Abby Jocson Bags Review

A few weeks ago, I took advantage of the sale going on at abbyjocson.com. Abby Jocson is a bag designer and from October 10 to 16, all the bags were 60% off. It's. A. Bag. Sale. Need I say more?

Let me tell you, it's hard shopping on a budget. Especially when you have a lot of gorgeous designs to choose from, but I was able to finally decide on 2 designs which were the Gigi bag and the Kelly bag. Now, the shipping fee costs 100Php and guess what I did? I ordered them separately. Smart. I know. Anyway, while I was still on the fence about ordering another bag, I went ahead and got the Gigi design because I was afraid someone might snatch it under my nose. Again, the bags were on sale and we all know how women can be when there's a sale going on.

So there I was, the anticipation building up inside me while waiting for my bag to arrive on my doorstep and imagining what outfits I can build around the Gigi bag when finally it arrived, and much to my disappointment, arrived defective. What I mean by "defective" is that the strips of the tassel were falling off as if it were suffering from some crazy side effects of high stress levels.

And because that was unacceptable to me even though I paid more than half its original price (999Php), I reached out to them with my complaint and though it took them a few days to reply, they did reply and agreed to an exchange which I was grateful for. So while waiting for the exchange of my bag, I found myself on abbyjocson.com once more and gave in to the temptation of buying another bag, this time the Kelly bag and once again daydreaming about the outfits I could wear around it.

It arrived and I immediately inspected it and noticed it had a scratch somewhere around the gold area of the bag and a smidgen of dirt behind it, but nothing devastating enough for me to ask for another exchange. Don't get me wrong. I definitely see myself purchasing more Abby Jocson bags in the future, just not ordering them online anymore. From the experience I had, I prefer visiting their actual shop or booth (in bazaars) and buying in person so I can inspect the bags and be sure that what I purchase isn't defective. However, I might not be able to help myself when there's a major sale going on.

Here's the vlog where I reviewed my Abby Jocson bags: 

Sunday Date Outfit

Sandals from Michaela; Dress from Divisoria; Choker necklace from a bazaar in Festival Mall 

I had plans to go to the May 27-29 Trendsetter's Bazaar ever since the previous one (which was last April 15-17) ended and I got my hands on 2 sheets of coupons for the next one. Unfortunately, I also found out the night before- from a YouTube movie trailer ad- that the movie Warcraft was already being shown in theatres and I excitedly relayed this info to my husband who was kind of a fan. Anyhow, to make a long story short, he made me choose between going to the Trendsetter's Bazaar (which I have waited a month for) and watching the Warcraft movie. 

For some reason, which I slightly regret, we ended up in Glorietta to watch the Warcraft movie and then I had a look at the makeup section of the SM Department Store to make up for not being at the Trendsetter's Bazaar. We had a box of Yellow Cab pizza delivered to us when we got back home and somehow that made everything a little bit better. 

Maternity Fashion Featuring "Buntis" from Landmark

Back when I wasn't pregnant yet, I have always pictured myself looking fab when the time comes for me to carry my own little bun in the oven. I really wanted to wear dresses ALL. THE. TIME. 

And now here I am, 6 months pregnant with my first baby and I'm left thinking, "what the hell is happening? Where are all the dresses I dreamt of wearing?!" Okay, so a quick fact about me: I am very stingy when it comes to buying clothes for myself. I'm the type who would rather spend time browsing the racks of thrift stores than pay full price for a top or a dress. I find 500 Php to be way too much to spend on t-shirt or a fast fashion top. Heck, even when these clothes are already on sale at 300 Php, I still have a hard time parting with my money. BUT. Hehe, there's always that "But"; when it comes to shoes, bags, makeup AND food, my motto seems to be: "money is no object." I really can't explain why except that these things (with maybe the exception of food) are enough to enhance even the most basic outfits and I'd rather really spend on those instead. 

ANYWAY, as you can probably tell by now, I was left with no decent clothes that would accommodate my growing belly and even my fiancé's mom (to her horror, I assume) noticed that I was still wearing my denim shorts at almost 5 months pregnant. Hence, the dresses she got for me from Landmark. I am so grateful to her because I really didn't expect her (or my fiancé for that matter) to buy me maternity clothes. I just figured I'd get around to buying a few when I'm starting to really (I mean, REALLY) feel the need to. 

And since I ALWAYS forget to do OOTDs when I go out, I decided to just do sort of a try on post of the 3 dresses from the label "Buntis" from Landmark instead (btw, if I have readers who do not speak Tagalog, buntis means pregnant in English). 

One other thing that I found to be a pleasant surprise was that, I actually love the design and fit of these dresses. I probably wouldn't even give these dresses a second thought if it had been me browsing through the racks of Landmark. Huh, goes to show how prejudiced I am. But yeah, this made me realize that I really should give clothes a chance and definitely, definitely try them on! Another quick fact about me: I HATE trying on clothes when shopping. 

Hopefully, I can suppress the urge to buy more makeup and instead buy a few more maternity clothes :) 

Spice Up Your Wardrobe with Non-Staple Pieces

There are multitude of articles out there that helps women decide what clothes or accessories to stock their closets with and one of the most common are the ones that advise us to invest in staple pieces that I'm pretty sure are already ingrained in practically every woman's mind – and closets. Crisp white blouse? Check. Basic white tee? Check. Blazer? Check. Black heels, boot-cut jeans, and of course the little black dress? Check, check, and of course, check! Staple pieces? Chances are we already own them all. So why don't we try to be a bit more daring by straying from the norm and incorporate a smattering of non-staple wardrobe pieces to spice things up? 

