So here’s the long-delayed ootd+travel post. I shared in my earlier posts that my boyfriend and I traveled to Vigan, Ilocos Sur immediately after the holy week. We knew the place would be filled with tourists during the said week, so we decided to go there a little later.
Since I was a kid, I’ve always wanted to go to Vigan. I remember being inspired by our HEKASI (history and culture) books and amazed by how beautiful our tourist destinations are. But because I came from a poor family, we did not have opportunities to travel. I clearly remember being envious of my classmates who could afford our school’s annual trips.
I told myself that when I’m employed and more capable of traveling, I will go to historic places as well as tourist destinations found in my old school books. With Chad’s help, I saw Zambales, Daet, La Union, Baler, and now Vigan. My next destinations would probably be Corregidor Island, Palawan, and Cebu. I’m crossing my fingers that I get to be in these places before the year ends, but I digress.
I love being with Chad because he’s spontaneous and very adventurous. I used to be a pretty uptight person, but after a few months of dating I noticed myself becoming more calm and cool about things. I’m even enjoying skimboarding and climbing now; a few years ago, you won’t see me doing those things.
We learn a lot from each other, and it also helps that we both love to travel. We enjoyed Vigan immensely and you will know why in a few days. I have allotted a separate post for the trip. Chad and I used our Canon AE-1 and Rebel G film cameras for the pictures and they turned out really nice. 
Thrifted multicolor dress | Marikina-made wedges | Crown ring and headband from bazaar
By far this is the best photo of us during the trip. We were all smiles for the date picture at Hidden Garden, and so was our photographer. I thought he just found us cute, apparently his friend was photobombing behind us. HAHA best photo ever.
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A few days ago, I discovered this website, Harrods.com, that sells designer products. I’ve heard about Harrods a long time ago but I didn’t know it’s actually an online shopping site, which is a million times better. I can oggle at gorgeous designer stuff without feeling intimated, and more importantly, I can freely do some window shopping!
When I shop, I like creating outfits in my head first before purchasing, that way I know if I can really wear it. Many girls tend to buy things just because they’re pretty, without considering if they’re really wearable. Below are the summer-ready outfits I created using the items I liked from Harrods.
Office Girl
I’ve been part of the labor force for almost four years now, and my usual dilemma is my everyday outfit. Although I can wear whatever I please, I also have to consider that I am working in a professional environment, therefore I should always look put-together and polished. The following items are perfect for corporate offices.
1. Etro Paisley Print Shirt 2. Mawi Crystal and Pearl Necklace 3. Chloe Leather Belt 4. Alexander McQueen De Manta Mini Tote 5. Ralph Lauren Black Label Kasey Suede Skirt 6. Alexander McQueen Roll Leather Flats
Who says office attires can’t look stylish? Even though collared long sleeve shirts and pencil skirts are the ‘normal’ outfit for work, one can still be stylish by injecting prints, colors, and accessories in the outfit. I chose this really nice paisley shirt because the prints are on trend plus the print color can be used as base for the whole look. You can see that there are hints of green so this Ralph Lauren green pencil skirt is a good match. Tuck the shirt in and wrap the paradise pink leather belt from Chloe around the waist, et voila a refreshing day-in-the-office look for summer! And of course, you should not forget to accessorize after making a clean ponytail. Although heels are more advisable for work, I like wearing flats after. They help me move faster plus they’re much more comfortable to walk in especially if you’re planning to do some mall strolling after work. These Alexander McQueen flats are perfect for us working ladies, pair them with this AMQ mini tote bag and we’re good to go.
Walk in the Park
My boyfriend and I like doing things when we’re together—we take pictures using film, we travel, we have fun. Even when we’re just visiting a nice restaurant or taking a walk I like wearing my best. This gorgeous silk dress is perfect for such activities. It isn’t too limiting, plus the colors are very in season and pleasing to the eyes. You may also opt to pair the dress with a nice bowler hat to protect yourself from the sun.
