DIY: Turning culotte pants into a skirt

I have this cute pair of culottes, but I never really liked the way it fit especially in the crotch and butt area (way too tight). But I really liked the striped material, so I decided to just turn it into a skirt!

New Online Shopping Buys (plus try-on)

It's really dangerous to browse Instagram sometimes since you get sucked into online shopping especially if you follow all these IG sellers! And it's also sale season now, so a lot of them are having huge discounts which makes it even harder to resist. But buying online can be tricky since you can't fit the clothes, so read on to see which items were a hit or a miss.

January End of Season Sale Haul 2018

Seriously, I should really avoid going to malls when there are sales since I just can't resist shopping! I mean practically all the stores are on sale, it's crazy! I already did a PART 1 of what I got so far, and here's just a continuation from my recent shopping sprees.

First shopping haul for 2018!

Ahhh, SALE season. It's one of the things I love about the new year. If you go to the malls now, practically every store is having their End of Season sale. I couldn't help myself and went to Makati a few days ago and although I tried very hard to just "look", I ended up buying a few stuff.

I first went to Zara and although I tried a ton of clothes, I restrained myself and just bought a top and jeans.

My Zalora 12.12 #OnlineFever Shopping Haul

I really try to avoid online shopping as much as I can these days because you know, dangerous! But if there's a huge sale or a really good deal, then I can't help but give in!

Zalora is currently having their 12.12 (December 12) sale and it's a huge one since it's the end of the year and I guess they're trying to get rid of a lot of unsold stock. So there's really huge discounts I couldn't resist!

A Great Gatsby-themed party

I saw a friend's status in my FB feed a while back and it sad something like "did everyone agree that the theme for this year's Christmas party would be Gatsby?" I found it really funny because me and my girlfriends had just decided on that very theme, and I saw so many other barkadas/offices all dressed up in full 1920's attire. Grabe talaga influence ng mga Kardashians with Kris Jenner's birthday party right? So yes, in na in kami! ;p

Fall Fashion inspiration

I'll be going to Japan soon and I'm super excited since it will be my first time there! It's autumn right now though, so I've been searching online for some fashion inspiration. Honestly, I prefer the heat over cold weather since I tend to freeze so easily. I checked the weather forecast and the temperature when we're there will be about 14°C (warmest) to 5°C (coldest). So this will be a challenge for me to look good since if it were up to me, I'd be bundled up like an eskimo haha! But of course, I want to look good in my photos so tiis-ganda na lang lol! Check out my pegs for this trip:

Source: pinterest.com, wachabuy.com

Mommy & Me outfits

When I was a kid, my mom would dress us up in matching outfits. And when I had my daughter, I knew I would do the same (check out our matching dresses back in 2012 here).

I know being able to dress all matchy matchy with our kids is something we can't do forever. That's why I'm taking every opportunity now while they're still cooperative and it still looks cute hehe!

There are actually a lot of places you can buy matching outfits. I chanced upon this bazaar in Festival Mall last month that was selling these smocked dresses. Upon closer inspection, I noticed some had the same prints in the kiddie and adult sizes. And the best part, it cost only P50 for the smaller size and P100 for the adult version! What a steal! Of course, I just had to choose the nice prints (some had cartoon characters all over them) so it would look good on both of us.

Mango now also has a Mini Me collection not just for moms and daughters, but also for dads and sons. I went shopping a few days ago since they're on sale, and found this cute pair of aztec shorts in Mango Kids. As I was looking at the sizes, I noticed the Large kinda looked big enough for me, especially since the waist was garterized. And lo and behold, it did fit haha! And for just P595 for each pair of shorts!

So just a tip, if you're on the petite side, the larger sizes in kids stores could definitely fit you. And if you have boys, who says you can't dress the same too? Like these shorts I got in Gingersnaps so I could match with Skyler. This cargo pair was a size 14 for boys and I just love the flamingo print. So cute!

Twilo is also a favorite for many moms for matching dresses. They have so many cute and sophisticated designs, perfect for any occasion.

