This Golden State

2015-06-23 01.27.56 1

2015-06-23 01.27.01 1

Ok HONESTLY, I wish I actually had the time to just lounge around, play some good old NBA 2K15 (or Watchdogs or Second Son or Diablo- the list goes on…) but I don’t.

 Fortunately, I do have enough time to make a quick tribute to my home team, The Golden State Warriors who by the by, just won the NBA 2015 finals after 40 years! Also, to all the Filipinos who have made California their homes, this one’s for you!

2015-06-23 01.27.12 1

2015-06-23 01.27.15 1

2015-06-23 01.27.25 1

2015-06-23 01.27.44 1I think that it is also important for everyone to know that I have been madly in love with Stephen Curry for the past year. But more than my love for him, I think that he stands as a true role model for anyone who has been told that they couldn’t do this or that they weren’t “enough”.

A good friend of mine shared this article with me this morning and to anyone who’s ever been told that they were too short, too dark, that they didn’t fit in with the standards of typical beauty or any type of judgement- they only win if you let them.

We can be whoever we want to be and millions of people, not just Steph Curry, have proven it. There are so many inspirational people and quotes out there to get us through adversities and God bless each and every one of them but what good are all these things if it doesn’t start with you?

So glad to know that my future baby daddy is talented, empowering and not to mention; drop dead gorgeous!

2015-06-23 01.27.48 1

2015-06-23 01.27.09 1

2015-06-23 01.27.50 1GSW Shirt: Adidas| Shorts: Gaisano Grand| Leather Jacket: Urban Republic

P.S. I didn’t not wake up like this

P.S.S. I am losing more money than I am making it. My brother now charges me P100.00 to take my photos. Negosyante sad diay. 😐 😦 😥 :'((

 

Again CONGRATULATIONS, GOLDEN STATE WARRIROS!

CONGRATULATIONS, BOO!

xx,

Issa

 

IssaDreams: I Wish I Was In Malaysia

DSCF0779

 Someday I wish to take this blog to different places and show you the world through my eyes- bright eyed and crazy! But in the mean time, I’m enjoying saving up money and widening my options when it comes to travel bucketlists and options.

I was lucky enough to experience what Malaysia would be like without even having to step foot out of the country when I was invited to Tourism Malaysia’s special campaign launch at the Marriot Hotel last June 10.

DSCF0775

I got to witness the many cultural presentations of Malaysia and most importantly, my options were opened in terms of things to do and places to go to when I actually get to to Malaysia.

Here’s what I’d probably do:

* Release the inner child in me at Lego Land

* Admire the Petronas Towers great architectural structures in Kuala Lumpur

* Explore Genting Highlands

* Do some major shopping! Malaysia is, afterall, known as the 4th best shopping city in the world!

* Relax on their pristine beaches

Although I won’t be going there anytime soon, hopefully your schedules are a little more open than mine and you can explore this wonderful city with friends or family.

This year Malaysia is celebrating the theme “Endless Celebrations” and by using the hashtag #mybffxoxo, you may even get the chance to win a 3 days, 2 nights all expense paid trip to Malaysia!

DSCF0768Lots of love from my favorites, Toni, Jean and Sinjin!

For more information visit: http://www.tourismmalaysia.gove.my

Facebook

xx,

Issa

Hair Loss and Weight Gain

DSCF0817

DSCF0825

Yes, I cut my hair and yes, I put on some weight but it doesn’t mean that:

A. I broke up with my boyfriend

B. That I am depressed. Or in my case, more depressed than I usually am. I am a hormonal woman, after all.

With Cebu’s unforgiving weather, I realized that a good snip was the best remedy to my back rashes and overall discomfort. Despite my nonconformism to the lob (long bob) and with wise words from my best friend, Alex and Francis Lee of Bridges Salon, I opted for this bob and a shaved head which I wear with utmost pride. To everyone who has slightly overacted to my new look and how I’m ever going to be able to take photos- it’s just hair.

Hair Replacement Systems Australia

DSCF0826

Over-sized vest: Planet Exchange| Dress: lilybridal| Leggings: Thirfted| Shoes: Adidas Superstars

As for the weight gain… You win.

xx,

Issa

Find Your L[he]ight

_MG_1930

_MG_1975

I recently did an interview and quick shoot with Stephen Suico, after putting it off for a good couple of years.  He asked me a lot of interesting questions that I enjoy being asked as a blogger such as: “Why do you think people blog?” and “what makes a good blogger?”

