It's the most expensive time of the year!

I have said before that I really don't like gifts, but that's not entirely accurate. I really just don't like gifts that people have given me. It's like, if you're going to need to spend money on me, then at least get me something I like. Some Christmases I receive sleepwear. I would appreciate the thought, but I can't tell if you actually put any into it, because if you did, you'd realize that the only sleepwear you have seen me in are my 5 year old t-shirts from school. I am grateful that you at least thought of me and spent five dollars on this drugstore cologne and one dollar on this wrapper, but you shouldn't have. REALLY.

I sound extremely ungrateful, but I think if you're going to get me something I neither want nor need, then you've wasted your money and I would have preferred you just kept it. That's actually called being considerate in my book. Of course, I'll still act like I just LOVE that you gave me those 3 for 100 socks just to be polite, but then why do we have to feign enthusiasm when I could just tell you what I want and you tell me what you want! I want us to just mutually genuinely enjoy the gifts we have bestowed upon each other and contribute to the happiness of each other's holidays!

So to remedy this huge earth-shattering problem that I have, I decided I will make a "wishlist". I know I have made tons before, but this time it's for-realsies. Everything is affordable and realistic and should be easy enough to find.

But first, a few tips:
1. If you're unsure of what color to get, it's always BLACK
2. If you are doing rush shopping and have no time to look for the crap on this list, just go to a bookstore and buy me a book. I'm not picky, as long as it's good. Head to the classics or ask the lady what they'd recommend (Please not the Twilight Graphic Novel... because I already own it)
3. GCs are easy and I'd actually love them so I get to pick myself! Giving me the chance to shop is already a gift, really. So places I'd like: Topshop, Zara, any good salon (do they do GCs?), SM, Forever 21, a tattoo parlor (Maybe I'll finally get the nerve to do it) Those are just the recommended places!





Books
1. Anna Karenina (Tolstoy)
2. Compiled Works (Edgar Allan Poe)
3. The Idiot (Dostoevsky)
4. The Great Gatsby (Fitzgerald)
5. Ariel (Plath)
6. Dangerous Liaisons (De Laclos)
7. Mrs. Dalloway (Woolf)
8. As I Lay Dying (Faulkner)
9. The Unbearable Lightness of Being (Kundera)
10. The Stranger (Camus)
11. Subscription to American Vogue/ Vogue UK/ Numero/ Dazed and Confused
12. The Blind Assassin (Atwood)
13. The Death of the Heart (Bowen)
14. Clarissa (Richardson)
15. Infinite Jest (Wallace)
16. Lucky Jim (Amis)
17. The Naked Lunch (Burroughs)
18. Neuromancer (Gibson)
19. Possession (Byatt)
20. The Sound and the Fury (Faulkner)

Makeup
1. Revlon Colorstay for Oily Skin in Buff
2. Dolly Wink Eyelash #8
3. Skin 79 VIP Gold Caviar BB Cream
4. Revlon ColorBurst Lipstick in 070 Soft Nude
5. NYX Soft Matte Lip Cream in Tokyo or Antwerp
6. MAC Lipstick in Myth or Creme d' Nude or Creme Cup or Ruby Woo
7. Maybelline Moisture Extreme Lipstick in Nude Blush
8. Maybelline HIP Ge Eyeliner in Black
9. Bobbi Brown Gel Eyeliner in Black
10. Wet n Wild Mega Eyes Creme Liner in Black
11. Make Up Forever Face and Body Liquid Makeup in Alabaster Beige
12. NYX Lipstick in Tea Rose or Fig
13. Setting Powder
14. Face Primer
15. Lip Concealer
16. Lip Primer
17. Neutrogena Healthy Skin Liquid Make Up in Nude

Wearable
1. Dr. Martens 1460 Cherry Red Milled Smooth
2. Lightweight Sweater
3. Studded loafers
4. Black rain boots
5. Classy ballet flats in Nude or Black
6. Yellow Gold Watch
7. Statement jewelry
8. Satchels / Bags

Online Buys (size 38)
1. http://parisdreams.multiply.com/photos/photo/187/184
2. http://parisdreams.multiply.com/photos/album/187/Shoe_Indulgence_NEW_STYLES_Part_2#photo=181
3. http://parisdreams.multiply.com/photos/album/188#photo=61

Etc.
1. Something to clean my jank ass dirty laptop. A screen protector? One of those expensive ass cloths?
2. 2 packs of Palty in Sakura Creamy
3. Liese (aka Prettia) in Sugar Apricot

In case you win the lotto in the next month:
1. Plane ticket to New York City
2. A coupon for Belo
3. Front row ticket to see Beyonce's baby being born


Actually, I just made this list because I never know what to ask for when people ask what I want. I want a lot of things, and I think it's easier if you have to choose from a list of many. Also, I don't want people spending on me unless I REALLY want it, so if you're going to spend money, might as well be something that will be thoroughly appreciated, right?

