I salvaged it from racks upon racks of seemingly forgotten vintage clothing. Don't worry, I wash my ukay clothes thoroughly and disinfect them. I suggest you do too! The skirt is from my forever favorite, Forever 21. Stick with me and you'll figure this out about me: I like mixing things up. For one, ukay and boutique brands. It's all in your head. You don't need to be decked out in label from head to toe, you just have to strut down the street like your path is ablaze. Own it, honey! 

I was wearing a necklace at one point, but I decided to take it off in the middle of the day. 

I just realized that this is my first "attempt-at-looking-corporate" shot for 2013... or wait, EVER! Really hope I can keep capturing regular outfit shots and ideas, and hopefully even squeeze in more reviews for who else, but for you guys! ;)

I'd like to thank my good friend, Rae, for being patient enough to take these pictures for me.

Top: Vintage

Skirt: Forever 21

Sling-back Pumps: People Are People

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