A Fashion Exhibit

Came out last Thursday night to support my stylist friends/ SoFA classmates in the Devouring Vivaldi exhibit held at House Manila bar in Resorts World. The Selfless Minds featured the video exhibit of Christina Zabat and photo exhibit of the headshot master Niccolo Cosme. The girls styled some of the images in the exhibit. Of course our styling instructor Mr. Levenson Rodriguez was there. While it was also a reunion of sorts with the girls, it was also a good opportunity to meet some of the respected fashion designers of the country as represented by FADAL Manila. Check out the other pics in my other blog here.

A little background for my chosen outfit, since it was a busy working day with gym activities squeezed in between (new instructor duties), I had to think of an easy way to switch outfits from work to night-out. I retained my favorite high-waist/ wide leg trousers and changed top from a turtleneck/ trench combo to this gilet/ boyfriend vest and tube top. I've always wanted to copy this runway look and I hope I was able to pull it off. ;)

Vest: Mango; Trousers: Mango; Sandals: H&M

Bridesmaids in Coral

Two weeks before my friend's wedding and I can't help but feel excited for it. (Update: Yes, I'm gonna be a part of it!!!) So let's do some more wedding-related stuff here alright? This time though it's not gonna be bridal stuff but rather, the bridesmaids. Yay!

It's going to be a late spring/ summer wedding in Toronto and though I'm not a wedding expert, I think there's no better way to add whimsy to a wedding than dressing up the bridesmaids in pastel colors paired with vibrant hues for this season. :)

I'm not officially part of the entourage too (lol!) so this post is more of my idea of a fun yet sophisticated wedding expressed through the motif. Obviously, I love color-blocking and mix-and-match so much so the gallery below showcases a colorblocking of warm and cool colors in pastel tones that are truly eye-catching and pleasant but using only one coral skirt. #twowaytuesday let us hashtag it this way :P

First combo: mint and coral. Aaah, this is just so refreshing. Like sipping my favorite cocktail mojito on a daytime, haha! Mint has been a popular hue since around 2012 I believe and the trend never really died I suppose. Matter of fact I have this mint pencil skirt that I keep on mixing and matching with different hues and prints at work - which reminds me to put it in queue here. :P

The second one I reckon is not a popular color combo and is just something that occurred to me last Sunday while deciding what to wear. But I think lavender works well with coral too from here.What do you think? And yes, don't be so much shocked with the change. I finally decided to chop chop my hair from that length. Lol! I'll prolly talk more of it in the next posts since I always try to post emo stuff when I make drastic changes to my hair haha. Meanwhile, enjoy the pics below and expect more to come soon. :)

Mint & Coral

Dress: Bugis market (Singapore); Skirt: Mango; Necklace: Mango; Bag: Mango

Lavender & Coral

Dress: Apple & Eve; Skirt: Mango; Necklace: Aldo; Bag: Mango

An Anderson Reference

“The details, that’s what the world is made of.” – Wes Anderson

His movie poster for The Grand Budapest once caught my attention because of its whimsical nature. I remember saving a copy of the picture itself simply because “I like seeing pretty things.” Come to think about it, I didn’t even bother to get to know who the director was then.  Shame.

As fate would have it, the name Wes Anderson would eventually be revealed to me when our styling instructor grouped us to create an editorial inspired by one of his movies. He briefly gave us a background of the director – his penchant for sticking to a certain palette per movie.

Now that I have gathered more details about him for this post, the more I find myself curious to actually watch one of his films. Yet again, double shame because given the tight schedule, me and my classmate focused only on the color composition aspect per se of the movie The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou. Had I known how meticulous Anderson is when it comes to details, I would’ve seen the movie itself and gone gaga for this editorial. Like seriously. Reading this beginner’s guide to his movies is just soooo inspiring that I wanna apply his filmography techniques to styling. Haha!

But with a one week deadline, this is the by-product of our humble effort - red and blue by the bay. Still, I am proud of our collaboration given our meager resources (aka an iPhone5  for the shots and us taking photos of ourselves – the group was taken by Teray’s nanny) and I had really fun working with this girl.

