Tricia Will Go Places | Tricia Gosingtian

I’m back! Spending the holidays in Japan was a blast. Such a magical place with a much-enviable visual culture, as always! Easily my most favorite place in the world.

This time, my family and I went to Fukuoka instead of Tokyo or Osaka for a change. Surprisingly, there’s a direct flight from Manila to Fukuoka via Philippine Airlines. Glad to know that different parts of Japan are finally getting more and more accessible to us.

We arrived in Fukuoka just before dinner, so we headed straight to the subway from the airport. The hotel that we stayed in was just right across Hakata Station, making it so convenient for us to go around the city without having to allot so much on cab fare.

Since we were so hungry from the flight, we decided to grab a bite to eat at some random ramen place at Hakata Deitos…

…and a nice cup of iced coffee at Marbre Blanc Cafe where we also enjoyed some wonderful parfaits and not to mention, a group of good-looking waiters who looked as if they came straight out of an anime/manga.

After dinner, we roamed around the station some more. Managed to snap a photo of these two adorable kids who both seemed so grown-up, already shopping for stuff on their own!

Fluffy white dog outside Hankyu department store. The stroller has “I <3 HUG” all over it.

Yet another puppy in the department store. Adorbs!

Some very expensive but high-quality men’s shoes. ￥19,950 or approx. ₱11,200 for one pair!

Personally one of my most favorite Japanese brands of all time. I’d buy everything they’re selling if only they weren’t too pricey. Just look at those lovely fall colors!

Laguna Moon was selling some really nice coats with fur collars.

If I had to share a Japanese shoe brand, this would be it. Esperanza makes some of the best quality, trendiest shoes I’ve ever seen in my life. Luckily, I was able to get the boots I’ve always wanted (ViVi, the things you do to me…) in Canal City a few days after this shot was taken. At 50 freaking percent off! #freddiemercury.jpg

Cecil McBee! I still remember my first experience with them. I bought this skirt, and found myself surprised to be escorted out of the store before they handed me my paper bag! Talk about super special customer service.

Dolly Wink Otona Line! Got a blonde eyebrow pencil for myself and brown eyebrow powder for my BFF Crissey. On the left is Ayumi Hamasaki’s line of false eyelashes.

Someone bring all of these Japanese beauty products to Manila, please?

Apparently, in Japan, KFC = Christmas. How cute is Santa Sanders!?

Passed by some izakaya-style restaurants in the station. Drinks on Christmas day!

Favorite photo from this set. Remember this photo? The geeky photographer in me is a sucker for these kinds of photos that tell a story. <3

Christmas day ended early for us… only because we had to prepare for the next day. More photos from my Fukuoka trip soon.

Also, Happy New Year! 2011 has been a rollercoaster ride, but I’ve learned to just go with it instead of resist it. Good riddance. Thanks for the great year, Tumblr folks!

Christmas shopping is something I look forward to every year. I don’t mind the insane traffic jams, and the massive amount of competitive people in shopping malls trying their very best to get the most affordable deals. I like shopping during this time of the year for a number of absolutely cheesy reasons. For one, holiday collections are usually full of super shiny shimmer and colors that never fail to remind me of warm and fuzzy Christmas feelings. Also, at the end of the year, after all the hard work you’ve done, it feels good to be able to purchase things both for yourself and for others. It really is the most wonderful time of the year!

A few days ago, I was able to find some time to visit Bayo’s Eastwood branch to check some new stocks out and buy some gifts for friends and loved ones. Last Christmas, way before I started collaborating with Bayo, I remember getting my mom gift certificates and necklaces from this store. It’s so near my house, and I love how all the Bayo branches I have been to somehow smells like baby powder, which is my preferred scent when it comes to pretty much everything like linen spray and perfume. Good, happy Bayo vibes never fail to make me want to enter their store every now and then.

They allowed me to take pictures in the store so feel free to do some online window shopping with what I’ll be showing here if you haven’t finished shopping for Christmas yet. Click on the Bayo picture on my sidebar if you’re interested in something but don’t have time to go to the nearest branch.

I bumped into my BFF Crissey and her officemates while she was taking a break from work! Her officemates were trying clothes out in the other dressing room so… in usual Trissey fashion, we giggled a lot and fooled around in the dressing room I was in and even took the dorkiest photos in the world. Will save your eyes from that, but in the meantime, I can’t wait for the end of season sale in January so I could get all these jewel tones, monochromatic outerwear and soft colors and fabric. Definitely going to shop ‘til I drop in January after receiving Christmas money from my relatives. Hee.

Since we’re talking about shopping anyway, here’s my most favorite shopping buddy at the moment. It doesn’t need to eat or sleep and it doesn’t get sick! This was launched just recently and I found the idea quite genius so I got myself a BPI My ePrepaid MasterCard. It’s a reloadable prepaid MasterCard that you can use for *drum roll* online shopping, besides purchasing from your favorite shops and restaurants. It’s a gift from God to those who aren’t allowed by their parents to own credit cards yet but have already saved so much from their allowance to be able to already buy stuff like iPhone/iPad apps, Paypal-only things, and Ticketworld concert tickets online. You won’t get billed for your purchases like a credit card and you won’t have to link your card to an existing savings account like a debit card.

