For something more “formal” compared to cotton, wear a chiffon top. It’s equally light, breezy and comfortable to wear.

Since not all offices allow sleeveless tops, why not cover up with a relaxing kimono cardigan? They’re also fasyon like structured blazers.

I found this glittered kimono cardigan on sale at H&M when I was in Barcelona. It looked a bit weird on the rack, probably why there were a lot of stocks. Winter was also about to come so no one dares to buy such kind of clothes. Everything on sale was for me. Bwahahaha! Back at the hotel, I tried it on right away and it looked awesome!

Then, pair your relaxing top with tapered trousers. It can make you look taller too.

This pair of shoes scream OFFICE, don’t you think? Haha! I just found this in my closet and realized I’ve never worn it yet. It’s actually a vintage shoes from my aunt. I had this for more than 10 years. Prior to that, my aunt used it for years as well. Surprisingly, it’s still alive and kickin’- not one chip of leather! Quality shoes are really worth paying for. You can hand them down for generations.

If you feel that office wear is boring (just like what I used to think), accessorize! Trust me, it brings life to an outfit.

Yes, I’ve been using the Timex watch, as seen here, and the tote, as revealed here. Hehe!

Some pieces may look casual if you look at them individually. With the right combinations, you can transform that casual clothing to something smart. Over-all, it’s definitely not a casual day for me.

Chiffon top: Lush Angel
Kimono cardigan: H&M
Trousers: from Bangkok
Shoes: from aunt
Tote: Tory Burch
Watch: Timex
Bangles: mix of H&M and from mom
Necklace: from Greenhills
Ring: Chanel

You should probably know by now how much I LOVE accessories. “Love” is even an understatement if you’ve seen my outfit posts HERE. I’m almost always a maximalist when it comes to accessorizing. This is why when I saw the brand’s tagline, “You’re never fully-dressed without it!”, I was stunned for a moment. Geesh, that’s just so me when it comes to accessories. LOL! Now, it’s pretty obvious how excited I was for this Pinkbox Party- so excited that I was one of the firsts who arrived at Sweet Bella Cafe, Burgos Circle, Bonifacio Global City Taguig.

Oh my, everything’s just sooo cute and colorful!

After a few minutes, food started coming. It was my first time at Sweet Bella and I never thought they also offer “real” food. From its name, I assumed they only served sweets, desserts to be specific. Surprisingly, the food is good! Yumeeeh!

Of course, their best seller- MACARONS! It’s TDF! Haha!

Okay, enough about food! While taking a bite, Nelly See (owner of Pinkbox) and Liz Lanuzo (brand manager of Pinkbox) introduced the brand. It’s so inspiring to hear how Pinkbox all started. Back in 2002, Mrs. See was just a normal housewife who was on the lookout for some cute, age-appropriate, reliable, and affordable accessories for her daughters. No store had such at that time, thus, the birth of Pinkbox. They now have 27 company owned outlets and numerous franchisees all over the country.

These pins and clips for kids are undeniably cute!

Some clips from their Basic line, which includes classic, uni-color pieces worn by women of all ages.

And this is what the fashionistas, stylistas have been waiting for- Pinkbox Chic Collection. Who said Pinkbox is only for the young? Now, they’ve got trendy accessories, even for the young at heart.

Statement earrings and necklaces…

Yup, they’ve got a mix of feathers, chains, pearls, etc.! Oh, everything’s just sooo lovely!

Let’s all bangle up!

We were all asked to come in pink and the best attire wins a prize. Verniece and Julia were awarded the prettiest pink outfit- that’s undeniable!

Everyone’s pretty in pink!

Here’s a mix of their collections- Thank you Pinkbox!

Follow Pinkbox on Facebook (http://facebook.com/PinkboxAccessories) and Twitter (http://twitter.com/ PinkboxPH) and check out these adorable accessories!

I love its vintage feel- rectangular face, gold bracelet and digital watch.

