Style – talk t á• y o!

My Obsession with Pomelo is Getting Out of Hand

What happens when a serial impulsive buyer is left to her own devices?

With the pandemic rendering me helplessly stuck within endless cycles of existential crises (yes, plural), there’s little to do within the confines of my home but to scroll through my phone and find something to give me just that hit of dopamine my deprived brain has been looking for.

If you haven’t guessed already, I’m a serial impulsive shopper, which doesn’t help my case when it comes to quarantine boredom. Mix those two together and you’ve got yourself a gagita that can’t stop ordering clothes online despite the fact that she has nowhere to go–for now. But, until the fateful day that I do, in fact, have plans to go out, you better believe that I’d want to be dressed to impress, hence the premature shopping. At least, that’s what I like to tell myself before clicking “Checkout”.

With ZALORA as the main culprit to my impulses–plus their monthly budol-inducing sales–the call for retail therapy has never been so strong. The brand Pomelo, in particular, has become one of the most defining brands within my closet as of late, so much so that I forget which ones aren’t from Pomelo in the first place.

Luckily, my 2021 purchases are still as bright as day in my memory. Just as they bring joy to me, I wanted to showcase my gastadora tendencies with you as well to maybe bring you the same feeling getting budol-ed by sales–then proceeding to take a mini photoshoot by myself in my bedroom–gives me: a moment of pure, unabashed bliss.

Disclaimer: if you were thinking this was a sponsored post (asa pa ‘ko), let me clear the air. As much as I’d love to be sponsored by Pomelo, these pieces were all bought with my own hard-earned money because I thought they were–and are–definitely worth the treat. When I say Pomelo has me by my metaphorical balls, I mean it. Plus, if I’m going down, I’m taking you guys down with me.

Check, Please

I’ve always been a sucker for checkered pants. There’s just something about its eye-catching nature that calls to me. Perhaps stemming from an obsession with all things plaid back in high school, my love for this pattern has to cease. I love this pair of pants in particular because it’s brighter, livelier, and highly reminiscent of pajamas–but like outdoor pajamas. Pambahaycore chic, if you will.

Lines, Lines, Lines

Crop tops are everything to me. Regular t-shirts? We don’t know her in this house. It must. Be. Cropped. I don’t know when my Leo heart crossed the line of being bored with regular t-shirts and opting for more belly-out pieces, but if I can wear a crop top, I will. With this piece, what drew me to it was the trendy line detailing and the knotted center–makes for the perfect IBTC top, IMO.

Little Lilac

Everyone needs their little black dress, right? But what happens when you already have one? Get one in pastel! Duh. I don’t think I’ve mentioned this before, but lilac is one of my favorite colors (followed closely by neon green and teal, but that’s beside the point). This dainty mini dress is the epitome of adorable yet classic, mildly sexy yet pabebe. New date night dress? Check.

Stay Blazing

A cropped blazer? Yes, please. If I could have this blazer in a complete range of ROYBGV colors, I would die a happy corporate slave. It puts a cute little touch to professionalism, giving you the freedom to dress up a regular old pair of jeans or go for a smarter look with some slacks. Plus, wearing it over a bralette–my favorite thing to do with any open garment–is just so easy yet so chic that it’s a no-brainer for Zoom meetings that call for having your video camera on. Just keep the button closed, darling.

**Patchwork It, B*tch**

Surprise, surprise: another crop top. In my defense though, look how cute this is! That’s it. That’s the statement. Jokes aside, its patchwork design with its mini puffed sleeves and boob-enhancing cut makes for the perfect summery top that makes even itty bittiest of titties look like they’re doing their best. Pair it with shorts, jeans, leather pants–you name it. Its pop of color does wonders for any ol’ pair of neutral bottoms.

Do the Splits

As I mentioned, I have a penchant for checked pieces, so color me ecstatic when I chanced upon this gorgeous two-tone, split-style pair of trousers. Not only are there two different hues of tan on each leg, but one leg has a gorgeous check design that I couldn’t resist. I’ve also been experimenting with my sense of style as of late, so this unique pair was something I could not miss out on.

Skrrt, Skrrt

With a closet generally filled with lazy-girl denim shorts, I thought adding a cute little skirt to the mix would help brighten up my wardrobe. I love the scallop hemline and its high waist–perfect for looking put together at the office or hoe-ing it out with a bralette as per usual. Its lilac hue makes it easy to pair with any neutrals in your closet, making it a must-have for whatever occasion may come. Date night? Office attire? Smart casual events? Check, check, and check.

