So... I turned 29 last Sunday. Sincerest apologies for a week-long hiatus and for skipping out on the festive fare here on the blog (big birthday announcement! giveaways! maybe next year when I actually hit 3 decades?) - a terrible cold kicked in exactly the morning after my very low-key birthday dinner, and there I was, spending a week feeling like my body has serious hatred towards me, eating nothing but soup and literally doing nothing but watch Empire (how GOOD is that show, though?). I normally freak out when I'm not on the grind, but it felt good to not think about goals and work for a week.
The official shirt design for FashionSpeak 2015. Pretty awesome, right?
This October 15, all roads lead to One Woodward in Detroit for the 3rd annual (and hotly anticipated) Fashionspeak, presented by the Detroit Garment Group - and to top it off, this blogger is part of a select group covering it live!
Read the inside scoop of this amazing fashion conference right after the jump!
Read the inside scoop of this amazing fashion conference right after the jump!
Before I continue with this post, I would like to wish this certified fashion killa and all around awesome gal a very, very happy birthday! Jordan is someone making huge strides in the Detroit fashion scene - I love her sense of style, her can-do attitude and the fact that she's just one of the most stylish engineers I've ever met! Get to know Jordan in the continuation of our #DetroitXNYFW blogger collab after the jump!
A remarkably feminine yet funky style? Check. A killer attitude and a brilliant smile to boot? Check and check! For the next edition of our Detroit x NYFW Blogger Feature, I am more than happy to introduce to you Melissa Hill, or Mafia Mel, as she prefers to be known in these circles. Mel is definitely something. She is probably one of the more spirited young people you'll get to meet, and she's poised and at the ready for success. There's never a dull moment with Mel, that's for sure!
Get to know Mel a little better with her quick Q& A after the jump:
#NYFW is absolutely in full swing, and we're already getting our fill of the upcoming summer trends for next year. I definitely love what I've been seeing from the shows, and a lot of my favorites didn't disappoint. I should try to showcase some of my favorites here!
As mentioned a couple of posts ago, I had the opportunity to celebrate NYFW right here at home with some of the most fabulous fashionistas in Detroit, and today (and in the next upcoming days), I have the honor to feature these amazing ladies right here on the blog. It's so fun having them here, I figure I should probably do this a little bit more often (give other bloggers a lot of love, I mean!).
To kickstart the series, I would love for y'all to get to know Detroit's premiere plus-size blogger and my dear friend and collaborator, Leah V of Beauty and the Muse. Leah is one of the first bloggers I dutifully followed when I got here in Metro Detroit, and I'm honored to be able to call her my friend. She is as real as real can get, with fantastic style to boot. She owns her body and she owns her style. Girl is always killing it!
Read after the jump to find out more about this fierce fashionista!
If you ask any fashion girl what THE dream is, I think everyone would be unanimous about New York Fashion Week. You know what I mean by the dream - the ultimate highlight to anyone's career; the ultimate sight to see, the ultimate #fashiongoal. It happens like clockwork every year as all eyes are glued to New York City and how it basically sets the stage for all the trends for the upcoming year. Like what Miranda Priestley said in THAT scene we all remember from the Devil Wears Prada, it affects everyone (even if you don't consciously think it affects you). Economies are moved, companies rise and new talents emerge, and trends are very much set. Again, NYFW jumpstarts it all every single year.
Now, we may not be able to personally be there for the action (someday, though!), but who says we can't celebrate all that glitz and glamour right here in our home turf? I had the chance to collaborate with some of my blogger girls for a New York Fashion Week special, Detroit fashion blogger style -- see more photos after the jump!
Hello, lovers and hello, September! Hope yours kicked off with a great start- I'm pretty pumped myself as it is my birthday month! September also rings in fall as we all know- thank goodness temperatures haven't dipped like crazy yet, but it's never too early to start preparing the layers, right? This year, I don't really want to deviate too much from my regular "wishlist"- I still think of a lot of leathers, boxy and minimalist coats and other accessories... Maybe this year, however, I'll get a tad bit more playful with some fringe, tassels, and a bit more camel/tan colors. I seriously can't remember the last time I bought anything of the decadent hue, and that's kinda sad. :(
Here's my top picks from fashion retailer Rosegal - they do have some great selections for clothing, bags, leather bracelets here and other essentials, and the price can't be beat. I particularly love this chambray skirt and this vintage leather crossbody. How gorgeous is that chocolate brown color? Also, I've been on a backpack streak (just so convenient for quick trips with the babey!), and I'm definitely feeling this textured leather one.
What's on your wishlist this fall? Xx
DISCLAIMER: This is a sponsored post.
