Love Chic

Binkydoodles cutout top and maxi skirt, Crocs wedge sandals, SM Accessories necklace and bangles. I’m doing a trio of outfit ideas for the CloseUp Summer Solstice, the first music festival of its kind to happen in Manila this Saturday. While my first one has a more casual urban feel, this one’s for the hippie in you. Hype it on Lookbook here, Chictopia here.

In putting together these outfits, I wanted to only use pieces that are already in my closet. I wore this cute top in this post and the maxi skirt in this one. I like going floral on floral for summertime events.

I tucked the bottom of the cutout top in the skirt to shorten it and balance out the look, since the skirt is already long and flowy. It’s a really breezy outfit that’s great for staying cool despite the heat we’ve been beleaguered with these days.

Since everything’s already colorful and feminine, I went with pointy white accessories.

It’s going to be difficult to wear heels and complicated shoes to a music festival—they’re usually held outdoors in unpredictable weather, and entails doing a lot of standing up and walking. I went with these Crocs (yes, they’re Crocs) to complement the accessories, and of course, to add height. Maxi skirts make you look longer, especially when paired with wedges.

Pulled my hair up into a bun in keeping with the carefree vibe of the outfit. I don’t really comb my hair because it tends to go against the natural waves. Buns are a good way to keep hair in place, as frizz and sweating are inevitable at a summer music festival.

How do you like this outfit? Is it something you’d wear to Summer Solstice? Let me know what you think, or ask me your style-related questions here.

Tiered top from a friend, Hang Ten denim shorts, Skechers wedge sneakers, Human hat, SM Accessories earrings and bangles. Hype this on Lookbook here and Chictopia here. 

It’s only a week before CloseUp Summer Solstice, the first music festival of its kind to happen here in Manila. If you’ve got your tickets and your date(s) but still haven’t figured out what to wear, here’s one of three outfit suggestions I’ve come up with. A hat to keep your hair in place amid the frizz-inducing heat and breezy clothes you can groove in.

It’s the top I wore here, the hat I wore in the last outfit here, and the same shorts and accessories that I wear, well, just very often. What I’m doing with this trilogy is to mix and match pieces I already own—you could do the same, check out your closet for anything that might work so you can save your shopping money for next time.

I’ve kept makeup and accessories just as fuss-free. Just enough to make a statement without having to worry about them while singing and dancing to the beats. After all, you’re there to enjoy the music, not to flaunt your entire wardrobe. Heh.

My current favorite: wedge sneakers! Skechers named it Skch +3 for the added three inches to your height. I’ve always professed my liking for boots and for wedges—boots with wedges hidden inside them? Yes, please. Especially for a music festival, where you’ll want to stand tall and you’ll need to be in comfy footwear at the same time.

Let me know what you think! Or if you have questions you want to ask me about style, feel free to write. Click here. :) Check back tomorrow for my second outfit idea!

Forever21 tops, Marithé + François Girbaud jeans, Skechers sneakers. My dad surprised us with a Hong Kong trip during the Holy Week. It was a short one—we left on a Sunday and came back on Tuesday to be here before Holy Thursday—but really fun. It was the first time all five of us traveled out of the country together. The weather was comfortably chilly, which was nice. It was lazy-day weather; needless to say, I was (not) dressed (up) for the occasion. The outfits I packed were the type you could just pull on and be out the door fast. My picture-taking was just as lazy; since my first trip to HK involved taking a bazillion photos, this time around I decided I’d rather make the most of the family-bonding by not going on travel-photographer mode. So yes, this post is more OOTD and less tourist. Heh.

You couldn’t get more comfy-casual than these. I haven’t worn jeans on a regular basis ever since acquiring a taste for (and a sizable amount of) cute shorts and skirts, so my old pairs didn’t quite fit me right anymore. I dropped by Girbaud scouting for skinnies, and this one fit me snugly without depriving my lower extremities of oxygen. It’s one of the four styles of basic jeans they recently launched, all coming at PHP1,800. A steal, considering Girbaud’s usually higher price points. Even better, you can take home a pair of basic jeans for free if you shop there regularly. From March 11 to May 31, you get a stamp for every P500 purchase. Collect 18 stamps and your choice of jeans is yours.

Check out the bindi-inspired button details. Looking at it now, they seem to subtly match the graphic prints on the Forever21 tank top. Don’t they? Or maybe it’s just me and my unwavering penchant for matching pieces of clothing. Haha.

My trusty Skechers. Every time I slip into sneakers for errands and travel, I find myself wishing I were taller than my 5’1” stature so that I’d be able to wear flats whenever the situation doesn’t absolutely require high shoes. Love how the red just pops out.

Taken with Instagram (@shailagarde). If you’ve been to Victoria Peak, you know just how fickle the air is up there. One minute the sky is clear as day and you can see skyscrapers and mountains mingling in the distance; ten seconds later everything is enveloped in fog.

