(Un)Heavy Baggage: What’s In My Bag?

Since you asked for it, you got it! This weeks post is a little, de-cluttered version of what I keep inside my bag.

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For a long time, my Mary Kate and Ashley loving side insisted that I lug around over sized leather bags with me wherever I go. But since I’ve been going to events more often, I’ve decided to retire my big bags and opt for tinier pieces that compliment my look more and add less pressure to my shoulders.

My current favorite is this Dooney and Bourke bag that was a hand me down from my mom. Ok, so the truth is, I’ve never really purchased a bag for myself… I’m always waiting for hand me downs or I raid my mom/ sister’s closet. They’ve always had better taste than me when it came to that department so I soley rely on them for my bag needs.

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Left to right: Watsons mini wet wipes, XOXO calling card case, drivers license, Watsons breat strips, Watsons travel floss, FaceIt liquid eyeliner, Stila lipstick, Mi powerbank, Sony Xperia Z1

During events I only like to carry around what’s necessary so I try to keep it as light as possible.  I’ll occasionally carry a small notebook and a pen in there but if I don’t need to carry one then I most likely leave it out.

I don’t like stuffing my bag (anymore) in case I need to fit something else in there so lately, this is majority of what I have in my bag.

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Behind the scenes, I’m always carrying everything I need with me which I carry in a bigger bag that I leave in the car. Aside from these 3 little bags, I have my camera; organizer and probably an extra pair of flats, if I’m at an event.

I’m one of those people who practices bagception (a bag within bag. get it? haha) and although it tends to get a bit bulky, it’s a risk I am willing to take in an attempt to keep my bag organized.

Here they are:

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Make up bag 1 (front left- right) : Suesh blush bursh, Quick FX No- Shine Mattifier, Tony Moly gel eyeliner, My mom’s old lipstick (I think it’s Shu Uemura or Elizabeth Arden), Stila lipstick, FaceIt concealer, Holika Holika Wonder Drawing eyebrow pencil, FaceIt liquid eyeliner, ELF gel contouring kit, Mamonde brow kit, Rimmel mascara, Maybelline mineral powder, Stila lip gloss,  Holika Holika blush on and Tony Moly BCDation foundation

Most make up from Dara Beauty market

I like to keep 2 separate make up bags. 1 for make up I regularly use and a second make up bag for when I want to play up my make up or do something differently. If you’ve noticed, I’m never short on wet wipes since I find myself constantly using them to wipe my (or Paolo’s) hands and face.

I’m always changing my make up routines depending on the day and weather which is why there are so many things in my make up bag. I don’t actually use all of these in one day! Just in case you had any violent reactions…

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Make up bag 2 (from left- right): Katy Perry Meow perfume, Stila eye shadow brush, Watsons lipstick, Peripera Lip tint, Ever Bilena blush on, Mac lipstick, Brow blade, Marionaud eye shadow brush, Stila eye shadow and Kleenex Wipes

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Emergency kit (from left- right): Watson’s breath strips and floss, Dove travel deodorant,  Green Cross alcohol and Watson’s Wet Wipes

And lastly, my emergency kit that I keep in the car at most times unless I’m traveling and I need to keep it in my bag. I also keep my vape juice in here just in case I run low and a few napkins when it’s almost that time of the month.

Now you know what’s in my bags!

xx,

Issa

 

Smarty Pants

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One thing that every person needs in their closets are a good pair of pants. Unfortunately, that is something that I have deprived myself of for a very loooong time but, not anymore now that I’ve scored these awesome jeans from Guess

I never realized how much you could do with a decent pair of pants- you can wear them to work; to a chill night out with friends or in this case; you can pair it with an awesome high-low polo, throw on your trusty hat and voila! you’re ready to turn heads wherever it is you’re headed.

