Laced In Dot Love

I'm feeling somewhat better from yesterday, however I decided I'd share these outfit photos from over the weekend instead.
I'll admit, I'm not really a pants kind of girl. I used to live in my jeans, but ever since I started noticing fashion, I realized how ill-fitting all my pants are on me! I have such a weird body build. Ha, my wide waist requires me to find pants that are sure to button comfortably, but then the legs part never fit me right. They're always too baggy! After a couple hours of wearing them around, they're sagging like Snoop Droopy Drawers. Ugh.
Some skinnies work though, like these. And I'm trying to switch up my style more!

I felt inspired when I mixed the lace and polka dots together. Something about these two are just very appealing! You might notice the polka dot blouse has a pussy bow tie option, but I felt that'd go against the lacy blouse I had on underneath. It wouldn't be very edgy if I had a sweet little bow now, would it? Next time I will though!

Remember this bracelet from my "A Spring in My Step...and Skirt!" post?
Well, when I found this type of bracelet in a Philippines bazaar tent, I snatched up about four in a similar style, just different colors. They're so cute!

Outfit Details:   Blouse: vintage   Shirt: Worthington   Skinnies: (gift) Love Notes   Boots: (thrifted) No Boundaries

Bracelet: Philippines   Necklace: American Eagle

So over the weekend, we had our first volleyball practice, which felt weird right after our basketball season ended. But we all got back into it really quick, and I'm happy to share I've still got a good hitting arm on me. Got a few kills in some drills we did. There are perks to being a muscular girl when it comes to sports. ;)

However, I've injured my knee already, and have to ice it every night. Yikes. 

It's ridiculous, because it happened when I was diving for a ball in the first half hour of the practice. I thought I'd just bruised my knee, but when I stood up I almost buckled over. Then little black dots started clouding my vision, a loud ringing filled my ears, and my throat narrowed so it was difficult to breath. 

I think I almost passed out! I had to sit down, and after a few minutes it passed, but it definitely scared me. Hopefully nothing worse happens!

So, next time I'm remembering my knee pads.

Hope you're all having a lovely day!

♥

Back to Baguio

I'm feeling quite sick today and didn't feel inspired to come up with a particularly fabulous outfit. Instead, I thought I'd do a different sort of post reflecting on a trip I took last summer.

So in case you did not know, I am half Filipino. 

My mom occasionally goes back to visit family and if I'm lucky, I'm able to tag along. I've gone to the Philippines four times now, and this last trip was one of the best!

First, know this. We do not stay in a hotel like tourists. Since so much of our family is there, we just stay with my Auntie Hilda who has an extra bedroom.

I got to experience and live like the average Filipino does for two months. And let me tell you what I learned.

We Americans are incredibly spoiled.

The Philippines is a third world country, so while rich in beauty, most of it's people live in poverty.

A boy hunting for tiny fish called kaling in a river.

My cousins told me when they go down these steps when it's raining (which believe me, it does a LOT of that in the Philippines), they call it the Steps To Hell. Ha, there were thousands of steps to climb!

This is how they transport their vegetables to the market. Haha, pretty nifty huh? The mountains are so rugged, this is the easiest way to send their chaote to the market.

My little cousin John Art was more brave than me. Here we are looking down on the city of La Trinidad.

I don't know why it didn't hit me until this last trip, but I'm so glad it opened my eyes!

Instead of John Deere tractors, I saw wooden plows pulled by caribous. Instead of flashy shirts and mini skirts, I saw worn out, second-hand clothes. And instead of a complaining attitude, I saw smiles and genuine happiness. 

I know this doesn't apply to every Filipino there, but many live incredibly simple lives. And get this. They are happy. 

I got to hang out with my penpal Roan at her school for a day! Now that was fun :)

My adorable younger cousins, from left to right: Junior and John Art

Haha, so Junior doesn't look very happy in this one. The older boy is my dear cousin, Makoy, and to the right, my other cousin, Mylene.

