That Elusive Sign

At times, when you are so torn between two equally weighty things, you just pass on to the universe the burden, and wait longingly for any indication of an answer. A sign. An elusive one, most times.

It's a predicament I try so hard to shove to the back of my mind, awaiting the time for me to muster all the courage in me to be able to deal with it. Later, perhaps. When I'm braver.

For now, though, I let life go on as usual - doing the same things every day and welcoming the littlest of shifts, which now seem hard to come by. Of course, the reward I get, coupled with hubby's sunny personality, makes everyday lighter and brighter. And I could not be more thankful.

Dress worn as top - borrowed from sister
Maxi skirt - c/o Ayala Center Cebu
Sandals - Hebe Manila

To the Better Days

It's crazy how we're sometimes being teased by time. When we have to attend to the things for one of the most important events in our lives, that's when we are bombarded with even more work. It's driving me all nuts, really! I get work left and right these days, and one equally demanding than the other. Add to that is my crazy schedule. I work 8am to 8pm already, with not even a lunch break, since I've been bullied into accepting two additional teaching loads. (Okay, bullied is exaggerating it, really... but it feels like it.) I sometimes wish I can just say no whenever I want to, but I freakin' can't! I can't, and its frustrating! And currently, I've been having a bad case of jitters, which is not helping at all. Blame that to the overwhelming excitement/anxiousness/fear/busy-ness. 

Anyway, life goes on. I'm still up for embracing positivity, still clinging on to all the positive energy left in me. Better days are ahead, and I'm going to make the most out of them. Now let's cheers to that! (Sudden moodswing, eh? I get that these days, pardon me.)

Top, Pants - thrifted

Shoes (which is not shown. Bummer!) - Zara (old)

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

Yeah, We're Weird Like That

It's weird how Jhet and I think the same way most times. It's like some parts of our brains are patterned the same way. And this is not only exhibited in how we sometimes show up in identical outfits, but also in how we say exactly the same things. Like when she says, 'Hey, I was supposed to say the same thing, too!", in that childish-whiny-Jhet-voice. Then I'll answer, "I told you we're one and the same person in our past lives". This time, though, it's the identical outfit moment. The boyfs are getting used to this, thank goodness, so they no longer need to be explained in detail and be convinced that NO, we did not agree nor talk about our outfits.

Yeah, we're weird like that.

Go Bold and Stand Out: Get the Summer Vibe

I am sooooooo feeling the heat, aw yeah! Summer, definitely, is just around the corner. Hurray! Now, where is that teeny-weeny bikini? "It's time to hit the beach and strut in that teeny bikini, baby" (Cue: Careless Whisper), says my inner goddess. "Oh, please, like you can really wear anything close to a bikini!", says my killjoy 'reality' self. 

And that, is how I wake up.

Note to self: Stop talking to yourself.

Anyway, despite the occasional drizzles, it is basically almost summertime. Yay! I love summer! It usually means being able to plan fun beach getaways with friends and not worrying about classes. Despite me still having office work, it's easier to file for a leave during this time, because I do not have to consider my students and my classes. Aside from that, summertime is also a great time to dress playful and laid-back. Although I've always been a fan of layering, I also love colorful prints and comfy pieces that go well with the heat.

To prepare for the summer, I am now starting to collect summer-appropriate pieces and browsing for some tips and advices for pulling off a gorgeous summer look; and here are just some that I wish to share with you.

Go Bold and Stand out

Colors - whether pastels or neon brights - are so summer-ready! Can anything scream summer more than those bright hues and cool pastels? Donning on colorful pieces also makes us look great in pictures because the light from the sun allows the colors to look so vibrant and fresh making us pop on pictures better. 

So, here are just few items that I think every lady has to have in preparation for those summer getaways and casual strolls around town. 


Colorful Sundress

http://www1.macys.com

http://www.modcloth.com

http://www.forever21.com

Pretty-colored sundresses definitely are a must-have this season. Not only do they make you look fresh and cool, they also give you an instant sexy, stylish and feminine air. 

Multi-colored Totes

http://couture.zappos.com

http://www.etsy.com

Aren't these summer totes so adorable? Hit the beach in style with these bold, colorful totes. They also go well with casual basic look for a stroll around town or a cutesy picnic with friends. These totes are not only pretty enough for your summer outfits, but are also big enough to carry all your summer essentials. 

