I put together this outfit on a whim thinking this would be my tribute to the last few days of summer before I leave for the Philippines. But what is summer in Florida without rain? I apparently have a bad sense of timing as I have literally been rained on in these clothes not once but twice! That did not stop me from trying again though until the sun came out again on one fine Saturday, a day before I left for the Philippines. The neighbors must have thought I’ve recently had a penchant to wearing belly exposing clothes…for 3 days now!LoL

This is a -piece ensemble composed of a tribal print corset crop top and a sheer maxi skirt from stylistaph in a color I can’t quite define but nevertheless pretty. It’s spring and summer with a touch of fall rolled into one comfy outfit!:) now who needs a grandiose background?

Before ending this post, I am happy to share that this photoshoot day (sept 6) marked the 5th week of my healthy eating with the boyfriend. It felt so good to eat clean(er) — to mean more fruits and veggies, brown rice, fish and less sugar, although all for slightly selfish reasons of preparing ourselves for all the food and festivities that awaited us in the Philippines. I definitely did not regret losing a few pounds as I gained them right back.haha

These are just pre-vacation pictures folks. Standby for the intra-vacation ones with me prolly happily sporting chubbier cheeks.;)

XoXo

Top: Forever21

Skirt: StylistaPH

Sandals: Charlotte Russe

Bag: Zara

Earrings: SEPA Cebu

Bangles: Aldo

Eye wear: Ray Ban

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I am channeling my inner Dora the Explorer in this outfit that was inspired by Julia Roberts’ character in the movie Eat, Pray, Love. I have always imagined what outfit I would wear had I been in her place and today it has finally come into fruition (sans the bike with a basket in front, darn it!) through this perfect mix of both vintage and new–something that I have carefully mastered through each outfit post.:) Nothing like wearing a comfy dress, a sling bag and oxfords to your adventures and misadventures.

And of course, with every outfit post comes a story behind the clothes.

This one brings so many memories of school life though I would probably not bring this outfit any justice years ago in the teenager version of myself. Most likely the dress would become tattered from the endless tree climbing and playing war games with friends and more than likely this bag would be full of garbage. Because behind the sweet smile of this fine young lady (ahem!) was a clumsy little girl…and I have scars to prove ’em plus my big brother as a witness–he did save me from my mother’s wrath when I sustained a nasty skin tear to my knee from doing BMX stunts which of course was discovered by my mom days later despite my brother’s best efforts to nurse my infected wound (hashtag battlescars).

Oh to be young and carefree! That is what this whole ensemble is saying to me, only that I am wearing it in a more mature Marian. Like they always say, age is just a number and young is an attitude.:) (That, and of course putting on the right amount of make-up for that fresh look, thanks Mai–>check out her beauty blog www.bastaigatsikat.com)

XoXo

Dress: Forever21

Vest: Forever21

Bag: H&M

Shoes: Traffic

Headband: Forever21

Earrings: SEPA Cebu

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Funny how I live just a stone’s throw away from the ocean but can only recall a few times of actually enjoying the long stretch of beaches and the many attractions that surround them. So for this post, I decided to play tourist for a day while of course looking the part which wasn’t really hard. All I did was put on a dress, a pair of slippers, a hat and sunglasses–comfort is a must.:)

Part of the reason why I have not explored my city, yet alone my county, is my meager driving skills that limits my route to just work and a few essential stores. You see, a lot of watering holes around my area entail using the highway, and typing the word alone already gives me goosebumps! I have been encouraged to start conquering this fear but I would just jokingly shrug it off and say that yes I have no qualms doing the actual driving on the highway, the problem lies on how to exit it so that means I would be driving endlessly until no cars are left on the road and I could change lanes safely. There, I have addressed the elephant in the room!LoL

Just 10 minutes away from home (not using the highway of course) is a beautiful strip of beach that boasts an equally beautiful pier where people fish, eat, bike, walk or just sit and people-watch. What better way to kick off exploring the city than to go where people can do a variety of activities in one place, right?

And on this glorious summer day, I chose to wear another maxi dress just because it brings both style and comfort for the many hours of walking. The black upper part of the dress not only gave me shape but allowed me to accessorize just like how I did with the different shades of orange, gold and silver. Now I will never get lost in the crowd with the pretty pop of colors on me.:D

 So maybe on my 100th blog post I will be able to say I drove at least 2 miles on the highway and have further explored this state where people visit on vacations and I have been blessed to call  my second home.:)

XoXo

Dress: Forever21

Bag: Micheal Kors

Hat: Aldo

Eyewear: Ray Ban

Necklace: Charlotte Russe

Arm Candy: SEPA Cebu

Slippers: Havaianas (from ‘Make your own Havs’)

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I have not blogged for almost 3 weeks and I already feel like my mind has been stagnant since the last post. But I guess the story behind the clothes for today will just go with my style theme which is MAXI in reference to the beautiful skirt, as taking these pictures literally took us MAXImizing what little of the sun was left of that fateful Monday, having us chase the last light of the day, only to be followed by angry clouds.

The next challenge was MAXImizing the next location that came to mind as our original plan changed due to operation schedule. Seriously, why do most establishments in Florida close on Mondays?

Then there was MAXImizing on the shots we took under low light as we tried every angle in hopes of getting good pictures. But I think the dark clouds gave the setting a little more drama, a little more mood. Good thing the skirt stood out!:)

It really felt as if the day kept throwing curve balls my way. Good thing I had my game face on and I just took every little challenge astride.

First location is close on Mondays? Find another one.

Relentless rain clouds? Take pictures anyway and if it did rain, I would’ve danced under it.

Low light photos? Well, thank Apple for Aperture!;)

One thing I learned in life is making the most out of it.  It’s about making lemonade when life gives you lemons. In my case, I made a fun day at the beach amidst gloomy skies, wearing this flowy skirt that was Philippine-made, as blue as the ocean in front of me. Definitely no clouds could hamper its beauty.:)  Now that’s what I call MAXImizing!

XoXo

Tank Top: Forever21

Maxi Skirt: custom made by kisses clothing (IG: @kisses_clothing)

Thong sandals: Charlotte Russe

Bag: Longchamp

Necklace: SEPA Cebu

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