A Very Merry Christmas

Hello everyone! Merry Christmas to you all!!! 

This Christmas season was truly joyful. I got to spend time and make precious memories with my family and friends. But, most of all, I was able to rekindle my faith in my Lord and my God. May the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ bring nothing but peace and happiness to your families!

My Christmas Day outfit, and certain characters that I would picture myself personifying, have been popping up in my head since last night. Should I be dainty and feminine? Classic and sophisticated? Or should I just throw on my black maxi skirt, put on a top and necklace, and call it a day? Well, I ended up revolving my outfit around a gift I received from one of my best friends... a headpiece! The moment I saw the headpiece I thought: MADONNA. For those of you who don't know, I LOVE MADONNA. (If you haven't listened to her new song, please do. It's called Living for Love. It's the bomb. Trust me.) I didn't want to look like I was in the music video of Borderline, so I went for a classic look with dazzling accessories and a black and white color palette. As I browsed through the images, I felt like I somehow evoked a 1940's / 1950's woman. 

Who knew that one headpiece could make me go time travelling?  

6 H&M Sweaters to Buy Before the Season Ends

If you haven't made any knitted purchases yet, then now is probably the best time because:

1) The season is ending, and it's never too late to indulge in the latest fall trends. 

2) The end-of-season sales are coming up! It's always great to save some cha-ching. 

I've been scouring the H&M website in search of great sweaters for any style. And here, I present to you six! Feel free to dress it up any way you like, whether you're just heading out to the mall or going abroad. Play with different textures like delicate loose knits, or chunky armor-like ones. Being cozy never looked this good. 

BIRDS OF A FEATHER

Php 1,690

As seen in the image below, birds have made their debut in the Fall runways. This sweater has got great bright colors that can even work when Spring comes. 

FUZZY 

Php 1,490

I like how this isn't your typical fuzzy sweater which we usually see--tight and cropped. This one actually covers your tummy and arms (and will actually keep you warm).

TURTLENECKS

Php 2,290

Php 2, 990

These two sweaters are my favorite ones because of their slouchy shapes. They only differ in their turtleneck styles: volumized and slim. I think that the red sweater would be great for really chilly nights that do require you to wear something to keep you warm. On the other hand, the dirty beige sweater would be great for keeping warm AND for going out. To wear this one for a dressy outfit, just pair it with skim black trousers, heels, and accessories

ROCK N' ROLL

Php 599

Php 1,490

Bring in the leather pants and skinny jeans! These sweaters are best when worn with no accessories because they are already exploding with character. I love the blue one because of its disheveled and carefree vibe. It's okay to ACT like you're in Santa's naughty list right?

IMAGE SOURCES:

Main image: Richard Llegner / Moment Select

Cardigans and sweaters. HM.com/ph. Retrieved December 24, 2014 from http://www.hm.com/ph/subdepartment/LADIES?Nr=4294854906#Nr=4294874856.

Fall 2014 runway trends. Harper's Bazaar. Retrieved December 24, 2014 from http://www.harpersbazaar.com/fashion/fashion-week/top-fall-2014-runway-trends#slide-14.

Flight of fancy. Fashionista.com. Retrieved December 24, 2014 from http://a3.files.fashionista.com/image/upload/c_fit,dpr_1.0,q_80,w_620/MTE5NDg0MDU5NTc0OTYxNjc5.jpg

'Tis the Season to be Stylish: Challenge 2

     

     Rain deer sweaters not necessary.

      Christmas break is just around the corner for many of us, and this is usually the time when social events are at its peak. I love Christmas season not only because of the immense joy I feel from the people around me, but because of the outfits I can experiment with!

      Seize those opportunities when you are invited to a a quaint lunch or even a fancy dinner--- they're your moments to exercise your style wits. And so, this post is dedicated to celebration and its gift of bringing together our loved ones. May you get together in all the sparkle and shimmer your heart desires! Cheers!

A DAY OUT WITH FRIENDS

A chill day with friends doesn't mean you have to sacrifice style.

BOHO

For my first suggestion, Boho, avoid looking like you came from Coachella. My take on Boho is modern with just a hint of gypsy. You can wear a long printed maxi dress and pair it with nude stilettos. Or, you can be a whimsy Daisy Dream girl that Marc Jacobs will approve of: flowy peasant blouses in intricate prints. If you just want to add subtle flair, go for capes with fringes. 

NORMCORE

I love normcore to my very core because I just feel so comfortable in black, white, denim, and slouchy separates. If you haven't tried one of 2014's biggest style trends, then here are some suggestions!

