Style Haven

Posted on November 10, 2014 by issaplease

also an establishment where you can buy “investment pieces”.

Fashion trends come and go but there are always a few staple, classic and timeless pieces that wouldn’t be so bad to splurge on- these are called investment pieces. Although the shopping scene at Parkmall is mostly known for its tiangge style, serious shoppers can now breathe a sigh of relief because now, there’s a place where you can now find pieces that will last you a lifetime!

I took a little trip there a couple of weeks ago and I was enthralled (oooh, big word Issa!) to find branded items such a BCBG, Little Monsters, Ralph Lauren and many more. Everything from their bags, shoes to garment pieces were uniquely hand picked by the owner, Maritoni Pereyra, herself from her recent travels to the States and certain parts of Asia.

Here are a few of my favorite items:

Style Haven, which is located at the second floor of the Parkmall keeps true to its name- not only is it a safe haven for women who are keen on style but it is

I really need this striped black and white dress in my life right now. I am dead serious.

Be sure to check them out at the 2nd floor of Parkmall, Cebu.

Open during mall hours.

Worth every single penny! ❤

xx,

Issa

Girl Stuff, Forever

Posted on November 6, 2014 by issaplease

Lately I’ve been consumed by the craft bug. Although I’ve always been into sketching, painting and the like, a whole new world of arts and crafts have taken complete control of my life and it is so much fun!

I’ve recently opened an online store, Looms By Issa where I can give all my loom babies a better home and lately I’ve been fairly addicted to doing nail art.

Here are a few of my most recent work:

I know I’m not the best at it but it’s really a learning process so I’ve used the past few week to learn and practice on myself and on my friends. It’s been really fun!

My personal favorite place to get all my manicure and manicure needs has been Girlstuff which is located at the Second Floor of Ayala Center, Cebu.

It’s a cute little stall which is filled with lots of beautifully colored manicure, brushes, tools and decals!

Girlstuff Nail Polish Bar is an affordable 5-free polish. 5 free meaning, free from 5 harmful chemicals that are usually found in nail polish such as: Toluene, Formaldehyde, DibutylPhtalate, Camphor and Formaldehdye-resins.

Aside from it being safer for our gorgeous fingers and toes, they are also safe for the little ones, as well.

Girlstuff nail polish is imported from France and comes in a wide collection of colors and styles such as: The Sophisticate Collection (gel type polish), Textured polishes, glitter, cream jelly and more!

They also have a lot of nail art instruments such as decals, stripping tape, stamps and more!

As a girl who loves having polish on her fingers, I am very impressed with the quality of this manicure for the price that it comes in.

From P100.00- P140.00, Girlstuff nail polish dries easily, doesn’t not have a very strong smell and the packaging it so cute! I have 9 nail polishes as of the moment and they all fit perfectly beside each other and don’t take up a lot of space either.

Congratulations again for opening in Cebu, Girlstuff!

Check them out at:

Paseo Ciudad, 2nd Level Ayala Center Cebu

Like them on Facebook

Follow them on Instagram: @girlstuffforever

xx,

Issa

Keeping It Casual

Posted on November 3, 2014 by issaplease

This outfit doesn’t particularly stand out but the colors are cool enough to grab enough attention and keep me the least bit stylish when I feel like having a “day off” from all the dressing up.

I’ve been a very lazy person lately- especially around the time before my birthday and so dressing up was particularly hard to do. To combat the laziness, I tried incorporating brighter colors and keeping it laid back with a neutral colored cardigan.

I’m not sure if it’s still ok to wear white denim skirts nowadays but I got it as a gift so I figured I’d use it anyways. It was perfect for creating a girly, sophisticated look and my Sanuk sneakers really brought my whole look together and made me feel like I was ready for a date at the park. (date jud! oha!)

To date, this has been the most comfortable outfit I’ve ever put together.

What’s yours?

xx,

Issa

Photos by: Jean

Hobo? Boho?

