The Peter Pan Collar

The peter pan collar is having its share in the retail spaces.  Because it has garnered some popularity, you can even buy detachable peter pan collars for use in any of your tops.  Some are made of leather/rette or embellished with sequins to convert your simple top to a sure glam.

While I believe the peter pan collar is named not after the the Peter Pan, the animated Disney movie, I think it derives some inspiration from it. I can't help but feel peter pan collars' association with something fun, girly, young and innocent.

I do not know if I did some justification to my intro but at least I feel young and less serious in this top.

(Top: Ghills Bazaar / Skirt: SM Depart Store / Shoes: Aldo)

More of these peter pan collars soon.

TNT!

Shoes Can Make That Difference

This is my first day without my binder (for health reason).  While it is kinda liberating, it triggers some bouts of insecurity.  Hopefully, I will start to embrace the changes in me real soon.

Meantime, I resorted to the reprieve of wearing a loose top.  To lessen the lousy effect, I paired it with hot pink heeled shoes to at least impress a well-put-together-look.  I believe it did some wonders. What do you think?

 Accessories surely contribute as well to project a well-thought-of-outfit.

(Top, Shoes and Accessories: Ghills Bazaar / Jeans: TRF by Zara / Sunnies: Gucci)

TNT!

Cardigan

I have recently developed a fondness with cardigans, the more lavish the better.  It is so versatile that it can be worn over either a plain shirt or a formal wear for casual or formal setting.  Cardigans can be short, waist length, long, tailored, straight, or drapey.  It can work either to your advantage or otherwise depending on the style vis-a-vis your body type.

I especially love those long cardigans that go below the hips especially when worn with dress or skirt with, more or less, the same length.  

The drapery at the back provided the dramatic impact.

While cardigan that hit below the knee may provide adverse effect on one's perceived height, use of heels can alter the effect 180 degrees.

Tried it also with a pair of blue shoes.

(Cardigan: F&H / Dress: Adore / Shoes: SM Elegance)

On with my search for a perfect cardigan. . .

TNT.

Chronicle of a Working Mom (the ever reliable shawl)

Lately, I have been juggling balls of responsibilities (which are quite a lot than usual) as a mom, wife and a member of the workforce.  I have had no time to dry my hair, more so, to curl or straighten to lessen those frizz.  I have not been afforded ample time to think and mull over my office wear (which I believe really demands some effort and time).  Today was not an exception.  I was the designated driver of my daughter, caretaker of my MIL and my DH assistant for his discharge from the hospital.

Since the day was expected to be hectic, dressed in no-fuss top and jeans.  Did I tell you blue is now my favorite color? Ahh. . . a cool color for the unbearable heat.

Since no time to do the hair, opted to tie it up neat.

The empire cut top is a savior to cover up the additional inches accumulated over few days of eating the food given by family and friends to DH.

Shawl never fails to add some style to a boring pair.  It always comes in handy whether to effect some sophistication or to provide comfort from coldness (of an airconditioned room). It pays to stock up on all colors.

(Top: H&M / Jeans: Levis / Shoes: SM Comfy / Shawl: Surprisingly found my fave color at Shopwise :D)

Another day proudly accomplished with style.

TNT!

Blue

Hay! I missed blogging.  Due to some unforeseen event, blogging had to take a back seat to do some prioritizing.

These photos were taken last Saturday before I rushed my husband to the ER for cellulitis.

Since it's weekend, took the opportunity to dress up to my fashion sense's content without limitations imposed by strict office wear policy.  Brought out my recent fave shorts and showed off a little skin.

Color blue is becoming a favorite.  It just exudes coolness and calmness that is perfect for the laid-back weekend (. . . or so I thought).

The uneven hem provides added drama to this top.

But for the love of my husband, this outfit prevailed for the day as the shorts didn't pass his approval.

(Top and Shorts: Ghills Tiangge / Denim: Levis /  Shoes: Chocoloate Schu)

With the number of pictures taken, you can surmise I enjoyed having these taken.  It pays that you like what you are wearing for that aura of confidence. 

Hope to resume my everyday blogging soon.

TNT!

Be right back!

Just in case a friend or two will take time to check out my blog, please pardon my lack of post.  I have to do some wifey duty first.

How to Color-Block?

Ever wondered why people who are fashionably forward seemed to be bolder and vibrant than ever in their color choices?  This is not coincidence friends, but the hottest trend of spring/summer season - color-blocking.  I have searched for a clear and universal definition of what color-blocking is, but it led me to varying definitions.  As I see samples of color-blocking ensemble in the internet, I assume this trend is about wearing pieces of bold, contrasting but supplementary colors which when combined will create a look that cannot be missed or one that would surely pop among the crowd.  And if done wisely, while 2 or more loud colors are combined, it still manages to be an eye candy.

