The fashion Gods gave the commandment that every girl must own a little black dress.
I’ve found mine and I have treasured it since 2012. I bought it in Rome because I felt I needed an LBD in the city where Audrey Hepburn ran away with Gregory Peck. (However, I know the LBD belongs to Breakfast at Tiffanys). The Gods were right, as this dress has become my savior. IT belongs in any occasion. I’ve worn it to birthdays, meetings, events, even just a casual day out.
Accessorizing is so easy with it and it’s so comfortable. Any girl with any style needs one.
I added a cute flower for the pinup touch and did my hair in a wet set for those vintage curls.
It was my friends birthday filled with lots of alcoholic beverages. The night ended spontaneously on a trapeze net. Yes, the acrobatic art form of swinging yourself on bars. We didn’t actually perform ourselves but drinking beers on a net in the middle of the city was pretty great to me.
This dress screams Dorothy! Where is my Toto? My outfit belongs at a picnic, but instead I took it to a taco shop. El Chupacabra, located on Polaris St. In Makati, is the place to find the local hipsters grubbing down on carne asada, gorditos and sweet sweet horchata. This place is pretty close to something I would get back home in LA.
Gingham is one of my favorite pinup prints, and with my white cardigan this outfit is perfect for a hot summers date.
A light colored wardrobe is in play now, and with this pretty teal peplum skirt makes me feel all summery (if thats a word). I bought it back when I had big red mermaid hair, and when I would wear this…ala Ariel! The top is a china floral print in a bustier structure so it’s fun for summer and perfect for the heat. A denim jacket during the humid hell of summer? Don’t worry it’s a very light jacket and needed for when at night the summer night becomes cool and eerie.
My long-time boyfriend, Diego, is in medical school. That comes with exhausting hours of studying and endless exams. Leaving him with no time for a good clean haircut. Last Saturday, we had been in the city for some errands. While at it, we passed by Hombre Manila. A fairly new salon for men that has just opened in January 2015 located along Arnaiz St. (Pasay Rd.) at Park Square . Upon walking in from the summer heat, we were greeted by the owner Jen Leung. She knew her stuff. Immediatley she knew how Diego’s hair was. Difficult, a mess, and all over the place. You see, Jen had studied in the states and had been cutting hair for 21 years over at the capital (Washington D.C.) She’s not the only one with years of experience. Her staff even includes a barbera! Yes, a woman barber! And don’t worry ladies, they do women’s hair too. So if you want to get your treatment done, a quick trim or even a mani-pedi while your man is getting his cut on, welcome the new bonding experience. Diego began with a good massage, which he definietly deserved after months of final exams! And soon the magic began… The Junior stylist Horhe began clipping, snipping and styling at ease. And soon Diego looked like a gentleman. Fresh and clean, and no more stressted-out medical student.
HIya!Great products used for a traditional shave. Produced in the Philippines, Blue Sail’s aftershave gave the scent of a true gentleman.The results. Clean and done.The great staff at Hombre Salon with owner Jen Leung (far right).
Hombre Salon for Men is located on the ground floor at Park Square, Ayala Center, Makati City. (Across SM Makati) Hair cuts range from P450-P1,200Contact and Follow:(0917) 721-6337Facebook: Hombre ManilaInstagram: @HombreManila
In my life, I am at the akward stage of becoming a true young adult. Like any twenty-something it’s a confusing time to be seeing my Facebook newsfeed filled with photos of newborn babies AND VIP parties at the trending nightclubs.
One of my best friends Trish, who some of you may know from previous posts, is finally leaving to a journey on her own. She has decided to begin her “life” in Japan, the place where she was born. Like me, we were both raised in different worlds, but we came together in one world that bonded us quickly. That world was called high school. She has become one of my closest friends for almost ten years and I hate to see her go. But, I know it’s time for us to begin our own lives. It’s the time to pursue all of our ambitions, our dreams and establish ourselves to become who we really are.
So, Trish I will miss you terribly.
A few of us had a despedia for her and we went to several places. Two bars being Oarhouse and Bar1951, both located in Malate. We then stopped over at a hole-in-the-wall ramen house, which is located near the Coffee Bean on Adriatico St. (It didn’t have a name. It’s that secret, however it’s very visible. You will see many eating out on the tables placed on the sidewalk). Both bars are great for the steady drinkers who are looking for a good ambiance. Low-key and under the radar these bars a great for just enjoying a few drinks with friends. Something that was much needed to say goodbye.
Top: Supre Australia
Skirt: Forever 21
Cardigan: Cotton On
The basic of a black pencil skirt comes in handy at any event. Being an essentiall it makes it so easy to pair with different tops. (See here for my lists of essentials for pinup style. ) A peplum top with a retro print, like the houndstooth, gives the ultimate hourglass figure. Hiding any unwanted bulges specifically around the hip area, peplum tops are great for narrowing the waist and giving the silhouette of sexy.
Then there was this. The Taylor Swift handbag pose. We found it a bit strange that she holds her bags by the forearm (facing upward). We found it a bit uncomfortable, but we gave it a try. (I am not a fan of her’s by the way.)
Yeah, our bags carried our life in it. Therefore almost breaking off our forearms.
