Dress: Meg Clothing Philippines
Cardigan: H&M Knitwear
Each: Henry London’s Richmond.
You can now find Henry London in the Phillipines at SWISSGEAR Boutiques, WRISTPOD Boutiques, Landmark Department Stores, and selected Robinson’s Department @henrylondonph
I have just received a special gift from Henry London, and I cannot be more excited about their launch here in the Philippines.
If you’re not yet a watch enthusiast and haven’t heard of Henry London, here’s what you need to know:
I don’t have a large collection, as I’m still learning, but watches are an essential accessory to anyone’s wardrobe. When I got this piece it was exactly my taste. Adding this next to my only other watch, a 1969 Cartier Tank Quartz which was a gift for my 25th birthday, is helping me find my way to a girls own watch collection.
I’ll be featuring the Henry London watch in a series of post, so watch out!
You can find Henry London at:
SWISSGEAR Boutiques, WRISTPOD Boutiques, Landmark Department Stores, and selected Robinson’s Department Stores.
xxKelsey
It was perfection! The costumes, the choreography, the dancers, the MUSIC. Filled my hear with ultimate joy. My previous post on Cinderella (2015) AND this year’s performance by Ballet Manila, has made Cinderella my ultimate favorite princess. This was Ballet Manila’s first take on the production, with original choreography from no other than Lisa Macuja-Elizade (she also played the Fairy Godmother!) Click here for behind the scenes!
I brought along my mom and dad for the first time, and they LOVED it! My brother also enjoyed the detailed set designs, pointing out the moving hand on the clock about to stroke midnight! This production is by far my favorite, and I am so proud of Ballet Manila. They bring the best of ballet to Filipinos!
I had a Cinderella inspired outfit. Basically, I realized I had a dress that matched the Cinderella shade. Added pearls and a black ribbon and my favorite black coat.
Have a look at my video of the show:
xxKelsey
I’m not going to lie, recreating vintage hairstyles is very difficult. It takes time and lots of patience. But, that’s what gives the glamour to the entire look, taking the time to perfect the hair and giving it the best potential. It’s not just a brush and go, it’s really about sculpting and styling. Finding the right technique can take years and I decided to check out the beautiful Vintage Vandalizm’s routine. I have to say that I am completely satisfied! Of course, I still need to practice and I am adding in a few of my own touches. Once I perfect it, I promise to share so keep a look out for my tutorial!
The BenCab Museum near Baguio City was so much fun. Aside from the vast collection of Ben, our guide Ryan gave us a unique experience through the museum. He himself is very artistic, taking our smart phones and incorporate the art into our photos.
My photos are taken in the erotica section, where there are interesting works of art on the…well art of sex. It’s a very popular feature in this museum.
Obsessed with mermaids, finding this bag was a dream. Abby Jocson has numerous quirky designs from pineapples to hearts. My belt is from Pattye’s Closet, a vintage boutique in Glendale. It was a score (at just $10). The swallows are classic. Something from Sailor Jerry, or any flash tattoo design.
Taken at the BenCab Museum,Benguet
The local brand Apartment 8 Clothing has been known to carry a lot of clean-cut and structured pieces. i dropped by their store over at Alabang Town Center and was immediately impressed by their array of colors. I loved how they carried several designs of circle skirts. Their look is a bit modern and edgy, but being pin-up taking a circle skirt with the right color and accessories I now have a perfect outfit. Seriously loving their items and will definitely be heading back for more!
xxKelsey
My first pin-up of my project. I introduce to you Emily!
I met 26 year old Emily through Instagram about a year ago. She hails from Indonesia and is a certified makeup artist. Oh, and she happens to be a badass MMA fighter too. I can describe her beauty as pinup with a dark twist. With her dark hair, eclectic tattoos and off beat posing, she is a true definition of the alternative pinup model. I asked Emily a few questions on her inspirations, struggles and her tips on being pinup
First off, where has your love for the vintage/pin-up fashion come from?
It all started from the first time I watch the movie called Pin Up Girl with Betty Grable. For the first time, I loved to dress in this vintage classic style. But as time went on, my style evolved into my own signature pinup look.
How long have you been involved in the pin-up community?
I’ve known of the pin up culture since 2007, but decided to become a daily pin-up girl since around 2008-2009. By January 2015 I found my own style which is the alternative dark pinup look.
Has becoming a pin-up changed you in any ways?
Absolutely! I’ve learned how to appreciate myself a lot more, and find who I really am. However, being a pinup girl in this whole new modern world is such a huge challenge. I find people look at me in very distracting ways, talk bad about my style. But I’ve learned to be proud to be different, and take all the stare with pride because at least I know I am being myself.
Who are your inspirations?
My biggest inspirations are Bettie Page, Amber Rose, and Ms. Tess Munster.
By being a pin-up , do you see yourself influencing other women and girls?
Sometimes. Not with the way I dress and my passion in pinup culture, but my confidence. We should always be our kind of beautiful.
What are your favorite pieces to wear that make you feel confident and sexy?
