Working Girl: The Corporate Chronicles Part 1

Something new on the blog today - corporate wear! Back in college, I told myself a countless of times to never succumb to the monochromatic, lifeless, no brainer office wear, regardless of its comfort and practicality. Yes, there are times when I question my better judgement on why I torture myself in 4 inches of high heels, especially when it rains or when we decide to have lunch out and crossing the street in 15 seconds becomes a real challenge. But I believe that external factors greatly affect internal reactions. When you surround yourself with happy people, you eventually become a happy person too. Likewise, when you dress well and feel good about yourself, you project radiance and confidence. Every morning, I look forward to dressing up for work. I'm on my third week already and it's been smooth sailing so far. Although, I'm currently feeling a bit under the weather because of a couple of stints under the rain and a few cups of chocolate chip ice cream so tomorrow, I'll make sure to dress up even nicer than usual to make up for this sore throat! 

 This is what I wore during my first day in the office (we had to spend 3 days in the plant wearing just smart casual) so I chose something that slightly more on the traditional corporate wear. Coincidentally, this top was the same one I wore during my final interview before I got hired and some of those who saw me asked, "Were you the girl in red that time?" Proof that outfits help you become remembered! 

Mango Top | Zara Pencil Skirt | Michael Kors Bag | Call It Spring Stilettos

 I've worn this outfit a couple of times already for previous interviews and its probably my most favorite! It's chic and stylish yet formal at the same time. Its playful but also projects a certain respectable personality. This is my go to outfit when I want to make the right first impression, hence I wore this during my first dealer visit.

Zara Top | Promod Skirt | Longchamp Bag | Call It Spring Stilletos

Wearing one of a kind pieces such as this sheer floral midi skirt is sure to fish out some compliments in one way or another. I got a few ones for this bright and happy outfit. I decided to make other elements plain and simple with my white button down and silver matching bag, shoes and accessories to balance the playfulness of the entire look.

Mango Buttondown | Topshop Midi Skirt | Tory Burch Bag | Topshop Stilettos

Love, Paola xx

The Smart Girl Guide's To Sale Season

It's sale season once again!!!! It's been going on for the past two weeks now and more and more brands are putting on that big, red, four letter word banner on their display windows and offering last season's merchandise at discounted prices. Like most girls, I have a love-hate relationship with sale season. As much as it is pure joy to find that piece of clothing you've been eyeing for a long time at a lower price, it requires self discipline. Over time, I've developed a technique on how to not be an impulsive buyer. Whenever I'd see a piece of clothing I'd like, I'd try to think of three pieces in my closet that would match it. If it's a top, I'd think of at least three bottoms I that I can pair it with. That way, you get to maximize it's full potential. During sales, I've developed further decision making techniques. Shopping is more methodical than you think (at least for me). So for this post, I wanna share my own smart guide for sale season.

 First things first, there are two stages to sale season (three for other brands). First stage is during the start of the season when it says that items are up to 50% off. Second stage is when the items are at 70% off (other brands start at 30% off). There are also other brands who doesn't use percentages. They start at announcing "sale", then move to "further reductions" then to "further, further reductions." This mostly true to RSSI brands such as Topshop, Miss Selfridge, Warehouse, etc. Pretty analytical, huh?

I personally prefer going in during the first day of the sale. My first technique is to get everything I've been eyeing and fit them all. Once I'm done, the decision making starts. I first filter the pile to "want" and "really want". During the first stage of the sale season, most items are not yet priced that low. I prioritize my really want pile first. My want pile are reserved for when the further reductions come. Then I go check my really want pile where they are displayed in the store. When there are still a lot of stocks available in my size, I transfer it to my want pile. When there are no sizes left or the stocks are few, it goes straight to the cashier. Fitting all the clothes during the first day means that when further reduction starts, I won't have to go through the entire store again. I'd just go to one section and get my size. It saves time and effort, plus it's naturally crazy during sales, but when further reduction starts, things can disappear in just a blink of an eye.

