Sartorial Highness: June 2012

Iconic Sunday

Happy Sunday to everyone!

I came upon a quote from Goodreads and I found it very inspirational. Yes, it's a famous quote. But it inspired my outfit for the day.

"Imperfection is beauty, madness is genius and it's better to be absolutely ridiculous than absolutely boring."

- Marilyn Monroe

As I've shared with you a while back, I usually eat out with my family during Sundays. This one's extra special because my craving's been satisfied because Daddy treated us with some icecream from McDonald's! Yaaay!

Have a great week ahead of you! ♥

A.

Dressing Room Ninja # 1

I said I'd post these kinds of things... but I keep on forgetting! Sorry.

My favorite dressing room wherein my alter ego comes out more often is inside FOREVER 21. There are just too many clothes I want there that I can't possibly buy everything! If I can, I'd buy the whole store. Even the 21 MEN. Hahahaha.

Anyway, here are some of the things I've tried out since last April. Lately though, I haven't been to the mall. School's been draining my energy. Last night, I fell asleep at around 8pm and woke up at 10am this morning! It's ridiculous, I know. On to the clothes....

These shoes are so comfy! I can probably walk in them all day...

Floral bustier screams summer!!

Compared to TOPSHOP, I can actually go inside this store and come out with a few purchases at hand. Still, I can't buy everything I want. Someday... Someday.

A.

It's Official!

Guys and Girls! It's official! Our little customized shirts and shorts business is on full swing now. My business partner and I have just published our Facebook page for it. Do check it out!

http://www.facebook.com/thepaperdollscloset

We will appreciate your LIKES and even SHARES! ♥

Share the love!

A.

Blessed

My baby brother ♥

Hi guys! I don't know if Blogger is on crack or something... but the number of my page views just shot up sky high! I don't know if it's because they really intend to look at my blog or they just accidentally stumbled upon it... but 700+ in one day?! That is so cool!

To those of you who've patiently read my blog ever since and even to those who only happened to stumble upon it, I'd like to say THANK YOU! I get motivated whenever I see that more people come upon this blog with every passing day.

Personal rants and experiences may not really be important to you, but with this blog, I share my thoughts to you guys because I feel like you're all my friends. ♥ I'll look at this in a positive way. Even if some of you may really start to hate me and think that you don't really care about what I type here... But some readers, I know they do care.

With that, I conclude that I really am blessed.

Happy weekends!

A.

South Diner

South Diner Menu

Based on TV shows and movies that I've watched, I have the impression that U.S.A has lots of Diners and people eat there most of the time. I don't know if it's true. However, I can tell you that here in the Philippines, especially in Manila, there are not many of this kind of restaurant.

Jukebox, waitresses with aprons, milkshakes, fries, red seats and booths: that's what comes to mind whenever I hear the word 'diner'. And lo and behold, South Diner at BF Homes didn't disappoint my expectations. Although they are missing a jukebox...

The food was great! I didn't get to finish my order, though. They have quite a big serving. The ambiance was nice... I got to watch a movie as I ate. Even if there weren't any sounds since 80's music was blasting from the store's speakers.

I'd definitely go back there someday. With my family, I hope. :)

His order... forgot what it's called.

Vanilla Milkshake!

Mirrors covered the walls of the Diner.

The counter and its crew members.

My order: Tuna Cheesemelt Sandwich and Vanilla Milkshake

Let's eat!

TOPSHOP-ping

I WISH!

I can't consider myself a fashion blogger since I don't post that many outfit posts, especially on a daily basis as most fashion bloggers do. I also don't have that many clothes to parade around and post photos online. So, I just share what's on my mind, no matter what or who the topic is. That's my goal for this blog of mine (ignore my other blog: that was a school project).

But as a girl, I do love shopping. And though I'd like to shop to my heart's content, I can't. My wallet is not a bottomless pit. It actually goes empty. Most of the time it is, unfortunately.

To add to my frustration with my wallet who seems to puke out money, this exists.

