hype Wallflower on Lookbook.nu

Sponsors: necklace from Emblaze Manila, skirt from Cruella & Co

Accessorize bag

floral bustier and shoes bought online

I might as well post this now; better late than never. This outfit is what I wore to Cotton On’s VIP launch last September at SM Mall of Asia. The bustier’s right side bone sticks out awkwardly at times (case in point: photo #4) but I love the floral print too much to give it away.

The rest of my months passed in a blur, I’m not posting as much as before even in my other accounts. But since it’s Christmas break I’m gonna try to get my blog back on track. I generally feel elated during these -ber months, not just because it’s the holiday season but because of several occasions such as my boyfriend’s twentieth birthday last September, mine on December 23 and our anniversary (fifth! hee) last November 14.

I still can’t believe I’m a few days shy of turning twenty. I’m certainly not one of the most mature and responsible people in my age group but I’ll try to be one. Gotta include that in my New Year’s resolutions along with a new hair color.

My heart goes out to the Connecticut school shooting and typhoon Pablo victims and their families.

photos by Monique Tendencia | hype Wallflower on Lookbook.nu

(Source: hurricanekitty)

hype Once in a Blue Moon on Lookbook.nu

Necklace sponsored by Ministry of Retail

Three weeks of absence! I only blog once in a blue moon… I tried not to (last month), but pre-finals schoolwork is enough to get my schedule all haywire because I suck at time management and I bask in the everyday moments of mindless munching and clicking.

This outfit is what I wore to a photo shoot for Nestle Crunch Ice Cream last August 5. The bloggers they chose for the online campaign were required to wear blue since it’s the brand’s color. I wasn’t too happy when I read that part (although, I was generally happy and thrilled. Hello? It’s for Nestle; a big brand + I get free ice cream! What ice cream/Crunch chocolate loving girl wouldn’t like that?) since blue is a color that I rarely wear and personally don’t favor in clothing (denim material, shoes and bags are excluded).

Mint scallop top, no brand, Floral blazer, thrift store, Bangles, gift from a reader (Camille Q.)

I look ugly in blue specifically, royal blue. It makes my complexion appear dull and the color wears me (is this term even applicable to colors? haha) and not the other way around. Navy blue and mint blue are the only shades of blue that I like and unfortunately it’s not the shade of Nestle. But being the badass that I am (insert meme here) I overlooked that fact and convinced myself, while picking out what to wear the night before, that they didn’t exactly say which shade of blue anyway.


I don’t have copies of my photos yet since I wasn’t able to attend the launch but they’ll post it on Facebook soon. Honestly, I was surprised fashion bloggers were part of the campaign since it’s for a food brand; food bloggers are expected. Perhaps they kept variety in mind… anyhow, it was a fun experience.

peplum shorts, sunglasses, and shoes, bought online

Speaking of food bloggers, I remember this one time when a food blogger I met during an event asked me, out of curiosity, if being a fashion or personal style blogger puts a strain on the budget. She had the impression that style bloggers shop for new clothes for each new post. I told her it’s the opposite, we blog because we shop, not the other way around. I think it’s ridiculous to buy something (whether it be clothes, make-up, gadgets or food) mainly for the purpose of blogging about it. Sadly, I know a handful of bloggers who do this. Maybe I’m just nitpicking but I’m pretty sure I’m not the only one who thinks it’s silly. Thoughts? :)

photos by Monique Tendencia | hype Once in a Blue Moon on Lookbook.nu

(Source: hurricanekitty)

hype The Secret Garden on Lookbook.nu

I received the invitation to Benchingko Films premiere night two days before the event and the dress code was “red carpet ready” very intimidating. I was quite unprepared; I had no time to shop due to my classes and errands for the week.

Fortunately while I was rummaging through my closet, I spotted this lovely dress sent to me by Ministry of Retail. I put my hair up and paired the dress with conservative pieces: black heels, black purse and accessories in the same color. I figured that the back detail, which I fell in love with, is enough to do the talking since it appears so striking in such a prim and proper looking attire.

