It’s Really Hot & I Don’t Care

It’s been freakishly, unbelievably HOT lately. I honestly cannot stand the heat. It’s soo f*uickvng! insaaane!! And okaaaay, I know it’s summer and I know it’s supposed to be hot but seriously, it’s just.so.damn.hot! -.- #iamsad

If there’s an upside to this weather, it’s that I can wear as little clothes as I please (or that I can get away with, at least). And since we do own a business that mostly manufactures t-shirts and other apparel, I figured that this summer I’d take advantage of it and have as many over sized and cropped tops as I want. So if I’m tagging #citiwear on my blog, thaaaat’s meeee!!

For this outfit I simply wore an over sized shirt that I was too lazy to have tailored once I got it. Initially I wanted a long fitted shirt but then I realized that this is grey and I must avoid sweat stains at all costs so… I settled for this. 😀

I have sweaty pitts sometimes. Yes, that is indeed a fact.

To jazz the whole look up, I paired it with a Golden State Warriors cap because REPRESENT, that’s why! I also wore a gold chain necklace just because it added a bit of character to my look and lastly, I paired it off with my favorite heels, added some dark lipstick and well… this is how I looked.

I also wore this to an event a last week and I added a blazer to make it more “appropriate”. 😉

Here are some of my tips when finding the right t-shirt for you:

1. If you’re looking for a fitting tee, keep in mind that ladies sizes come in curves and the sleeves are a bit shorter in length as compared to the mens’ sizes. This allows the shirt to hug your body better and show your curves.

2. The shoulder line of a shirt plays a big factor in determining if a shirt will look too big or too small on you. Make sure that it falls right above or shoulder joint (?!) and that it’s not draping your upper arm hence, like my shirt is. #sorrynotsorry

3. There are a million different types of material you can make a shirt with and they all have their pros, cons and functions. Learn them (or maybe I’ll share on another post. Lemme know!) and find out which one works the most for you.

… That’s all, for now 🙂

 Stay cool (not like this weather!)

xx,

Issa

Electric

Happy Easter, Everyone! I hope you are all out somewhere enjoying Sunday lunch and egg hunting with your families or out with friends soaking up the sun or… reading this blog. (Thanks for being here, by the way!)

I wish the holidays wouldn’t come to an end cuz I am definitely having too much fun doing nothing except sit in front of the computer, work out, take long drives and eat all while spending time with the people who mean the most to me.

And for many like me who don’t want to go back to work or Monday, here’s a quick outfit that could easily trick your brain into thinking you’re still on Summer vacation while still maintaining the corporate/ semi- formal feel.

Long, flowing skirts always send out a “i’m-off-to-the-beach” feel and a “i-mean-business” vibe at the same time which is why it’s always my go to garment when attending events when I’m not soo sure of the dress code.

I wore this outfit to the Summer Polish Party held by Beauty and Butter last month and it made me feel like I was spot on with what’s trendy and sophisticated at the same time plus, I wore this to a client meeting right after and they seemed to like what I was wearing. Except I heard a couple of smirks from a couple receptionists that went something like “pffft… I used to have a body like that.” *eye roll* okaaaaay.

So a word of advice to all my wonderful readers: if in doubt, go for a long skirt! Take control of the liberty to dress it up by adding heavy jewelry and some dark make up or play it fun and laid back with a crop top or basic tee. The possibilities are endless for as long as you feel good about yourself and confidence will surely follow. 😉

Still the best manicure I’ve ever gotten!

Cross ring: Aizilym

 

Crop top: Forever 21

Skirt: Citi Wear

A big, bad shout out to Rabsin De la Cruz of www.finlust.blogspot.com for these wonderful photos!

I love you! You make me feel pretty ❤ hihi

Happy Easter, Everyone! Keep it holy!

xx,

Issa

My Summer Essentials [feat. Polyvore]