Vibrant Tanks and Tops

http://www.forever21.com/

http://www.forever21.com/

Beat the summer heat with these gorgeous tanks and tops! These delish-looking pieces do not only give you instant ventilation, but also adds character to your over-all look. Pair these with equally vibrant shorts or plain denim ones, and you're good to go!  


Flirty Floral Skirts

http://www.nicolafinetti.com/

http://www.zalora.com.ph

I love floral skirts. Whenever I feel so girly-girly, floral skirts like these are the first thing that pop on my mind. These floral numbers are also very summer appropriate. They always make us look fresh and vibrant without us putting so much effort. With a comfy loose or cropped bustier tank to pair with, we would seem to be screaming SUMMER all day long! 


Bold Statement Accessories

http://www.topshop.com

http://www.topshop.com

http://www.topshop.com

http://www.fillyflair.com

http://www.topshop.com

Bold accessories make a statement on their own. Even a plain top and basic jeans can look dressy when paired with the right accessories. This summer, it's really wise to invest in accessories such as these. They help a lot in communicating or concealing your mood, whichever you think is appropriate. 


This is the first part of my three ready-for-summer posts, so watch out for the rest of the series! 


xoxo,


Janjie

Of Colorful Inspiration: Aztec Painted Skirt

One of the many joys of being an artist is simply making fun out of what you love. And this is one of those.

Recently we have been drooling over these aztec printed clothing and the like, not to mention my secret love for Bestie's aztec designed wedge here. Cutie isn't it? Sadly, I have never come to see as pretty of a wedge as that in shops here. Sigh. But oh this brain of mine just wouldn't stop working. So, since my bestfriend acrylic paint is here, why not make my own prints? To start off is this! Tadaaah!!

 

Now I have to sell this over at my shoppe. Sniff! I wish i could have this all to myself but whew, I'm making a living here! Ok, business talk now, price starts at 249 only. Yep! And you'll get that 25% off when you hit like & share pastelleshoppe and forallthingspretty on facebook. Easy! Want more? Get a surprise freebie from us! Just tell us why you love this skirt by sharing your comment below! Oh spoiler me! haha!

So, that's probably it. I had to share it with you all because I had fun doing this aztec painting with a little doodle on the side. hehe Hope you'll have fun too! ciao!

Jhet ;)

All the World's a Stage

And all the men and women merely players. - William Shakespeare

I just thought that line from Shakespeare is appropriate for this look. You may not get it; but that's fine! It's me who's weird. ;)

Jhet said I look like Snow White in this! Haha! And now I think I get it! Well, I don't mind. Snow White is my first princess, anyway. 

So, how do you spend your last few hours in Cebu sans enough money for those fancy items? Explore the thrift shops, of course! Explore, actually, is not the right term - more like, bumped into and thanked the heavens I did! :D

Jheck and I decided to drop by E-Mall on our way to the bus terminal for a quick look around and some lunch, when we saw this thrift shop in the middle of those regular shops housing almost similar  items. Being a huge thrifter, I never thought twice, didn't even bother checking the time (we weren't in a hurry, anyway, at least that's what I declared after seeing the shop; and Jheck understands these impulses. Such a sweetheart! hihi), entered the shop right away and dug through the piles and racks to my heart's content. Phew! The items that you see here and the skirt I wore in the previous post are the ones I got. Not bad, of course!

The pretty beads and studs on this top require no accessories, so I just kept it simple with my everyday Anne Klein watch and that beautiful rosary bracelet from a monastery in Cebu.

On an unrelated note, did you also notice how I've gained some weight? Ugh! Now that is some serious stuff I need to address right away! Like, RIGHT AWAY! :(

Top & Skirt - thrifted

Flats - Pastelleshoppe

We Mock What We Don't Understand

  - Spies Like Us -

At times it's easy to talk and express an opinion about something, even if it is but an act of sheer folly. At times, we speak just for the sake of being able to say something, even if it is but a display of pure mediocrity. We tend to mock and joke about a thing, unmindful of the ballyhoo of our ignorance.

Dress - thrifted
Sheer tights - Body Music
Flats - Solemate
Accessories - Gifted (Thanks, Beagurl); Bazaar