Since color-blocking is about finding the right color combination that would complement each other, the color wheel is inevitably material in the entire exercise.  The basic rule in combining color which we used even in scrapbooking is the rule of thirds.  This can be achieved by making a triangle with 3 equal sides.  From there 2 or 3 colors that touches the triangle can be combined.  Hence, orange, violet and green would be a nice color combo for color-blocking.

The analogous colors (three colors lined up together), as well as other color combinations and techniques using the color wheel, may provide some guidance as well.

I have also seen bright colors paired with neutrals and the same passed as color-blocking.

You can also see a lot of color-blocking 101 in the internet complete with pictures of ensemble to guide you through this trend.  Or you can opt to buy a color wheel for your easy reference.  For those, however, who feel color-blocking is too liberating to their fashion sensitivity, they may combine only 2 colors for a start.

These guides though do not guarantee successful color blocking.  At the end of the day, it still is your personal choice of colors taking into consideration what color best works for you and the style that best suits your body type.  And most importantly, own it!  I did!

(Top: Landmark / Shoes: BCBG / Accessories: Borrowed from sister)

Thank you once again to my friend Rhys for taking time out of his busy sched to take these shots.

What is your take on color-blocking?

TNT!

Thinking and deciding which clothes to wear five days a week is no joke.  It is a work in itself.  I have, in few occasions, mentioned the importance of maintaining safe and basic pieces to get you by.  Black skirt, again, is a must, as well as neutral tops.  But so as not to be forgotten that you have shown yourself in the office today, appearance wise, make it a notch higher.

I have shown a skirt with details before, this one may give you yet another idea.

For that neutral top, the zipper on the side made some difference.

Classic shoes for a classic ensemble.

Of course, accessory always provide some push.

(Top: Zara / Skirt:Alexane / Shoes: Gucci / Accessories: SM and Landmark)

Can you make this set a little more interesting?

TNT!

BB Cream

At first, I had reservation in sharing this topic because this will entail revelation of one of my recent treasured beauty secrets.  However, since one of the purposes of my blog is to contribute in every way I can to beautify the world, I decided to give this a go.

I first witnessed the amazing effect of a BB cream through a dear friend Lilibeth, who I recently saw during our annual reunion.  I have been dying to ask what could be the reason for her flawless look (not that she is not flawless but her flawless skin was made more apparent), but waited for the right time to ask. . . you know girls can be proud at times.  When I couldn't hold it no more, I asked bluntly why her skin was glowing.  Willingly, she shared her beauty secret _ a BB cream from Korea.  

Since then, I have been constantly searching the net for the best BB Cream available locally taking into consideration my sensitive skin and the budget I am willing to spend for a tube.  I didn't know when the craze started but I was surprised to learn that a lot of brands are offering BB creams already.  Confused, I decided to go for a brand known to cater for sensitive skin, Neutrogena.   When I was about to buy, I got detoured at Face Shop.  I was amazed by the different BB creams available, each claiming to give a variety of wonders to your skin.  But this particular BB cream got me at "Ma'am this one has an anti-aging effect". Hence, without further ado, it was bought!

What is a BB Cream?  What is the difference between a BB cream and a moisturizer?  BB cream or Blemish Balm, is designed as a total skin treatment.  It has a moisturizing effect.  It has an SPF sunscreen protection.  It can be used also as primer under a foundation.  And if you get the right tint, it can even work as a foundation less the "eeky" feeling.  This particular BB cream even has an additional claim to fame - power lifting!  So what is there not to like? This BB cream spells MAGIC!

I have been using this for less than a week so I do not know if I hold any credibility but so far, I have been loving its flawless and natural effect on my face.  While I still use a moisturizer under this cream, it considerably lessen my beauty regimen.  

Sorry, a before-and-after-photo-effect would have been effective but as usual, no time for this. You may just want to rely on my testimony or you can do your own research and contribute your share in beautifying the world!

Anyway, special thanks to my friend Lilibeth for introducing me to BB cream. I will be forever grateful to you. :D

TNT!

Chronicle of a Working Mom (the LBD and a lot more)

So much has been been about the versatility and elegance of a Little Back Dress. But don't you get the feeling that the LBD can already be boring at times especially when fashion now has become bold and anything but ordinary.  While most of us have quite a few LBDs owing to our indoctrination that LBD is an essential part of every woman's wardrobe, it should be used instead as a canvass to create a masterpiece.  

You have to have a variety of props to make the LBD stand out among all other LBDs.  Accessorizing it is the way to go.  Since our office observes a no-black policy, I chose to pair it with a bright orange to vibe the air of love (after all, orange is the closest relative of red).

