INCOGNITO GLAM

All This Is What It Is

2012-02-07T23:20:00.001+08:00

I traveled to Negros Occidental in August last year to visit my nanny (Yaya!) from childhood. Haven't seen her since I was 11 and I wanted to know how she was since she started having her own rugrats. April, our current househelp, is Yaya's sister so I tagged along when she went home. :)

Le luggage contents + Minolta AF, underwater camera, digital camera, film, book.

Touchdown Negros!

Topshop wool hat & tank, 7-year-old thrifted sweater, Levi's 501 shorts, jelly sandals from Metro Gaisano!

White x denim = domestic travel uniform (hat optional)

April, Yaya and her baby boy Dan.

Dan gave me his alagang chicken...

Which they turned into tinolang chicken. I felt like the Khaleesi! Chos.

Their house is right by the sea. Wish I could wake up by the beach everyday.

Rain was looming, waves were loud and rough (prolly surfable in a you-could-die way) but it was surprisingly serene.

Forever 21 wayfarers, Proudrace sample tank from Judd, Divisoria denim shorts, this bikini underneath

Rooster photo by one of Yaya's other sons, either Kevin (who had mumps that week) or Carlo (who didn't)

A sweet little ido (dog)! This is the only Ilongo I remember. That and Tag-pila ni? (How much?) HAHA

Not my usual beach accommodation but Yaya's family more than made up for it with hospitality :) Check our sweet ride!

Some interesting things I saw while riding around: the Pinoy way of changing address (more fun in the Philippines!)

Fisherman's wharf and poisonous puffer fish. Avoid butete at all costs!

Meanwhile, mini Tilapia are safe to eat and tastier than the regular sized ones we have in Manila.

Outside the mercado was like the craziest thrifting with the wildest price points ever.

Items were going for P10, P5, 2 for P5, and P1. One Peso. ONE PESO. For reference, forex rate is $1 = P43. I CAN'T EVEN!!!!

Clothes for piso... What a concept. Shette. I love ette. Except I got charged for excess baggage at departure.

BOSS Menthols are the cigarettes of choice there. P16 for a pack of 20. Like a boss.

I know it looks dangerous but that's just how they roll! En route to their oma (farm?). Oh diba, sosyal.

Note the furrowed brows. Like mother, like son.

The thing that nourishes me yet also destroys me: rice :( Oysters, though, that's another story.

A sack of em (see the shells in the bin, then double it) cost me just P150. Shucks!

Dessert = bananas x brown sugar x giant mortar x pestle. We all laugh at my weakness.

I planned on hitting some farflung beaches solo but went somewhere closer with everyone instead!

Mag-aso Falls in Kabankalan was so mystic, in both a magical and it-was-misty sense.

I slipped by the bank and though I would die a rapid/rocky/watery death hundreds of feet below. So don't go chasing waterfalls.

Thought I wouldn't live to taste the BEST INASAL EVER. The Nuñez family recipe is the real deal.

Ashley kept saying "Ambot sa kanding na may bangs!" while Dan rode an actual kanding.

Before I knew it, my week in Himamaylan with Yaya was coming to an end. :(

I love my yaya because her stern disciplining started to make sense as I got older. See, now I like clowns haha!

I needed those afternoon naps, forced vegetable feeding, and occasional spanking. Deserve ko yan.

I know she really loves and cares about me so I'm glad she whipped little Nissy into shape! Nanny my unborn kids? Haha love you, Yaya!

Back to the future. One last dip in the sea.

One last motorcycle ride! This is my weee-I'm-on-a-motorbike face haha

One last trip to the pantalan (pier) with April and one of her brothers, Andy.

So afraid my hat would blow away! Divisoria nude knit tank, Tommy Hilfiger shorts

Bus station blues. Time to go.

It got pretty dramatic :( :( :( haha

But it was nothing more inasal and oysters couldn't fix HAHAHA Manukan Country, yo!

Spent my one night in Bacolod befriending these rastas who sold pipes made of pine nuts on the sidewalk near SM.

Highly recommended organics. The souvenirs, I mean. What were you thinking? ;)

One last inasal meal. I prolly started growing feathers at this point.

Then it was for realz time to go.

Such a special trip because I'd never been to Negros before, I got to live like a local, yet my yaya's family--more like, entire neighborhood!--treated me so well, despite the KKLK celebrity chismis that reached the palengke hahaha! Felt like Himamaylan was my hometown too. :)

xoxo

NISSY

Know How - Kings of Convenience feat. Feist

Earthquakes shook Visayas yesterday and parts of Negros were devastated. While Yaya and her family are alright, the aftershock and tsunami warnings are keeping them awake. I mean, nature strikes when it does. I hope everyone there recovers and sleeps easy soon. x from Manila

You Don't Know What You've Got Til It's Gone

2012-01-25T00:48:00.001+08:00

If the statement "my boombox ate up my cassette tape" makes sense to you, keep reading. This is for peeps who once put pen to cassette.

My childhood was pretty ace and I have mostly awesome memories of growing up in the 1990s, when Pluto was still a planet and things were analog, rad, and bitchin'. I have a nostalgic knack for anything 90s (Nickelodeon, film, Polly Pockets, etc.) and recently fixated on cassettes. Now my old school/old's cool entertainment system is complete!

Cassette tape stash box, Blackberry Curve, speakers, and iPod touch. Sweet.

It started with dressing up the work phone. Got it at an exorbitant eBay price, only to find them for cheap everywhere.

Then this stash box I stumbled upon at a toy camera shop. Handy and dandy!

My Christmas present to myself. And lastly, the crappiest customer service for the sickest speakers. SO WORTH IT.

You may have noticed my excessive labeling too haha (I swear, Dymo clicking is addictive.)

I'm kind of a low-fi person so this set up is perfect coz everything's portable and adorable! I have no reason to ever be bored again.

This cassette obsession is my throwback to the MTV generation. You know you're part of it when the 2012 Mayan prophecy doesn't scare you as much as the Y2K Millenium bug did. Party like it's ~~1999~~ 1995! Haha

xoxo

NISSY

Got Til It's Gone - Janet Jackson feat. Q-Tip

PS: Speaking of fleeting things, I love shopping at SM but I love the greenery of Baguio more. Earth-balling (rooting up and replanting trees) is as bad as cutting them because there's no assurance they'll grow back. We cannot let them chop down century-old pine trees for a parking lot. #protectBAGUIOtrees! Pine smells better than carbon monoxide, IMHO.

I May Be Young But I'm Ready

2012-01-01T16:21:00.000+08:00

New year, new hair.

xoxo

NISSY

Party (Beyoncé Cover) - Eliza Doolittle

Steal The Warm Wind Tired Friend

2011-07-18T14:22:00.000+08:00

Photos by Ira Giorgetti

♥ Black lattice dress: SM Department Store
♥ Leather doctor bag: Vedasto
♥ Leather ballet flats: Topshop

My cat Pluie passed away some weeks ago. The time is black and I might never be the same again. But, life, it goes on.

xoxo

NISSY

Black Hole Sun - Soundgarden

Loving You Is Cherry Pie

2011-07-16T22:37:00.002+08:00

Non-soggy, non-sticky socks. That's my wish for you this year.

Happy birthday to one of my bestest friends in the third world, photographer Joseph Pascual!