It goes well with almost anything I wear. Some of the features are the following:

INDIGLO Night-Light
Digital Chronograph Measures to 1/100 Second
Daily Alarm
Month, Day and Date Display
Stainless Steel Expansion Band
Water-Resistant to 30 meter

I got it in the U.S. for about $40, a lot cheaper than the one being sold in Rustan’s Department Store (about PHP 4,000+). I just had to have the bracelet adjusted when it arrived. Thankfully, Timex boutiques here in Manila are so accommodating. They adjusted the band free of charge and even taught me how to make the knobs work.

You’ll be seeing more of it in my outfit posts!

I paired my houndstooth shorts with a chiffon top and a blazer to make the outfit look less casual and apt for my meetings that day.

Here’s a closer look of my accessories…

Maximalist it is! Haha!

Thank you Flirt Waxing Lounge for my nail art!

And it’s time to play!

I still can’t get over playgrounds, I know! Isn’t it obvious in my The Kid In Me outfit post? It’s a pure bliss to bring back those days.

Blazer: Lush Angel
Chiffon top: Lush Angel
Houndstooth shorts: Lush Angel
Necklace: Vincci
Watch: Michael Kors
Bag: Hermes Herbag
Bangles: H&M
Rings: H&M and from bazaars
Shoes: from China

Today marks the start of the Year of the Water Dragon. Although I firmly believe that we make our own destiny, it doesn’t hurt to follow some Chinese traditions. I remember wearing Red and Gold as I celebrate Chinese New Year last year. You can see it this post. Well, luck was indeed on my side for the Year of the Rabbit. So for genuine happiness and for wealth to continue flowing this Year of the Dragon, here’s what I wore last night in a New Year’s Eve dinner with my relatives.

I wasn’t in all red this time! Why? Well, I was told that I could wear yellow, green, blue or red for luck. Instead of choosing one, I chose to wear ALL the lucky colors hoping for good karma all through out the year.

Lucky colors on my outfit: Yellow shorts, Shades of green on my shorts, Blue belt and jacket, Red top, necklace and lips

Oh, and since gold symbolizes wealth…

Gold cuff from Pink Box

Gold buckle on my belt

Gold chain necklace

Gold frame watch

Gold eyeshadows

All lucky colors are literally on me! It must be my year then!

Reading my Chinese New Year outfit post last year, I said that my new bag will give me luck for the year ahead. I’ll do the same now.

New bag for the new year- I firmly believe that this bag would bring me good luck for the year ahead! 

Red top: H&M
Jacket: Lush Angel
Vintage shorts: MIX
Vintage belt: from mom
Cuff: Pink Box
Watch: Michael Kors
Bag: Hermes Herbag
Necklace: from mom
Shoes: Ferretti

P.S.
Make up details coming up next!

With my title, obviously, I hauled another bag. This has to be my last for the year! I know, 2012 has just started, but sad to say I have to control. I ended 2011 and started 2012 with a bang that even I, myself, is surprised! LOL! Wait a minute!!! In the Chinese calendar though, 2012 hasn’t even started! So, is it safe to say I have no bag hauls yet for the year two-zero-one-two?! Okay, I have to stop my illusions RIGHT NOW! LOL!

It wasn’t really in my plan to buy this. I was just strolling along Greenbelt when I saw the SALE sign (again) posted on the windows of Tory Burch. The next thing I know, I was going out of the store with this paper bag. I think SALE signs must be banned, don’t you think?! I always get victimized by those! Same thing happened to me in Malaysia, which is why I ended up with this. Darn! Maybe I should just be avoiding going inside boutiques when I see the letters S-A-L-E. Haha! Oh well, the difference with this purchase is that I bought something that was really on sale! Woohoo! Success! Or maybe not?! Because its sale price here in the Philippines is actually the regular price when you buy it in the U.S. I don’t want to think about that anymore. Technically, it’s still on sale here. I got it at 20% off. Okay, I’m sounding bitter already! LOL!

