Like A King

To more beach days, cool fruity drinks and wonderful company- particularly family!

When Food & Fashion Meet I: Shop. Eat. Play.

Hooray for firsts! :) Before we get the ball rolling, I'd like to introduce this exciting new blog collaboration that a close friend, Justinne Go, and I will be doing! Every month, we will be divulging the best kept secrets of Cebu in terms of fashion, food and having a good time. We hope you'll enjoy this and make us a part of your blogging experience!

Styling For iFeet

Top: Papaya| Tulle leggings: iFeet| High tops: Reeva

A couple of Saturdays ago, I was invited by iFeet's Jake Laude and Chesca Lu to help out with make up and styling for their 13th collection. I work with Jake and he's practically a brother to me, name calling aside (YO WADDUP, DUUDE!! lol), and I absolutely adore iFeet so my response to this invitation was definitely a no brainer.

Being on a "shorts ban" wasn't such a bad thing on this day cuz I got to whip out my tulle skirt that I've been dying to wear for ages. It was perfect for moving around and running from room to room in between shots plus, I think I looked fuhn-keeeey!

I was really glad to have found this particular piece since it put a really fun twist to the whole silhouette trend that I found to be... too girly for my liking. Hooray for mixing things up! ;)

Here are pictures from that wonderful day:

What I like to call "Organized Chaos"

Putting pins on Rai

I'm no make up artist but I've been to a few classes and youtube has educated me well. In my free time, I enjoy make overs with friends and I have done a few shoots in college. I think this is the only girly thing about me- my love for everything make up! :)

Isn't she gorge??

With Chesca and Rai

I'm the flash!

Check out iFeet's 13th collection here 

Thanks Jake and Chesca! 'Til next time!

Issa, the graphospasmic girl @.@

Sinulog 2013

[White DIY shirt: Carter (P 150.00); Shorts: Folded and Hung; Leather bag: Saki]

PIT SENYOR FROM PAOLO & I!

And from these two crazy boys…

 

I don’t have a whole lot of Sinulog pictures. Yeah, I think I’m smarter than that. I don’t think I was willing to risk breaking my phone and the closest thing I have to a decent camera even for Sinulog. But I am proud to say that I stuck by that decision even when I was drunk and apparently, according to my friends, dancing to no music at all! HAHA.

Sinulog has definitely gotten bigger this year. The streets were more crowded and I hardly recognized anybody- but you know what they say, the bigger the better (more friends to make)! And since I wasn’t able to run into my barkada during the festivities, I stuck with Paolo and his friends from Manila and Cagayan- I’m pretty sure we showed them a good time ;)

 

Look who I met! And we’re still clean!

And then suddenly…

I’m pretty sure Sinulog’s been all the rave on like… every-single-networking-site so instead, I’m going to let my pictures do the talking. You can obviously tell that things went down that night. Haha.

I honestly think that I’ll be good for one more cray-cray mardi gras before I decide to hang my Sinulog whistle in a nice tidy corner (literally). But ‘til then, Sinulog 2013 was the bomb and if you haven’t partied Cebuano style, well, I don’t need to try convince you. You probably already died of jealousy already. Haha.

To next Sinulog and to Cebu!

-Issa

I Swear, There Are No "Orange" Puns In This Post

[Coat: Loalde; Scarf Top: Loalde; Pants: Ayala Department Store; Flats: Old Navy; Watch: Fossil]

ORANGE YOU GLAD? Hahahahaha. Ok, stop. I apologize.

I decided not to get a haircut and to just let my hair grow out. Blogwise, I’d like to believe that I’m making the right choice by giving myself the benefit of endless styling possibilities. On the other hand, I’ll just be another blogger with long straight uncombed hair- but then again, I’d be a blogger with long hair I can use to cover my armpits when I’m in sleeveless tops. AHA! Silver lining, I believe I have found you! [I crack myself up sometimes]

One more rant about my hair problems and I promise, this’ll be the end of it

 

I NEED TO FIX THIS ANNOYING STRAND- it’s always finding its way into my outfit posts. So annoying.. grrr!

On a not-hair-related-note, there’s an interesting story behind my top. Wearing it made me feel so much like a kite and crazy as I am, I spent most of my day running around the office with my arms stretched out pretending to be one! I know I’m too fond of wearing white, even for my own good, but owning pretty tops like this with pretty details makes me feel like a million bucks. Plus, I had a good reason to run around the office which was great (the main reason why I love it)! And not to mention, the cut made me wish I was at the beach- I should’ve considered that before coming in to work.