I'm not saying this in a bad way. I LOVE TOPSHOP! I really do. It frustrates me to come inside one of its store branches and see all kinds of heavenly clothes...and come out empty handed.

I do own clothes from TOPSHOP. I also have shoes and a bag. But of course, with every passing season, collections change. And destiny is playing yet another joke on me that only he/she finds funny since whenever I do have the money and can afford clothes from TOPSHOP, I can't find anything I like enough to buy. But whenever I'm practically broke...tada! Everything in the store, i love.

Here are some of the things I saw from TOPSHOP just this week... how I wish I can go TOPSHOP-ping to these!

I need a miracle!

A.

Studded shoes!

Galaxy leggings (not my photo)

School Blues

For those of you who know me personally, you'd know that I'm supposed to have graduated from college already last March 2012... but with my unusual hobby of school hopping, I got late (I don't wanna use the term 'held back' since I feel like it'll make you all wonder if I'm stupid or academically challenged).

All my family members and friends used to just frequently ask me "What school are you going to now?" or "What course are you taking up now?" which implies their knowledge and expectations that I do tend to shift courses and transfer schools.

But now, I am proud to say that even after being late for 2 years, I am now a....

Yaaaay!

This is the farthest I've gone up and accomplished in college. I am so proud of myself! Hahahaha.

However, I know it's not going to be as easy as it was during 1st and 2nd year. The subjects will be harder and the requirements and expectations are going to be higher. In fact, I've only been back to school from Summer break yesterday and I can already feel the pressure of being a 3rd year student!

Yesterday was the 1st day back to school and well, let's just say that I felt so tired and heavy after 3 subjects. When I got home, it took me all my strength - what's left of it - to go to my bed and collapse into a deep sleep.

Anyway, I am not posting this to discourage you guys and rant about how tiring school is - even if it really is - but to share to you guys my achievement, for now. Even if I'm kind of sad that Summer is over here in our country.

It's time to take out those pretty and colorful umbrellas and rubber boots! Rainy season's here, Manila!

To those of you who have just started college... well, good luck! Don't do what I did. Stay on your school and stick to your chosen course. ;)

A.

O-O-T-D

OOTD. Are you familiar with that? Well, I always used to just see it hashtagged on photos in Instagram or on fashion blogs that I read. I never knew what it meant - I was too prideful to ask.

But no worries, I know what it means now. And I am proud to say that I thought of it myself. Hahaha. But seriously, for someone who takes pride in knowing a few more things in fashion than average people, it took me a long time before I realized that it means "Outfit of the Day".

As you know, I practically can't live without Instagram. I like taking photos and looking at other people's captured moments (not in a weird-stalker-mode type). And on this app on my phone, I can spend hours just looking and looking and actually having fun. This is where I first started to realize what OOTD means.

One time, I actually tried the hashtag OOTD thing on one of my photos...and to my surprise, people who don't follow me and who are complete strangers actually 'like' my photo. Well well well... I guess I found out one of the tricks into becoming Instapopular! ;)

If you're the kind who wants to be famous or popular in social networking sites or app, well, you should give this a try. A hashtag and four simple letters. That's all it takes.

As for me, who is an introvert on most days, I don't really care if I'm popular at Instagram. Even if my photos don't make it to the 'Popular Page', I still post photos of the interesting things that crossed my way that particular day. And as for this whole outfit thing... well, I might do it every now and then. After all, I love dressing up.

A.

Expect The Unexpected (part 2)

This isn't related to any of my high school friends whatsoever. But the title is just SPOT ON.

I don't really think you will be interested on reading this since it's just personal rantings. But I just NEED to say this (or in this case - type).

You know that feeling when THAT guy you've had a crush on for like 2 years suddenly talk to you and call you and suddenly have sweet moments together? Then he'd disappear and have a relationship with someone else and you get left with a broken heart? Then after a year, you become friends again? Then he'd be gone again...and this time for 2 whole years. And then as you were adjusting to the fact that he's really gone and you probably won't be seeing him anymore, you bump into him at that place that use to be your rendezvous?!

That's what I'm feeling. NOW.

