Most of my friends are avid believers of coming to every occasion over-dressed–go to a barbecue party with college org-mates, throw in a pair of booties; go to a magazine launch, pile on designer jewelry and embellish with a YSL clutch. They say, it’s always better to take the opportunity to upstage your peers and look like you crawled out of a fashion magazine just in case you have a run in with your crush or your enemy, or worse, your ex.
Valid points, I thought. So I took on to over-dressing but for a more plebeian and bourgeoisie reason: I didn’t want anyone to think I wasn’t fashionable.
But as my college years waned and the opportunity to strut in my Philosophy class in 5-inch stilettos diminished, I figured, it’s such a hard philosophy to keep up–it’s costly, it’s time consuming, and rather petty. So what if I’m not the best dressed girl when I bump into the girl who made up this bogus rumor back in high school? Let bygones be bygones.
A special person once told me, “You look good in anything, what pleasure does it give you to dress too hard just so you’ll constantly be the center of attention?”
Although being the main attraction was never my goal, I never wanted to be thought of as someone who “tried too hard.” Fashion is tightly weaved within the layers of my “being” and it shouldn’t be something calculated all the time. What’s the point of doing something you love (ie: fashion), if you put negative intent behind it?
Of course, I’m not speaking in behalf of everyone, these are my thoughts and I have utmost respect for friends who can dazzle the spotlight for whatever intent and purposes. To be completely honest, I can still be a little bit shallow when it comes to dressing up–as in, I have preferences over certain colors for the season and I tend to spend only on designer brands and high street fashion (it’s a habit I’m trying to dull) but for most part, I try to take a practical approach when it comes to the art of dressing and that’s: “dress for the occasion.”
So when it comes to dressing casually, I try to exude my perception of style, vestiges of taste, and put comfort on the throne. Pieces that are trendy but comfortable–draped stretch asymmetrical tops, stretch jeans (yes, I wear jeans now), and cotton button-downs are my choice of poison and I’m glad to find most of these in a selection from Human.
This was a shoot taken mid-October for Human. The article in Philippine Star came out a good two or so weeks ago. With me are 4/7 of the Gondo Girls: Crissey, Val, and Shai, all in Human apparel.
Here are a few more shots:
And my ultimate favorite:
Blazer: Stylist’s | Blue button-down: Human | Khaki Flares: Human | Stilettos: Charles & Keith | Necklace and Ring: Forever 21
For casual and trendy shoes on the other hand, I zero in on this new store: “Call it Spring” which has a cult following with bloggers. The good news is, and I’ll say this in passing but only for the benefit of myself, my sister, and a few of my Cebu-based friends: Call it Spring is now open in Ayala Center Cebu, right beside Accessorize.
I love that our country is featuring bits and pieces from various fall/winter season collection. I’m in love with these pseudo-Navajo/eskimo prints.
And it’s leopard overload! Call it Spring isn’t just a haven for shoes, it carries a line of bags and accessories as well!
And an array of men’s shoes too!
These are my favorites–I’ve been itching to get a pair of thick-heeled pumps. So for those who re in Cebu, check this store out and see for yourself. All else, hit Greenbelt 3 and see their latest collection. I’m going off to shop for my very own pair this weekend. See you!
As I mentioned last month, I will be giving away P3,000 worth of shopping spree at Multiply. I’ve already pciked a winner and by Tuesday or so next week, I will be posting my top picks for stores and along that, the winner of the contest. For winners who had not received their items, please email me at dominique.tiu@konichiwear.com or dominiquetiu@gmail.com
