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

MY FIRST FEATURE: YSTYLE!

I've had the great honour of being featured in the YStyle section in one of our national papers, The Philippine Star for the 16th of August (you can read it here). It's my first one ever, and I am very excited about it! Thank you so much to Raymond, Cai, and Cholo- for easing my shyness and making the experience fun as it was. You guys are awesome!!

Truth be told, I don't have many designer pieces, I have a select few. All of which have been carefully chosen, used, and abused accordingly. I am hoping one day to have a narrowed down closet of my favourite things and be more sure of my style. Every year, I find myself that tiny bit closer to that goal. Well, maybe except for shoes. I will always need more shoes and will never think I have enough.

Sharing outfit photos and a few of my favourite things photographed by the wonderful Cholo Dela Vega--

(1) Outfit: Mens Tee: Acne / Denim Shirt: H&M / Denim Jeans: Acne Mens / Silver Heels: Zara / Watch: Locman

(2) Outfit: Reconstructed Top DIY: Thrifted / Skirt: American Apparel / Pants: Comme des Garçons BLACK / Monk Strap Shoes: Balenciaga

(3) Outfit: Dress: T by Alexander Wang / Sneakers: Comme des Garçons PLAY X Converse / Watch: Locman

(4) Scents: Jo Malone Lime Basil & Mandarin Parfum / Monocle X CdG Hinoki Parfum / Penhaligon's Quercus Parfum / Santa Maria Novella Wax Tablets (I hang in my closets) / Astier de Vilatte Mantes La Jolie Candle / Monocle X CDG Hinoki Candle

(5) My first fashion books from ages ago / Olympus Superzoom 800 / Pentax K1000

(6) A few favourite lipsticks from MAC: Rebel, Russian Red, Up The Amp, Lady Danger, Heroine, Ruby Woo

(7) A few favourite necklaces gifted and cherished

(8) BTS photo with Cholo, Cai, and BL whilst fixing my stuff :) 

(9) Snapshot of the day's paper! 

Love lots, black soul xx 

FAKE SPORTY

Got lucky with timing and FINALLY met up with photographer friend Jowell Mariano after ages of talking about doing a project such as this. We tried to fit in a couple looks seeing as I am hard to get a hold of, and here is the first of the set. He is more known for his wedding photography, but heck I think he knows a thing or two about fashion photography, don't you think?

Though I really wish I was more adept at sports, I'm not, and this outfit has got to be the closest I'll ever get to it. It will have to do for now.

Hat: NastyGal / Top: Sune / Lounge Pants: Uniqlo / Shoes: Joe Fresh / Leather Backpack: Vintage Prada / Watch: Nixon

Love lots, black soul xx

OLD FASHIONED LESSONS

Some film photos of the outfit I wore this to the Les Misérables Broadway tour.

 

 

 

Coat (borrowed from gf Kiks): two-one-two / Dress (worn as top): ZOO shop / Jeans: Mens Acne Studios / Spike Lace Heels: ZARA / Clear sunnies + lanyard: H&M 

Photos by Eddie Lee 

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

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