Glitters and Tradition: New Year 2012

Despite the wicked anticipation for the New Year, it is a universal fact that the said event poses a lot of challenges for the most of us. After all, it is the only time of the year when it’s actually legitimate to rack our brains and ask (rather casually), “What do we want to accomplish for the upcoming year?” and “How do I manage to top the previous year?”

Those thoughts precisely reflect my sentiments and plagued my brain from the very beginning of the year (but it is only January 3, after all). See, my 2011 was filled with surprises both big and small–it was undoubtedly my most challenging year to date but likewise, my most fruitful. 2011 contained the highest and lowest points of my personal life–my career, hobbies, emotions, experiences, understanding, relationships, so on and forth.

Like most individuals you interact with online, I’m pretty much your average Jane. I’ve managed to encounter a few bumps on my road and as a result, neglected to update my blog as frequently as I should and for that, I’m truly sorry. Rest assured, I’ve managed to sort out all my issues as of late so I’m hoping that a little positivity will lend my blog color and inspiration.

So in light of several New Year’s traditions, I came up with my own list of resolutions (penned it down on a ratty notebook, I did). To reassure everyone, I’m not going to give a rundown of all my tedious goals but rather, just the ones that involve Konichiwear.

To start, I shall state the glaringly obvious (not to mention redundant) and you shall all bear witness–in light of 2012, I solemnly swear to update my blog more often (my peg is 2x a week). Next, I promise to make my posts succinct and direct to the point–with visual support so it won’t be too taxing to go over seas of texts. Last, more happy fashion and less whining–this is a fashion and lifestyle blog that aims to discuss the subject, anything negative or irrelevant shall be thrown outside the window, where it belongs.

Speaking of traditions, New Year for me involves going home to my quaint little hometown: Cebu City. I spent a total of 5 days and in preparation for it, I’ve decided to downsize my luggage and bring only the essentials:

Basically, my luggage contained a total of: 2 dresses, 2 tops, 2 bottoms, 2 coverups, 2 bags, a few intimates, accessories, toiletries, makeup, and shoes.

View from the top: A silk button-down from Mango, a floral printed denim dress from Bershka, denim drawstring shorts from Zara.

Accessories loot: A mix of gold and silver hardware, my huge-ass watch from my most favorite person in the world, and a pair of posh and classy Juicy Couture sunglasses.

The odd thing about me is that I’m a sucker for quirky sunglasses–be it designer or whatnot. I’m not really picky, if I find it interesting and unique, I’ll get it. So yes, I buy sunglasses on a whim and I collect them. Then again, one might argue that I’m practically obsessed with all sorts of things pertaining to fashion, be it: apparel, accessories, shoes, bags, and to an extent, makeup.

Yes, that is in fact, accurate but sunglasses hold a special place in my heart, if only because I find them to be very crucial in the wee hours of the morning–when I’m late for work and unable to put on makeup, when I’m traveling, when I do not want to be disturbed, when I’m in a bad mood, or simply, when the light’s too bright for my eyes.

I’m glad to have this gorgeous pair of Juicy Couture sunglasses as a welcome addition to my burgeoning collection. Amply called: “Queen of Everything”, this all-black pair gives me that classy, no-nonsense vibe but with the subtle addition of pink rims, gives me that certain edge. I love the details of it–on the most practical side, it’s flattering for my face’s shape (and I reckon it’s a universally flattering style), I love the silver serif Juicy Couture font on the sides that screams sophisticated, I love the light pink box that’s unadorned but girly, and lastly, I love the heart-metal detail on the edges–it’s so precious.

Since it’s my current favorite, don’t be surprised if I will be wearing it in my next few outfit posts.

My geeky gadgets: Blackberry phone encased in gold Kate Spade case, my Ipad, my Ipod, my Macbook, and my chargers.

My down-sized makeup kit (top to bottom, left to right): My favorite Lanvin scent, my handy Dior makeup pouch, my Shu Uemura eyelash curler, Victoria Secret blush stick, Shiseido illuminating stick, Guerlain foundation power, Guerlain Terracotta bronzer, Guerlain bullet lipstick in bright red, YSL Lipstick in pink, Guerlain lipstick in light pink, Shu Uemura eyeshadow in pink, Guerlain Terracotta eye concealer, Canmake Eyebrow mascara, Shiseido lip linger, Mac Blush Brush, YSL Powder Blush in Pink, Prestige Liquid Eyeliner in Brown, Prestige Pencil Eyeliner in White, and Tony Moly makeup spot corrector.

Yes, trust me, that’s down-sized. I usually just use the concealer, the powder, the illuminating stick, and the powder blush. Sometimes, I throw in my liquid eyeliner–I’m truly uncomplicated (and untalented) when it comes to makeup.

Two pairs of High Heels: One in Cream with Snakeskin Detail from L.A.M.B., Black Wedge Laceup Booties from Call it Spring, Aldo’s little brother, which recently opened its store in Ayala, Cebu.

Since High Heels are for special occasions, I brought with me my most favourite and versatile pairs of flats: the Gold Lanvin ballet flats and H&M ballet flats.