FINALLY, MELISSA

Melissa Araujo is one very talented woman. She knows how to make a statement and does so with conviction. Growing older, observing fashion, I've come to realize that it shouldn't take much to make an impact, further upholding that less is indeed more. It deems a lot harder to make that statement with one or two main components because these require meticulous attention. This is Melissa: her intelligence and strong personality shines through her minimalist, edgy, modern, and brilliantly versatile designs. It's right up my alley, only, Melissa has done all the thinking for us fashion enthusiasts. All we really have to do is wear them with confidence and make them our own.

Melissa has just recently shown her latest collection in Vancouver, and though I am bummed to have missed it, I'm so glad I have the internet to keep me updated. Check out her blog posts on her fashion show here and here. Keep an eye on her, this girl will go places. And I'm not just saying that because she is a great friend of mine ♡ I will most definitely be making more MA purchases in the near future. Lucky for us shoppers, her previous collections are still available for order. I for one am still coveting this two-ways-to-wear Oversized Tunic from her Slate collection (among many others)!

Wearing her 2-in-1 Mesh Layered Dress from her Linear collection (the editorial shoot is a must see) with the longer side and mesh piece in front, paired with heels for an evening look. I have waited too long to finally have this dress in my wardrobe, and I'm really excited to maximize its versatility. Definitely more to come soon!

2-in-1 Mesh Layered Dress: Melissa Araujo / Pleather Zip Pouch: DIY / Heeled Sandals: John Paul Gaultier x Melissa

Love lots, black soul xx

Photos by Cholo dela Vega 

NIGHT VISION

I'm currently loving two main things about this dress. One being my favourite colour combination as of the past few months: navy and black. The other being the baby doll, drop waist cut of this dress. Though I am not one for ruffles, this dress would be a prime exception. Since the dress is short, I decided that it could be worn as a top too.

Something a little different with photos this time. These awesome photos by Cholo Dela Vega were taken at night (obvs), without a flash or extra lighting, and I absolutely love the turnout. This is one of the three-part mini shoot we did together, our second one together after he shot my YStyle feature. More to come soon!

Swing Dress: ASOS / Mini Tote: DKNY / Fishnet Socks: American Apparel / Canvas+PVC Flats (worn for both looks): Vintage / Black Trousers: American Apparel / Classic Velo: Balenciaga

Love lots, black soul xx

Photos by Cholo Dela Vega aka CDV

SO THEY CHALLENGED MY STYLE

I'm very excited to share a little feature I have in this month's Preview magazine. Thanks to Karen for finding me and producing this feature and writing an awesome piece that explains my personal style; not to mention the challenge she gave me! Style Profile is a fun challenge that forces one to bring out their personal style regardless of what is thrown at them. I had to style a circle skirt four ways. Karen knew that I'm no girly girl. All I can say is, I'm so happy that it was black. If you live in the Philippines, go get one now!

Sharing my favourite outtakes by Ralph Mendoza. Stalk more of his photos here.

(1) Phone snaps of the October issue of Preview taken by me

(2) Outfit: Grey Lawn Tee: American Apparel / Circle Skirt: Jil Sander / Gingham Flannel Shirt: MUJI / Sandal Boots: ASOS / Giant Envelope Clutch: Balenciaga / Clear Sunnies: H&M
Photo by RM

(3) Outfit: Leather Quilted Jacket: ZARA / Mesh Shirt: American Apparel / Lace Bra: Urban Outfitters / Circle Skirt: Jil Sander / Brogue Wedges: Acne / Classic Velo: Balenciaga
Photo by RM

(4) My favourite photograph of me by RM

(5) Ralph looking up

Love lots, black soul xx

NEO GRUNGE

 

Kassia Cotton Slit Dress: SUNE / Black Sweatshirt: UNIQLO / TBA Cut Out Boot: Nastygal / Classic Velo: Balenciaga

In love with Jowell Mariano's photography. I'm normally shy and conscious when photographed especially by a pro, but Jowell makes it a fun time somehow and obviously has a great eye. Can't wait to do more of these soon.

Love lots, black soul xx

GRAN'S LACE SKIRT

Every time I clear my closet of things I no longer use or want, I feel a sense of achievement, and later, a sureness in my personal style; only to clear it again and again getting a better idea of the pieces I want to style together and what I want to add to it (read: need to shop for). There are the special pieces that are impossible to let go of, either because I see potential in them, or because they have been passed down to me by the women in my family, I find ways to wear them or keep them. One thing I know for sure is, I am a person who gets bored easily, so trying to maintain an active wardrobe with less clothes than before is a challenge I am willing to accept. Less is more, quality over quantity, a work in progress.

Pictured here is an outfit made by a few of said special pieces, all clothes are about 5 years and older, yet I never thought to put them together before. I went to a celebration where I couldn't wear a lot of black or white, and this is what I came up with. I love that I ended up with a monochromatic scheme after all.

The makeshift clutch is inspired by one of my favourite peeps in the local fashion industry, some years ago I remember seeing her carrying this unfolded and thought to myself, oh it must be Margiela (but it's an insulated bag made for food). I love the practicality, the humour, the fashion ability of it. Shout out to model-turned-photographer Jo Ann Bitagcol (she doesn't have a website but here is a photo I have with her at the Monocle event, and here is an old post I found about her and her awesome studio). Love her style, love her photos, just love her.

Denim Jacket: Vintage / Linen Top: British India / Lace Skirt: Vintage / Sandals: ZARA

Love lots, black soul xx

Photos by J. Cantemprate

QUICKIEANDBADPHOTOS

Drape Back Dress: T by Alexander Wang / Boots: Asos / Clutch: Artisan Adora

Another one of those random bad photo posts on here, truth be told I've been having camera issues and not been happy with the photos I have. It's a sign I need a new camera soonest.  

In other news-- I was invited to YStyle's 10th anniversary last week which was very exciting seeing as everyone in the local fashion industry was going to be there. There was a sit-down dinner, an art exhibit, and a fashion show by one of the country's most popular fashion designers, Joey Samson. Sadly, we missed most of the event but made it for the show! As expected, what any viewer would appreciate most from Joey Samson is his eye for clean, crisp tailoring with very specific detailing. The show came with an art presentation that painted the floor red, and really cool, almost somber bass tunes. Needless to say, I fell for the masculine looks; boxy shapes, oversized jackets, and the smart deconstruction of panels. 

Love lots, black soul xx

Photos by Rachel Chua

W.I.M.B, YOU ASK?

In my last trip to Vancouver, I had the pleasure of meeting Aina Kawamoto of What's In My Bag; a blog for us curious girls and boys who like looking into other people's everyday necessities and how they organize them in their bags. I love this blog, and am definitely excited to now be a part of it!

Here is the finished product! We definitely know more about a person when we see the contents of their bags, here are a few (more) things about me: I like film (still learning), but for my trip I decided to bring the auto and toy cameras so it's quick, easy, and light on the baggage, especially cause I walk around a lot. Another is that I always bring more than one lip colour. Though I usually collect MAC lipsticks, I'm currently trying out Revlon's dupe for Clinique's Chubby Stick. Since I usually carry a roomy bag, I like to keep the little stuff in pouches. It's my attempt to stay organized.

You can view more bags here. I personally can't get enough. Looking at the the other bags in WIMB, I realized that I need a little notebook/planner in my bag as I always find myself shuffling for a piece of scrap paper or back or receipts to write or draw on!

Thank you Aina for making my stuff look more organized than it actually is! 

Love lots, black soul x