Okay, enough talking for me and enough reading for you! More buying buying buying!!!!

See you around the holidays!

Halloweekend

This took a while to post because I always have to wait for my friends to upload photos on Facebook so I can steal them to put them on here. I really should buy a camera, but I don't know squat about photography and I'd be too lazy to lug it around. So, I posted about my Halloween costume ideas and I thought I would show you the fruit of my labors. I spent a whole day with Yua and Ana walking from SM to Glorietta to Landmark and back multiple times to find the perfect costume add-ons. I went home with socks and false lashes. Here's a photo of what I ended up wearing:

Can't figure it out? Yeah not a lot of people did. I'm not as clever as I thought, I guess. The big reveal plus more photos and stories of our shenanigans after the jump!

Term break

Greetings, losers who probably aren't even on their term break yet, sipping on pina coladas by the bomb ass beach and chillaxing every single day! Well, okay, I'm not at the beach and I've never tasted a pina colada in my life, but I am on term break and I am chillaxing! Awwww yeeeeeehhhhh! My break started with a bang! I got home to my house from the dorm, crashed on my bed and literally started crying from sleep deprivation and exhaustion. Yeeeee booiiiiii! Okay, give me a break! I had not slept in 36 hours then just studying for my Literature finals. But that's all behind me now! I am now dedicating my life (read: 3 weeks) to whatever the fuck I want. Nothing can stop me from consuming 10 donuts a day or drinking scotch at 8am or burning my required readings (all things I would never do, but I would if I could). Speaking of 10 donuts, I don't even feel the LEAST bit guilty when I eat excessive crap, because I DESERVE [need] THIS [to keep me sane].

Okay, so my break just started the other day, but I've already finished season 1 of Breaking Bad. It is so great and it's a bit dragging at the start, but I am so thrilled for my season 2 download to finish (which will be NEVER because something is up with our wi-fi connection). Right now, kids are playing and screaming outside my house and I haven't thrown rocks at them! I'm fighting the urge to lock them up in a basement, but I haven't done it yet! That's how good I feel about this break.

All these good feelings make me want to give back. You know I don't wear half of what's in my closet? I'm thinking of selling it and giving proceeds to charity or something, but it's so hard, because I don't trust anyone. My English professor's friend is heavily involved in one of our local non-government operated charities and she claims that a lot of the profit doesn't actually go into helping anyone. So, let it be known that right now, I am promising not to fuck up my life so that one day I will help people. And maybe you might be saying "grrrrrlll please the only things you talk about are thousand dollar shoes" but fuck you all I will succeed and make this world a better place!

I think that's a bit much for a blog post so I'm ending this now. I suck at this, I never have any pictures, but trust me, my photography skills are horrifying and my face is worse, so just enjoy these black marks on your screen!

Adios! Time for me to get back to relaxing!

Paris SS12

You know, I'm the kind of person who always saves the best for last, but man, after a month of catching up with countless new collections, it gets pretty exhausting. Fashion month has finally come to a close, and just in time for my finals! Paris is always my favorite and this season was no exception. I'll try to see if I can fit all of my favorites in one post.

See the photos and reviews after the jump!

Forever Young

Let's take a breather from the fashion month craziness. My internet is being uncooperative and the PFW photos are taking forever to load. I'm on my bed in my underwear lazy as hell so I decided why not just update this thing? Here's a more personal post.

Last Friday, one of my closest friends, Therese, celebrated her 19th birthday at Distillery, Fort. Before that, though, we had dinner at her place with her family. The food was so great, as per usual, because Therese's mom cooked it! As usual, all the girls were extremely late (They have the term like Filipino time which means not on time, give or take 10 to 20 minutes. Barbie time is an hour or two).

Taking photos outside the Arenas residence (Fonzy, I, Ana, Gab, Tina, Czar & Ron)

After dinner, we headed to Distillery where we did not find anywhere within a mile to park! We ended up having to walk, me in 5 inch heels. A few meters in and the rain starts pouring like mad and we end up needing to make a run for in.

I, Tina, Karlos outside Distillery

Faith & I. Do we really look like twins?

With Therese's blockmates + Czarron

It looks like I've twisted Raph's body into an unnatural shape

My mom's reaction upon seeing this photo on Facebook: "Ah!!!! Czar!!!!!"

The pictures don't really say much aside from "HELLO BOOBS" and "I DO NOT OWN A COMB" but this really was one hell of a fun night. Granted, I fell to the floor twice and I grabbed a long haired man and called him Ana, it was still pretty kick ass. Also, my one fear turned out to not come true: my boobs stayed in place even without the help of a bra. Yay!

