Fall at the country side

Hi guys! How do you like my regular blogging attendance? :)) 

Let's take a break from the backlogs, here's a more recent look I wore out last saturday.

Last saturday was chill-day, cheap-day for me and the boyfriend and I was dressed for the streets! I woke up early, tried to organize all that's on my to-do list that day but ended up preparing all the items for shipments and meet-ups for Blind Clothing. The next thing I knewI found myself in Mactan Island attending my friend's house-warming party.. then straight to meet-ups, rushed to the courier, then to a meeting with a home-accessory supplier, and then finally to some dinner and R&R. This is my formula outfit for an anything-goes day-----shorts and booties. It allows me to move around a lot, and run around wherever and do whatever without my feet getting dusty cause I hate that.

Noticed anything? 

1.) For the first time I'm giving in to the tie-waist trend.

I've always wanted to do this since summer because it had a very laid back, cool vibe to it (Infact I used this a lot when I styled for Blind collections here and here ) but every time I try to do it on myself, I tend to feel funny cos I'm suddenly reminded of my fourth grade self. Who else did this back when they were kids? Raise of hands please! :)) I used to wear "hanging" tops, cargo pants, and then tie a jacket around the waist a lot, especially as dance costume. It's very 90's and it doesn't help that it reminds me of Jao Mapa. HAHAHA. Am I the only one my age who remembers him? When I was little, he was the bomb! Lol.  So anyway, I managed and it felt damn sweet! I think the 2013 twist to it is that now people use lighter material like polos, back then we used jackets. 

The prime reason I got sold on wearing this was it covered my thighs when I needed it to and parts of my tummy that showed too much. Later that day when we watched a movie, I got to wear it as a polo over my midriff to feel warm and cozy. Talk about functionality! 

Also.. another new thing about this look on me is:

2.) I am finally in PLAID. For the first time in my whole life (since I was conscious).

I don't know why but I tend to steer away from plaid because I felt that it was too country for my taste.

I still don't own anything plaid, this was my dad's, and it did all the accenting for my all-white ensemble, it tied the entire color palette together and gave it a very autumn feel. 

It was a good day for plaid. A good day for a laid-back look, a fresh fall palette, visiting a friend at her new home at a neighboring island, a Nicholas Sparks country movie dvd at Hello Hans, and a good night massage like I promised myself. Good day, good day. :)

Top: Topshop (This again.. )

Shorts: Tres Marias Online

Plaid Polo: Pappy's (what I call my dad)

Bag: Mom's present from HK

Shoes: Thrifted

Thanks to Bud for taking my photos! You're getting better at taking outfit shots, my fasting and abstinence is working! Haha Kidding. 

Feria

Here's something that I would wear to work when I have to head straight to dinner without putting on or taking off anything. My first ever client, Ninang Memnet, took Buddy and I out for dinner, because we never got to celebrate their newly renovated home which we finished late last year since we went straight to board exam reviews in Manila. I only got to visit the finished product last summer and we all agreed to plan a dinner then to celebrate our passing the board. So this was it. It's better 8 months late than never, and it's always a joy to see the couple.

Ninang took us to Feria. I like buffeting when I'm out on beach trips with the family (Imperial Palace buffet bring my favorite for its wide-range of cuisines and quality dishes) but it was my first time at a Radisson Blu buffet, and that night what they had was Italian Thursdays. I surveyed the banquet before I picked up a plate and found myself drooling over fresh salads, cold-cuts, various kinds of cheese, bruschettas, pastas. Because I love cheese,  anything tomato, fresh spices, red and white sauce, olives, bread,  I'm a huge fan of Italian and Mediterranean cuisine. Even if  it was Italian night, there was still a japanese sushi bar, a dimsum corner, a dessert bar, and even a Filipino section at the far end. We were all stuffed silly, I imagined more rounds in my head but only ended up with 3. I need to practice my buffet skills! Thank you, Ninang, for the date. :)