Honestly, I had so many ideas for this homework that were not executed. The fashion styling class is over (*sob*) and a lot of the editorials submitted will be featured here soon. Wait for it. :) But I know to myself, this Wes Anderson editorial is not yet over. Haha! I don’t have to be in a styling class to work on it right? All I need is time and imagination….Soon…

Red gown: Mango

C&C: Camel & Cobalt

For someone who like me who lives in a tropical country, it’s a big wonder how I developed this much love for capes! I’ve long noticed this wonderful invention when I blogged about it 2 years ago here in my other lifestyle blog and the pursuit hasn’t stopped since then. I really do think that this is one of the fashion industry’s excellent layering piece. It’s like a poncho, scarf and a draped jacket all rolled into one. Also, it is such a statement that can serve as a focus single item in your look that whatever is underneath becomes entirely negligible. Although I think when done in a really striking color combo (read: camel and cobalt below) can also make a big impact. Check also Atlantic-Pacific’s lead in an almost similar combo here.

It may have helped Superman fly in the air but let’s face it - wearing it does also have its inconveniences. Think: how to carry your shoulder bag, how to raise your arms and in this country, how to escape funny comments from bullies at work. Lol! I know that comfort must always precede fashion but sometimes you just gotta feel like a super girl with a super chic accessory! ;-)

Cape: Mango

Dress: Dorothy Perkins

Shoes: Marks & Spencer

Japanese School Uniform

Japanese school uniforms are interesting because they are quite different from the standard school uniform of Western schools. It has been an iconic look of students in Japan because of the mangas and has even become uhmmm a fetish item for adult entertainment (what?!?!). I really didn't get that latter part but one look at it and I could say that it could pass for a corporate look - I mean the top part of course.

Today's #ootd feature is inspired by these so-called seifuku. It doesn't even have that sailor collar that reminds me of Sailor Moon but I learned that the students vary the layering styles according to seasons - hence here it is a blazer with a color that harmonizes with the skirt (it's actually a bright orange). The necktie is also another variation since most pictures would feature a bow. I just realized that I have experimented with different accessories before - suspenders, belts and hats but never a necktie. Why? Because I don't know how to do it. Lol! So what's the solution? Find a ready-made one in the kiddie section of the department store. Hahaha. I remember my brother having this when he was younger. =))) Of course, if the need arises like getting married in the future, I'd have to learn how to do the proper one for the husband. Right??? Riiiiiggghhhtttt! =))))

 Blazer: Mango

Buttondown: Mango

Skirt: Topshop

Shoes: Marks and Spencer

Bag: Charles 'n Keith

Sunnies: Flea market in Osaka

Pleated Culottes

A skirt-trouser hybrid – this is what makes this piece tough to pull off. It is also the reason why I’ve had this for a long time but wore it only a couple of times thinking it’s not that bad since like the PVC skirt in my last post, I got it also on sale from the same shop. :P

But with its recent resurgence in the runways, countless inspiring ways have emerged to wear this wide-leg bottoms  and I just couldn’t help being inspired. So, in a matter of months, I’ve managed to wear it in three ways as seen in my other blog here. :P But my personal favorite would have to be the one below: with my inspiration for losing weight this year – the cropped top (haha!) and a tailored jacket.

My favorite feeling is whenever I walk down the stairs.  What with its volume, yes it flows and sways but no need to fear on seeing undergarments because it is essentially a pants. Haha! 

Blazer: Mango

Top: Forever21

Trousers: Topshop

Shoes: Ezra by Zalora

Bag: Charles 'n Keith

Sunnies: Flea market find

PVC!

When this skirt first caught my eye, it was on sale. The color is neutral and makes for an easy palette. Plus, it has my size. What’s there not to like? My friend Ana reacted in a way that says – “Go! Only you can pull that off.”  But seriously, PVC in a pencil cut is just like any other normal work skirt. Need further proof? Check the three ways I wore it here. It’s just a material that can be quite uncomfortable at first and inconvenient if you’re not in a say, well-ventilated area. Paired with a white buttondown below, it couldn’t be more office-appropriate.  J

Sunnies: Ray Ban

Top: Mango

Belt: Mango

Skirt: Topshop

Shoes: Janylyn

Necklace: Zara

Plumage

I don't have much to say about this dress except that this is an old one, like more than 6 years ago. I bought it for a cocktail party (a phone launch) when I was still working for Samsung. I was also 10 pounds heavier then perhaps, if I may add. Haha! Back then I wasn't much into trends and I don't know if this animal print is going to make it to a leopard or cheetah status so as to proclaim it "the new black". What are the chances? I can't tell. But I like it and I love wearing dresses from way back.