Above are photos I took of Joe (and his shoe & sock combos) when we were shooting for L'Oréal Paris Philippines during Philippine Fashion Week. Did something similar for his birthday last year but it's better curated and more consistent this time haha! And below is a photo of us I found on his tumblr. Not sure when this was exactly but it was when our favourite pastime was lying in the grass, talking 'bout love. CHOZ. Hahaha happy birthday, girl! Love you zo much.

xoxo

NISSY

Paparazzi - Lady GaGa

After All The Rain, You'll See The Sun Come Out Again

2011-07-02T15:41:00.001+08:00

♥ Nude chiffon dress: INCOGNITO GLAM aka designed by me
♥ Nude slip worn underneath: Mint
♥ Pink bow belt: Culte Femme
♥ Nude heels: SM Department Store

Exactly a month ago today, I turned 22. Coo coo cachoo!

This is what I wore to my birthday dinner. I bought the fabric, gave it to my seamstress, told her to turn it into a nightgown et, voila, a gown I wore at night haha! Didn't think it got enough mileage so I wore it again to my friend Fold's camel(toe) birthday dinner! Looks slightly different when it's opaque but daylight makes it super gorgeous. Overall, love how it turned out!

Today is my mum's 49th birthday and we're off to see Cirque du Soleil tonight. Should be spectacular. Good birthday vibes!

xoxo

NISSY

Me, Myself & I - Beyoncé

Beautiful Dirty Bourgeoisie

2011-06-21T23:25:00.001+08:00

My eBay shop is finally (FINALLY) open!

BEAUTIFUL DIRTY BOURGEOISIE

Excited to get rid of some heels, dresses and film! Bidding starts at just P99! Watch out for more clothes, cosmetics, even an SLR camera, in the future! But check out BDB now!

xoxo

NISSY

Beautiful, Dirty, Rich - Lady GaGa

Drinks Are In The Cooler, Chilled On Ice

2011-06-18T23:56:00.001+08:00

♥ Mixed & matched bikinis: Topshop

More photos from Tali a couple of weekends ago. You know, film processing delays things but I still love it. Light leaks, grain, infinity focus and all.

Remember when I said I wanted to work as a Tali beach house caretaker? Yup, still up for that job. *yawn*

xoxo

NISSY

Summertime - Aaron Carter

Et pourtant tu t'en vas

2011-06-16T01:17:00.000+08:00

♥ Cotton & crocheted lace crop top: Topshop
♥ Denim shorts; Levi's
♥ Wayfarers: Forever 21

Leaking some photos of the Giorgetti villa in Tali. Still under construction. Pool has about a centimeter of water. Currently inhabited by a squiggle of tadpoles. But, oh, the sunny days and starry nights on the roof...

xoxo

NISSY

Un jour comme un autre - Brigitte Bardot

Threw Away My Old Clothes Got Myself A Better Wardrobe

2011-06-14T00:55:00.002+08:00

♥ Black bustier: Kiki de Montparnasse

♥ Cream skirt: Culte Femme

♥ Leopard print booties: Culte Femme

♥ Patent purse: Mulberry for Target

♥ Gold wing ring: gifted

♥ Gold headphones: CDRKing haha

How do I blog about my birthday non-gratuitously?

Haha well I had no legit plans besides hauling my ass to the Department of Foreign Affairs to renew my passport but when Gabby asked me to DJ one night at Cubao X, I was like uh lemme take some spinning classes coz I dunno how to but shit I'd love to!!! It was a few days before the said party which coincided with my birthday so I was like fuck yeah let's do this shit.

But first lemme call my friend Judd who actually knows how to turntable haha

To everyone who tried to get me loopy, y'all succeeded.

Many thanks to my cousin Ira who eventually became the designated driver haha

Are we having fun yet? HAHAHA

Friends! Thanks for the presence and/or presents!

The beer goggle-y photos are reflective of my actual vision that night.

But that's coz I could barely figure out my new, vintage Flash Fujica film camera.

Wow who was taking photos all night my memory eludes me.

Judd aka DJ Sweetheart

Mah squeeze, Joe. His party photos are on Facebook and not on his blog coz they were "too wild."

REALLY.

Party hostess with the mostest. Thanks, G!

Book us if you want a RIOT at your party. We'll make lots of it.

Me aka DJ Spincognito Glam hahaha do you love ette?

Mind you I actually did learn how to spin. Maybe three tequilas and thirty tracks later. Being 21 was funfuckingtastic but being 22 is twice as nice! YEEEHAΔAWWWW

xoxo

NISSY

Spinning Around - Kylie Minogue

You Could Be My Black Kate Moss Tonight

2011-05-29T23:38:00.001+08:00

♥ Gladiator dress: Kate Moss for Topshop

♥ Patent purse: Mulberry for Target

♥ Black heels: H&M

The prerequisite hubadera (the Anna Canlas school of thought) haunt in my closet. A leather bib (the irony!) and gold grommetted strap keep this black shammy of a jersey dress from just falling off of me, requiring me to censor my carnal treasures with blurs or stars.

Went to the Topshop reopening and wanted to win a P10k shopping spree for being best dressed but what was I thinking? I was best undressed. Whatever. I got a wool hat and walked away. Haha anyway, anyone out there know legit remedies for motorcycle burns/scars?

xoxo

NISSY

Stronger - Kanye West

I Say Yes When I Oughta Say No

2011-05-28T21:59:00.002+08:00

♥ Floral & mesh swimsuit: Citano

♥ Black coated jean shorts: Next

♥ Patent purse: Mulberry for Target

♥ Leather ballet flats: Topshop

♥ Gold wing earrings: gifted by my lovely friend, Tin

Don't ask me why I squeezed myself into a bathing suit made for 8-year-olds. Or why Atlanta de Cadenet, Cory Kennedy and Tallulah Morton are life pegs. Or why Ira is my favourite cousin. Or why we're so invested in film photography.

Things just are!

xoxo

NISSY

I Get Around (Midnight Juggernauts Remix) - Dragonette

Do You Like Green Eggs & Ham?

2011-05-27T21:44:00.000+08:00

♥ Silk cropped top: thrifted
♥ Denim shorts: Levi's 501
♥ Belt: Moschino
♥ Leather gladiators: Schu

♥ Vintage aviators: Ray-Ban

The days sandwiched between leaving university and working at fashion week were spent comatosed at Chatime, overdosed on milk tea, with Sam Lee.

This is Sam. She is a filmmaker (and fellow film enthusiast, in case you can't tell by the grain in our photos) currently seeking employment. Haha! But really, you should czech out her work. Agos is her documentary on surfing and she won best thesis for it. Art. Here's a video she made of our graduation.

Save a life. Hire a hipster today. HAHA

xoxo

NISSY

Green Eggs and Ham - Dr. Seuss (1973 TV adaptation)

PFW PHOTO DIARY

2011-05-24T16:21:00.002+08:00

My favourite moments, mode, and models!

Sashay!

L'Oreal photography team: Joe, me & Zet

Backstage before shows

Supermodels Ria, Jasmine & Charo

Love the lace and chiffon details

Jesus Christ it's Ram Sagad

Prosthetics and color spray at Jerome Salaya Ang

Having too much fun on the sensor-activated escalators

We made videos in our spare time.

At the L'Oreal Make-up Rooms

The before & after of the L'Oreal VIP Luxe Lounge

Divine's DSquared heels & Joe's sock couture chos

"I'm game for anything!" said Anne.

Backstage at L'Oreal presents Lyle Ibanez and Yvonne Quisimbing

You know how I love sequins and chiffon.