Summer Essentials
Got a little bored over the weekend and decided to have a little fun with polyvore. At first it was just supposed to be one set but I guess I got a little bit carried away and well, now I’ve made an entire blog around it.
Enjoy!
Bikinis
Bikinis
If you’re wondering about the lack of style and diversity in my choice of bikinis… it’s because it’s true.
I’m a bikini girl and never will I be the type to sport a one piece unless I’m training for a meet or a “thlon” of some type.
I am in love with triangle bikinis and only recently have I discovered the joys of a bandeau. Also, this year sporty is in so I’m looking forward to seeing more ladies in sports bra types of bikinis especially with fringe 😉
Cover ups
Cover ups
I’m basically in love with anything I can throw on after a quick dip especially one of good material that isn’t too heavy and takes forever to dry. Ladies, a shirt is not a cover up. I’m not saying this to make fun of you, I’m saying this so you don’t have to worry about putting something on and waiting forever for it to dry up.
Protection
Protection
Can I just be totally honest and say that I don’t use sun block? Sorry! But I know it’s important so that’s why I included it in here. The main idea was just to include a bunch of hats and shades and call it “protection” but I know it’s soo much more than that. Hey, I even threw in a picture of some lip balm to remind you to moisturize your lips! #itssomething
Bottoms
Bottoms
[see cover ups]
footwear
Footwear
Flip flops, striped wedges, boat shoes, JELLY SANDALS!!
So this post has sort of been in my draft folder for about two weeks and if I don’t post it now, I’ll never be able to do it! I kind of faded towards the end though since I don’t really have a lot to say about them, I just really liked the pretty clothes I saw. heee.
Show me your summer outfits and summer sets on my facebook page!
xx,
Issa

 

Tropic Thunder ϟ

I’m really glad that summer is here and that it’s the season for cropped tops and short shorts. It’s freakishly every where in Cebu and if I couldn’t go to work in shorts and a shirt, I seriously think I would have dropped dead by now.

Work is definitely going to keep me preoccupied this summer so I doubt I’m going to have any legit escapades this year. I’m really bummed because Paolo and I won’t be able to make it to our annual Bohol trip for our friends birthday and I could definitely use the beach!

But if I’m not going to be able to make it to the beach, I might as well feel like I’m there anyways! I’m really happy that I was persistent on buying these shorts at Gaisano Carcar for P250.00 (I’m really a cheap skate like that, yeah?). It took me two weeks of convincing and weird dreams to actually get that and I’m actually really glad that I did.

Sometimes it can be a bit hard to buy (who am I kidding, that’s the fun part) and actually put multiple outfits together with pieces that are so big and bold because they’re soo memorable but hopefully, I’ll be able to use these shorts more than once. We’ll see. You’ll see. #waitforit haha

As for my top, would you believe that I had it made in 20 minutes?? Yes friends.,I am finally taking advantage of the family business and using it to my own selfish advantages. hehe. It’s a very repetitive yet simple process. I take a bath, pick out what I want to wear, realize that I don’t actually have that piece of clothing, run to our production area, ask our head sewer to whip it up for me (she knows my measurements) and in a few minutes I’m out the door! But actually, before that our sewers make me walk around and show them what I’m wearing. They get a kick out of me actually dressed up and not in house clothes. Go figure.

AND LOOK WHO TOOK MY PICTURES!!

It’s the babeforfood! 🙂

I had a really rough day at work and decided that I was done. Thank the Gods in the heavens that Justinne was at home mixing so I decided to crash her place.

Here are some random photos of us fooling around:

 See you guys later at the Sprockets Cafe for the Create Your Own Brownie Cake! #cyobc I’m going to coerce Justinne into giving me that overnight stay and THEN, I’m going to win first place at Slogos night… because I can.

xx,

Issa Perez

p.s. Sorry for the sloppy writing. My head is so weird today.

A New Perspective

Aside from the new layout, a lot of things in my life has changed lately. I don’t know how many times I’ve mentioned this but in case you’ve been out of the loop of what seems to be my crazy life, I am currently running our family business. And this may sound like something wonderful in it’s own state but let me tell you, it’s… well, I’m still not sure. lol

As much as I love being able to manage my own time, I don’t necessarily start work at 8:00 and end at 6:00- I am almost always working. And that doesn’t even touch the surface of things! Since I’m in charge of everything except for finances, I need to do time tabling for our production, purchasing and meet with clients (which is often times the most tiring part of the job).

Aside from working with my family, I also had to “sort of” move back in. I say sort of because I sleep at my parents house on the weekdays and I go back to my place on the weekends. But since Paolo moved to the province and I try my best to spend weekends there, I sort of feel like I don’t really have a permanent address anymore.

I entitled this post A New Perspective  because my life has really changed in the last few months. I’ve been taking on bigger responsibilities, I got an assistant and I’m just really trying to be a big girl now and mark my territory on this tiny city I call home. I don’t think I see things the way I used to see them and since this is after all a fashion blog first and foremost- I guess I can say the same about clothes.

I’m pretty sure every girl in the world has done this at least once in her life!