To Tye Dye For

This dress? With the open back? With the waist slits? With the balloon sleeves? Come on. My would-rather-be-naked-24/7 Leo self couldn’t resist adding to my cart. Big bonus: it’s so comfortable and soft that I wouldn’t be against having it as one of my many outfit changes at my funeral. Oh yes, I’m not dying in one outfit, thank you.

Off-White All Night

No, not the brand. This off-white dress is a little more covered up than I’m used to, but I couldn’t resist the puffy sleeves. The criss-crossed tie design on the sleeves also piqued my interest, and as I’ve never owned a dress like this before, I thought I’d give it a go. Guess I know what I’m wearing to my next formal event–or another date, perhaps? It is a tad warm though, being of heavier nature than the rest of my purchases, but its cottagecore prairie-girl aesthetic was much too fab to pass up.

And there you have it! My lovely little haul from Pomelo that I hope got you raring to shop as well. Plus, my own mini photoshoot to satiate my endless vanity. Could you blame me when the clothes look so damn good, though?

Anyway, as usual, slay safe, babes.

GRANDMA APPROVES: Pieces Your Grandchildren Will Love

Because grandma knows best.

It feels like it was just yesterday when Bianca Mascenon and I were driving to Pasig for a shoot (of many). Between the early morning traffic, our brain cells trying to wake up, coffee (on my part), and the low hum of K-Pop or ‘90s RnB in the background, our usual chatter took a turn towards one (again, of many) of our favorite topics: FASHION. To be more precise, clothes, brand-building, and the hunt for the perfect tailor.

I can’t accurately tell you how we got there, but I can tell for sure that it involved one of us griping about ill-fitting clothes, being in-between sizes, our version of perfect clothes not existing, and having to look for a good mananahi who just gets us.

Since that fateful drive, wheels had begun turning and through some divine providence—stars and planets aligning, the Universe giving its blessing—Bianca is debuting her first lineup of timeless pieces with her grandma.

This grandmother-granddaughter duo grounds their ethos in high-quality craftsmanship made with the finest materials for comfort and longevity. No, really—your grandchildren will thank you for bequeathing these pieces to them.

With Bianca at the brand’s helm, I can guarantee you that her Virgo-perfectionist eye for detail will not even let one loose thread hang out of place.

If you need more convincing, here’s a quick peek at the debut pieces from Grandma Approves:

BOSOM BABY TEE

The white tee to end all white tees. The Bosom Baby Tee has a classic baby tee cut that hugs you in all the right places. An embroidered playful Grandma Approves logo emblazons the under bust. Wear it with anything and everything, anywhere and everywhere.

BABY BLAZER

Level up your wardrobe essentials with this long silhouette. It’s hard to pin down which aspect of design is my fave but Bianca’s right: the devil’s in the details! Check out the matte-brushed gold buttons, the contrast-lined pockets, the curved pockets. Each particular detail pulls it in all together to create a gorgeous piece that could be worn as a blazer OR a dress 💫

AL CAPONE BUTTON-DOWN

Named after Bianca’s grandfather this asymmetrical, block-colored piece is an ode to alter egos and 1980s Latin America. I can’t help but ooh-and-ahh over the duchess charmeuse silk that just flows. This versatile piece is ready to take you from day ‘fit to night chic in a snap.

BAMBI TIE TOP

Peek a boob! As a hubadera, I’ve got my eye on this piece. We’re living for that beautiful winged collar that works perfectly with the meticulously draped cowl neck. The gorgeous and well-thought-of placement of the embroidered logo has me swooning. And those exaggeratedly long ties for a nipped waist? Babe, I’ve already checked it out while writing this.

So grateful to have been privy to the process, even more honored to be part of the journey (the trust is real 🥺👉🏼👈🏼). Congratulations and let the champagne (or her fave tinto de verano) flow for my fave Bianca Mascenon and her Grandma Approves baby.

In true lola fashion: hija head on over to grandmaapproves.co and check out their new lineup of finely-crafted clothing.

Slay safely in them loves 😉 We know you will.

PS. Check out their Instagram too!

✨ jazz

A 24-year-old writer, producer, and stylist who’s got the starry-eyes of a shopaholic with an irrefutable love-hate relationship with carbs and wine.

Wardrobe Heist: Pieces We’ve Swiped from the Fam

Cue James Bond theme song.