Claire from Cycle 10 of America's Next Top Model is half-Filipina!

Favourites from Yvonne's collection

juddythicklegs x incognitoglam before the Oxygen show. Leigh Lezark!

Must-haves from Oxygen. Music by The Misshapes.

Jasmine preppy-fying and cutie-fying Regatta

Perks of the job? Make-up sponsored by L'Oreal! Haha

Gian, Fold, Joe, me, Judd, Kim, Joma, Sam & Aleli aka Philippine Friendship Week

Fierce child model

Backstage at the menswear shows

Ford Supermodel of the World competition. Define "gap between the legs."

The 14-year-old winner, Samantha

Yosi breaks

The RTW collection

Allow me to be lewd for like one moment.

Runway photos featuring things I would actually wear.

Sequins + chiffon + satin

WANT. I call this the Bloody Bacon Breastplate and Bodysuit.

Kermit Tesoro's shoes are TO DIE FOR as usual.

Drag queen extraordinaire, Xtina Superstar.

The posthumous tribute to Louie Mamengo

Joey Espino of Runway Productions talking about his best friend, Mamengo.

The L'Oreal afterparty!

Haha in my fave H&M dress. My photo in the background!

Photos © Denise San Jose using a Canon 5D Mark II, Canon 40D, 85mm & 50mm f/1.8 lenses, and expired film in my analog camera.

That's a wrap for Philippine Fashion Week Holiday 2011!

xoxo

NISSY

9 AM - Kid Francescoli (aka the L'Oreal VIP Lounge song)

Everybody Dies But Not Everybody Lives

2011-05-20T22:05:00.001+08:00

♥ White men's polo: Balenciaga
♥ Scalloped shorts: Culte Femme
♥ Black heels: H&M

First outfit on the last day of Philippine Fashion Week. Yeah, I had another ensemble for the L'Oréal party later that day. (Because I'm worth it. Haha!) Here are some of my PFW photos submitted to the client for enlarging. Mouseover a photo for details.

Three were chosen and I feel so legit haha! So lucky to have been part of this project. Thank you, EON, Runway Productions and L'Oréal.

Tomorrow, my PFW photo diary!

xoxo

NISSY

Moment 4 Life - Nicki Minaj feat. Drake

Time Heals All And Heels Hurt To Walk In

2011-05-19T01:03:00.002+08:00

♥ Trilby hat: SM Department Store (Men's!)
♥ Charcoal figure skater dress: American Apparel
♥ Leopard print booties: Culte Femme
♥ Cuff watch: Elite
♥ Wing cuff: SM Department Store (not Men's haha)

I was literally tired of looking fancy towards the end of PFW so I stopped pretending to be important. I quit dressing like an off-duty model and fashion editor (both of which I was mistaken for, to my sheer delight haha sucker) and just threw on one of my favourite dresses and my ~~favourite~~ only remaining hat.

Thanks to Joe for forgetting about his no-flash rule and taking my photos. And sorry to KC of Nouveau Skin who couldn't cross the street because of me haha!

xoxo

NISSY

Fancy - Drake feat. Swizz Beats & T.I.

And I Ain't Gonna Lie Or Beg For Your Love

2011-05-16T18:51:00.002+08:00

♥ Pink blazer: thrifted
♥ White silk blouse: Forever 21
♥ Beige lace shorts: Soiree at SM Department Store
♥ Pink leather ballet flats: Janylin
♥ Feather earrings: gifted by my best friend from Canada :)

Did you miss my legs? Haha dunno why my instinct was to cover up for PFW. I missed wearing shorts and wore this pretty pair because they look and feel like underwear. I know my shorts are too short when my birthmark is visible but then again, "too short" is actually my standard.

Speaking of standards, when you're chasing models backstage and clothes on a catwalk for 12 hours everyday, you'd want nothing more than to wear flats. Fine, they're comfy and all but I needed a higher power aka a boost of confidence aka heels. By sunset, I tossed my flats in my bag, changed into pumps and went through another box of Band-aids. No pain, no gain!

xoxo

NISSY

Natural High - Vanessa Paradis

Reaching A Fever Pitch

2011-05-15T12:25:00.002+08:00

♥ Maroon maxi dress: Topshop

♥ Medallion necklace: vintage from BF Ruins

♥ Black blazer: H&M

♥ Black ballet flats: Topshop

On Friday the 13th, I decided to dress like a fortune-telling Amish sister wife/Frida Kahlo to justify putting my hair up in milkmaid braids. Yep.

Today, Sunday, is the last day of Philippine Fashion Week and I'm so glad it's almost over. L'Oreal is hosting an afterparty tonight at Fever and I'm pleased to announce that three of the photos I took during PFW are gonna be blown up and exhibited! :)

This week has really been fun and fabulous and worth all the blisters!

xoxo

NISSY

Rolling in the Deep - Adele

Just That Things Got So Compliqué

2011-05-15T12:19:00.000+08:00

♥ Mint green chiffon top with cutout heart: Soireé at SM Department Store
♥ Khaki carrot pants: The Chic Parade
♥ Nude leather pumps: Carmelletes

♥ Turquoise and pearl earrings: Embellish Manila

♥ Philippine freshwater pearl bracelet: gifted, custom-made

Wow, I'm on a roll with local brands today. Make-up by L'Oreal Paris Philippines. Off to work!

xoxo

NISSY

Eh Eh (Nothing Else I Can Say) - Lady Gaga

A Kiss With A Fist Is Better Than None

2011-05-11T12:13:00.000+08:00

♥ Handed-down navy blazer: The Black Shop
♥ Grey maxi dress: Forever 21
♥ Mini leather satchel: thrifted (P30!)
♥ Gold wing ring: gifted from the States
♥ Leopard print booties: Culte Femme

Oooh, child, PFW is super stressful. Yesterday was only day two and I'm already bombed! It's two tons of fun though. You get to schmooze with models (one of which is Claire from ANTM Cycle 10!), chat with designers, joke around with hair stylists and make-up artists, fight with bouncers (they clearly don't know what ALL ACCESS means), and get saved by stage managers.

I got pretty good photos (thanks to my cousin Ira for lending me his Canon 5D Mark II!) and can't wait to share them with you! There are so plenty though, just thinking about editing them is exhausting already! But, you know, an engaging and challenging source of income is better than none.

xoxo

NISSY

Kiss With A Fist - Florence + The Machine

She's Got Electric Boots, A Mohair Suit

2011-05-10T13:07:00.002+08:00

♥ White organic cotton shirt: H&M
♥ Black ruched jersey skirt: Forever 21
♥ Leopard print booties: Culte Femme by Hindy Weber-Tantoco
♥ Drawstring knapsack: CHANEL
♥ Hand-cut acrylic unicorn necklace: Tamis Design by Feanne Mauricio

Coming to you from SMX at Philippine Fashion Week 2011! I'm shooting backstage for L'Oreal Paris Philippines, PFW's official beauty partner, and I've never been this anxious-excited for a fashion-photography job! I foresee lots of running around, schmoozing with industry people, and Colour Riche lipstick.

Because it is Philippine Fashion Week, I'm challenging myself to wear at least one homegrown brand/designer per day. I feel very strongly about the talent and potential of Filipino fashion, from the art to the business to the resource aspects, and we should all have pride in it. This is just my little way of doing so.

