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Necklace, Built to Wear
Click "Read More" for full entry and outfit details
The month of May is my lucky month, I guess. On second thought, I'd rather not think of it as luck but as a combination of hard work, patience and most of all, God's providence. Of all the many things that I do as a freelancer (production management for film and events, social media work, online PR, writing, hosting, styling, entrepreneurship etc.), one of the things I love most and would really want a career in is hosting.
Finally, I'm fully booked with hosting projects this month. Thank you Lord!!!
Fashionable flats
Nautical, scarf print sheer top
I've come up with an acceptable name (not as creative as I wanted it to be) to call my entries every time I give a quick rundown of some beauty and fashion news. Since the word "announcement" has been overly used, the peg is similar to a news report - fast and informative.
Fashion News Flash cover. Click "Read More" for exciting details!
My good friend and blog sister Aisa declared last October 18, 2011 as the National Day of Events for bloggers. Of course, that pronouncement was one of her many benta jokes. However, we (her fellow bloggers) couldn’t agree more.
I’m not sure what was so special about that particular date but for some reason, it was the same day when the following events were scheduled: MTV Exit Press Conference, Canon Pixma Launch, Freeway X Manansala Special Tribute, Multiply Shopping Party and MEGA’s Fashion Crew Grand Finale Event.
It’s pretty practical to just choose one event among the bunch but on the contrary, it is ideal to attend everything on the list. I can picture you guys reading this and asking in your heads the big WHY with me throwing back a “WHY NOT?” at you.
But before I continue with what I have to say, (this is me having a disclaimer now, haha) you would probably judge that I’m such a hypocrite whenever I would go on and tell you about how tiring it is to be present to almost every event that I get invited to.
Honestly, going to events (almost every day) really wears me out.
But being a freelancer, jumping from one project to another, my schedule is pretty much unpredictable because I don’t do an eight-hour routine job. My socially mobile nature subconsciously drives me to go whenever my planner tells me I can pretty much squeeze it in.
My income as a free agent depends on how many projects I book (some months doing so great, and some doing just okay) and gracing events gives me an advantage that helps me network, meet people and build contacts. Most importantly, I personally believe that attending (as long as I’m free) is a form of “courtesy” to the brands and PR agencies who have given my blog opportunities and exposure that I’m truly thankful for.
Taking into mind all these reasons, I knew that I couldn’t just choose one. And so, I went with the latter three. Realistically speaking, I’m not paid to go to any of these events and so, it was a practical move to keep myself busy with work during the day and have some fun later in the evening.
For this event-hoping night, I admit, I was pretty conscious of what my outfit would be. Being a “fashion blogger” there’s a certain pressure to keep up with what everyone would probably be wearing just so I would somehow “blend in” (to stand out is another option) in a sea of fasyon people.
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| Cardigan Vivienne Westwood | Bodycon dress Closet Chic | Boots Shoe Etiquette |
But unlike a good number of fashion bloggers who can wear basically anything because they have their own cars, a fashionista commuter like me has always been in a constant struggle deciding on what I really want to wear without the fear of getting mugged in the (let’s be honest) not-so-safe streets of Manila.
It is indeed a tough act to juggle fashion, safety and comfort altogether. But I get by because I’ve been commuting all my life (mostly riding jeepneys, buses, trycicyles and trains) and it has opened my eyes to all the social realities out there.
1. Safety Always Comes FIRST.
No matter where you’re going or what the occasion is, safety should always be your priority. You can’t always have someone else to accompany you and even riding a taxi doesn’t guarantee security.
When I pick out an item in my closet, I keep in mind my chances of attracting attention – good and bad. If possible, I prefer to remain unnoticed during my whole commuting period. My paranoia starts kicking in when people stare at me. There’s no way for me to know what each person is thinking. Who knows, I could be a target (yikes).
P.S. If it will be too dangerous for you to commute to an evening event, then don't go. I'm sure the person who invited you would understand.
P.S. If it will be too dangerous for you to commute to an evening event, then don't go. I'm sure the person who invited you would understand.
2. Never Forget Your Flats
No matter how comfortable you say your heels or wedges are, I strongly suggest you give your feet much love and wear flats first.
Commuting requires you to be quick on your feet. You need to be on the look out when you cross the streets and most of all, be alert for any danger. In my experience, heels can slow down your pace and can keep you distracted especially when you start to feel pain or when all you can think about is how to walk on them without slipping or falling flat on your face.
With a pair of comfy flats, you'll be able to walk so much faster and move with ease when you do long walks and climb the stairs (when crossing foot bridges or overpass). Just make sure these are the lightweight ones or the roll-in flats that come in a convenient packaging.