I don't know how to react or feel about this. One things's for sure, though: I got the surprise of my life. I'm not sure if it's a good or bad one. All I know is...my heart's been beating twice its speed since that moment we bumped into each other.

It got me thinking that kismet's playing a game with me again. Just when I thought I started to learn to use my "brain before heart", this happens.

Now I'm not sure anymore. It seems like I haven't learned at all. I wanna call him or send him a text message or a message online. But I feel like that's wrong. Don't you think? Well... IF YOU happen to stumble upon this blog and read this, I have this to say to you:

I wanted to talk to you a while ago... I was just too darn surprised that I felt like I swallowed my tongue. Please don't think that I'm avoiding you. In fact, I wish you can read this. And know that with every beep of my phone, I wish to see your name flash across the screen. I wanna ask you so many things. I just need answers. I seriously do.

A.

Expect The Unexpected

My favorite high school adviser used to always say "Expect the unexpected." Since then, I always think of it as the reason behind many memorable experiences I've gone through with my life. For instance, my relationship with my very first boyfriend... But, that'll be a different blog post. ;)

Anyway, high school. Some of my BEST memories occurred during those 4 years. I'm pretty sure yours as well. I'd love to say prom is one of those memories... but I never experienced prom (huhuhuhu. kidding. it's fine). The people that belonged in those 4 years are the reasons why they became the best.

Unfortunately, my high school batch mates have become super busy while in college. So we never get the chance to see each other that often. Actually, years passed by before I got to see some of them again. We never get to have the batch reunion where everyone's present. I'm not getting my hopes up regarding that anymore. I lost hope and interest a looooong time ago. Haha.

Last time I saw some of them, though, 3 of our batchmates' granfather passed away. We payed respect, of course. But we also got to catch up on each other. Especially now that some of us have already graduated from college (nope, i do not belong on those some. haha!).

Some of these guys have been my classmates since pre-school. It's crazy, I know. But they're all like my family. Extended family. I love them. ♥

A.

Ombre Dyed

Originally, the plan is to customize denim shorts and such... but someone asked if I can make a shirt which is Ombre Dyed. Since beggars can't be choosers, I obliged and made the order.

Surprisingly, though, the shirt looked nicer than I expected. I've never done it before and well, I'm glad to say that the person who ordered it was really happy with it. ♥

And now, more people are ordering!

I am truly blessed.

A.

Also, as an experiment and trial, my sister and I decided to make a canvas bag which is Ombre Dyed as well. Personalized, of course. ;) What do you think?

Paper Dolls Closet

Remember that surprise I was talking about on my previous post? Well, this is it. I, along with one of my best friends have decided to put up a small business. It was kind of a revelation for me during one late night last month. I decided to put my Fashion Design education background and love of arts to use and offered my friends on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram a customized shorts promo.

It's summer here in Manila and like I've said, it's really hot. Plus, tie-dyes and ombre are sooooo in. Also, my favorite summer clothing - high waist denim shorts. I've also noticed how studs are no longer just for punks but also for girly-girl fashionistas now.

Thus, I decided to put up this little business. I do everything on my own as of now: shopping for materials, dyeing, studding, sewing (hand sewn. My sewing machine's broken) and distressing. But my business partner, Carla, is the brain behind the business. She manages the logos, websites and accounts. I'm pretty much just the crafty part. Soon, i hope, we'll get to afford to mass produce our products. But as of now, we settle for customized ones. We make our clients/customers choose the style they want and we make their orders for them.

I've never been interested on business and I never really planned or intended on putting up one on my own, but this can be a start of something I once - and still have - passion for: fashion. I dunno, maybe someday, if God allows it, I'll have a store up on my own and be a fashion designer still even if I didn't get to graduate with that as my degree. ♥

Spread the word. Spread the love.

A.

*For orders and/or inquiries, e-mail us at thepaperdollscloset@yahoo.com

Change

You know that quote that claims that change is the only constant or permanent thing in this world (or something like that)? Well, I used to HATE change but... as I grow older, I have come to accept the fact that there is nothing I can do to change change.