It took me a while to actually get on board to doing a shoot because I was not sure which direction I was headed towards as a blogger. I didn’t know if I wanted this to be a personal style diary of if I wanted to add a more commercial edge to it- I think my indecisiveness hindered my growth for a while, to be completely honest with everyone.

In the end, I decided that I wanted to create a personal blog that I could be proud of and what made me proud was having good content and quality photos. As soon as I decided this, it made it easier for me to grow as a blogger and to create entries that reflected who I am.

_MG_1966

_MG_1909

It is so easy to get consumed into something that you love doing. Sometimes, when you’re finally getting to that point that you’ve been waiting for for a long time, it gets overwhelming, the pressure increases and then it stops being kind of fun.  I cannot tell you how many times I’ve wanted to throw in the towel and just go back to a “normal” life.

So now when I feel like there’s just too much pressure from the real and online world like, having to dress up when I don’t feel like it or being pressured to up my Instagram game when all I want to do is post whatever I want as I please, I just stop for a while and I try to find my light. Or as this title suggests, my height.

I give myself a break and try to rid myself from the pressure.  I’ll blog when I feel like it or I’ll go back to blogging on Issatalks and when I’m ready to re-enter this wonderful world of glitz and glamour, then at least I’ve remembered why I’m doing it and why I refuse to stop.

_MG_1895

_MG_1987

So I’m dedicating this post to everyone who’s even been through a moment of uncertainty in their lives whether you’re a blogger, an employee, a businessman or a student. WE ALL GO THROUGH IT! We just need to find the things that make us get up in the morning and say, “I got this!”

For me it’s being able to share wonderful stories and experiences with all of you and knowing that you like it when I get emotional and real. It’s being able to create something out of the one thing I’ve been so passionate about my entire life and sharing it with everyone.  It’s hearing that you guys love what I do which makes me feel like all my efforts have not gone to waste. It’s a million and one reasons that I sometimes forget but it’s never too hard to remember. I hope you remember your one million and one reasons, too.

 

_MG_1984

_MG_1913

[Zara Blazer: Planet Exchange| Mint top: Pink Lemonade (@pinklemonstore on Instagram)| Skirt: Style HavenHeels: Zalora]

_MG_1929

_MG_1869

Photography: Stephen Suico

Check out his portfolio, he’s amazing and he is so awesome to work with! 🙂

xx,

Issa

Sugar, Spice and Everything Nice

11202649_10203091342919394_2527217189077962103_n

11011657_10203091317278753_8192841548552880365_n

Sugar and spice

and everything nice

that’s what little girls are made of

10405233_10203091320358830_3342991546229727874_n

11094050_10203091324118924_6754438708784643294_n

Sunshine and rainbows

and ribbons for hair bows

that’s what little girls are made of

10650058_10203091314038672_6382805323074045807_n

11227034_10203091319238802_3691581650933501162_n

Tea parties, laces

and baby doll faces

that’s what little girls are made of

10690113_10203091363519909_4658084929028018986_n

11224783_10203091344439432_4636327779508803782_n

But I was made of dynamite and sprinkles,

and dresses that would twinkle.

That’s what I am made of.

10985479_10203091322238877_4427687228267779438_n

11150795_10203091315718714_7342150089169126006_n

Leather and fur,

People saying “Look of for her!”

That’s what I am made of.

11011638_10203091321158850_6102327235593825882_n

11111805_10203091351079598_8081809296297479581_n

Beer pong, aces

And traveling to far places

That’s what I am made of.

Dress: Cotton On| Shoes: Sanuk| Shades: Rayban

Backdrop and photography: Chay Ramirez

Life is a lot more fun when you add a little or a lot of color to it!

xx,

Issa

In Mint Condition

11141230_10203091292118124_2116023260542816969_n

 

I still can’t believe that my fashion preferences have evolved so much from when I ever started blogging. [Good luck trying to find those evidence online, I’ve almost successfully removed all traces online. nyehehe] I was always the boyish dresser and I still am, but I truly have started to embrace and love my more feminine style.

Changing your style definitely isn’t a walk in a park especially since it’s not something that you’re used to. The moment hints of pastels (especially pinks) hit my wardrobe, I felt like I was going to puke out my insides but I knew it was going to a start of a brand new adventure. The most important breakthrough I made was realizing that I didn’t have to compromise my long term preferences but instead incorporate them with new things to update my look.

