A Southern Valentines

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Diego and I decided to go towards the south this Valentines. We figured since everyone would be in the city to celebrate, we opted for a more relaxed way to celebrate. We drove through the serene Laguna (deeper Laguna, since yes I am from Laguna.) Driving through Los Banos, Pila and arriving to our destination Liliw and Diego’s province of Victoria.

Once we arrived at Liliw we visited St. John Baptist church and took around the beautiful preserved architecture. Made out of bricks the church had a special peaceful aura. A perfect way to spend with someone special. Afterwards, we took a stroll the small community. Liliw is known for many bargain shoe stores, and of course I had to buy myself a pair…or two. The locals are absolutley friendly. Just by asking directions, or buying pasalubong they were keen on having a conversation. We had lunch at the known resturaunt Arabela’s. It’s such a cute place to eat, literally. The cieling is no more than 5’11. So if you’re every going to eat here be entertained. The food was deliscious, and because of the close space it gave a very cozy vibe.

Afterwards, we headed to Victoria to visit Diego’s grandmama. Her house is full of luscious greenery, and some of her orchids that she tends to. We had a little snack and talk and headed home.

I had a wonderful Valentine’s day with Diego and I hope everyone had a great one as well!

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Happy Valentine’s Day!

A Happy Birthday and a Poetee Launch

#poetees  and the birthday man Apags
#poetees and the birthday man Apags

Last nights celebration went to Apags at Route 196! Not only was it his birthday, but his new tshirt launch. Poetees is a line that features local poets and their works. It’s a great take on fashion and art. The night was a lot of fun, with many bands that performed just for Apags. (spoiled much? hehehe) Bands such as Tanya Markova and Mayonaise. I brought along my friend Trish, who many of you may know now as the pusblished poet. It was a great event being able to meet many new people and have a few beers. Happy Birthday Apags!

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The look for the night was a r
ockabilly look. Victory rolls in play! (Sadly, humidity took over and I had to take them out before leaving the house. ugh.)

Top: Uniqlo (Php 750)

Skirt: Westfield (Australia) (Php 1,200)

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Essentials: Hair Accessories-Flowers and Bows

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I’m not one for accessories. I rarely ever wear jewlery or dazzle up my outfits. But my favorite pinup accessory are hair flowers and bows! Maintaining a vintage hairstyle can be difficult, time consuming, and tedious. On the days where I really don’t feel like working on my hair, a good curl/brush out with an added bow or flower immediatley makes a great pinup hairstyle.

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Flowers are so classy. I love them put near the ear, but you can also add them to a pony tail. I tend to choose neutral colors for my flowers so that it makes it easier to match with my outfits. But there are so many varieties out there for your choosing; different materials, colors and flower types.

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Bows are great too! Some of you may be thinking that bows can be….adolescent. Too cute maybe? Well if you choose right, it can be a great accessory. I wear them just like a flower, on the side of my ear. But you can also wear them above a pony tail for that 1950s prep look. My assortment of bows are primary colors giving off a bit of a cheerleader-varsity vibe.

Hair accessories have been favored by classic pinups, and modern ones too.

Classic pinups such as Bettie Page, to modern pinups like Bernie Dexter.
Classic pinups such as Bettie Page, to modern pinups like Bernie Dexter.
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Please excuse the quality of the photos, these were taken from my Instagram account.

I find hair accessories everywhere! Always keep an eye out over at any accessories section of your favorite store. I usually find great pieces at Forever 21, SM Department Store, and even the children’s section like Zara.

Hair accessories are definite pinup essential! Get out there and experiment with different styles, colors and type!

A Sunday dress on a Monday

A perfect dress for a casual errands day. A jersey dress with this amazing bold print. I love the flowers! Elegantly vintage, but the color scheme makes it so modern and girly. Just a white belt and a cardigan to match. Oh an my hair was foam-roller set so it gives off the late 40’s look. Nails to match the pretty lilac flowers on the dress too!

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Dearest Morticia

Morticia Addam’s Inspired. That’s all.

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Set Sail to the Bar!

Today’s adventure took me to the sail boats! Manila Yacht Club with my friend Peter! The smell of the salty sea makes me realize I really am a mermaid.

My outfit inspiration is loosely inspired by Natalie Wood’s character Judy in ‘Rebel Without a Cause’. A simple polo and circle skirt. Adding a cardigan and a pair of shades gives a casual pinup look.