Posted on November 2, 2014 by issaplease

I’ve always been a huge fan of layering which is unfortunate because I live in such a humid city. Sometimes, I go against the weather and go full boho despite the weather because… I’ve just got to let that girl out, you know?

Because I knew I was going to spend the entire day at the mall, I decided to stick to light materials- as hot as this outfit looks, it’s actually really breezy and lightweight!

A lot of people are going to tell you that you need to dress a certain way or look at you differently when you step out of the norms- but if you feel good in what you’re wearing, that’s really the only thing that should matter.

I get teased a lot for being too “fashown” by people who I honestly could care less about. The more I’ve been getting into blogging, the more people think they are entitled to their own opinion about me… as if I knew them or they knew me.

I guess people will always want to have an opinion (even if it’s wrong and stupid) but it’s up to us to choose which ones are logical enough to be given our time of the day.

So chin up, young ones! Don’t let anyone or anything phase you.

Hat: Cotton On| Crop top: Forever 21| Skirt: Let’s Stylize

xx,

Issa

The Best Gifts Don’t Come In Packages

Posted on October 31, 2014 by issaplease

First of all, I want to say a big fat THANK YOU to everyone who greeted me on my birthday.

I tried my best to personally thank each and everyone of you but my internet has been bad lately so I might not have been able to deliver 100%.

Please know that I feel very blessed this year because of your thoughtfulness ❤

Being 23 was such a wonderful time in my life. I wish I could stay 23 forever (or at least look it) but, I haven’t really figured out how to do that just yet!

If you had to ask me, the best part about ending my 23rd year was getting to spend time with the College Editors Guild of the Philippines and sharing my knowledge about writing online and social media.

It was definitely “one for the books” and I’m really proud of myself for being asked to do it. lol. I’ve always enjoyed public speaking so every chance I get to do it, I grab it!

Thanks again!

xoxo,

Issa

I Chase Sunsets & Dreams. Not Boys & Their Petty Needs.

Posted on October 22, 2014 by issaplease

No intended aggression from this blog post. It rhymes and sounds cute so yey!

I tried to take these photos right before sunset because I completely forgot to take them any earlier and by the time I remembered, it was too late!

In case you didn’t know, I’ve worn these pants before here but I wanted to show you guys how I would wear it on a regular day- fully clothed and everything.

I never really had an exact way to describe how I dressed until today and it’s lazy and sloppy. Yep, not to under mind myself or anything but I love everything loose and fuss free which is probably why you’ll often catch me in maxi skirts and flowly crop tops.

But I understand that as much as I love to be lazy, I also have to consider my body type and what looks good on my body which is why I often pair loose pieces with tiny or fitting pieces.

I got this top at a local department store (*cough*cough*Gasiano Carcar) after eyeing it for a couple of weeks and I think it was the perfect addition to this Vanessa Hudgens phase I’ve been going through a lot lately because 1. it’s white, 2. crocheted, 3. cinched at the hem.

I can’t wait to wear it with denim cut offs or daisy duke shorts and boots because it totally makes sense, right?

xx,

Issa P.

Simply Issa

Posted on October 11, 2014 by issaplease

Happy Saturday!

A month or so ago, I was invited by a friend of mine, Ryan Orcullo of Ryan Orcullo photography to do a fun shoot with him and another photographer friend of ours, both whom I had met during one of my Google events.

We wanted to try a shoot we haven’t done before and since I’ve done street fashion countless of times, high fashion was the way to go!

This shoot was done downtown, Cebu where most of our historical landmarks are located. We had to shoot fairly early in the morning to avoid the 12 o clock sun and since this was done downtown, I got a lot of weird and curious glances which was a pretty funny and equally great experience!

Here are my favorite shots from the set:

At the Magellan’s Shrine

Shoots like this take a lot of diversity in posing and I’ll admit, so far, I’ve only mastered the “hair-in-my-hair/ aray-ang-sakit-ng-ulo-ko” poses which you’ve probably gotten a handful of already. lol

Posing with a long dress was also a bit tricky because I really had to work with my body and try to create as many silhouettes as possible so I did a lot of bending and twisting of my body to add a bit of a form.

