The Mango F/W 2011 Collection fashion show had a dress code (not strictly) imposed on its guests. The theme was "luxe grunge" which is (according to wikipedia, gahd I hate quoting that site) said to be a chicer, updated, grunge boho look; unkempt approach to wardrobe popularized by the Olsen twins.

My boyfriend has a funny remark on this term. He was protesting that it was merely a fashionable excuse for the Olsen twins and the rich but unpolished-looking people like them who can afford the luxury of spending for designer items. Though he has a point, I don't care so much about that since I've always been bias to this kind of aesthetic. 

Coming up with an outfit for the event wasn't such a problem for me because I knew right away that I could wear my rotting black fur vest and my all-around nude cocktail dress, which were both sitting in my closet for months. For my accessories, I just went with the black trinkets that I have and piled them on. As for the shoes, instead of my initial black boots, I had a last-minute change of heart and went for my leopard lace-up booties.

And as always, when I'm wearing it, expect it to be inexpensive yet fashionable enough. You guys know how strongly I advocate budget fashion. I've always believed that I don't have to spend the part, to look the part. Would you believe this dress from one of my favorite stores, Tomato, is only PHP 700?! Such a steal right? While my Penshoppe necklace is only P329, but I got it for free since it's courtesy of the brand. The rest are either random or thrifted, so you can probably imagine how cheap my whole look is. Haha!

One of the main reasons why I started this blog is to inspire ordinary girls like me to pursue their urges to "dress up" and still be frugal at the same time. Every style enthusiast can keep up with the latest in fashion, or go to social events without the need to be conscious with who or what brand, or what price the others are wearing. None of those matter I tell you.

Photo by Tracy Ayson

Tiger ring (right hand) SM Dept Store, Silver pearls ring (left hand) F-STOP Accessories

That night, when I got a couple of compliments from my fellow bloggers with either my entire outfit or for some parts of it, I felt good about it. It's an affirmation that the style philosophy that I share with most of you is something to be proud of. I was even surprised when Daryl Chang came up to me (after she took Ava's photo) and asked if she could take mine too. I'm like, "Yeaboi! Budget fashion reprezent!" Haha.