I asked around regarding what the minimum age for this card is. I was told that if you’re older than 10, you can already apply for one. 10-years-old. If online shopping was as easy as applying for a card, loading it, using it to pay, reloading it and using it over and over again… then I wish I already had this card since highschool!

Plus points for color choices too! I chose the pink/indigo one (same color as the cardigan in the last picture!), naturally, but it’s also available in blue/azure. Interested? Click on the banner on my sidebar for more information and for application. Don’t be surprised if they give you free vouchers for Serenitea, Happy Lemon and Chatime after you apply.

If you’ve got time, money and extra things to spare this Christmas, please check this out for a comprehensive list on how you can help the victims of Typhoon Sendong.

Sponsored post.

(Romwe oversized top, from Korea oversized polo shirt, Topshop leggings, Doc Martens boots, Kissaholic satchel) If you like, you can hype this look on Lookbook here.

On lazy mornings when the weather is chilly and when your bed is trying so hard to keep you from properly starting your day, oversized clothes are absolute shelter for me. It’s like carrying on with your life wearing only a super-upgraded version of your pajamas.

(Romwe dress, Guess heels, Topshop necklace, Diva accessories) Hype on Lookbook here.

If the situation calls for this sort of fashion, my top-of-mind choice of dress would be one of my little black dresses with a super straight cut and long-ish sleeves. Throw in a nice golden clutch and this could transform into a good evening outfit. For quite some time now, I’ve been setting my eyes upon dresses that I could wear both during the day and at night. I was never the type to have a million outfit changes in a day, so dresses of this sort are classic examples of wardrobe investments.

My mum would always tell me as a kid that there are certain kinds of clothes that can last you 10, 15 or even 20 years, and that these are the ones that you shouldn’t skimp on or overlook. Last weekend, I splurged on the exact same dress that I saw her wear a couple of weeks ago. Thanks for being the ultimate inspiration!

P.S. (On a much heavier note) Praying for the victims of Typhoon Sendong in Visayas in Mindanao. Going to donate a lot of what I can for now - my clothes.

(Just G top with bowtie and skirt with belt, San-Sue bag, Clothes for the Goddess wedges, Forever 21 ring) Hype this look on Lookbook here.

Upon realizing that my teal nail color matched my floral bowtie perfectly, a part of me just naturally picked clothes out with cool tones as a theme. Luckily, I was able to purchase a nice floral skirt that deviates from the normally pretty pastel pink color scheme that I fancy. It came with a really interesting-looking bright blue belt, which turned out to be a key-item in this whole ensemble, as the contrast worked so well with the paler shades of blue that I used. It’s so convenient buying clothes that come with something else that will easily complement what you’re getting. In this case, my polo top came with a bowtie, and my skirt came with a belt. Call me somewhat cheating but this kind of set-up was totally made for days when some circumstances don’t work as well as you think they would be, and when the inspiration and motivation to dress up is temporarily in the failing department. Keep cool and you just might find some overlooked blessings in the guise of two-in-one items available at your favorite store. :)

(Romwe dress, Michael Antonio heels, m)phosis necklace, from Malaysia detachable collar, from Hong Kong connector ring, Topshop nail polish) Hype this look on Lookbook here.

Two reasons why I just had to get this dress: 1) K-pop singer IU wearing the same sweet dress on Inkigayo last November (picture above), and 2) The shiny studs making all the difference in the world by being accessories on their own.

Once I was featured in a magazine that asked me to present some of my most favorite dresses. I rummaged through my closet, hoping to get the best ones of course. However, like all shoots, time restraint got the best of me. Without having any more time to thoroughly think stuff through, I frantically grabbed all my most-used dresses and laid them out for the editors to see. Turns out, every single piece I unconsciously brought out had the same babydoll silhouette like this dress. 

Even if I deliberately want to try new things, I still end up going back to my roots and my original preferences. New Year is right around the corner - maybe I should add “Buy more mature-looking clothes.” to my list of resolutions?

(Love Bayo top, Love Bayo shorts, Paris Dreams heels, Diva flower headband) Hype on Lookbook here.

12 days left before Christmas, and I’m already ready for summer. Florals and lace are staples in my closet - I can wear them all year round without having to take seasons into consideration. In this case, I wore them in a very country-esque manner, pairing my puffed sleeved peter pan collar top with a fluffy pair of checkered shorts which incredibly flatters my very straight, somewhat rectangular body type. I’m always trying to work around my body type, and bottoms that give the illusion of volume are gifts from heaven sent just for my non-existent womanly hips.

Finding clothes that fit me well can be difficult, lack of proper curves and all, but these items from Love, Bayo fit me like a glove. They sell clothes targeted to girls ages 13-18… which is only fitting (pun intended) as I’ve never had any significant changes with my body shape since highschool. Buying clothes made for teens - story of my life.

Taken from the website: “Bayo is proud to launch LOVE, BAYO - a new line that will surely catch the attention of fashion forward girls.” - It has surely captured my attention! #seewhatididthere #freddiemercury.jpg

Sponsored post.