And since you can’t see my legs, I had to play with my arms a lot which… totally explains why I had to overuse my “signature” pose. HAHAHA

I find it very important to find your comfort zone when shooting because then your poses become much more fluid and your smiles also come out so much more naturally. And when you feel like you’re getting a bit rusty, feel free to let loose and be a bit goofy so you get your momentum back.

I’m a fairly awkward person so I do this A LOT!

What do you think about this set? 🙂

Special thanks to:

Ryan Urcullo (photography)

Hans Perez (photography)

Julie Ann Sollano (make up)

Have a happy weekend, everyone!

xx,

Issa

Better Than This Weather feat. Sanuk, Cebu

Posted on October 9, 2014 by issaplease

It’s like I can never say it enough… Cebu’s weather is totally whack!

One minute I’m in a summery ensemble ready to hit an event and the next, I’m scurrying to find a cardigan to match! It’s like these rain clouds come out of nowhere so I’m always finding myself having to pack an extra layer of clothing just in case.

There really isn’t an “ideal” way to dress for this weather and I think we’re all aware of this since it’s the only thing us fashion bloggers can seem to talk about these days. But the problem is real… the solution however, may often be hazy.

And although my #OOTD may not look as prepared to combat any weather, at least I know my shoes are. These babies from Sanuk’s Spring/ Summer 2015 collection are perfect whether it’s raining or shining outside.

Sanuk, which name is directly derived from the Thai word meaning happy, is known to attract people who love hitting the outdoors. They are constructed from innovative technology to ensure maximum comfort and durability and they are super stylish as well.

They can easily take anyone from the beach, to the mall and straight to the mountains for quick hike which is perfect for the Cebuano lifestyle!

Floral crop top: SM Department store brand, Betty (gift from Chay Ramirez. Love you always, Chay!)| High waist shorts: Gaisano Car-car| Shoes: Sanuk| Shades: Forever21 (similar here)

For days like this when then the weather is off but I need some flower power to brighten the mood, I always pack a bright colored cardigan just in case it drizzles.

In addition to my cute and versatile shoes, keeping a cardi in my bag gives me the quick option to dress up or down as I please. It might add a little extra baggage but I like to carry big bags anyways so I don’t seem to mind.

Congratulations to Sanuk for opening their new store at the 2nd level, new wing of Ayala! Thanks for having us and of course, for my new favorite pair of shoes :*

With Doyzkie (www.iluvcebu.com), Toni (www.perfumedredshoes.com), Marco (www.lamikaayo.com) and Jean (www.jeancyu.com)

xx,

Issa

AzTec- AzToc

Posted on October 4, 2014 by issaplease

I’ve been investing a lot in matching sets lately mostly because it saves me a lot of time deciding what to wear and it’s great for making a statement when you don’t really have the time (or in my case, the willpower) to look dressed to kill.

Also, my Chinese side gets such a kick out of these purchases because it’s like I’m investing in two pieces rather than spending the same amount on just one piece. It’s such a budget saver!

Bag: Ecko Red

Crop top & Maxi skirt: Let’s Stylize

Rings: Forever 21

The material of this maxi skirt is a very soft kind of cotton which means, I had to very specific when choosing out my underwear. Luckily, Zalora has a wide selection of underwear to choose from and the seamless panty I bought did the trick!

You can find more of their collection here: http://www.zalora.com.ph/women/clothing/panty/

Wishing everyone a happy weekend!

xx,

Issa

Photo credits:

Jean Yu (www.jeancyu.com)

Passed On and Handed Down

Posted on September 17, 2014 by issaplease

Just a quick, real time post because work ended early and I’m honestly too tired to do anything else. I’m back to posing in front of our storage area’s frontage and I had to bribe my brother with my last chicken drumstick for him to take my pictures. But aside from that, everything is or will be ok. Or at least that’s what they say…

This blog entry is entitled “Passed On and Handed Down” because most of the items I’m wearing were either given to me as a gift or handed down to me.