One of the down sides about not having a permanent place to stay is that you have to plan your outfits ahead unless you can afford to travel from one place to another AND still have time to visit clients. So to address the problem, I’ve resorted to drawing because 1. I find it very relieving and 2. It helps me organize and picture out what I like. I also label them because well, I’m a very weird person and I don’t know why this still surprises you!

One thing I’ve learned from avoiding the commute from the South to the Metropolis is that you can never go wrong with a white polo shirt. Duh! It’s not uncommon and I’ve practically overused this rule but gosh, who am I kidding? I’m a white polo girl foreverrr. There’s just something about a crisp white polo that fixes everything and instantly screams, “I mean business! TAKE ME SERIOUSLY!” which is usually what I’m trying to portray when my clients think it’s funny that a 12 year old is handling a family business. #thatshitseriouslygetsold

So whether you’re 12, 20 or 60- never be ashamed to whip out that bad boy! With the help of the right accessories, it’s easy to achieve the look you want. I decided to wear my bib necklace that I got as a birthday gift from Justinne because I thought they went along great with the new loafers I scored when I went to the province. I’m always such a sucker for cheap finds and I kid you not, I will over use them!

Loafers from Car car @ P240.00
Scratch on my left foot from falling into a canal playing with my dogs @ Priceless

Shades: Forever21

Necklace: Terranova @thebabeforfood

Polo shirt: Loalde

Belt: YRYS

Skater skirt: Thrifted

Bag: Hand me down

Have a good weekend!

xx,

Issa

The Heat Is On

I don’t know what side of the world you’re on right now but from where I’m from-  the sun is out and is unforgiving!

In my opinion, Summer is either the best or the worst time of the year because: (and let me run this by you real quick:)

IT’S THE BEST SEASON BECAUSE:
– It’s the perfect time to go to the beach

IT’S THE WORST SEASON OF THE YEAR BECAUSE:
– I no longer have summer vacations
– I like to dress in layers

But in total contradiction to what I just said ^^), I tried my best to welcome the blazing summer by dressing down (braless and everything. It just had to be done!)

I really love my Blind Clothing slip on dress (I’ve already worn it here) and I’m really glad that this is a complete contrast to my first version- this look definitely shows a more playful and youthful side of me. And, how lucky was I that it went along great with a DIY project my sister gave me? #perksofthebusiness

Although I won’t be able to enjoy a full pledge summer vacation, I’m still looking forward to quick beach trips with friends and family. I can’t wait to be more adventurous with my looks this summer especially because I plan to be posting a lot more often in the next months to come… so watch out for that! Hopefully, no more backlogs! HAHA.

ENJOY!

xx

What Would Taylor Wear?

I should probably post this before it becomes outdated.

Damn it, I’m always doing that- waiting too long to post ’til it becomes inappropriate.

Sorry!!

When I wore this outfit (months ago!!), Cebu was still going through its crazy, weird weather where it would be raining one moment and them BOOM! it would be raining sweat the next. And well, with weather like that, you really don’t know what to expect. So instead, you prepare.

Moments like these are when I try my best to cover myself enough if things go south, I can easily cover myself up with a cardigan or a scarf.

And how convenient was it that I had a striped top that matches my skater skirt? Coincidence? I think not. #outfitplanning

For anyone who came here to see something wonderful of some sort and ended up seeing this dreary post of an outfit, maybe I should apologize.

But if Taylor Swift can get away dressed in something so simple and yet still look fab, then so can I!

Taylor Swift's The Great Catsby Cat sweater

I’m seriously going to attempt this look!

xx,

Issa

 

You Are My Silver Lining

I asked God for the sun

but instead He gave me rain,

I asked God for a miracle

but then He gave me pain

I asked life for a river

but I have no place to soak my feet,

I took a risk and took a leap of fate

but I ended landing on the hard concrete

And in my strife I asked,

“God, are you even there??

If I got on my knees and cursed you,

Would you even care?”

I’ve stopped asking and I’ve stopped hoping

But if there’s one thing I wish you knew,

I got my rain, my miracle, my river

The moment I met you.

Gold Cardigan: Thrifted| Silver Skater Skirt: Cebu Fashion Diary (online find)| Bag: Bally (vintage)|  Watch: iWatchz| Oxfords: Artwork

Doing some elementary level rhyming because I badly miss Paolo.

What a shmuck.

