BFN VANCITY

So I am finally back from my vacation in Vancouver, my other home, and boy do I miss it already. I was fortunate enough to experience lovely weather, the beginning of summer where Vancouver really shines. All its beauty isn’t drenched in rain as per usual, but instead replaced by sun to show off the gorgeous scenery and the streets where walking is really not a burden. Of course it rained the day we took photos, but that’s okay, it’s still pretty damn pretty out there.

I got to catch up with old friends, meet new ones, visit my favourite shops and food joints, and discover new places too. I stayed with some of my closest friends, which in itself hit home for me. It is an understatement to say I had fun. I had way too much fun, and I know it will be a little struggle to go back to my daily grind in Manila.

I was lucky to meet up with a photographer friend for these photos before she left for Europe. Thank you so much Llana!

 

Hat: CottonOn / Sunnies & Mesh shirt: H&M / Crop top (modified) & High Waist pants: ASOS / Sneakers: Converse Chuck Taylors

Two more things:

1- I have new hair! Kara, a very good friend of mine, did the most awesome colour job I have ever seen on my head. If you live in Vancouver, you MUST see her. Here is her Facebook page.

2- I brought some film for this trip and I will be posting them as soon as they are developed (I mean, if they are any good). Look out!

Love lots, black soul xx

MONOCLE IN MANILA

Monocle magazine was in the works of planning an Asia-Pacific tour. One person referred another, and in terms of location, Univers was chosen in a dash with no questions asked. Well, I can’t blame him (by 'him' I mean Monocle's editor-in-chief and chairman Tyler Brûlé)- it is an absolutely gorgeous store.

For the first time in Univers history, while maintaining normal store operations, I saw it transform into a party. There was catering, re-allocation of fixtures into furniture inside the store for Monocle’s shop-in-shop and some for cocktail tables; the outside became an attraction for the event attendees, where the bar stood, and where the DJ played sick tunes. The event was held last Wednesday, the 22nd of May.

Here are some photos from my Instagram, and Erik's

 I must admit I had a silly fangirl mission that night. It was simple: photo with Tyler Brûlé.  Once I got that, I could mingle and actually enjoy the party.  It was a really great event!

Goal achieved (insert happy dance here)

Monocle's Ethan Hawkes-Pippen  

Freebies!

Pop-up shop

DJ Doc Gerard Henson in the house!

In his speech, he talked about the importance of print media and how it is a profitable franchise despite the rise of non-paper options such as the iPad or the Kindle. I could see the benefits of using these gadgets, I read a lot of news and articles online as well, but when it comes to books and magazines that are really special such as Monocle, Apartamento, Self Service, The Gentlewoman, Fantastic Man, Acne Paper, and the like- they are really worth the space not only in terms of content but to touch them and doggy-ear the pages to remember, to appreciate the type of paper they used, layout design and such; these publications are for keeps and look good to have lying around anyway.

The genius behind everything H&F Jappy Gonzalez and Peter Pilotto's Lucia Restelli (photo from Chuvaness)

Denim lovers: Fred Perry's Elaine Domingo, Dr. Tere Henson, H&F's Tadi de Leon, Model/Photographer Jo-Ann Bitagcol and I (photo from Chuvaness)

I wasn’t always a huge Monocle fan. My first couple of memories of the magazine was back in 2009-2010 when I was living in Vancouver and my dad would ask me to find him a copy. It was nowhere to be found, not in any bookstore! It was only ever sold in Roots (a very Canadian retail store) as discovered later by my sister Karyn. Now he finally has a subscription and I don’t need one for myself just yet! 

Monsieur Brûlé was signing issues too-

Signed to my dad Oscar and me

Yes I was star struck and so giddy when Mr. Brûlé remembered my name as we said our goodbyes. The Monocle team extended such vibrancy both on and off duty; they are truly an inspiring group. Yes I am really happy to have made new friends that evening. Yes, the photos are blurry thanks very much to the irresistibly delicious mango bellinis served in the course of the event. And yes, I shamelessly took home a freebie tote with a CD, notebook, and their June 2013 Issue. Overall, an unbelievable night! Thank you, Monocle—you made my month!

Love lots, black soul xx

MENSWEAR DIARY

One of my most favourite clothes to wear are clothes designed for men.  I used to think that what might have caused such liking was my brothers’ and my matching outfits when we were kids, but then I remember that I’d often play in dresses too. So scrap that. But just for fun, here's an old photo of us awww

Yes we matched head to toe

My first real taste of men’s fashion happened when I was sixteen. They were a pair of Costume National grey trousers from my very fashionable uncle. When I received them, he told me he’d had them for over ten years, and I’ve actively worn them since and never had them altered. 

Needless to say I’ve acquired a small collection of men’s clothing. I’d joyfully find neglected (or not, because I’d later have to beg for them) pieces in my father’s, brother’s, friends’ closets and called them mine. Oftentimes I found that men’s fashion had pieces that would better suit my taste, and best of all- they never failed in the subject of comfort.

L: My favourite of my brother's sweaters; Vancouver Olympics 2010

R: A varsity jacket stolen/pass-me-down from someone dear; Granville Island circa early 2012

It eventually became a part of my hunting list when shopping. To name a few you can find: the best lightweight jackets (my faves are army or denim jackets easily found in vintage stores), print tee’s, lazy oversized sweaters, cardigans, flannel shirts, “boyfriend” jeans or pants, and cool accessories in the men's section. All of which are very fun and easy pieces that found their ways into my wardrobe.

Sharing a couple of old photos through the years, and a new one, just for you-

Shirt: Celio / Tartan Pants: MUJI 

I am deffo not the only woman keen on menswear or men's-inspired fashions; just at the top of my head- One of my favourite bloggers, Nadia of Froufrouu has a true mastery of androgynous fashion. I've also had the pleasure of knowing a couple of bloggers that share the same sentiments of this post, each with their own unique sense of style.

Melissa Araujo is absolutely sexy and edgy in the way she styles men's fashion. She got the men's blazer from the Margiela x H&M collection which i covet very much! See her style it over here among her other great looks. While you're there, check out her own edgy designs.

Danni Tsai’s blog Beautiful BROGUES, a tumblr with menswear inspiration and her own cool outfits too!

Cyeoms is a powerhouse. She doesn't only style herself in menswear, she makes them too! Check this hot lady's blog here, and shop here. 

Check them out! and see you soon-

Love lots, black soul. x

Photos by J. Cantemprate

SILVERSTUFFANDBADPHOTOS

Halter Crop Top: DIY / Silver necklace: vintage / Cutout Skirt: NAVA / Ankle Boots: ASOS