Flawed But Still Flawless

Posted on March 15, 2015 by issaplease

Photos by Jean

Quick post of what I wore to the Flawless event I attended last week. I’m actually wearing my sisters’ prom dress because I’m trying to abstain from shopping for a year. I made it to a month now so I think I’m going to award myself by buying a nice pretty top that I’ve been eyeing for a while now. hahaha!

Lace is always a safe and elegant design when it comes to white themed parties but of course, the possibilities are simply endless.

Will blog again soon when my brain isn’t dead.

xx,

Issa

All I’ve Ever Been Was Candid feat. Jade Caballo Photography

Posted on March 9, 2015 by issaplease

Recently, my friends and I have been trying to figure out what kind of personalities we possess whether we’re controllers, feelers, entertainers, thinkers. Over the past few weeks, we’ve discussed the different sides of ourselves accompanied by many, many tests to determine which traits distinctly describe the type of people we are.

Paolo will tell you all that I am a feeler based on the many, many times I’ve cried over a run over cat or from losing at NBA 2k15. My friends will tell you that I’m an entertainer based on how I enjoy being the life of the party and love for pleasing people. While on the other hand, people I work and have worked with will tell you that I’m a complete controller and that if I could do everything on my own, I would.

We took the tests and all my results pointed towards the direction of me being a controller first, entertainer second, thinker third and SURPRISE! SURPRISE! a feeler last. Honestly, none of this really matters but I just thought it would be fun to talk about since I really enjoyed discovering that part of myself over the past two weeks.

But really why am I talking about this?

Waking up in the morning and choosing what to wear takes a lot personality. My controlling side will tell me to fix my hair; have my top altered or maybe even pre- plan an entire months worth of outfits, my thinking side will base my outfit decisions on the occasion or on the weather, my entertainer side will often consider an outfit’s audience impact while my feeler side (or perhaps, the lack of it) will just not give a fck about if I want to put make up or a decent outfit on or not. Having said this makes me believe more and more that no one can ever have just one distinct style.

Writing this blog, I feel like I really want to talk about one thing but I am finding myself talking about another because my thinker side is telling me that this might not be the right outlet for my emotions as of the moment.

So I will leave you all with this, be whoever you want to be whether it is someone who uses their heads too much (or hardly at all), someone who loves the company of others, someone who likes to take the lead or even someone who is compassionate even when others cannot see the need for your kindness.

And for the love of God, dress however you want to dress and don’t let trends dictate you!

Hope you’re loving this set and the silly sides of me that Jade Caballo has captured beautifully. I always love it when they let me be the goofball that I am and especially when they capture it in photos!

And if you haven’t yet, check out our first set of photos by Jing Pascual.

P.s. CONGRATULATIONS, JING! Wishing you a lifetime of happiness and many children to take lots of photos of. They are lucky kids!! ❤ I’m so happy for you and your beautiful mermaid wife (whom I wish to meet soon!) Lots of love!

xx,

Issa

Walls and Spaces feat. Jing Pascual Photography

Posted on March 2, 2015 by issaplease

Jing Pascual and Jade Caballo (who I will be featuring next) have always been my favorite resident photographers. From the time we shot in the graffiti plastered streets of Cebu to when when we captured A Little Piece of Sky, these two have turned from strangers into trusted friends and I am always game when they invite me out to fun shoots.

This time around, we decided to scour the understated streets of downtown Cebu, where we found an abandoned building with amazing pieces of art that would be the background of our next shoot.

The best thing I ever learned when it comes to dressing in humid temperatures is to dress light and since I am a bit darker than your typical Chinese woman, I’ve come to realize that wearing white makes a great contrast for my sun loving skin tone. (Morena’s forever!) So when you come to think about it, it’s really like hitting two birds with one stone!

I hope everyone enjoys these first set of photos as much you enjoy the thought of getting butt faced drunk over cheap vodka on the sea shore. Oh wait, maybe that’s just me. :>

Next set coming soon! ❤

Top: Department store| Shorts: Abercrombie| Sneakers: Adidas

Power to fly: Many years of practice and concentration

xx,

Issa P.

Nuts, Bolts, Screws, Locks, Lights

Posted on February 17, 2015 by issaplease

Quick shoot without any regard of my background, whatsoever. But I do appreciate how these small pieces add a little bit of texture to my background.

Thought I’d show everyone what I’m wearing to the office today since it’s simple, cute and fuss free. Perfect for anyone who’s looking for something quick and chic to wear with very little time to spare. That’s how I’ve been dressing lately.

