Christmas 2021 Wishlist

It's the time of the year again when we receive the spirit of love, compassion and hope (and possibly generosity). Also, it's the season when I advocate to support local brands, attempt furoshiki or simply refrain from using gift wrappers that will just end up in the landfills and giving mindful gifts. Growing up, I've disliked giving out wish lists; it makes me feel materialistic and unappreciative of whatever the gift-giver will hand to me. But, now, after decades of receiving gifts that eventually gather dust somewhere, I realized it's okay to express what you really, really want.  (♫♪♫ So tell me what you want, what you really, really want...♪♪)

This year had been life-changing. After surviving severe COVID-19 (read: 17-day hospital stay), I have learned that self care is the best gift we can give ourselves EVERYDAY. And just like what Thich Nhat Hanh had said in his book, "To take care of ourselves is to take care of our whole community," This is what some working mommas (like me!) tend to forget. 

So, I shall attempt to make a round down of my wish list slash self care recommendation for us all:

1. Vimala font for my blogs

Since December 2020, I've been trying to change my life one sketch pad at a time. I've been learning to correct my hand grip (it's been wrong all my life!) and practice self-acknowledgement, among others, through cursive handwriting. So, I wish I can see Vimala letters on my blogs as well. 

W: The letter of the teacher

2. Sign up for this kind of Life Coaching 

I have benefitted from life coaching this year! And I would love to be coached  by Jennifer Crebin because.

3. To finally take home our own N4! We're almost there! 

Before the pandemic struck, I have been frequenting the nearest best house to get the warmth I badly needed. (In my consultation with Doc Brawner, he advised me that I need warmth. Long story.) I looove how this heating massage makes me feel relaxed while releasing toxins (without making me run and my knees cry out). After an 1-hour session, I can feel my back pains go away and just 3 consecutive days of use, I noticed the disappearance of dry spots on my arm. I can't wait to finally take home our own unit and for the healing that awaits me and my family.

4. The great outdoors! 

I was truly blessed to spend my birthday weekend in Indang, Cavite for some badly-needed date with Mother Nature. Took my daughter and our friends for a morning of forest school-ing and laughter and everything immune system-boosting! I'm glad that Tita Shawi allowed the kids-at-heart to hang out with the kids this time (during our first time to try this, us parents ended up having coffee while the kids explored the scenery) so we had our share of sunshine, fresh air and wet-look kodakan with awesome crown shyness as our background. 

Photo by Cheryl Fajardo

5. The FEELINGS kit (and possibly all the essential oils in the world!!!)

In pranic healing, we believe that a disease can be seen in the energy body even before it manifests itself on the physical body. As somebody who tend to soldier on, I knoooow I've been ignoring layers upon layers of sob stories by being too engrossed in crossing out tasks in my never-ending to-do list. I hardly pause to smell the tequila black coffee in front of me.

When I tested positive for COVID-19, I knew it was a reminder to release those pent-up thoughts. In traditional Chinese medicine, loneliness is associated with lungs and fear is connected to the kidneys (the latter I probably need to explain in a separate post). 

Thankfully, I got to experience the FEELINGS kit, and my heart truly sighed and wept for the declarations we had to say for each oil (Example: "I allow myself to connect with my inner child and regain my true essence back,"). Aside from this, I am truly indebted to the great souls who took the time to listen to my woes.

Photo by Roa Anne

Which leads me to my next point. I'd like to pay it forward. I'd like to host the same scenario and invite equally overwhelmed mommas or grieving friends or friends-of-friends for an afternoon of soul-baring, exchange of it's-okay-not-to-be-okay cries. In fact, I have long been imagining this kind of gathering, and, for moms, I wanted to provide activities for our kids to be busy with and happy adults to watch over them while we are engaged in this circle. Sighs. 

