NAVA hat | knit top and side-slit skort, both thrifted | ankle strap flats from BU6 | Celine-inspired bag from Persunmall

Hello everyone! Officially beginning 2014 with my first outfit post... taken very much last year during the holiday heyday. Yeah, it's still backlog-ridding time!:) Not much to say about this outfit, really. It's pretty simple, and I wore it buying additional gifts and checking out Ulli's Streets of Asia with the husband. Oh, and say hello to the gorgeous brand-spankin' new Ayala Center Cebu Roof Deck right behind me! Their new expansion is not done yet, but it's so exciting and promising. I'll be sharing my pictures from the media soft opening soon!

This hat which I bought from the NAVA booth during Bloggers United 6 is becoming a bit of a security blanket-like item for me-- I can't seem to part ways with it most days, and its my coverup of choice during bad hair days (which is like, all the time TBH haha).

Stay awesome, my loves! Thanks for visiting xx

Here's also a few key trends and items that I really loved, and will most probably continue on using:

• Classic footwear - 2013 marked the return of two surprise favorites: the ankle-strap sandal and the pointy pump. Not the easiest things to wear, but so versatile!
• Blacks and whites - obviously!
• Ankle boots - can't stress how necessary these are (the walkable, casual-wear variety)
• Vests, vests, vests! - Vests are like, weather-friendlier, less rigid counterparts of leather jackets and blazers. I can't live without these babies! I liked this white vest and leather skirt pairing and this leather vest and origami skirt pairing, in particular.
• Caps and hats - What you place on your head can sometimes really complete a look.

SO THERE! I don't know how different or similar I'll look this year, but it's always fun trying to see how it turns out.:)

Thanks again for visiting xx

On the course of staying true to my super frugal yet fashion-forward self, I've decided to introduce "SPLURGE vs STEAL" write-ups here on the blog. Some of my favorite segments in magazines are always "look for less" or "steal that style" spreads-- I've always loved and appreciated how some editors make the effort to have style be accessible somehow for those of us on a budget. While I still believe in saving up for the real thing, it helps to have stylish alternatives we can afford while waiting, right?

super roomy inside

no stitch out of place; durable, shiny gold hardware

CONS

• It's not the real thing :( 
• It's made of PU/faux leather material, so it will give at some point
• Though it doesn't feel gingery or flimsy, I'm still afraid to overload it with so much weight (but this is true no matter what bag I guess)

I'm personally happy with this bag. I've been using it on a nearly daily rotation with my other bags these days. And though I have not given up on hoping for my first real-deal Celine someday (hey, its free to dream, right?), I think I'm good for the meantime :)

What about YOU? Would you SPLURGE or STEAL? Weigh in on the comments below! xx