(Sheinside sweater, Romwe pants, Sugarfree Shoes heels, Kate Spade bag, Forever 21 earrings, Junk Shop Manila necklace) Hype this look on Lookbook here.

I just want to fill my closet with sweaters. I’d also wear cozy oversized sweaters to sleep if only the weather in Manila permitted it. It’s been 4 years since I started documenting outfits, and I am still obsessed with these knits. Who can blame me for always choosing comfort and functionality over everything else? They serve as easy solutions to chilly but lazy-to-dress-up evenings, as well as perfect layering pieces for traveling in winter or spring. I get cold easily (I don’t exactly know why, but I’ve always been like this since I was a kid) so I can definitely live in sweaters and jackets all throughout the year, regardless of the season.

On a related note, I congratulate myself for the conscious effort to not wear black. Huzzah! I’m actually on a quest to give my other clothes a chance to shine. And giving our laundry person a break from washing the same black stuff over and over again because maybe it’s getting boring!

(EMODA dress and necklace, Chanel bag, Time Depot Sheen watch, Sugarfree Shoes heels, Mango sunnies) Hype this look on Lookbook here. Thanks Kristin for helping me with these photos.

My new default lazy dress c/o none other than EMODA. I already splurged a bit when I went to their store in The One HK, so I decided to behave like a good girl, and choose only 1-2 items to get from them this time. The EMODA in Fukuoka can be found in Parco, which is near the Tenjin Core and Solaria Stage area, so it was quite easy to go to, and very convenient as well since it was located beside other MODE brands like MURUA, if you’re into that kind of style. I’ve always supported EMODA thanks to the constant features in ViVi, but my love for it is mostly because their style is a perfect blend of everything that I consider my fashion influences. Just the right marriage of Japanese fashion and Western high street. Not so cutesy (like Liz Lisa) but still youthful and timeless.

After racking my brains out in the store, because everything was just absolutely wonderful, it all boiled down to this dress and this necklace. The dress was a sure winner - my mom even asked me if it came in other colors because she would totally get one for herself too. The original black, gray and white pattern is classic, and the boxy cut is also sophisticated and chic. On the other hand, the necklace is just something that is so me, yes? Based on years of posting outfit photos, you guys might have already noticed that my taste in accessories is very simple and understated. You won’t even notice the necklace against the busy pattern of the dress, but that is exactly the way I like it.

(Chicwish top, skirt and clutch, Sugarfree Shoes heels, Choies cat/stars tattoo tights) Hype this look on Lookbook here.

Stars on my neck and my legs, and I’m surprised I can still see straight. My metallic fever from the holidays clearly isn’t going away soon, and I even mixed metals *gasp!* for this particular look. I also deliberately put my top on backwards, for the love of… well, buttons. Maybe I’m still seeing stars after all.

Anyhow, I must say that I’ve completely healed from the recurrent pharyngitis and sinus headaches I got last week, thanks to much-needed rest. Thanks to all those who wished me better health in one of my previous posts! 

(Apartment 8 top and skirt, Sugarfree heels) Hype this look on Lookbook here.

Blair is back! I couldn’t wait to show everyone a sneak peek of the upcoming holiday collection of Apartment 8, so here’s one of the blouses I got to keep after the photoshoot we did yesterday.

The studs on the collar make for a nice twist on the basic white button down shirt that we all love. I could see myself pairing this top with all the bottoms in my closet now. There is a certain elegance to it that is absolutely perfect for all the holiday festivities in the next couple of weeks!

In classic Apartment 8 fashion, I wore this top with a floral peplum skirt from one of their older collections. I was just talking to one of the marketing people in Apartment 8 yesterday about how they were able to successfully position themselves early on as one of the online stores (if not the only) that sell the best, most well-made peplum skirts. It has already somehow turned into their trademark, I think! So much that they decided to rework the classic peplum into more daring variations for their upcoming collection (which I’ll definitely be posting here). 

Watch out for my reunion shoot with Katy and Paris soon! XOXO

Follow their Facebook page here for more updates.

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(Choies top and skirt, Sugarfree boots, Louis Vuitton bag) Hype this look on Lookbook here.

A few months ago, I had a magazine shoot with styling that was mostly dependent on my own personal style. Unfortunately, I was out of the country when they had a meeting for it, so I only found out about the discussion in my email a few days after.

Other bloggers who attended that meeting and who were also part of the shoot, spoke on my behalf when the magazine team ask the question, “What is Tricia’s personal style, in a nutshell?” And they answered - sweet preppy.