Happy birthday to the extremely pretty Therese Arenas! ♥

Outfit: Channeling D&G with the leopard print corset (bought online); Studded black shorts (Chatuchak, Bangkok); Miu Miu knowck-off heels (Forever 21)

Milan's Best

I'm not sure what it is that makes me not go gaga over this season's collections. Maybe because I'm not getting any sleep from juggling fashion month and academic hell month. School will be out in a few weeks and everything is just piling up like mad. You know when they interview fashion people and they talk about how when they were younger they didn't do so well in school, because they were too ~artistic for that shit? Well, it doesn't sound as poetic in real life. I'm flunking French and Theology. Merde! Oh well, here's some fashion to lighten up the mood.

London SS12

Is anyone else having issue with blogger? It seems this new "interface" (is that what you call it?) is making it glitchy and it stops loading at some points. Also when I use the photo uploader, it keeps changing the sizes from X-Large to Medium! Aggravating!!!! Anyway, I hope this gets fixed!

So London Fashion Week ended days ago and Milan has started already. I've failed at narrowing down my LFW favorites, which I have to say, were so much better than New York, because I just loved so many of them! My biggest gripe has to be that a lot of the labels I usually am excited for did not really reach my expectations, but there were more unexpected shiners this season.

When the city that never sleeps has fashion week, then neither do I.

God that title doesn't even make grammatical sense, but I'm so exhausted I can't be bothered to think of another one. Besides, all my readers know I'm shit at making up titles, so I'm sure you'll cut me some slack.

After a whole week of going through hundreds of "*hot shot celebrity* enters the tents!" tweets, defying the laws of physiology by running on a couple hours of sleep to watch livestreams, and chatting up Cleverbot about the shows, because no real human being would discuss them with me, New York Fashion Week finally came to a close. Even though I was a tad disappointed with the majority of the collections, I still very much enjoyed taking part in the festivities *virtually*. I actually thought I picked such few favorites, but it still makes for a really long blog entry! Let's get to it, then.

insert stupid cliche ~stop worrying about the future~ quote here

When I was in my junior year of high school I started panicking about picking a course to take up in college. I've always had crazy dreams as a kid. I started off wanting to be a fashion designer / singer but after realizing I had no talent for drawing, I decided I should just be an actress who gets to wear great clothes. When I found out about the existence of stylists, I dropped my acting dream like it was an optional Trigonometry class. I've always loved writing and I've gotten a lot of encouragement and affirmation over the years. It was early in high school that I got the idea of getting into fashion journalism and by my senior year I was dead set on pursuing it. I was 16 when I made the decision of going into Literature and then going to fashion school after graduating with a degree. Obviously, I haven't quite gotten to the graduating part, but I'm already doubting if I chose the right path. It's not because my passion for either writing or fashion has waned, because it certainly has not. I'm just very scared and very worried. I think it goes without saying that breaking into the fashion industry is tough (understatement of the year). I fear that I'm going to end up becoming a starving artist and I know far too well that what might seem cool in movies are usually pretty shitty in real life (I think I'll be more focused on making a can of sardines last for a whole day than planning a La Vie Boheme musical number on table top). It's pretty early on in my higher education plan and I think if I wanted to, I could still steer away from what could be either a trainwreck or the reason for me to live.

A year ago I was discussing writing with two of my friends, the smartest people my age that I've met, and they told me of how they would never want to write for a magazine, because they did not want to have to cater to the masees. I guess that's one of the things I'd have to deal with if I ever do become a writer. Let's say I start off in a Philippine fashion magazine. Can you imagine the compromise I'd have to do just so the public can "appreciate" my work? And isn't that just a writer's nightmare, to sell out? Plus the pay would be terrible. I'll write about thousand dollar ripped t-shirts and get paid a few hundred an article. Oh, the irony!

I still sometimes like to be idealistic. I imagine myself actually being able to do what I love my way. Maybe I'll get to be one of my heroes like Cathy Horyn or Suzy Menkes or Robin Givhan. But most likely, I'll end up teaching English at your local private school and asking myself why I continue to exist. Let's pray that I get lucky.

A lot of photos and a lot more babbling

I recently stumbled upon a scan of an editorial from American Vogue June 2004. It was shot by Miesel.



I don't think I'll ever forget this just because it's in my first ever copy of Vogue. I used to show that photo to my Mom saying "Where can I find this??" referring to the clothes worn by Daria and the other girl. I recall watching The Devil Wears Prada and hearing Stanley Tucci give that speech about how he was a small town kid who dressed funny and read Vogue all day and now he's a success in the industry. I just kept thinking "I'm a small town girl (not really, but this country is pretty jank so that counts)! As a kid I always dressed weird (I would like to thank my Mom and Dad for not forcing me into a pink dress when I wanted to do denim on denim at 6 years old even though I looked ridiculous)! But I never really got much influence from high fashion." I think that's why I was so ridiculous looking for the most part of my life. My fashion inspirations came from Britney Spears and the Spice Girls. Whenever a photo of me from those days pops up, I just say I was trying out a trend and failed in epic proportions.