I’m proud of my body, and love accentuating my curves and my figure. I love wearing wiggle dresses, skinny jeans and maybe pair it with a crop top.
What is your routine for staying fit?
I do squats, sit ups, jogging and some weight lifting every day. I also do boxing and MMA training 4 times a week also swimming every Saturday.
Being a pin-up girl in the modern day can be difficult, have you ever experienced backlash or negativity from your community?
Of Course. I’m tattooed and decided to go bald just last week. I get a lot of negativity behind my back, but rise up to the seeing myself as a unique human being, I ignore the negativity and continue to believe in myself. I hold my chin up and be proud. I know that there are those people who are just trying to pull me down and I will prove to them that I’m being real, respect my mind and I love myself for who I am.
I want everyone to know that you should try to find your true self. Try to combine the classic pinup style to the style that perfectly suits you. Also to not be scared to be different because being different is actually beautiful. Be as unique as possible because that is the most valuable thing in life.
Strong words from a strong woman. Thanks Emily for being part of this project. Your words and confidence will be inspiring so many others out there! I hope all of you follow this pin-up on Instagram and take it from her– you can be anyone you want to be.
xxKelsey
What’s a better way to understand the pin-up community than from the pin-ups themselves!? I have been able to contact a few of my favorite girls for an online interview. I will be conducting write-ups on the women and men who are interested in all things mid-century. I’ll also be doing a few local bloggers!
This project is all about getting to know the faces behind the fashion, and those who love the vintage lifestyle. I’ll be tackling down issues such as body confidence, social judgement, and the importance of fashion. I’ll be posting twice a month so watch out for the upcoming features! If you are interested, or have any suggestions please feel free to contact me! I’m open to anyone who would like to join, pin-up or not.
Let’s do this!
xxKelsey
Last Monday, I was graced with an invitation to Hubblogathon hosted by Impact Hub Manila. Hubblogathon was a day where 20+ bloggers gathered together to share their ideas, listen to experienced bloggers and talk with local entrepreneurs who began their businesses with a cause.
Since I am still new to the blogging community it was a perfect experience being able to go beyond my expertise. Meeting writers from all kinds of genres from beauty, travel, urban lifestyle, health, HIV awarness and the LGBT community, and even to cancer awarness. To be honest, I was a bit intimidated being the only fashion blogger. It’s easy to see a fashion blog as superficial, and that is why I am so thankful for going to this event. I was able to bring back the roots as to why I even started this blog. Being inspired by these other bloggers, and the entrepreneurs that I met gave me a clearer vision to the purpose of my writings. You see, never in my life did I ever think I would start a fashion blog. I began this blog because I have always loved to write. I began this blog because I have always loved to share my thoughts. I began this blog because I wanted to make a change.
Hubblogathon brought several guests to talk about their organizations that benefit the people. From BamBike, Hope In a Bottle, Mom’s Hause of Mushroom, and KKK Coffee among others. Inspiring to see that from the beginning each of these organizations/companies were driven to make an impact on the community.
It just so happens that my love for vintage fashion and the pin-up culture became acknowledged through Instagram and one little article on Buzzfeed. People started to notice and I began taking credit. It gave me the confidence to share my knowledge to those who are unaware of how great the pin-up culture really is. I want people to understand how the popularity of the modern day pin-up is playing a role in today’s feminist society. There is a large role of feminism in pin-up culture today; going from body confidence, equality, freedom of expression and so-on. What I’ve learned from Impact Hub Manila is just how important and powerful a blog can be. Even if I reach a small number of readers, those readers are enough for me to be happy that I have been heard. I’ve always wanted to advocate certain aspects of the women in the Philippines. Coming from a country full of corruption, poverty and inequality it can be very difficult for women to understand the importance of gender role.
The event made me push the reset button, and now I am fully inspired and have been brought back to the root of my blog in reaching my goal of showing how pin-up models and the women and men who are into “old fashioned cars, red lipstick, posing in a swimsuit and wear really old clothes” are actually really great role models. I wish to bring this sense of positivity to all women in the Philippines. It doesn’t necessarily mean you have to curl your hair, wear a petticoat all day and do your makeup for 30 minutes. That is just a great added factor to being a woman! My future writings will continue to emphasize on fashion, style, vintage videos, movies and inspirations. But, now my writings will be full of new valuable content spanning from social impact, environmental change, and women empowerment. Look forward to many collaborations, exclusives and open forums!
I hope you continue with me on this blog not only for the beautiful dresses and old Hollywood starlets, but to understand and get an insight as to why I love this culture so much. I want to thank Impact Hub Manila for the great experience, and for all of you who are interested in social and environmental impact, entreprenureal ideas and guidance, or would just love to become a member for co-working check out on Impacthub.ph .Each month they invite many business leaders to give talks where you can come in for FREE and listen in on their journey. Talks such as “Fuck Up Nights” where you learn from failed businesses to what they can achieve, to “Nailed It Nights” a talk on sucessful startups. Just check out their Facebook or website for updates on these events.
The Pin-up Girl Manila 