The Bazaar You Missed Out On

I love a good bargain. I mean...who doesn’t? When it comes to clothes, I do not splurge. (Well, only when it comes to ultra mega sale items that are out of my budget but still within that safe zone so as to avoid getting broke.) The tiangge at Greenhills, and sales at H&M already satisfy my fashion appetite. Topshop and Zara...they’re like gold to me. Shining. Shimmering. Splendid.

And so, when I found out that there would be a bazaar at the Rockwell Tent from May 15-17, I brought along my lucky wallet and the hope of carrying home a heavy shopping bag after the marathon.

The Superb Fashion Fair was this bright, colorful, heaven. It’s a miracle how good quality clothing can be extremely, extremely affordable. The bazaar’s got everything any fashion girl could want at the moment---neoprene bikinis, drawstring bags (in pretty cool designs), off-shoulder tops, sandals, mandals, Birks, and a smorgasbord of makeup.

Herewith, my finds from this treasure trove of a bazaar.

LOLA AND DAISIES

Halfway through our first round of "surveying" the scene, my friend and I came across this small shop. The rack filled with neoprene sets in colors from cream, blue, blush, and black caught my attention. Actually, I stumbled upon Lola and Daisies on Instagram, so I was SO GLAD to have finally come face-to-face with it. 

It's got all the fashion essentials of the now:

1. Funnel-neck tops 

2. Boxy tops in quality textiles (cotton croc skin, anyone?)

3. Matching sets

4. And A TON of basic tops 

I don't go for color. Never. (Well, except for navy blue and burgundy.) However, I really liked this print! The green colors aren't too summery so I could wear it and not look like I'm going to Bora. 

Looking for matching sets in cool prints like stripes and/or boho prints? You must shop here! And don't worry, the shorts fit well and don't bunch up in places it shouldn't. This set comes in a variety of stripes---broad, thin, and all of the above. 

5 REASONS WHY YOU SHOULD CHECK OUT LOLA AND DAISIES:

1. They have basics that you could mix and match.

2. They have pieces for the day. 

3. They have pieces for nights-out; like delicate sheer tops with lace cutouts. 

4. The best part? You can customize and design your own neoprene set, from the cut, color, and fit!!! 

5. You get more bang for your buck compared to buying the same basics from high-street brands.

Sherbet colored #neoprene co-ords, anyone? They'll be out real soon! 💕 #lola_daisies #lolaanddaisiessummer2015 #lolaanddaisiesexclusive 🌸

A photo posted by Lola and Daisies 🌸 (@lola_daisies) on Mar 15, 2015 at 3:16am PDT

Just In: Our Tropical Set gets an update with this new sleeveless top and pleated skirt combo! 🌼 #lola_daisies #lolaanddaisiesexclusive #lolaanddaisiessummer2015 🌸

A photo posted by Lola and Daisies 🌸 (@lola_daisies) on Apr 4, 2015 at 3:06am PDT

Stripes all day, everyday! 😎 Aimee Striped Funnel Top in Black & White | #lola_daisies 🌸

A photo posted by Lola and Daisies 🌸 (@lola_daisies) on Mar 30, 2015 at 3:56am PDT

Here are other cult online shops that offer feminine styles with a retro twist:

CARISSE 

Twirling in the Oahu skirt #coolgirlswearcarisse

A photo posted by Carisse by Carmen Araneta (@shopcarisse) on Apr 27, 2015 at 6:13pm PDT

NEON ISLAND 

How's your long weekend going? 🌵Checkout our #pureshores playlist on spotify for your Roadtrip music needs!

A photo posted by Neon Island Clothing (@neonisland) on May 2, 2015 at 4:59am PDT

Paris and Milan Photo Diary

If there's one thing I'll miss about Paris, it would be smelling like cigarettes and perfume after walking out of any joint. 

Ever since I was a kid, I've ALWAYS dreamed of going to Paris. I even bought a miniature Eiffel Tower and placed it at the highest shelf in my room to remind me of this dream. Paris seemed to have this certain charm. And, lest we forget, it's probably the birthplace of Fashion. Coco Chanel once walked down those streets. And Yves once reveled by the Seine. My affinity for all things vintage was another factor. Flappers and drunkards would mingle in cafes (they partied hard!) and everyone would just dance in the middle of the streets (according to Mrs. Vreeland). 

So I really needed to know: What's the big deal? 

I needed to find out for myself. 

I needed to experience those things, at least vicariously. (I mean, I can't travel to the 20s...)

When the time finally came to say bonjour, I made sure I packed some French basics and a whole lotta memory cards. 

The city was divine. And it seemed like having at least one pair of black booties is de rigueur. Everyone was well-dressed--just how I imagined it to be! The norm? Plain tops, boots, skinny jeans, a great bag, and well, black everything. Red lipstick is optional. I was thrilled to have finally witnessed what French style truly is. And I'm glad to say, it lived up to expectations. Did I see any famous faces? SADLY, NOOOO! Carine Roitfeld, I WILL meet you one day. MARK MY WORDS.

The view from Trocadero Station.

Booksellers by The Seine. (A lot of kitschy stuff here, which I'm totally into!)

My daily breakfast. 

Some nipple-pinching action going on here. My fave at the Louvre!

Versailles

31 rue Cambon. Coco Chanel's apartment and atelier.

Centre Pompidou

Big breakfasts at Ladurée.

Ernest Hemingway fans, rejoice. 

The Duomo, Milan.

We went on this cruise boat by a quaint village called Bellagio. Houses must be of a certain color palette---nudes, browns, pinks, corals, oranges, and yellows. 

Reminded me of The Grand Budapest Hotel for some reason. (SUPER LOVE THE PINK COLOR!!!)

Bellagio, Italy.