Okay ladies. This was entirely a tourist thing to do. But hey, I thought why not? These "warriors" were fully costumed in Igorot wear and were cajoling me to take a picture with them. Apparently since they draped two scarves on me, this meant they dubbed me a princess!

Finally. These two boys give me so much grief when I try to get them to smile for the camera. As you can see, Jayvee (on the far left) was still struggling to maintain a tough composure. Yeah, didn't work too well ;)

Once again, the smiliest and sweetest cousin, John Art. That boy is just too adorable. He liked to walk with me whenever I went out and I called him my little bodyguard.

So often I find myself thinking how unfair it is that so-and-so has their own car, or how others in my school are so lucky to have a bottomless credit card. 

But then I stop and think back to Baguio and the lessons I learned there, and I realize what a spoiled brat I am. Harsh words, but it's true. I always want something more than what I have, most of which is totally unnecessary. 

However, I am slowly learning to appreciate what I do have and make the best of it. My trip to the Philippines has definitely affected my perspective for the better!

I cannot wait to visit again!

So, to end this post, here are some more pictures I took while I was there. Hope you enjoyed this one. 

Mmmm, I absolutely loved eating all the Filipino foods available! Babinka is one of my favorite, and they have so many different kinds.

The traditional Igorot clothing they used to wear. Igorots are a tribe in the mountain province that my mom is a part of. So that makes me an Igorot too!

Walking around the market

I welcome you to the bathroom I had to endure with for two months. On more than one occasion did a cockroach sneak up on me while I was in here too. Horrible memories...

Oh yes, see those buckets? That's the shower. You fill em up and pour, pour, pour until you're clean. When I got home, I went into my bathroom and almost wept at how beautiful it was. Haha, just goes to show, you don't what you've got until it's gone!

PS: Thank you to all my new followers! I'm so grateful for the growing feedback on my blog. You all make it so much more fun blogging! 

♥

A Spring in My Step...and Skirt!

Necklace: Debs

Like how my skirt matches the bedspread? It was blustery and freezing cold outside, so before I ventured out, I tried taking some indoor shots. The lighting in my parents room was so soft and pretty, and I'm pleased with how they turned out. However, I decided I might as well suit up and shoot a few self-timed photos outside.

Bracelet: Philippines

Outfit Details:   Skirt: thrifted + DIY   Top: Rue 21   Jacket: Debs   Tights: Rue 21   Wedges: (gift) Payless

 This skirt started off twice the size it is now - both waist-wise and length-wise! 

I remember standing at the skirt rack at the thrift store, staring at this one-of-a-kind, vintage-inspired floral print. It had so much potential, and for only $2, I knew I had to give it a chance. Keep in mind, I bought this skirt before my shopping ban, just so you know! I have not cheated (yet). Haha, so when I showed it to my mom, she just clucked her tongue and whipped out the scissors. 

I love that woman.

Right now, my family and I are updating our phone plan, and let me tell you, it's one stressful event! We've been with Verizon for so long, and while the service is great, you sure do pay for it. We almost went to one of those Walmart plans, but dad calculated how much it would save us, and the difference wasn't that much. So we decided to stick with Verizon. Now we've spent the last few days just researching, reviewing, and debating over which phones to try. I've had a very basic phone the past two years, and while it's served me well, I'm ready to join the smart phone world!

I've decided on the Droid Bionic, which seemed to receive a lot of positive reviews. I'm just worried if it'll last the whole 2 years that we'll be with Verizon. Anyone own this phone? If so, please let me know if you like it (or not) and why!

Hope you're having a lovely weekend.

♥

PS: What do you think of my blog's new look? I updated it last night, and personally, I really prefer this one. Reflects my favorite print: vintage florals!

(Burgundy) Floppy Hat ♥

Outfit Details:   Hat: JCPenneys   Sweater: (thrifted) Missoni   Skirt: vintage   Shoes: PacSun

Isn't this burgundy hat just gorgeous!?

I'm so glad its mine. I've been wanting one since last summer. Now I'm all set for spring to get here already!

