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!

Figure-Hugging

Have you ever had one o those "5 minutes to get up and go" moments? I had a big one today! UGH. It takes me quite a while to get ready, makeup and all. I went through 5 to 6 cycles before I made up my mind on what bottom to wear for my inaanak's birthday party. I wanted to look casual but poised, still. See, I've been feeling unwell since last night. I figured, dressing up somehow will lift me out of my miserable state.

Funny how I dug up this denim A-line skirt from my closet. I had it since I was in 6th grade. Would you believe it?! I don't know if it's panic or sheer fate that made me drag this piece from the deepest, darkest corners of my closet. I love how it accentuates my "curves". Okay, I gained some weight over the past few weeks, but that doesn't mean I shouldn't flaunt them, right?

I've had a lot of body image issues since I can remember. I still do. But I am starting to realize that having a skinny figure doesn't always have to be the only definition of beauty. It comes in all shapes in sizes. Besides, I know I'm never going to be as skinny as the models I see everywhere, even if I starved myself for an entire year! People are born into different molds and the best we can really do is embrace the one we're given and do the best we can to prolong its shelf life. It's a tough battle but I hope I'm nearing victory against those issues.

It doesn't follow though, that I no longer care for my health. In fact, I learned that by punishing my body so much from starving and depriving it, I'm only making things worse. Once I hit that level where I know what kinds of food are actually good for me, I'm all set. It takes practice and a whole lot of discipline, but health is something I wouldn't sacrifice for anything.

I have yet to nail down the right fitness routine to get me back on that toned and tamed spot I was in, but I'm working my way to get there. ;)

Anyway, back to the outfit, this denim skirt fits me to a tee! It hugs me in all the right places and it doesn't feel like I'm about to explode when I have it on. I paired it off with a peach V-neck tee from Bench to tone it down to a whole new casual level. The wedges made me feel and look like I was 6 feet tall! Haha! Heels give me an instant boost, both physically and emotionally. They make me feel like I can take on the world and rock it like nobody's business!

Eek! Muscular, manly legs! Haha! 

Top: Bench

Skirt: Crissa Jeans

Wedges: Privileged

Belt: Thrifted

Earrings: from Quiapo

Meet my super-pretty niece, Rania. Beauty runs in the family, don't you think? ;) 

Goofing around. :))

Curvy girls everywhere, please don't think that just because you don't fit into a Size 0 dress, doesn't mean you're worth any less. I even read this somewhere: The only reason I'm fat is because a tiny body couldn't store all this personality. I know it's not an easy pill to swallow, but you'll come to terms with your own body and learn to love it, all of it. It all starts with you loving yourself and when you decide not to care what everyone else thinks, people will pick up from that. You'll instantly have that vibe of charisma and confidence that just can't be taken with any diet pill. So rock what yo' momma gave you! 

Love,

SGT <3

Colorful Ash

You can express a lot of things, a lot of actions without speaking.

Catherine Daneuve 

~~
One of those ways is through fashion. It's been said that whatever outfit we decide to wear on a specific day or event, it reflects our disposition and personality. There's nothing wrong with expressing yourself, in fact it is healthy. Self-expression helps us find our place in the world, for us to be distinct from a sea of different faces and personalities. 


In my 20 years of existence, I have been through many phases in terms of dressing up. Up to now, I am still on my path to defining my personal style and finding which things suit my taste and whims. In any case, just wear what feels comfortable and natural to you. Don't be afraid to experiment and most importantly, pay no attention to the judging looks of other people. Hold your head high, walk like you're going to set fire to the sidewalk, and be yourself. You don't need to impress anyone, you just have to feel your best for YOU. Go ahead and express yourself!


Today, I felt like stirring up some color on an otherwise quiet Ash Wednesday.


I heard mass in EDSA Shrine with my mom, along with about 203591206179871 of Metro Manila's population (kidding!) and had lunch at Sushi-Ya in Robinson's Galleria. Then, we took off to shop for other necessities for my upcoming trip to Myanmar... Eventually, we got tired and ended up buying nothing much except for a few colorful belts and some organizer bags (which were on sale, and if you know me well enough, I cannot resist a good sale!). So I'll be sharing with you some of the goodies I got for this wonderful Ash Wednesday. :)

En route the bus terminal headed for Ortigas. Don't forget to wear your smile! It's your best accessory... and needless to say, it's absolutely free! :)

Here's the final verdict, as of yesterday, I am fit to work (physically and mentally!). At least that's what the doctors said. :D Getting more and more excited for Myanmar! Tee-hee!