After life had thrown us into a whirlpool of “WTF is happening”, we’re glad to be out of hiatus (for now) with a new rampa article!

Armed with our ring lights, Julia’s attic, some cellophane, a random chair, and lots of caffeine, we’ve brewed yet another excuse to dress up.

This time, we’re showcasing revamped, repurposed, and reborn pieces that we’ve been able to swipe from the wardrobes of our families. As retro is back with a vengeance in a sweater vest, we think it’s definitely safe to say that old is the new new (Benito, 2021).

Diving through other people’s closets is one type of retail therapy that can’t hurt our pockets. We’re gonna come out and say it right from the get go: clothes are just our type of heirlooms. Plus, when you live in a house full of your family members, it’s inevitable that their clothes mysteriously happen to appear in your wardrobes—sometimes by accident, many times by design (sorry, not sorry).

Buckle up, because your fave gagitas have prepped for a wild ride!

*from the closet of Jazz’s paternal grandmother*

DRESS TO IMPRESS

Fun Fact: this is part of a dress ensemble, it was originally a cover up with the stiffest shoulder pads I’ve ever seen. I have the dress hidden away in my closet (altered to have a shorter, more fun hem of course 😉).

I grew up fascinated with this brown crepe fabric. I would see my grandmother, who I fondly call mommy, wear this at least every other weekend. I’m quite surprised it has withstood use long enough for me to “inherit” the piece.

Of course, when it finally changed hands, it needed a new lease on life, aka my own hubadera spin on things.

*from the closet of Julia’s paternal grandmother (may she rest in peace)*

SUNDAY BEST

I’m usually not one for dresses, but as you may have seen in our thrifted-clothes article, I have a penchant for old-timey looking pieces. This modest dress may need to be taken in (and hiked up, as the Leo in me knows not of dresses that go below my knees), but I’m just so in love with the Peter Pan collar and tropophobia-inducing pattern that I know I’m going to be keeping this for a long, long time.

70’s GLAM

Cue: will.i.am’s I Got It From My Momma! If we’re pointing fingers at the main influence of my quirky—dare I even say, eccentric—style, hands down I’ll be shoving you into my mother’s direction. She has always had a distinct sense of style and affinity for making statements but in a put-together, classy way.

While this may be just one of the dresses that survived her great purge (aka Spring Cleaning), it is by far my definite favorite. It’s no mystery why when you have a piece that just screams CLASSIC: an A-line silhouette, the pockets, the versatility of use, and the fabric.

Mixed together with flared sleeves, white boots, a scarf-turned-headband, and some cool ala-Audrey Hepburn sunnies, girl I’m ready for disco fever whenever you are!

SUBTLE SKIN

Mesh is something I’ve been obsessed with since 2019, so color me surprised when I saw this chic mesh cover-up in lola’s old stuff! Never thought you were one to be a hubadera, La, but I love it –– is she where that trait came from? While it’s too late to ask her, I love this piece so much more because it shows me a side to my grandmother that I don’t usually see.

In my memories, she’s always been the epitome of high class. Gorgeous dresses, jewelry 24/7, hair colored and groomed to perfection—that’s my lola! With this piece, I get to see a little bit of a daring side that I may have not known she had.

You’d better believe I’m wearing this with a bralette every chance I can get!

WONG KAR WAI

I am a sucker for coats, jackets, and outerwear. Unfortunately, the impyerno-level heat of our beautiful Philippines can’t seem to comprehend that. No matter. As my mother would say “Tiis ganda, hija,” (Bare it for beauty.) It’s why this beaut ended up in my hands.

I don’t know the rhyme, reason, or story of where this beautiful brocade outerwear came from or how it got into my mommy’s hands, but I’m living for it 🔥. The lightweight silk, the standard Mandarin buttons, the length, the Chinese collar—every inch screams like a set costume for a Cantonese film and I’m here for it!

A little Jazz magic (couldn’t be helped) for higher slits plus an adieu to the shoulder pads goodbye, and I was born ready to strut this amazing steal from my mommy’s closet—come hell or high water (or baked-potato heat).

JUST VIBES

Truth be told, when my sister told me that we were going to go through lola’s old clothes, I was fully prepared for a mountain of typical Marks and Spencer floral blouses. While I was partially correct, I was also so surprised to find a plethora of pieces that were 100% my style (no offense, Lolas of Marks and Spencer).

