Pocket-Friendly Trinkets

Hello again! Before anything else, I just want to apologize for the lack of updates here in my niche for the last couple of weeks. That is because I’ve devoted much of my time in church. I attend our Prayer Meeting from 6pm to 8:30pm every Wednesday night. Saturday afternoons are for our church’s Music Team preparation, and of course, Sundays are dedicated for God. Yes I do have a lot of free time, but because of this crazy thing called blogger’s block, I couldn’t squeeze my brain for topics that could interest you my beloved readers (if I have any).

Now, let me not dwell on the explanation part. Let’s just talk about what every girl loves to have… Accessories! What woman wouldn’t want to accentuate herself with such fine embellishments? Some girls are obsessed with high-end jewelries, while some are otherwise. I wasn’t born with a golden spoon and I still don’t have a job, so obviously I belong to the girls who are “otherwise”. I am very fond of affordable yet striking trinkets. In times of crisis, I wouldn’t buy something too costly just for a luxury. I believe in the power of practicality.

If you’re on a tight budget and you’re a fad enthusiast from Davao, I suggest you head on to Chinatown at Uyanguren. This street has an array of thrift shops that can both satisfy your wants and needs. I‘m still not very familiar with the place though, but there’s a spot there that I can truly call a fashion haven. The store is called TOMLIZ Butingtings. The word butingting is actually a Filipino term which means accessories. From the word itself, you can then conclude that their main products are stylish ornaments marketed to women and women-at-heart.

The following are some of the accessories I bought from my recent trip there.

This originally costs 60Php, but it was on sale for 50% less. I got it for only 30Php.

30Php – 0.70 USD

30Php – 0.70 USD

30Php – 0.70 USD

25Php – 0.59 USD

23Php – 0.54 USD

These leather wraps and over-sized ring and studs are identical things you see and buy from online shops, and yet you probably get them for twice or way more than the original price. Nevertheless they’re all fake, so why settle for something expensive yet phony when you can have something cheap that still has the same faux quality. Be practical, you girls. If you’re worrying on the durability of these cut-rate items, I say it’s just a matter of being a good owner. Take utmost care of your belongings, and they will last long. Nothing’s permanent in this world anyway. Eventually, everything’s still going to end. You’re smart, I know you get my point but hey, that’s just me ok?

On that note I say, ‘til next time my lovelies! I hope you understand if I get lost again. Much love! God bless everyone.

Child’s Play: Graduation Outfit

Photo courtesy of Rene Arias (This photo is not the actual soft copy. This is just scanned.)

Photo courtesy of Lito Sy (This photo is not the actual soft copy. This is just scanned.)

What I wore on Graduation Day:

Dress – Sabella RTW

Shoes – Mendrez

Bag – G by Guess

Bangle – SM Accessories

Earrings – Gift from Mom

Sablay (Sash) – Hablon

Everything that I wore that day (except for the bag) was Pinoy made -- from the dress, shoes, bangle and Sablay.

Here’s a quick post before I’ll have my hiatus again. It’ll just be a short-lived break anyway, since I’m going to be busy processing matters for my “job seeking escapade” this week. And oh, I will also be one of the facilitators for a Youth and Kids Camp organized by our church. The event will be held from the 17th to 19th of May. I pray that we nail it perfectly well, so we could be able to give the participants a summer that’s divine and worth-remembering.

Anyhow, this is another graduation post but this time it’s about what I wore. I don’t know with the graduates from other UP system units, but UP Mindanao graduates are required to wear beige or cream dress and shoes for girls; and beige barong and black pants and shoes for boys. The reason for wearing neutral colored garments is to lay emphasis on the symbolic Sablay. We’re not allowed to wear any other ostentatious accessories other than the latter stated.

I selected this ruffled neck chiffon dress with pagoda sleeves because it looks vintage and feminine. My dress is already very detailed, that’s why I decided to pair it with this simple 3-inch beige shoes. The catch is, we also needed to put on stockings and I hated it because its silkiness gave me a tough time walking. I didn’t know how to deal with it with flair considering I don’t normally wear high heels. Luckily, things folded quite nicely that day.

I wore the bangle and the bag only before and after the ceremony; because like what I’ve said earlier, we had to highlight the Sablay all throughout the program. What I love about my bangle from SM Accessories are the faux gold and diamond embellishments. I’m just totally in love with anything shiny, shimmery and golden. I also got thrilled when I saw Karylle (A Filipino celebrity) wearing the same arm candy in red hue in one episode of It’s ShowTime.

I was so happy with everything that I donned that day; because apart from The Sablay, nobody sported the same dress, shoes and accessories as I did. Basically, what we had to pull off for our graduation outfit is the fashion statement called “Pop of Print” to accentuate the thing every UP student yearns for. So, that’s it for now. I guess this ends my series of graduation posts. Take note of the phrase “I guess”. Just kidding. ‘Til then! Much love!