Verb Manila also has great selections, including kimonos and boho sets. And I like how they can make matching outfits for the boys as well so everyone can look coordinated. Wouldn't this look great for a family photoshoot or a party? :)

You can also check out Kiara Shoppe and Au Pair Addizione for outfits not just for you and your daughter, but for the whole family as well.

I also love shopping at ZALORA, and they have a great selection of clothing for kids. For sure you can find something cute that you and your little ones will look great in!

Hope this helps you when shopping for you and your kids. If you have other suggestions where to get Mommy and Me outfits, just leave a comment below. :)

My Ukay-Ukay Finds

I had my very first ukay-ukay experience back when I was still working in my first job fresh out of college. Our office was in Makati and I remember me and an officemate had to do something near Makati Cinema Square. Of course, we ended up checking out the ukay stores there before heading back to the office. I was a bit hesitant at first, but then I remember finding this blazer which fit me so perfectly! It was in great condition and I think it was just P250! Ever since then, I was hooked!

This continued when I transferred to a big advertising agency where it was kind of considered part of your job to look good. I remember not wanting to repeat outfits (kaloka diba?) so I really loved shopping to death! It was "the cheaper, the better" for me, so going to ukay-ukay shops gave me great mileage for my salary at that time. I always waited for them to go on sale since I considered the new arrivals which cost about P200 expensive na haha! I remember finding lots of unique and vintage finds, some as low as P10 each! I would get lots of compliments on my outfits at work and I would just think to myself "if only they knew where I got this" haha! There was even a time it got popular in Multiply with lots of "vintage" shops popping up, remember? I couldn't resist shopping from there too lol! ;p

But of course, I grew older and I started thinking that I should invest in more quality pieces. So I grew out of my ukay phase. Until my sister reintroduced me to it again recently! She studies in La Salle so she and her friends have discovered some ukay stores in Pasay. Warning though, it is not for the faint of heart! We took the jeep in the crowded areas of Libertad and ended up walking most of the way since it was so traffic. We passed by wet markets and lots of trash on the streets. But you just have to suck it all up for the sake of shopping right haha! It was such an adventure and I'm happy to share with you my loot. It wasn't sale in some of the stores, but I'm proud to say that the items I bought ranged from only P60 to P180. Not bad right? :)

This piece caught my eye because of the vibrant colors. It's sheer so I'm planning to wear a black dress underneath it. Or maybe layer it over a tank top and shorts for a more casual look.

Family Portrait Outfit Ideas - Neutrals

I've just booked a session for a new family photoshoot in the coming weeks and I'm super excited (check out our past portraits HERE and HERE). Right now though, I'm thinking of what we're all going to wear and I've pretty much changed my mind so many times already. We've already done white, black, and denim outfits before so I want to do something different although I love how those looks turned out.

I've always been a big fan of neutrals when it comes to portraits since I want to keep it simple, classic and timeless. Besides, you want the focus to be on you and not the clothes right? But of course, I think you should still choose outfits that show your personal style so that you'll be comfortable and confident during the shoot. I've been searching Pinterest for ideas and inspirations and here are some of my favorites:

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What do you think? I love how they're not so "matchy-matchy" but everything still looks good together. Now time to make up my mind and I still have some shopping to do! ;p

Flaunting my Finds from Seek the Uniq

I don't remember exactly how I came across the online store Seek the Uniq in Instagram, but I know that once I did, I was definitely hooked! They have such fabulous clothes, especially their bestselling kimonos and tunics. The only problem was that everything would get sold out at once, so you really have to make up your mind quickly when you see something you like or else you'll miss out.

love how they wrap their packages :)

I personally find the clothes a bit on the expensive side, since the prices range from P1,500 to about P3,000. The kimonos start at P1,400 while the tunics are P1,660. I really love all the clothes, but honestly I kept thinking that I could buy more items for the same price elsewhere. Like I've found kimonos online and in bazaars for as low as P180 each.

