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

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

Birds Of A Feather

Posted on August 4, 2014 by issaplease

I’ve always wanted a skirt like this, it’s what I always imagined fancier and more refined women would wear to have afternoon tea while they talked about their husbands and the struggles of being trophy wives. Not to imply that I dream of one day becoming a 1. wife, 2. house wife or 3. trophy wife (not that there’s anything wrong with these things) but more of me being surprised that a complete tomboy like me would actually find the guts to wear one.

You can tell that articles of clothing like this are so foreign to me that I actually have this skirt on backwards! Remember ladies: rough side goes on the back, smooth side goes in the front. *face palm*

Deciding what to wear with stand out pieces like this are often tricky which is why, as a rookie, I decided to keep it safe and pair it a plain black one piece top from Forever 21.

The fact that this piece carries a lot of colors makes pairing it other pieces so much easier- I’m looking forward to wearing this again soon with a red or a royal blue chiffon top… and then maybe I can throw on some heels and gobble down a big fat burger.

I’m sorry if I’m having a hard time taking myself seriously right now, obviously, this isn’t my area of expertise. I’m finding myself in a weird place where I want to grow up and blossom into the woman I am meant to be but at the same time, boots, t-shirts and palazzo pants will always be my choice of comfort dressing. #growingpains

On a more familiar side, always thankful for Let’s Stylize lessening my woes. Make sure to check out their new collection from Bangkok!

xx,

Issa

P.S. I contemplated on naming the entry “I Wanna See Your Peacock” but decided to be a good girl and save my shenanigans for Talk Back Thursdays. Yep, Issa Perez, (that’s meeee) being inappropriate since 2010. You’re welcome 😉

Soak Up @ The Nail Island

Posted on August 3, 2014 by issaplease

Cabana – /kəˈban(y)ə/

a cabin, hut, or shelter, especially one at a beach or swimming pool. Otherwise known as the epitome of relaxation, if you’re a beach bum like most Cebuanos are, of course.

Located at the ground floor of the Banilad Town Center, Cabana proudly houses everything beach-y from swim suits by Soak Swimwear to cover ups, sunnies and other merchandise perfect for your sun loving needs!

And if in case you can’t get your beach bum on, you can always give your nails the pampering they need at the Nail Island which is located inside the store.

Take a quick break from the hustle and bustle of the Metro and just sit back and relax inside the beach inspired nail salon while you enjoy their many services perfect for your tired hands and feet!

I dropped by Cabana this weekend and the interior, services and the over all feel of the place blew me away!

I indulged in a foot indulgence pedicure and a seaside rush manicure that afternoon and left with an intense longing to dip my feet in the water. But despite my lack for salt water, I now have pretty hands and feet and with my extremely hectic schedule is actually better. 😀

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10410623_675591472535570_4896692760387694484_n Check out Soak

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Swimwear’s collection of swim wear on

Facebook

Instagram

And Nail Island on

Instagram

xx,

Issa

Avril Lavigne Ruins Everything

Posted on July 31, 2014 by issaplease

Min’na saikō arigatō,

K-k-k-kawaii, k-k-k-kawaii!

[Sorry guys, I just HAD to!]

Here’s a quick look to add some sunshine to a gloomy day!

I am still very much obsessed with my slip on dress from Blind Clothing and this floppy hat I got from Vaniila Ice Cream’s, Gizelle Faye. So I can get away with wearing the same dress over and over again, I like to pair it off with cropped tops with interesting prints like this department store Hello Kitty top.

I’m not ashamed to say that I run out of things to wear and that I like to repeat a lot of my looks especially if I’ve acquired a specific liking to it- I’m not a one time done type of girl when it comes to dressing and I’m OK with that. It’s also extremely easy to tell what items I am obsessed with because I’ll constantly wear them and rave about them on my blog. As to my memory those items are: this hat, my white polo shirts and soon enough: my rain boots.

Some things I will never be comfortable wearing: hoop/ dangling earrings, one piece swim suits and a heavy amount of pink. Funny, cuz I’m wearing hoop earings in this photo. [long story!]

Have a great weekend!

xx,

Issa

I Use Protection

Posted on July 29, 2014 by issaplease

I’ve got a reason to smile during this rainy season and I don’t need to walk a mile to get it- they’re already on my feet!

Since my job requires a lot of walking and commuting, what better way is there to face the rain and winds than with a pair of durable and not to mention, fashionable rain boots? They’re light, functional and on a fashion-over-function perspective- they definitely catch a lot of attention!

To say that these boots get the job done would certainly be an understatement… they not only keep my feet dry but since they come with a felt lining, they also keep my toes warm and toasty. Now I don’t need to worry about missing out on deliveries nor do I need to worry about ruining my favorite shoes on account of the rain… I’ve got protection 😉

I can’t figure out where my love for the rain came about. Having grown up in Texas, California and then the Philippines; you’d think I’d love everything sunny but my true love comes in the form of a dark overcast, strong winds and layers on top of layers… on top of layers.

When mixing and matching pieces, always remember the vital parts of your body that you feel need the extra warmth. In case of crazy winds, I like to keep a scarf in handy to protect my ears, neck, nose and mouth.

Fashion godess, Lauren Conrad, has a 5 step play-by-play as how to go about with layering which I just have to share because it’s absolutely “bible”. She suggests starting with a lightweight basic like a simple cami followed by a cute cardigan, topped by a coat but since our weather isn’t THAT cold, I say choose between a cardigan, coat or a jacket and spice the entire look up with a cute scarf, beanie or even some gloves in case your fingers need the extra attention.

Stockings are always a great and easy way to counter the weather especially for those who work in offices and colder areas. They’re also a great way to add proportion to the boxy/ over sized top combo and they’ve revolutionized so much over the years that they’re just really fun to wear!

My collection of stockings mostly come from Forever21. You can check them out here.

There’s no to excuse to “lazy weather” especially when work needs to be done. Sometimes we just need to get off our “soon-to-be-toned” butts, put on an outfit that makes us want to take on the world and actually do it!

And don’t forget your umbrella!

Here are some photos from the Everything Online Bazaar we attended last weekend:

[From left- right] The Kat’s Meow, The Curious Chup, Miss Everything and Nothing, Issaplease and Anything Goes by Jean Yu

[I’m such a loser for not having a tag line. HAHA!]

Photo credits to:

by Jean C Yu

xx,

Issa

Not Your Typical Rainy Day Essentials

Posted on July 22, 2014 by issaplease

My body clock seems to be all wrong- the colder it gets, the less clothing I want to wear! And with the sane weather patterns officially out the window needless is to say of my fashion choices.

I think I’ve always been ironic like that. After all, I did name my dog Meow and I went throughout the Summer in long skirts and matching suits!

Besides, what else do I need to protect me from the rain? I’ve got everything I could ever need: a big hat to protect me from the rain, a coat to keep me warm and boots to keep my feet clean! (But let’s see how I feel about this when I’m down with the flu! lol)

Crochet cover up: Thrifted| Crop top: Forever 21| Boots: Moms’

Hat: Bought it from Gizelle during the Cebu In The Bag

On a more weather appropriate note: when trying to keep the Boho-chic vibe alive during the rainy season you can never go wrong with layering and maintaining earthy palettes and of course, to stand out: that one key piece!

Imagine this: long flowy dress + over sized patterned scarf + dark earth toned cover up + rain/ ankle boots

A geometric tunic blouse/ dress + faux fur vest + black stockings + boots

I’m still trying to soak up what’s left of the sun but I’ll be on my way pretty soon!

xx,

Issa

Credits to Jean and Faith for my outfit shots :*

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