It's all about nonchalance. Grab some basic tops in black or white, with silhouettes that stray away from the body. Distressed denim, boyfriend jeans, or culottes are also a must. Lastly, the cherry on top of a deliciously normcore outfit would be SANDALS. 

LUNCH

Ladies who lunch? Well now, it's all about 'millenials who lunch'. Here are some on-trend looks!

PREPPY

Do you feel comfortable in collared shirts or polos? Then maybe this athleisure + preppy style is for you. It's perfect for lunch because it's casual but very sharp. For a look that doesn't scream Ralph Lauren, go for athleisure pants that are slightly baggy and tapered at the ankles. Graphic prints such as grids are en pointe. If you're heading out to a sophisticated lunch, then match a cool white blazer with a pastel skirt and brightly-hued trainers! 

GLAM

A more feminine look for lunch would be a simple red top; either a skin-tight one or a boxy one. Look city chic with simple jeans and rockin' heels! Bold accessories will give this outfit the glam stamp.

DINNER

Tra-la-la-la! A dinner with your barkada or your family calls for some major style wattage.

MONOCHROMATIC 

Nothing says understated fabulous more than monochromatic dressing. Be wise, and mix and match pieces of different textures and cuts. Go for a school-girl inspired outfit a la Cher Horowitz, or a vampy siren like Candice Swanepoel. 

Another big trend for 2014 would be keeping makeup minimal or au naturel. This goes really well with a monochromatic outfit. 

CLASSIC GLAM

My second suggestion for a dinner outfit would be classic glam! Think ruby red lips, winged eyeliner, and glorious gold accessories. I think a jumpsuit in a bright and bold color like crimson or cobalt would look fantastic. If you want to tone it down, wear a blush pink jumpsuit and just layer on the accessories. 

FAMILY REUNION

Show all your family members how confident you are! (But don't wear ultra-revealing clothing)

UNEXPECTED DETAILS

Have some fun yet be conservative by accentuating just one of your assets. Show off your back, your waist, or maybe some leg! If you want to go for an overall dramatic effect, matching separates with laser cut details will do the trick. 

Grey Ties

In the days of yore, my slightly younger self was obsessed with the classic Old Hollywood glamour look---black, white, gold, and red lipstick. I have always been attracted to maximalism because of the way it adds dimension and a whole lot of personality to any outfit. But now... gone are those days of layers of cuffs and gold bangles. This is the new me--- a minimalistic me. Now that I am older, I've learned that minimalism can say a lot without saying much.

Coco Chanel once said: "Before you leave the house, look at the mirror and remove one accessory."

Hmmm maybe I'll keep one bangle just this time. 

One time, I stumbled upon a photo of someone in a skirt with sleeves made to mimic a jacket's sleeves or a chambray's sleeves. I thought, 'Omg that's so cool!!!' And so when my eye caught sight of this among the other skirts in the rack, I knew I had to get it. I tried to google the name of the skirt:

 "skirt with sleeves front" ?
"skirt with jacket sleeves" ?

until finally:

"fake sleeves skirt" 

Main Image: Alexander McQueen

Three Things: Simple Joys

This week's been pretty long, so I just wanted to share with you Three Things that put a smile on my face.

1. Chance by Chanel Hair Mist
         This was a gift from my friend which means a lot to me because it was inspired by one of my blog posts. I was really touched because it feels fulfilling to know that my friends support me in this journey! So I've been spritzing this on every day this week, and it lasts until the evening! Smells amazing.
2. Smashbox Eyelid Primer
         Another gift from a close friend! I tried this last weekend and my eye makeup did not smudge nor get destroyed--- proof that it works wonders.
3. Preview November issue
         With Trigonometry, circuits, and oligopoly constantly bombarding my brain and consequently cutting my downtime,
   I WAS NOT ABLE TO READ THE NOVEMBER ISSUE OF PREVIEW DURING THE MONTH OF NOVEMBER ITSELF. I REPEAT I WAS NOT ABLE TO READ IT.
   It was so difficult for me to find the time to read my most beloved magazine. And since I am only 2 issues away from completing my 2014 collection, I wouldn't let a small mishap stop me.
   And so.... I had one reserved in National Bookstore Rockwell.
   Luckily, my sorrow departed from me during dismissal today when I opened the car door to my mom holding out Preview!!!!!!!!
   
   I guess it's time for me to call Rockwell and take back my reservation...