See you backstage or at the L'Oreal VIP Lounge!

xoxo

NISSY

Bennie and the Jets - Haley Reinhart

Knuckles Are Pale

2011-05-03T03:03:00.002+08:00

Photos by Ira Giorgetti

♥ This cropped shirt in black: LNA
♥ Silver wing necklace: Cubao X
♥ Grey bodycon skirt: Forever 21
♥ Black heels: H&M

Tried hair dye for the first time ever. Not only did I fail to achieve the Lita Red of my childhood scripted wrestling dreams (let's not go there), it's been a week since I coloured my hair and the shower runoff still bleeds orange. Orange. Yet my hair is darker than before. I'm sure there's a science to it but what was I expecting from a P60 box—make that two—of henna anyway?

My hair was half a virgin when I dyed it (from previous digital perming and milk rebonding). Does that have any bearing on its ability to pigment? Any colourist recommendations? I was a little hazy about committing to being a redhead but now I'm just starting to resent the fact that my hair is goth. It is, even if Photoshop says otherwise. Maybe I should stop pussyfooting and just go balls out Mystica Red?

xoxo

NISSY

Sex on Fire - Kings of Leon

Ever Have That Dream Where You're Walking Naked Down The Street?

2011-04-24T22:04:00.000+08:00

♥ Nude chemise: Topshop
♥ Taupe bag: Longchamp
♥ Nude heels: SM
♥ Gold trinket necklace: gifted

Happens to me all the time, dreams crossing over to reality (and the uncontrollable urge to walk around in not much clothing). People, nude isn't a color; it's a concept. Thusly, because my humor is dry and sandpapery, here's a recent photo of my pussy.

xoxo

NISSY

Barenaked - Jennifer Love Hewitt

Wake Up Kids, We've Got The Dreamers Disease

2011-04-19T22:59:00.033+08:00

♥ Ivory tulle & chiffon dress: Patricia Santos

♥ Nude leather pumps: Carmelletes

♥ Crocodile skin purse: CHANEL
♥ Multi-strand pearl bracelet: gifted

Words describing how I felt on graduation day elude me. Lemme talk about what I wore instead.

Photo by Joseph Pascual

My university imposes a unique academic dress code on its graduates. Instead of togas, robes or caps, graduates of the University of the Philippines Diliman wear the Sablay. The Sablay is inspired by the tribal fabric worn by many of our indigenous peoples. It's traditionally woven in the school colours (maroon, green and yellow gold) with archaic characters (alibata) and is the prescribed costume for the commencement exercises. It's a pretty intelligent piece of clothing, really. Like an American Apparel circle scarf, only with a higher level of history, importance and workmanship.

Photo still by Joe

I think it's the perfect paradigm of culture represented in contemporary (albeit, academic) fashion. Since it's basically a sash, graduates are required to be in formals underneath. For gents, the default is the Barong Tagalog. For ladies, it's a little more flexible. All I know is it has to be ecru or off-white and not skanky haha! So in the spirit of keeping things patriotic, I decided to get my dress made by local designer and Gen M finalist, Patricia Santos. For variety and my mother's sake, I decided to go dainty demure which is pretty polar from what I'd normally wear and what you'd normally see on this blog. I curled my hair and did subtle make-up so the look was very romantic, girly and pa-sweet. Heehee.

I wore Philippine-cultured freshwater pearls that have been graciously gifted to me over the years. I bought Marikina-made pumps as my graduation shoes to support our shoe industry, yay! They're the genuine calfskin leather pumps in nude which I blogged about last weekend. How adorable are the pink soles? And I got them for just P1,699. So that was my attempt at a fully Filipino and proudly Pinoy outfit until I woke up with a gorgeous crocodile skin Chanel on my bed and questioned if I truly deserved it... YES. Hahaha!

Back to the Sablay. It's initially worn on the right shoulder, as I did during College Graduation in the morning. Then the wild University Graduation, attended by 4,000+ and the President of the Philippines, happened in the afternoon. After the Chancellor announced us as the UP graduates of 2011, we transferred the Sablay onto our left shoulder without taking it off which wasn't very spectacular but was the strangely symbolic climax of the day.

So there. I've graduated. After 19 years of schooling, I'm dunzo. I really can't articulate how I feel about it. I don't quite know what to feel, much less what I'm supposed to do next. But the first thing that comes to mind is... Somebody, hire me! Hahaha

xoxo

NISSY

You Get What You Give - New Radicals

Goodbye Makes Hello So Sweet

2011-04-16T23:50:00.007+08:00

♥ Floral apron dress: Topshop

♥ Nude leather pumps with pink sole: Carmelletes

Yeah, Topshop decided to make aprons and market them as "cutout summer dresses." Naturally, I was the number one customer for those. No, that isn't my bike in the background. I do not know how to ride a bicycle... Yet. Once my insurance is renwed, I'll try to learn!

Speaking of learning, my mum is forcing me to coach Ate April, our househelp, how to use a DSLR. No shit. Mum finds taking my photos for this blog grossly cumbersome so she wants our maid to do it instead. Poor, pathetic me. No one supports my blogging endeavor. Have to pay someone to do it. Cue desire for creative and supportive significant other.

Ah, well, on to equally depressing things... I spent today practicing how to walk in my new heels because—drum roll please—I'm graduating tomorrow! And I missed grad practice! And I'm afraid to stumble en route to receive my diploma in front of my entire college and university! Haha. Camilla Morton was wise to advise the Aisle Glide but I am not wise, despite my degree. I will always attempt to break in new shoes at the most inconvenient times/places.

God bless my ankles and my chutzpah. I will hopefully just figuratively break a leg tomorrow.

xoxo

NISSY

What You Are - Jewel

Don't Waste Your Youth Growing Up

2011-04-15T21:43:00.001+08:00

Photos by KT Lapena. Special thanks to Sam Morales.

Sam of The Chic Parade and I collaborated for a collection of cute apparel back in March. Can you believe it? Haha I never thought I would be asked to do such a thing coz of this blog! Modeling. Haha but I'm a fan of vintage treasures so I thought it would be pretty interesting to do it.

I paired TCP pieces with some of my own clothes and Sam helped me accessorize since it's not exactly my realm of expertise haha! It was a quick shoot one afternoon then The Chic Parade x Incognito Glam collection was released soon after. Wish I could've blogged about it sooner but I think there are still some pieces left! But TCP comes out with lots of lovely things all the time so check it out and you might find something you like :)

The Chic Parade

♥ Pink blazer: thrifted
♥ Nude camisole: Mango
♥ Denim shorts: Levi's 501
♥ Belt: Moschino
♥ Leather bag: thrifted
♥ Vintage aviators: my Abuelo's Ray-Bans from the 80s which went missing! But I found em. Almost died.

Oh, you know what, if you retweet their anniversary tweet, you can get a coupon and take P100 off your next Chic Parade purchase! Sweet deal, right?

xoxo

NISSY

Used to Be - Beach House

Roosters From The Sister Islands Too

2011-04-10T17:05:00.004+08:00

♥ Azul linen maxi dress: Coco Cabana at SM

♥ Coated canvas tote with silk scarf: Emilio Pucci

♥ Metallic pink flip-flops: Havaianas

♥ Black bandeau bikini: Marie Claire Paris

Ahhh, summer... Tastes like chlorine and watermelons. Lovely.