In connection with that, my blog has gone through a major change! Like my new background or theme? I do! ♥ It's all thanks to Dane (http://aboxofnostalgia.blogspot.com/)! She's my little sister's best friend and she has become to be like my sister as well especially during this summer. Go check her blog. She writes better than I do and posts more interesting things than me, in my own personal opinion. But don't abandon me just yet! ;)

I don't know if you already saw it on my Instagram (I post my life there... like literally) but I have gone through a little change myself. I'm sure you all have noticed somehow that I have this very long dark hair... and I get bored with it since it's naturally sleek straight. I try to curl it from time to time but it's too darn stubborn! It just won't stay the way I styled it. But since I am afraid to cut it, I am now acquiring a habit of coloring my tresses... with rainbow colors!

Blue and Red streaks!

I don't know if you can tell, but there are BLUE colored streaks on my hair now! :) I only used to have PURPLE ones (which, with time, turned to pink and now it's red) but now I have a different shade that I like. I love it!

Too bad it's not allowed at the college I go to... but I can easily hide it since I dyed the hair near the nape of my neck so as to have more layers of black hair to cover it up. I'll post another picture with it more seen... but in order to do that, I need to tie up my hair.

It's almost Independence Day anniversary here in the Philippines! 2 more days. I'm being kinda patriotic with my hair color. Woot!

Come June 13, it'll be my grandma's - Mommy Annie - 2nd year death aniversary. I terribly miss her.

Have a great day!

A.

Snip. Boil. Wear.

Do you suffer from days wherein you have places to go and people to see and yet you have absolutely nothing to wear??? I bet you do. Even if (to our parents' eyes) our closets are full and we don't need more clothes...

I suffered from this feeling just yesterday as I was about to meet some of my friends from SoFA to watch a movie. And since I've been obsessed with DIYs lately, I decided to make something for myself.

I had an extra white shirt and a fabric scissors in front of me and I was possessed into cutting out the shirt's sleeves and snipping some more until I have this huge hole for the arms and... I added a little twist at the back. After snipping parts of the shirt away, I dumped and boiled the shirt into some dye and let it dry...

What do you think of it?

Like or Not?

Heart shaped cut outs on the back! ♥

It's not really my style... this sorta kinda grunge-y look. But I figured that it's not that bad to try something new every once in a while.

After all, change is the only permanent thing in this world.

A.

Big armholes to let the bandeau peek a little!

Coming Soon...

Heart-shaped distress on denim.

I've got a little surprise for you guys... and I won't say anything about it yet until everything is set. ;)

All I can say is that the wait for it will be worth it! My best friend, Carla and I assure you that. I just want to say in advance that my summer has been quite productive even if it's already nearing its end. Unlike my previous summer vacations where all I did for the 2 whole months of no school is lay in bed, watch movies and read books, I actually did something worthwhile this year. And I am very proud of myself!

My parents, family and friends have all been very supportive as well. I cannot possibly thank them for this. I feel very loved and blessed!

Even though there's a greater probability that I may fail at this, I do not intend to give up which is what I usually do when things get tough. I'll try my best not to disappoint anyone with this.

Hopefully, this will get out of my blog and into the country!

*fingers crossed*

A.

DIY: iPhone Case

I have this thing wherein I want to change my iPhone's case every single day (to match my outfit or mood), but that's not really possible since in order to do that, I'd need to have 366 different cases... and let's face it, I don't.

So when I went on a trip to Divisoria last weekend with my sister (to shop for a LOT of things which I'll post about later on), I bought a plain white iPhone case with a transparent hard plastic back for about Php200. Which is cheap considering the usual price for designed iPhone cases available on markets.

When we got home, I took out scissors, pencil and ruler and a scrapbook paper which has a print that I love -- Aztec print, what else?! -- and traced the shape of my iPhone onto the paper and cut it out. Then I slipped the cut out paper into the case and popped my phone in it and voila!

My very own and very unique iPhone case!

What's great about this is if you get tired of the print and design of your case, just remove the paper and cut out a different one! Easy and cheap! ♥

A.