Not to mention, I always make sure that my garments are light weight since the summer heat has already started to kick in.

I highly doubt that rompers will ever go out of style but just in case they do, I’m opting for solid, basic colors so I can easily revive them in my wardrobe when they are long gone from the fashion scene.

Also, choosing to mix navy blue and gold wasn’t a shabby choice either. It’s the perfect mixture of youthfulness, sophistication and professionalism- just the right mix of what I need today.

I’m definitely ready for an afternoon full of meetings and client visits. So… fun…

Hope your day is as productive as mine!

xx,

Issa

Dressing Up For The Not So Grown Up

Posted on February 3, 2015 by issaplease

Style My Bump! Just kidding, I’m not pregnant, my belly is just bigger than it usually is and I thought I’d call it out before any of you skinny b*tches did it first. (Channeling my inner Fat Amy) 😉

Peace and love to everyone in the world! tralalalalaaaaa

I have such a hard time dressing up especially when it’s for formal occasions and especially when it comes to work! My days working in Accenture were probably the worst fashion-wise, because I was still having a hard time deciphering whether I wanted to dress like a kid or an adult. Hence, a bunch of weird throwback photos of me in what I liked to believe was “office wear”.

But now, at the refined age of 2_, I’m slowly beginning to learn that you can mix style and youth with business! So here are a few tips of when trying to dress up without looking too grown up:

1: White out. White is always my go to color when I want to add a bit of formality and sophistication to my look. I usually prefer chiffon white tops because it also adds a light touch of daintiness while letting my clients know that I mean business but I’m still a woman so treat me like one!

2. Meet halfway. This is particularly meant for the length of skirts. I love a micro mini as much as the next girl but in business, you want to leave enough for the imagination and let your mouth do the talking for you (especially if you’re trying to close a good deal!). I prefer my skirts either full length or mid length either an inch above my knees or below it.

3. Bling ENOUGH. I for one am not a huge accessory girl which I find very convenient since sometimes when meeting clients, too much accessories can be such an eye sore. Stick to the essentials: a pair of earrings, a nice necklace (chunky is OK) and a watch. Leave your piles of bangles and necklaces for a night out with girls. We need you to look classy.

4. Comb Your Hair. Take my word for it (although I can never remember to comb mine!). Professionals should look kept so pull your look together not just through your clothes but with your overall look.

5. Be subtle with your color pops. It’s important that your look seems put together and well thought of without looking like you tried too hard. With color pops, it’s best to pick something that pops but isn’t too distracting for the eye. Also, please do not let your color pop be your color or underwear! In this look, I chose to wear these lemon colored boat shoes because they look classy but the colors is bright and youthful without being too much of an eye sore.

6. Have An Alternative. I’m a whopping 4’11” and I look absolutely horrible in denim jeans and flats. So unless you’re willing to lug yourself in jeans and heels the whole day then you might want to think of an alternative for that. Mine are black colored leggings (but please remember the leggings rule: it should cover your crotch!) or loose drawstring pants that kind of look like pajama’s. Fine, the second choice probably isn’t so efficient but it’s definitely better than the whole world noticing how short and chunky your legs are!

Take a shopping day off, even if you don’t intend to buy anything. Just try on a bunch of clothes so you get a better idea of what suits you or not. You’ll be so happy that you got to know your body more and it is always useful for future reference plus shopping is so much fun! 🙂

Top & Bottom: Local Department Store find| Shoes: People Footwear

xx,

Issa

Issatorial: How I Apply My Cat Eye

Posted on February 1, 2015 by issaplease

I’ve always wished that I had mesmerizing eyes that could entice anyone with just one look but unfortunately, all I’ve got are chinky bug eyes (even that even makes sense. I’m Chinese so good figure). Luckily, with the use of make up and many years of practice and precision, that sexy; tantalizing look can actually be achieved- making me look more like I’m 24 and not 12!

Many of you have made inquiries and complimented my eye liner technique over the past few years so I figured that it was about time to share my eyeliner routine with all of you even if it’s in the form of a bad quality video. #thiscanonlygetbetterfromhere

I hope you enjoy this video!<3

xx,
Issa

Purple Reign

Posted on January 28, 2015 by issaplease

Gone are the days when matching sets were for 8 year old’s and grade school teachers. Now these terno pieces can be worn anywhere from the office, to the mall and even on night outs with friends.

