Different Summers Part. 1

My last entry was basically a bore, so I decided to blog again. Let's get to the fun part, I decided to do a two part entry. I'll be doing a must have & essentials for the summer. It may be ending soon and we'll all be packing our bags for school, but summer fashion for me will never go out of style since I live in a country where the heat is killer. Aside from when it rains, though it still gets hot. I've put together two lists/entries to show you guys, in my opinion were this summers greatest. Think of this like my past entries, another alternatives and a where to buy! Kind of like a magazine and style book. Chos! Though whenever I read Lauren Conrad: Style, it never fails to make me wanna write a style book and dress up. Basically, she's my peg for this. Well she's my peg for a lot of other things too! Here we go!

Summer Must-Haves

1. Denim Shorts- A definite must have for anyone! I believe this is the key piece to anyones wardrobe for the summer or actually any time of the year as long as the heat is present. More on this later!

2. Born This Way: Lady GaGa's 2nd Album

3. Viva Glam GaGa 2- Once again Lady GaGa has collaborated with Mac for their Viva Glam campaign. The lipstick/lipglass she designed for the Viva Glam collection is sooo nice! I love how she explained in her Good Morning America that she designed this color to match any man or woman's skin tone. So if you're gay, straight, bi, lesbian, transgender or whatever I suggest you get this! Perfect summer color! 

4. Tote bags- Ditch those satchels for a bit and go for canvas! More on this next entry!

5. Shoes- No to boots for now! Go for a pair of espadrilles or plimsolls! Very lightweight and comfortable for that afternoon stroll! 

Where to go: Topman, SM, Nothing but H20, Forever 21, Topshop

Tip: On a budget? Go to SM, I've seen a ton in different colors!

6. Basic Shirts- When it comes to basic I don't mean the shirt can be one solid color, it can also have a graphic design and etc. I prefer a slightly loose or larger size. It may seem like a boring piece and etc, but just like what Lauren Conrad said "it glues the outfit together." 

Where to go: Forever 21, Topman, Topshop, SM 

Tip: Deconstruct for a much more edgy look!

7. Sunglasses- Kind of self explanatory! Opt for different looking frames!

Where to go: Forever 21, Bazaars, Aldo

8. Hats- Doesn't need an explanation! I Opt for straw though!

Where to go: Rebel Gear @ Pop Culture, SM, Forever 21, Bazaar

9. Accessories- This summer I prefer bangles especially the stretch beads. Chunkier the better! I am totally in love with pouch necklaces too! I kind of hate bringing a wallet, so I put my cash in this sometimes!

Where to go: Forever 21, SM accessories, Accessorize, The beach

Tip:  Never look down on the people who sell beads and necklaces on the beach! I found really great pieces back then in Subic and never used them, but now Forever 21 has them for a whooping 305 pesos! I got mine for only 25. I've been using them like crazy! Mix and match is the key! Start hunting for great pieces!

Note: Some of the pieces in the picture above is to give you and idea on what I'm talking about. Not the exact pieces. 

Hopefully that didn't bore you, but I really hope that helped you in some way! Thats actually my goal for this blog is not only to post my outfits, talk about events etc, but I want to be able to help you readers to find an alternative to some pieces in fashion. Kind of like a guide too, but I know some may react, why I'm writing entries like this, it's irrelevant and who am i to share input, but it doesn't matter though since I enjoy writing these entries! Hopefully you guys pick up a thing or two!

Part. 2 coming next!

xx

Coming Home

After almost 3 months of hiatus, all of a sudden I've missed blogging. I'm not gonna brag or anything, but life after my Taylor Swift blog entry has been pretty eventful! One thing would be I turned 19 just last March and another would be finishing my 1st year in SoFA. That leads me to Summer which is now. For the past few weeks I've been mostly bumming around my cousin's place, saw Justin Bieber live and watch one show in Phil. Fashion Week. Shocking, I haven't partied this whole summer! Anyways, my most favorite thing I did though was assist in a shoot. I'll definitely blog about it once the issue is out, which is pretty soon! Pretty much thats it so far for my summer, but hopefully this week turns out well since I'll be visiting the place I lived in before I moved back to Manila. Just like Lauren Conrad when she goes home to Laguna Beach. I always pictured my life similar like hers. I wasn't born in Subic like she was in Laguna, but I moved there when I was around 14 or 15? I forget, then after a few years i moved back to the big city which is Manila aka my very own The Hills/L.A. Chos. Anyways thats all for now! I'll definitely be blogging sooner than you think!