6. Sign up for Aromatherapy in Action!

Speaking of essential oils, why not take this healing experience deeper and dive into a study so I can help me and my community better? *sniffs Abundance essential oil so I can receive $997 out of nowhere*

7. Tea-rrific time at TWG!

Friends, please date me! This extrovert badly needs it!

8. More guyabano juice (for me) and dalandan juice (for my daughter)!

We looooove these drinks so much!

9. Fun designs for new bras!

Well, it seems that we will start to slowly return to the 'old' normal, and so I might not be alone in this need to unearth our forgotten armors. Mine took a long break and it could use another break. And puuuuh-lease, where can I find fun designs?

10. A night with Adele (kahit virtual lang) and then we'll sing Spice Girls songs!

I have this feeling that singing (badly) and the ensuing laughing can help me strengthen my lungs (yep, I was told full recovery could take mooooonths). Don't you just miss belting out with your buddies? It doesn't have to be as grand as our #Spookyoke Night back in 2013, but it has to be THAT  fun! 

11. Bloggiversary celebration! 

Speaking of Pinay Curvies, I have completely forgotten that this blog has turned ten-year-old this year! I'm such a bad momma! Well, I'm blaming it on my inability to manage my time well and the determination to pursue bloggable ideas in recent years. Don't worry, I've started following this procrastination coach and I'll arm myself with planners this 2022. But right now, I would really like to celebrate 10 years even though most of the time I was rather inactive. Pwede ba 'yung tipo ng celebration na a-attend na lang ako? Hahaha!

A girl can dream, right?

WORLD PREMIERE: That Striped Dress / PINAY CURVIES EVENT: #StartingOverAgain Movie Date / Erzullie's Showroom-warming Party

What an action-packed weekend! I started the day with this much-awaited movie date with beautiful strangers Avon and Miss Annie and long-time sister in fashion, Loren. Sadly, my partner Mitch can't make it due to a family affair in Batangas. So I felt the pressure to be doubly madahldahl to compensate for her absence. 

Did I succeed? As always, I need not to fret. Any Pinay Curvies gathering always felt like a reunion of sort; the moment we strangers recognized one another, we instantly hit it off. In fact, I was quick to initiate a bet: "Kung sinong unang iiyak while watching Starting Over Again..." I didn't get to finish my sentence as they admitted they're crybabies just like me. But I think I was the first to sniff and wipe my eyes dry. How competitive, huh?

"Lumaklak kami ng realidad" and discussed how we can relate...over food!

Since we can all relate to film, we decided to talk about this reel-life sob story and our own real-life (un)love stories! Inasmuch as I would like to share our golden realizations, I doubt they'll allow me. So whatever revelations that transpired that afternoon in Glorietta 5, stays there! I can talk about mine, but that probably calls for a separate blog entry. Ha!

Something sweet and colorful from the generous Miss Annie!

To our surprise, Miss Annie (she used to sell plus size clothes on eBay way back in 2005! Isa syang institusyon!) gifted us with jelly beans! It was an astounding sight as I've been wondering where I can find Mason jars here in the Philippines. Plus, I discovered that Avon happens to be a Caviteña, too! And she's met Loren in one of the many go-sees before. All together now ---♫♪♪ it's a small world after all! ♪♫♫

Class picture!

What I enjoyed about this meet-up? We were already making plans on our next chikahan even before we decided to part ways. Actually, Avon and Miss Annie would like to continue the gabfest over coffee, but Loren and I had to decline due to another event we can't afford to miss. Off to Pasig we went!

Finding Erzullie's showroom wasn't hard at all. All we had to do was follow the contagious gales of laughter from the hallway and we're home. As always, it was a fun-filled evening with these body-positive ladies!

Meet the Erzullie Icons we got to hang out with: Jayrea, Loren and Kat

Painting the showroom's wall with love, love, love!

