#TrioThursday: Pearl Party

Though my need for accessorizing has definitely toned down from the past years, sometimes I still can’t resist the power of a statement necklace. So when Fashion Mia invited me to style up this pearl bauble necklace, I didn’t pass up on the chance. I think it’s just the classy update that the three outfits below need. And it doesn’t hurt that it matches equally well with pearl-accessorized pointy flats below.

Thank you Fashion Mia for partnering in this post. :)

Top: Here; Jumpsuit: Bugis in SG; Shoes: Zara; Bag: Mango

Top: Mango; Dress: Apartment 8 Clothing; Shoes: Zara; Bag: Mango

Jumpsuit: Sammydress; Shoes: Zara; Bag: Mango

Millennial Pink

In 2016, a light shade of pink named Rose Quartz was named one of the two colours of the year by Pantone. This year, it was declared to be Greenery. So whatever happened to Greens and what is this millennial pink that’s taking over IG feeds, fashion lines and restaurant decors recently? Lol.

While we do know that us girls will always be partial to pink but this type is not saccharine like Barbie pink but rather one in a soft muted shade ranging from beige to blush. It’s hard to tell how it slowly crept into our lives but many sources say Wes Anderson’s Grand Budapest Hotel might have been one influence.

Experts believe that this hue is currently in vogue because it represents androgyny and rejects the feminine/ girly girl associations of the color of the past. Add to it the fact that this is generally flattering to everyone and easy on the eye. I don’t know about this though because I’ve known men from way way back some guy friends who purposely dress up in soft pinks (to you know, score pogi points to girls, lol!).

As for the movie influence, what of Elle Woods in Legally Blonde and my fashion icon Audrey’s Funny Face? Perhaps what I’m saying is, this color isn’t really something new and has been around for a while. It’s just having its moment today (and being monetized at that). As this article points out, “once it’s named. The trend is over.” So how long will this last? That one we have to wait and see. Not that I’m in favor of it dying real soon. Lol.

And as much as I wish that there exists a hotel like that of Grand Budapest’s, for now I’d be happy to achieve #millennialpink and #feedgoals in this not so new café with #interiorgoals.

Dress: Zaful; Skirt: Mango; Hat: H&M; Shoes: Zalora

Red Gingham

I love following trends. But as what was pointed out here, I really agree that it is important that you still stick to your personal style and not just buy something because everyone is having it. Of course when it comes to polarizing trends such as this (sheer dress, anyone?), I love the part where I challenge myself and make a certain look my own. And I am grateful to have partners that allow me to tackle on trends without shelling out a single centavo. Still, when it comes to choosing items to feature from their lineup, I rather prefer tried and trusted trends – something like gingham.

When combined with on-trend ruffles for summer, this gingham skirt makes for a truly versatile piece. And when paired with chic summer accessories like this ark bag that FINALLY has landed on my hands (I will discuss in my next post), it’s once again another perfect summer combo. :) This ruffled skirt is from Zaful by the way.

Asymmetric Gingham Skirt

Top: Here; Hat: H&M; Shoes: Miss Selfridge

#FitnessFriday: Gym Dress Codes

If you’re someone like me who’s in the gym almost everyday (trust me, a 5-min walk or 15-min walk to the gym is a very good motivator *wink*), then chances are you get tired of your usual outfits. It’s not that I don’t recommend a “uniform” or a standard outfit formula (after all, sometimes we’re already stressed out on what to wear at work so why still bother for the gymwear?) but then again it feels good to switch things up a bit from time to time.

And who better to turn to for motivational gym outfits than one of the queens of athleisure Kendall J herself? Supported by other Adidas endorsers like Rita Ora, tracksuits are back but not the velour type of the 90s (one that I once dreamt of wearing, in pink. Haha!) but in different iterations. I’m talking about this black hooded one-piece from Sammydress that I didn’t realize is one hella sexy playsuit in the gym. Lol. Seriously, I felt like I was in a catwoman suit in this piece because of the fit. For someone like me who knows the discomforts of a jumpsuit, I can recommend this piece to wear for those times where you just wanna feel sexy while doing light gym workouts. :)

Skinny Hooded Jumpsuit

If you're joining group exercise classes in the gym though, one part of the fun particularly in the program that I teach (lol!) is the dress code. It's not something that happens every week for a class and sometimes the dress codes aren't that comfortable (lol!) but what the heck, it's just fun when everybody turns up in their own versions and interpretations of the theme. From animal prints to military to movie-inspired themes like Grease, the options are endless. I intend to bring the same culture to the new gym where I'm currently teaching (since most of them being K-Pop fanatics, lol!) and here's probably a good matching set from Zaful to wear. P.S. Actual gym wear for planned K-Pop night may vary. Haha!