The cellophane (did we mention we shot this using cellophane on PHONE?) did wash the color out, but this piece is an adorable multi-color striped button-down with vintage-style shoulder pads: perfect for wearing both closed and open!

Jazz and I tried to fully embody the vintage vibe with a headscarf courtesy of one of her shopping trips on Shopee to top it all off.

ASIAN NOVELA

My grandmother’s not short on her stories of traveling with my grandfather, jet setting here and there, and meeting dignitaries and diplomats. So it comes to be of little surprise to find this tucked away in the attic (by extension, her closet)—a modern Hanbok set gifted to my grandmother during one of her many trips to South Korea.

The moment I saw the jegori (top) and chima (skirt) hanging at the back of her closet, I immediately knew how it would fit into my own overflowing wardrobe (an understatement). I set a trip to my trusty mananahi and we were sorted out. All the original embroidery was kept for the sanctity of its meanings. I kept most of the original elements of the Hanbok as intended by original design but had been transfigured for a more updated look and better fit to my petite frame.

I love using the jegori as a cropped jacket for windier days or even as its own top (paired with denim jeans or a skirt, ugh cute)!

TWEEDLE DEE

Alas, another piece I’ve been trying to siphon into my own closet for years! This Chanel-esque tweed blazer gives me all the opulence I want to feel, sans the wild excavation into my savings. My sister and I aren’t the same size, so this is definitely a little looser than a blazer should be, but I think it’s part of the charm.

Scrunch up the sleeves and put it on top of a—say it with me, now—bralette and you’re golden! It’s one of the items I pull out when I’m scheduled for a Zoom meeting and I want to look a little less like I’m secretly just wearing pambahay bottoms and a little more mamahalin than usual.

WERQ ‘FIT

My dad has *the* most clothes I have ever seen. All I’m going to say is that he can wear a new outfit for the whole year without repeating. Let that sink in, friendships.

If there’s one thing I love, though, about my dad’s fashion madness, it’s his meticulous penchant and eye for quality. It’s why I’ve hoarded (and arbored) so many of his work pants. I love how soft the fabrics are while the fall and structure still stand XX years later—a true testament to his care for his clothes plus the money he invests in them.

These cool linen pants are my go-to comfy trousers for slouchy but sophisticated fashion-insider chic because they can go from 9-to-5 or Saturday morning brunch with just the right top.

I’m a proud owner of a couple more of my dad’s office/work trousers (all retro-fitted for me of course). Although, now that he’s seen the new life I’ve breathed into them, I think he wants most of them back 🤔.

*from the closet of Julia’s sister (may she—CHAROT LANG HAHAHAHA)*

LAYER UP

I’ve been stealing things from my sister since the dawn of time, from clothes to makeup to skincare. However, this one was always one of my favorites to yoink (yes, I’ve taken this multiple times. Sorry, ‘te).

This sleeveless knitted piece was at its heyday when my sister was still working an office job. In hindsight, that seems so long ago now that she’s a fully-fledged business woman of multiple ventures AND a diving instructor at the same time, but that’s besides the point. However long it may have lived in these closets, I loved and still love to put it on top of casual ‘fits just to add some extra flair.

If you’ve been following us for a while, you’d know we love layers, but layers in the Philippines do not love us. This piece, however, cuts out the sadness of being unable to don coats in the tropics by being sleeveless!

HIGH MAINTENANCE

If that subheading doesn’t say something about me, I don’t know what does. ½ charot (only because my mother says that about me most days 😜). Another one from my mother’s closet that survived her great purge, this skirt is one that highlights my best asset: my waist.

Fishing this out from the back of my mother’s closet reminded me that every girl needs a maxi pencil skirt to pair with her fave bikini top or bralette for hot-girl-summer chic or just the usual classy, hubadera elegance. It strikes just the perfect balance with a skin-baring top. But also, who would ever pass on the chance to have a skirt that could be the highest waist you’ve ever owned? This quirky little one isn’t about to say no to that!

from the closet of Julia’s father or brother-in-law
(TBH she has no idea but she found it and here we are)

I’ve said it once and I’ll say it again: I’m a really lazy dresser. Anything that can be put on top of just a bra and shorts is immediately my go-to. So, when I chanced upon this ginormous blazer I found in the recesses of the extra closet in my room (my family kind of just stores old stuff in there), I immediately thought of turning it into a dress.

So, I did.

