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

Bad Hair and a Good Outfit

This set of outfit photos are officially my last from our US trip last February. Very fitting since today, it's exactly a month since we were back in Manila (plus its throwback Thursday too!). Funny how it all seems not too long ago but also seems like everything was a while back! I miss my clingy cousins already :( Didn't think it was possible to get this attached in just a span of two weeks. But enough of the drama, I plan on saving that on my next post! Haha! Anyway, this was taken right before we fly back to LA. I was having a major bad hair day so I made up for it with my outfit. This was pretty dressy for a plain ride but once I made up my mind on a particular outfit, I just have to wear it (I have no other options too, since we packed just enough clothes for San Francisco). I love all the elements present here - the patterned sheer midi skirt, the brocade printed top and the stripes belt. All are individually busy pieces already but just seems to go so well with each other! 

Love, Paola

On The Way To Vegas

Taking cue from the 90's when high waisted pants were a thing and denim was everyone's best friend. I've been on a high waist high recently - buying shorts and jeans and skirts in that style! Some people cannot appreciate high waisted jeans and it is a little hard to pull off since it cuts your height, but I have appreciation for every piece of clothing in every style (except maybe fish net stockings and animal print leggings). As obvious as it is, I don't really wear jeans but when its a high waisted, two-toned mom jeans that I got at 70%, I'm in! Change is nice once in a while so I went all the way paired with a plain shirt and my trusty Toms! Then I got my dark denim jacket to battle the cold and viola! The look is a laidback throwback of some sorts. I wore this outfit on our 4-hour drive to Vegas! Scroll down for more pictures of the trip!

Mango shirt | Topshop pants | EDC by Esprit jacket | Toms shoes

On our drive to Vegas, I was able to have my first ever In-n-Out experience! I'm not really a burger person but I did love it, especially the fries!

 About 30 minutes later, we were experiencing fries coma. Servings here are crazy!

 The walruses!

First of the many outlet stores!

The way to Vegas was nothing but endless deserts and mountains!  

Vegas trip up next!

Love, Paola 

A Recap on Graduation Day

I hope people are still not sick of me and my graduation posts! I've had countless graduation posts and updates since last wednesday so please excuse this one as it is another one of those. I've worked for this for the past sixteen years so I'm still on a graduation high. This post is a recap on how the entire day was for me!

The day started pretty early since our assembly time at PICC was 7:30 am. I had my hair and make up done at Great Cuts Salon at Intercon Hotel which was recommended by my mom's friend. 

Shoutout to Angelo of Great Cuts for taking care of me and my mom! He was friendly and professional and my look did last the whole day. Thank you! 

We went straight to PICC with our empty stomachs since I was afraid to be late and not get to walk the aisle!

Graduation was surprisingly fast and okay. With 850 plus graduates from different courses my friends and I were expecting a long, boring, dragging program but we were even finished before noon!

Of course, this day was not just about me but also for my parents who supported my education financially, emotionally (during hard times and failures and for always encouraging me), physically (by being present in all programs and events despite their schedule) and all other kinds of support they've given me for the past 16 years that I couldn't possibly put into words!

Really, really, really haggard this time since it was super hot that day and I spent about an hour roaming PICC to look for my parents since my phone gave up on me.

For lunch, I wanted to get away from the PICC area since I know that's where most people would be dining.

We had lunch at Passion Restaurant at Resorts World, my favorite cantonese buffet!!! I was starving that time since I didn't have breakfast so good thing it was a buffet, but then again 4inches of high heels is not buffet friendly so this place was perfect since it was a sit down buffet.

Right after lunch, we went straight to Chili's at Tomas Morato for my afternoon party with the family and closest friends!

Aside from my graduation, we celebrated my lola's belated birthday!

In every party, people are asked to give speeches whether they liked it or not. I, being no exception. Haha

So to all these people, whether you liked it or not, thank you!!! Haha

Yaaay! Congratulations to me!

But of course, my getting a degree is not out of my sole efforts. So many people have made this happen, my parents of course and my family, especially my mom who patiently tutored me for accounting even if I get grumpy whenever my financial statements don't balance, my dad, who from grade school up until college has done every artwork and drawing that I needed since I lacked the skills and my tita who tutored me when I was in grade school and insisted I memorized all of my notes. My teachers from grade school and high school for all their efforts and their well wishes for me until now. My professors who taught me every thing I needed and things our books does not contain. And to all my friends who went through this ride with me. We all kept each other sane in such a crazy environment. Thank you, thank you, thank you! I feel so loved and motivated to do my best on my endeavour!

Love, Paola