But I guess that's why they're called Seek the Uniq - because their items are indeed unique. Aside from clothing, they also sell accessories, bags, make-up, home decor, and even books! So after stalking their site for the longest time, I finally made my first purchase... and then some more. ;p

I finally found a tunic I liked that wasn't sold out at once!

This wooden peacock tray was something I couldn't pass up.

I also got a baby kimono for Miley. Like mother, like daughter! ;p

You all know I love pineapples, so this canister was a no-brainer. I also got it in green.

Now, they had a contest a few months ago called "Flaunt Your Finds" where you post your most creative shots of your buys on Instagram. Can you spot some of my entries below? ;)

Needless to say, I really, really, REALLY wanted to win. And I guess I was quite lucky because I did! Check out my winning entry, Tray Chic:

Check out my prizes! The box it came in was an extra special treat too - it was so nice!

Renegade Folk sandals (the ones I wanted were out of my size, but these were cute too)

1969 by Joyce Makitalo Oracle necklace

Butter London nail polish

Napoli Mesh Coverup

another Pineapple Canister in pink...

which perfectly fits in with the other two I already had.

Not a bad haul for just posting a photo on IG right? I'm still stalking their site like crazy though, drooling over all the items practically everyday. I'll probably give in one of these days and buy something. But for now, these finds will do. :)

90's Fashion Revival

What is old is definitely new again. Specifically trends from the 90's! These fashion pieces were all stuff I used to wear back in grade school and high school. I wish I'd kept them all, but I'm pretty sure they wouldn't fit me anymore now hehe. At least this somewhat validates my hoarder tendencies. See, never throw stuff away because you never know when they'll be cool again! ;p

OVERALLS

My denim short overalls were my go-to outfit when I was in Grade 7. I remember that was the time I started going out on gimmicks with my barkada and the beginning of my interest in fashion. I remember feeling so cool when I was in my overalls! Oh, and I also had the one with the pants and the skirt version too. ;p

I love how they're now back in style and better than ever. They're still effortless and comfy to wear, but the silhouette is sleeker and sexier. And you can totally dress them up or down by just changing your shoes and accessories.

all images from Pinterest

Here's my own take on the overalls trend. The pink overalls I got from an ukay-ukay, while the denim ones are from Mango. What do you think? ;p

JELLY SANDALS

Remember these? Gosh, I had the clear plastic ones back in the day. I like how there's lots of different colors now though. And it's perfect for the rainy season too since it's made of plastic lol! ;p

all images from Pinterest

TIE DYE

I remember how I had this really bright and colorful tie-dye shirt (rainbow colors ha) that I kept wearing when I was a kid. Like everywhere! I like how it's more simpler and stylish now with the use of just one main color.

all images from Pinterest

BIRKENSTOCKS

Now I was totally surprised to find out these are so back in fashion! I used to own the classic 2-strapped black one (the Arizona) back in high school and I remember wearing them all the time. I have no idea where they are now, but I sure wish I'd kept them around. I know some people hate them and find them so ugly, but I love it! They're so comfy and I'm so happy I now have an excuse to go get myself a new pair. :)

all images from Pinterest

Hubby still has his old pair, so he was so yabang when I said I wanted to buy one again hehe. I went to the Alabang Town Center store and I was kinda surprised to find out a pair costs about P4k to P5k! Parang I don't remember it being that expensive. Although siyempre that was a long time ago na hehe. I almost said never mind but then hubby said it was a good investment since they last a really long time. Ok fine, you don't need to convince me na hehe! And I have a feeling I would probably wear them all the time too. This time, I was torn between the single strap (Madrid) and the thong (Gizeh). There were also so many nice colors to choose from, although I knew I wanted to stick with either black, white, or brown. But the metallics were super cute too...

In the end, I went with the white Madrid! And I LOVE THEM! And why do I have a feeling this won't be my last pair? ;p

Birkenstock Madrid - P3,750

There are so many other 90's trends making a comeback. Like I'm seeing the iconic fashion from the movie Clueless returning too. All I know is I better take care and keep my favorite outfits so that I can pass them along to my daughter when they're considered cool again in about 20 years or so. :)