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

Throw Your Imperfections Into A Sea of Diamonds, My Love

Posted on September 9, 2014 by issaplease

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

Frame Game (feat. Warby Parker)

Posted on September 3, 2014 by issaplease

There is an age old belief that eye glasses are anything BUT fashionable and that contact lens are the way to go when you don’t which which way you’re going (literally speaking, of course). But I’ve always kept a strong frame game on because I think that with the right pair, you can add soo much character to any outfit!

Warby Parker believes in the same thing. With their Fall collection recently released, it is specifically aimed for those who own their style, exercise their wit, and add life to the party! That’s something I can definitely relate to 😉

With 9 new frame shapes added to the collection, anyone will be bound to fall in love with the perfect frames perfect for you. I’ve been through the collection and I’ve already chosen a handful for myself!

For the bold, they’ve created three clever styles in crystal. For the polished professionals, they’ve updated three hardworking acetate frames with titanium temples. And for the folks who really mean business,a handful of angular silhouettes will be just right.

Here are my personal picks:

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Really gravitating towards the square and “animal” printed frames since it’s a great mix of sexiness and sophistication that any woman in her early 20’s should aim for. What are your choices?

Fall 2014 is available September 3 online at http://www.warbyparker.com/fall-2014 and in stores and showrooms; frames starting at $95

Visit the website here

Find out how every pair bought from Warby Parker can help someone see the world a little bit better here

Happy shopping!

xx,

Issa

A Little Piece of Me & A Little Piece of Sky

Posted on September 3, 2014 by issaplease

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

Jing Pascual x Jade Caballo

xx,

Issa

To Wherever The Sea May Take Me

Posted on August 15, 2014 by issaplease

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

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Tag Archives: fashion

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

Throw Your Imperfections Into A Sea of Diamonds, My Love

Frame Game (feat. Warby Parker)

A Little Piece of Me & A Little Piece of Sky

To Wherever The Sea May Take Me