Styling Cropped Off Shoulders

Happy Monday to my favorite people on the planet!

I am yet again wearing pieces from my most recent department store haul, hoping to prove that you don’t need to wear expensive clothes to look good and hoping that I get my message across to all of you! :p

I am currently getting ready to meet a few of you guys for a sit down coffee session with a few giveaway winners and I am so siked about it and at the same time, I won’t lie, I’m still feeling pretty gassy from last week. Probably wasn’t a good idea to go out in a crop top, eh?

Fashion-wise (in case you’re actually here for that), when sporting anything stomach bearing especially when my body isn’t particularly ready for it, I opt for high waist anythings to hide the bulge. It doesn’t make it disappear completely but it’s a pretty useful attempt to spare my dignity. Hope this look inspires you!

Choker: Forever21| Top & Pants: Gaisano Grand

Any looks you guys want me to try out?

Issa P.

TUF Barbershop Now Has 4 Branches in Cebu!

TUF Barbershop is every Cebuano man’s go to place when it comes to quality hair cuts & grooming. I’ve kept an eye on them over the years, as I’ve questioned every one of guy friend’s haircuts, to find out each time that they’ve entrusted their precious manes to The Urban Fade.

At TUF, each customer is offered 4 of their signature haircuts namely, The Gent Cut, Bastard Cut, Hooligan Cut and the Bugsy Cut but of course, if you come in with a style you already want, the barbers will try to achieve for you. They also offer hair art at different price points, depending on the design.

TUF understands how crucial a mans hairstyle is and therefore, only the best of the best are able to handle their loyal customers. Each barber undergoes training sessions and is prepped to understand that TUF isn’t only just a barbershop but it’s also a community. I guess that’s why every single guy in Cebu is gaga over this place.


TUF’s Signature Cuts

I brought my little brother, Miguel, in for a quick session over at TUF’s latest opened branch in Talamban. This was his hair before…

 

And this was his hair after!

It’s needless to say but Miguel was obviously delighted with the Gents Cut that he was given. He was also geared with some pomade to keep his hair in place and he was well on his way.


Pomade selection

TUF Barbershop recently opened their 4th branch in the city and that is just the beginning for them! In the coming months, they will also be adding more signature cuts, services and promotions for everyone to enjoy.

Visit the closest TUF branch to you:
Escario
Ayala
Talamban
Mabolo

Follow them on their Facebook page and Instagram account for more details and promotions!

xx,

Issa P.

Styling A One Piece As Outerwear

Honestly, this isn’t my favorite trend. I thought I would like it but apparently, I am extremely uncomfortable about showing my tata’s, no matter how little, to the world. So will I wear this one piece again? Probably not. The bottom wasn’t to snug either anyways. Well you win some, you lose some. But let these photos show to the world that you CAN wear a bathing suit as outerwear, depending on the occasion, of course.

Sometimes I question my question my fashion choices.

xx,

Issa P.

White On White ft. Zalora

There’s something magical about a pristine white dress. There are no words for that exact moment when you walk in, heads turn and it dawns upon how powerful a piece of fabric can actually be.

Lots of women have that one dress that “makes” them like J.Lo’s Versace dress; Lady Gaga’s meat ensemble, Audrey Hephburn’s timeless Breakfast at Tiffany’s look and the list goes on and on. Truthfully, if anyone’s going to remember me in anything, I honestly wouldn’t mind if it was this one. Sure, it’s not a wedding dress or anything, but it I might as well marry it!

I like to say that, “it’s the person that makes the outfit” but sometimes, it’s also the other way around and this dress has by far got to be my best pick-me-up-dress that I like to keep hidden for extra special days. Despite the off-shoulder trend being a big hit in the markets lately, I do not fear the day that this dress becomes a fashion faux pas especially because unlike other renditions of the shoulder baring look, this dress is timeless. It doesn’t hurt that it cost me less than a thousand pesos either.


Dress: Zalora| Watch: Michael Kors| Shades: Rayban| Heels: H&M

xx,

Issa P.

[VLOG] Surviving Manila Traffic

Currently in Manila and on our way to ABS CBN’s multi- channel network Chicken, Pork, Adobo’s Christmas party. Yes, I am a kapamilya. *insert fireworks*

In lieu of this, we’ve been sent over here for a week to get to know one another, learn a few tips and tricks of the trade and of course, to have a really good December! So here’s to new adventures!

Enjoy this vlog of our first day here in Manila in all its glorious TRAFFIC.

I die,

Issa P.

Beauty MNL

Finally, there’s a beauty destination for us busy girls who love make up but don’t necessarily have the time to go out and shop! If you’re looking for make up that you want delivered straight to your doorstep with a comprehensive online site that allows you to scroll and shop with ease, BeautyMNL is your best friend. They not only offer various make up and make up brands, but they also cater carry skin, hair and nail care products plus other accessories like make up bags/ boxes, technology and even jewelry.

It’s extremely easy to get lots in tabs when scrolling through BeautyMNL as they offer a bunch of great brands that cannot be easily found in retail stores. I found my immersed in their products, having extreme difficulty having to narrow down my make up choices. But luckily, I was able to make up my mind and it’s safe to say, I am extremely satisfied with my purchases.

Check them out:

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Oval Brush for Foundation – I’m an oval brush newbie and I really am enjoying it so far. It allows me to apply make up with ease and it’s also extremely fun to rub on my face.

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Taiwan Handmade Eyelash Box Set (#218) – Make up artists have been raving about these lashes and I’ve tried using them on a couple occasions for photo shoots and appearances. I figured it was about time for me to invest in my own set of lashes since I tend to do my own make up anyways. Definitely a bargain buy!