I decided to name this look “The Secret Garden” because of the braided circle appliqués (that resemble roses) lining the neckline all the way to the back (which is where the “secret” begins… chos!).

Dress sponsored by Ministry of Retail

Actually, this is the third time that I named a look in my Lookbook after a book (tongue twister! haha). I read The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett when I was younger. I didn’t like it as much as I liked the author’s other novel, A Little Princess (commonly known as “Princess Sara” here in the PH).

Purse, thrifted, accessories, no brand

I enjoyed watching the tagalized anime version and also the local movie adaptation back in the 90’s, featuring Camille Pratts as Sara and Angelica Panganiban as Becky. So imagine my delight later on when I found out that these shows were derived from a novel. It’s a bit embarrassing though because I only got the chance to read it when I was already in high school… pretty late considering that it’s a book for children.

Shoes, University Mall

I hope I don’t seem pretentious for naming some of my outfits with book titles. A look’s name is required in the website and sometimes I run out of ideas so I use book titles, song lyrics and even names of food (how creative -_-).

photos by Moe Tendencia | hype The Secret Garden on Lookbook.nu

(Source: hurricanekitty)

I wore this schoolgirl inspired outfit to Uniqlo’s Cast Announcement party last May.

hype Norwegian Wood on Lookbook.nu

I love my Suy crossbody satchel! Suy Bags recently opened their first physical store at Ground Floor, SM Marikina. Visit them if you have the time. :)

sponsors: skirt from The Luxurious Shop, bag from Suy Bags

Top and shoes, bought online

My personal life has been pretty eventful lately and whenever that happens, blogging always takes a backseat. They say if you really love something you’ll make time for it. That’s why I will never abandon this blog even if I’m not posting regularly. Although, it seems like I already am… since this is only my fourth post this month. :( Anyway, I’m looking forward to the four highlights in my calendar. First is my shoot for Playboy Magazine this Saturday.

Haha! Caught you off-guard there didn’t I? Nope, I’m not modeling (I will only be Playboy material when they start featuring girls with prepubescent bodies… and that’s absolutely illegal lol), I’m styling for a photo shoot. Second is the first ever Tumblr Fair on August 4 at San Juan Gym where I’ll be selling my preloved items. Please visit my booth especially if your shoe size is 5 to 6 and you wear small-medium clothing. Third, is a styling gig for a pre-debut shoot and guess what, my client is also a reader of this blog! And the last is… still a secret because things aren’t finalized yet. My fault really, I didn’t respond immediately but here’s a clue: local teen clothing line. :)

So that’s it! Wish me luck. ♥

photos by Moe Tendencia | hype Norwegian Wood on Lookbook.nu

hype Independence Day on Lookbook.nu

sponsors: bag from Shoppe Unli, shorts from Sam’s Station, top & ring from Stylista Inc.

this ring reminds me of Sailormoon and Akazukin Chacha haha!

yellow flats, University Mall

Commemorating Independence day in my own little way by wearing our flag’s colors.

Last June 12 was also my little sister’s 13th birthday. She’s a high school student now! And yes, I’m saying this in disbelief. She used to be so tiny and I can’t believe her age now is just a stone’s throw away from the age I had my first boyfriend. I was only fourteen and Kev was fifteen when we started our relationship. Now I understand why my dad reacted that way when he found out; I was so young and immature! It’s really a surprise that we’re still together and what a cute coincidence that I’m writing this post now since it was our 55th month last Thursday. Even though we only celebrate anniversaries now, I still keep track and greet him. Wish us more monthsaries to come? :)

photos by Moe Tendencia | hype Independence Day on Lookbook.nu

(Source: hurricanekitty)

hype Scallop on Lookbook.nu

sponsors: contact lens from Uniqso, top from Silay, necklace from Fashion Trends Collection