Matched it with my red-orange choker.

Since today is extra special, I used my extra special shoes.

And this get up lasted me until our family date.

(LBD: Classics at SM / Blazer: Forever 21 / Shoes: Janilyn / Accesories: SM and Landmark)

Happy Valentine's Day everyone!

TNT!

Chronicle of a Working Mom (The classic black and white)

Who would go wrong with a black and white color combo?  They are classic, timeless and seasonless.  I bet even a scrub suit for yaya in black and white would look very classy.  

During days when time wouldn't allow you much time to experiment and to prepare your best look, the classic black and white will always come to your rescue.  It did come to mine today.

A classic pair of shoes for a classic attire.

(Top: Can no longer remember where purchased / Skirt: SM / Shoes: Primadonna / Accessories: Landmark)

How about you, what are your classic pieces?

TNT!

Midlife Crisis

Midlife crisis is such a common excuse given by one who braved the extraordinary.  I started blogging since 2008.  But it is all about my love for art, a passion which anyone I suppose can engage in regardless of age.  You may have wondered why I just recently engaged in fashion blogging, a forum usually used by female a little over half my age displaying how clothes look fab in their  anorexic bodies.  Could it really be that I have bouts of midlife crisis?

I looked at the definition of "midlife crisis" at Wikipedia.  It is defined as period of dramatic self-doubt that is felt by some individuals in the "middle years" or middle age of life, as a result of sensing the passing of their own youth and the imminence of their old age.  The result may be a desire to make significant changes in core aspects of day-to-day life or situation, such as in career, work-life balance, marriage, romantic relationships, large expenditures, or physical appearance (emphasis supplied on the last one).  This definition struck me like a bolt of lightning.  It confirms my state of mind indeed!  Thus, this blog . . . and most recently. . . my bangs!  Lol!

(Top/Shorts: Greenhills Bazaar / Accessories: SM and Landmark / Shoes: Zara)

And you think it stops there, watch how I used color blocking against all odds at the dismay of my husband who thinks I am regressing.

(Top: Dorothy Perkins / Shorts: Landmark / Belt: SM / Accessory: Landmark)

Whatever crisis I am going through (medically or legally defined), I just refused to be depressed with little lines here and there.  I choose to defy aging as far as I can by being fashionable apt (with probably few misses) and by blogging it.


TNT!

Mini Me

You know your daughter can be your best accessory (and vice versa)?  Oh, please don't get me wrong. I didn't mean reducing my daughter to a mere accessory for fashion's sake.  What I meant is your daughter's get up can actually supplement yours (and again, vice versa)

See?

It pays to have an available sewer at my call to implement my mother-and-daughter matching outfit ideas.  This is our version of a raglan shirt.  I am so happy for the zebra print fabric as pocket. It so hip! :D

Got this matching denim shorts from Ghills Bazaar.

I am taking advantage of my daughter's age now when she still enjoys pairing her clothes with mine. I know in just a matter of year/s, she will have her own independent fashion style which is quite visible even as early as now (I will tell you more of this in my next post).

I really love matching family outfits.  Its like putting a stamp of exclusivity to each and every family member.  Hopefully, I will revive soon my interest on my Tutti business.

(Aly's Bag: Zara /  Aly's sandals: Payless / My Shoes and Bag: Kate Spade)

What is your take on matching family outfits?

TNT?

Chronicle of a Working Mom (Glam Up!)

Fashion has evolved to unbelievable extent that it is no longer applicable for trotting in runways and for use by celeb people only.  It has invaded every maria's closet.  

Who would have imagined wearing sequined and glittery clothes in the office? I do.  Recent visit to Forever 21 got me feasting over variety of sequined pieces, from top to bottom, from one which used sequins sparingly to fully studded ones. . . can't help but drool over.  Since husband was in tow, I exercised some restraint.  

But the call of fashion was too strong and so I subtly gave in.

A day will not be complete without the outfit shot in my usual spot.

Feeling exhausted from the never ending deadline in the office, decided to go out for lunch with dear officemates, Susan and Rhys.  It was so unplanned that I was able to bring my camera with me (what a coincidence!).  My greatest appreciation to Rhys for willingly playing the role of a paparazzi and a lot more (wink! wink!).

  

(Top: Greenhills Bazaar / Accessory: SM Accessories / Bag: LV)

Meet Susan in her own version of Carrie Bradshaw walk.

Fierce shoes by Steve Madden!

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I do not know when this trend started but I remember Jennifer Lopez wearing her sequined pieces quite often during the last season's American Idol.  Well for me, I might embrace this for a little longer.

Have you acquired your glam outfit already?

TNT!