Sadly, I'll be honest and let you know I didn't actually wear it to school. I mean, it might be just a little too much to wear a giant, floppy sunhat to an ordinary school day, right?

But I couldn't resist popping it into these photos since it went with my skirt so well. 

Earrings: Debs

So minus the hat, I wore everything else. Including my awesome new leopard oxfords! Love these shoes :) 

I got a lot of comments/compliments on them today. Ha, can't miss leopard print when they're on your feet!

Friday we have no school, which I am so relieved because I'm exhausted. This week has just been the longest one. Basketball is over, which is bittersweet. But volleyball starts next week, so I'll be kept plenty busy!

♥

Confessions of a Shopoholic

Okay, they say the first step is admitting you have a problem.

I have a problem.

I cannot resist the urge to snatch up clothes when they are a bargain.

Maybe you're scratching your head, because you've always thought bargain shopping is a good thing. Well, it can be, but not when you're constantly looking at new inventory when you've already got a closet bursting full of clothes, shoes, scarves, bags, etc.

I'm rather ashamed actually by how far I've allowed myself to go. I mean, I always go to thrift stores and find items on clearance, and that used to be enough to justify my buying. However, I've realized how unnecessary and wasteful it is. I have so much already. 

So, I am going on a shopping ban. At least until my birthday (which is February 10th) and after enjoying my day, I'm going back on it at least until spring. Because by then I could use a bright summery skirt....

Aha, so I'm publically stating on here that I will use the clothes I already have in my closet and learn to deny myself things. Because honestly? I really don't need anything more. Besides, this will challenge me to remix favorite pieces and come up with more interesting outfits using what I already have!

Who's with me?

Remember, the first step is admitting you have a problem ;)

♥

Afterglow

Outfit Details:   Parka: (thrifted) Worthington   Top: Kirra   Skirt: Old Navy   Boots: mom's   Necklace: Debs   Ring: Claires

Something about sunlight on wet pavement that gives it a pretty glow. I'm quite pleased with how these photos turned out!

The last one shows my photograph of our car window after driving through a lot of puddles and rain. Good close-up, huh?

So, it's basically raining buckets here, and me and Kirsten are trying to find something to do besides paint our nails. Any ideas? What do you like to do on rainy days? I'm voting for a stack of movies, cozy pajamas, and some hot tea!

♥

♪Under My Umbrella-ella-ella♪

Outfit Details:   Tshirt: thrifted   Jacket: Target   Dress: PacSun   Tights: Rue 21   Boots: (thrifted) Faded Glory

Camera Ring: Claires   Owl Ring: Philippines

Necklace (used as bracelet): Claires

Outfit Details   Sweater: vintage   Cardigan: (thrifted) Old Navy   Bag: PacSun   Jeans: Old Navy   Boots: (thrifted) Hot Kiss   Necklace: Rue 21

My word, it is raining and storming out there!

We have a wind advisory in effect this entire weekend with a chance for snow by Monday. 

Anyway, last night Kirsten came over and spent the night. We stayed up munching on sour filled Twizzlers and Sour Patch watermelons (yum!), watched Abduction (double yum!), and just talked like the giddy high school girls we are. :)

So we woke up today and decided to play around with the camera, and I had the idea of using an umbrella for these photos. Which worked out because it began to rain!

For my outfit, I was inspired by Elizabeth of Delightfully Tacky's wonderful, quirky remixing style. She is a pro at mixing patterns! So I tried some polka dots, florals, and splatter prints together and ended up loving it. These maroon tights are getting a lot of wear from me. They go with everything and make it look so much more fashionable!

I told Kirsten she should go through my closet and pick out what she liked. So she paired my knit sweater with this cozy cardigan for a cute and comfy look. Then I told her she should rock my new floral bag I got from PacSun to complete it. Isn't it so adorable? I'm eager for spring to get here so I can wear it more often!

Anyway, hope you're all having a relaxing weekend. 

I know I'm enjoying mine!

Me and Kirsten are going thrifting later today ;) I'll try and take pics to show you later.

♥