It was so cool (Get it? So cool? Sometimes I am too funny I forget to laugh). Ateneo hoodie from my brother’s girlfriend, SM Accessories eyeglasses. Hype this on Lookbook and Chictopia.

My siblings, Miku and Vince. I’m the eldest, but often get mistaken for the youngest. These two are more “adult” than me in a lot of ways. I love them to bits. They keep me sane.

Well, when we’re not goofing around, at least. So, how have you guys been spending your summer break? :)

As I write this, the A/C and fan are on full throttle and bright sunlight gashes through the window despite the blinds being drawn. Seems like summer doesn’t just want its presence felt; it wants us to be looking it in the eye. Lol.

No complaints there, though. It’s the best time to be donning breezy outfits, few accessories and barely-there makeup. Forever21 dress, SM Accessories, Parisian shoes.

Hype this on Lookbook here and Chictopia here.

Coinciding with the coming of summer is the coming here of one of today’s hottest actors, “Hunger Games” star and newest Bench endorser Liam Hemsworth. This is what I wore his lunch tête-à-tête with the media a few weeks back. 

Here’s what went down with the hottie from Down Under as he talked “Hunger Games,” action films, beating up Thor and men’s fashion.

   
Shot with my DSLR on my right hand while my left hand was shooting with my iPhone (just to be sure). Haha! Just think of the shakiness and un-enhanced audio as your way of feeling like you were actually in the room—it was utter and enjoyable chaos.

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A Rachel Zane-inspired outfit. Memo button-down shirt, Miss Sixty skirt, Asian Vogue pumps, SM Accessories clutch bag, necklace and bangles. Hype this on Lookbook here and Chictopia here.

I’ve loved “Suits” from the moment I watched the plug for its pilot episode. I’ve seen each episode at least eight times! Haha. I grew up with lawyers in the family, and I’ve been into law series for years but “Suits” is the first time I could relate to each character: their good side inspires me to do better, their bad side inspires me to learn from mistakes and do better. I’m especially enamored with the women on the show: not just because of the way they power-dress, but more because of their strength and beauty.

I rarely do work wear as my jobs don’t require it, but lately I’ve been playing dress up with my little sister’s wardrobe, pretending I’m Rachel or any of those girls on “Suits.” Sure, they’re just TV characters, but I’d love to be like them (and okay, get to meet someone like Harvey Specter) in real life. How they constantly push themselves and strive to be the best in what they do, and how they display grace under pressure and maintain their sense of humor even under duress.

And speaking of Suits, Mike Ross himself has taped a video greeting for my upcoming birthday, which is pretty awesome:
   

Many thanks to my dear friend Joanne Pecson for this!

Happy Stripes layered sheer top, Binkydoodles sheer maxi skirt, Asian Vogue wedge pumps, SM Accessories headband, beaded necklace and cuff bracelet.

Hype this on Lookbook here and Chictopia here.

Today’s weather here in Pampanga was the kind of sunny day I enjoy—chilly and kind of overcast, but still bright enough to inspire.

To be honest, I woke up this morning feeling under the weather, inundated with thoughts of my recent choices and actions and succumbing to the temptation of overanalyzing and dissecting every little detail. I was thinking about unrequited loyalty, how we don’t always get back the same kind that we give those who are important to us.

Whenever I get like this, I remember what someone once taught me: to focus instead on the people who see us at our most vulnerable, who see us be impulsive and foolish and love us anyway. People who, instead of appearing to agree all the way through and watch us crash and burn, care enough to call us out to protect us from the mistakes we’re making. To let us know that at the end of the day, they’re the ones who truly know us and believe in us.

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Urban Goddess top, Cotton On skirt, Asian Vogue loafer pumps, SM Accessories clutch and bangle, Wanderlust bracelets. Hype this on Lookbook here and Chictopia here.

The day started with a migraine attack. Those who’ve seen me with one, know how bad it gets every time. All I see are blinding flashes of light for a half-hour, my limbs go numb, and unless I take meds, I throw up from the pain. Not a pretty sight, and definitely not a pleasant experience. Pretty traumatizing in fact that when I feel one coming on, I panic. But this time felt different—like nothing could stop me. I was excited to get to work!

Work meant going to the press junket for actress Troian Bellisario who plays Spencer Hastings on “Pretty Little Liars.” She was in town with her boyfriend, Patrick J. Adams, who plays Mike Ross on “Suits.” While I don’t follow “PLL” as religiously as “Suits,” I watch it for Troian. I find her beautiful, smart, independent and whole, a kind of girl I strive to be. Ever since I knew about them individually and as a couple, I’ve wanted to meet them.

So as soon as my vision returned, I drove as fast (and carefully) as I could from Pampanga to Quezon City, where my friend Abi joined me. She took over the wheel so I could do my makeup and try to fix my hair—in the end though, I just let it fall however it wanted. Haha.