Maybe I could stay in Tali for a year, taking care of rich people's houses, cleaning their pools, waxing their boats, etc. before looking for a real job. You know, one I ~~went to~~ slaved in university for.

xoxo

NISSY

Summer Days - Phoenix

Closer To Your Eyes, Get Your Attention

2011-04-09T15:30:00.004+08:00

♥ White fringe dress: Never Been Kissed

My routine at Tali last weekend: Sleep. Eat. Swim. Repeat. I think I deserve it after toiling over that damned thesis. I thusly rewarded myself with a new camera. Just a cheap, waterproof toy cam. Lemme show you some photos from my first two rolls of film.

I love analog living. Reminds me of my childhood. Oh, the fringes on the dress also remind me of one of the curtains I used to play with as a kid. I would pull them off the rod in the living room, turn them into a veil or dress, and pretend to be a blushing bride at 6 years old hahaha!

xoxo

NISSY

The Little Things - Colbie Caillat

The Bittersweet Between My Teeth

2011-04-08T01:23:00.024+08:00

Photos by Judd (film snaps are mine)

♥ Trilby hat: SM
♥ Cropped tank: SM
♥ Skinnies: Next
♥ Grey ballet flats: H&M
♥ Watch: Swiss Army

HEY, BITCHEZZ

I AM FINALLY GRADUATING!

AND I CAN HARDLY CONTAIN MYSELF!

Thesis was the bane of my existence for four semesters. I was a complete mess about my final undergraduate requirement during senior year, thus causing my delay. After an extended school year and groveling over theoretical frameworks and data analysis, I am legitimately dunzo with my contribution to the academe and I'm graduating on the 17th!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :) Thank God Joseph and Judd decided to be scholastically delinquent too haha! Can't wait for the three of us to graduate together.

Sometimes, life really has to be cruel to be kind. Or as my friends would prolly say, minsan, kailangan maloka ka ng bonggang-bongga bago ka pumak! ✓

xoxo

NISSY

Young Blood - The Naked And Famous

ALARM

2011-03-22T15:22:00.021+08:00

A film by Joseph Pascual

This is the trailer for my best friend's thesis as he is a film major. And this is my first time to do wardrobe for a film. Savourer.

xoxo

NISSY

I Hope This Works Out Cardio

2011-03-14T01:08:00.000+08:00

Photos by Joseph Pascual

♥ Ballet pink blazer: thrifted (P50)

♥ White lace and cotton bodysuit: Marks & Spencer

♥ Whitewash skinny jeans: Bershka

♥ Nude platforms: SM Department Store

♥ Cognac leather bag: Michael Kors (borrowed from Mum)

♥ White leather watch: Timex (Mum's too)

In the summer semester of 2008, I made this silly "no jeans in the summer" rule which I've religiously been following since. Much like a Lenten sacrifice. A little fling with "spring" was the last time I wore jeans and have no intentions of doing so in the coming blistering months. April and May in Manila = oven months.

In case you haven't noticed on this blog, I'm not a big fan of pants anyway. Winnie the Pooh, Tom Cruise in Risky Business, Russian hookers and I have that in common.

xoxo

NISSY

Rocketeer (L.A. Dreamer Remix) - Far East Movement

Get A Lick Of This Lovin'

2011-02-24T22:41:00.000+08:00

Photos by Ira Giorgetti

♥ Birthday cake blazer: hand-me-down from Italy
♥ Black bodycon dress: H&M
♥ Black platform heels: H&M
♥ Leather clutch: Yves Saint Laurent

I recently received this overtly festive satin blazer and was saving it for a special coming-of-age party (mine, supposedly) but I decided to wear it to my cousin Ira's surprise 19th birthday dinner instead. HAPPY BIRTHDAY, BABYSHAMBLES! ♥

I call him Babyshambles coz he sometimes looks like Pete Doherty haha!

xoxo

NISSY

Bass Down Low - Dev feat. The Cataracs

Meet Me On Your Best Behavior, Meet Me At Your Worst

2011-02-22T23:12:00.000+08:00

Photos by Joseph Pascual

♥ Weft knit sweater: thrifted (P10)
♥ Asymmetrical bodysuit: Topshop
♥ Feather necklace: Kirra
♥ High-waist denim shorts: gifted
♥ Leopard print ballet flats: fROLLic

Last month, some parts of school looked like locations off Twilight and I half-expected sparkling vampires and sexy werewolves to jump from outta nowhere and rush to my defense. Of course, they didn't. Because I wasn't in any sort of life-threatening predicament. And because they're not real.

But dementors and dragons... That's a different story.

xoxo

NISSY

Meet Me on the Equinox - Death Cab For Cutie

Remind Me To Spend Some Good Time With You

2011-02-21T00:38:00.000+08:00

♥ Navy blazer: handed-down The Black Shop
♥ White tank: Topshop
♥ Denim shorts: Divisoria
♥ Grey flats: H&M
♥ Gunmetal tote bag: Ross
♥ Double wing necklace: Urban Outfitters
♥ Aviators: Ray-Ban

Been wrestling with ~~my thesis~~ procrastination all of January but February actually yielded progress. Submitted the second draft of my thesis last week so here I am, concurrently back in school and back to blogging. I'd say I'm 75% done with the paperwork and praying for the rest of it to go smoothly.

Meanwhile, I've been enjoying my afternoons in the university. Golden Hour at UP is always nicer with friends and a tall cup of Lychee Yakult Tea with aloe vera bits from Moonleaf, to which I attribute my rapidly regrowing double chin to.

Ah, youth.

xoxo

NISSY

If I Ever Feel Better - Phoenix

K-Kinda Busy

2011-02-07T15:57:00.001+08:00

Photo by Joseph Pascual

Got a bunch of outfits to blog but until I'm finished with my thesis, I shall withhold the posting thereof. By the way, if you follow local news agencies like Inquirer or ABS-CBN on Twitter, please take my short & tweet survey --> http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/JS6X8S2 <-- and contribute to my academic cause. Thanks! :)

xoxo

NISSY

Telephone - Lady GaGa feat. Beyonce

We're Sick Like Animals We Play Pretend

2011-02-03T23:32:00.000+08:00

♥ Figure skater dress: American Apparel
♥ Nude platform heels: SM
♥ Yellow bunny ears: from an Easter egg hunt two years ago haha
♥ Snake rings: Quiapo and a hand-me-down

Kung hei fat choi, y'all! Since 2011 is the year of the Metal Rabbit, I thought it was only appropriate to wear my shiny charcoal nylon tricot dress from AA to Republiq's Chinese New Year party, topped off with the perkiest bunny ears.

Funny story: Designer/artist Kate Torralba was supposed to wear my bunny ears for her performance of Katy Perry's "Firework" in Mandarin! I got a little giddy because KT was my fave local designer in high school. I used to frequent her boutique Ishq at Astoria (coz it was close to my school and mum's office) and look at the matching tops, skirts, and purses in quirky prints. I ended up getting a rainbow skirt and purse set but I've since handed them down. So yeah, we have history haha! She ended up not using my bunny ears but she almost did hee!

My Chinese zodiac is the Snake (I was born in 1989) so I wore my silver snake rings. This year is supposed to be good for Snakes financially which is great but I'm like, why not romantically? HAHAHA

xoxo

NISSY

Animal - Neon Trees

Hey Big Spender!

2011-01-28T17:16:00.000+08:00

We're having a yard sale this weekend and I'm selling some items that have appeared on this blog!

Branded items like these Topshop pumps and this Forever 21 dress are going for P300. Thrifted clothes like this maxi dress I wore on NYE 2009, this cute dress I've never worn and this fave dress that I've overworn are P50. I'm also selling my Sex and the City inspired heels which are too big for me (size 9). And these sculpted heels, purple cage heels and gray slingbacks are P100 each.