From a blazer to an off-shoulder mini dress belted off for shape, this piece is my favorite in terms of transformation. Pairing it off with some fun sunnies (shoutout to @queerkyph on Insta), nude shorts—not flashing anyone today!—and some knee-high socks really brought together that “I don’t care whose it is; I’m still wearing it” vibe that I am completely enamored with.

*from the closet of Jazz’s maternal aunt*

GUCCI BALLSACKS

These came to my hands after a fashion ayuda from one of my maternal aunts. It’s intended for bigger sizes, but the oversized sweater-dress look just speaks to me.

The fabric is deceptively heavy, but for the weight of it (and the brand logo emblazoned on it in crystals), it is surprisingly very breathable. The voluminous amount of fabric does dwarf the more petite gagitas that wear it, concealing any curves or assets that we could’ve flaunted. Although somewhat shapeless, it is not without its charms, especially when we’re channeling our inner tweedle-dum, tweedle-dee—with matching leather platforms to boot!

Make way darlings, because Gucci’s ballsacks will definitely be back with more kalat (soon!)—so keep on slaying safe.

✨ jazz

A 24-year-old writer, producer, and stylist who’s got the starry-eyes of a shopaholic with an irrefutable love-hate relationship with carbs and wine.

💋 julia

A 25-year-old writer with an obsession for beauty and an ineffable love for all things sharp—from cacti to hedgehogs to intense winged liner.

Dressing for the Itty Bitty Titty Committee

A sartorial rundown of the perks we get as ladies with small boobs but big dreams.

Hands up, if you’re a member of IBTC!

Like all girls, we were supposed to grow and bloom out of the awkward stages that puberty hit us with when that chapter of our lives came to a close. Acne should’ve faded, hips should have widened, and breasts should have developed—should being the operative word. Imagine my despair when I was in the throes of university life and I still felt that I looked like I had the chest of a prepubescent boy.

I used to tirelessly wait for my “boobs to grow in” as I am constantly the butt of jokes in the décolletage department—precisely because I barely have any. So to all my sisters who’ve been struggling or who have struggled with their cup size, you are definitely not alone!

I’ve grown to accept and even love the smallness of the boobage that Mother Nature has bestowed upon me and I am very thankful for the fact that the benefits of being a member of the IBTC definitely outweigh the cons: no underboob sweat, no trouble finding bra sizes, and no need to wear a bra without feeling self conscious about people noticing.

Thanks to my IBTC membership, I’ve barely run into any issues in the sartorial category—definitely my favorite perk!

Just a quick and friendly reminder to note that this is not a “big vs small” debate. All breasts are beautiful—whatever size they come in.

Scroll on to my favorite ways on how I’ve learned to dress with my itty bitty titties.

Without the big boobs interfering with sizing, fit around the bust area has been a breeze and I honestly have very minimal problems risking my girls from spilling out from various necklines or low cut tops and ensembles. Feel secure tucking in that plunging neckline into high waisted pants without having to worry about taping or looking too risqué. Pop on a variety of lengths for necklaces to polish off your look.

You can try to unbutton as many buttons you feel comfortable with and not risk a peek-a-boo. An unbuttoned blouse is easy breezy when you don’t have to compete with your own cleavage.

If you’re feeling a bit more on the conservative side, high necklines enhance the illusion that you’ve got more going on than in actuality—all the while being able to steer clear of the uniboob. Halter necklines also accentuate your body, maintaining a sexy air of mystery at the same time as a little tasteful sideboob never hurt anyone.

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That tiny chest you’ve been despairing at in the mirror? Girl, that’s your sartorial canvas! You have the enviable option to pile on layers that bustier girls don’t have as it tends to result in looking bulky and frumpy on top for them. Layering is such a fantastic way to show off your style prowess and add an avant-garde flair to your lewks

Sis, you may still be feeling a bit self-conscious about your flat chest but you are blessed with such a beautiful body that you can draw eyes to your more favored assets if you so wished.

Personally, I am all for the high waisted anything trend as I am lucky enough to have a cinched waist (and my hips flaring out). Cinching your waist with a belt, especially if your waist is smaller than your boobs, is always a great way to create the illusion of a fuller bust. You can also try booty popping jeans or skirts to accentuate that fine butt you’ve been working out. A fun skirt with frills or patterns is also a great way to draw the eye away from your chest.

Not having to deal with bras is one less effort that you would need to deal with. Going braless is such a divine perk to having small boobs that you can go down various routes in the clothing department without risking a Janet Jackson.

