20FEB2014 // DEAR HAIR

Dear Hair,

We have had a lovely journey together in the past year, but it's time for change.

Til we meet again.

Love,

Tina

Top: Terriblay (vintage) / Joggers: Topshop (old) / Sunnies by Charlie

PS. My apologies for the blogging scarcity, I shall not stress about what consumes my time however I am extremely extremely excited to share that work takes me to Paris next week! No blogging for a little bit, but will most definitely over-post my usual random nothings on Instagram. Ahh and hopefully with a successful new 'do.

Love lots, black soul xxxxxxx

06FEB2014 // GIRLS OF YSTYLE

A couple weeks ago, a very awesome David Milan, asked me to be a part of a fashion shoot for The Philippine Star's YStyle section. I didn't know what it was about, but it sounded fun. All he said was that they were doing a one layout portrait shoot and a 15 second clip for the editorial (sharing the behind the scenes vid at the bottom) and finally, to dress as yourself magnified x10.

I got there early and during that time saw familiar faces of whose styles I really looked up to. To name a couple-- there was style icon-model-turned-photographer Joan Bitangcol (who was in and out of the shoot while I was still in make-up) wearing mostly Margiela (of course), and Daryl Chang, Preview Magazine's Fashion Editor, who was wearing a stunning Balenciaga coat. Bumped into Mano Lotho, our press-boss at work, and took some photos while waiting my turn for the shoot; he was wearing mostly Raf Simons. I was definitely on a fashion high and couldn't (still can't) believe I was on the same shoot as the ladies in the editorial.

The 31st of January finally came and so did the YStyle piece. It was a celebration of the new YStyle; new collaborations, a new section, a very sophisticated brand new logo, and we were the #GirlsGoneYStyle. All mind-bogglingly exciting! Thank you David, Cai and Carla for giving me a little part of the intro!

  Behind the scenes of #girlsgoneYSTYLE from PhilSTAR YStyle on Vimeo.

Sweater: American Apparel / Skorts: Rick Owens Drkshdw (similar) / Sandals: Dr. Martens 

Love lots, black soul x

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