On to the outfit, I wore a glittery knit sweater with my Zara origami skort dupe. Corporate wear varries from work environment to work environment, from industry to industry. Some are strict with slacs and blazers and long skirts but for those who have more freedom or those who are not required to dress corporately (but just want to because it helps you feel more confident like me) here are a few tips:

1.) After I got my professional license, I've been realizing how important thin sweater and pull-overs are to a working girl's wardrobe. They are a great substitute for polos, and can easily look effortlessly chic and stylish when mixed and matched. I never thought I'd fall in love with Uniqlo but now, It's one of my fave places because of their wide range of basics. Glad they're opening here in Cebu soon! (Or am I?) Play with texture, color, print. They're great with pants, great with skirts. They're also great with shorts for lazy weekends!

2.) Low Heels. I dont remember the last time I bought high heels.  I used to think: the higher the heel= more value for money but now,  I say low heels are a great investment! If you spend on high party heels why not on something you're more likely to wear more often? They are more comfortable, add instant height without the torture, and are the best touch to any corporate look! They make your look appear polished. Pointed shoes and ankle straps are my fave, they look extra classy. 

3.)  Never forget to wear a watch—preferably, a classic lady’s watch that’s both simple yet chic. Most people equate wearing a time piece to meaning business. It also gives the impression that every second of your working day counts. I'm not sure about the third statement, way too judgemental for me lol, but I think it's a must-have. Didn't realize this also until I owned one. The bf gave one to me on my birthday last year cos he thought "every architect needed one"-- I was still reviewing then.

4.) You are a woman. You don't need to hide it to look tough. You want look professional while retaining your femininity so do pepper your wardrobe or outfit with hints of it, such as lace, soft colors (in my case, some glitter)  or even subtle accessories such as...  pearl earrings! :)

5.) Prim and Proper. This isn't really applicable to creative industries like mine esp here in Cebu (love the island life!) but we could all use some "prim" when we're meeting clients or attending conferences. So aim for structure. Go for either: structured/ neatly-ironed/ well-tucked in/ geometrically striking pieces.  If you want to inject a bit of  fun, do it subtly, using scarves, simple jewelry, or a vintage/ colored office bag.

So there. Just a couple of style secrets you may or may not take. Dressing well makes a woman feel more confident and good about herself especially at work. And it surely won't go entirely unnoticed! You never know who you run into through-out the day! 

Oh and loose tops are great for buffets! ;)
Later, guys. <3


To add a little more info on Feria, let me quote:
"Another point in Feria's favor is that it changes the theme of its buffet from day to day, and if you time your visit right, you'll end up paying just half the usual rate for a spread this large. That means there's something for everyone on every day of the week. If you love seafood, check out Monday's Fresh Catch (P1,190 net for lunch/dinner). You get an array of selections for half the price on Unbelievable Tuesday (P595 net for lunch/dinner). Take a culinary trip around the world on Wednesday with the international buffet (P1,190 net for lunch/dinner), or savor the flavors of Italy with pizzas, pastas, and more onAmazing Cibo Thursdays (P595 net for lunch/dinner). If you're visiting on a Friday, it's well worth it to go twice over as Feria serves its international buffet for lunch (P1,190 net) and US Prime Rib buffet for dinner (P1,300 net). Lunch or dinner on Saturdays with your family or barkada is all about pigging out on great Chinese food with Feria's Wok on Saturdays (P595 net), while you get to end the week with the international buffet (P1,190) for both lunch and dinner on Sundays." --- www.kristn.com

Feria is the the restaurant on the ground floor of the Radisson Blue Hotel Cebu on Serging Osmeane Boulevard, corner Juan Luna Ave, North Reclamation Area, Cebu City.

**Top: Stylestunner Manila** Skort: Miss Mannequin**Shoes: Fashioncookie

Google them girls, they're all online! ;)