Business in the front, party in the back with no bra needed? You can count me in! Flirty backs and unexpected cutouts are such a fun way to go, especially in the sweltering heat of Manila where we’re constantly reaching for clothing with minimal fabric that would save us from heatstroke.

Didn’t anyone tell you? Bras are made to be seen. It’s actually why they’re so expensive. Don’t be afraid to wear bras as tops—as long as they don’t obviously look like a bra. If you’re feeling a bit demure but still want to tease, you can tastefully flash a little of your favorite bra.

You could throw on a chic blazer on top of a swanky bra, and everyone would be none the wiser when it’s paired with playful high waisted pants. Definitely très chic!

The bralette trend is also heaven sent. They are adorable, sexy, highly comfy, and you can pair them with anything and everything. Being able to wear these babies without having to worry about comfort or support is über sexy. Pair a lacy bralette underneath sheer tops for a playful look or let it live its best life by utilizing it as a crop top!

You can feel free but safe with the knowledge that you aren’t revealing too much. It’s very classy!

Love yourself and your girls, sis. They’re made exactly for you and you alone.

If I’ve successfully convinced you that small boobs equate to big perks, then let us know in the comments below or you can tell us about how you’ve been dressing your itty bitty titties—we’d love to hear all about it!

Much love ‘til next time, and remember: small boobs, big dreams. With that, I’m leaving you with a little something something from legendary Miss Sandra Oh:

Let’s roll call, Jazz

A style spotlight on Jazz, our author who’s gaga for clothes, champagne, and dancing…among other things.

Hey stranger, fancy seeing you here!

This little intro to who we are was definitely both exciting and daunting to create—mainly because I didn’t realize how much self-meditation it would entail to learn more about who I am based on my aesthetic.

Though I have honestly come such a long way from my more timid and shier, younger days—having grown up performing—it is still more often that I will wait for people to initiate contact or conversation before I reveal my more extroverted side. So this is me, being an extrovert, making the first move, and drawing you into a conversation about my personal style.

I’m telling you now that I’ve flipped through tons of articles and editorials just to figure out what made them all click together like some sort of crime investigation board in my head—a moodboard of everything that visually screams who the hell I am. I’ve come to conclude that personal style is an ever evolving beast that can’t be pinned and scrutinized in one glance.

Many people that personally know me are aware that I’m a very transparent person who just usually says what I think and feel at the moment and I find it interesting that it directly translates to my sartorial aesthetic value of genuinity and elevated chill-ness. Given that, you’d often can tell what I’m feeling based on what I’ve decided to wear for the day. It’s honestly not really one specific thing or another—so if I really had to give my style a labeled definition, it would be that my personal style is a very cool and effortless minimalism, with a dash of hubadera and statements.

LET’S SET MY HAPPY SCENE. If you sat with me for a day, we’d have a very late brunch after lunch filled with mimosas and fruits and pastries, hunkered down in a quaint cafe somewhere. As the breeze huffs, the mildest scent of cotton, sesame, and baby soap wafts through the air—I’m not one for complicated and fussy scents, not really caring for citrus if I’m not eating it. When the day begins to fold into night is my favorite time because of the softness of muted golden hour sunshine—the painless and heatless type of sun that I often crave to bathe in. When I’d finally let the night take over, I definitely want nothing more than bubble baths with a side of champagne or tinto de verano coupled with a book or a feel-good film rolling. Ugh, I’m grinning ear to ear just thinking about it.

THAT PARISIENNE AESTHETIC. Whatever you do, please do not limit yourself to the images of dainty dresses, mariniere tops, and baguettes; it’s definitely much more than that! From its neutral tones with bold pops of color to the overall “anti it girl” feel that it screams, I am so terribly fascinated with how effortlessly put together Parisiennes are and how much they value comfortability without ever sacrificing style. It’s entrancing to have je ne sais quoi imbibed into one’s closet and still looking amazing. There’s honestly something so attractive and easy with just a white button down and cuffed up jeans that I find myself automatically grabbing for the combo whenever I’m headed out. This directly translates to how I usually decide to do my face as well, never leaving the house without opting for winged black eyeliner, natural brows, and a swipe of either lipstick—always a toss between, vino, nude, or bold red—or gloss.

*If you want to know more about this style,I definitely reco How To Be Parisian Wherever You Are (Berest, Diwan, de Maigret, Mas) and Dress Like A Parisian (Alöis Guinut).