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| Thena killer boots courtesy of Shoe Etiqutte |
3. Don't Get Your Bling On Yet
Fashion isn't worth any danger and so I try to maintain a really low profile bordering on wanting to be invisible when I commute. I pack all my accessories in a kit and wear them before I get to be seen in the event.
Chunky necklaces, stack of bangles, statement rings - all these give your outfits that pow, umpf, whatever x-factor you call it. Wearing all these during travel will (let's face it) draw unnecessary attention. There will be a lot of avenues for you to express your creativity in your style. The jeepney, or the bus, the train, or the sidewalk is not the place for it though.
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| Printed bangle from Tomato, Tiger ring from SM Accessories, the rest from F-STOP |
4. Save Your Stylish Self for Later
Always prepare for two looks. Dress down as a random commoner on the way and when you get there, transform into the trendsetter that you really are. It’s not as difficult as it sounds like. When you do this, make sure these two looks comprise of almost the same pieces of your planned outfit. Transforming to the second look can be as simple as adding something or taking out a piece from your ensemble.
One of your options is to use a bigger bag that can house an extra top and/or a pair of shoes. Dress comfortably first and when you reach your destination, head first to the comfort room, change your top, slip on those heels and don't forget to retouch your make-up.
My usual trick when I commute is I put on a blazer or any kind of cover-up first, and then remove it afterwards. I always aim to look as plain (or covered) as I can. For that night, I got out of my house wearing this long mullet-style cardigan and used a belt to wrap it around my body to hide the sexy floral bodycon dress underneath.
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| Sexy floral bodycon dress courtesy of Closet Chic |
I would have to stop here for now and save a few other tips for another entry. After realizing how long this entry has been, I've convinced myself that some of you are either bored or tired by now reading this lengthy article. Anyway, the next set of tips and tricks, I can share some other time but these four are on the top of my list.
Don't forget the order: safety, comfort, fashion. Thinking of your safety is not an option; it's a mind-set. I couldn't stress that any further. Ever since my older brother (at the age of 22) who went to a party with his friends, unexpectedly passed away a few years ago, I've never ever stopped thinking about how precious (and short) life is. I would never risk it for anything, especially if it's just fashion.
Stay safe everyone!
P.S. I used to hate writing tips about any topic because I feel like people might judge me, thinking I'm pretending to know better than any one else. I don't, really. But if there's anything you appreciate or dissent about my blog entries, feel free to comment or send me an e-mail (melanie_entuna@yahoo.com).
Win beauty products, supplies, tea & drinks, and more!
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| Fur vest, belt & shoes Thrifted | Dress Tomato | Necklace c/o Penshoppe | Bangles Photo by Frank Ruya |
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.
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| The look was featured on Stylebible.ph and in Behind Bjorn in Manila |
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.
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.
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| Photo by Tracy Ayson |
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| 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.
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In my previous posts, I told you the story behind my absence from the blogging world. But despite the lack of blog posts, in one way or another, I’ve managed to squeeze in some events in my schedule. I know, kakasabi ko lang na naging busy ako! So how was going to events even possible right? I know right! But oh well the operational word I said was “squeeze in,” haha.
It may be waaaay (how would I emphasize that further?!) toooo late to post these but what the heck right?
Posh and Pretty
Bloggers mani-pedi bonding day
Aside from the brain, the hands and feet are two of the most overworked and neglected parts of the body. Of all the blogger events that I’ve gone to, having a relaxing and intimate night with close blogger friends while having my nails prettified is definitely a fresh experience. A break from all the social parties and major outfit dilemmas, a free manicure and pedicure bonding day is something that I look forward to again!
SCENTer Stage
Tomato’s fragrance launch
Each stand-out and stylish look ought to have a complementary scene-stealing scent. With that in mind, Tomato has come up with a pair of scrumptious fragrances not just to match its collection of fashionable wear and accessories; but also to boost confidence among the ladies. Looking the part also requires smelling the part and Tomato’s newest fragrance line keeps you smelling Oohlalicious and Vavalicious while dressed up at your best.
Tattooed in Time
Globe Tattoo X Swatch
Street style fashion and the realm of Cosplay are two different worlds and it’s nice to come out of the comfort zone every once in a while. As Globe Tattoo celebrates the individuality and creativity of the new generation, Tattoo partners with Swatch to bring to life out-of-this-world online characters in an exciting Cosplay competition along side with the launch of Swatch’s New Gents collection created by noted Japanese artist, Hiroyuki Matsuura. Crafty and unique designs of locally homegrown talents walk the runway to complement each of Matsuura’s wrist art. Kermit Tesoro, Louis Claparols, Jerome Lorico, Eric delos Santos, Jerome Ang and Martin Bautista all showcased specially-designed creations inspired by the six Gent characters of the latest Swatch collection.