scallop skirt bought online, purple shoes from University Mall

I opted to wear something colorful and yuppie looking to the press launch of Joe Jonas for Bench a few weeks ago. I love the scallop detail of my orange skirt, it looks so girly and it reminds me of the way I used to draw skirts and dresses as a child, they always have scallop hems haha! I also adore the colors in this outfit! When I was picking out what accessories to wear, I never thought the pink and mint blue tassel necklace would go so well with my ensemble since I’m quite a prude when it comes to color selection; I tend to stick to the basics. The shoes was a last minute choice, I bought the pair before we went to the venue. I hope you like this outfit as much as I do. What do you think? :)

edit: received a message from one of my readers about the contact lens I’m wearing here. It’s not the contacts, it’s me. I’m still not used to dolly lenses with bigger diameter so my eyes were twitchy when we took these photos. :( But I’ll probably get used to wearing the lovely pair Uniqso sent me… more about this on my review! :)

photos by Moe Tendencia | hype Scallop on Lookbook.nu

hype Cranberry on Lookbook.nu


necklace sponsored by FashionTrends Collections



thrifted top, shorts gift

Gold Dot shoes




I’m already at that point of no return and it’s about time I acknowledge that fact. Even if it’s hard to keep moving forward because there are things from the past that are weighing me down; things that I just can’t simply discard. Things I’m not proud of that even mere mention of them makes me feel awfully uneasy. I even wish sometimes that the next morning when I wake up I’ll be able to turn back time somehow… silly isn’t it? Certain things are irreversible and this is one of them. No other way but forward… I need to keep that in mind even when I get discouraged. It can’t swallow me whole, I won’t allow it.

photos by Eena Macaspac | hype Cranberry on Lookbook.nu

(Source: hurricanekitty)

hype Too Early for Halloween on Lookbook.nu

black sheer top & chain headpiece, no brand
thrifted orange skirt, boots, online

You probably won’t believe that what I’m wearing here from head to knee costs around 250php only, combined. I wouldn’t dare wear black + boots right now though. These photos were taken last month when the weather wasn’t too warm yet. Last week, the average temperature in Metro Manila was 26°C to 35°C. It’s less than 3 weeks before my classes will start so I’m really glad that the weather has started to cool off a bit. Shorts, tank tops and open toe sandals are against our campus dress code and I commute everyday to school so it’d really be annoying to put up with the scorching heat under those circumstances.

So far, my summer this year has been the same as all of my summers for the past 10 years - uneventful. And now that I’ve really thought about it, I actually prefer it that way. I mean if I really wanted to travel and go to new places, I’ll exert effort to do so right? I could have saved up my allowance for an out of town trip or I could’ve had my passport arranged earlier rather than being situationally forced by my parents specifically, my mom.

Maybe the sudden wanderlust I had a few months ago was a “the grass is greener on the other side” thing. Seeing those beautiful travel photos and reading wonderful stories by bloggers I follow did affect me; it gave me a feeling that I’m missing something. But the genuine desire that lasts long isn’t there. I still prefer staying in… what can I do? I’m a hermit! haha :) but I’m not rejecting the whole idea of travelling but it’d be a disappointment if I pursued it half-heartedly.

photos by Moe Tendencia | hype Too Early for Halloween on Lookbook.nu

hype Two-Tone Ombre on Lookbook.nu

black bustier & shorts bought online, accessories from tiangge, Gold Dot shoes

Surprise! I got my hair ombré’d ;) well, it isn’t really a surprise because I mentioned it in my blog before and I had it done 2 months ago courtesy of Azta Urban Salon. But since this is the first time I posted a photo of my “new” hair color in my blog, it might be a surprise to some of you.

My outfit was inspired by my new hairdo, these studded two-tone ombré shorts complement my ombré hair and it’s also a summer staple (+points). Speaking of summer, mine has been incredibly uneventful. I’m at home almost everyday, just wasting away. Do you know those Expectations vs Reality posts? Well, they’re totally appropriate in my life right now. I mean this is the last summer of my teenage years (I’m turning 20 on December!! *le gasp*) and here I am watching movies after movies, eating cups of ice cream and having a staring contest with the computer screen instead of swimming at the beach, half drunk while wearing a bikini and showing off what my momma gave me in all its worldly glory (as if).

