SALUT!

I’m a little late in New Year’s greetings, but I’m always the one with the delayed reaction anyway. Happy New Year! This time of year calls for a celebration—it’s been one year from my first blog post. I know I’ve been a shitty blogger, with no proper rhyme or rhythm, but I never thought I would make it here. So I’m giving myself a big manly pat in the back.

I am extremely thankful for the past year, I think I’ve grown up a little more and gotten to know myself better through my work and through this blog, always with the goal of learning while staying real, working hard while not being too hard on myself. With much gratitude, it has also given me the chance to see myself through others’ eyes. Thank you to y’all that have been around and also to the ones I’ve newly met who’ve been so awesome despite my actual timidity.

For 2014, I wanna live to the fullest. Salut! 

Faux Leather Jacket: Topshop (old) / Pan Collar Shirt: American Apparel / 2-in-1 Mesh Dress: Melissa Araujo / Dancing Shoes: American Apparel / Bag: Wabisabi / Sunnies by Charlie

Love lots, black soul xx

Photos by Bianca Natola 

SUNDAY NOOKIN'

I am addicted to coffee. All my money goes to more than one cup a day. I'm really bad at spending but it really is, more often than not, an experience worth funding. Working six days a week, I look forward to my Sunday and having one really good cup. Not on the go, not to keep my motor skills running during a long day at work, but just to really enjoy it.

Third wave (fancy) coffee has been making a buzz around town. Luckily we have an espresso bar by The Curator at the Archives (our outlet store) located in Legazpi Village, this is terribly convenient for the days I go there for work. But on this particular Sunday, I went to go full on poser on the Z-board, and take advantage of the beautiful sunny day and take photos of my brother workin' the bar.

Love lots, black soul xx

All photos taken with 35mm film

BELATED

I'm alive! After the birthday rush/ Christmas rush/ Christmas celebrations, I suck at blogging but yes, I'm alive! With that I wish you a belated Merry Christmas and more Happy Holidays to come.

I'm usually what they call a Grinch around this time of year. But when friends and family come home for the holidays and get together, it becomes inevitable to feel happy and extremely blessed.

Wearing some full on denim in this look. I love my black (you all know that!), but next to it, I love my monochromes. I can actually get quite obsessive and redundant with it.

Wrap top: Vintage / HW Jeans: ACNE / Backpack: Vintage Prada / Sunnies: H&M

Love lots, black soul x

BARE

I originally wore this outfit for a sunny day, and had Sunnies to match, but I think my lovely photographer Bianca (aka 'Stick') and I found ourselves here by perfect timing. The light from our surroundings, the calm of the night, and B's ultra-artsy perspective made it all come together.

Dress: ACNE / Pouch: DIY / Sandals: Dr. Martens

Love lots, black soul x

Photos by Bianca Natola thanks B ❤ 

HAPPY (AMERICAN) THANKSGIVING!

Happy American Thanksgiving everyone!
This officially marks the beginning of the holidays, and it will soon be 2014.

Thankful for everything that 2013 has thrown my way, the good, and even more the not-so-good, that made me who I am today.

Top: Vintage / Jeans: Uniqlo / Booties: ASOS

Love lots, black soul x

Photo by Karyn Ong

DARK DAYS

Dark days are ongoing, and hope is hiding in the corner, urging to be found. Hope for everyone who lost everything they had in the Typhoon Haiyan devastation, people they loved, and all that was left are their heartbeats and the clothes behind their backs. Help is under way, the best we can give, and it cannot stop soon. Here are some ways to help and donate.

Cotton Blazer: UNIQLO / White Tee: cut up Hanes / Shorts: from Korea / Sandal Boots: ASOS / Backpack: Vintage Prada

Love lots, black soul x

Film photos by Karla Ong

F U N

Please excuse my absence from the blogosphere for the past week, I’ve not been feeling very well and just recently finally started recuperating. Alas, ten rebellious cups of coffee and five days of virus fighting later, I am back with a vengeance-- well, an outfit post.

I was looking for a good excuse to wear these pants. The flares are HUGE and I originally styled it with a pleather jacket to square off the look, but I thought the big pants and a heavy jacket looked a bit silly knowing I currently live in a tropical country. So here it is. The mesh jersey is exactly as it says- fun!

I am a fan of these photos by Cholo dela Vega. Loving the effect of the borrowed light from the car behind and the Tron-ish lighting of the background structure. Thank you Cholo for making it all come together.

Top: Stradivarius / Lace Bra: Urban Outfitters / Wide-legged Pants: Vintage

Love lots, black soul xx