09APR2014 // LA UNION

Top: Terriblay (vintage) / Bikini top: American Apparel / Shorts: Uniqlo / Sunglasses: Ray Ban

I spent last weekend in beautiful San Juan, La Union, about six hours away with traffic from Manila. It was nice to be away from the city, slow down a little and just enjoy being. It was a great reminder that there are so many things bigger than us, and that we should always try to take a few moments to keep grounded and centred, and most of all, grateful.

Photos by Karyn Ong

26MAR2014 // RONNIE & JOE

Top: Vintage / Shorts: From Korea / Challenge Talisman Necklace: Pyrrha  / Bag: Wabisabi / Spin Wedges: Acne Studios / Lip: MAC Cyber + Night Moth

Super simple look for Ronnie & Joe Optical Salon's launch party last week. As expected, the store was very well designed, and showcased all the beautiful eyewear in a very tasteful and effortless way. Ronnie & Joe represent several amazing brands like Dita, Native Sons, Thom Browne, Moscot, Illesteva, Matsuda, Karen Walker and more. Having gone through Lasik surgery several years ago to give me better vision, I now (partially) wish I had a real excuse to wear some of the optical frames we saw in the store. I wear a lot of dark colours and pretty basic clothing, but I love my crazy eyewear. I'm glad to know it's not going to be too hard to find them locally anymore. More photos from the event here.


Photos by Anton Aguila

16MAR2014 // MOMENTOS DE PARIS

Here are a few snaps of very random things. Hope you enjoy x

Photos by D. Ong and myself

09MAR2014 // AU REVOIR, PARIS

Time moved on fast forward these past few days. Paris is absolutely stunning of course, and even though I didn't get to take many pictures, I had that much more time to soak it in and enjoy it before, between and after our long work days.

The weather was brutal at first, and eventually transitioned to the most perfect weather the day we were leaving. I will miss the daily dose of fashion exuding practicality laced with genuine personal style-- ever inspiring realness. That, and eating a little too much. How can you not? As they say, when in France....

Meanwhile, here are night shots of me.

Au revoir, Paris xoxo

Coat: MUJI  /  Blazer: Vintage  /  Tank top: American Apparel  /  Shorts: Terriblay (vintage)  /  Boots: Vagabond (old)  /  Carry Bag: The Leather Company

Photos by D. Ong

01MAR2014 // EVOLVE

Bonjour!

Managed to snap these photos the day before leaving for le work trip. I haven't yet washed my hair by this time the photo was taken, but the colour will definitely change as time (and washing) goes by.

It's taking a little time getting used to the short and straight hair, I haven't seen my hair short and straight since early 2012, a few hours prior to digital-perming again. I had to make the big choice if I really wanted to go grey it would have to be cut off due to the damage from both the perm and the bleaching from the ombre. I've been wanting to do grey for ages, and I have been craving a new look too. So my stylist chopped the hair and recommended that I don't bleach my entire head so that my hair has dimension (and also the great fear of my hair breaking off). I'm looking forward to the different toners we'll be playing with from here on, but I really do love the grey so I might just stick with it for a little bit longer.

Shirt: Terriblay (vintage) / Vegan Leather Shorts: American Apparel / Ayahko Bag: Wabisabi / Platform Sandals: ZARA / Sunnies by Charlie

Love lots, black soul xx

20FEB2014 // DEAR HAIR

Dear Hair,

We have had a lovely journey together in the past year, but it's time for change.

Til we meet again.

Love,

Tina

Top: Terriblay (vintage) / Joggers: Topshop (old) / Sunnies by Charlie

PS. My apologies for the blogging scarcity, I shall not stress about what consumes my time however I am extremely extremely excited to share that work takes me to Paris next week! No blogging for a little bit, but will most definitely over-post my usual random nothings on Instagram. Ahh and hopefully with a successful new 'do.

Love lots, black soul xxxxxxx

06FEB2014 // GIRLS OF YSTYLE

A couple weeks ago, a very awesome David Milan, asked me to be a part of a fashion shoot for The Philippine Star's YStyle section. I didn't know what it was about, but it sounded fun. All he said was that they were doing a one layout portrait shoot and a 15 second clip for the editorial (sharing the behind the scenes vid at the bottom) and finally, to dress as yourself magnified x10.

I got there early and during that time saw familiar faces of whose styles I really looked up to. To name a couple-- there was style icon-model-turned-photographer Joan Bitangcol (who was in and out of the shoot while I was still in make-up) wearing mostly Margiela (of course), and Daryl Chang, Preview Magazine's Fashion Editor, who was wearing a stunning Balenciaga coat. Bumped into Mano Lotho, our press-boss at work, and took some photos while waiting my turn for the shoot; he was wearing mostly Raf Simons. I was definitely on a fashion high and couldn't (still can't) believe I was on the same shoot as the ladies in the editorial.

The 31st of January finally came and so did the YStyle piece. It was a celebration of the new YStyle; new collaborations, a new section, a very sophisticated brand new logo, and we were the #GirlsGoneYStyle. All mind-bogglingly exciting! Thank you David, Cai and Carla for giving me a little part of the intro!

  Behind the scenes of #girlsgoneYSTYLE from PhilSTAR YStyle on Vimeo.

Sweater: American Apparel / Skorts: Rick Owens Drkshdw (similar) / Sandals: Dr. Martens 

Love lots, black soul x