Need for Speed
Dubbed as the fastest USB Modem designed to connect to HSPA+ 4G networks at the speed of 10mbps, Globe tattoo released its newest product Lamborghini stick with its cutie-pie racer endorser Marlon Stockinger. Since I haven’t tested the product, I can’t really say anything about it, so just read reviews all over the internet.
It may be waaaay (how would I emphasize that further?!) toooo late to post these but what the heck right?
Posh and Pretty
Bloggers mani-pedi bonding day
Aside from the brain, the hands and feet are two of the most overworked and neglected parts of the body. Of all the blogger events that I’ve gone to, having a relaxing and intimate night with close blogger friends while having my nails prettified is definitely a fresh experience. A break from all the social parties and major outfit dilemmas, a free manicure and pedicure bonding day is something that I look forward to again!
SCENTer Stage
Tomato’s fragrance launch
Each stand-out and stylish look ought to have a complementary scene-stealing scent. With that in mind, Tomato has come up with a pair of scrumptious fragrances not just to match its collection of fashionable wear and accessories; but also to boost confidence among the ladies. Looking the part also requires smelling the part and Tomato’s newest fragrance line keeps you smelling Oohlalicious and Vavalicious while dressed up at your best.
Tattooed in Time
Globe Tattoo X Swatch
Street style fashion and the realm of Cosplay are two different worlds and it’s nice to come out of the comfort zone every once in a while. As Globe Tattoo celebrates the individuality and creativity of the new generation, Tattoo partners with Swatch to bring to life out-of-this-world online characters in an exciting Cosplay competition along side with the launch of Swatch’s New Gents collection created by noted Japanese artist, Hiroyuki Matsuura. Crafty and unique designs of locally homegrown talents walk the runway to complement each of Matsuura’s wrist art. Kermit Tesoro, Louis Claparols, Jerome Lorico, Eric delos Santos, Jerome Ang and Martin Bautista all showcased specially-designed creations inspired by the six Gent characters of the latest Swatch collection.
Need for Speed
Dubbed as the fastest USB Modem designed to connect to HSPA+ 4G networks at the speed of 10mbps, Globe tattoo released its newest product Lamborghini stick with its cutie-pie racer endorser Marlon Stockinger. Since I haven’t tested the product, I can’t really say anything about it, so just read reviews all over the internet.
Bravo Filipino
Freeway’s National Collectors Series featuring F.Sionil Jose
First in its fashionalism campaign, Freeway launches the fifth installment of its Nationalist Artist Collectors’ Series Fall 2011 Collection featuring the works of National Artist for Literature, F.Sionil Jose. Previous collections pay tribute to National Artists Nick Joaquin (Literature), Ang Kiukok (Visual Arts), Jose Garcia Villa (Literature) and Ramon Valera (Fashion Design). For the first time, the brand features a living national artist whose writings about social justice and anti-elite views have gained international recognition.
F. Sionil’s works are featured in a pocket collection of trendy graphic tees and tailored tops and dresses made not just for casual dressing but also for work and special occasions. The event was also graced by TV and theater Cherie Gil, gifted musician/poet, journalist and artist Lourd De Veyra and prima ballerina Liza Macuja-Elizalde.
Whew! These are just some of the events that I failed to blog during my absence so imagine how many more are left for me to publish! But I'm not worried. I know I'll get to minimizing my backlogs soon since I'm still regaining momentum.
Freeway’s National Collectors Series featuring F.Sionil Jose
First in its fashionalism campaign, Freeway launches the fifth installment of its Nationalist Artist Collectors’ Series Fall 2011 Collection featuring the works of National Artist for Literature, F.Sionil Jose. Previous collections pay tribute to National Artists Nick Joaquin (Literature), Ang Kiukok (Visual Arts), Jose Garcia Villa (Literature) and Ramon Valera (Fashion Design). For the first time, the brand features a living national artist whose writings about social justice and anti-elite views have gained international recognition.
F. Sionil’s works are featured in a pocket collection of trendy graphic tees and tailored tops and dresses made not just for casual dressing but also for work and special occasions. The event was also graced by TV and theater Cherie Gil, gifted musician/poet, journalist and artist Lourd De Veyra and prima ballerina Liza Macuja-Elizalde.
