Cozy Textures

My ultimate survival tip for the winter : Layer up in cozy fabrics that make you feel like you're still in bed. 

As you may know, I am obsessed with placebo effects (def. feeding your mind spoonfuls of pixie dust).  I know it's incredibly hard to drag yourself out of your sheets to get dressed during the winter time. It's always in the morning when you realize that your bed is the perfect temperature for another deep sleep. I used to wish that there would be a snow apocalypse or something so that I didn't have to leave my den. So as always, I came up with a negotiable resolution.

Layer up with cotton, sweaters, knits, and faux fur. Start with the softest, thinnest materials first so you don't end up looking like a snowman once you've layered up. Uniqlo has these insanely silky thermal skin tight tees that will maintain your body temperature. Then, the knits or sweaters. You won't feel the itchiness since you already have the silky thin layer beneath. Top it off with a sturdy jacket that still has some shape. Make sure that you're still in your element; you need to feel comfortable, practical, but - this is going to be cliche -  stylish in your own special way. Once you've mastered the layering, you'll feel like you've never left bed this morning.

Cheers to placebos.

Fall = Unisex

 Fall = Unisex

Let me explain my brilliant equation.

Fall = Boots + oversize jackets + boyfriend t-shirts + loose fitting pants + messy hair

You can call me genius now. 

If you're on the more feminine side, I have something for you too. 

I love how oriental prints came back. I used to Ooo and Ahhh over my grandmother's --what other people may call-- wonderfully tacky wardrobe. The ancient prints and patterns were queer yet...mesmerizing. The loose silk would flow effortlessly on the skin and the prints seem to come alive. 

Fall = Unisex = Unconfined = Express Yourself

We All Need a Little Hideaway

 Sometimes there's nothing you can do about an unfortunate happenstance other than getting away from the clutter and the mess.

My mom used to tell me this confusing yet enlightening saying over and over - it actually took me years to fully understand what she meant, so if you find yourself as clueless as I was, no worries mate. 

"From disaster comes calmness." -The M.O.M.

It's funny how I sometimes find myself in my most calm state of mind during life's stressful moments. Some people would call it escapism, but I'd like to disagree. I think we simply forget that we need to let ourselves breathe for a second. It's like we're running a marathon, except it never ends. Take a day off to value what you've been forgetting to enjoy. Sit on that bench you've been eyeing every time you walked busily past it and look at what you've been missing out on all this time. I promise, you'll feel more accomplished than organizing that disgruntled stack of mess. After your hideaway moment, shrug your shoulders (and I give you permission to act like you don't give a darn), brush it off, and get back on your feet. After all, you know there's a hell of a crowd depending on you.

THE Photo-shoot

"I retired, but two days later I got back to work because 

I realized that I did not create my masterpiece just yet" - Horst Schultz 

Who is Mr. Schultz? He is the one who led the empire of the Ritz-Carlton to exist in every major city (who also happens to own a private jet and casually flies around the world on his own time, obviously). He is a man of real luxury and believes that customization is the key to luxury. Every aspect of his new creation, The Capella in Georgetown, Washington D.C., reflects his mission to create the highest of high luxury for every single individual. I had the honor of meeting him as an intern for Kelly Muccio (yes, the gorgeous blond up there is my boss- be jealous). The Capella is an incredible piece of artwork because every nook and cranny has a purpose and a story behind it. Mr. Schultz is now number 1 on my role-model list (Justin Timberlake is my number 2- just kidding, not really). 

Let's just say that I now have a different perspective on what my life goal should be. 

The Capella=Perfection.

Color-Fully Positive

So I have this weird thing about me when it comes to getting ready on a rainy or gloomy day. I gravitate towards more colors the gloomier it is. In other words, I wear my solid whites and blacks on a nice sunny day and then when it rains, I take the rainbow out of my closet. I guess it's a way of tricking my mind into thinking that I'm happy despite the oh-come-on-mother-nature kind of weather.

Now I never, I repeat n-e-v-e-r used to wear any yellows. In fact, I was actually scared of wearing any yellows because I thought it made me look like a lemon head. But long behold this sleeveless velour sweater was the first one to make it into the yellow category in my drawers. I think it was the material that intrigued my anti-yellow senses. I also love the way that it has both a pastel yellow and a bright strong yellow mixed together. The structured shoulders were also pleasing details. 

 I mean, even though it's probably is a mind trick, why not use it to pump in some endorphins into a muggy day? I know that it's been working for me ever since I decided to make up this crazy placebo. 

So why not be the happy one? After all, happiness is contagious. 

Lazy Meets White

Nothing speaks better to a carefree soul than a silky yet sulky Alexander Wang t-shirt. The slight v-neck makes the shirt inseparable from the body as it smoothly blends onto the skin.

I'm not too nosey when it comes to shredded jean shorts. Honestly, I think I prefer cheap, comfortable ones over those that have extra zeros on their over-thought price tags. I'm happy with anything as long as they're high-waisted and shredded with gold or brass details. Cheers to Forever21 for making a pair that I will live in as long as the sun is out.

Lancome Teint Miracle (Buff 2W), Almay liquid eyeliner, Nars Orgasm blush, Maybelline The Falsies mascara, Stila Stay All day waterproof eyebrow pen (light), Urban Decay 24hr glide-on pencil (Midnight Cowboy)

So after fighting off the lazy-osis, I make it to a local market. I spent most of my time in this aisle trying to decide on a salad dressing. I ended up getting Caesar. 

Nothing makes me happier than staring at perfectly round tomatoes. Is that weird?

If there's red wine,

you know there's white.

Welcome to my dinner menu. Some salad and a beef sausage or two, accompanied by Vogue.

An Outfit Served On a Fur Platter

Good Morning. If only I could see this everyday in front of me when I wake up...it would be dream come true. Yes, I dream about these things and I know that you do too.

One of these and any t-shirt could be dazzling.

Pointed kitten heels changed my life. 

Classic blue ankle jeans from Gap. These pair have been with me for a good 5 years and they will never leave my cramped closet. My beloved block colored kitten heels are from Zara (we have a love-hate relationship). I picked up the amazing thick beaded necklace during a mind-blowing Zara sale a few months back and I remember having to lunge for it before the other girl would snatch it away. I love dressing down while adding enough accessories and details that would trick your eyes into thinking that I actually put a lot of effort into my outfit of the day.

Ready. Set. Good day.