How about filing this under e-mails that make you ridiculously giddy: +Influenster reaching out to you with the news that you've been handpicked for the VIP +YSL Beauty Touche Eclat Voxbox? I could barely contain my excitement! Should you dump your go-to primer for these beauties? Read after the jump for my quick, unbiased take on these goodies!
original article and infographic courtesy of Makeup.com
I think this infographic is definitely worth sharing, and obviously self-explanatory. As someone who has worked behind the makeup counter for almost a year, I encountered quite a few... interesting stories from some customers about the shelf life of most of their makeup, and it wasn't very pleasant. Heck, I was pretty guilty of this myself before I got seriously schooled. A lot of us are pretty clueless about this, really, but I think common sense prevails in this situation, right? I personally wouldn't throw awat a perfectly good pan of bronzer or eyeshadow palette (Estee Lauder's Bronze Goddess, in particular, is SO HUGE that it should last you well beyond two years even with everyday use!), but anything that is in liquid form is obviously more susceptible to bacteria, and anything that approaches your eye has to be deal twith some degree of caution. It was sad when I had to toss a couple of Diorshow mascara tubes away, but yes... definitely 6 months tops for mascara. Tops!
While we're on the topic, do you guys have recommendations for the best drugstore mascaras? Do let me know in your comments! xx
While we're on the topic, do you guys have recommendations for the best drugstore mascaras? Do let me know in your comments! xx
The sun sets a tad bit earlier, and the mornings are getting quite a bit more chilly... hold up, when did we get this close to fall?
I have not been to a place in awhile that quite literally took my breath away in the same way as the Russell Industrial Center did. What was once a bleak reminder of Detroit's storied past (it once housed the now defunct Murray Auto Body Corporation) is now coming back to life in the form of a creative hub for many visual artists and other creatives. Though the complex looks dilapidated on the outside, it is absolutely teeming with life and art on the inside, and that really speaks a great deal to me. Hoping to someday lay groundwork on the Russell for some of my own creative pursuits, soon...
HM leather biker jacket | Nike Dri-Fit shirt | Calvin Klein Shea Saffiano bag | Report Signature "Toby" booties
photos by Thaad Sabolboro
photos by Thaad Sabolboro
Ah... spring. Too bad you're so incredibly fleeting -- I mean, when else can we be able to wear a ful-on quilted biker jacket and still have gorgeous sunlight in our faces? We're starting to get 80-degree days around here, and soon enough, I'd have to put my new baby (this leather jacket, not my actual baby lol) away. After a loooong and very drawn out search for the perfect biker jacket without the huge price tag (because we all can't afford the Acne Mape, which is just incomparable), I finally found THE one from HM's SS15 collection, and I am just smitten. Still available here in very limited quantities if you're looking for one too!
Muchas gracias to the mister for getting me this lovely Calvin Klein Shea Saffiano bag for Mother's Day this year... he definitely gets me, haha. It's gorgeous, practical (on sale at Macy's right now!), and is deceptively spacious... it's perfect to fit a milk bottle or two for a quick run with my son and my tablet. Thanks again, papabear!
Wore this outfit to the Ultimate Style Expo, the very first fashion event I ever attended here in Michigan-- hopefully won't be the last. Can't wait to share that bit with you all!
Much love xx
Quick question: how old were you when you felt like the world is yours for the taking? After asking around, it seems like the general consensus is 22. Taylor Swift did write a song about it, after all! I mean, don't you remember how awesome life was when you were 22? Your metabolism kicked ass, you most probably just started your first job right off college, and had all the energy in the world to work 8-5 and go to parties until early dawn. You were bright-eyed, fresh-faced, and optimistic. And hey, if you're still 22 or about to turn 22 still, enjoy!
It's been 6 years since I turned 22, and yes, I may not be as bright-eyed and fresh-faced as I was, but I'm still keeping the optimism alive. The only parties I attend are very small, three-person parties with my son and husband, my metabolism does NOT kick ass anymore (and I'm sure it's going to go downhill from here, hah!) ,and I barely have the energy to stay up for anything past 1 AM. I realize that I am a tad bit too old for a lot of crazy shenanigans, and I'm fine with it. Just like me, it seems like most of my peers are getting married, conceiving babies, earning top promotions, or even moving out of the country. Our younger peers might say we're "getting boring", but I wouldn't exactly call it that-- it's just more like we're moving on to a different kind of party. And while it does get way tougher, the fulfillment is way more awesome than the bestestestestest best party you've ever attended when you were 22, I can guarantee you that.
While I do miss the awesomeness of my early twenties, I have zero regrets moving on and leaving all that behind (though yes, sometimes I am in the mood to grab a drink somewhere douche-y, hahaha!). We can't turn back our biological clocks and run away from the responsibilities that go with our aging, but we can still grab life by the balls. Your life didn't peak at 22-- you only just got started. So to all my friends who are afraid of growing old, or feel less amazing these days, just keep the faith alive and give everyday your best. Carpe diem, no matter how old we're getting!
I chose this outfit post today because I get 22 vibes from it, though this was taken last year, hahaha. Anywayy, you guys have a good one! ;)
Heads up, stylistas all over Metro Detroit! The Ultimate Style Expo presented by Scotta Intimates comes back full force this May 3, 2015 at the Westin Southfield. Know the latest in fashion and beauty in this event filled with various runway shows, blogger runway competition, a makeup show by the Michigan Makeup Academy, pop-up shops by your favorite fashion retailers, and many more!
