(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

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

Be Gentle

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You never know how a photograph turns out. When Jing and I were shooting these set of photos, I initially went towards a laid back; easy breezy theme in my head and then BAM! I find myself looking like some risque bombshell waiting to jump on you or you to jump on me. (whichever works, really. HAHA) But you know, I’m not even mad. If anything, I’m impressed and also, completely dependent on Jing now. He really knows how to make a girl look good. :)))

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Life lately has been really hectic with work, meetings, blogging and trying to maintain a personal life with all my weird hobbies and interests. As of today, I am now a proud owner of my very own top of the line camera and I can not wait to turn this blog up another notch.

So tonight, I leave you with this:

Always follow your dreams, no matter how big or small they are. 

My dream was to write and make something out of myself in the world of fashion no matter how big or small and although I’m not quite there yet, I am still somewhere and that is definitely better than being nowhere. When you’re doing the things you love, there is no place for hatred; jealousy or resentment but only contentment and gratitude. It is easier to be happy for others and to share your happiness, as well. So there.

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Crotchet top: Given| Camisole: Forever 21 Basics| Shorts: Abercrombie & Fitch

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Sandals: Car Car

Photography: Jing Pascual

xx,

Issa

Perfect Summers with Coke

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I’ve finally found the secret to having the perfect summer: good friends, the perfect beach weather and a bottle of Coca Cola- chilled to perfection!

 With the Coca Cola tumbler, it’s easy to get that #sarapngfirst feeling with every gulp of your favorite year round refreshment!

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And although I’m not at the beach in this shoot, I still feel more than refreshed from the summer’s heat. I’m trying to rock the biker chic/ i-just-want-to-spend-the-whole-day-blogging-in-a-tiny-nook look.. what do you think?

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Headband: Forever21| Necklace: Void online shop| Top: Planet Exchange| Bermuda shorts: DIY| Boots: SnH Shoes (SM Department Store)

Perfect summer; #perfectcoke. I couldn’t ask for more!

xx,

Issa

Threadcycle, OLX, iLearners and Things That Need A New Home

Pixie Dust Creations, in partnership with OLX, are throwing an awesome event this weekend and the best part- it’s all for a good cause!

This May 16- 17, 2015 (Saturday- Sunday) from 3 PM – 8 PM at the Ayala Terraces, I, along with my other Cebu based fashion bloggers such as: Jean Yu of www.lifeonaflavoredrunway.com; Toni Pino- Oca of www.perfumedredshoes.com; Doyzkie Buenaviaje of www.iluvcebu.com; Kristine Roa of www.theglamarazzi.com; Marco of www.lamikaayo.com and many more, will be there to sell our pre-loved items. For each item sold, P20.00 will be donated to the iLeaners Inc., which is a non-profit organization, aimed at promotion reading efficiency in the rural areas of Cebu.

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We’re really looking forward to seeing you during this event! If you’re not into shopping, then you can also drop by the area and donate used school supplies to help out iLearners wonderful cause.

Here are a few of the items that I will be putting up for sale:

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PLUS! For a minimum purchase, you can also bring home art work made by either Jean, Toni or I. For sneak peaks, check out my instagram and snapchat: @issaplease. I’m always leaving like easter egg surprises there!

Can’t wait to see you all!

xx,

Issa

Pancake House Forever! feat. Peanut Buttercup Pancakes

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Pancake house is now offering a delightful new dish, for a limited time only, that definitely has our seal of approval! [See picture below for my agreeing face]

The new Peanut Buttercup Pancakes have now arrived in Cebu and are sure to make you reconsider everything you thought you ever new about pancakes. Whether eaten with bananas [P20.00], 2 pieces [P214.00] or even 3 pieces [P318.00], there is no way to eat this dish and not fall head over heels in love with it! Their not-so-secret uptake to this classic dish is an all time favorite, Reese’s butter cups, which are popularly known for their peanut butter-like taste with a chocolate addition. Pancakes and peanut butter chocolate cups, who would’ve thought?

