What you do not love about your skin,
I’ll love and I’ll love it always.
Always because in me,
There is no time for anything less.
So:
throw your imperfections in a sea of diamonds,
and see for yourself, my love;
how well they swim
– Christopher Pointdexter
Sharing the rest of the photos we took from A Little Piece of Sky Cafe with Jing Pascual x Jade Caballo a couple of weeks ago.
ALPS Cafe, for short, is located in M. Veloso street, Guadalupe. Getting there takes a bit of enhanced navigational skills but the adventure is worth it!
The establishment was kind enough to allow us to take photos there which resulted in these amazing photos. I love how their theme is up to par with their name and how being there makes me feel like packing my bags and traveling the world. Not a lot of places have that effect on you emotionally- I’ve been planning my eat, pray, love trip since!
A lot of people ask me how for techniques when it comes to posing in front of a camera whether it be for photo shoots, ootd’s or just random photos with family and friends. Although I don’t think that there’s really an exact science to it, I’ll try my best to be as informative and helpful as possible. 🙂
1. Know your angles.
I’m no professional model but I’ve heard it a million times on Amderica’s Next Top Model and when applied in real life, it really does wonders for your photographs. I noticed that I look better when my head is tilted to the side and when the right side of my face is more prominent because of my eyes.
Over time and after a million selfies, finding your angle will be extremely easy to identify. I think I chose my angle because it felt more comfortable to lean that way. lol
2. Find your signature pose
When it doubt, go for your signature pose! I know a lot of bloggers who rely on their signature pose, not to be recognized for it, but because it’s our safety net when we have no idea what we’re doing. It helps a lot when calming those nerves and once we’ve reached a level of calmness, experimenting with other poses becomes easier and less awkward.
If you noticed, I like to play with my hair a lot or put my hand near my face. I’ve always liked the silhouette it gives off and how it gives people more things to look at rather than my uneven eyes and bad eyebrows.
3. Be aware of your body.
When posing for pictures, I always like to imagine how it would actually come out. “What’s the use of smiling if my arm is in the way? Why do my legs look so weird in this picture? I’m looking the wrong way, my face looks too dark…” Are just a few of things that I’ve said to myself when reviewing sets so I’ve learned from that and applied it in shoots.
Also, I think it’s important to know what kinds of poses don’t work. I am completely mortified with poses wherein legs are wide open or it involves hands in weird places so I always think those are poses to reconsider.
4. Emote.
I used to laugh when I would think of the word “smize” (smiling with your eyes) because I thought it was complete and udder nonsense but I’ve come to learn that the more emotion you put into a shot, the better it comes out.
I also think that outfit posts are gratified with the emotions we convey when wearing them. Edgier outfits will look no good with a good girl pose which is why we add a little hip and flair to it and the same goes for other outfits. Can you imagine how awkward it would look if I gave a pa cute face while in a cat suit? I rest my case.
5. Be Silly.
Natural, candid laughs caught on camera. Priceless.
Those are just a few of my tips for taking better pictures. And of course, don’t forget to practice! I hope this works for you 🙂
Find out more about ALPS Cafe from their Facebook page
Instagram: @alpscafe
xx,
Issa
There’s something about condominiums that are so enthralling. These towering buildings always scream of luxury and sophistication- like I could wake up every day in white silk sheets, a great view of the city and only have to worry about what shade of lipstick to put on.
But what good is a condominium if it’s not in the heart of the city, if it’s not a few feet away from the hustling bustling metropolis that you love?
Padgett’s Place is perfect for those who want to keep a piece of their hearts in the city. With it’s key location being a only a few minutes away from Cebu’s prime scenes like the mall, schools and parks (by car or even on foot)- it is obviously a top choice for those who are searching for a new place to call home.
From location to interior, filling it up with great pieces would be the least of your problems. Units at The Padgett’s Place are pre-furnished as compared to other bare units which makes filling it in much easier.
I can imagine myself living here, definitely with more closet space, that is. Coffee by my window to the view of the city while I glimpse at people running towards work (I wonder why I won’t be rushing to work. lol), lunch in my pantry, lounging in my big fluffy extra comfortable bed, afternoon snacks with friends by the coffee shop and then a quick work out inside the building. At night, I’d probably be outside having good conversations with Paolo while we star gaze or even go night swimming.
Oh, a girl can dream.
Padgett’s Place is located at Molave Street, Lahug, Cebu City.
It is developed and marketed by subsidiaries of the Duros Group of Companies. It’s subsidiary developers are Cebu Green Peaks Development Properties, Inc.
For more information about The Padgett Place feel free to contact them at (6332) 317-0779 or (6332) 243-6054 or check out their website
A big thank you to Ms. Irish. It was a wonderful experience!
And of course to Jean of Anything Goes by Jean C Yu for my pictures!
What I’m wearing:
Sports jacket: Nike
Running Shorts: Nike
Watch: Tomato Time
Sandals: Car-car
xx,
Issa
I’ve always been the type of person who liked to run away from my problems- literally and metaphorically. My logic was, if I could avoid having to face the problem, it would eventually be ok. Don’t they tell you that time heals all wounds? So I moved out, avoided the people who hurt me, changed Facebook accounts a billion times, deleted URL’s and did anything I thought could help me get away.