Mesh Sleeves Cropped Top

Knitted Mini Skirt

P.S. No, we don't use balance balls in the program I'm teaching. Hahaha!

Columns

It was a particularly windy day with some rainshower to shoot but when you're pressed for time, you have to make the most out of it. Had to duck under these pretty columns to take photos of these dresses from Fashion Mia.  

I like how the pink dress exudes elegance and gives off some Jackie Kennedy vibes (FLOTUS feels if you would allow me ✌️ ) while the other one is just so romantic that you'd give your SO some butterflies 🦋🦋🦋 while wearing it. :P

As always, all styling are done by yours truly. Thank you Fashion Mia for partnering in this post. :)

#FitnessFridays: When Sportswear Meets Streetwear

You know just how relevant athleisure is when designers try to incorporate huge fashion trends even in activewear. Take for example my Zaful sports picks below featuring the still going strong (and forever favorite if I may add) shoulder-baring trend and lace-up details.

Sure, comfort over style may not always be my motto in most aspect of my dressing (lol!) but it's different when I'm in the gym now that I'm a group exercise instructor. Shheesssh. So when the bestie was worried whether the top would hinder my activities it being an off-shoulder cut, there was only one way to answer. Last Sunday, I used the pair for an hour of dance workout on stage. I was actually more worried about the lace part of the capri since it might untie while dancing.

And of course once again, Zaful passed the test of making activewear that are durable but within a good budget. The straps on the top still holds the sleeves like a tee so you can raise your arms without being restricted while the ties of the capri stayed all throughout the session. And just so you know, I'm one of the most jumpy instructors on stage. HAHAHA!!! So, if you're on the lookout for some quality gym outfits but on a good budget, you may check out the links below. Use the code ZAFULSALES1 to get additional discount for every $50 purchase. Happy shopping :)

Wrap Hem Capri Yoga Pants

Cold Shoulder Padded Crop Top

Sheer Me Out

Excuse my ignorance but when the bestie was asking on the phone whether the hotel we're staying at is the place called Army and Navy club, I said I don’t think so letting her drove past the stately white structure while I sit comfortably in our elegant room waiting for her. Lol.

Okay, so maybe the bellboy did orient me on the future grand plans of this boutique hotel when I checked in but never once did he tell me about the rich history of the place. Shame. But nothing a little research won’t solve, right?

So, Rizal Park Hotel is the exact spot where The Manila Army and Navy Club (built between 1910 and 1911) once stood. It used to be a national historic landmark and a glamorous enclave for American military officers and their wives/ families during the colonial era. This national heritage was abandoned 30 years ago (see? there goes my excuse) and restoration only started four years ago to turn it into a 5-star hotel/ heritage building.

Phase 1 of restoration is already completed as you can see in my previous post. But a quick tour around the ongoing construction for Phase 2 told me that there would be more than just the luxe interiors and copious use of arches in the lobby - there's gonna be an infinity pool overlooking the Manila Bay, a gym with lifetime membership, sky bar, fisherman’s wharf and everything would be completed by the end of this year. How exciting knowing that the place is just about 5 km away from our place :D

So, pictures taken here using this Zaful cover-up are on the infinity pool to be (see that panoramic view of Manila Bay?) and the still ongoing setup of alfresco coffee bar. As for my outfit, again got a new swimwear and a sheer cover-up on a rainy season? No problem. The cover-up worn here was styled ala-Coachella. After all, summer music festivals are still happening right about now in LA. :P

Sheer Cover Up

Sunnies: Here; Jacket/ Belt: Topshop; Shoes: Mango