Hype this look in Lookbook.

DIY Detachable Collar

I love statement accessories to death. I love everything that spells femininity. God knows how much I've been wanting to start collecting all those prettily detailed embellishments from SM Accessories, Mia Casa and ExtremeFinds; but I still don't have enough in my pocket so I still can't begin quite yet. Anyhoo, good thing I have the artisitic bug in my system, I can seriously produce some on my own.

As you can see, I'm already smitten to this thing Chriselle Lim coined as NECKORATING which only means decorating the neck, for an instance, with detachable collars. On that note, I would like to share to you how I did my very first DIY for this year's collar craze. But before that, I recommend you to watch this tutorial from Chriselle Lim herself. Don't forget to subscribe to her Youtube videos.

Video Courtesy of Chriselle Lim

Here are the materials I used:

I got this from my father's old and damaged Tommy Hilfiger polo. Remember, it's advisable to use collars from men's polo (not polo shirt) because they're sturdier compared to that of women's.

Take it from me, because I've tried cutting some collars from women's polo, and I just failed. They're so wobbly, and you wouldn't want that. This is actually my third and successful attempt. Thank God!

These cute hot pink wooden beads are from my necklace that I bought from a college classmate who used to sell DIY accessories five years ago. I wonder where she got these stuff.

I'm supposed to use fabric glue, but to no avail since I didn't have time to go down town just to buy one. I used Mighty Bond instant glue instead.

Just squeeze your brain for some creative juices, and think of a fun design to embellish your collar. What I did on mine is that I patterned and glued all the necessary amount of  beads on the collar until the lining is no longer that visible. Without further ado, I now present you my NECK-oration.

FRONT

BACK

This detachable collar can be a very nice replacement for your necklaces if you want. It's perfect for color blocking. This can also be an instrument for color popping if you want to spice up a neutral-colored outfit.

This is what happened to my fingers after the process!

That's it for now. I'll keep you posted on my next DIY Collar Craze adventure.

Have you tried creating your own detachable collar, pretty dolls?

SVS: Postura Project

Fashion. It’s more fun in the Philippines!

To all my fellow Filipino bloggers out there who are fond of glamming up all the time, this is our chance to flaunt what are country’s fashion industry has to offer when it comes to being chic and fabulous. Let’s join Sarah Meier, Arriane Serrafico, Knox Balbastro and David Guison as they venture on Postura Project’s swanky 30 Day Challenge by wearing something Filipino everyday. Just check the images posted above for the important instructions on how to take on the challenge. You can also pop in their Facebook and Tumblr pages for further details. I’ll be sharing my entries soon through my Child’s Play blog series. So, are you ready to be a part of this stylish project? Get stoked lovely dolls!

Images used in this post are not intended for copyright infringement.

Child’s Play: Church Lass

What I Wore at Church:

Top - Vintage

Cardigan – Everyday Archives

Skirt – NCCC Department Store

Cross body Purse – Versace

Oxfords – Parisian

Bangle – Modisch

Cameo Studs – Thrifted

I made use of white, green, beige (or gold) and black in my conservative ensemble for church last Sunday. It’s been a while since I’ve last worn this beige knitted cardigan, white beaded top and green Chiffon paisley skirt so I thought of putting them on again. I also decided to let black join this get-up’s light color force to solidify it a bit, so I won’t look too nimble. I will forever love black, because it makes me feel like I’m living my rock star dream.

That cardigan used to live in my Mom’s closet, but I developed a crush on it so I asked for it from her. The top which looks like a corset shows a lot of my skin, that’s why I needed to cover it up a bit. The skirt is a gift from my boyfriend. He gave it to me two years ago. A rule on wearing skirt says to show off 50% of the legs, but I didn’t stick to it because I don’t think it’s appropriate especially when attending religious services. Less skin for now.

My sister Janine and I went straight to Southeastern Philippines Baptist Theological Seminary (SPBTS) right after the sermon. SPBTS is an institution that gives training on religious faith, practices and experiences for those who have the heart to become pastors or spiritual leaders. It’s located just beside our church. We did our pictorial for my blog’s fashion series there, because we know that most of its students won’t be around during Sundays.

SPBTS and everything in it including those spooky-looking trees has been around since God-knows-when, and I love that it gave a vintage and creepy effect on the photos. Because of this school’s old age, rumor has it that not-like-ours or elemental foes actually live there. But I guess there truly are ghosts anywhere so it’s not a very surprising thing, isn’t it? Good thing, we didn’t feel there presence when we were there. I’m a big scaredy-cat.

And by the way, our church’s name is South Hill Christian Community Church (SHCCC, Inc.); but we also go to Matina Baptist Church at times especially on important occasions. Anyway, Janine and I chose the same colors for our attire that day. Thanks little sister for taking beautiful shots of me. Pardon me for my confidence.