 My second technique is knowing what branch to visit first. Although it is one brand, most of its merchandise varies in its branches. Some lines are only available at specific branches. During the first day of the Zara sale, I visited the one in Greenbelt and it was crazyyyy! Going inside was like stepping into a dystopian society with hungry, aggressive female leads. Plus my size was always the first one to go so it was a hopeless case. I decided to try my luck at the Glorietta branch and I was so surprised at how peaceful it was! This branch was also so much bigger so they have more collections and more items on sale. So even though I like visiting all accessible branches, I make sure to prioritize which branch to visit first. Now that I've thought about it, it's kind of tedious process. I list down in my mind all the accessible branches then do a "really want"/"want" filter per branch, per brand. And seriously, how brands are on sale right now??? But hey, all for the love of shopping, right?

Coincidentally, all the items I'm wearing in this post I got on sale. I got the top during the first stage of Mango sale (they're on 70% off now by the way!) at their BGC branch. I personally think that that's their best branch since it's quite big and not many people know about it so stocks are not that limited. My pants are from Promod and I got them a few seasons back at 70% off. I also got my heels a few months back which were on 50% off. So you see, shopping when done right, is an art! Haha!

However, to every plan there is a flaw. And the flaw in this one is that there is no guarantee that during the second stage of sale season, my "want" pile would still be on stock seeing as how competition is very stiff (lol). So during further reductions, when I go to my "want" section and I don't see it there or my size is no longer available, I just make a mental note and say "Oh well, not meant to be!".

And yes, even during shopping, I believe in destiny.

Mango Top | Promod Pants | Dune Platform heels | Michael Kors tote 

Love, Paola

On Transition, Applications and Resignation

*Warning: Very lengthy post

Let me start by saying that while dressing up this morning, I had a somewhat shallow yet impactful epiphany - my personal style is transition. Since it's something that came to me a few hours ago, I haven't had the time to over analyse its full meaning yet so let me get back on that soon. 

Right now, I'd like to talk about the real world instead, in all its vagueness and complications and how it's like to be part of it for the past 4 months. As everyone might know, I graduated last February. Then I started working last April.. then I resigned last May. And now this coming July, I'll be working again. I mean I'm pretty sure that that was a normal cycle in everyone's career but it's supposed to happen in a longer time frame right? As for me, it all happened in less than 5 months. To avoid your inaccurate judgement, let me tell you my story.

Upon graduation, I knew I wanted to be in the retail industry, my love for fashion being a major factor. So I targeted one of the biggest retail corporation in the Philippines. To be part of that company was my major goal that I kept on obsessing over it for quite awhile. But then I had to explore other opportunities too, but I kept it pretty limited to  the marketing of luxury brands particularly cosmetics, real estate and automotive industry. I knew what I wanted (and what I didn't want - FMCG and banking).  

Fast forward to March, I got a job offer from one car company. I was pretty psyched to get my first ever job offer but was hesitant since I was waiting for the result of my application with my dream retail company. Then 2 days after, the retail company offered me a position too (however it was a position in merchandising, not marketing). I remember being so elated having 2 job offers. In the end though, I took a big, surprising leap and ended up choosing the car company and forgoing my dream job because at that time, the position and other benefits seemed to be a better choice. Though more or less, it was an impulsive decision. 

Five days into that first job, I already wanted to resign. Not because I couldn't handle it, but because the terms of employment were violated - from the agreed position/job description, compensation to working hours. I remember wanting to cry out of frustration since I thought I knew what I was getting into. I wanted to resign after a week but I hate quitting. I hate the thought of giving up on a job, and my first one no less. I didn't want to be that fresh grad who was no match to what the corporate world has to offer.

But after a month, I decided to leave. I knew I might regret it one way or another but I just don't think there's room for growth and exposure there for me. For the record though, I don't blame the company. It was more of a misunderstanding, they were at fault on some areas but I also had a share of my mistakes. It was by far my biggest decision this 2014, and although it was liberating, I was greatly disappointed in myself. I'm so grateful that I have the best support system. My family kept on reminding me that it was okay and it's not my fault. My friends kept telling me that it was perfectly valid and that they would do the same if they were in my position.