Boyfriend Jeans

Love or hate them, it looks like boyfriend jeans are here to stay and why not? It's comfortable and low-maintenance which makes them the jeans most women go for (take that, you unforgiving skinny jeans!). You can just easily throw on your basic tee and a pair of cute pumps and you're good to go.

L-R: J.Crew Destroyed Boyfriend Jeans

Maison Scotch Womens Two Tone Bleach Garcon Printed Boyfriend Jeans

Each X Other 'Poem' Boyfriend Jeans

Metallics

Metallics are definitely non-staple wardrobe pieces as they are too flashy to be regarded as basic. Although one can't deny that they are a recurring trend that are definite head turners what with all that shiny, flashy goodness. From makeup to shoes, metallics are just the thing to brighten up an otherwise drab look. Just don't ever wear them from head to toe lest you blind someone.

L-R: Topshop Metallic Sunflower Skort

Vince Camuto Owen Tote

ALDO Welchpool 

70s Style Jeans

Retro fashion has been making a comeback and they show no signs of going out of style – yet. One of the most popular trend is the flared and wide-leg jeans. It's almost as roomy as the boyfriend jeans, but a little more glam especially with sky-high heels. Think boho chic or Rachel Zoe. The best way to wear these types of jeans is with your shirt tucked in. 

L-R: Free People Patchwork Bali Flare Bottom

Paige Denim Fiona Harrison Whiskered Flared Jeans

Alice + Olivia Lace Wide Leg Pants

Leopard Print

Tricky as it is to wear, this perennial trend exudes an air of fierceness and if done right, elegance that will no doubt demand people's attention. And since it's a perennial trend, your leopard print clothes or accessories is in no danger of gathering dust in your wardrobe. For those who want to venture into the wild side, but are a little hesitant, try going minimal because one leopard print accessory as small as a belt or a scarf can already make a huge statement.

L-R: Oasis Leopard Silk Square scarf

Dune Barrio clutch 

2Bbebe Leopard Geo Earrings 

Full Midi Skirts

Reminiscent of Dior's New Look, this piece can make practically anything look classy and should definitely change from a non-staple wardrobe piece to an actual closet staple. Also, the fuller the skirt, the better. Tuck a basic tee in your full midi skirt and see the transformation from casual to, well, fabulous! You can even try it with a sweater for colder weather and pair the ensemble with pointed toe heels.

Front Row Shop full midi skirt in brocade

Front Row Shop full midi skirt 

The Lazy Girl's Guide to Staying Stylish during Summer

So I was sick for the past week and my eyes were bloodshot for 3 days straight (it's getting better now) and it was just crazy that I haven't been able to update the blog. I have yet to try and actually schedule more posts. Anyway, here's a post from way back that I did which I just edited a bit that I think is relevant what with summer already in our midst (if you're in the Philippines, that is) and I am starting to feel the HEAT.

I don't know about you, but the summer heat usually makes me feel sluggish and getting dressed becomes a chore I don't even want to think about, much less do (Yes, I get so lazy to the point where I sometimes parade around my apartment almost naked). What happens is that I sometimes end up going out of the house wearing whatever I grab first from my brother's closet and the end result is more often than not homely... and a few times cringe-worthy.

Since I have a blog to maintain AND I really want to make more of an effort to look good all the time, I pushed myself to try and achieve looking very presentable whenever I go out. Below are just some of the effective ways I've found to looking totally put-together with minimal effort that I think girls who have found themselves in the same predicament will find helpful. 

1. Wear it on Your Face... or Hair

So you really don't feel like making an effort to dress up or maybe most of your nice clothes are in the laundry, that's okay. You can wear a basic tee and a pair of shorts and still be able to play up your look with makeup! No, I'm not advising you to pile on products on your face. A tinted moisturizer or BB Cream and a swipe of bright colored lipstick will do the trick. It would be a plus if you combine it with an easy, but pretty hairstyle. Nowadays, you can find tons of pretty hairstyle tutorials on the internet (Pinterest or Youtube, anyone?).

2. Stick to Lightweight Clothing

Lightweight tops and dresses are definite summer must-haves. Seriously. It's even better if the item of clothing is loose or billowy because a. you won't have to struggle trying to get it on you and b. this will give you room to breathe and won't make you sweat profusely because sweating like a pig is just not attractive. No. By the way, I haven't seen a pig sweat yet. Have you? Do share.

3. Wear Shorts... or skirts

Jeans can be uncomfortable especially when you're experiencing the summer heat. Summer in the Philippines can be quite unbearable (to me, personally) and wearing jeans are just too constricting so I opt for shorts instead, plus they're faster to slip into and you'll no doubt have awesome luck finding one with fun details and/or fabrics like lace. Set aside your jeans and bring out your shorts and/or skirts! Let your legs breathe! Don't feel comfortable showing some legs? Then wear lightweight pants or longer skirts. Or you know, maybe your thighs will get slimmer from all the sweating your legs will be doing in those constricting denim jeans.

4. Wear Flattering Flat Sandals

There will be days when even slipping our feet into a pair of heels or sneakers will feel like too much work and flip flops can look kind of shabby (unless you live by the beach). Flat sandals are your best friends during the summer! They can be dressy or laid back without looking too shabby. I also think that flattering flat sandals are great options especially if you want to show off your cute pedicure. 

5. When in Doubt, Accessorize! 

Accessories have the power to transform your look from plain to fabulous. Try wearing a plain shirt and a pair of shorts and you'll look just that. Plain. But if you add say, statement earrings or a cool pair of shades or maybe even a colorful scarf, then you'd look a hell of a lot more interesting. 

photo credit: Mlle Tortue via photopin cc