Plus tons more stuff I have no photos of and prices yet, like bags from BCBG and Louis Vuitton, shoes from SM and Chanel, and clothes from everywhere! The rest of my family also pooled in their unwanted stuff so expect a huge selection of second-hands.

YARD SALE

designer/branded/thrifted/vintage clothes + shoes + bags

home + kitchen items | CDs + vinyls | DVDs + books + magazines | toys + trinkets

and all sorts of stuff at looooow prices!

All yours if you come to #11 Cavite St. Alabang Hills Village tomorrow and on Sunday with cash, reusable shopping bags, rummaging and haggling skills! ;)

xoxo

NISSY

From L.A. To The Bay Whatcha Say, All Day Every Day Any Damn Day

2011-01-26T01:41:00.001+08:00

♥ White tank with art by Gabrielle Rose: Kirra x The Collaboration Series

♥ Navy bralette: Forever 21

♥ Denim shorts: Landmark

♥ Tan gladiators: Schu

♥ Wing cuff: SM

A sleepily gorgeous and lazily warm afternoon by the bay. West (and South) Coast livin' be the shit to me!

xoxo

NISSY

Westside Till I Die - TQ

Why Did I Have To Lose Your Love, Your Love, Your Love?

2011-01-23T23:59:00.042+08:00

♥ Major sequins all over dress: H&M
♥ Black fringe heels: GoJane.com

My obsession for shining shimmering splendid continues!

Since we're on the topic of clubbing (an activity I shouldn't be tired of at the tender age of 21 haha), I'm blogging the dress I wore when I watched apl.de.ap of the Black Eyed Peas spin during the holidaze. I mean, how could I let this glitzy baby go unnoticed?

Anyway, APL is my homeboy. How can you not be proud of Filipino talent like his? I mean, he rolls with Will.I.Am, Fergie and that Mexican dude haha! And headlined at the 2009 Victoria's Secret Fashion Show, besides selling millions of albums and tour tickets. Respect.

You might have expected to hear their highly infectious club anthem "The Time (Dirty Bit)" in this post but I think you should listen to something from their old album which shoulda been released as a single, in my mainstream music opinion. Enjoy its equally catchy chorus!

xoxo

NISSY

Alive - Black Eyed Peas

You Got Me Goin' Stupid Pickin' Daffodils

2011-01-21T23:37:00.003+08:00

♥ Black lace overlay: Juliana Martel
♥ Bra: La Senza
♥ Bodycon skirt: H&M
♥ Platform heels: H&M
♥ Purse: vintage

SHOTS SHOTS SHOTS all night long with LMFAO, friends and my cousin Ira in very Alexander Wang shirt. So much alcohol that night, even his lip balm was absinthe flavoured! Wild night of distilled beverages and disenchanting encounters hahaha!

Notes to self:
- Never break in new heels while clubbing again. New it was a bad idea but meh frivolity.
- Avoid wearing this lovely lace thing. It's overworn and might have holes, rips and tears.
- Dear Mind, Body says sorry for party rocking.

xoxo

NISSY

La La La - LMFAO

Sleep 'Til I Die A Thousand Times

2011-01-18T13:42:00.002+08:00

♥ Triple layer wing necklace: SM
♥ Gold stud wing earrings: Alabang Hills bazaar
♥ Stone and trinkets necklace with angel wing: gifted by Kim who I used to work with
♥ Silver wing cuff: SM
♥ Gold double wing necklace: eBay
♥ Set of three wing earrings: gifted by Mum

You know how some people have weird collections? Rare stamps, race cars, hotel matches, Hermes bags, beer mugs, shot glasses, pretty china, pretty preserved corpses... In case it isn't obvious, angel wing jewelry is my thing. I'm not sure how this happened but, like I mentioned in a post about juverly last year, Lo from Laguna Beach had something to do with it. Or I dunno, I just find angel wings quite lovely. ♥

These are the pieces I've had for a while and the above pieces are the ones I've acquired throughout 2010. Just wanted to put the word out in case you know of any stores that carry angel wing accessories or if you design or make them, please let me know.
incognitoglam@gmail.com :)

xoxo

NISSY

Pretty Wings - Maxwell

Freaky Fashematics

2011-01-17T21:57:00.000+08:00

Maco Custodio S/S 2011 + The Human Centipede = HOLY SHIT (pun) I need these Maco Custodio Tri-heel-atops!!!

Horror movies scare the living cheezus out of me but sometimes I just can't look away. Well, The Human Centipede is grotesque mindfuck in film form and I've only ever seen the trailer haha! Google it at your sanity's risk because it is completely disgusting. I don't believe it's medically accurate like they claim (ass-to-mouth, really?) but it's just so nasty that it's funny. I've reached the saturation point so I can talk about it without flinching now haha!

I'm actually not afraid of the idea of the surgical procedure but I'm just wondering what kind of sicko would want a pet human centipede? Haha I am so invested in this movie that I died when I saw these Maco Custodios. It's like, why do you need three heels on one shoe? No idea but it blows my mind how insane and Human Centipede-ically accurate they are! This is my type of pet. Shoe psycho says WANT.

(Maco Custodio shoes are made to order. Click here for info. And head on over to Fashematics.com for more fashematically valid equations.)

xoxo

NISSY

Monster - Kanye West

Shorten Our Days To Longer Nights

2011-01-16T22:00:00.004+08:00

♥ Grey unitard: Forever 21
♥ Navy harem pants: ZARA
♥ Red platform heels: SM
♥ Stone and trinkets necklace: gifted
♥ Aviators: vintage Ray-Ban

Most people think talking about the weather is mundane, but I'm not most people. Weather is one of my favourite conversation topics, especially because I have to have a good look out my window before getting dressed for the day that I could be a cloud expert. January gave Manila a fortnight of crisp, cool afternoons, evenings and early mornings. Too bad it's dunzo now and I was asleep for most of it.

I did catch one sunset when every breeze felt like post-Astring-O-Sol angel breaths and deemed it appropriate to wear a one-piece fit for trapeze artists, layered with almost-pajamas that make my hips look huge-ass and my ass look non-existent. I wonder how this unflattering article of clothing ever came to be. And how it made a millennial comeback after MC Hammer's career died. And why I bought it.

At least the lower half of my body is warm and toasty.

xoxo

NISSY

I Do Not Care For The Winter Sun - Beach House

Pretty Little Hairdo Don't Do What It Used To

2011-01-15T23:40:00.002+08:00

♥ White bodysuit: SM
♥ Black chiffon tap shorts: SM
♥ Navy pumps: Topshop (Selling these at a yard sale soon. Stay tuned!)
♥ Multicolor gem necklace: Forever 21
♥ Black patent purse: Mulberry for Target

For my Abuelo's 87th birthday, we had brunch at Henry's (which I discovered has the most exciting halo-halo ever) and watched restored black and white Filipino films from the 1950s. My gramps has gotten slow and slightly deaf from age but it actually makes conversations with him even funnier than they normally are! I love this guy :) I tweeted that he and my deceased grandmother share the same birthday and I think the universe was so sweet to predestine their love story astrologically.

xoxo

NISSY

Save It For A Rainy Day - The Jayhawks

Everything By Chance, Sentiments Adrift

2011-01-09T22:01:00.004+08:00

De loin en loin, dit la haine. De proche en proche, dit l’amour.