Anyway, enough of my blabbing! Here’s the McLane Chain Handle Satchel…

It has chain-link handles, something I’m really into as seen here, here and here. It makes the bag stand out, in my opinion. If I imagine it with a simple leather handle, I wouldn’t probably notice it.

The logo is not screaming “TORY BURCH”, which is also nice. Having a huge logo in brass could also be a problem if you’re O.C. (obsessive compulsive), like me. It can easily get scratched if you’re not careful.

The size is just perfect for my everyday bag. It’s big enough to fit my iPad, wallet, and all of my “trash”. LOL! It’s not as heavy as it looks too. I can carry it around the entire day!

The zip around closure makes me feel that my stuff inside is well-secured.

It has interior zip and cellphone pockets, which I really like. I appreciate bags with cellphone pockets. I put a lot of things inside my bag. It’s such a hassle to dig in to my stuff when I need to reach for my phone urgently. It happens to me ALL the time when I use bags without such pockets.

It has textured leather, making scratches more unnoticeable compared to the really smooth ones.

If there’s something I don’t like about it, it’s the top portion which tends to fold. Take note, I don’t have so much things inside my bag at the time I took these photos. Other than that, everything else is perfect!

Oh, as a tip, stuff your leather bags with paper or cloth when you store them to keep them in shape. As I said, I’m very O.C. and I try to avoid lines or folds on my bags. LOL!

Some find the 7″ strap drop too short as one of the handles keep on falling off the shoulder. The same can be said with Chanel GST, but I’m not annoyed with it. It seldom happens to me. Besides, I can easily carry it on my arms or hands so it’s not really a problem with me.

So, what do you think? Please tell me I made the right decision!!! LOL! Kidding! You’re free to express your opinions! Don’t worry, I won’t have any single regret because I super love it! Comment away and let me know what you guys think!

I’ve actually worn this cover-up in my Take Me Back To A Gondola Ride At Venice post. I paired it with thigh-high stockings and sky high heels for that sexy mood. LOL! But hey, wearing it with ankle boots isn’t too bad as well. In fact, I’m loving it! The length and style of the cover-up gave a hint of sexiness, at the same time, the boots threw in some edginess. A perfect combination, I say.

Of course, I had to wear something underneath! Well, I could have worn something plain if I didn’t intend to show any part of it. But since I styled the cover-up’s neckline asymmetrically, I thought of wearing  a colorful sheer top to give the look a little bit of life.

Oh, and can you guess how old these boots are?! I was actually looking for the Dr. Martens which my sister had during her college days. I only saw mine, which I owned back when I was in grade school. Obviously, the size doesn’t fit me anymore. Darn! I find it too expensive to put it to waste! I saw this pair instead, about the same age of our Dr. Martens- probably, 14 years old! The leather is all good. The soles are still intact. Amazing!!! Now, I’m sure you want to know where is it from. Can you guess??? It’s from Celine- as in, the local shoe store that was so famous back then!

So as not to be eaten up alive by my huge cover-up, I gave it more style through my accessories. Yes, I do looove to pile up! Isn’t it obvious in most of my outfit posts???

Tangerine Tango is the color of the year, so I guess Big “H” just came on time.

Sheer top: Lush Angel
Denim shorts: Papaya
Cover-up: H&M
Boots: Celine
Necklace: vintage from mom
Bangles: H&M
Rings: online and bazaar
Bag: Hermes Herbag
Watch: Michael Kors

If you saw my Going Around Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia post, you probably saw a glimpse of this outfit already. This is what I wore in our night out at G Tower.

Well, the wide-legged pants look like a skirt. LOL! I’m such a fan of wide-legged pants. You can easily dress it down or glam it up. It’s very comfy to wear it too!

