As Bright As The Sun with Let’s Stylize and Havaianas

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When I’m not basking under the summer sun, you’ll be sure to find me in Let’s Stylize’s new summer collection of kimonos and cover ups. I love cover ups and I find them super handy especially when you want to walk around but you don’t want to commit to wetting your towel or your change of clothes just yet.

I have a couple of these bad boys which I will be recycling throughout the summer and if you don’t have your own, I suggest your get one before it’s too late.

I find chiffon cover ups to be my favorite so far because they are light weight and dry up easily so I don’t worry about it getting too heavy from absorbing water off from my body. Other than that, cotton cover ups and kimonos aren’t that bad either.

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Cover up: Let’s Stylize| Flip flops: Havaianas

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**DOUBLE CHIN GO AWAY!!**

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May Your Summer Be Colorful,

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I Chase Sunsets & Dreams. Not Boys & Their Petty Needs.

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No intended aggression from this blog post. It rhymes and sounds cute so yey!

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I tried to take these photos right before sunset because I completely forgot to take them any earlier and by the time I remembered, it was too late!

In case you didn’t know, I’ve worn these pants before here  but I wanted to show you guys how I would wear it on a regular day- fully clothed and everything.

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I never really had an exact way to describe how I dressed until today and it’s lazy and sloppy. Yep, not to under mind myself or anything but I love everything loose and fuss free which is probably why you’ll often catch me in maxi skirts and flowly crop tops.

But I understand that as much as I love to be lazy, I also have to consider my body type and what looks good on my body which is why I often pair loose pieces with tiny or fitting pieces.

I got this top at a local department store (*cough*cough*Gasiano Carcar) after  eyeing it for a couple of weeks and I think it was the perfect addition to this Vanessa Hudgens phase I’ve been going through a lot lately because 1. it’s white, 2. crocheted, 3. cinched at the hem.

I can’t wait to wear it with denim cut offs or daisy duke shorts and boots because it totally makes sense, right?

xx,

Issa P.

Better Than This Weather feat. Sanuk, Cebu

 

 

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It’s like I can never say it enough… Cebu’s weather is totally whack!

One minute I’m in a summery ensemble ready to hit an event and the next, I’m scurrying to find a cardigan to match! It’s like these rain clouds come out of nowhere so I’m always finding myself having to pack an extra layer of clothing just in case.

There really isn’t an “ideal” way to dress for this weather and I think we’re all aware of this since it’s the only thing us fashion bloggers can seem to talk about these days. But the problem is real… the solution however, may often be hazy.

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And although my #OOTD may not look as prepared to combat any weather, at least I know my shoes are. These babies from Sanuk’s Spring/ Summer 2015 collection are perfect whether it’s raining or shining outside.

Sanuk, which name is directly derived from the Thai word meaning happy, is known to attract people who love hitting the outdoors. They are constructed from innovative technology to ensure maximum comfort and durability and they are super stylish as well.

They can easily take anyone from the beach, to the mall and straight to the mountains for quick hike which is perfect for the Cebuano lifestyle!

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Floral crop top: SM Department store brand, Betty (gift from Chay Ramirez. Love you always, Chay!)| High waist shorts: Gaisano Car-car| Shoes: Sanuk| Shades:  Forever21 (similar here)

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For days like this when then the weather is off but I need some flower power to brighten the mood, I always pack a bright colored cardigan just in case it drizzles.

In addition to my cute and versatile shoes, keeping a cardi in my bag gives me the quick option to dress up or down as I please. It might add a little extra baggage but I like to carry big bags anyways so I don’t seem to mind.

 Congratulations to Sanuk for opening their new store at the 2nd level, new wing of Ayala! Thanks for having us and of course, for my new favorite pair of shoes :*

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With Doyzkie (www.iluvcebu.com), Toni (www.perfumedredshoes.com), Marco (www.lamikaayo.com) and Jean (www.jeancyu.com)

xx,

Issa

Throw Your Imperfections Into A Sea of Diamonds, My Love

1912237_693869174041133_8653001659801558493_nWhat you do not love about your skin,

I’ll love and I’ll love it always.

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Always because in me,

There is no time for anything less.

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So:

throw your imperfections in a sea of diamonds,

and see for yourself, my love;

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how well they swim

– Christopher Pointdexter

To Wherever The Sea May Take Me II

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I’ve always been the type of person who liked to run away from my problems- literally and metaphorically. My logic was, if I could avoid having to face the problem, it would eventually be ok. Don’t they tell you that time heals all wounds? So I moved out, avoided the people who hurt me, changed Facebook accounts a billion times, deleted URL’s and did anything I thought could help me get away.

But sometimes, you can only run so far and in my long time of running and not really getting anywhere, I’ve realized that the things that matter the most are the things that haunt you and find even in your deepest lurks and corners.

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I think that God (I am trying not to be so skeptic anymore) has his ways of pulling us out of the dark, no matter how comfortable we’ve become without light. We may not understand why or we may not want it but when it finally happens, we realize that we’ve always wanted it… we were just too scared to want the things we know could hurt us.

