Style and Soul

Christmas may be over but the act of gift-giving definitely runs all throughout the year. Now that you're all done worrying about what to give to other people, it's time to think about what to give to yourself without the feeling of guilt!

Yes, despite your recent expenses this Yuletide season, shopping this 2013 will never put a weight on your conscience as long as you put your money in affordable and worthy purchases. 

As a self-proclaimed budget fashionista, I will continue to remain true to my advocacy of practicality and frugality. I buy a lot of my personal things with careful thought and consideration with how much money I actually make in real life. Even if you're saving for rainy days, make sure you don't deprive yourself of life's little pleasures. There's definitely a way to go around shopping without indulging.

Welcome to the work force.

One of the most obvious signs that you have grown up is when you find a third clothing classification in your closet that's dedicated for work when you finally get a job after graduation. Whether you are an intern, a starting professional or simply a freelancer, you would need to start working on your business chic wardrobe essentials.
For freelancers who don't really work in an office (like me), there's an assumption that there's no actual need for office-appropriate outfits. Contrary to such presumptions, people who work for freelance always jump from one project to another. This just means that there will always be that first formal meeting with a possible employer where you just have to make that best first impression.

In every meeting where you need to present yourself, whether it is a job interview, an idea pitch, or a discussion of a possible collaboration or project; there's no getting around it. You will be definitely judged, at least partially, by the way you look.

I kept everything else on this outfit low-profile because I'd like to highlight my quirky and colorful detachable collar. But if I were to put on this outfit again, I'd definitely wear it differently by adding a printed bag or slipping on a pair of printed or show stopper heels. That would make a totally different story.

If you're not an accessory-type of person, then keep the accessories on a minimum and go for statement bags and/or shoes instead. Wear something with attractive prints, bursting pop of colors or weird design and unique forms.

P.S. When commuting, wear your trusty flats first then slip on those statement heels when you get to the event. 

Practice Your Mix and Matching Skills

I was once totally clueless on how to effortlessly repeat outfits and be able to make them look brand new with every wear. For other people, it comes as a natural gift. For some of us, we would have to train ourselves for it. What I do is, I read ample fashion magazines (or blogs/websites). I always look for style inspirations on wardrobe sites like lookbook and chictopia. Plus, I practice at home by preparing outfits a few days in advance or just dress up for nothing, haha. Looking good also takes effort yah know. :) 

I hope in one way or another, this post has helped those fashionista commuters who wanted to look interesting but at the same time not over-the-top when they take public transport. To end this post, I'll share with you one of the many ways, I've worn this outfit. This was taken during one of my styling stints. Paired it with combat boots, red bowler hat, fur vest, dove necklace and black cuff. 

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.

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. 

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.

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.

Printed bangle from Tomato, Tiger ring from SM Accessories, the rest from F-STOP

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).