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City Chic Lip Liner in Tawny – This is actually my first lip liner ever mostly because I don’t normally use lipstick, gloss and what more liner but since I got it, I’ve been using it nonstop. The coverage it great, it’s not too drying on my lips and I absolutely love the color plus, this product is extremely affordable!

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Super Shape Ultra HD Eyebrow Pencil – Currently mixing this product with a few other eyebrow favorites and it definitely helps me outline and fill in sparse patches on my brows. I would recommend this product to beginners and those who are always in a rush!

Great news, ladies! If you like taking selfies, make sure to join the #selfieMNL contest! Get a chance to win a Printster polaroid of your pretty face and a PHP200 BeautyMNL GC when you join.

Click here for the complete details.

Stay Gorgeous,

Issa P.

Getting Over My Slump

[Dress worn as top: H&M| Shorts: Tailor made| Flats: Tiny Ensembles| Bag: Nine West]

If I have periodic absences with my blog postings, it is not because I do not have anything to write about, it is simply because I do not want to. When I don’t post a selfie or my outfit of the day, it’s not because I don’t have anything to wear- I just do not want to have my photo taken. When I refuse to take my camera out and take product shots or film a vlog, it isn’t because I have run dry of ideas, I simply cannot find the willpower to do so. My personal notebook is filled to the brim with backlogs, content ideas and drafts which you will eventually see online, someday, but sometimes I find myself in a slump.

Slumps are difficult things especially in a world that requires us to be consistent, relevant & present. I find myself faced with this challenge more often than I would want but I am trying and finding out ways to conquer it. So here are a few ways that I get over my “slump” which I hope will be beneficial to you as well:

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1. Set goals

I always believe that goals should be SMART-  specific, measurable, achievable, realistic, and time-bounded. I like to carry a notebook with me where I have written down my short and long term goals which I often take the time to look at, internalize, tick off and create new goals with. I find that these goals keep me inspired, excited and thirsty for life and at the same time, being able to achieve them gives me a sense of fulfillment. However, I constantly have to remind myself that some goals take longer than others to achieve which is why it is important to always count your blessings. Every single one.

Try setting daily, weekly, quarterly, yearly and life time goals but also remember that if you can’t achieve some of them, there are other mountains for you to conquer. Life has its reasons for not granting us everything we want… we’ll realize why in the right time. Hopefully.

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2. Set a routine

Nothing great happens simply sitting down, wishing and waiting for something to happen. I find that practicing a routine is effective in jump starting my day and in conditioning my brain to get things done. Try waking up at a specific time, stretching/ reflecting/ getting ready in the morning and accomplishing your daily set goals. If you can’t get everything done in one day, don’t beat yourself up about, tomorrow will come and you’ll have another chance at it. We don’t always win.

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3. Be contented with what you have

Contentment, I believe, is a crucial factor in staying motivated. I admit that sometimes I get impatient and anxious that I’m “not quite where I want to be at 25” but when I sit down to count my blessings, I come to realize that I am blessed beyond belief and that makes me OK. On my personal blog, I am trying to make it a practice to list down the things I am thankful for at the end of each day. I’ve only started writing it, but even just collating thoughts can be extremely helpful.

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4. Be ready for adversities

What would life be without a little trouble, eh? Arm yourself, toughen up and face challenges like a boss- storms will pass and the water will become clear again, it’s all about how you swim with or against it.

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5. Have a good support system

I used to think that I could do everything on my own and that if it was my own struggle, I had no right sharing it with others but it was when I was going what felt like the hardest time of my life that I realized how wrong I truly was and I regret doing it later than sooner. Friends, family and loved ones weren’t given to us just for the good times, they’re there for us even when we are at our worst and that is something that no one should take fore granted. Surround yourself with people who love you, motivate you and see the dreams and the good in your heart- they will bring out the best in you and possibly the fire you didn’t know you still had in you. Life can be pretty amazing, especially when you least expect it.

 

Whether you’re just being lazy, going through a quarter/ mid-life crisis or for whatever reason you have, do know that you’re not alone in this world. We all have those days and no one can judge you for that but your struggles can and will be conquered if you allow it to.

So keep on keeping on. You are loved!

xx,

Issa Perez

Lucky 8: Eat All You Can for P888.00 @ UNO, Waterfront Cebu

CAFE UNO, which is located at the ground floor of Waterfront Cebu, is and has always been one of the premiere dining destinations when it comes to class and quality food and service. Although Cafe Uno has been around for quite some time, having garnered the loyalty of avid foodies, there is still a common perception that hotel food can be a bit pricey. And I can’t lie, there might be some truth in that, but I believe that some things in life are worth spending for and that you always get your money’s worth especially from a prestigious hotel chain.

But now, at P888.00, food lovers can finally enjoy their famous buffet without having to worry about breaking bank. At this reasonable price, you can now take advantage of their buffet that highlights the best food all around the world like sashimi from Japan, lechon from the Philippines, laksa from Singapore, pasta from Italy and many more!

For those who are thinking that their food selection might not be as huge as compared to the common trend of buffet chains lately, you can expect that each dish at Cafe Uno is always up to par. Quality over quantity is what I always say 🙂

Here are a few photos from my recent trip there:

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Salad bar with fresh vegetables, cold cuts and cheese- the perfect appetizers

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Japanese station with tuna sashimi and different maki rolls

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The Filipino station with all our homegrown favorites

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The Chinese and Singaporean section where you can create your own soup dish

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Pasta section

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Dessert

DSCF2314Drink all you can beer

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For more updates and promos, follow Watefront Cebu on Facebook

This post made me hungry,

Issa Perez

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[VLOG] September Favorites

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lPuvliy-KjY

My monthly favorite vlogs are finally back after 4 long months. Sorry, friends!

But anyways, help yourselves to the things that have kept me sane while I was gone.

Love you all,

Issa Perez