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

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 

OTHER SIDE

I forgot how to wear skinny jeans. I realized the other day how I had a greater difficulty styling skinny jeans than any other bottom I had in my closet. Curious case-- I believe I have become far too comfortable in my long shorts, trousers, joggers and mens jeans. When I first wore skinny jeans, I hoarded them in different prints and shades of blue, and said to myself that I would never wear any other cut of pants ever. It's funny to be on the other side and laugh at that memory. A few years later, I now enjoy a wider range of bottoms, including my drop crotch shorts which some may address as diaper pants, harem pants, blah blah blah. I love them, and I want more!

Shooting at the supermarket was quite a bit of fun. They are quite strict about it here so we were little rebels doing our own thing. Thank you Jowell for another set of great photos!

 

 

 

Reconstructed Sleeveless Shirt: H&M / Pinstripe Shorts: Comme des Garçons BLACK / Brogues: Kurt Geiger / Leather Backpack: Vintage Prada 

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