I ditched the original belt included with this dress ( a plain black one) and used my leopard belt to channel Katy Perry's songs - Roar and Peacock. Hahaha! :D

Dress: Petit Monde

Belt: Mango

Shoes: Marks & Spencer

Bday Suit

Has it happened to you before? You're in another country spending your birthday weekend and all of a sudden, you receive a fancy lunch invitation from someone. I was even so proud to have packed lightly for my 4-day trip (everything in just one medium-sized tote with just a ballet flats and slip-ons). So you could just imagine how panicked I was when I got the invitation. This is truly a "I have nothing to wear" moment. Lol! I initially considered taking a raincheck but luckily I did my shopping quite early and scored this marked down high-low dress at H&M (15 SGD baby!). Well, the shoes were something new as well and somehow matched this vest (my airport-look!) though I know the whole look is best with heels. The earcuffs? Yes, I got them the same day with the dress. I've been looking for this since forever. I mean, don't you just love H&M? Haha! 

Oh and if you're asking, yeah the lunch date turned out fine. It was a good day! :)

Vest: Mango

Dress: H&M

Shoes: Rubi

Earcuffs: H&M

Watch: Mango

Emma-fied!

I still remember that moment where we all thought "Wow, look at her. She's all grown-up!"  It's that photo of her that circulated in the web soaking some sun while filming one of her movies two years ago.  And that was that.  Late and early this year I was on the lookout for Lupita Nyong'o's red carpet moments which are let's be honest, not exactly copy-able.  I wasn't looking much for style inspiration but there she is - always coming out everywhere looking so chic and sophisticated.  So when I found this ensemble that she wore for a Vogue Foundation Gala recently, I knew that it wouldn't take long for me to copy her look.  To deviate a bit, I injected my favorite animal print in my look. I've just been Emma-fied! I super duper love her! :)

Blazer: Forever21

Tank top: H&M

Belt: Mango

Trousers: Mango

Clutch: Dorothy Perkins

Shoes: Bebe

Sunnies: Sunnies Studios

Distressed DIY

I have this habit of raiding my brother's closet for some items to wear.  And today, it was this white V-neck tee with a bad chic print (not that I am, lol!).  I guess I'm never really a shirt and jeans type of girl so that's why I had to borrow from him.  As mentioned, you'll also seldom find me in jeans so when it occurred to me that I haven't worn this one below for about a year now, I reckon it  was a good guinea pig for some DIY project (and not my Pop's Levi's that I've been eyeing for some time now lol!).

Since distressed jeans are so fasyon right now, I attempted to be creative with my scissors last night. Riiiight.  Attempt is the term.  I believe the clothing material of this jeans wouldn't allow for some tassels as usually seen in the normal ones.  I didn't have the time as well as it was a flash bulb moment just as midnight was approaching (good job cakes! lol!) so this is all I came up with.  Haha!  But it earned about 13 likes in FB and around 17 likes in IG so I guess it's not that bad. Lol!  It's interesting though the likers in my Facebook are from some of my guy friends who don't usually like my #ootds.  Hmmmm.  Maybe they liked the shirt. Haha!

Blazer: Mango

Shirt: Triple P

Jeans: Human

Shoes: Marks & Spencer

Watch: Mango

Sunnies: Flea market

Lace x Lace

Call me shallow but apart for getting style inspirations from current events, I do dress up when I think of a nice caption too.  I don't know why, lol! You wouldn't believe what a corny caption did I manage to pull off on this one but hey, atleast it's a good combination.  Haha!  This skirt which has always been a yardstick of how much I gained or lost has been fitting really well for the least month thanks to my improved diet! So much that even layering a lace dress underneath is even possible.  Yes, this is a lace dress indeed! It has that same stretch material as that of the skirt which needless to say is only worn when I'm feeling super fit.  So hopefully, you'll get to see more of this dress in the future.  Oh and by the way,  still haven't mentioned the caption yet right? I'll save you the trouble of going to my IG (cassey_cakes is the handler if you must know, lol!).  Ready?  This.

Lace on Lace.  Because everybody feels "lacey" on a Monday.