But don’t take my word for it, a dish like this is better tasted. Head on down to the nearest Pancake House and sample this dish before it’s too late! If you’re not a pancake person, their main course meals are just as delightful… I love their tacos!

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Pancake House is located at Ayala Center Center (near the Active Zone), Oakridge Mandaue and Banilad Town Center.

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Outfit shots to follow!

xx,

Issa

Planet Exchange: A New World of Shopping

DSC_0278There’s a well kept shopping secret here in Cebu that is finally getting the attention it deserves, Planet Exchange, a modern and chic shopping depot offers a shopping experience inside the mall that is out of this world. (I really wanted to say that. haha!)

Located at the 2nd floor of SM City Cebu, Planet Exchange offers a wide variety of shopping goods to choose from. Whether you’re hoping to splurge on premium items or shop on a budget, Planet Exchange caters to these needs without compromising quality and most importantly, good taste.

With quite a lot of concessionaires under their belt, you can expect to find whatever suits your fancy. If you’re looking for something fun and flirty, chill and casual, fancy and sophisticated or even something to lounge in at home or on the beach, you can expect that Planet Exchange has it!

My recent visit to this amazing shopping haven did not disappoint. In fact, I left realizing how much stuff I really wanted after feeling that there was nothing interesting in the world of fashion anymore. Yes people, sometimes I have a shopping dry spell but Planet Exchange obviously revived that drought.

Check it out for yourself 🙂

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DSC_0236Affordable branded items for less than P800.00

DSC_0242Denim cut off and palazzo pants for the summer season

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Neoprene bikinis for as low as P900.00

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Rompers and flowy off shoulder tops 

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Here are also some individual pieces that caught my undivided attention (aka things I am definitely coming back for):

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This racer front crop top that would look great in skinny jeans

 

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A dainty graphic blouse perfect for church on Sundays or brunch with the family

 

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Rose details for the lazy/ too-busy-to-accessorize woman 😉

 

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Gartered and tattered jogger pants which are so in style right now

 

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Whether your shopping for yourself, your family or your friends, Planet Exchange is way worth the trip! Of course, if you’re someone like me who doesn’t always have the time to shop unless it’s online, Planet Exchange also offers an online shopping option on their Facebook page where you can also see their items. Now that’s what I call shopping at it’s finest!

Make sure to check them out at the 2nd floor of SM City Cebu or online via:

Facebook

Instagram 

Official website [coming soon!]

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Watch out for my Planet Exchange shopping haul and ootd photos coming soon. You can also follow me on snapchat [@issaplease] for random daily fashion shots! ❤

Thank you so much Karyll for the wonderful experience. I’ll see you soon than you expected :*

xx,

Issa

Daydreaming, Daydreaming All The Time

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I’ve got so many things on my mind lately and it’s been driving me a bit over the edge but seeing pretty photos like this give me the bit of ease that I need when I feel like I can’t quite get anything right.

I’ve been realizing a lot of things lately particularly when it comes to life and it’s pacing- sometimes life can move so slow to the point of wanting to die from boredom and when things suddenly switch to the fast lane, I find myself having a hard time catching up. I know this sounds a bit crazy and awkward to talk about on a fashion blog but I think we’ve all come to a certain level of understanding that this is not your normal fashion blog. But going back to the topic, that’s pretty much how life has been for me lately… a lot of high speed car chases/ Driving Miss Daisy’s and occasionally an ugly car crash every now and then.

I entitled this blog entry “Daydreaming” after my favorite teenage angst band Paramore, mostly because when I find myself in an ugly situation, I like to daydream and think about the life that I really want and then it becomes easier for me to plan how to get there. Lately my dreams have mostly been of me with my family, traveling and being complete again (they all ditched me to be in the States, if you’re wondering) and keeping a healthy relationship with my boyfriend. In between that, there are also lots of images of shoes; clothes and an awesome bikini body. haha.

What are your daydreams about?

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Bowler hat: H&M| Denim dress: Let’s Stylize| Sandals: Happy Heel

Photography by: Jing Pascual

Follow me on Instagram: @issaplease

xx,

Issa