Bloggers Do It Better

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Blogging has been around for at least over a decade and like the sweater suggests, I do believe that there are some thing that bloggers are actually better at doing such as:
 
1. Disseminating information and sharing ideas to the world.
 
– Let’s be honest, whether it’s the latest gossip; world issues or just their innermost thoughts and ideas, bloggers are pretty good at getting the word around.//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js 2015_0708_00192300

 2. Making the real world look so boring.

– There’s a lot that goes on behind the cameras when it comes to blogging (not matter what genre it is)- like in this shoot, behind this camera is a pig sty but a bloggers gotta do what a bloggers gotta do. Plus, angles. Don’t worry, I cleaned up afterwards.

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 3. Taking awesome photos or at least, conceptualizing them.

-Two words: Flat lay

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4. Excellent time management skills

– A job, a sideline business to support our camera/ clothes/ dining needs, events and still managing to consistently blog while managing to keep a personal life with friends and family? Piece of cake!

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  5. Putting ourselves out there and being thick skinned

– We get ridiculed and teased a lot but it’s all good. We’re proud of our craft and we don’t need any one else’s approval.

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6. Self learning internet skills

I’m pretty sure I’m not the only blogger who’s self taught myself how to use and actually understand certain html and css codes. It’s cheaper than having to pay someone to do it and there is absolutely nothing can come in the way of our ideal layout dreams!

And more!

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Sweater: Mango| Yoga shorts: Aeropostale| Knee length socks: Darlington

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//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.jsSo yes, bloggers do do it better and for the record and in defense of my Instagram account – I really do hate hashtags but we all have to do it! :))

Currently reading: Stupid is Forever/ Dark Spaces

xx,

Issa//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js

Hair Loss and Weight Gain

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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

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

As for the weight gain… You win.

xx,

Issa

Sugar, Spice and Everything Nice

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Sugar and spice

and everything nice

that’s what little girls are made of

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Sunshine and rainbows

and ribbons for hair bows

that’s what little girls are made of

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Tea parties, laces

and baby doll faces

that’s what little girls are made of

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But I was made of dynamite and sprinkles,

and dresses that would twinkle.

That’s what I am made of.

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Leather and fur,

People saying “Look of for her!”

That’s what I am made of.

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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

Behind On Fashion

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 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!

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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

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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!

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Iya Villania shopping with beauty bloggers

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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:

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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]

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

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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]

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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:

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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…

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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

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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

 

Smarty Pants

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One thing that every person needs in their closets are a good pair of pants. Unfortunately, that is something that I have deprived myself of for a very loooong time but, not anymore now that I’ve scored these awesome jeans from Guess

I never realized how much you could do with a decent pair of pants- you can wear them to work; to a chill night out with friends or in this case; you can pair it with an awesome high-low polo, throw on your trusty hat and voila! you’re ready to turn heads wherever it is you’re headed.

I got over my fear of trousers because I made the effort to try something new and I don’t regret it one bit. It’s a funny thing to be scared of, pants, but now that I’m over my little fear I find myself being a lot more confident and adventurous with other trends I never would’ve tried out! Remember, there’s nothing wrong with experimenting with different styles;  patterns and looks for as long as you stay true to what makes you comfortable and unique. Fashion is your friend and when you feel like you need a little bit more inspiration, that’s what this blog (and every other blog out there) is for.

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Floppy hat: Topshop| Polo shirt: Planet Exchange| Pants: Guess Jeans| Sandals: Carcar

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Necklace: Moms [whom I miss :(]

xx,

Issa

Stay Pretty. Be Educated. Dress Well. Get Money.

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Although I no longer work at an office that requires a dress code, I still enjoy dressing up for the occasional meetings with clients-  cue, pretty dresses; blazers or work pants over a cute blazer.

Today I’m wearing this cute box dress from Let’s Stylize that allows me to be fun, professional and young. I think that’s what’s really important when dressing appropriately while in our youth- you have to dress your age while still injecting some kick ass-ness in your looks.

Check out Let’s Stylize for more of their new looks!

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

White Dresses, Pale Lips… Until Alex Saw Me.

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Life is always better with a pop of color, or in my case- lots of it, which explains why I cannot maintain a color schemed Instagram feed. Yep, I’m still pretty bummed out about that! HAHA. But in this case, I tried to mellow it out a bit by sporting an all white ensemble with neutral colors and little make up. Of course, I just had to ask my best friend to take my outfit shots and she would not let me leave until I put lipstick on. (Continue reading to fully understand what I’m talking about…)

On regular days, I’m always opting for clothes that are easy to wear and require very little maintenance. I only pull out the big guns when I have extra time on my hands or if I’m headed to an event. Cebu is a very laid back city so I try not to be as loud as possible when it comes to dressing up-  just stylish enough to catch people’s attention but not make them question what I’m doing with my life. hahaha

On this particular day, I chose to wear this white neoprene dress matched with my favorite white heels. Neoprene, although it can get a bit warm, is a great material not only for bikinis but for apparel, as well. It’s great for keeping the structure of fabrics especially is you want something boxier or with more of a silhouette.

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Now for the fun part!

I’m not a big fan of lipstick because I have extremely dry lips and I like to peel my skin off for fun so putting lipstick on just dries it out. Fortunately, my best friend sells amazing make up at the Dara Beauty Market and she’s always hooking me up with awesome products to help address my beauty needs. You can check out most of the products I use here

I just started using the Peri’s Tint Marker and  it’s easily become a favorite of mine. It’s easy to use, it sticks and it doesn’t dry out my lips convincing me that lip tint is the way to go for chappy girls like me.

Make sure to check out Dara Beauty Market for more make up!

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Neoprene dress & necklace: @Voidonlineshop| Sandals: Zalora| Bag: Dooney & Bourke

xx,

Issa