Some might say I'm a deluded little fresh grad. I'm very idealistic. My thoughts on after college life was tinted with chick flick ideas. I thought that it was possible to land a dream job on my first try. I hoped for a boss liked Gray Murray who would give me a Birkin ala Jane By Design. I know what I want and I was half expecting a Devil Wears Prada meet Carrie Diaries sort of scenario. I was picky and impatient and I thought that graduating from one of the top universities was enough. Well, it isn't. A good educational background is as important as your passion and dedication.

In 2 weeks, I will be starting on my first job (I call my previous job my semi first job). I'm quite anxious and excited but I take comfort in the fact that this time, at least it feels right.  

H&M Sweater | Forever 21 Skirt | Michael Kors Bag | Aldo Flats | Tops Necklace 

Love, Paola

Recognition Rites

My Instagram, Twitter and Facebook is full of graduation vibes right now, I love it!!! Last Wednesday, we had our Baccalaureate mass, batch picture taking and grad rehearsals. Last night, it was our recognition rites. You know us, pictures galore! Right now, my social networking sites are swarming with so much graduation feels and to think it's not even graduation yet! I can feel positive vibes from everyone, even when were all board during the practice. Happiness really is contagious! Anyway, this was my outfit for our recognition rites. I love everything about this dress - from its rich royal blue color to its brocade pattern. The cut is a little simple so I decided to dress it up with gold details!

Dress - Ever New | Earrings - Koet | Pumps - Zara | Belt - Aldo | Bag - Michael Kors

Thank you Tita Glenda for directing me on my angles and poses and for taking these photos! Haha

Love, Paola

Every Outfit Has A Story

Today, I have for you this outfit but let me talk about another outfit, in fact other outfitssss. This afternoon, I went up to our attic and found a box full of my dresses - cocktail, semi formal, gowns, even costume dresses! I unfolded all the dresses and realized that each one comes with a memory, with it's own story. There was the blue ball gown I used when I joined Miss Earth back in high school, then there was the pretty white dress I wore to a friend's all white debut party. It has this super long scarf design that my friends keep playing with by pulling it in every direction. Then there was the dress I wore during my first Philippine Fashion Week experience. Even the gown I used as a costume for our Literary Musical when I played a queen's character. It's quite amazing how a piece of clothing can transform into a souvenir for great memories. Just like this outfit I'm wearing in this post, it will always remind me of a fun, crazy karaoke night with friends - dancing on the couches and getting caught by the waiters, peanut fights and epic fails. 

 Top - Bottomline | High waisted shorts - Topshop | Belt - Stradivarius | Gold choker - Mia Casa | Watch - Michael Kors | Loafers - Topshop | Tote - Michael Kors

Just a few pictures of the night! I was thinking if I should post some of these photos since they're just phone photos hence the low quality but then I thought, never mind the photo quality, it's the quality of these memories that count anyway! Thank you again for last night, Nicole! Belated happy birthday!!! :)

Love, Paola

Unexpected Match

 It may be surprising that when I bought this outfit, I had no idea they go together. It was at H&M in HongKong. I was done fitting and was about to leave when my Ninang bought me a blue pants but with a wrong size. The fitting room line was crazy long so I just chose another pants my size with almost the same style and had it replaced. It was back in Manila, when they were already hanging in my closet that I realized they're matching and had the same print. And I happen to like unexpected matches just like dipping fries in hot fudge or mixing silver and gold which used to be a taboo but is now a trend or how two people with the completely different personalities can become best friends - things that we're not intended for each other but surprisingly go well together. Like now for example, I'm thinking of whipping up the Ghiradelli hot chocolate downstairs even if it's really hot outside. But it's Christmas afterall! 

Top and pants - H&M || Necklace - Thailand || Bag - Michael Kors || Belt - Stradivarius || Flats - Call it Spring

Love, Paola