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I picked a really pretty yellow polo that made me look like a crew member ready to set sail!

Polo: Colezone (borrowed from my mom)
Skirt: Forever 21 (Php 1275)

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After dinner at the club we headed to a great restobar called Bar1951 located on Adriatico St. It’s the perfect hole-in-the-wall place. Ambiance was cozy and relaxing the decor and setup was perfect for art and music. An really unique band played an acoustic set fusing traditional Indian drumming and new age rhythms created by an instrument called a chapman and a keyboard. I loved it all!

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Classic polos can turn pinup with circle skirts, pencil skirts, and even a pair of high-waisted shorts! Accessories with bows and shoes and you have a great day look!

Inspiration: Marilyn Monroe

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I’m beginning this series of inspirations with the classic Marilyn. She is the most familiar and known pinup. I’m sure many of you already see her in pop culture from tshirts, posters, bags, even celebrities and tv shows being inspired by her. (Madonna circa “Material Girl”, Anna Nicole Smith, Smash)

She had a turbulant childhood, in and out of foster care homes, and her mother was instilutionalized. She was married at 16 due to the war, but of course later divorced. She was discovered modeling for a weapons factory that she worked at which eventually lead to her career. She was persued as the “dumb blonde”, but what people didn’t actually know was that Marilyn was highly intelligent. She was a consistent reader, a fan of Freud, and a writer.

My favorite films are Some Like It Hot, How to Marry a Millionare, Gentlemen Prefer Blondes,Bus Stop and the iconic Seven Year Itch. (White dress with the gentle breeze sound familiar?)

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Aside from her obvious reasons of inspiration, she inspires me the most from her modeling in her early days. Circa 1948-49 was her utmost pinup days. Her poses, sweet smile and flawless body really defines pinup. You can see how young she is, and how different her face is! Pre-platinum blonde days and still untouched by the industry. (Apparently she had a chin implant, rhino plasty and breast agmuntation, and of course a change to hair color all in suggestion of her studio.) Regardless, she is naturally beautiful and I love looking at her early photos just because she has no idea what is to come.

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A few years later, with a few movies to her resume and popular demand, she would be the first cover girl of Playboy magzine in 1953. Featured was one of her first nude pinups taken in 1949. (Tom Kelley’s ‘The Red Velvet’ session)

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Iconic, beautiful and downright the original Marilyn is the inpiration not just to me, but definietly all pinups.

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Yo, it’s polo!

It’s polo season! My best friend is an equestrian, and decided to bring along me and her sister to a polo match. I personally have no idea how or what polo was all about, but when I got there it was very exciting. We were lucky to be in great company and met many interesting people.

Champagne, cool and windy weather, amazing people, horses, music, champagne, polo players and did I mention champagne?

Yes, so much champagne I lost count as to how many glasses I had. But, hey I love to enjoy myself at a polo match!

Cardigan: Forever 21 (php625)
Dress: SM Department Store (Php 800)
Shoes: Sperry Topsiders (A gift)

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Bright Light City Gonna Set My Soul

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Having the urge to get on a plane and head over to Vegas. Inspired by Viva Las Vegas.

Essentials: The Black Pencil Skirt

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I love the black pencil skirt! It’s one of the essentials that is so versatile. There are so many combinations with tops, shoes and accessories! The key to the pencil skirt is to find the perfect fit. Find one that is snug to the hips to show those curves, high enough at the waist to enhance the waist line, and the material should be comfortable. Cotton is my favorite, however there is polyester and pleather. Which personally I am not a fan of. It’s hard to sit with and the movement is odd for me. If you can’t find one that perfectly fits you off-the-rack, you can always get it altered.

I put some options you can pick to add with the essential. Peplum tops will really show that waist, and hides the hips. It balances out with the pencil skirt creating a slimming figure. Off the shoulder tops will give the perfect vixen look. Pair with some black Mary Jane pumps and you’re a rockabilly bombshell in no time.

Many of you might look at a black pencil skirt and think it’s only for formal occasions or the office. However, it can be just as casual as you want it to be. Adding a graphic top (tucked into the skirt) and a pair of cute sneakers will make you look like a casual modern-day pinup.

And as always, don’t forget the accessories. Add maybe a hair flower with your favorite curls or updo. Maybe a pair of cat eye shades for both casual and formal looks. Don’t forget that red lip and cat eye liner!

The black pencil skirt is a wardrobe essential. So get you butt out there and snuggle into one!