But sometimes, you can only run so far and in my long time of running and not really getting anywhere, I’ve realized that the things that matter the most are the things that haunt you and find even in your deepest lurks and corners.
I think that God (I am trying not to be so skeptic anymore) has his ways of pulling us out of the dark, no matter how comfortable we’ve become without light. We may not understand why or we may not want it but when it finally happens, we realize that we’ve always wanted it… we were just too scared to want the things we know could hurt us.
I have finally finally finally stopped running away from one thing in my life, sometimes I would say it could be one of the most crucial things in my life, and instead I’ve decided to run towards it. If you asked me if I was excited about it, I’d tell you that I’m terrified mostly out of the fear of disappointment… but what it life without a little beating, right?
But nevertheless, I hope all will be well.
You may not know my story or where I’m coming from after all, the most you get out of this blog are pretty (I hope) pictures and a little bit of this and that, here and there but take it from someone who’s been sitting in the dark for decades… sometimes things get dark and then they get brighter and then they get better.
xx,
Issa
Meet my family all the way from Texas.
Kiona, Alvin, Leah, Paolo and Nielsen
I wish I could just lay on the beach with the sand in my hair, sun in my face, Pina Colada in my hand, sand in my feet and not to mention, an endless bikini collection every day of my life. If people were to ask me what my foundation is, I’d tell them it’s sunburn and my conditioner would be sea water. The fish would be my friends and my backyard would be the sea and instead of partying under flashing lights, I’d have the sky’s twinkling lights and sparks off the bonfire where I’ll most likely be at the end of the day. I’d never be depressed because I’d never have any problems and money would NEVER be an issue cuz well, DUH, I’d be stinking rich!
What an absolutely beautiful thought to think while I’m on our couch, half asleep, while taking my lunch break.
The real world sucks.
My next few posts will be photos that I took over my short vacation to Bantayan Island so I hope you all enjoy that.
To be honest, I went on this trip to spend time with “lost” family and within those 3 days, I have learned so much about other people and more particularly about myself. I’d rather not tarnish these memories with fancy fashion advise as to what to wear to the beach but since I have gorgeous pictures and I’d rather not put them to waste, I figured I’d perhaps blog about something else.
I’ve realized that being a fashion blogger seems very glamorous but to say that I live a glamorous life would be a complete and utter lie. So maybe it’s time that you get a glimpse of what’s on the other side of the screen.
I hope everyone is looking forward to that because I definitely am. I think it’s an important aspect for me, as a blogger, to show a more personal side of myself. Fashion advice will always be there but when there’s something in your heart that could probably mean more to others, I think it is meant to shared. I always wish to be an inspiration to others so I hope in the next few entries to come, you will find comfort in my pains and somehow, use them to make your stronger.
‘Til then,
Issa
Cropped tie dye top: Cebu Thrifted Picks
Bikini: Coco Cabana
Sunnies: Forever21
Hat: Street Vendor
Cabana – /kəˈban(y)ə/
a cabin, hut, or shelter, especially one at a beach or swimming pool. Otherwise known as the epitome of relaxation, if you’re a beach bum like most Cebuanos are, of course.
Located at the ground floor of the Banilad Town Center, Cabana proudly houses everything beach-y from swim suits by Soak Swimwear to cover ups, sunnies and other merchandise perfect for your sun loving needs!
And if in case you can’t get your beach bum on, you can always give your nails the pampering they need at the Nail Island which is located inside the store.
Take a quick break from the hustle and bustle of the Metro and just sit back and relax inside the beach inspired nail salon while you enjoy their many services perfect for your tired hands and feet!
I dropped by Cabana this weekend and the interior, services and the over all feel of the place blew me away!
I indulged in a foot indulgence pedicure and a seaside rush manicure that afternoon and left with an intense longing to dip my feet in the water. But despite my lack for salt water, I now have pretty hands and feet and with my extremely hectic schedule is actually better. 😀
Check out Soak
Swimwear’s collection of swim wear on
And Nail Island on
xx,
Issa
This photo was taken about 2 months ago before we bid adieu to our favorite Chic In The Tropics, Eden.
I’ve been publicly blogging about fashion for about 3- 4 years now and these people have been there through every URL name, event, hiatus and feature that I’ve encountered along the way.
You’d be surprised how important it is to have a strong support system not only when it comes to blogging but in life as well. I always tell people that it’s crucial to be surrounded by people who understand you and your goals, who support you (even if you’re not always on the same page. As long as your goals are rational) and who you feel brings out the best in you. We are all surrounded by toxic people who want nothing more in life but to see us fail but like the saying goes, if someone is trying to bring you down- they are already below you.