***

For this month's Pinay Curvies Swag challenge, I intended to bring out this striped dress from my Orocan baul (my mum took it upon herself to re-arrange my clothes again depending on frequent usage) and pair it with my ankle boots that I world premiered back in high school (circa 1995-1999). Why this dress? Well, you've heard me acknowledge hand-me-downs in my prior posts, so why not talk about a somewhat forgotten ukay ukay find? 

Unfortunately, I was unable to unearth the mentioned boots which kinda broke my heart since I wore them for the Christmas station ID shoot a couple of months ago. Where did they go? They can't possibly walk out on me, right? As a result, I was unable to join the blog link-up. Sighs. But, hey, make sure to check out these outfits with interesting back stories from Nina, Katee, Keevee and Caroline!

Anyway, I like how this cottony, casual fabric blended well with the sheer fabric that covered my chest and arms. Its contrast pretty much reminded me of this see-through miniskirt... or whatever's the proper way to describe it. How about you, do you think these white flats looked better than the black ankle boots for this striped dress? Let me know what you think. 

Erzullie Icon...NOT!

Outfit of the Day:

Striped dress from ukay ukay

White lacey flats from Solemate

Moonstone crystals from Crystal Empress

Come. Donate. Repack: A Relief Operation for the #YolandaPH Survivors in Guiuan, Eastern Samar

It's all over the news. Until now, we're still looking for our family and friends or our friends'  and colleagues' loved ones. What we see on television and our newsfeed remains to be heartbreaking, except for the heroic acts that we, in our own little way, hope to continue. In our exchanges with one of the administrators of Gugma para ha Guiuan (Love for Guiuan), we are grateful to have found a venue to aid our beloved kababayans. 

Pinay Curvies would like to invite you and YOUR friends (regardless of size, age and gender) to join us in what we hope to be the first of many relief operations for our countrymen in Guiuan, Eastern Samar. You can meet us this Sunday around 10am onwards at Power Up Climbing Gym along Quezon Avenue. See more details on this event page.

Distribution process:

1.) Land convoy of trucks and other private cars

2.) Via air courtesy of Alphaland Hangar (1,500 kilos per flight)

3.) Via sea through collective efforts of the Philippine Navy and Guiuan Surf Club and private boat.

Let's come together this Sunday!

Map to the venue

WORLD PREMIERE: That Luigi Costume / PINAY CURVIES EVENT: Spooky-Oke Night!

If you were born in the 80's just like me, you probably never experienced dressing up and going trick-or-treat around this time of the year. Our idea of Halloween involved watching real-life spooky stories on Magandang Gabi Bayan and visiting our loved ones in the cemetery. So when Mitch asked me for theme/s on how to celebrate Pinay Curvies' first bloggiversary, I was quick to suggest a Halloween costume party. Yes, psychologists call this compensation. Ha!

Since I've showed up as a cheshire cat last year, I daydreamed to level up this time. I initially planned to be Ginger Spice (I want this British Union Jack dress!) but my hectic schedule made me change plans and, thanks to this random stranger wearing a Super Mario Bros. shirt, I got an idea who I'll portray in the party. Of course, I asked Mitch to show up as Mario since our names start with M and L. Sadly, she can't see herself in jumpsuit and mustache. 

Finding this get-up wasn't as easy as I imagined. I thought I'll go with this denim jumper then I realized my latest ukay ukay purchase looks more appealing. I was relieved to hear that my friend can customize this mustache necklace and my friend referred me to Chikara Hats. I luuuurve my friends! 

However, I was unable to find a mushroom to complete the look. There's none in Clipper outlets in Eastwood, Gateway and Farmer's Plaza and I was told there's no Comic Alley in Glorietta (anymore?). Dear Kate Torralba, how can I order? Still waiting for your reply here.

L is for Lorna...and Luigi!