Guys, you should really try this! It's the banana milk tea with pearls from Cha Time. Absolutely yummy!

And now for my purchases from the Robinsons Department Store Bag Sale:

Mom got a cool makeup kit for only Php 80 (~ $2)! I love its satin-y finish and I love that it has a mirror already! Perfect for on-the-go touch-ups during long-distance travel assignments for work!

A toiletries bag, so I won't have to lug bottles and tubes and stuff. They're all gonna live in one neat house. :) This one costs around Php 30 (less than $1).

This has got to be my best buy for the day! I got this baby for Php 70 (~ $2) and it's the last piece! The lady in front of me was asking the salesperson if there was another one somewhere in the pile. Sorry, miss. Finders, keepers! It's perfect for my laptop when I need to carry it in less-bulky bags for out-of-town trips.

Genevieve Gozum may have some of the tackiest clothes, but they sure have great finds as well! These belts cost us Php 50 each. (a little over $1) so my mom urged me to get many different colors!

Belts are a great way to change up your look. They're very flexible; they can go from dressy to casual, just by changing up the colors and styles. It also adds and accentuates your curves. All that and more for just Php 50?! Why not? So yes, you have my blessing! Go forth and multiply in belts!

I looove these salmon-colored bouquet earrings I got from my fave accessory shop in Quiapo. 

Feelin' a little tired from walking all around the city in heels! But hey, I still got that smile, yeah?  I figured, since it's Ash Wednesday and all, and this time of the year is when people are most serious, it's a good time to be a little whimsical and help rub off the good vibes on people who need a little pick-me-up! :)

Got this loose printed top for Php 80 (~$2) on one of my thrift shop trips with my mom in Quiapo.  It gives off such a happy and girly vibe! Paired it with a toned-down pair of jeans and my 2-year-old Le Donne wedges. 

One of those stolen shots. I'm not the best model, thankyouverymuch. Special thanks to my mom who willingly took my pictures inside her office. <3

I don't have the best feet in the world, I know! The pain is very much worth it when I wear heels because they give me that extra boost of confidence. My posture improves and I feel more put-together in them. :)

This bangle gives the outfit a boho flair. And who would think that it only costs Php 90 (a little over $2)?!

Hoot! Gotta love this baby. I have so many necklaces and this is one of my frequently-worn pieces.

How was your Ash Wednesday? :)

Love,

SGT <3

Hot Fuss: All That Clutter

I'm sure many of you love shoes. Who doesn't? I know I do! It's the perfect way to complete your outfit and it can take your getup from day to night, from casual to chic, just by changing styles and heights. They're must-have investments and staples in every stylish girl-on-a-budget's closet!

In this economy, expensive shoes are such luxuries that us girls cannot simply afford all the time. Don't fret! There are a few good brands that offer fair prices and quality products that can very well compete with more high-end and more expensive contenders in the market. One of those brands is called All That Clutter, owned by sisters Mirra and Pia Reyes. With a little over Php 1000 from Ria and a little savings from Mirra, the two thought of investing in a business that will not only sell beautiful things to lovely girls everywhere, but will also help their different advocacies - one of them being an enterprise that is fair and just and being a company that cares.

They noticed that a lot of (online) sellers seem to put off-the-charts prices on items that actually cost way less than they publicize, when you can get the same thing for much less somewhere else. That's how they started. They wanted their buyers to feel that they're not cheated into buying things that are way too expensive for its actual market value; not only that, they also wanted to contribute to society by donating a portion of their earnings to notable causes such as disaster relief and the like. All That Clutter sees to it that their clients get quality shoes and clothes that are 100% new and of course, are undeniably stylish to fit their fashion needs!

Here are some of their adorable and stylish garbs that are up for grabs!

Red-hot booties are sure to fire up your otherwise usual black ensemble!

Wild, wild west! Give cowboy boots a run for their money and do it in style!

Feeling funky in the office? Throw these on and you're on your way to rocking business glam!

They also have tops that are sheer genius and cute too! ;)

Perfect for a night-out with friends! Dare to bare, babe!

Let out your wild side! Life is too short to play it safe. ;)

They have so much more to offer! Check out their site and you might just see something for you. You will not only help them, you will also help the country by sharing some of the proceeds to charity. Now that's a social enterprise worth supporting. If there's anything I love about online shopping, it's getting more bang for my buck! Why not be fab and philanthropic at the same time, right? Do good, look good!

I give All That Clutter a 2-thumbs up! :)

Love,

SGT <3