I’m a mess. Eyeliner everywhere from the tears. But, still smiling for the future!
This is the third visit of the metal band, Lamb of God, to Manila. I saw them back in 2010 during their first visit, but wasn’t able to see their full set. (Which was a terrible experience) So, when the opportunity came I just had to grab a ticket to see the amazing band. Heavy metal may not be for everyone, but these guys are purely talented musicians. I was introduced to their music back in 2008 and even for me, the genre was something I did not expect to like. This band was one of many to introduce me to heavy rifts, rugid vocals, passionate poetic lyrics and a kickass drop by double-peddle drums.
I was recently invited to a preview of Ballet Manila’s 20th anniversary concert. Alllowing me the opportunity to have a sneak peak on the upcoming event as well as talks with the dancers, coreographers and Philippine’s own prima ballerina Ms. Lisa Macuja-Elizalde.
Dedicated. Passionate. Disciplined. Creative.
These are the words that came to my mind after speaking with the dancers, choreographers,and Ms. Lisa Macuja-Elzialde. BM 2.0 will celebrate the 20th anniversary of prima ballerina Ms. Lisa Macuja-Elzialde’s pride and joy, Ballet Manila. The concert will showcase the 20 years of the burning passion of ballet dancers all across the Philippines.
Built from the ground up, the company started with just 12 dancers back in 1995 and with limited resources of studio space. The company has greatly evolved to now 50 professional dancers, three rehersal studios along with a music library and Ballet Manila’s own facilities.
While speakig to the dancers, my first question: how do you stay so fit? The answer: 6 days a week of rigirous rehersals, 5 minute breaks and quick meals. Which eventually burn off again through rehersals. These dancers were the most dedicated people I have ever talked to. Many of them started as early as 4 years old and coming from families of dancers. These young dynamic performers take ballet as a lifestyle. Even after physical and mental exhaustion, their passion reaps through and fuels them to express their creativity through the form of dance.
Two of Ballet Manila’s dancers
Multi-awarded coreographer Annabelle Lope Ochoa, from Belgium, was a guest coreographer for the 20th anniversary. Her number, “Bloom”, was one of my favorite previews. It will make it’s premiere at the concert this Feburary 28. She was such a lovely person to talk to. I got to know her story as a ballerina herself, to now a coreographer. Annabelle is one of many international coreographers Ballet Manila now invites for performances. Making Ballet Manila, international!
“Bloom” choreographed by Annabelle Lopez Ochoa“Bloom” which makes its premier this Feburary 28 at Aliw Theatre
With Ms. Annabelle Lopez Ochoa
Here I am rambling on about the company, when most of you are a little indifferent to the idea of ballet. The new generation still has a lot to understand when it comes to one of the most traditional art forms of dance. Our generation is blinded by the latest trends, reality television, and celebrity gossip. The 20th anniversary marks the time to reach out to the new generations and get them to appreciate the dynamic form of classical ballet. One of the number’s titled “Tara Let’s” actually combines the latest OPM music to classical coreography. It’s a great way for the next generation to understand and have an interest in ballet. A tie-up with Star City, those who purchase a ticket allows them to view performances free of charge. Children and parents can walk through to Aliw Theatre and experience the gliterring costumes, graceful movements, and fascinating dances.
I invite you to see the spectacular yourself. Even if you have never seen a ballet, or even been a fan of. This concert will let you experience a feeling of passion, art and pride.
Date of Performances:
Febuary 28 at 7.30pm (Gala night)
March 1 at 3pm
Venue:
Aliw Theatre, CCP Complex, Pasay City
For more details contact Ticket World at 891.9999 or visit their website at ticketworld.com.ph
Keep it posted for part 2 with my one-on-one with prima ballerina Ms. Lisa Macuja-Elizalde.
Today’s adventure took me to Tagaytay! Perfect chilly weather for my favorite pink varsity jacket, which I bought from Forever 21 (Php 2,380). The dress is also from Forever 21 (Php 1,450). Yes, expect lots of my items to be from the holy land that is Forever 21!
Keeping up with the classic stripe pattern (from yesterday’s post), I decided for today i edge it up a bit adding a rockabilly flavor. For those who aren’t sure what rockabilly is, it’s a culture that is part of the vintage trend that consists of styles, music, and lifestyle grabbing from the 1950’s rock n’ roll scene, a little bit of punk, and the classic pin-up mold. Think greasers and tough chicks! (Look out for a feature post on rockabilly)
So, to toughen the look up just a little I wore one of my favorite matte lip colors Transylvania by NYX (Php 300). I matched it with a good pair of cat eye shades, and black flats. I also like how this dress has thicker stripes which flatter the waist!
After a good lunch and some exploring, my friend and I headed to the zoo! We awed at the beautiful animals like the different snakes, birds, and monkeys. Before heading home we stopped over for tea and hot chocolate at one of our favorite cafes, Java Jazz. This place holds amazing local paintings, yummy affordable food and the coziest ambiance. They’re located just a long the highway going towards People’s park. You can check them out at Javajazz.blogspot.com
So keep it classy, but add a little rough to your look! Experiment with dark shades, “punk” prints and as always ACCESSORIES! But REMEMBER keep it balanced for a perfect pin-up look.
The Pin-up Girl Manila 