Outfit of the Day:

Mum's green top

Jumpsuit from ukay ukay

White gloves from SM

Green flats from Solemate (SM)

Luigi hat from Chikara Hats

Mustache necklace from Pepper Manila

***

The local curvy community I helped co-build is now one-year-old! Can you believe it? My daydreaming days felt just like yesterday and now I'm reminiscing about our little party to thank everyone for supporting our efforts to make it a smaller world for plus size Pinays worldwide. And so we dubbed it as #SpookyokeNight. Because singing is our national pasttime and we ain't celebrating until the fat ladies sing!

Spooky-oke Night!

The grateful faces behind Pinay Curvies

 How we partied, in photos

I don't think these photos can give justice to the amount of merriment we had last Saturday night and I don't think I can even articulate all my favorite moments. I'm super thankful that everyone showed up in fab costumes and everyone's game to croon and dance away. Mitch and I had a hard time choosing the best in costume and best singer, even! After much deliberation, we opted to have 2 winners per category. 

 Best in costumes: Janice as Kung Fu Hustle landlady & Lyn of ward88 as SnowWhite

Best Singers: Chiara as she-devil # 2 and Jo-anne as Insiduos black lady

 You're so sweet, Erzullie!

We made it to the news! Thanks, Candy!

See more #SpookyokeNight photos here. Photos by Cleopatra Mitch Leus.
Watch our own crazy rendition of Dynamite and Titanium on our YouTube channel. Mind you, we're not even drunk yet!

WORLD PREMIERE: That See-Through Miniskirt / Erzullie's First Look: Holiday 2013

After attending The Better Story Project's "Beauty Matters" workshop, I dashed to Eastwood for another empowering event. And when I say "dashed", I hiked up my long skirt to keep myself from tripping and hailed the first cab that came my way. I didn't realize how short this skirt can I get when I sit down before I left home (yeah, it pays to rehearse how it looks while sitting down) and it's a good thing I've set my mind to take cabs from one destination to another that day. 

I noticed that most people stare at my skirt and whisper something to their company and - worst - laugh about it - but I'm just grateful for this opportunity to apply what I learned from the workshop right away. I know that I am beautiful, whatever clothes I wear or whatever make up I apply on my face. If their idea of beautiful or fashionable doesn't resonate with mine, it's not a predicament I should worry about anymore. If there's anything, I was concerned if I were giving a peep show. Needless to say, I had to position my huge bag on my lap when I'm seated all evening.

Notice how the outer, longer skirt contradicts the casual, cottony feel of the gray miniskirt?I love the contrast! The lace details at the bottom of the skirt made me bring out my equally lacey flats. You know me, I love bringing black and red together. But don't we all?

Next time, I'll pair this skirt with something casual like t-shirt and Chuck Taylor sneakers. Let's see how it'll look. *winks*

Outfit of the Day:

Black bejeweled top from Nine West (overrun)

See-through skirt from ukay ukay shop

Red lacey flats from Solemate

***

After I had my vegetarian dinner, I headed to Erzullie's First Look: Holiday 2013 gathering to become one of its welcoming commitee. Being "too" early had its perks (to be detailed later). Knowing the inspiration behind this year's collection, I was even more excited to see the new designs. Plus the fact that I was looking for a dress to wear to 1 of the 3 weddings I'll be attending this coming November. 

My favorite part: socials-slash-pictorial!

Photos from Erzullie and Monica

Pinay Curvies came to support Erzullie!

Photo from Mitch

Our outfits look familiar, yes? That's because we squeezed in a little pictorial for this feature. Thanks for helping us spread the word about our vision, Erzullie!

Everybody's favorite!

Photos from Erzullie and Monica

Yes, I've found a dainty dress for an upcoming fairy tale wedding! I adore the peplum details and the charming floral design. I normally fit in 1L, but the chest area proved to be tighter than usual. So I ended up putting on the one in 3L. (Thanks for the assistance, Monica!) Little did I know that the designers only made 2 dresses per size, so imagine the horror in my face when models Loren and Vera asked for this dress in 3L! Like a mad woman, I told designer Berna I'll buy the one I tried, offered to pay right away and I'll leave the tug-of-war action between the models. We later on learned that Loren will get her own during this pictorial scheduled the following weekend. No need to panic at all! Phew!