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I have finally finally finally stopped running away from one thing in my life, sometimes I would say it could be one of the most crucial things in my life, and instead I’ve decided to run towards it. If you asked me if I was excited about it, I’d tell you that I’m terrified mostly out of the fear of disappointment… but what it life without a little beating, right?

But nevertheless, I hope all will be well.

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You may not know my story or where I’m coming from after all, the most you get out of this blog are pretty (I hope) pictures and a little bit of this and that, here and there but take it from someone who’s been sitting in the dark for decades… sometimes things get dark and then they get brighter and then they get better.

xx,

Issa

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Meet my family all the way from Texas.

Kiona, Alvin, Leah, Paolo and Nielsen

To Wherever The Sea May Take Me

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I wish I could just lay on the beach with the sand in my hair, sun in my face, Pina Colada in my hand, sand in my feet and not to mention, an endless bikini collection every day of my life. If people were to ask me what my foundation is, I’d tell them it’s sunburn and my conditioner would be sea water. The fish would be my friends and my backyard would be the sea and instead of partying under flashing lights, I’d have the sky’s twinkling lights and sparks off the bonfire where I’ll most likely be at the end of the day. I’d never be depressed because I’d never have any problems and money would NEVER be an issue cuz well, DUH, I’d be stinking rich!

What an absolutely beautiful thought to think while I’m on our couch, half asleep, while taking my lunch break.

The real world sucks.

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My next few posts will be photos that I took over my short vacation to Bantayan Island so I hope you all enjoy that.

To be honest, I went on this trip to spend time with “lost” family and within those 3 days, I have learned so much about other people and more particularly about myself. I’d rather not tarnish these memories with fancy fashion advise as to what to wear to the beach but since I have gorgeous pictures and I’d rather not put them to waste, I figured I’d perhaps blog about something else.

I’ve realized that being a fashion blogger seems very glamorous but to say that I live a glamorous life would be a complete and utter lie. So maybe it’s time that you get a glimpse of what’s on the other side of the screen.

I hope everyone is looking forward to that because I definitely am. I think it’s an important aspect for me, as a blogger, to show a more personal side of myself. Fashion advice will always be there but when there’s something in your heart that could probably mean more to others, I think it is meant to shared. I always wish to be an inspiration to others so I hope in the next few entries to come, you will find comfort in my pains and somehow, use them to make your stronger.

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 ‘Til then,

Issa

Cropped tie dye top: Cebu Thrifted Picks

Bikini: Coco Cabana

Sunnies: Forever21

Hat: Street Vendor

Soak Up @ The Nail Island

10491208_675593249202059_5746619484489761993_n Cabana – /kəˈban(y)ə/

a cabin, hut, or shelter, especially one at a beach or swimming pool. Otherwise known as the epitome of relaxation, if you’re a beach bum like most Cebuanos are, of course.

Located at the ground floor of the Banilad Town Center, Cabana proudly houses everything beach-y from swim suits by Soak Swimwear to cover ups, sunnies and other merchandise perfect for your sun loving needs!

And if in case you can’t get your beach bum on, you can always give your nails the pampering they need at the Nail Island which is located inside the store.

Take a quick break from the hustle and bustle of the Metro and just sit back and relax inside the beach inspired nail salon while you enjoy their many services perfect for your tired hands and feet!

I dropped by Cabana this weekend and the interior, services and the over all feel of the place blew me away!

I indulged in a foot indulgence pedicure and a seaside rush manicure that afternoon and left with an intense longing to dip my feet in the water. But despite my lack for salt water, I now have pretty hands and feet and with my extremely hectic schedule is actually better. 😀

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10410623_675591472535570_4896692760387694484_nCheck out Soak

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Swimwear’s collection of swim wear on

Facebook

Instagram

And Nail Island on

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xx,

Issa

[Photo Diary] Knock 3 Times For Summer

Apparently, I spoke too soon when I said that I most likely wouldn’t be able to have any escapades this year (I stand corrected). But I’m glad that I was wrong, I’m even happier that my summer adventure came early this year and I’m happiest that I FINALLY got to go on an adventure with people I’ve been friends with ever since grade school!

Friends, meet a very small portion of our group: TOYBUDS.

I really don’t know why we call ourselves that or how that name came to be but we’re too lazy to change it so, I guess that’s what we’re gonna keep calling ourselves for the next 50 years. LOL.

Just out of curiosity… what is your groups’ name? 🙂

I’ve known these bunch of cuckoo cuckoo heads for a very long time and I’ve kept them in my life despite transferring schools in second year high school and despite going through college and everything in between and after. We all try to our best to keep in touch and get together every once in a while and of course, spend trips like this together as well.

This weekend we went to our friends’ beauuuuutiful rest house in Badian (not Barili. Doi!) and went to Lambog to catch some rays over drinks and icky sand. It really was a beautiful experience and it was definitely the quick fix to the rump I was going through over the week. Sometimes life can be so complicated and uncomplicated at the same time. Sigh.

The outdoor shower. My favorite part of the house.

Alyssa getting in the way of my shot.
And the Mcdo cup we used to drink on the way there. LOL

The beach front @ Lambog.
Entrance fee: 0.00

I hope the start of your summer is as happy as mine is!

xx,

Issa