Anyway, I’ll spill more details on my next post. Yes! There will be a separate post just for my hair. How vain right? haha. But I hope I’d be able to provide first-hand information for people who’d like to have the same treatment done. I’m leaving my Ask box open for ombré related questions and I’ll try to answer all of them in my next post. Ask away!

photos by Jash Manuel | hype Two-Tone Ombre on Lookbook.nu

hype La Vie Bohème on Lookbook.nu

thrifted top and palazzo pants



tassel necklace sponsored by Bubbles



Woah! It’s April already? I didn’t post anything last March… I’m really neglecting this blog. :( But expect a bunch of new posts from me this month because it’s almost summer vacation. I really wonder how some bloggers manage to juggle school/work, social life, other hobbies and blogging consistently; one blogger I know even has a kid to boot!

So, what’s up with me lately? Well… I got my hair ombré-fied out of the blue (this is probably the last post with my old hair), my boyfriend finally met my parents again after 4 years and they’re in good terms (quick recap: I wasn’t allowed to have a boyfriend back in high school. So we only got to experience the liberty most couples have when college started but that’s only because I’m sneaky haha!), I’ve been spending most of my free time watching anime (yes, I’ve caught the anime bug), pigging out, dates with the boyfriend & friends, doing plates, shoots and the usual stuff.

I wore this outfit during DLSU’s centennial celebration last year but it’s only recently that I managed to have outfit photos taken. The palazzo pants are huge on me so it looks like a maxi skirt but I like it better that way. I like wearing outfits like these on lazy days; it’s flowy and comfy. But I used to avoid any apparel that’s long enough to cover my ankles because I thought they’d make me look tinier (I’m only 5’2”) but tada! As long as I tuck in my top or wear a top that doesn’t go below my hips, I look okay. I also avoid long skirts/dresses that are below the knee to ankle length (like midi skirts) because I end up looking stumpy.

How about you, how would you wear your maxi skirt/palazzo pants this summer? :)

photos by Monique Tendencia | hype La Vie Bohème on Lookbook.nu

Red tassel earrings sponsored by Bubbles

Chain necklace sponsored by Sugar & Spice







hype Silent Superstition on Lookbook

Have you tried changing clothes inside a car? If yes, then you probably know how uncomfortable and slightly claustrophobia-inducing it is (or maybe it’s just me). My first time was during a shoot for an online store, the second time was during our Tagaytay shoot and the third time happened before we shot the photos above. I only noticed the ugly bulge my top made after seeing the photos on my PC. I look like I have a layer of flab right smack in the middle of my tummy. It’s my fault, really… I didn’t double-check my outfit, I just stuffed the clothes inside my bag before I left the house that afternoon. So yes, lesson learned: always double-check!

The photos are taken by the creative, Louise Manuel (thank you so much for agreeing to do this with us). I’ve been planning a fun shoot with several Tumblr fashion bloggers since Christmas last year but it was hard for us to synchronize our schedules. Good thing, it finally pushed through last January 7 even though only a few were able to attend. It was really nice to meet some of the people behind the blogs I follow. :) I’ll post more photos from the shoot soon.

By the way… did you notice the “face” on my right knee? I hope it doesn’t start to talk *cue eerie The Twilight Zone music* ;_;

photos by: Louise Manuel | Facebook

I slept at 6am (to finish a website project) and woke up at around 2pm today (not good! I should’ve drank coffee). I still have tons of plates to finish for our finals week, my reward for procrastinating. When will I stop believing that I can finish all the things (insert meme here) in just a short period of time? /wrist

Feather earring sponsored by Maris Unique Pieces

The only reason why I’m still sane is my super loving boyfriend (mehganon?) he’s been really sweet and thoughtful lately that it makes me wonder if we have a healthy relationship. We’ve been together for more than 4 years but I think we’re still in the “honeymoon stage” (you know that stage where couples say I love you at least 10x a day, argues who hangs up the phone first and everything just feels shiny and new) kalerkey!!