I have no shame in admitting that a lot of my friends like to give me their used/ unused clothing because 1. I’m smaller than most of them so what they grow out of, I can grow into and 2. sometimes they are more of use to me than they are for them.

Plus, it saves me a great deal of money from shopping! I really cannot complain when it comes to being able to save. :p

Also, I have recently been asked to share 20 facts about myself on Instagram but I thought I’d share it on my blog instead. So here it goes:

1. I like to be alone more than I like to talk. But don’t worry, there’s still a lot of talking going on in my head.

2. I already wrote my top 20 things on IG but due to the character count, it wouldn’t upload my picture. So I had to do it again 😦

3. I absolutely love animals. I’ve owned an iguana, hamsters, guinea pigs, dogs, birds, fish, rats, etc. at one point of my life. I really want a pet goat and a pet pig though.

4. I like to be ironic. I named my dog Meow, a pillow Rocky and a rock fluffy.

5. I try as much as possible not to follow trends especially when it comes to catch phrases and manners of speaking. I’ve never used the line “pag may time” and I do not regret it.

6. I do not know what you mean by a basic bitch. (shout out to @faithdeguzman!!)

7. I did not participate in the transformation challenge because the only celebrity I could associate myself with was Pokwang.

8. As much as I use it on my blog and on facebook, I really REALLY hate hashtags.

9. If I could have any mental disorder, it would be multiple personality disorder.

10. This year will be my 10th year in blogging. I started under http://www.xanga.com/aa_bebe_phat_aa and I’ve transferred to http://www.issatalks.wordpress.com since Xanga shut down.

11. I am neither stupid nor smart. Sometimes my brain responds really well and then there are times when it’s all muck.

12. I despise people who deny being gay even if it’s the most obvious thing in the entire worldddd. I just feel like it’s an insult not only to themselves but to the people around them. Besides, gay people are great. I love them!

13. My “original” name is Jean Louise I. Chua. You’d know this if you met me in 2009.

14. I like to tell people that I changed my last name because I had a stalker so I had to move cities and change my last name. For some reason, people actually believe this.

15. One day, I’d like to have an assistant write down all the snarly stuff I say while going through my facebook feeds and turn it into a blog series. I’m sure a lot of people would enjoy that unless my comments are about you.

16. I do not have the will power to finish writing my book no matter how much I believe in it. I am afraid of the ending. Plus I have a ds, kindle, tab, Phoenix Wright, Star Wars. loom bands and a phone that basically takes up ALL my free time. Poor priorities.

17. I enjoy artsy things like drawing, painting, sewing, loomband-ing (?), poetry, writing. I’m not particularly good at any of this but it helps pass the time.

18. I really REALLY REAAAALLLLLYYY want a pot bellied pig and I have Miley Cyrus for getting one before I did. And I also really realllyyyy like bacon. It’s such a hard world.

19. You know how there are people who says the most random and inappropriate stuff? I’m THAT person.

20. I always thought that life would be a lot easier than it actually is and I’m at a weird stage of my life right now. I have heard that dreams should be kept dreams but dreams are the only things I’ve had. So what do I keep and what do I let go of? I’m trying to figure all of this out and yet somehow, my dreams just got a lot bigger. But we’ll see.

To find out who I’m tagging for this challenge, you can add me on Facebook.

xx,

Issa

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Tag Archives: cebu

Style Haven

Girl Stuff, Forever

Keeping It Casual

Hobo? Boho?

The Best Gifts Don’t Come In Packages

I Chase Sunsets & Dreams. Not Boys & Their Petty Needs.

Simply Issa

Better Than This Weather feat. Sanuk, Cebu

AzTec- AzToc

Passed On and Handed Down