(Topshop sweater, Zara short, Guess heels, Dorothy Perkins clutch) Hype this look on Lookbook here.

Here’s another one of my holiday outfits! Wore this to a supposed movie night out with my boyfriend and some of our favorite Markprof friends, but traffic got the best of us and led us to a small nearby burger joint. Call me overdressed for burgers, and I’d totally put the blame on my favorite shiny sequin shorts.

Thanks to Bobo for semi-convincing me to get these shorts!

My weekend in Kuala Lumpur was spent with this lovely lady right here:

Bobo was one of the first people who replied to me when I tweeted something about having time to meet some Malaysian readers interested to bring me around the city to kill some idle time before the MIFW (Malaysia International Fashion Week) gala nights. She was telling me how surprised she got when I tweeted her back in acknowledgement, but in all honesty I think it’s my honor to be followed by such a wonderful and stylish person such as her.

We clicked instantly like peas and carrots, and all those hours spent together proved themselves to be time very well spent.

We headed straight to our favorite mall, The Pavilion, supposedly to go shopping.

But before we got to do anything, the glutton in me got fooled by these lovely bunny and turtle pastries at Ginza Cafe, found in Tokyo Street. Bobo was kind enough to accompany the bottomless pit that is my stomach - yay!

(Side note: Tokyo Street is also where you can find freshly made Japanese ice cream - I got to try their wasabi ice cream and it was glorious!)

Some foreigners from the other table gave us this humongous pink macaroon with all sorts of fruits in it. Sugar overload prevented us from finishing all of it but it was so good, it definitely kept me going the whole day despite lack of sleep.

Headed to Zara and Topshop afterwards. Same taste in stores! <3

Camwhoring in the bathroom at Starhill. It was such a relief to be with someone who doesn’t get weirded out by things like this! Apparently, she does this a lot too!

Gel nail polish. Had our nails done at this awesome place called Bmic, which can be found at the Pamper Zone at Starhill Gallery. I haven’t tried any UV gel polish until now. I’m hooked! They’re a pain to remove on your own (I think you should have them removed by a professional~) but if you’re not tired of your nail color yet, they can last you up to 3 weeks.

And we ended up choosing the same nail color because it was the perfect kind of glittery pink that we both really liked.

It was so perfect that Bobo’s best friend Zoe got the same nail color too! :)

Ended the day at this indulgent Spanish restaurant with Bobo and her boyfriend Jo. We ordered A LOT of yummy dishes. So much that I was still full even until the next day. A million thanks for the feast, you guys!

Met Cheesie’s charming best friend Audrey later that day too. She and Bobo go to the same office, coincidentally. She reminds me so much of my own petite best friend Crissey… whom I sorely miss! Normally we would be the ones having our own girly adventures together but because of clashing schedules we haven’t had any lulzy stories together recently. Soon, hopefully!

Anyhow, after dinner, we got stuck in traffic on the way to Zebra Square for the MIFA Gala. I made it just in time, but our conversations inside the car were so hilarious I definitely wouldn’t mind if the worst scenario had to arrive and I had to stay with them in the car until midnight or something. Good times!

And this marks the end of my non-MIFW posts. I’ve been experiencing all sorts of sicknesses lately so I haven’t had time to sort and edit the gazillion photos I took for fashion week… but I’ll definitely finish them before I leave Manila again this Christmas. Fukuoka, get ready!

(Zara top, Topshop shorts, Guess heels, clutch from Jerry and Sabrina - thanks!, Le Papillon earrings) Hype on Lookbook here.

One way to spice things up during the holidays is to use Christmas colors for your outfit! Red and green doesn’t always have to equal Christmas tree. Using other shades such as maroon and teal can produce interesting results. Donned this look on a hectic Saturday with a happy birthday boy… who coincidentally wore a maroon polo shirt. How very Love Chic of us!

(Tarte blazer, Topshop top, Romwe shorts, Asian Vogue boots, Forever 21 ring, Yhansy necklace, Japanese Candy circle lenses) Hype on Lookbook here.

On the first of December, my boyfriend and I went on a spontaneous road trip to Tagaytay to celebrate our week-apart birthdays. We ended up at Sonya’s Garden, which is this very quiet escape in the middle of nowhere. It seems like such a fairytale there, with all colorful flowers and tall trees, and not to mention the never-ending supply of food that makes an afternoon siesta so inviting. Recently I’ve been telling myself that I want to be in this sort of environment more than the bustling city I grew up in since I was little. Then I realized that I sounded so much like a grandmother and that I probably couldn’t survive too long with no wifi.

(Jaspal dress, Yhansy necklace, Forever 21 ring) Hype on Lookbook here.

Quick self-snaps in the morning of the 26th. The light in my hotel room’s window was just too glorious that I had to take some obligatory back lit shots. No model in sight so I guess myself would do.

Wore this dress to a whole day of bonding with my new love Bobo (more pictures of my adventures with her in another post) before I headed straight to the MIFA gala, which was the last show I was able to attend as media/press during Malaysia International Fashion Week.