As always, it was a fun to see one of our local brands continue to produce lovely designs and meet fellow plus size Pinays in the process. Mabuhay kayo, Erzullie!

Pinay Curvies Swag Challenge: Denim Jeans

This month's challenge is probably the easiest one to date. However, if you've been visiting this side of the world wide web, you'd notice that denim jeans are my least favorite. I prefer skirts and shorts since they are presko to be in, especially during that time of the month. Aside from that, denims take up too much space in my traveling bag. I'm no light traveler, but leaving my jeans at home is my usual approach to keep things lighter. 

Yes, I'm rarely in jeans that my colleagues usually do a double-take when they see me wearing one. And then they'll announce to the entire office: "Himala! Naka-jeans si Lorna!"

That being said, it was an easy decision as to which pair of jeans to show you. I only have 2 pairs in my closet when Mitch decided we'll go for denims (yeah, I went looking for new pairs in an ukay ukay shop recently) and only 1 of them is bloggable enough. Haha!

When I was still in college (1999-2002), I remember being a fan of jeans in dark wash. When I became a working girl (2003-2004), I gravitated towards beige hipster or low-rise jeans. When I juggled graduate school, graveyard shift and online business (2005-2008), I tend to don denim capri pants. And I want them wider from the knees downwards (how 70's!). When skinny jeans (2008?), jeggings (2010?), printed denims (2011?), colored denims (2011?) and other trends took center stage, I was already reduced to a mere spectator.

Last year, my colleagues and I went on ukay ukay shopping in Ortigas. I was already satisfied with my finds, but they won't quit trying on branded jeans after jeans. So I got intrigued and they found this drop waist boot cut jeans from Giordano for me. The moment I saw my reflection in the mirror, I got convinced it was meant for me. It's a nice deviation from my usual dark and flare denims! And it's cheeeeap! (I completely forgot how much, though).

Ube macapuno!

Outfit of the Day:

Boho blouse from ukay ukay

Giordano denim jeans from ukay ukay

Mum's big bag

Lacey flats from SM Parisian

P.S. I met my family after work and my brother Lec was surprised to see me in jeans. Perhaps I should take heed to Ehms and Fao to wear jeans more often. According to them, jeans make me look taller. Hmmm...

Photos by Bendell Timtim.

Pinay Curvies Swag Challenge: Pinay Style Icon

Once upon a time (I'm guessing 2007 or 2008), I decided to wear my latest ukay ukay purchase for the first day of second semester in graduate school. I don't recall getting any manic reactions for it. After class, I dashed to the call center I was employed at the time for another episode of graveyard stress. To my surprise, my peers greeted me with whoas and double-takes. They find my striped pants too...loose and ethnic. And so some of them started calling me Grace Nono. 

I have great respect for this woman. I'd say she's known for her musicality more than her fashion statement, more than anything. And I was actually flattered to be compared to her, if only for what I was wearing that evening. So for this month's Pinay Curvies Swag challenge, I decided to rummage for this particular article of clothing and show my constant need for comfort and bright colors. As you can probably tell here and there, I luuuurve the laidback and ethnic look! Now watch me channel Grace Nono below.

Tight top, loose silhouettes & barefoot

Accessorize!

Outfit of the Day:

Black camise (nope, it's not a tank top) from Chubbly

Wide belt from Forever 21

Striped pants from ukay ukay

Wooden choker from a shop in Camiguin

Yakan earrings from a shop in Basilan

Bracelet made by Mangyan in Mindoro

Anklet

NOTE: Yakan is the indigenous group in Basilan; Mangyan in Mindoro

Photos by Kuya Jay Arcenal

WORLD PREMIERE: That Black & White Dress / PINAY CURVIES EVENT: Glam Tales: An Afternoon With Maita Atienza and Mercille Tiomico

For my first wedding assistant coordinator duty, I decided to look for a comfortable yet chic dress during the Great Luxe Sale in May. I ended up buying a black & white dress which I eventually decided unfitting since 1.) the wedding motif turned out to be pastel; and 2.) superstitious friends said attendees wearing black spells malas for the married couple. Oh, well. There'll be a better time to world premiere this dress!