It’s interesting when other people describe your style for you. It makes you think about how you yourself would answer, if presented with the same question. Honestly, I would probably say that I’ve a mild case of identity crisis, and that I think I lack consistency when it comes to how I dress up throughout the year. If you’ve been following me and my Lookbook for a while now, I’m sure you’ve already noticed how I instantly become some sort of sparkly flower fairy every March to June/July, and try to be all sorts of serious with my more structured, simple black outfits for the rest of the year. Talk about seasonal dressing… or just being plain moody.

During the shoot, I brought my own items, but the stylist also pulled out items that she thought I could wear for the shoot. She did some research on my Lookbook… which I think was slightly embarrassing, haha. But seriously, it became, again, one of those amusing instances where you see other people interpret your own style for you.

True enough, I saw a lot of collared button-downs, sweaters, and dainty high-waisted skirts… a.k.a. my uniform, LOL. I thought, “Ah, is this the image that I project in public? I am consistent after all?” I guess it’s because I know myself the best that I’m surprised by how incredible people minds work, how they can instantly say something about you and your style, solely based on some pictures posted online. People seem to know you more than you know yourself.

Recently, I’ve been trying to practice my judgment skills, so I can be as good as these people. However, for some reason, I can’t quite describe other people’s styles (or anything, for that matter) in just one or two words. I remember being asked to describe Laureen’s personal style in our Preview cover shoot, and it took me about 4 awkward sentences to express myself. (The gist of my description of her style was that it was a head-turning one that can be seen from miles away.) 

Heh, will get there eventually.

Anyhow, I’m finally back in Manila after a week long sponsored familiarization trip to Indonesia. I have tons of backlog to work on, like my sponsored posts for this month (my monthly posts for Just G, Bayo, Apartment 8, etc.), as well as my Hong Kong travel post, MOFW Hong Kong, but do expect more frequent posts starting today. Cue fireworks! Now, where are all the Filipino food…

“Your style has changed a lot.”, says one of my friends. “Oh yeah? I guess it really has…”, I reply. It’s been so long since I started this blog, and I cringe at a lot of my outfits from 2009/2010! And 5 years from now, I’ll probably look back at this post and ask myself, “What the hell was I thinking?”

(Bayo top, pants and accessories, Sugarfree heels) Hype this look on Lookbook here. 

Thanks to my good friend Edric for these photos.

Fortunately, for me, I think change in general is a good thing. Well, as long as it’s not too drastic, I can live with it forever. I’m not always aware or looking out for it, and I guess it just defeats the purpose if you actually expect it! Everything will just come rushing to you afterwards.

I used to think that I should always be stable and constantly unchanging… but then after a while, I found myself in a place where I couldn’t grow and learn because I was always doing the same thing. (Don’t confuse this with fickle-mindedness though!)

One of the many reasons why I am able to stay strong and positive is change. During the long time when I felt rather complacent and “satisfied” with all the different factors of my life (relationships, career, etc.), I was suddenly faced with a certain aggression that I didn’t know how to react to.

It crushed me and I felt like an ant being burned by a magnifying glass - I never imagined that it could ever happen to me in this lifetime. But it did, and it took me quite a long time to accept this change. 

Apparently, all I had to do was accept that not only do environments change, but *I* also change. It’s unfair to always blame it on anyone or anything. It always takes two to tango! This personal change is usually subject to positive or negative reactions, but the mere acknowledgment of it makes a difference in how you can move on from where you are. 

If an unexpected change happens, don’t sulk over it. Wallowing in self-pity will not do anything… except maybe just ruin your mascara! 

Instead, welcome it, and thank God that it happened and temporarily ruined the permanence in your life . Because if it didn’t, you would’ve experienced it at a different time when everything could be ten times worse. At least, by then, if you accepted it, you would’ve already learned from your previous experiences and mistakes. :)

(Hello from Singapore, btw!)

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Everybody knows that I cannot last a week without wearing at least one floral print item. Don’t know where to blame this on, other than my pure love for anything that is dainty! And I guess there is nothing daintier than flowers!

(The Seventh Street blazer and pants, Anti-Fashion Manila corset) Hype this look on Lookbook here.

Good for us, flowers in fashion come in different sizes, styles and colors. We see them pretty much everywhere - on tops, bottoms, bags, shoes, wallets, accessories, etc. However, not a lot of people dare to wear them all at the same time! 

I’ve paired my favorite floral items with stripes, polkadots, and basics, but recently, I decided to challenge myself by mixing floral print on floral print… on floral print. I know wearing two kinds is already pushing the limit, but three kinds… Really now?

(Yesstyle jacket, Anti-Fashion Manila corset, Sugarfree Shoes heels) Hype this look on Lookbook here.