Anyway, here’s a pretty laid back outfit that’s perfect for the bipolar weather. We actually shot these photos during an on and off drizzle. Moe and I would come back to the roofed area whenever it started pouring again and take photos when it stops.

Those gorgeous shoes (I really love the brocade detail and structured heel) are unbelievably comfortable. You wouldn’t even notice you’re already falling; they are that light. The taupe and black long sleeve romper is another ukay-ukay (thrift store) find. As for the lovely accessories, I’d like to thank Mika of Maris Unique Pieces and Jessica of The Bling Project for giving me these early presents. :)

Necklace sponsored by The Bling Project

Gold Dot Bertha booties

By the way guys, I got invited as a guest (blogger) in The Suplado Show, an Internet radio talk show on Dig Radio (formerly NU107) hosted by comedian & TV host Stanley Chi. I hope you can tune in tomorrow night, here’s a quick guide how:

1. Go to www.digradio.ph every Monday, 9 to 11 p.m.
2. Click on the “watch” button.
3. A new window will open. (Make sure your browser allows pop-up windows.)
4. In the new window, look for the Suplado Show on the left sidebar. Click “listen” right under it.
5. Live streaming will then start and you can watch the Suplado Show live.
6. You may send in requests, greetings, and violent reactions to 09174883396 or call (02) 2180897. You may also chat with Stanley and other guests by clicking on the “chat” button right under the video streaming.

I’ll put some free stuff up for grabs to lucky callers! Feel free to send requests and greetings. It would really mean a lot to me. :) :)

Photos by: Moe Tendencia | Hype this look on Lookbook

(Source: hurricanekitty)

I like big bags and I cannot lie. I can freely stuff my school things, umbrella, kikay paraphernalia etc. inside without any worries. My boyfriend even started calling my everyday bag, the “magic bag” like the one Mary Poppins has. But big bags can only do so much. I needed a medium sized bag that’s perfect for dates, casual lunches with friends, family dinners and the likes. Since almost all of my bags are extra large, I had no choice but to use them even if I’m only bringing a few stuff, hence giving me unnecessary weight to carry. But that was the case until the Accessorize event where they gave me this lovely, Birkin lookalike bag.

It’s so dainty no? I really love the soft pink hue. During the event when I picked this bag, Anne told me that it suits me really well. I was unconvinced at first because I’m a huge sucker for giant brown leather bags nga. It’s very unlikely for me to own a light colored bag and a medium at that. But after using it a few times, I realized that it was what’s missing on my bag selection. A dainty, medium sized bag that can be casual or formal.

Hype this look on Lookbook



For this look I decided to channel Abby out of the four new collections of Accessorize for Autumn/Winter 2011 because it’s the closest to my personal style. Abby is described as “an eclectic array of new and old, with inspiration drawn from vintage travel postcards, taxidermy, old script typography and antique collectables. Preppy heritage takes a stroll with bohemian grunge – think Nicole Richie and the Olsen twins. Clock faces, tapestry, patchwork and brocade all make for key element of this autumn look, as do semi-precious stone jewellery and elegant pearls. Dipped in animal prints and new camouflaged florals, Abby is eccentric and frivolously wild.”





I hope you like my look as much as I do! I was just a bit unsure with the shoes (it was a last minute choice) but I think I pulled it off and check out the surprise scallop skirt underneath. I got it at a tiangge for only 350php, pink midi skirt from a thrift store (less than 80php, le ukay-ukay wonders), I bought the floral bustier online, boots from my gran in Canada, and of course the bag is a gift from Accessorize.



We’re preparing for our finals week and I have tons of plates to do which explains the lack of updates but I’ll be back real soon loves. Thank you so much to Moe for taking time out from her busy schedule so we can shoot these gorgeous photos and also to Accessorize! Here’s a photo set I made featuring some of their beautiful bags. :)