The best piece of advice I can give anyone is to not be afraid to experiment with fashion. I That’s what I do everyday! If you’re uncomfortable with dresses, try one with sleeves for starters and mix it with a vest and a cute bowler hat. If you’re a pants type of girl and you want to try showing off more skin, ease yourself in by starting with Bermuda shorts or something of a more comfortable length.

Life is too short to wear boring clothes!

10563187_10203091408081023_7020624207270024586_n

11138591_10203091404840942_4583507119074779195_n

11160012_10203091379960320_611543547113310970_n

For affordable clothes and a wide variety of choices, drop by Planet Exchange at SM City Cebu.

Don’t you just love my mint laser cut dress?

11167788_10203091391680613_5920199548861929933_n

11205554_10203091385920469_5508842978462123750_n

Have a wonderful weekend!

xx,

Issa

Behind On Fashion

11295912_10203091525683963_7317619405583842431_n

11259181_10203091520043822_8376359267548164873_n

 Is it bad that I’m only getting starting to enjoy exploring with “print on print” now that it’s completely obsolete? Perhaps. But then again, I’ve never been the one to enjoy trends that much anyways.

When it comes to trends, I’m admittedly always a step behind. I didn’t know keeping a “clean” Instagram was cool, I thought lace ups were still called gladiators, I also thought culottes were just long pants and the list goes on. Thank god minimalist dressing is in because now my lack of effort can finally be justified.

But then again, who wants to be like everyone else? I’ll be the pop of color when everyone’s in white washed neutrals!

Trend or no trend aside, just be you. Fashion is an expression of what you are and it fills in the gaps with words that need not be spoken. And remember, history repeats itself when it comes to fashion… so hopefully, this look will become relevant in a couple more years!

1545979_10203091527764015_4327117251546279176_n

11221529_10203091529204051_4936663114406172991_n

10985398_10203091516443732_5944094657025579670_n

11205592_10203091517563760_8797751331052556211_n

11150548_10203091525123949_1747925071541611552_n

11180313_10203091528844042_8148740558646900291_n

Dress used as top: Cotton On| Skirt: Given| Sandals: Carcar

Photography: Chay Ramirez

xx,

Issa

 Follow me on snapchat & instagram: @issaplease

Switch and Save featuring Iya Villania & Watsons

DSC_0329

I’ve officially made the switch and I’m  putting money away for a rainy day! Nothing is better than a scoring a great deal and at Watsons, I am able save more money without skimping on the important stuff- quality (and not to mention great packaging!).

I was lucky enough to experience the full shopping experience at Watsons, completed of course by the presence of our Personal Store Supervisor of the day, Iya Villania and now I’ve got a loot to brag about worth a quarter (or more) of the price!

_X1A2277

Iya Villania shopping with beauty bloggers

_X1A2258

Watsons, Asia’s leading health and beauty retailer, has set the standards when it comes to quality products at affordable prices. From personal care items, beauty essentials, and even medicine, Asia’s leading personal care store now offers a wider variety of products under its own label, giving smart shoppers the choice to save as much as 80 percent without compromising on quality.

Here’s what I got:

DSCF0373

Power toothbrush [P209.00], Replacement heads [P149.00], Breath strips [P115.00], FootEase heel cushions [P107.00], Travel Dental floss [P39.00], Round thread dental floss picks [P29.00]

DSCF0362

BUY ONE TAKE ONE  Conditioning treatment shampoo [ P189.00] & wax [P239.00]

DSCF0368

Purederm Hydro Soothing Cucumber Pads [P89.75], Moisturizing 3- Step Facial Treatment [P65.00], Nose Strips [P119.00], Quick Fx No- Shine Mattifier [P89.00], Mini Wet Wipes [P49.00], Eye Puffiness Minimizing Patches [P59.00], BUY ONE TAKE ONE Round facial cotton pads [P178.00], Moisturizing lip balm [P59.00]

DSCF0369

BUY ONE TAKE ONE Cream hand soap [P149.00], Hydrating body lotion [P99.00], Leg and foot soothing massage gel [P85.00], BUY ONE TAKE ONE exfoliating body scrub [P149.00], Loofah Pad [P82.00]

I am nothing but happy with the products I purchased from Watsons . In fact, some items such as the nose strips and no-shine mattifier have been a part of my daily or weekly make up and facial care routine for quite some time now.

It’s quite obvious that I’ve made the smarter switch by choosing Watsons. When will you?

xx,

Issa

(Un)Heavy Baggage: What’s In My Bag?