btw, I hope you guys like my kind of re-vamped layout! Added some new things on the side and new banner, wanted to downgrade and keep the banner a little bit low key for now.

xx

Tonight was More Than a Fairy Tale... Thank You, Taylor Swift

Disclaimer: This entry will be very text-y, may get emotional and will definitely take 5-7 minutes of your time. Forgive me. It's Taylor Swift!

A 2 weeks late entry. I'm still on concert high/hangover. I still feel as if everything that happened on night of February 19th was a dream...

The Pre-Concert
Around September-October, it's been a rumor that singer/songwriter/grammy winner Taylor Swift was going to perform live in Manila for her Speak Now Tour. It turned out the rumors were true. Upon hearing she was going to perform here, I already panicked and felt adrenaline. November, tickets were released. I didn't know that demand for her tickets was sooo much! I felt as if, ok whatever any seat would do as long I get to see her. My brother and I rushed to MOA to get seats, and luckily we ended up with tickets. We never really cared how near we were to the artist, hearing the artist and seeing them in flesh was good enough.

The Night Itself
I cannot express words on how I felt about that night. Amazing? Unforgettable? Awesome? Seeing Taylor in flesh was just a dream back in 2006. No one really even knew about her. Then look now! I accomplished two goals off my bucket list. Which was to see Taylor Swift live and own a t shirt. The moment she came out, I already felt the tears(CHEESY), just the thought of seeing someone you've looked up to and put a smile on your face just leaves you speechless. The mood of the coliseum was just AMAZING, I felt the chills and I literally have never seen Araneta that way. Hearing her belt Enchanted and Love Story, were just moments I could never forget. The whole night was just great, hearing everyone sing and sharing their love for her music was just epic. Definitely the best concert I've been to.

Growing Up
One fact I think most people should know about me is that Taylor Swift is my favorite artist. I've always mentioned that her songs to me are like the Bible and words to live by. I guess I pretty grew up with her songs through high school. I remember hearing her songs Tim McGraw and Teardrops on My Guitar in 2006. I've always felt that the songs she wrote were addressed to me. The best part is, whenever you feel depressed or sad or happy, there's always this one Taylor Swift song that suits that mood of yours. I actually wished that I've heard the song Fifteen when I was Fifteen. I guess things would be different if I have heard it back then. Basically, Taylor Swift made me un-afraid, being able to take risks with love, waiting patiently that one day things will change, standing up for myself, trying to make every single day of my life a fairy tale and most importantly believe in love again.

A Note for Taylor
She may never read this, but whatever I wanna get this out. I just wanna say a BIG BIG BIG THANK YOU. I never imagined that I'd actually see you in person and hear you. Your music has touched a lot of lives including mine and you made me believe again. Thank you for serenading the whole Manila with your music and giving us a real life fairy tale. We were enchanted to see you live. Thank You Taylor Swift.

Hope that entry wasn't too long and sulky? I bet most of you think I'm such a fanboy or a loser? haha Thanks for reading though!

xx
Rafael

Words of Wisdom

"i've learned a lot of lessons in life and i think that the hardest lessons are the lessons you have to keep learning over and over and over again because sometimes it still feels like i'm still learning the lessons i started learning when I was fifteen" - Taylor Swift

Last Friday Night

I have to apologize again for my inconsistent blogging. I've been swarmed by school work, so it's cause me to neglect my blog. Anyways from this day on, I hope to blog more(emphasize on the HOPE). 

T.G.I.F
Last last friday, my best friend Inna celebrated her birthday at Fiamma. Planned by the birthday girl herself and Ysabel. Definitely a much needed night since, I guess a lot are busy with school. It was such a fun celebration, was able to see people(Lauren, Alex, Diana, Victor, Megan etc.) whom I haven't seen in forever! I guess for one of them it's been a year since I've seen her. Plus I was able to meet new people!