1. Christy’s Bowler Hat 2. Matthew Williamson Silk Pixel Dress 3. Alexander McQueen Heroine Satchel 4. Alexander McQueen Button Suede Slipper 5. Bex Rox Alabama Cuff 6. Mawi Citrine Spike Drop Earrings
Simple activities do not require a lot of accessories. Personally I like accessories that do not hinder me from enjoying the moment, so I usually wear simple earrings (sometimes I don’t) and a matching bracelet or cuff. Of course, a nice bag where I can put small things is a must for me, and Alexander McQueen’s pink satchel can definitely accommodate my phone, wallet, and lipstick. I’d recommend these amazing flats from Alexander McQueen as well to prevent your precious feet from aching.
Casual Weekends
The best thing about weekends is you can catch up with friends and family. During this time, no one expects us to look extravagant. They’re our loved ones after all and they love us for what we are, regardless of what we’re wearing. However, it doesn’t mean that we can’t look stylish on such days. A simple, comfy shirt can still look fabulous by pairing it with the right shorts or skirt. Accentuate your legs more by wearing heeled ankle boots that match your clutch or purse.
1. Juicy Couture Pavé Heart Friendship Bracelet 2. Junk Food I Live for Weekends Tee 3. Saint Laurent Paris Ankle Boots 4. House of Holland Tie-Dye Denim Shorts 5. Alexander McQueen Crystal Britannia Skull Box Clutch
You know me and my love for anything British, and this Alexander McQueen clutch is a personal must-have. Plus, it’s a great match with the laid-back outfit I was going for. Tuck the front of the shirt in and let the back part hang loose, do some braids with your hair, and slip on one of those friendship bracelets your friend got you, and you’re surely on your way to a wonderful bonding time with loved ones.
These are just some of the summer outfit ideas I had after checking Harrods.com. So guys, check out the site and I’m pretty sure you’ll find something there that will suit your taste.
What are your summer must-haves?
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Spring is my favorite season, even though we don’t have that here in the Philippines. Spring promises a new and bright beginning. I can only hope that mine would be as beautiful.
I’ve been busying myself with a number of projects. The floral crown I’m wearing in this post is made by me. Flowers make me happy and they make really adorable accessories, especially during the spring season, so I decided to create some. This and a few others I made are up for sale on my Facebook page, so check it out if you’re interested in getting one. The prices posted are actually for local purchase only, but I can arrange for international shipping, however the price will have to be adjusted depending on your location. I can also customize crowns for you, so if you have designs in mind, just message me through Facebook and we can talk about it.
Although I’ve been pretty busy and pleased with myself for finally executing the things I longed of doing, I’m still feeling a little ambivalent about this month and the next, which you can see through the uncoordinated and unseasonal outfits I’ve worn for the past weeks. I’m not big on accessories either so I seldom wear one, but when these accessories (below) arrived in the mail, I instantly thought they match my look for the day. Thank heavens for Trinkets MNL! The skulls may be unfit for spring, but hey the colors matched my top so it’s not a huge deal.
I was feeling very girly so I took out my old tulle skirt for a spin along with my newly purchased spring-perfect top. I had very little sleep that day, and this colorful ensemble was just the right outfit to brighten my afternoon.
Trinkets MNL accessories | Top from Three Wishes | Tulle skirt from bazaar | Solemate flats
A few weeks from now, Chad will be going back to the States, and I can’t help but feel sad about it. This has been going on for weeks now, actually. Just the idea of not waking up to his face every morning makes me lonely. Lately we’ve been trying to make our remaining days together as fun as the past months have been. But I think we’re both too sad to even go out and do things.
We’ve been telling each other how much we hate Skype and wish we could just burn it. The very presence of it reminds us of our past (and the upcoming) struggles of being in a long-distance relationship.
But we will always cope. We’ve known each other since we were kids, and got “separated” several times. We know our love is strong and a few thousand miles won’t make it less powerful.
Hype this look on
AND
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Join my Tumblr Fair 2 and Chicken Charlie giveaway!