Since you asked for it, you got it! This weeks post is a little, de-cluttered version of what I keep inside my bag.

18029367628_eeebb4a4db_o

For a long time, my Mary Kate and Ashley loving side insisted that I lug around over sized leather bags with me wherever I go. But since I’ve been going to events more often, I’ve decided to retire my big bags and opt for tinier pieces that compliment my look more and add less pressure to my shoulders.

My current favorite is this Dooney and Bourke bag that was a hand me down from my mom. Ok, so the truth is, I’ve never really purchased a bag for myself… I’m always waiting for hand me downs or I raid my mom/ sister’s closet. They’ve always had better taste than me when it came to that department so I soley rely on them for my bag needs.

18029471720_872e014bb2_o

18029480470_95f0e5ebd3_o1

 

Left to right: Watsons mini wet wipes, XOXO calling card case, drivers license, Watsons breat strips, Watsons travel floss, FaceIt liquid eyeliner, Stila lipstick, Mi powerbank, Sony Xperia Z1

During events I only like to carry around what’s necessary so I try to keep it as light as possible.  I’ll occasionally carry a small notebook and a pen in there but if I don’t need to carry one then I most likely leave it out.

I don’t like stuffing my bag (anymore) in case I need to fit something else in there so lately, this is majority of what I have in my bag.

18030984739_a12377cf5c_o

Behind the scenes, I’m always carrying everything I need with me which I carry in a bigger bag that I leave in the car. Aside from these 3 little bags, I have my camera; organizer and probably an extra pair of flats, if I’m at an event.

I’m one of those people who practices bagception (a bag within bag. get it? haha) and although it tends to get a bit bulky, it’s a risk I am willing to take in an attempt to keep my bag organized.

Here they are:

18029444810_8f613b5c44_o

Make up bag 1 (front left- right) : Suesh blush bursh, Quick FX No- Shine Mattifier, Tony Moly gel eyeliner, My mom’s old lipstick (I think it’s Shu Uemura or Elizabeth Arden), Stila lipstick, FaceIt concealer, Holika Holika Wonder Drawing eyebrow pencil, FaceIt liquid eyeliner, ELF gel contouring kit, Mamonde brow kit, Rimmel mascara, Maybelline mineral powder, Stila lip gloss,  Holika Holika blush on and Tony Moly BCDation foundation

Most make up from Dara Beauty market

I like to keep 2 separate make up bags. 1 for make up I regularly use and a second make up bag for when I want to play up my make up or do something differently. If you’ve noticed, I’m never short on wet wipes since I find myself constantly using them to wipe my (or Paolo’s) hands and face.

I’m always changing my make up routines depending on the day and weather which is why there are so many things in my make up bag. I don’t actually use all of these in one day! Just in case you had any violent reactions…

18030967179_9ef147cddb_o

 

Make up bag 2 (from left- right): Katy Perry Meow perfume, Stila eye shadow brush, Watsons lipstick, Peripera Lip tint, Ever Bilena blush on, Mac lipstick, Brow blade, Marionaud eye shadow brush, Stila eye shadow and Kleenex Wipes

18217190585_1be8c89120_o

Emergency kit (from left- right): Watson’s breath strips and floss, Dove travel deodorant,  Green Cross alcohol and Watson’s Wet Wipes

And lastly, my emergency kit that I keep in the car at most times unless I’m traveling and I need to keep it in my bag. I also keep my vape juice in here just in case I run low and a few napkins when it’s almost that time of the month.

Now you know what’s in my bags!

xx,

Issa

 

Sporty Spice

There’s no denying that every now and then we need a little inspiration when it comes to dressing up. I’m always trying to find inspiration for my next look online, through glossy pages of magazines or even in my surroundings.

My family recently sent a picture from their travels of them wearing sports shirts of our favorite team and it gave me the inspiration to put together a quick look inspired by that. It was too adorable not to share!

Fun fact: When I was growing up in California, my papa and I would play baseball by the park hoping that I could join a little league. I ended up concentrating on ice skating before moving back to the Philippines where I fell in love with tennis. I’ve always been the “sporty one” and being able to put this set together brings back good old times.

MLB

 

 

This sports season, show your love for your favorite sports team with Fanatics! They’ve got a wide selection of sports caps and other merchandise to complete your “sporty chic”, like this Red Sox hat, whether if it’s to support your favorite team or just rock an outfit.

Can you guess which caps I’m expecting in the mail? 😉

xx,

Issa