Monologue from Alphaville (1965) by Jean-Luc Godard. This is my reminder to keep the people and things I love in sight, and those that don't matter distant. Because sometimes I forget about what really counts. Not anymore, hopefully.

Life (and my handwriting) could be nicer, but it is what it is. Photos of my first two tattoos from my trip to Boracay.

xoxo

NISSY

The Way You Look Should Be A Sin, You My Sensation

2011-01-07T20:05:00.001+08:00

♥ Black jersey dress with asymmetrical draping: SM

♥ Red platform heels: SM

♥ Vintage clutch: Yves Saint Laurent

♥ Cuff watch: Elite

Mum found this lovely Victorian flocked velvet fabric on the sidewalks of Divisoria months ago and I've been dying to use it as a backdrop. She's about to get a couch reupholstered with it and turn the scraps into pillowcases so before that happens, I give you my first outfit post of 2011.

First wore this look to work, then to the gala of an art exhibit entitled Conspirateurs du Plaisir ("conspirators of pleasure," oui, oui, monsieur). Will be wearing this ensemble more often, I'm sure.

My blogger goal this year is to be an ambassador to SM Department Store hahaha! I'm serious. God knows how much richer I've made Henry Sy via my unwavering patronage of Parisian shoes and Soirée clothes haha! Happy new year of the rabbit!

xoxo

NISSY

Devil In A New Dress - Kanye West feat. Rick Ross

Got Jesus On My Necklace

2010-12-31T14:47:00.000+08:00

HELLZ YEZ, this night is one of those nights that I swear is for the books.

♥ Trilby hat: SM

♥ Rock Tour tank: PROUDRACE

♥ Rosary: from Italy

♥ Cumbersome black jeggings: Forever 21

♥ Heels: Tiffany

♥ Sling bag: Mulberry for Target (Thanks, Fold!)

♥ Elephant ring: Alabang Hills bazaar

♥ Snake ring: Quiapo sidewalk

♥ J'adore ring: Forever 21

Not that December 29 needs justification but to cloy curiosity, here's what transpired:

Say hello to Joe, Fold & Pale Pilsen. (We missed you, Judd.) Can't believe I'm kind of a beer person now. How'd that happen? Well, here's what happens when beer (plus Nissy plus a marker) happens.

Profanity! Haha poor Fold who really just came from a Korean festival aka KFEST of some sort. Dared him to get it permanently tattooed because it'll still be funny when we're all senile and arthritic. Please think about it! Haha anyway, a car ride and a KYSS later... Guess's who was in town.

YVAN RODIC! Looking smashing and dashing and utterly European.

I'm a bigger fan of Yvan's visual diary than Facehunter but I'm a fan nonetheless. (Can't you tell by my smirk-that-is-secretly-a-starstruck-smile?) I would support his bongga endeavor except I couldn't afford his book because I blew all my money on alcohol. Ha. What priorities. Told you this night was one for the books.

More nights like these in 2011, please!

xoxo

NISSY

We R Who We R - Ke$ha

Every New Beginning Comes From Some Other Beginning's End

2010-12-30T17:55:00.004+08:00

♥ Brown jersey dress: thrifted

I've been saving this song for graduation but thought that now's as good a time as any. Goodbye, 509! Can't wait to ring in the new year in my old, childhood house.

xoxo

NISSY

Closing Time - Semisonic

Page By Page I Learn How Fast Love Letters Burn

2010-12-29T02:59:00.001+08:00

I'm totally flashing back to my 16-year-old, blondina-aspiring, Laguna Beach-watching self. I'm starting to get these realizations that moving out of my condo (which has been my urban home for over three years) is "the beginning of the end." Haha but seriously, I'm sad about leaving Ortigas. Zemi-excited to be a suburban Southern girl again but I'm gonna miss 509.

Been taking down frames and stuffing my life in boxes. Getting ready to haul everything away.

Oh, this terrace and the many things it's seen.

Spot the visitor who came and never left.

The roach's destiny is to stay. Mine is to flee. And I'm taking my plants with me.

♥ Printed jersey dropwaist dress with bib: Where's Suzy?

Occupying space of more than two digits in square meters with househelp around might need some warming up because I already miss the prerequisite parallel street parking, pointlessly punching elevator buttons repeatedly to make it go faster and hastily stabbing keys into 509's door lock at five in the morning.

Of all the times I've ever moved, this has got to be the greatest migration. I'll get used to my old garage, stairs and domestication eventually.

xoxo

NISSY

Fly (Collecting Dust) - Paulina Gretzky

See I'm Wise Enough To Know When A Gift Needs Giving

2010-12-25T04:00:00.000+08:00

I'm the type of person who rarely gets disconcertingly sick. But the universe likes to toy with me in that it decided to bestow the flu upon me during the holidays. I've been coughing and sneezing my guts out and my fever peaked at the height of all the merrymaking, face-stuffing and socializing. (Advanced apologies to those who came in close contact with me at parties.) I know I shouldn't have left the warmth of my bed and the pleasures of computer word games like Bookworm Adventures and Scrabble, but it would've been pretty pathetic, albeit smart, of me to stay in. So I popped a couple of Bioflu and Tylenol and downed some Gatorade and Red Bull aka took my fightamins and fought for fun!

Bad idea. Of course it would've made more sense to rest but I believe that life's too short for excessive indoor activities. Gotta live a little but I might've lived a bit too much so now I'm sicker than ever. Meh. If I get sick, I get sick. If I die, I die. So Christmas Eve, I felt like a vegetable. I didn't want to leave my house (for realz this time), but Noche Buena at my abuelo's house all the way down South is non-negotiable. The food is too good and the company, even better. So I just threw on the coziest thing I could find, chugged some Bisolvon, and curled up in a couch upon arrival.

I was pretty much content with dying aka letting my flu die when Mum told me she'd shoot my outfit for the blog. I was like uhuhurrrrghhhhkkk but my dedication to this blog pulled through. Haha I got up like a trooper and started taking photos when Mum handed me this dust bag. I opened it up and hello, it's a coated canvas Pucci bag hahaha. It also came with a matching scarf and purse!

Outfit color is totally coincidental btw haha

Still sick but, clearly, I can look past that. The universe will always find ways to surprise you and I think this way isn't half bad haha! We all have something to live for (fashion, family, friends, etc.) and I wish everyone finds a sliver of generosity, a ray of hope and a whole lotta love during the holidays. Don't discount material things; they're nice, too.

♥ Blue version of this black bodycon dress: Forever 21

This video gives me cheer all year round and never gets old. After all, it's the gift idea that works for every fucking occasion. Pun very much intended. Go ahead, put your junk in that box.

HAPPY HOLIDAZE!

xoxo

NISSY

Dick In A Box - The Lonely Island feat. Justin Timberlake

I Don't Need Too Much

2010-12-23T14:40:00.000+08:00

Why didn't I think of these items when the few people who asked me what I wanted for Christmas inquired? I said gift cards from my favourite stores or cash instead, in a flurry of indecision. Practical, yes, but no fun unwrapping!