STATEMENT POPS. Though I prize an understated (la discretion), effortless (la nonchalance) elegance (l’élégance), I am definitely not one to shy away from other influences and styles—particularly since Hallyu was such a big influence on my consumption of media. The 3rd generation of K-Pop idols have paved a more relaxed look for stage outfits that I get so excited to cop with my own spin. Mixing up trends is just something fun to do, especially when a blend that I’m able to achieve translates to fun outfits that still resonate with my personality. Patterned kimonos and silk robes are such a staple in my closet precisely because they off-set the neutral palette that I usually wear as well as are my go-to cover ups given how breathable the fabrics are in the unparalleled heat of this country. I also always make sure to bring or wear a statement piece—be it a bag, jewelry, or done something special with my makeup—to tie together my looks. So you might see me with a full black ensemble underneath a pleather fire truck red coat or in a striped linen blazer set with ginormous locally handmade earrings (that screams maharlika) and chunky white shoes. You never know really.

EFFORTLESS. Having been a dancer for quite a while now, I like the simplistic ease of just wearing what I feel but with a certain refinement. Also, I’m very conscious about my lines and what would make my body type look great and long, what would show off my best features and whatnot because it’s ultimately what’s going to be able to make me feel good as I go throughout my day

With that, I definitely value the freedom of motion and of skin especially with the heat constantly blazing down on us in Manila where the temptation to wear minimal fabric is a never-ending argument with the more conservative individuals of our society—aka my dad. To minimize the risk of looking like an unsavory girl, I tend to style my hubadera (skin revealing) pieces with items that can lend a cover up or are inherently more conservative (like jeans) to strike a well balanced look; which always makes me reach for my white sneakers (my wardrobe go-to) as it goes well for everything and doesn’t give me the hardest time running around to do errands or something to do for work.

My mother’s motto makes it to the forefront of my mind now that I think about it and everything makes sense: look presentable every time you go out, you never know who you’re seeing—but don’t let them know that you’ve made an effort.

Julia and I honestly didn’t think this little introduction would reach this long. If you’ve made it all the way down here, then give yourself a pat on the back! I hope that I kind of made sense to you and you can visualize more of who I am—we are definitely not strangers at this point.

We’d definitely love to see you back here when we’ve got more things for you to find and enjoy (fingers crossed)!

✨ jazz

A 24-year-old writer, producer, and stylist who’s got the starry-eyes of a shopaholic with an irrefutable love-hate relationship with carbs and wine.

But first, introductions: Julia

Get to know one of our authors: Julia, our cacti-hoarding, hedgehog-owning lover of makeup and gorey anime!

Being the anxiety-ridden introvert that I am, I have always been daunted by the task of describing myself. Each time I’ve been asked, I’d have trouble coming up with anything to say, as if my mind empties completely every time a spotlight hits me. And even if I did manage to find the words, there would be a voice in the back of my head that would berate me for being bland and uninteresting.

Through the years, I tried to force myself through my own discomfort, and while I still have some ways to go, I take pride in the fact that I’ve shed a lot of the shits that I would’ve given as the quivering prepubescent girl that I was, so unwilling to open herself up. That growth, as well as my love for the written word, is partially why I was drawn to this joint venture—to find a new means of breaking myself in even further and hesitating less about putting myself out into the world.

Though the thought of talking into the void that is the Internet is still unnerving to me, I genuinely hope that some of my ramblings may find you at least a little bit entertained. So, without further unnecessary build up, here’s a peek at who I am and how I style myself.

https://g-anondorf.tumblr.com/post/131370143753

Of stories and daydreams

Ever since I was a kid, I’ve loved to think up stories. I’d imagine animals, both real and fantastical, floating all around me as I walked. I’d imagine scenarios in my head as I watched scenery pass by through the car window. As I grew, I came to realize, however, that my favorite stories were often those that were just a tiny bit odd, and so I begun to write that way—a teenage grim reaper collecting souls in a Chryssler, a world of bizarre dreams ruled by bored Bogeymen, a strange student accidentally undergoing a summoning.

Of course, these were stories I’d drafted and kept for only my own indulgence, but this love for darker themes had definitely seeped through to the books and anime and films that I hold dear to me. I enjoyed things that appeared more grim, things that had a drier, more sarcastic sense of humor, and things with a subtle tongue-in-cheek tonality that was just a little more off-putting than it should be.