The Birthday Girl

Outfit Shots

What I Wore: Thrifted Blazer, Topman Gray V Neck, Green V Neck(under), Forever 21 jeans, accessories from Aranaz, PLF & Folded & Hung

Lauren Young

Diana Cho

Megan Young

Francesca Fogliata

*notice anything with the outfit shots? Inna pointed out we were all wearing cross necklaces! 

I'm definitely hoping for more nights like this!

photos via: Inna Santiago

Basically thats it. Next entry coming super soon!!! :)

xx

Pink 4 Thursdays

First thing, sorry for the hiatus!!! I've been really busy since my last entry mainly because school has started. I promise to start blogging regularly from this entry on! Luckily, I was able to gather outfit shots from last week/1st week of the 3rd term!

1st Week Outfits

Orientation Day

What I Wore: Jacket given by a friend(Luigi), SM V-Neck, Forever 21 jeans, Accessories from F&H, PeaceLoveFashion and Mia Casa, Rockport boots

I finally got a pair Andre Chang x Folded & Hung combat boots!!! I've been dreaming of owning a pair since Philippine Fashion Week last october! The shoe is definitely a statement, though the size is quite big it still remains comfortable! My wish is that Andre Chang or Folded & Hung comes out with a full blown shoe line!!! Special Thanks to Ingrid Roxas!!!

Philippine Fashion Week: Streetcast 2010

1st Day of School

What I Wore: Vintage blazer, Forever 21 shirt, cargo jeans, Andre Chang x Folded & Hung combat boots, accessories from F&H, Forever 21 & PeaceLoveFashion

Fashion Thursdays: Shout Pink

What I Wore: Vintage Blazer, 21men white V-Neck, Forever 21 jeans, Rockport boots, Andre Chang x Folded & Hung bib necklace, Aan Pineda pink pill ring

photos via: SoFA: Fibre, Ingrid Roxas

Thats basically all the looks I have for now. Definitely more coming soon!!! 

SoFA FIBRE: Aside from outfit shots, my school: School of Fashion and the Arts has come out with their own blog entitled Fibre. Hope you guys can check it out!!! There you will be able to see what the students have been up to such as competitions, fashion thursdays(ex: last outfit shot) and etc. They'll also be posting about the latest workshops and upcoming capsule classes! Check it out!!!

RISQ DESIGN COMPETITION: One more thing!!! My friend/fellow blogger, Danika Navarro of Hello Rio &  FHQ Manila is entering a contest entitled RISQ SUMMER FASHION DESIGN COMPETITION. We would greatly appreciate your full support! You could start by voting through the poll! Click Here to vote!

Alright thats all for now! Hope guys enjoyed this post!!! Be blogging soon!!!

xx

Speak Now or Forever Hold Your Peace

photo via: tumblr

“Speak now or forever hold your peace,” the words said by preachers at the end of wedding ceremonies all over the world, right before the vows. It’s a last chance for protest, a moment that makes everyone’s heart race, and a moment that I’ve always been strangely fascinated by. So many fantasize about bursting into a church, saying what they’d kept inside for years like in the movies. In real life, it rarely happens.
Real life is a funny thing, you know. In real life, saying the right thing at the right moment is beyond crucial. So crucial, in fact,  that most of us start to hesitate, for fear of saying the wrong thing at the wrong time. But lately what I’ve begun to fear more than that is letting the moment pass without saying anything.
I think most of us fear reaching the end of our life, and looking back regretting the moments we didn’t speak up. When we didn’t say “I love you.” When we should’ve said “I’m sorry.” When we didn’t stand up for ourselves or someone who needed help.
Words can break someone into a million pieces, but they can also put them back together. I hope you use your words for good, because the only words you’ll regret more than the ones left unsaid are the ones you use to intentionally hurt someone.
What you say might be too much for some people. Maybe it will come out all wrong and you’ll stutter and you’ll walk away embarrassed, wincing as you play it all back in your head. But I think the words you stop yourself from saying are the ones that will haunt you the longest.
So say it to them. Or say it to yourself in the mirror. Say it in a letter you’ll never send or in a book millions might read someday. I think you deserve to look back on your life without a chorus of resounding voices saying “I could’ve, but it’s too late now.”
There is a time for silence. There is a time for waiting your turn. But if you know how you feel, and you so clearly know what you need to say, you’ll know it.
I don’t think you should wait. I think you should speak now.