 

BTW, How’s everyone doing with the SIN TAX bill coming into full blow? I know it’s for a good cause and my lungs will thank the government in the future but I started the week with 10 perfectly shaped nails and by Wednesday, I’ve already bit through 7 of them. Running around the office isn’t something I’m accustomed to, I promise, but it’s better than me battling how many sticks I have to cut in order to eventually quit. TO QUITTING! (I don’t know how many times I’ve said this in my lifetime)

-Issa

8 Ironies

Coat: WAGW; Scarf: Inc. Beach; Dress: SM Kids’ Department; Sandals: Azaleia; Bracelet: Graffities]

1.       I like wearing layers on top of layers, jackets, scarves, stockings and boots. All PERFECT for this tropical weather.

2.       This dog’s name is Barbie. My other dogs name is Meow.
3.       The only reason why I bought this dress is because it reminded me of my Kindergarten uniform (George Washington Elementary School), funny how I remember this when I was only there for 6 months.
4.       I would’ve worn this dress with purple flats and stockings…

5.       But if you look closely, you will see that I had to wear open toed shoes because there is plaster on my big toe.
6.       I ripped it open from WALKING to the ATV. And all the while, Paolo was afraid I would die riding it.

7.       My scarf, which is made for the  cold months was made by Inc. Beach…
8.       This SIN TAX bill is killing me. And I am running out of nails to chew on. 8-)

Not a happy camper,

-Issa

When It Rains, Dress Like It's Snowing

[Brown sweater: Thrifted; Necklace: Gift; Leggings: ISIS; Leg warmers: H&M; Beanie: H&M]

[Apple green sweater: Thirfted; Scarf: WAGW; Boots: Leaveland; Bag: Thrifted]

Took the day off from work cuz my Mitral Valve Prolapse was acting up again and I was having a bad headache. Luckily, it was raining and I’ve been dying to take my leg warmers out again. So, what do you do when you’re home and sick and it’s raining outside? HAVE A BEDROOM SHOOT. Of course, I used my laptop camera cuz I’m low tech like that.

Hello, from my feet and my legwarmers that I wasn't wearing properly. lol

I swear I was born on the wrong side of the earth. I need snow!

-Issa

Of Flowers, Being Girly and Trying To Find My Place

Take a good hard look at me, I’m a girl AFTERALL, I swear! Har. Is it hard to believe?

Interesting turn of events which led to me deciding to go all out FLOWER TO THE HIGHEST POWER on this day. Initially, I started out with a long black skirt and an over sized sweater but later on decided that I would ditch the hobo boy and go head on girl.

Eventually I decided to be experimental and give print-on-print a much deserved try. I was terrified that I would over-do it or that I would look stupid but, mostly because I couldn’t get the zipper of these pants to close. -.- WORE THEM ANYWAYS! I AM BADASS OR WHAT? Lol

Perfect example of my fashion insanity. Case closed.

See, I couldn’t even take a decent picture of myself. I look constipated in each one. My body is not used to so much girly-ness. But change is always good and experiment

[Blazer: Bread and Butter Deluxe (given); Floral Top: Daisy Fuentes Petites; Floral Pants: IT Park Bazaar; Flats: SM Kids Department]

Even the buttons on the jacket are flowers. Goodness.

What do you think of my floral ensemble?

-Issa

DRESSING FOR SINULOG 2013

THE ESSENTIALS:

1. White shirt// 2. Shorts// 3. Sneakers// 4. Extra Slippers// 5. Water// 6. Cap// 7. Small but handy bag (enough to hold money, phone and/or camera, etc.)// 8. Sun Block// 9. Staple SINULOG whistle (WITH feathers// 10. Wet Wipes)

Sinulog is so close that I can literally hear it... now... as we speak. Traffic has already started in the metro and everyone I know is getting jittery over which henna tattoo they're going to get over the weekend. Yep, feels like Sinulog to me!

I've stopped going for the street dances and ditched them for the street parties and if you've decided to do the same, here is my survival guide to dressing up for Sinulog:

1. BASIC DRESSING

Top: It's been a custom to get down and dirty at the street parties. I'm talking poster paint and the occasional Boysen paint on your face, your clothes, on your thighs- EVERYWHERE. A lot of Cebuano's have decided to invest on buying custom made Sinulog shirts but since I'm too cheap to buy a new shirt to ruin, me and Paolo have decided to buy department store shirts and cut them up ourselves. But if you're too lazy, here's one top that I recommend:

Let The Mayhem Begin via

https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.2638264372887.71646.1743840989&type=1

Bottoms: I really do suggest wearing shorts to beat the heat and hassle when you're out partying on the streets. Also, it makes a good excuse to bust out those tie-dyed shorts that have been all the rave lately. NO TO PANTS- unless you're Issa and you aren't allowed to wear anything else. fml, right?