I got over my fear of trousers because I made the effort to try something new and I don’t regret it one bit. It’s a funny thing to be scared of, pants, but now that I’m over my little fear I find myself being a lot more confident and adventurous with other trends I never would’ve tried out! Remember, there’s nothing wrong with experimenting with different styles;  patterns and looks for as long as you stay true to what makes you comfortable and unique. Fashion is your friend and when you feel like you need a little bit more inspiration, that’s what this blog (and every other blog out there) is for.

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Floppy hat: Topshop| Polo shirt: Planet Exchange| Pants: Guess Jeans| Sandals: Carcar

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Necklace: Moms [whom I miss :(]

xx,

Issa

Quitter

Pro’s of quitting smoking:

– I don’t have smokers breath anymore

– My clothes and anything I lean on have stopped smelling like someone burned me alive

– There’s more room in my bag for idk, whatever little space a cigarette box takes up

– Everyone is so proud of me

Cons:

– My skin has been going through these horrible break outs

– My teeth have turned yellow! eek

– I GAINED SO MUCH WEIGHT

– I have to deal with uncomfortable social situations now

– I’ve become a raging hormonal bitch

– I am always hungry or eating JUST BECAUSE

– I’ve lost the “sexy” in my voice

So in general, I really don’t know if there’s more good or bad in all of this. On the brighter side, I won’t die of lung cancer… instead I’ll die from something else. Ultimately, I will die however. Not cuz of cigarettes. But I’ll still die.

xx,

Fat Issa

Stay Pretty. Be Educated. Dress Well. Get Money.

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Although I no longer work at an office that requires a dress code, I still enjoy dressing up for the occasional meetings with clients-  cue, pretty dresses; blazers or work pants over a cute blazer.

Today I’m wearing this cute box dress from Let’s Stylize that allows me to be fun, professional and young. I think that’s what’s really important when dressing appropriately while in our youth- you have to dress your age while still injecting some kick ass-ness in your looks.

Check out Let’s Stylize for more of their new looks!

xx,

Issa

Sporty Spice

There’s no denying that every now and then we need a little inspiration when it comes to dressing up. I’m always trying to find inspiration for my next look online, through glossy pages of magazines or even in my surroundings.

My family recently sent a picture from their travels of them wearing sports shirts of our favorite team and it gave me the inspiration to put together a quick look inspired by that. It was too adorable not to share!

Fun fact: When I was growing up in California, my papa and I would play baseball by the park hoping that I could join a little league. I ended up concentrating on ice skating before moving back to the Philippines where I fell in love with tennis. I’ve always been the “sporty one” and being able to put this set together brings back good old times.

MLB

 

 

This sports season, show your love for your favorite sports team with Fanatics! They’ve got a wide selection of sports caps and other merchandise to complete your “sporty chic”, like this Red Sox hat, whether if it’s to support your favorite team or just rock an outfit.

Can you guess which caps I’m expecting in the mail? 😉

xx,

Issa

White Dresses, Pale Lips… Until Alex Saw Me.

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Life is always better with a pop of color, or in my case- lots of it, which explains why I cannot maintain a color schemed Instagram feed. Yep, I’m still pretty bummed out about that! HAHA. But in this case, I tried to mellow it out a bit by sporting an all white ensemble with neutral colors and little make up. Of course, I just had to ask my best friend to take my outfit shots and she would not let me leave until I put lipstick on. (Continue reading to fully understand what I’m talking about…)

On regular days, I’m always opting for clothes that are easy to wear and require very little maintenance. I only pull out the big guns when I have extra time on my hands or if I’m headed to an event. Cebu is a very laid back city so I try not to be as loud as possible when it comes to dressing up-  just stylish enough to catch people’s attention but not make them question what I’m doing with my life. hahaha

On this particular day, I chose to wear this white neoprene dress matched with my favorite white heels. Neoprene, although it can get a bit warm, is a great material not only for bikinis but for apparel, as well. It’s great for keeping the structure of fabrics especially is you want something boxier or with more of a silhouette.

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Now for the fun part!