My nails have been craving for servicing, too. I’d been practicing on the ukulele and I thought a manicure would be counter-productive. Heh. Just hoped the skirt, clutch and bracelets made up for it.

Thanks to a throbbing head and lack of prep, we arrived late at Marriott Hotel where the junket was being held. Now I admit, sometimes I can be a worrier and panic when things don’t go my way. But for some reason, the idea that I went through all that trouble and drove a hundred kilometers for nothing wasn’t bothering me one bit. Somehow, I felt like things were still going to be great.
     
And I was right. A few minutes later, I was taking Instagram photos with Troian and taking a video of Patrick saying hi to me.

Plus this awesome video of him greeting me on my birthday.
     

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Style meets casual comfort. Green tiered top from tiangge, Miss Sixty skinny jeans, Anne Klein shoulder bag, Call It Spring booties, SM Accessories ombré necklace and cuff bracelet.

Hype this on Lookbook here and Chictopia here.

A breezy top with jeans and boots is pretty much a manifestation of how I feel about the current transitional season. It won’t be long before temperatures start rising again in time for the summer, but I’ve always been a cold-weather girl so I wanted to hold on to whatever few and fleeting chilly spells we can still enjoy.

Hot or not, I love how the bright colors of spring/summer can perk up any outfit and give it that carefree, casual feel. Check out this ombré orange necklace! It’s not really my favorite shade, but I’ve been wearing this piece a lot because it just seems to make my outfits happier somehow.

Yellow and green are a different story—two colors I love wearing. Especially yellow. I got this bag from my aunt exactly a year ago during my birthday trip to the US and I’ve been wearing it to death every chance I get… I tend to do that with gifts from loved ones.

If you’ve been a longtime reader of this blog (and I sure hope you are!) then you’ve also seen these boots a lot. Because really, what can’t you wear with a nice pair of brown boots?

I seldom wear jeans anymore and usually go for shorts or dresses, but I’m glad I went with my gut that afternoon. As with most of my outfits, I put this together at the last minute to go and attend the Philippine launch of American Eagle Outfitters. Maybe because I’ve been a fan of the brand since college, my chosen neon-and-jeans ensemble was spot on with AEO’s Light and Bright Spring Collection.

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Cebu is filled with young and creative entrepreneurs, one of the things we’ve come to see first-hand when we came to visit. Here, a date at Sprockets, owned by Rachel Arandilla, a fresh grad and college prof (yes, she teaches part-time at the College of Architecture and Fine Arts of the University of San Carlos—see what we mean about young and creative?). More about her and the café in this video!
         

See that still shot of a cheesy pizza? It’s just one of the many awesome things one would be delighted to find at Sprockets.

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You know how much we love the Korean aesthetic of effortless adorability—be it fashion, beauty or interiors, it’s simple and charming and gets the job done in a way that makes you go, “That’s basic yet functional and pretty… why haven’t I tried that before?”

Neither of us have ever been to Seoul (at least physically)—but in the meantime, we’ve been on the lookout for little pockets of Korea wherever we are.

We found a couple of them when we visited Cebu: a hair and nail salon called Secret B, and this café called Sunday 2PM.

According to the owners, it’s called Sunday 2PM because it’s that time of the week when things are most relaxed and chill for most people. They gave the café this name to evoke that cozy feeling of being at home.

We just had to film the cutest stuff in Sunday 2PM for another video diary!
  

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Another day in Cebu! The best thing about this city is everything’s within walking distance. On this day, we went for a walk to Ayala Center and dropped by the Cebu branches two of our favorite stores here in Manila: Complex and Skechers. 

Outfit shots. Style Hub top, Chemistry belt, shorts and bag, SM Department Store socks, Skechers Go-Runs, Quirkypedia hairband and bracelet. Hype this on Lookbook here. 

Elevate Apparel top, cap and wristband, Hang Ten shorts, Skechers Go-Runs, SM Accessories bag and watch. Hype this on Lookbook here. 

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In TV (aka very thick) makeup for a video shoot we did in the University of Santo Tomas campus grounds yesterday. Good thing it was really thick, too, because it kind of served as sunblock for the face—as it turned out, we would be shooting all day under the sun.

Hang Ten shirt, Terranova pants and Skechers boots on Seph, Topshop dress and Schu flatforms on Shai. We can’t reveal yet what the shoot is for, but we’re hoping and praying that when it does come out, a lot of people would be able to watch it!

After the wrap. Would you look at that… The perfect lobster shade. Haha! It’s worth it though. Having a lot of friends in production and media, we always have fun in shoots, no matter how many hours it takes to wrap things up. Yesterday was no exception. Not only were we able to work with a global brand we believe in, we were also able to meet some Love Chic readers who came by to see us. Not bad for a Friday the 13th!
  
Taken with Instagram. Follow us @sephcham and @shailagarde :)