The people in this photo are only a quarter of us who compromise our CFB family. We are all busy living our own lives with most of us trying to make our marks in the world whether it be through our love for fashion or with our opinions and daily thought musings. But busy or not, these people would easily stop what they’re doing to take a quick outfit shot while sharing a lot of laughs in between! 🙂
From left to right:
Rabsin of www.finlust.blogspot.com/
Yves of www.yvestyle.blogspot.com/
Eden of www.chicinthetropics.com/
Marco of www.lamikaayo.com/
Toni of www,perfumedredshoes.com/
Gizelle of www.gizellefaye.blogspot.com/
Love you all, no matter where God places us! :*
xx,
Issa
Good bye, Summer 2014!
Oh, late night pillow talks with friends and siblings; short shorts; the smell of the beach- you will be missed.
But on the bright side, I can wear boots now so it’s not that bad! 🙂
I remember telling everyone that I wasn’t really looking forward to this summer since it’s our peak season at work and I’ve been getting sick cuz of the weather. Fortunately, I was able to catch a break after all and I was able to get some rest and relaxation with my boyfriend and his family.
Our destination: Kalanggaman Island, Palompon, Leyte.
Enjoy the pictures! ❤
Top: (used as cover up) Forever21 overrun from Gaisano Carcar
Princessin’ since 2011
To a million summers with you, my love.
How was your summer?
xx,
Issa
Hey guys! I just came back from #HyperCebu at the Baseline!
For those who haven’t gone yet, it’s totally fine! You still have about… 24++ hours or so before the event ends. (It’s 9:00 pm now, it ends at 9:00 pm tomorrow so I think my math is just about right. haha) So if you’re wondering what’s going on there, here’s a photo dump of what I experienced this afternoon:
#HyperBloggers
Their pre-loved items are sold for as long as P50.00! I got myself an origami skirt from Gillian for P100.00- it was totally worth it!
For those who are wondering, I am not selling my pre-loved clothes HOWEVER, I do have something big coming up next month so heads up on that 😉
#HyperVendors
Go Rage @goragesocks
The Graphic Tee Shop
Island Souveneirs
#HyperFoodie
M/K
Grub Street
Azul (Tuslob Buwa)
Everything Bacon
FaiRy’s Foodboth
#HyperFun!!
Now for my #HyperOOTD
Cellphone pouch used as a bag from Digi Babe
Clothes from Citi Wear
Here are a few of my tips when dressing up for a Rave party/ Bazaar/ Outdoor event:
– Be prepared to sweat. It is an outdoor event after all.
– Keep your valuables close & Pack light. I chose to carry around my cellphone pouch/bag and just keep my money in it so I didn’t have to carry a heavy bag while trying out clothes and looking at the stalls.
– Be comfortable. You will be walking around for hours plus the occasional pit stops when you run into friends so it’s a good idea to prioritize your comfort if you don’t wanna end up going early.
– Come with a budget. Don’t ask how much I spent today. I didn’t come with a budget…
– Have lots of fun!
Summer’s almost over for most of us so let’s try to make the most out of it!
Thank you #HyperTeam for the opportunity for us bloggers to meet up with our readers and just have a good time!
‘Til the next!
xx,
Issa
GBG Mandaue or Google Business Groups Mandaue is a community, supported by Google, wherein business owners can come together and learn how to utilize the internet, specifically Google tools, to make their businesses grow. Within this community, many experienced businessmen and internet rock stars share their tips and stories on how they made their presence online and how you can do the same for your very own businesses!
Having said all this, it truly is an honor to be a part of this group, not only as a member but as one of the five co-community managers. Together with Bjorn Bernales, Clifford Enoc and Mark Jamelo- we make up GBG Mandaue and we all work closely together to ensure that we can share sufficient knowledge to those who want to expand their businesses online.
Last May 10, 2014 (Saturday) at the Lakwatsa Restobar, GBG Mandaue held it’s first biggest event- GDays Mandaue wherein 200+ business owners got together for a day packed with fun, prizes and lots of learning!
Together with our sponsors, volunteers and guests, GDays Mandaue was a success and we’ve received nothing but heaps of love from all the participants!
Even thought our key note speaker was unable to make it (due to health reasons), the show still went on and we all had a wonderful time!
Here are some of the photos:
Here I am hosting the event. I got a fever in the middle of the show but the show must go on! 😀
With my mom posing in front of our tarpaulin for Citi Wear, our family business
On stage with Bree Esplanada, Cebuano fashion designer
Clarissa Briones- Bernal of Pinoy Great Deals also talking about online marketing
Jr D. Padiila giving his marketing spiel
With the designers of the Fashion Institute of the Philippines and Aileema27
Our sponsors
Credits to: Sheanne Photography
Wilson Ng talking about innovation
Fleire Castro being awesome!
With the CDR King
Check out some of our promotional materials/ videos used during the event:
GBG Mandaue article on yahoonews. I am NOT the owner of panay.directory.com -.-
For those who are interested in joining GBG future events, feel free to contact me at iamissaperez@gmail.com 🙂
Thank you soo much to everyone who made the event possible and I can’t wait to see you all again in August for GBG Women.
xx,
Issa
Issa Talks... Alot 