And so I hereby christen this blog post “floral overload”. The inspiration behind this? You know how some people love to mix different colors in one outfit, and how other people describe it as “rainbow vomit”? I figured there should also exist “floral vomit”!

(Oh, the things I am able to think of…)

I tried to keep these two outfits look coherent by:

1) Mixing floral prints of different sizes. (Corset - large, pants - medium, blazer lapel - small)

2) Choosing one main color that is present in all the floral print items. (In this case, pink  is the common color.)

Yay or nay? Did I end up looking like a crazy flower lady (which I am, by the way)?

While I’ve always expressed my love for loose clothing and my insecurities about wearing anything extremely tight, I must say that what’s more important is being able to combine clothes that best fit your lifestyle. 

It would be totally be unfair for me to hate on bodycon dresses just because I feel like I can’t breathe in them. I can’t with being self-conscious all the time either, so I’m all for wearing anything that flatters my body. (Care to switch with me? I can offer you my non-existent hips and my lazy ass.)

Fellow bloggers Camille and Kryz are often spotted wearing these kinds of dresses, and they look absolutely wonderful in them! These two girls exude a very effortless confidence and sexiness that can prove to be difficult to pull off, unless… well, you’re them! 

Usually, we read about balancing proportions - if you’re wearing a tight top, be sure to wear a loose bottom, or if you’re wearing a loose top, be sure to wear a tight bottom. But what if your body is a little far from ideal? Do you have to strictly follow these rules?

I say, not always. At the end of the day, it all boils down to body type, your best assets, what you want to achieve, and what you’re personally comfortable with. While some go through lengths (belts, corsets, etc. to name a few) to make themselves look like an hourglass, some are fine just flaunting the best parts of their bodies. Less effort, more comfort.

(Style Staple dress, Sugarfree heels, HappyBoon necklace) Hype this look on Lookbook here.

This look is all about shoulders and legs. This dress is a gift from heaven because it’s cut so perfectly for petite body types. It flaunts all the right parts!

The next look is an example of an ensemble that doesn’t really follow the loose-tight/tight-loose rule. It does, however, follow a completely different rule, which I follow more faithfully. 

(Mango top, Style Staple mullet skirt, Berry Lush heels, HappyBoon bag, Hodge Podge keychain) Hype this look on Lookbook here.

This rule is about skin exposure! I try to wear something covered on top if I’m showing off my legs. The opposite applies as well. If you want to show off your legs, make them the center of attention by covering other parts of your body that may distract from your desired highlights. I can never give up wearing at least one item that’s loose because that’s just how my lifestyle goes. There are definitely other ways to work on your style without having to compromise what you’re comfortable with.

Achieving the perfect style doesn’t always have to mean extremes though. Experimenting on your own and finding what works for you is always a good exercise, but if you’re totally clueless, the guidelines that I mentioned here might make a little sense. :)

(My Glamour Place dress used as top, Yesstyle faux leather skirt, Gurly Glam Shoppe sunglasses, Sugarfree Shoes heels, Yhansy and Ferreted necklaces) Hype this look on Lookbook here.

Say hello to my new ombre hair! Or not. Last week, I managed to fool a lot of people into thinking I finally got to fulfill my Jem and the Holograms / My Little Pony / Lisa Frank dream hair. Little did they know that this is all just Photoshop! It’s really easy to edit your hair when it’s blonde, so do expect more of these in the future, just for fun! 

Here’s another one of my black and yellow outfits. Really a classic combination that can never do any wrong. This was inspired by bees, obviously! Complete with the big bug eyes in the form of giant Lady Gaga-ish sunnies!

In other news, I’m totally hooked on this new anime called Kids On The Slope. Must watch!

(Depaige Manila top, Freedom shorts, Yhansy necklace, Sugarfree heels, Accessorize clutch) Hype this look on Lookbook here. Need to cut my bangs!

I look quite different here! I found love in a lipstick called Frivolous Pink, by YSL, and it’s been giving me this summer tan which I really love! Got it a discounted price back in Changi Airport last week, just after my grueling 13-hour flight from Paris. I swear Singapore has one the best airports EVER. It’s one of my happy places! So efficient.

Anyhow, outfit-wise, this top is super interesting since it’s not your ordinary button down with the usual shoulder cut-outs. Don’t you think it’s a good innovation for summer? Something that can be both conservative and daring? I tried wearing this with black skinny pants too, and it can totally work as a sophisticated top despite the arm exposure!

Matched my purple necklace with my purple heels, because I’m predictable that way. This is something already quite different from what I normally wear, but I couldn’t help but inject a certain kind of “Tricia”-ness to it. That’s why it’s called “personal style”, right? 

