Toughie

What's particularly challenging for a lady who loves dressing up, like myself, is the workplace dress code.  Working in an academic institution is especially challenging as the level of decency and appropriateness has to always be maintained.  At times, when my capricious hormones get out of hand, I find myself donned in youthful casual ensemble, which I would later find to be inappropriate for work.  Seeming to be not very satisfied with my own judgment sometimes, I would get my mother and let her decide whether what I'm wearing can pass for a teacher-y look (read: One that won't make my students get distracted, one that the boss won't mind, and one that won't get me barred from entering the university premises, which by the way has a strict dress code.) And when the look in question doesn't get the mother's nod, I will have to spend a few more minutes in a quick search for Outfit B, which is harder to put together and I end up being late for work.  

This look in particular is a major cross between work-appropriate and too casual.  Anticipating the likely disapproval of the mother, I opted to just skip her opinion and ran towards the door.  Oh, the thrill that day brought! 

As a result, I ended up always dragging my dress down to lengthen its coverage before entering the boss' office and skipping the Dean's office and going directly to my class.  Well, no awkward moments transpired thankfully, and seeing the pictures now, well... I think the dress isn't that short after all. 

I still can't get over this denim vest - my latest denim find - and you cannot believe how much I got this for! I never thought thrift-hunting is more fun in the mountains! (It's a long story really, but to make it short, I and some colleagues had to go to some mountainous areas of the province to conduct interviews with the farmers. Work stuff.) 

 The vest gave the look a toughie vibe. So I put on this good ol' soft oxfords to complement that and some equally toughie accessories to match.  I know I looked kind of too casual for work that day, but, well, no one did mind.  This, by the way, is an all thrifted look. What do you think?

Dress, denim vest, shoes - thrifted
Bracelets - bazaar
Necklace - Mags

It's the Little Things...

At times we are not aware of how we affect other people's lives. At times what we consider as 'no big deal' means the world to some. As Dante Alighieri once put it, "A mighty flame followeth a tiny spark."

So, why am I suddenly all philosophic? Well, I don't know. It's perhaps because of a surprise visit of an old friend, who seriously is a different man now. He was a colleague in our university's yearbook staff, which I once headed. He was practically everything a mother could complain about - party animal, drunkard, survives school through classmates' generosity - but when he became a part of our 'family', he was slowly transforming into a responsible, obedient and responsible man. His close friends (a.k.a. frat brothers) and classmates would always credit me then for his great transformation, but I would always tell them that it was he himself who chose to change and that we were only there to help him through.

Today, he went back to the university and visited us in the office (I now serve as adviser to the group), and my heart is just filled with joy and pride seeing him again, hearing all his stories, and poking fun at his new dialect. He is a totally different man today, talking to me in metaphors and inserting bible verses into our conversation, and I just couldn't help but be prouder. Then, in the middle of our fun talk, he told me how thankful he was to me for giving him that only chance he needed to change his life, for all the skills that he acquired from the team that he is now able to apply to his work (he is now a supervisor of some sort), and for the good character that he has built while being a part of us. Right then, I just know that we are really doing the right thing; that in Pylon, we not only build skills, but most importantly, we establish character.

So, how was all that related to my outfit? Well, I don't know. Honestly, it is not, but I know you'll excuse me for ranting once in a while.

Now, on to my outfit. If you ask me to dress smart casual, I'll show up with this - plain polo, high-waisted shorts, flats and some simple accessories that add pops of color. This look gives you a casual, laid-back feel, without sacrificing smartness and flair, just perfect for weekend breakfast/coffee meetings. 

By the way, most of our photos here were taken by the talented Argey of Argey Designs & Photography. He specializes in wedding photography, but also does amazing portraits. Check out his page: https://www.facebook.com/argeydp


White polo and oxblood shorts - thrifted
Cut-out booties - Hebe Manila

Smart Casual: A Repeat Performance

Say 'hi' again to my pastel blazer and polka dotted corset! I just can't seem to have enough of this combo that I just ought to wear it again, this time with my gorgeous walking shorts. I love how this look translates to smart casual - looking smart without being too dressy. 

What do you think?

Blazer - thrifted

Corset - Glam Street

Walking shorts - thrifted

Shoes - Zara

Beaded necklace - Jhet's