Looking back at it now, I suppose it makes a lot of sense with how my ideal aesthetic for life was born. I enjoyed things with a hint of darkness, and it carried on to most aspects of my life. For example, if you knew me back in high school and came upon my Tumblr, then you’d know for a fact that I love the appeal of disposable cameras more than any other style there is. I remembered a time where my Tumblr was mostly reblogs of other people’s disposables, even if I had no idea who they were or what the context was; all I knew was that I loved how they looked—high contrast, deep shadows, harsh flash, and a hazy glaze that made any memory look that much more picturesque.

Something about it also seemed so genuine to me, so commonplace, so minimally touched yet so filled with character. This thought process is also why I have a mild obsession with Winona Ryder, our favorite cigarette-guzzling actress from classic cult-hit films like Beetlejuice (1988) or Girl, Interrupted (1999). I find that even the very air around her exudes this kind of effortlessly cool energy, especially during the 90’s with her bolstering of the relaxed yet iconic trend of androgyny chic. It’s precisely this aspect that I feel encapsulates the kind of person I want to be—understated and unassuming, dark and muted, yet with its own distinctive traits that bring intrigue to those with interest.

https://g-anondorf.tumblr.com/post/72106485836/dancingwithunicorns

Of denim and leather

That said, my sense of style would naturally follow a similar line of thinking. To say it simply, I love subtly, but with a twist.

I’ve been finding my ideal style drifting towards the calm, yet less conventional; think items that are not so outlandish that they become difficult to pair, but are decorated enough to draw the eyes in. I’ve been obsessed with things like mesh sleeves and printed tops and unorthodox pants, but, through my perusal of accessible stores, I have been having a hard time either coming to terms with the prices of similar street style items or finding more affordable pieces that exude the same unique feel. My fondness for soft-pedalled peculiarity is definitely a tricky style to perfect, especially when I haven’t even the faintest idea of where to start, but it’s where I know my future will lead me.

As I lament the fact that I haven’t fully achieved my ideal wardrobe, you’ll probably still catch me clad in either of my two favorite and indispensable pieces: a trusty pair of five-year-old ripped jeans and a leather jacket that is much too impractical to wear in the Philippine heat but I bring along anyway. It’s still a very, very long journey into the world of off-center apparel, but I bask in the knowledge that I’ve slowly graduated from my teenage wardrobe of endless black band tees and a beat up pair of classic white Chuck Taylors (which I still wear to this day, but don’t judge me for it) into a more diverse set of clothes.

Even so, my style is still very much relaxed. I think the main reason for it is because I’m generally very simple when it comes to clothes, and I tend not to shop unless I definitely need to. Even then, I would always hesitate, wondering obsessively if I could wear it over and over again for the course of at least the next three years. If I deemed that I could, only then would I have bought it.

Now, I have never and will never claim to be a fashionista, as I tend to cycle through the same five outfits without realizing it, but I do love to admire clothes. If I had my way and a much deeper wallet, then I’d love to spend it on more statement items, but alas, life was not that kind. If I could, I’d definitely buy items with louder details, like coats with gorgeous painted prints or denim jackets with neon tags coiled through them—articles that bring a little extra pizzazz to the more muted items underneath. I love clothes particularly with a tiny bit more personality than normal, giving them the ability to elevate an otherwise simple outfit into something that tells you that you didn’t even have to try to look stylish; you just are.

I will admit, though, that my obsession with K-Pop in the latter half of the past decade had played a big part in how I spiraled into the world of newer, more interesting styles. A lot of Korean fashion, especially their street wear, made me open up my sartorial horizons, giving me the drive to go after more courageous styles. It also greatly influenced how I like to do my makeup, from peachier tones and my newfound love for all things shimmery, though I haven’t quite let go of how much I adore a big, dramatic cat eye.

There’s a lot more I could be saying, but I’ve just looked over the size of what I’ve already written and thought, “Sis, this needs to stop at some point.” Truth be told, when Jazz and I discussed writing our respective introductions, we only envisioned writing snippets. Maybe a few paragraphs, but definitely not anything of this length. If you’ve made it this far, I’d like to give you my thanks—for bearing with my stream of consciousness and learning a little more about me on your own volition.

I hope you stick around when we write up some more things, and hopefully our growth in both ourselves and our styles will bring a smile to your face. Or, at least, have you blow slightly more air out through your nostrils in amusement.

See you soon!

💋 julia

A 23-year-old writer and content associate with an obsession for beauty and an ineffable love for all things sharp–from cacti to hedgehogs to intense winged liner.