How are things on your side of the world?

xx,

Issa

English Roses

There’s just something about the color black that is soo irresistible. And I know almost everyone’s fashion resolutions are to wear more color in their wardrobes but I’m just not in that place right now… Black is essential and so is having a formal black dress!

I don’t own a LBD (little black dress) mostly because I’d never really have anywhere to wear it. But when you’re 23 and attending client meetings on a weekly basis, the cut, the material and the style of this dress will do you wonders! I totally look young, fashionable but mostly professional, right? Right?

That days random read: The English Roses – Big Sister Blues by Madonna

Currently Reading: The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern

So you guys, I’ve realized that I’ve gotten really impersonal on my blog which really is a shame but I have a perfectly good reason (excuse) for it so, please hear me out! I’ve recently started working for our family business and you know what they say, there is nothing harder than having to work for your family. (Yes, I can attest to this) And in the 4 months that I’ve been working there, I’ve definitely learned a lot and not just in the business of apparel and accessories but also in the business of taking care  and marketing yourself.

The most part of my job (after paper works, work planning, etc.) involves having to meet clients which is where the “omg-omg-omg-what-do-I-wear-to-this-meeting” bipolar side of me comes out. But the best part about working with family is that they are always there to guide and advise you especially when it comes to my biggest concern: fashion. This may be a bit superficial to some of you but sorry folks sometimes looks do matter especially when wanting to make a good impression.

So here are my and my mother’s advice when dressing up to meet clients:

1. Be neat.

It’s all about presentation. We always want to present our best selves and I think, the best side we can show is our clean side. This is equivalent to well kept nails, combed hair (which I obviously do now) and washed; cleaned and pressed clothing.

2. Don’t be flashy.

Less is more, I keep hearing my mom say this. Less is more. Dressing down doesn’t necessarily mean not looking your best. Sometimes a simple necklace and a nice watch are all the accessories you need. And of course, a big smile that says “I’d be glad to work with you” and not “I can’t wait to take your money.” I’m not funny, I know.

3. You can mix comfort, style and professionalism.

Contrary to popular belief, you don’t need to suffer to look good. If there’s anything I’ve learned, clients are totally fine when you show up to meetings in flats instead of heels. That shit only happens in the movies… or if you’re absurdly rich.

4. Be classy.

Take off your extra earrings, don’t wear that loose crop top and DON’T wear your tye dyed studded shorts.

 You’re a grown up now. Nobody wants to work with a teenager who obviously doesn’t take herself seriously.

[Dress: Forever21| Heels: Parisian]

Sooo… what do you think about my new approach to blogging?

‘Til my next post!

xx,

Issa Perez

Oh, SNAP!

To bangs instead of sizzles and to making this year… LEGEN (wait for it…) DARY!

Welcome 2014 and welcome back to issaplease! ❤

Hooray for awesome posts to start of my blogging year! I hope everyone is ready for an amazing year cuz I am! 2013 was definitely a year of triumph and defeat but there is always beauty in madness, right? (or something like that *eye roll*)

If there’s anything I’m happiest about for the year that passed, it was definitely being able to work with my favorite blogger and twin, The Kat’s Meow.

I really don’t consider myself as a model since 1. I am faaaaaar behind the height requirements to be one and 2. I always imagined myself as the “behind-the-scenes” type of girl instead of the one in the spotlight. But I easily said yes when Dawn asked me  to model for Snap Ltd Apparel’s Comeback Collection for 2 reasons, 1. I love Dawn and if she asked me to strip for her, I would and 2. How could I say no to a brand that replicates everything I loved about my childhood? I knew I had to do it!

Definitely no regrets there because the outcome was amazing! It’s only been about 3 weeks since the collection came out and I’ve probably already used 4 of our shots as my profile pictures. I am THAT obsessed!

Check out the video here

Snap Apparel Ltd.  clothing brand inspired by arcade machines, 8-bit consoles & electronic beats. The techno vibe and fresh urban culture.

Check out Snap Ltd on Facebook, Twitter  & Instagram

Check out their Comeback Collection here

Models: J-Carl Villacarlos & Jean Louise Perez
Photographers: Archell Vergara & Tats Balbuena
Styling: Kathrynn Dawn Sy
MUA: Ava Joanne Red Celocia
BTS: Ninz Sy

Venue: Goombah

Thanks, Buddy Ong (Chinese, NOT Japanese) for everything (photos, ebooks and the caps I might NEVER return. hehe)

I hope to work with you guys soon! More power!

2014, TO MORE AMAZING OPPORTUNITIES!

xx,

Issa Perez