♥ A smaller bottle of YSL Parisienne eau de parfum for my everyday bag
♥ Any pastel coloured body towel from Aquazorb
♥ This frilly pair of briefs from Accessorize
♥ Sex & the City on DVD (all six, sexy seasons)
♥ Macaroons from Bizu! Or cupcakes by Sonja/Patti Grandidge! Sweeet
♥ A little love hahahaha

Ah well, a little too late now. Will probably end up getting the above items myself on Boxing Day. Although it would be nice to see these under the tree. Especially somebody to love haha! Baduy.

xoxo

NISSY

Somebody To Love - Justin Bieber feat. Usher

Come With Me, Come With Me, We'll Travel To Infinity

2010-12-19T18:41:00.001+08:00

ROY G. BIV is a very memorable (duh) mnemonic device because I love rainbows, unicorns and Lisa Frank, and that order of colours in a spectrum will always make sense in our ever changing universe. Unlike the only other acrostic I can remember, My Very Eager Mother Just Served Us Nine Potatoes, for the order of planets from the sun, which makes me sad because Pluto isn't even a planet anymore and I feel like my entire first grade was a lie. And I love potatoes. I swear, the human race is becoming too smart.

Anyway, back to rainbows! This is me trying to devoid my wardrobe of default drab/black/neutrals. Operative word: trying.

Photos by Ira Giorgetti

RED
I don't wear a lot of it, even though it supposedly attracts power, good qi, etc. These shorts are the only red clothes I own. Oh, and a Manchester United football jersey!

♥ Sheer button-down shirt: thrifted
♥ Red bull denim shorts: thrifted
♥ Leopard print ballet flats: fROLLic (Rollable shoes!)

ORANGE
It's the colour I dislike wearing the most. In fact, I refuse to believe that this dress is orange. It's actually salmon in real life. Ask Pantone. Let's just pretend it's orange for Roy G. Biv's sake.

♥ Salmon sundress: Topshop
♥ Layered angel wing necklace: SM
♥ Stud angel wing earrings: Alabang Hills bazaar
♥ Beige chiffon sandals: Primadonna

YELLOW
Got another Le Sac dress after cutting my grey one too short. The Le Sac comes in assorted fabrics and colors and lucky my mum picked this particular one out because it's made of organic cotton and doesn't come in that overtly optimistic shade of yellow.

♥ Le Sac dress in Dijon: American Apparel (used the Le String it came with, too)

GREEN
One of the colours I actually like but don't wear too often. I like green for many reasons. One coz it's the color of money! Haha remember the P5 bill we used to have? Still have one in my wallet but it's worthless--not to mention obsolete--now.

♥ Black cropped shirt: LNA
♥ Bodycon skirt: Never Been Kissed
♥ Gold & multicolor necklace: Forever 21
♥ Black cutout heels (worn throughout): Tiffany

BLUE
How lazy of me to wear denim for the blue outfit but it was an equally laazzzyyyy day...

♥ Chambray button-down shirt: hand-me-down

♥ Denim shorts: Levi's

INDIGO

For some reason, I gravitate towards the sequined pieces in my closet as soon as December rolls in. Since 2007, sequin has been my yuletide uniform. Anyway, this is one of my favorite pieces coz it's completely sheer except for the blinding sequins in front. And I got it for like P20.

♥ Sequined tank: thrifted

♥ Scalloped shorts: Culte Femme

VIOLET

I told you I'm really into sequins! Hahaha I wore this while commuting in the daytime. I hope I didn't cause any vehicular or pedestrian accidents. Haha nat. Just had to get this sequined baby when I saw it on sale coz it's the subtle (?) version of my Shining Shimmering Splendid shirt.

♥ Purple & silver SSS top: Forever 21

♥ Black skinny jeans: ZARA

My 2011 resolution will probably be to wear more color but meh, will worry about that next year. For December, my goal is just to outbling everyone so expect more sequins! Hahaha I'm finally feeling the Christmas spirit! Ho ho ho!

xoxo

NISSY

Gravity's Rainbow - Klaxons

Some People Just Wanna Lie In Beaches In The Caribbean

2010-12-15T00:10:00.001+08:00

We just wanna have a good time! ☀

Ended my November with a Boracay bang! Beach photos, as promised. Everything was shot in film :)

Went with two of my coolest cousins, saxophonist Roxy Modesto and cewebrity Ira Giorgetti!

♥ Seafoam green cutout dress: Topshop

♥ Crocheted bag: The Sak

♥ Batik sarong: gifted from Bali

♥ Gold flip-flops: Havaianas

Weather was erratic even in Aklan, we had equal amounts of sun and rain. But with the sexy sea and a luxurious hotel as backdrop, I couldn't care less. Thanks to The Palms of Boracay for having us!

Getting our drunk on! In Boracay, everyone's an alkie 24/7 with Loco Frio cocktail tumblers haha

♥ Black embellished bikini: Ruins bazaar

♥ Black bodycon skirt: H&M

♥ White and gold bikini: FOX (Yipee, nightswimming and oysters!)

♥ Trippy zigzag rainbow bikini: Island Girl at D'Mall, Boracay

♥ Aviators: Ray-Ban

♥

According to our boatman, dead cephalopod aka Squidwards are turned into Havainas :( And Spongebobs are turned into pot scrubs?

Anyway, happy thoughts. We went sailing and snorkeling at sunset :)

♥ Maxi dress: Juliana Martel

♥ Silver flip-flops: Havaianas :( haha

Don't ask. It seemed like a good idea at that time. HAHAHA

An even better idea: getting a tattoo! Well, two, actually. I've wanted one for the looooongest time and this trip, coupled with my life's current combustible state, just seemed like the perfect reason to get it. It was a half-spontaneous, half-researched decision.

My tattoo artist Ryan is a Boracay resident with a sanitary studio at Station 3. He's done countless intricate tattoos and has a fanbase of locals, tourists and celebrities. (He did one of Manny Pacquiao's tattoos!) Check out Ryan's website.

I took close-ups but I think the light was too bright and they were overexposed. I'll take better photos soon but my tattoos are English translations of a line from the life-altering French soliloquy from Jean-Luc Godard's Alphaville, one of my favourite films. They're in my cursive handwriting.

away, away says hate (left)

closer, closer says love (right)

Tattoos really do become a part of you. I had apprehensions right when the needle pierced into my skin the first time but after the ten volts of pain, swelling and peeling, I love them :) Definitely my Boracay highlight.

WHAT A TRIP :)

xoxo

NISSY

Good Time - Brazilian Girls

Like Ten Thousand Spoons When All You Need Is A Knife

2010-12-03T19:15:00.000+08:00

♥ Blazer: H&M
♥ Nude cami: Mango
♥ Scalloped shorts: Culte Femme
♥ Nude heels: SM
♥ Glasses: SM
♥ Layered wing necklace: SM
♥ Cuff watch: Elite
♥ Bag: Longchamp

The current paradox of my life: This photo was taken at Power Plant's Sartorial Fridays some time ago when I was pulling out items for the Jan/Feb fashion editorial. Then yesterday, I tendered my resignation from the magazine. So as of this Friday, I've gone from working hard to hardly working haha! Back to school! :)

xoxo

NISSY

Ironic - Alanis Morissette

To The Beach, Out Of Reach

2010-12-02T21:42:00.002+08:00

Wish I could show you the insane ending to my ridiculous November right now but my 6 rolls of film have yet to be developed.

♥ Gold bikini: from the 2008 Cuenca bazaar
♥ Vintage aviators: Ray-Ban
♥ Eau de toilette: Calvin Klein One Summer
♥ Tanning oil: Nivea Sun Oil Spray
♥ Film camera: Kodak named Kennedy

All I can say is, I am so brown—not even tan—right now haha

xoxo

NISSY

Fallen For You - Sheila Nicholls