I’m not a big fan of lipstick because I have extremely dry lips and I like to peel my skin off for fun so putting lipstick on just dries it out. Fortunately, my best friend sells amazing make up at the Dara Beauty Market and she’s always hooking me up with awesome products to help address my beauty needs. You can check out most of the products I use here

I just started using the Peri’s Tint Marker and  it’s easily become a favorite of mine. It’s easy to use, it sticks and it doesn’t dry out my lips convincing me that lip tint is the way to go for chappy girls like me.

Make sure to check out Dara Beauty Market for more make up!

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Neoprene dress & necklace: @Voidonlineshop| Sandals: Zalora| Bag: Dooney & Bourke

xx,

Issa

Be Gentle

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You never know how a photograph turns out. When Jing and I were shooting these set of photos, I initially went towards a laid back; easy breezy theme in my head and then BAM! I find myself looking like some risque bombshell waiting to jump on you or you to jump on me. (whichever works, really. HAHA) But you know, I’m not even mad. If anything, I’m impressed and also, completely dependent on Jing now. He really knows how to make a girl look good. :)))

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Life lately has been really hectic with work, meetings, blogging and trying to maintain a personal life with all my weird hobbies and interests. As of today, I am now a proud owner of my very own top of the line camera and I can not wait to turn this blog up another notch.

So tonight, I leave you with this:

Always follow your dreams, no matter how big or small they are. 

My dream was to write and make something out of myself in the world of fashion no matter how big or small and although I’m not quite there yet, I am still somewhere and that is definitely better than being nowhere. When you’re doing the things you love, there is no place for hatred; jealousy or resentment but only contentment and gratitude. It is easier to be happy for others and to share your happiness, as well. So there.

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Crotchet top: Given| Camisole: Forever 21 Basics| Shorts: Abercrombie & Fitch

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Sandals: Car Car

Photography: Jing Pascual

xx,

Issa

Perfect Summers with Coke

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I’ve finally found the secret to having the perfect summer: good friends, the perfect beach weather and a bottle of Coca Cola- chilled to perfection!

 With the Coca Cola tumbler, it’s easy to get that #sarapngfirst feeling with every gulp of your favorite year round refreshment!

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And although I’m not at the beach in this shoot, I still feel more than refreshed from the summer’s heat. I’m trying to rock the biker chic/ i-just-want-to-spend-the-whole-day-blogging-in-a-tiny-nook look.. what do you think?

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Headband: Forever21| Necklace: Void online shop| Top: Planet Exchange| Bermuda shorts: DIY| Boots: SnH Shoes (SM Department Store)

Perfect summer; #perfectcoke. I couldn’t ask for more!

xx,

Issa

Threadcycle, OLX, iLearners and Things That Need A New Home

Pixie Dust Creations, in partnership with OLX, are throwing an awesome event this weekend and the best part- it’s all for a good cause!

This May 16- 17, 2015 (Saturday- Sunday) from 3 PM – 8 PM at the Ayala Terraces, I, along with my other Cebu based fashion bloggers such as: Jean Yu of www.lifeonaflavoredrunway.com; Toni Pino- Oca of www.perfumedredshoes.com; Doyzkie Buenaviaje of www.iluvcebu.com; Kristine Roa of www.theglamarazzi.com; Marco of www.lamikaayo.com and many more, will be there to sell our pre-loved items. For each item sold, P20.00 will be donated to the iLeaners Inc., which is a non-profit organization, aimed at promotion reading efficiency in the rural areas of Cebu.

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We’re really looking forward to seeing you during this event! If you’re not into shopping, then you can also drop by the area and donate used school supplies to help out iLearners wonderful cause.

Here are a few of the items that I will be putting up for sale:

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PLUS! For a minimum purchase, you can also bring home art work made by either Jean, Toni or I. For sneak peaks, check out my instagram and snapchat: @issaplease. I’m always leaving like easter egg surprises there!

Can’t wait to see you all!

xx,

Issa