Lucky attendees stand to enjoy a cash bar, swag bags, dj and photo booth, and of course, tons of fabulous fun.:) And no fun event with a great cause should go unnoticed -- a portion of the proceeds of this event will benefit the non-profit group Alternatives for Girls.
See you all there! The Ultimate Style Expo will be held in the Westin Southfield-Detroit, 1500 Town Center, Southfield, MI 48045 from 4-8PM. You can buy your tickets at the door or through eventbrite.com.
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ZNU grey oversized houndstooth coat | Rebecca Minkoff mini MAC cobalt blue crossbody with black hardware | HM tank | Romwe pants | Puma sneakers | vintage Chanel sunglasses
thank you to ZNU.com for partnering with this outfit post
Here are a couple of "currents" going on in my life this week:
Feeling - Pressured but optimistic. Restarting our production company business here in the United States is a whole unknown playing field for me. I have so much to learn and still so much to do to get the ball rolling, but with the steady tiny stream of people I'm meeting here and there, I'm feeling fairly confident.
Watching - Just wrapped up the first season of Marvel's Daredevil on Netflix... seriously, that show is goooood. You are missing out on a LOT if you're not on board already. Also, Game of Thrones season 5, of course!
Reading - George Orwell's "Animal Farm". Revisiting a classic!
Thinking of - What my husband's planning to surprise me with for Mother's Day, haha! I kid, I kid. To be fair, I have already shopped for gifts for the mothers close to me!:) Seriously, I'm thinking of getting a training shoe update and I don't know what to get just yet. Suggestions?
Working on - Aside from business registration paperwork and all that, an actual music video project for two very talented individuals. Excited to be back behind the camera!
That's that for now-- hope you guys are having a great weekend so far! :)
Plaid Moto Jacket, Bongo | loose satin tank, Abound | bucket bag, Steve Madden | leather lined pants, Romwe | Tika2 burgundy faux croc skate shoes, Topshop
A friend of mine back in the Philippines jealously quipped at one of my photos saying, "aren't you just sooo lucky being able to wear leather jackets without having your pits sweat buckets!"(and no, she wasn't rapping when she said this, haha). I guess you can call this my little tradeoff for missing out on all the beach and island hopping adventures back in the tropics. I know I'm missing out a lot, but hey, at least I get to rock a leather jacket in April. Take that, friend (haha, hear my bitterness talking?)!
On another note, I'm feeling steadily grand these days-- starting to meet creatives and other bloggers in Metro Detroit, steadily working on the groundwork of our revived video and film company, and my baby is doing better with sleep training and mobility milestones. Life's a daily challenge but hey, gotta be thankful for the small things.
Hope you're all doing great! xx
light military jacket, gifted by Yves | houndstooth blouse, Romeo and Juliet Couture (similar) | Steve Madden BGemmaa bucket bag (buy here) | leather pants, Kohls (similar) | 'Toby' booties, Report Signature (buy here) | Mirrored sunnies, Jessica Simpson (similar)
After what seemed like a hundred thousand years (well technically just a few months, but you feel me)of below freezing temperatures, the sun did quite a surprising thing over the weekend: It came out, bright and bold, guns blazing. It was a perfect 45-degree Sunday, and I literally jumped out of bed and belted "HALLELUJAH! " in my best false soprano. Yes, 45 is still quite chilly, but if you're in Michigan, its the kind of day you'll definitely live for. Spring, 1, winter, 0!
I must admit that this look is somewhat my "uniform" on the regular post-pregnancy -- long tunics and sweaters (to "artfully" hide postpartum belly flab, of course!), my trusty leather pants, and a coat. I also must admit that I'm in dire need of a hair appointment, and stat. But if I'm going to be perfectly honest here, I'm kind of feeling the "just rolled out of bed without brushing my hair" vibe. Amirite or amirite?
Anyway, I absolutely cannot wait for spring to begin-- for camping, actually being able to explore Michigan in amazing weather, and for my baby to see how lovely it is to be outside. What are your favorite things about spring?
asymmetrical contrast dress, thrifted | flared gusset bag, Charles and Keith (similar) | gold plate belt and studded boots , Cotton On (similar) | Forever 21 sunnies
Oh wow, seeing these throwback outfit photos made me miss Ayala Cebu incredibly bad. :( It only seems like yesterday when I would meet up with the husband after work for some dinner or milk tea, or spend lazy afternoons hanging out with friends at CBTL, or just plainly walking around with the family. Ugh, intense feelings of homesickness at this moment. :/ Sometimes it feels like just yesterday, but then again, seeing my pre-pregnancy self also reminds me that it's been almost a year. Sigh. Cebu, I miss you! Seeing these photos also reminded me all the more on just how much I miss Philippine weather, humidity and all. Spring please come sooner!
Photos were taken around a couple of months before we left for the States. I'm definitely feeling my hair here--should I or should I not again? Kind of on a quest for a new hairstyle that's not quite high maintenance (getting your hair done in the US is EXPENSIVE)-- any suggestions?