12DEC2014 // FEMME

I've surprised myself as well as a few others around me with a little bit of a feminine streak as of late. I've been finding myself gravitating towards the lady silhouettes and pieces, it could just be the upcoming holidays or something of that fuzzy-feeling sort. I make up for it by keeping the footwear slightly unisex/masculine, this way I still have a little fun mixing and matching between inspirations. X

Photos by Karyn Ong

05DEC2014 // BOXY

Sunnies Studios / T-shirt: Maison Martin Margiela / Trousers: Vintage (altered) / Sneakers: EYTYS (from Hoodwink) / Kaito Bag: WabiSabi

It's no secret that I'm drawn to everything baggy and comfortable. The feel of this t-shirt is really way too comfy for my own good, and really great to pair with absolutely any bottom. These pants are a newbie to my closet, I just had them altered about two sizes down and hemmed just on my ankles, they too are a very soft but thick material which I love, to hold its boxy shape. Perfect to match with chunky shoes!

Been waiting a while to see WabiSabi's new collection and now it's finally out! They are really one of my favourite local brands, the quality is just amazing. For this style in particular, I love that you have the option to expand the bag if you like to carry a lot of things. I am so sold on versatility! 

Photos by Karyn Ong

21NOV2014 // GO-TO SHORTS

Sunnies Studios / Top: Giordano Ladies (revised) / Bottoms: Vintage by Terriblay / Clutch: DIY

Been on a little bit of a blog hiatus by accident. Working on a super exciting small project which I will disclose as soon as it comes to life!

Meanwhile here are some pieces I've found myself wearing a little more than usual. I realized that you could figure out your go-to pieces really being in a rush and really don't know what to wear. At these very often times, I tend to grab the shorts. Luckily, I've started hoarding different kinds of shorts lately. There are the drop crotch shorts, skorts, fancier basketball shorts, the boy shorts (aka bermuda), and wide legged pant-hybrid ones like the ones I'm wearing (aka culottes). They remain true to my boyish tendencies (by style or mannerism- I am not the most poised lady) while still allowing me to be a woman via choice of tops and accessories.


Photos by M. Tuason

30OCT2014 // SUMMER GOTH

Sunnies Studios / Top: James Isara Geometric Bralette (c/o ASTO) / Skirt: Vintage / Sandals: ASOS

Here's the outfit that I wore to the super cute Sunnies Studios' 1st birthday bash. 

I've been told that I tend to go a little goth at times, I suppose it's only natural for someone who wears a lot of black and with several variations in styling! I don't mind at all, I actually embrace it- I've accidentally referenced the 90s flick The Craft! (Thanks for the reference, Martine!) 

Many thanks to Asto Group for sending me a couple of cute tops like this. They know exactly what I like. They too are celebrating their 1st birthday/anniversary this coming November, and have contacted me for a little collab! Here's a fun coupon code for 20% off any purchase on their website: ASTOxRB

Photos by Anton Aguila

06JUN2014 // JORTS

Sunnies Studios / Top: Sune / Shorts: DIY / Ayahko Bag: Wabi Sabi / Sandals: Seychelles PH

Making the most of what's left of the summer in possibly the only jean shorts I ever wear nowadays since the start of the year. These have quite the fail story- I bought them early last year just as men's jeans and later on decided to cut a bunch of squares on them and frayed the edges. I actually didn't like how they looked on, it's possible I was not very good with the placement of the square holes. I decided to keep some of the squares and cut them into shorts, say 'whatever' and just wear them. Now I like them.

If you follow me on Instagram (@religionblack), you may have already noticed that I've been spending loads of time at EDSA Beverage Design Studio. So happy to have this freakishly amazing coffee shop / cocktail bar / drink lab to hang out at around in my hood. If you live in Manila or are visiting soon, you must check it out!

Photos by Karyn Ong
Location: EDSA Beverage Design Studio

30MAY2014 // TRANSITION

Shorts: Terriblay (vintage) / Clarissa Sandals: Dr. Martens / Kerry Sunnies: Sunnies Studios / Leather backpack: Prada / Chiffon Sweatshirt: H&M

Bipolar weather in Manila is expected around this time of year. After a long stretch of what felt like a heat wave, it is only bound to pour soon. Still too hot to wear heavier fabrics, I opted for my wide legged shorts or culottes, as they are more aptly termed. Since I didn't want to look inappropriately dressed for the potential of rain, I brought a chiffony sweatshirt around with me, worn here as a scarf tied on my backpack.

My girl Melissa wrote a blog post about the "in betweens" sometime last week. Seems like a solid number of us are wading around feeling our way into our next defining moments, both in stages of our lives and between seasons. Easy to say, we are hopefully transitioning into something exciting soon. For my Vancouver fam, I'm looking forward to the beautiful summer to come and everything that comes with it! As for me, it is still a little early to tell.

Insta! @religionblack
Photos by Karyn Ong