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Want to meet your favorite Tumblr bloggers and shops on May 11? Then you have come to the right place! I’m giving away two (2) tickets to four (4) winners courtesy of the ever generous Boutique de Reines. Here’s what you gotta do:
1. Like my page, Boutique de Reines, and Tumblr Fair‘s Facebook page.
2. Post this on Facebook, tag Boutique de Reines and Tumblr fair, AND three friends:
I want to win VIP passes to the Tumblr Fair courtesy of Boutique De Reines. Join here: http://daphnebenosa.com/tumblr-fair-2-vip-tickets-giveaway/ (tag 3 friends)
3. Follow ME, Boutique de Reines, and Tumblr Fair on Twitter.
4. Post this on Twitter AND tag three friends:
I want to win VIP passes to the @TumblrFair courtesy of @Boutique De Reines. Join here: http://daphnebenosa.com/tumblr-fair-2-vip-tickets-giveaway/ (tag 3 friends)
REMEMBER: Be sure that all posts are vieawable by the public so we can check.
5. Fill out this form:
And that’s it! Deadline of entries is on
May 3, 12 MN. Winners will be drawn via
random.org and will be announced here and on Twitter. Good luck!
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A couple of weeks ago, we were invited by Chicken Charlie to their third anniversary press launch. Since we are absolute chicken fanatics, we said we’ll go! And we didn’t regret that decision despite the venue being miles away.
When we arrived, they immediately served us their famous chicken drums and wings basket in both soy garlic and spicy. It was heaven! Plus the staff are very kind.
What I love about Chicken Charlie is that they support local products. I should also tell you that Chicken Charlie is proudly Pinoy. And what’s more admirable than Pinoy businesses supporting Pinoy products? Part of their menu is Bayani Brew, a tea drink made by the nanays (mothers) at Gawad Kalinga’s Enchanted Farm in Angat, Bulacan. If you don’t know what Gawad Kalinga’s mission is, scroll down to the footer and click the Gawad Kalinga widget.
Bayani Brew is a very delicious (and nutritious) drink made from lemongrass, pandan leaves, and calamansi. And when you drink it with Chicken Charlie’s new Charlie’s Signature Burger, you’ll forget your name. I kid, but seriously, it’s mouthwatering, even Chad couldn’t stop telling me how heavenly the burger is.
We also had a chat with the Chicken Charlie owner, Ifore Yu, who is only 28 years old mind you! I didn’t actually expect him to be there so it’s a plus. He told us he didn’t have any cooking background, but he does know a lot about business management and according to him, the heart to work and improve–which is very important in any business. And I personally think he’s doing a great job in managing the stores because if you check out the branches, you won’t even notice that Chicken Charlie has been around for only three years. The stores’ interior design is all done by Ifore Yu’s wife. They celebrated Chicken Charlie’s birthday on April 20.
To learn more about Chicken Charlie, check out their website: www.chickencharlie.com.ph
After the launch, Chicken Charlie gave us lots of gift certificates. Chad and I used up the first 500, so before I consume all of them, I’m giving away my five remaining GCs. After a couple of weeks, I’ll be choosing one winner who’ll receive 5 1oo-peso worth of Chicken Charlie gift certificates for a total of Php500 (that’s 3 delicious meals already!) via random.org. So here’s what you gotta do to win:
1. Like my blog page and Chicken Charlie on Facebook.
2. Post this on Facebook:
I want to win Php 500 worth of Chicken Charlie gift certificates! NOMNOMNOM! Join here: http://daphnebenosa.com/chicken-charlie-press-launch-giveaway
3. Follow ME and Chicken Charlie on Twitter.
4. Post this on Twitter:
I want to win Php 500 worth of Chicken Charlie gift certificates! NOMNOMNOM! Join here: http://daphnebenosa.com/chicken-charlie-press-launch-giveaway #metamorphosisgiveaways
OPTIONAL: Follow ME and Chicken Charlie on Instagram! (+1 entry)
5. Fill out this form:
And you’re done! Please note that this giveaway is not sponsored by Chicken Charlie. The winner will be announced here and on Twitter on May 15, 2013. This giveaway is for Philippine residents only. Good luck!
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Here’s the lucky winner of 500-peso worth of GCs! Congratulations and thanks to those who joined. Watch out for my next giveaway!
Hi, Riel! Please wait for my email. Congrats!
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