Whew! These are just some of the events that I failed to blog during my absence so imagine how many more are left for me to publish! But I'm not worried. I know I'll get to minimizing my backlogs soon since I'm still regaining momentum.
Top Bossini | Floral shorts F-STOP (Fashion Stop) SHOP VINTAGE | Bag courtesy of Tomato
Hat SM Dept. Store | Boots Timberland
In blogging, if there’s one thing I learned about taking a break, though it’s really important to have one every once in a while, I don’t recommend having too much of it.
When I took a blogging hiatus last May, my reason then was I needed to focus all my energy in ensuring the success of Bloggers United Bazaar (BUB). The tedious task of organizing an event had me burnt out, exhausted and uninspired to blog. But right after, instead of going back to my regular blogging routine, I've slipped back, unexcited to put my thoughts and experiences to words and have been really lazy to dress up.
After BUB, I still have a lot of things to do. However, being busy isn't a valid excuse anymore. I realized that I would always be busy no matter what. After one project, I would have another, and another one next to that. (How come Chuvaness blogs almost every day despite her busy sched? haha.)
This absence of motivation had me wondering. Has blogging become insignificant in my life now? It seems that way but I would like to believe that it's not. After all, I met a lot of lovely (from the inside) people in the blogging community and it has brought me countless blessings disguised as opportunities that I would be forever thankful for.
Have I lost the momentum? Probably. Or maybe it's cognitive dissonance; I don't know.
Style and Soul was born out of my love to discuss matters of my soul which are occasionally political, social and mostly personal and emotional while sharing my fondness for shopping and dressing up on a budget. Style and Soul wanted to say that not everything is and should be about fashion. However, today, the practice has been contradicting to this blog's initial mission. I have allotted a large chunk of it talking about clothes, shoes, cosmetics, brands and events instead of telling my thoughts on RH & Divorce Bill, the status of the decade-pending cases like the Vizconde massacre and Dacer-Corbito murder case, the flash flood that happened in Davao, the high inflation rate at present (despite the lack of salary increase), and so on, so forth.
For someone who keeps a style blog with sporadic advertorial, who's just in her first year of doing so, I feel extremely weird to be feeling this way (as early as this). Bloggers that I look up to have been in the community for years before having this kind of sentiment. I just sense an odd pressure to keep up with everybody's fashion posts, the same way I've been stressing myself on writing something that I think would contribute to my readers' awareness of social issues - putting me under unwanted self crisis and anxiety.
After this personal "check and balance," I still wouldn't be able to guarantee that I would not fall back to what the others usually do. As much as I love fashion, I guess I will always strive to find meaning in life, keep myself conscious and aware and let the person in me grow just so I'd lessen this feeling of remorse over my superficial and materialistic facet.
P.S. I missed you guys! I really do! :)
When I took a blogging hiatus last May, my reason then was I needed to focus all my energy in ensuring the success of Bloggers United Bazaar (BUB). The tedious task of organizing an event had me burnt out, exhausted and uninspired to blog. But right after, instead of going back to my regular blogging routine, I've slipped back, unexcited to put my thoughts and experiences to words and have been really lazy to dress up.
This absence of motivation had me wondering. Has blogging become insignificant in my life now? It seems that way but I would like to believe that it's not. After all, I met a lot of lovely (from the inside) people in the blogging community and it has brought me countless blessings disguised as opportunities that I would be forever thankful for.
Style and Soul was born out of my love to discuss matters of my soul which are occasionally political, social and mostly personal and emotional while sharing my fondness for shopping and dressing up on a budget. Style and Soul wanted to say that not everything is and should be about fashion. However, today, the practice has been contradicting to this blog's initial mission. I have allotted a large chunk of it talking about clothes, shoes, cosmetics, brands and events instead of telling my thoughts on RH & Divorce Bill, the status of the decade-pending cases like the Vizconde massacre and Dacer-Corbito murder case, the flash flood that happened in Davao, the high inflation rate at present (despite the lack of salary increase), and so on, so forth.
After this personal "check and balance," I still wouldn't be able to guarantee that I would not fall back to what the others usually do. As much as I love fashion, I guess I will always strive to find meaning in life, keep myself conscious and aware and let the person in me grow just so I'd lessen this feeling of remorse over my superficial and materialistic facet.
P.S. I missed you guys! I really do! :)
STYLE AND SOUL ON LOOKBOOK | CHICTOPIA | LIKE STYLE AND SOUL FB PAGE
FOLLOW TUMBLR | FOLLOW TWITTER | SHOP F-STOP | F-STOP ON FACEBOOK
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