Then I realized I could wear it on Glam Tales: An Afternoon with Maita Atienza & Mercille Tiomico! I'm sure my fellow plus size Pinays would show up in their most kikay outfits, too! However, I admit wearing a pink bolero on top of this during my commute and during the event itself. It was freezing cold! 

Outfit of the Day:

Dress from The Sweet Cloth

Moonstone crystals from Crystal Empress

Black wedges from VNC

***

Finally, Mitch and I had a follow-up gathering for our beloved curvy community. After the swap meet, quiz night and movie date, we are so delighted to hold our first kikay boot camp called Glam Tales. We're so grateful that our resource speakers were equally enthusiastic about this mission and, to our absolute surprise, the attendees braved typhoon Maring to join us. It was such an awesome feeling!

Our event started with a makeup demo from Maita Atienza. Based on our #UsapangCurvy about hair and makeup, it became apparent that most of us are eager to learn about contouring. Prior to the event, Maita tapped me to be the model so the attendees could see how to make magic. We truly learned a lot from her, specifically my foundation shade (golden sunset) and Findation is the place to go to find our perfect match! Amazing, right? 

Ang gaan ng kamay ni Maita!

Even before the demo is done, my newfound friends were quick to marvel at my no-makeup look. I must admit I was truly impressed, too. In fact, I almost did NOT wash my face before going to bed. I wanted to preserve my look! Then I remember how she started the demo by removing my makeup haha!

By the way, even before I met Maita that day, I was already a fan of hers. Her posts showed love for organic farming and she's a reminder of my dream to be a green thumb and grow my own food. When I finally saw her in the flesh, I was stunned that she looks waaay younger and prettier in person! Her photos online don't do her justice!

Mercille in action

Remember how we talked about our fashion worries during this #UsapangCurvy? Mercille Tiomico gave us all a roundup on what we should consider to look big and fab. I was personally shocked that she finds comfort vital, too. I mean, she looks fasyon fasyon in photos and in person (don't let that camouflage top fool you, she was wearing a very funky pair of shoes!). The best realization? She wasn't as snobbish as she appears! She's very bubbly. As in babaeng bakla like me! 

The hosts Mitch and I and the resource speakers Maita and Mercille

To sum it up, it was a very informative, fun and noisy gathering. It was like a reunion of some sort! I could just imagine how the other diners felt when we emerged out of the function room, asking for photo opps and exchanging endless goodbyes and besos. Mitch and I got inspiration for our next events, too. I'm tempted to divulge our brewing projects with some of the attendees, but it's best to keep mum for now. 

Kodak moment with the girls! Thank YOU for coming! 

Photos from Mitch Leus. Check the rest of the photos here. 

Pinay Curvies Swag Challenge: Boots Up!

Even before Mitch and I finally agreed on the Pinay Curvies Swag challenge this month, I was already developing an obsession on boots, particularly this kind of rain boots. With the bipolar weather lately, it was just right to invest in such pair. Besides, the last time I wore boots was back in high school. [Aside from Citizen Army Training (CAT) boots, of course!] This recollection prompted me to ask my mother two weeks ago if my brown mid-calf and black ankle boots were still alive. To my surprise, she confirmed they're gathering dust in our shoe cabinet. Unbelievable, I have instant footwear for the boots-up challenge!

Coincidentally, I will meet the Puff Mafia again that coming weekend for some archery adventure. What an excellent opportunity to channel my inner Yellow 4 Katniss Everdeen. Chos! 

