style qa

I miss dressing up for work. I miss the challenge of concocting outfits, even if sometimes it means I have nothing to wear. I've searched for some blog memes about fashion, and as an attempt here's one I found which I'll try to answer as truthfully as possible. Who knows I might laugh at some of the things I'm about to say 5-10 years from today.

Favorite Designers?

Over the last few years, there are two designers I really admire: Stella McCartney and Isabel Marant. Yeah, I'm not original but in light of being honest, these two are definitely on top of my list. In my dream world, I would love to own well-tailored clothes, pieces that strike the perfect balance between feminine and masculine. I also admire Phoebe Philo's work or I'm probably just smitten with the whole "minimalist" bandwagon. We'll see in the future.

Favorite Up and Coming Designers?

There's one that comes to mind immediately, Jen Kao. I'm still unfamiliar with her aesthetics but I remember falling in love with her debut collection. A close second would be Christian Siriano. I have a feeling he's going to make a big name for himself in the future. I like the theatrics of Christian's design but still he manages to make most of them wearable. 

Favorite Stores?

Surprisingly, I'm not much of a shopper. Perhaps I just don't have the funds to do it right now. I mostly buy my clothes from Ukay and Bazaars. Some of my favorite white shirts are from Bench. Given my background, I'm happy with what high street fashion has to offer, specifically TopShop. For accessories, I like Aldo. Shoe wise, still Ukay. Some people say it's unhygienic but I swear to God most of my fab shoes are the fruits of scouring the Ukay streets of Cubao. One of the most valued items in my closet is my infamous leather jacket. My friends and I are not big spenders although we love clothes. But this jacket was probably my first investment piece. I dream of the day that I can finally invest on Repetto ballerinas, and so on and so forth. Other favorite stores are simply bookstores. Whenever I go to the mall I always end up in a bookstore. So National Bookstore, Fully Booked, and those quaint bookstores in UP are some of my favorites.

Who are your personal style icons?

Kate Moss. The woman who can do no wrong in my eyes. It's not really about her clothes, but more of her attitude and how she wears them. She's probably my best example of that certain je ne sais quoi. It doesn't hurt that she looks so damn effortless in a not-so-dolled-up gorgeous kind of way.

Rachel Bilson. She's the casual wear queen. Even if she's not that original, she's totally relatable because of her petite stature. She knows what looks good on her and is not afraid to experiment (subtle at times).

Paris Voguettes. (Emmanuelle Alt and Melanie Huynh) These women are the epitome of career women: chic, elegant, and stylish. I'll add Giovanna Battaglia and Miroslava Duma. Although they're clad with mostly designer items, I look up to them for "taste" and "inspiration".

Lulu Chang. My ultimate girl crush. I don't necessarily see that we have the same aesthetics but my God Lulu is unique, intelligent, and beautiful I start to like everything she likes. I don't mean to sound creepy, but yes she's definitely one of my icons.

Others: Charlotte Gainsbourg, Garance Dore, Jane Birkin, Francoise Hardy, Kate Bosworth, Freja Beha, Gwyneth Paltrow, Erin Wasson, Hedvig of Northern Light, and Carrie Bradshaw.

Favorite New Trends?

Not really "new trends" but trends I like: Shorts of all sizes and colors, Gold watch, Basic white/gray/black pieces, red lips, nudes/neutrals, ankle boots, leopard shoes, ballet flats, tailored jackets, dainty gold or silver necklace, dresses with back details, and men's inspired fashion.

Trend Your Over?

Probably the boho look, oh wait I still wear that! It's very circa 2005, but it still makes you look pretty. I've never been a fan of Litas shoes, leggings, and uber-expensive designer bags (e.g. LV etc).

What is the best purchase you've ever made and why?

Leather jacket because I can wear it with anything.

Right now, every girl needs a...?

White polo shirt and nameplate necklace

If you could raid anyone's closet, who would it be and why?

Rachel Zoe because she's got everything in her closet. Melanie Huynh's jacket collection. Jane Aldridge's shoes. Giovanna Battaglia's dresses.

What do you buy at the newsstand?

Preview and Women's Health (those are the things I can afford). If I have it my way: I'd love a copy of Dumbo, W, Vogue Paris, Vogue Italia, Gourmet, Traveler, and Self Service.

Where do you go to stock up on great, inexpensive items?

Kelangan pa bang imemorize to? Ukay-ukay, Greenhills, Galleria's 5th Avenue, St. Francis Square, SM Department Store, Bench, Landmark, and some items from F21. Ukay for the win!

If you had $1000 to blow on one item for Fall what would it be?

Shoes: Repetto Black and Leopard Ballet flats and a Balmain jacket or Isabel Marant shorts and boots.(LOL nakakatawa to kelangan ko na gumising)

What style secrets do you have right now?

I really don't think I have any. These days, I wear my favorite items all the time. I don't really care anymore if people think I only have one pair of shorts, white v-necks, and leather jacket. I think the best lesson I've learned (and am trying to apply) is to invest on key pieces. Quality over quantity, except for trendy items. Less accessories, boyish silhouettes, and heels.