Isn’t it obvious that my sister’s kind of obsessed with one of the principles of photography called rule of thirds? It’s when you place your subject along the 2 horizontal and 2 vertical lines, or at the points where they intersect. It adds balance in the photo. Let me just add that this outfit post is actually my first using my new best friend.

SPECIFICATIONS

Resolution: 14.1 megapixels

Optical zoom: 4X

LCD: 2.7-inch, 230,000 pixels

Maximum image size: 4320x3240

Battery: Li-ion rechargeable

Dimensions: 3.76 x 2.46 x 1.22 inches

Weight: 5.47 oz. (without battery or memory card)

Image sensor: 1/2.3-inch CCD

Movie mode: 720p HD

Canon Powershot A2200 is a budget-priced camera that takes better pictures compared to other brands of the same price. It's not something a pro would use as they say, but it’s more than ok for me since I’m not a pro in the first place. It's also the slimmest compact among Canon PS' A series. It also has a lot of special effects and modes, and my favorite would have to be the Toy Camera and Miniature Effects. I'm currently using the Program and Discreet Modes, because they take good pictures so far.

Sorry for the digression. 'Til then for my next outfit post, my lovely dolls! :-)

Child’s Play: Something Casual

I attended the Pre-Employment Seminar at school yesterday to help us equip ourselves in handling job interviews and “power dressing”. It is also to prepare us for the Campus Recruitment today. If I have time, I will be sharing you some insights that I learned. San Miguel Brewery, Inc. had specifically requested to interview graduating students from BA Anthropology and of course, BA Communication Arts.

I feel so nervous, because this is going to be my first actual “job interview” experience; although I’ve already been in one when we had a mock interview for our Business and Corporate Communications Class two semesters ago. I hope these jitters won’t get me into trouble later at one. While writing this entry, my mind’s also busy thinking of what ensemble to put on. But anyway, here’s what I wore for the seminar.

What I wore:

Tank Top: Uniqlo

Vest: Conus

Jeans: Lee

Oxfords: Parisian

Bag: Jade Duck

Earrings: Mom’s Gift

Necklace: Fashion Convict

Bangle: SM Accessories

I obviously played safe on this outfit by using a bag, belt (not shown in the photo) and shoes with the same color. Conventional fashion states that we have to stick on such unspoken rule; but of course in the modern times, we can do whatever we want in the name of style just as long as the alterations won’t make us look terrible.

My mother used to own that Jade Duck bag I used. She got fed up with it so she kept it. When I saw it from its hiding place in our cabinet, I gave it an immediate fancy. It still looks nice even after a long time. I consider it a true vintage item. Mom said, it was one of her valuable things back then because it’s quite expensive.

I’ve had that Uniqlo tank top in my wardrobe since last year; but I couldn’t make up my mind on what to pair it with, so I decided to just wait for the right partner for it. When my Mom bought me this vest, I didn’t have any second thoughts of putting it together with my white tank. Do you think I’ve made the right choice lovelies?

Now, let’s talk about my accessories and my shoes. I got that two-toned earrings from my Mom as a giveaway for her 50th birthday two years ago. About my feather necklace, it’s one of my recent purchases. I bought it that same day from a friend who owns an online shop, and I’m so glad that it looked so fine with my casual get-up.

I’m no closet queen when it comes to my enthusiasm for oxfords/brogues. I love them because they make any get-up look edgy and androgynous. Mine are from Parisian (exclusively at SM). I love it that SM sells social statements that are stylish and chic, yet affordable and durable. Parisian shoes can last up to a year if worn regularly.

My dear friend Jael Magbanua did my make-up as usual. She said it’s hard to apply cosmetics on me, because my facial skin can easily absorb them. Because of that, the highlights of my smokey eyes weren’t emphasized in the pictures. I don’t know if it’s because of the camera or what.

I wasn’t able to check what brands she used, but I remember her spreading Etude BB Cream (that smells like rosemary) all over my face. I used my L’Oreal Invincible Kiss Proof for my lips.  I don’t know what shade of pink it belongs. I love this lip color a lot because it’s matte. I hate sheen.

Next time, I want her to try the Adriana Lima look on me. She found a 4-minute tutorial about it on YouTube. It already has million plus hits. When I watched it, I was totally in awe. That Thai girl did a great job. Just type “Me as Adriana Lima” or “Me as Scarlet Johansson” in the search tab.

Thanks Cyndi Aguzar for taking these shots. She used her AgphaPhoto SELECTA 14 camera. I hope our elemental foes won’t disturb us again in our next photo shoot. We freaked out a bit that time because of something creepy I don’t want to share. That’s it for today’s Child’s Play episode. ‘Til my next Nymph-ing moments, dolls!