It’s an easy way to look chic, comfortable and fierce especially if you never have the time to do that anymore! *cough, cough*

I’ve been on the terno bandwagon for quite some time now sporting all types of matching sets and pairing them with my favorite articles of clothing to make them even more interesting than they already are. As great as they already are, I still find it important to add a little more like a blazer or accessories to bring down the impact of the entire outfit especially for those with stronger prints.

For this particular outfit, I thought it would look best with a white cover up (or blazer, IF I HAD ONE. sheesh.) to tone down the shade of purple which is very prominent in these pieces. Quite honestly, the color purple scares me since it reminds me so much of Barney the dinosaur but I quickly learned that with the right styling techniques, purple can actually be wearable! Don’t you just love fashion?

A big thanks to Let’s Stylize for introducing these bad boys into my life ❤

I feel like a woman now. Thanks for asking!

xx,

Issa

Island Souvenirs: Cut & Style 2015

Posted on January 20, 2015 by issaplease

Pit Senyor, everyone!

What a wonderful time it is to be a Filipino, with our extended holidays and the Pope recently visiting our country. Life’s definitely been great on my side of the world with the Sinulog festivities recently wrapping up and some really good news which I hope to share with you all in the upcoming months.

As the blog title and poster shows, I was in fact one of the bloggers chosen this year to help out with Island Souvenirs Cut & Style festivities. Sinulog is definitely not what it used to be before- it’s much more festive, colorful and most of all, fashionable!

So along with my other blogger friends of Cebu namely Etienne, Jean and Faith we shared our fashion expertise with the Sinulog shoppers and helped them pick out the perfect cuts and styles for their body types and preferences.

It was really a great opportunity to meet you guys and I specifically enjoyed helping out the more how should I say this… “mature” age group.

Believe me, the women of that generation have still got it! 🙂

With my girls Jean and Faith.

First of all, let me just say how I love hanging out and having random conversations with these two! I’ve come to the realization that you actually can choose your friends and these two will always be on my list so I’m always happy to be around them every chance I get!

Now for my outfit of the day:

I have to admit my color palette for the day wasn’t very well thought of- I really think I should have worn something more bright and festive! But one thing I’ve learned after these many years is that when you want to seem “professional” especially at events, it’s best to stick to basic colors- in my case, black and shades on bronze.

Not only was I stylish, I was also comfortable which was really the main goal when I was putting this outfit together.

I especially love the leather detailing on my top and even if I’ve had this for over a year, it’s still in mint condition and as good as new!

It’s really the best kind of top for someone like me who still cannot fully commit to everything girly or boyish at the same time. #identitycrisis

Hat: Cotton On| Peplum Top: Forever 21 (gifted)| Pencil skirt: Forever21| Combat Boots: SM Department Store

Til the next,

Issa

Blank Space

Posted on January 7, 2015 by issaplease

Starting the year with a blank canvas and sporting an all white ensemble to symbolize the start of something new and awesome!

While many may think that white can be plain and boring, I beg to differ especially when mixed with the right textiles and patterns like this piece from Style Haven.

White is always a great color to work with especially when trying out new colors (or new eyebrows. Never again, I promise) which can oftentimes be scary.

I’m slowly trying to incorporate rustic hues in my life which can be seen from my sheets and white has been a great medium to ease me into it.

So there, my first piece of advice for 2015: start simple and build up from there. 🙂

xx,

Issa

The One with The Extremely Lax 10 Year Celebration

Posted on January 3, 2015 by issaplease

Like they say, it’s better late than never. I had originally set this to go live on the eve of my blogging “career’s” 10th year birthday but I was too busy living in the real world to make this post.

So I guess this year’s resolution ought to be: to be more punctual but to live a more meaningful life while documenting it as necessary as possible. Or you know, whatever.

So to continue…

I have a thing for traditions. I used to love them soo much but I’ve eventually killed most of them off but kept this one- just because.

CAN YOU BELIEVE IT?! I’ve been blogging for 10 wonderful, crazy years!! WHERE’S MY AWARD?!

If you click the years below, you will be able to see the changes I’ve made along the years with every answer. In the past 10 years, I’ve had 3 boyfriends, a million jobs, graduated grade school, high school AND college, traveled, moved in and moved out, started smoking, stopped smoking, started smoking again, gotten drunk and what not. Every time I look back on my past selves I admit; I feel repulsed, amused but always with a sense of empowerment. So enjoy everyone!! The tradition truly lives on!

(2012) <- lost with Xanga

(2013)

2014

1. Will you be looking for a new job?

Ironically, last year I was in love with a job I currently hate so I guess life really is full of surprises.