(Topshop top, from Vietnam shorts, Sugarfree heels, Topman necklace, Sheen by Casio c/o Time Depot watch) Hype this look on Lookbook here.

I don’t know if this happens to a lot of people, but I always have those “I don’t know what to wear!” moments.

I open my closet, and just stare at all my clothes. They won’t magically style themselves for me, that’s for sure. Five minutes left before I need to leave the house… and I really cannot, for the life of me, figure out what I should wear for the day. I rush like a mad woman and try out five different outfits in that five minute span. Then I end up with the first outfit after all! 

I quite hate it when that happens. Normally I’d blame it all on my choice to sleep in instead of using all that time to fix myself up. On other days, I’d blame it on the weather (Seriously, how hot is it in Manila nowadays?!). 

But really, a lot of this confusion has to do with a very unorganized closet. I’ve had this top for years now but it was lost for some time since I tend to put all my new clothes on the front, most visible parts. Then when I “get over” my new items and decide to wear something different, they’re all that I see, so my older ones end up unused until I decide to organize my clothes again. Cry. (In before the #firstworldproblems hashtag lol)

Last week, I spent about 2 hours just properly sorting my clothes out. All the cardigans and knits go here, all the black, gray and white items go there, etc. I think it’s really important for you to have an organized closet if you want to maximize all the clothes that you have. Mixing new clothes with old ones always result in interesting, refreshing combinations.

This skort that I’m wearing is something I got from a place in Saigon called Taka Plaza. It’s a bit like the Vietnamese counterpart of St. Francis Square and Greenhills, where they sell all sorts of affordable wholesale bargain stuff. This was my luckiest find. Also got the same design in a rusty brown color.

P.S. How do you like my new layout? Expect a lot of changes in the next couple of weeks. I’m trying to figure out what I should still add and subtract from my current layout. My html skills are becoming rusty too, so I’ll need to spend some time to actually sit down and focus on all the coding.

(Stylistaph top, Romwe skirt, Sugarfree shoes, Plusminustimesdivide collar tip pins, Time Depot Sheen watch) Hype this look on Lookbook here.

When I was a kid, I used to be obsessed with watches. I don’t quite remember why, but I always asked for watches whenever my parents would offer to give me something. Not clothes, not toys, not food. Now that I think about it, I was a strange kid with a strange obsession!

My favorite watch was this green and blue Little Mermaid one I wore back in 3rd grade. Ariel was the highlight of the watch’s face, while Sebastian, Flounder, and other characters like Prince Eric and Ursula were on the watch’s strap. I’d always wear it to school, with my black and white uniform and the required black and white hair accessories. Suddenly, among the sea of blacks and whites, there was a colorful watch on someone’s wrist. 

I also remember wearing my Baby G watches to death back in 5th grade. I had a pink and white one that had a cool blue-ish backlight that was so popular among my friends back then. Somehow, when you’re a kid, anything that lights up is automatically considered cool! Like those rubber shoes with red blinking lights that until now I still see on the coolest kids I know.

In high school, I also had a number of watches that I used. Most of them were thin-ish ones that had cute patterns and designs like polkadots and flowers! I guess the school rule on “no jewelry and colored hair accessories” made me feel like the only kind of fun I could inject in my black and white uniform was a watch, because my school didn’t have any guidelines about it.

I’d watch the time incessantly during class. “5 more minutes before this class ends!” or  ”Only 10 minutes left before the next class begins!” And you know how looking at the time so often makes it so much slower? 

“Cellphones can also tell the time, so why wear a watch?”, I thought to myself. I also felt like it was so hard to match my existing watches with the rest of my wardrobe all of a sudden. No more Catholic school uniforms after spending a decade or so wearing them? I needed a style intervention… badly. So I ditched wearing watches during my whole stay in Ateneo because I didn’t want to be bothered with what to wear while I was busy studying (haha)

Last month, I found myself falling in love all over again. Almost 6 years of not wearing watches, and then suddenly, this shining beauty! Of course, I found my taste had changed through the years too since I never owned any similar watches before. I think, more than wearing watches to tell the time, I consider them more as an added fashion accessory now.

Sheen is a line by Casio targeted to young sophisticated ladies who are into these kinds of sparkly and girly designs. Nakashima Mika endorses these watches, so just imagine how enthusiastic I was when I found out I could get my hands (wrists?) on my own Sheen watch. And you all know how much of a sucker I am when it comes to Japanese brands, lol.

If you’re interested in getting your own Sheen watch, drop by any Time Depot branch since they’re the authorized distributors of Casio here in the Philippines. I got mine in Rockwell, and they volunteered to fix the metal links for me so the watch can fit my wrist perfectly. Awesome service! <3 Here’s the link to the watch that I own, btw! 

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