Ok, kill me now! =)))))))

Sunnies: Dotonbori market in Japan

Dress: Mango

Skirt: Dorothy Perkins

Shoes: Dorothy Perkins

Necklace: Accessorize

Watch: Guess

The White Buttondown

Correct me if I'm wrong but I think nothing spells corporate more than a crisp white buttondown shirt.  Think: iconic looks like Miranda Priestly's in The Devil Wears Prada.  I myself had survived and championed (if I may add) many job interviews using that paired with of course the classic black pencil skirt.  But just like denim, this classic staple is not only limited to a basic black and white pairing.  It's a very versatile piece and can be worn in so many ways.  Here's another corporate styling using a gray wide-legged highwaisted trousers.  I may have channeled Miranda Priestly a bit in here.  So the question is, will this look pass for a fashion EIC? Haha!

Shirt: Mango

Trousers: Maldita

Shoes: Miss Selfridge

Necklace: Mango

Sunnies: Unbranded

Winter White

The Winter White theme has been on since like forever.  And just because it has “winter” word into it doesn’t mean that it’s not applicable in this tropical country.  Nope.  Certainly not.  Atleast for me! *laughs out loud*   

I’ve seen Iron Man 3 before but I happen to catch it again a few days TV prior to the day I wore this.  When I saw Gwyneth Paltrow in that white-on-white ensemble on the very first few scenes, a sudden flash of inspiration hit me.    I just knew that I have to reproduce something like it.  It's so smart and sophisticated.  So as a slight modification instead of a white dress, I opted for a white skinny jeans and a white tank top.  And to break up the look, I knew something dark such as bright red pointy flats the exact hue of my lips would be a good mix. 

And now that I have recreated her look, it’s time to work on establishing her figure.  Ooh la la.  Who doesn’t envy her physique?  A woman of marvel indeed! ;)

Blazer: Mango

Skinny Jeans: Mango

Tank top: Topshop

Shoes: Dorothy Perkins

Watch: Mango

Lips: Revlon True Red

Zebra Stripes

If you see a dress modeled by a Victoria's secret vixen Miranda Kerr in a fashion boutique catalog, what's the chance of you wearing it better? Nil.  Nada. Null.  Zero.  Absolute zip.  Haha! This number with contrasting neutrals is something that I will never miss from Mango.  The material, albeit figure-hugging, will always be work-appropriate for me.  In the catalog, Miranda wore it with a huge black belt (like seriously, is there a need to emphasize her already minuscule waist? :)) but thankfully, this yet-another monochrome vest has always got my back (or rather my waist, haha!).  Didn't wanna deviate from the theme, I wore it with my comfy snakeskin print pumps. :)

Dress: Mango

Vest: Forever21

Necklace: Accessorize

Watch: Mango

Shoes: Marks and Spencer
Sunnies: from Hanoi night market

Dots & Lace

This skirt, aside from being a steal from Topshop on a discounted price being the last of its size, has become a yardstick of how much I gain weight. :P  The fit is just right (and makes no leeway for any size increase whatsoever) when I first saw it and stubbornly insisted to buy it using the excuse "office-wearable". Luckily, for times when I slack on my diet a peplum top comes to the rescue to keep off those bulges when it feels too tight. :P

P.S.  I really need to start measuring my weight and don't just depend on clothes to tell me my body's status.  Hehe. :D

Top: Dorothy Perkins Polka Dot Peplum

Skirt: Topshop

Necklace: Chatuchak store in Bangkok

Shoes: Dorothy Perkins

Watch and Wallet: Mango 

Hint of Gold!

This combination is memorable because its something quick that I came up with in that morning.  The inspiration came from the gold skinny belt that my Aunt left at home.  I thought I might as well use it while it's there.  Haha.  I created a blue color scheme by pairing my trumpet dress with that cobalt blue blazer from Mango (that will forever remind me of Kate Moss in that Mango cover).  It has some gold buttons that perfectly match the gold tip teal shoes.  For the accessories, I opted for a different hue with some emerald-like layered necklace.  And oh, I remember having a movie date in that afternoon too! :P

Dress: Dorothy Perkins

Blazer: Mango

Shoes: Dorothy Perkins

Necklace: Unbranded

Belt: Unbranded

Sunnies: Ray-ban

Eclectic!

For this blog's debut, I chose one of my favorite work #ootds.  The prints and textures chosen, albeit clashing worked well I guess. :)  This dress is also special because it's a hand-me-down from my favorite aunt.  It'd be a shame not to dress it up properly. ;-)

Dress: Plains n' Prints

Shoes: Marks n Spencer

Sunnies: Aldo

Belt: Mango

Necklace: Diva

Bag:  Cole Vintage