If you’re up for an afternoon shopping, just slip on your comfy sandals and grab your tote. If you’ll have a girls night out, you can wear it the way I did. Clinch a belt. Wear it with heels. Use a smaller bag. And you’re ready to go!

Chiffon top: Lush Angel
Pants: from Hong Kong
Belt: H&M
Cuff: Cotton On
Purse: Chanel Medium Flap Bag
Earrings: from bazaar
Connector rings: H&M and from bazaar
Booties: New Look

Special thanks to my dear Nikki for my eye makeup that night. I seriously miss being dolled up by someone else. Don’t get me wrong. I loooove doing makeup, especially to others. Sometimes, I just miss the feeling of having my makeup done by somebody else. Thanks Nikki for letting me feel it again! Loving my brown smoky eyes that night!

FACE:
Smashbox Photo Finish Light Primer
Lancome Maquiliquide UV Infinite
Lancome Flash Retouche (under eye)
Revlon PhotoReady Concealer (for blemishes)
Shu Uemura Face Architect Powder Foundation (used to set the foundation and concealer)
Bare Escentuals Blush
Make Up For Ever Sculpting Kit #2 (for contour)

EYES:
Make Up For Ever Lift Concealer (as eye primer)
MAC All That Glitters mixed with Satin Taupe eye shadow (all over lids)
MAC Espresso eye shadow (crease)
MAC Silver Ring eye shadow (center)
MAC Crystal Avalanche eye shadow (brow bone)
Bobbi Brown Long-Wear Gel Eyeliner
Revlon CustomEyes Mascara
The Body Shop Brow & Liner Kit

LIPS:
Lancome Color Fever Dewy Shine

P.S. Thank you too Nikki for taking my photos! Love you girl!

Instead of pairing my polka blouse with something plain, I thought of going for colorful patterns. Clinched it with a belt to bring the prints of the blouse and skirt together… and viola!

The shoes is a new/ old pair. Did I confuse you?! Haha! In other words, it’s pre-loved, which I got from Aisa. Thanks girl! It’s a nice addition to my closet for some style variations.

Piling up different hues…

Top: from Hong Kong
Skirt: Bayo
Shoes: Ferretti
Watch: Philip Stein
Bag: Hermes Herbag
Bangles: from Shanghai and bazaar
Earrings: from bazaar
Belt: vintage

I actually gave a sneak peek of the watch in my Going Around Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia post. Patty, Nikki and I were drawn by the SALE sign outside the Michael Kors boutique. Of course, being a bag lover, the first thing I checked- BAGS, while Patty went straight to the watches. Unfortunately, both sections weren’t included in the sale items. Since the MK bag I’ve been longing wasn’t available, I then visited the watches. I tried on the gold Runway watch I’ve been eyeing ever since, but I still didn’t had plans on buying. I really don’t have that strong urge to get one. I was (and still am) on a shopping ban anyway. BUT when Patty tried on the midsize tortoise watch, my eyes sparkled! I immediately asked for the oversized version. The moment I tried it on, I didn’t want to take it off already! Eeeek! My no-shopping promise in KL obviously didn’t happen! But no regrets…

Isn’t this Oversized Tortoise watch a beauty?! The dark brown face with golden accents matches the Tortoise acrylic bracelet and shiny golden stainless steel case. It has three sub-dials and date window too. So, what happened with the Golden Runway watch I’ve been eyeing? Obviously, it was left on their shelves. LOL! With the help of Patty and Nikki (thanks girls!), we thought that the Tortoise acrylic bracelet is more unique than the gold one. And since I already have gold watches and could even get a gold men’s watch at a cheaper price almost anywhere, this became the best option.

It’s priced at MYR 999, a bit more expensive than getting it in the US ($250).

Nevertheless, Patty and I got it. It’s too gorgeous to leave it behind. LOL!

While waiting for our watches to get resized…

And here we are having fun at the airport while waiting for our flight back to Manila… Pose, pose, pose with our twin watches!