I like my NEW job and I intend to open up a few businesses so hopefully next year, I’ll be able to say that it was a success!

2. Will you be looking for a new relationship?

HEEEE. NO. :>

3. New house?

Maybe, maybe not. BUT IN YOUR FACE 2013, I MOVED OUT!

4. What will you do different in 14?

Be more diligent with work and business but will also to be sure to reward myself by traveling more.

5. New Years’ resolutions?

MAYBE TO EAT HEALTHIER!

And to work out. I’m going to sign up to the gym… ON MONDAY!

6. What will you not be doing in 2014?

Shutting my doors to the possibilities of anything.

7. Any trips planned?

Siargao, Manila & Korea!

8. Wedding plans?

Yes, but not mine. [same answer as last year]

9. Major thing on your calendar?

Saying goodbye to my entire family who’ll be leaving for big bad America. THANKS FOR LEAVING ME HERE, BTW!

10. What can’t you wait for?

Saving enough money to travel and maybe buy a car!

11. What would you like to see happen differently?

I don’t know….

12. What about you will you be changing?

I need to stop being a pampered princess and rough it up a bit, for sure.

13. What happened in 2014 that you didn’t think would ever happen?

Hating a job I had waited forever to get, moving out (again) and more permanently,

finding a new job

and just becoming my own new person.

14. Will you be nice to the people you care about?

Even to the ones I don’t.

15. Will you dress differently this year than you did in 2014?

Always.

16. Will you start or quit smoking?

—

17. Will you better your relationship with your family?

Definitely. But God, why is my mother so difficult to love??

18. Will you do charity work?

If given the opportunity, always.

19. Will you go to bars?

Only when necessary.

20. Will you be nice to people you don’t know?

Indeed!

21. Do you expect 2014 to be a good year for you?

Always.

22. How much did you change from this time ‘til now?

I’d like to believe I’ve become more independent than I was before and I’m much less ignorant, which is nice.

But at the same time, I don’t think I’m as enthusiastic as I was before but hopefully this is just a phase.

23. Do you plan have on having a child?

Marriage first. Child, 5 years later.

24. Will you still be friends with the same people you are friends with?

Yes, until unnecessary.

25. Major lifestyle changes?

A healthier lifestyle, a COMMITMENT to keep that vow, more work and play

26. Will you be moving?

Not until further notice.

27. What will you make sure doesn’t happen in 2015?

Unplanned pregnancies, bankruptcy, robbery, separation and obesity or famine

28. What are your New Year’s Eve plans?

I was sick this new year so I was hot but I still tried to get some alcohol in body.

29. Will you have someone to kiss at midnight?

Paolo, for ever and for always.

30. One wish for 2015?

To never lose the fire to want the extraordinary!

It’s been an amazing ride and I’d like to thank everyone who made my 2014 as perfect as it was!

Unfortunately, I’m such an internet spazz that I wasn’t able to properly link and back up my photos from when I officially started blogging under Issaplease. This explains ALL the broken images on this site. I promise, 2015 will be better- I promise and I’ll try to fix the clutter :> I’m “smarter” now.

Thanks to everyone who’s been supporting my blog for the longest time ever! To all the friends I’ve made, the jobs I’ve gotten, the brands I’ve worked with and to all the lessons I’ve learned.

I started writing as a way to get over my depression and 10 years after, here I still am- no longer depressed but still writing my heart out and still making you guys laugh and smile at all the stupid sh*t I have to say. I am always grateful for that.

This blog is truly the biggest thing that I can ever leave this world and if you ever wanted to know who I really was: crazy, neurotic and a down right pain in the ass; you’d find it all if you skimmed through the pages of this blog that I ever so openly brag about and on Issatalks, where all the magic started.

I’m not going to skim through 2014 anymore like in my older posts because it’s already the 3rd of the new year and seriously, whose got the time for that anymore?! But rest assured, it was an amazing year and I so glad to have spent it with all of you!

LOVE YOU ALL,

ISSA

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Tag Archives: fashion

Flawed But Still Flawless

All I’ve Ever Been Was Candid feat. Jade Caballo Photography

Walls and Spaces feat. Jing Pascual Photography

Nuts, Bolts, Screws, Locks, Lights

Dressing Up For The Not So Grown Up

Issatorial: How I Apply My Cat Eye

Purple Reign

Island Souvenirs: Cut & Style 2015

Blank Space

The One with The Extremely Lax 10 Year Celebration