As for your shoes, it's always best to wear sneakers since you're most likely to get stepped on. But it's always safe to have extra slippers in case. 

2. LIGHT PACKING

Only only bring what you need. Nobody wants to party with a chunky bag to take care of. Money, phone, camera, water- CHECK, CHECK and DOUBLE CHECK!'

3. PROTECT YOUR SKIN

I don't like putting sun block on. I honestly hate it! But it's what's best for our skin so I try to abide at least once a year ;) I also like to hit the streets with a baseball cap and/ or shades. Never at the same time- preference, I suppose.

4. ACCESSORIZE, SINULOG STYLE!

Sinulog is never complete until I am fully equipped with a customized Sinulog whistle: whistle, feathers and gold sequins. It's impossible to miss these babies since they're everywhere and only run up to P50.00. If anyone tries to sell it to you for more, it's either they've become victims of SIN TAX or you my friend, have been terribly ripped off!

Those are my Sinulog dressing tips. What are yours? :)

-Issa

Fashion Feature: BREE ESPLANADA

I like Bree, I like Bree a lot. Probably not as much as he loves blood and ripped flesh from Zombie Movies but, I like him enough to make him my very first featured fashion designer- another thing I like, designing. My adoration for Bree began even when I first heard about him in April 2011 as a contestant for Cebu Young Deisgners Competition (where he bagged 4th place) and fast forward to 2013, I like him even more- Francisco Lachoski, Darren Criss , Rami Malek, and Bruno Mars ogling aside. (I only know who Bruno Mars is! haha)

[Bree's entries for Cebu Young Fashion Designers 2011]

Bree Esplanada ventured into fashion designing at the prime age of 16 while he was still a student at the Cebu Institute of Technology where he took up Graphic Designing. Back then, he was designing clothes just to pass the time. What a way to make something out of a hobby! From graphics to garments and graphics ON garments, he’s definitely made a name for himself in the world of designing. And although he hasn’t quite gotten to his goal of opening a shop and moving to New York to start an “exciting life” just yet, best expect that in time, he will! From 4th place at the CYDC’s and a participant of the 2nd Look of style awards in Rockwell, Manila, Bree is definitely paving the path to turning Bree Esplanada into a household name.

[Fun Wear for Ms.Bulgaria; Queen of Cebu 2012 Coronation Night]

His constructed sportswear and other design aesthetics has done him good. He’s designed for Re United Fashion for a cause held at The Ayala, The ABSTRAQ Fashion show, the official launching of Blanc Magazine and has made his mark on prestige Cebu events such as The Queen of Cebu and Miss Cebu just to name a few. He’s also worked with big names in the local industry such as Furne One, Jun Escario and is currently apprenticing for our very own Edwin Ao. A pretty impressive list for someone who just started.

[Black Extension for Sun Star, November 2012]

I’ve gotten to know Bree over lunch and coffee and I’m not trying to pull his leg here (but if the leg is pulled- by all means, teach me your greatness!) and he’s definitely one talented Kat. Needed spell check intended, I meant Kat for Katniss Everdeen which apparently, he pretends  to be for fun. That, or a Victoria Secret model. He’s enlightened me a lot about the fashion world which I hope to be a part of in the very near future and his parting words, “trust your instincts”, hit the core. He told me that in fashion, we’ve all got our own philosophies- a fruit bowl of ideas if you asked me, and it’s up to you to make the most out of it. Trust your instincts- CHECK!

 

[Ms. Cebu Pre Pageant Night 2012]

So what else does Bree like to do when he’s not off somewhere getting lost in fabrics on top of pretty fabrics or up to well, greatness? Watching American Horror story and quirky sitcoms to pass the time. Aside from this, and quote that, “I’ve been dying to put this in here”, Bree loves being on top! If you know what I mean ;)

Thanks a bunch, Bree! Til next time. I’m looking forward to sharing intimate details with you- you’re the best!

To contact Bree Esplanada: 09223642825/ eandybrian@yahoo.com
Official Facebook Fan Page: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Bree-Esplanada/315276095202790