Outfit Of The Day

T-shirt from Penshoppe (my brother's. Now loose in the chest area hahaha)

Leggings (my mum's)

Recycled leather band from Clinton Aniversario

My old mid-calf boots (Papa's pasalubong eons ago)

***

Among the members of the Fellowship of the Ring, I can easily say that Legolas had me at hello. He's a charmer and his flying arrows had a lot to do with it. I've always wanted to give archery a try back in college. So when the girls told me they'll go for it, they didn't have to ask me again if I'm interested. It's a big YES!

Katniss Everdeen is in the house!

They call me "the neighbor" and "the long ranger"

It wasn't easy as it looks. We had to get our stance right and aim for the target. In an hour, I had my share of going beyond 18 meters (Naks, pang-long range ako!), unintentionally vandalizing somebody else's target (It's your friendly neighbor asking for your wi-fi password!) and, worse, making the arrow turn to me! Scary, right?

Bull's eye...NOT!

If you're also interested to give it a try, visit Gandiva Archery for more details. The great news is, their cafe serves vegetarian food! 

Photos from DJ San Jose & Sheila del Mundo.

Pinay Curvies Swag Challenge: All White! / WORLD PREMIERE: That White Fringe Top, White Denim Miniskirt and White Lace Flats

Once upon a time, my best friend Djoanna suddenly blurted out, "Para kang si Carrie Bradshaw!" I was completely stunned; it was enough to make me cease eating. I'm the only living female who didn't follow the series Sex and The City (I only got to watch about 3 episodes, AFTER the show was canceled) but I've heard how her character was praised for being a fashion chameleon. Towering shoes, flower pins, big curls, everything! Where did that comment come from? To answer my questioning eyes, Djoanna pointed her finger to the huge stain on my white shirt and proceeded to explain how Carrie Bradshaw loathes white outfits. She's too clumsy to remain clean. And I responded with a huge "Ooooooh!"

When Mitch decided we'll go with All White for our first blog link-up challenge, I was immediately worried how I'll pull it off. Aside from being too malikot, my closet is mainly composed of colorful, summery stuff and my favorite neutrals are black and grey. That probably explains why I ended up making white purchases during the recently concluded Fierce+Flaunt Plus Size Shopping Event. When I got home, I realized how I've been neglecting this white micro miniskirt I got from ward88 during the swap meet. It's the perfect opportunity to take it out! Now where to look for white sandals to go with it? I've wanted something like this in white, but I was unable to find it. Then one fine Sunday, my shoes took me to a familiar territory for another success story. All set? Not yet! I was in the mood for accessories! I found a hippie headband in Landmark and bought matching moonstone bracelets and earrings from Crystal Empress (I heard moonstone crystals can help insomniacs like me. Plus, it can help regulate menstrual cycle, among others!). 

White on white!

This photo is inspired by too many when-are-you-getting-married inquiries lately!

My casual approach to all-white

Closer look

I can imagine wearing this ensemble when I'm on travel, say, in a beach resort. I admit I don't have the courage to wear that micro miniskirt on its own. As a commuter, I could use leggings to go with it. I'm sure most of you will agree with me. Haha!

Outfit of the Day:

Sando with fringe from Chubbly

Micro miniskirt from ward88

Lacey flats from SM Parisian

Hippie headband from Landmark Makati

Moonstone crystals from Crystal Empress

***

Now allow me to conclude this entry with proper acknowledgements. See, this is my first serious pictorial for a blog entry. With my best friend DJ and her college friends (they all took up Film), no less! Back in 2001, I used to tag along in their shoots even non-school-related gatherings that they eventually accepted me in their gang (right, guys?). I feel so honoured to be invited for their June get-together to celebrate DJ's birthday. 

I'm super grateful we were able to squeeze in time for a pictorial between burger party, videoke night and supposed World War Z date. And the least that I can do is to introduce my supportive crew. 

Meet the Puff Mafia!

BIG thank you!