-Taylor Swift


24 more days till we all fall in love and experience a fairytale

If I Ever Feel Better

To start things off, Happy New Year everyone!!! 1st entry for 2011!!! How was everyone's new year's eve??? Well mine was just a simple dinner with my mom's side of the family! We sang to songs such as Taylor Swift, Katy Perry, Train etc. I gotta mention, we played with sparklers! I couldn't help, but mentally hear Katy Perry's firework playing in the back ground!!! I guess Christmas season is almost over once this weekend hits! I'm super sorry if my blogging has been inconsistent. I've been out of the house constantly. Well in this entry, I'll feature my outfits that I wore during the season, what I've been up to and my current playlist! Hope thats alright???

Here are my overdue outfit shots taken on the 24th & 25th! For the 31st I wasn't able to take an outfit shot, so I just put together a get the look image! 

Holiday Outfits

Ayuyao Reunion

What I Wore: 21men button up shirt, SM smart shorts, Payless Shoes Moccasins, Mia Casa bracelet

Taken at the Jimenez-Arenas Reunion

What I Wore: 21men button up shirt, SM smart shorts, Puma shoes, Accessories from Aranaz and Forever 21

Taken at the Valera Reunion

What I Wore: SM Denim button up shirt, 21men pants, bracelet from Mia Casa

New Year's Eve

What I Wore: Topman Lady GaGa sweatshirt, SM smart shorts and shoes, F&H necklace

Note: the smart shorts I used were the same ones I used at the first 2 pics!

Some Pics from Christmas

Spent Christmas Eve with one of my best friends Kyo. Definitely one of the best nights of 2010

With Lola Baby 

Opening my tita's gift to me! Definitely one of my most favorite items at the moment! Yes the Sex and The City 2 book was inside that bag! Most faboosh presents ever!

What I've been up to

photos via: FHQ & Ingrid Roxas

Retail Therapy!!! Definitely one of the best during this break!!! Ingrid, Kyo and I went all out in Forever 21 last week!!! It was perfect timing too since they had the best deals EVER! I mean it! Buy 1 take 1? How could you say no!!! Example: Bought a pair of taupe pants then got a free button up polo shirt in return! I was able to stock up on basic shirts, skinny jeans and headpieces(crown go to post inner momsen)!!! After New Year, Ingrid (officially my new shopping buddy/forever 21 buddy) and I went back! I was able to get more shirts, sweatshirts and a pair of jeans! I think I'm definitely ready for term 3 at school! At least my wardrobe/closet is! I visited Topshop and Topman too! I was able to purchase the Lady GaGa sweatshirt and a cinched headband! Both of which I have been coveting! I'm guessing enough shopping for now since I'm definitely satisfied with my buys! Right Ingrid??? :)

I've been on quite the music high lately, so I wanna give you guys my current/first playlist for January/2011!  Some of the songs here, I'm sure the one's who go to Forever 21 religiously will find it familiar! Hope you guys listen to some of the songs!!!

January Playlist

Big Wave- Jenny & Johnny

Clap Your Hands (Prince Vince Remix) - Sia

Hands (Low Sunday Remix) - The Ting Tings

Skin - Rihanna

If I Ever Feel Better - Phoenix

Lisztomania - Phoenix

Baby (cover) - 3 a.m.

Hot Mess - Chromeo

If This was a Movie - Taylor Swift

Undercover Martyn - Two Door Cinema Club

Everything is Beautiful - Kylie Minogue

Brightly Wound - Eisley

Blow - Ke$ha

What The Hell - Avril Lavigne

Jump In - High Places

Alright! First post for 2011! Thats all for now! I still have no idea what to post next, but I'll be sure to update very soon! 

xx