27JUN2014 // UPCYCLING PT. 2

Vest: from Korea / Dress: DIY (originally American Apparel) / Sneakers: André Paris / Leather Backpack: Vintage Prada / Eyewear: Vintage from Cherry Bomb / Challenge Talisman Necklace: Pyrrha

This dress used to be light grey. It's one of the most comfortable dresses out there, but I found that I wore it less and less because the grey was too light and too casual for my taste considering its rayon t-shirt material. I did what any DIY enthusiast would do-- I dyed it a darker hue. After dyeing, I found that the thread stayed light grey and I'm sure it's because it's made of polyester fiber (which is generally resistant to regular dye)-- I quite like it! 

Photos by Karyn Ong

20JUN2014 // UPCYCLING PT. 1

Pique Cloche Hat: Y-3 / Cape Cardigan + Crop Top: gifted / High-waist Skirt: American Apparel / Ayahko Bag: Wabisabi / Sneakers: no name DIY

Starting another 3-part-post here on the blog. This time with the theme of my revised/upcycled/DIY-ed pieces. I noticed that this is something I like to do on a mildly regular basis; I enjoy revising some of my things to fit my personal style or body type whether it be cutting, sewing, dyeing, as long as it's within my minimal skill levels.

If you've been following my blog for a while, you will notice that I don't wear a lot of heels regularly. Though I really do love them and believe that they add a notably sexy approach and finishing touch to every look, I find that flatter shoes really suit my lifestyle. I've particularly taken to different kinds of sneakers recently, and try to dress them up to give me a balance between looking put together and casual that I could even wear to work. The ones I'm wearing here used to be high cut versions, I realized that they didn't flatter my legs and made me look shorter than I already was (I'm 5' 2") - so being the upcycling enthusiast that I am, I cut them and left them to fray. As expected, I wear them tons more now. Just a little idea for you in case you have some high tops gathering dust in the corner of your shelf.

I've taken a break from crop tops for the last few months, but they have recently been creeping their way back into my life. I'm sure you will be seeing them in the future blog posts to come. 

Photos by David Ong

13JUN2014 // LIPPIE ACCESSORY

Top & Mesh Bodysuit: American Apparel / Shorts: Comme des Garçons BLACK / Slip ons: ASOS / Ayahko Bag: Wabi Sabi

This is how I wear colour-- lips, sunnies, and on occasion, shoes. 
Even in the summer, you'll see me wearing dark lips; even when travelling in winter, it's likely you'll find me wearing a crazy lip colour. It's the easiest way to add a little something to a look, especially one that's monochromatic as mine, it's as good as an accessory.

Hope everyone has a lovely weekend! X

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

23MAY2014 // OPTION 2

Have you ever had two very close outfits to decide on for an occasion? Pretty sure that's a yes.

I recently went to the bomb event of Philippine Star's Young Star who recently turned 18. The theme was Prom Kla$$y, so for sure I knew I had to wear something tailored. Here's what I ended up wearing. I made a buttoniere to go with the prom theme, just a fun little touch. I chose the outfit totally by feel. I went for the softer look because I felt it was the right amount of girly for the night with the silk pants and heels.

Here, on the other hand, was the second option.

 

Altered Vest / Bodysuit: American Apparel / Shorts: Comme des Garçons BLACK / Oxfords: Charles & Keith / Pouch: DIY

Photos by Karyn Ong

16MAY2014 // SUMMER PANTS

Zip top: Zara / Silk Pants: Vintage / Mesh Bra: American Apparel / Sandals: ASOS / Zip Envelope: Wabi Sabi

The heat in Manila has been absolutely sweltering. I almost forget how bad summer is if one isn't able to frequent the beach. Even in the summer, black is my immediate colour of choice. It's common knowledge that as opposed to other colours that reflect the sun, dark colours absorb it and are likely to get sun damaged. What I say to that is- I'm still gonna wear black except I'll make sure to be very picky about cuts and fabrication, and that I walk under the shade much as possible.

Lately I've found that I'm seriously unable to wear pants due to the heat, so it was perfect timing and a blessing in disguise when my grandmother randomly gave me a bunch of silk pants. They are lightweight, roomy, comfortable, and EXACTLY what I had been looking for for months now. Paired it with my zipped side top from Zara which also provides an ample amount of ventilation. Whew. 

Photos by Karyn Ong

Location: EDSA Beverage Design Studio