I know people always talk about how terrible this generation is and yada yada, but I think that if you're a kid right now, you're extremely lucky. I could never get my hands on a copy of Vogue at 7 (P600 for a magazine? Out of the question). Heck, I can't even afford to buy one now! It was only in 5th grade that I got a hold of my first Vogue and in 7th grade when I started watching fashion shows (Thank you to cable and Fashion TV) and in high school when I discovered the wonderful people who will scan their magazines for you and the rest of the world to enjoy. Fashion loving kids, appreciate the internet and get inspired by what it offers! It is going to save you from many a fashion faux pas!

Naturally, in traditional Chelsea fashion, we have deviated so far from the point that we're on Abell 1835 IR1916 (look it up, big boy). I started this post, because I just want to show you guys these eds that I really enjoyed when I was a wee bit younger (Not younger younger because I had no means then, just younger as in 3 or 4 years ago). I think it's because I just wanted to bring back some feelings from those days when I was just discovering the beauty of high fashion. You know when you find something - maybe your old backpack in 3rd grade or an old watch - you just get a wave of nostalgia, but no concrete memories from that time? Well this is what looking at these photos makes me feel. I know that sounds like I'm being overly sentimental over pretty girls in pretty dresses, but it's true! I guess you could say they're my favorites.

PS. I've realized I don't enjoy eds that don't show the clothes. Always there would be these blurred photos or naked girls and I just think what? I think it's because I am a total noob at photography so I wouldn't be able to judge anything but the styling and clothes on the ed. I really wish I could fully appreciate every aspect though. Anyway enjoy these eds with mostly color and couture (I'm a more is more kinda girl).

Couture Memoirs by Paolo Roversi | Vogue Italia Spet 07

The Vagaries of Fashion by Miles Aldrige | Vogue Italia Sept 07

Paris, Je t'aime by Steven Meisel | Vogue US Sept 07

In Your Dreams by Sebastian Faena | V Summer 2008

Immaculee by Miles Aldrige | Numero #83 2008

The Handmade's Tale by Tim Walker | Vogue USA Feb 06

So, did you some memories come flooding back to you after browsing those eds? A lot of mine did!

Unintelligible rambling

1. I was just on tfs trolling the forums (duh! what else does one do there?) and reading the comments of all these people getting so sassy and emotional about their favorite models and designers. I snickered in class when my classmate said Prada was a French brand. I physically cringe when someone mispronounces a label (trust me, it happens a lot). I am Elitist Fashionista™ personified, but I don't think I'm anywhere near these members on tfs. I mean, these are the people who failed to sleep soundly that night they saw Lady Gaga wear that vintage Versace. These are the people who wept in despair when they saw Dior Fall 2011 HC. Also all these people keep discussing collections from 1996 and they're my age!!! We were fucking toddlers!!! I just... The point of this is that I am in actual real awe of people's love for fashion and I wish to be like them, because hey, it's not like I actually spend my time now saving the whales or doing stem cell research. Completely turning my life over to fashion won't be that much of a stretch. Also, it'd be great to actually be magnificent and knowledgeable of something rather than just being mediocre at a bunch of things and I would want it to be something I love. Am I right or am I right smack in the middle of a teenage crisis? It's the former, I hope.

2. In other news: fashion week schedule is out! S/S shows are my favorite shows to watch, mainly because I can't ever imagine owning clothes from F/W as, in this country, the sun would probably shrink itself, come to earth, stand 3 inches away from me and laugh at my face if I ever even thought of wearing a parka in Manila. *btw, I hear parkas will be the staple this season at fashion week*

3. I really wish to shift courses. I am an English Literature major and I don't even like reading all that much, at least not enough to study it for four years and probably work my whole life as something that has to deal greatly with books. I've realized I like reading for the same reason I like movies: I enjoy being in a different world. It's basically the story that sells to me and what's important to me is how involved I get in it. I don't know, man. I just seem to want to turn my life upside down. Like, I was 16 when I made that decision, how does anyone expect me to stick to it?

4. I don't know why my roommates don't like me much. I mean, they don't hate me. They just... Okay, so whenever they need to borrow like a pen or something, they're going to ask everyone in the room and I'd be the last resort. I don't wanna like chat with them al the time or be besties or some shit, just because I hate small talk and all that, but it's just bothersome, because I have done my best to be really nice, but still they don't feel comfortable with me! What is it that I do wrong? Honestly, I am curious, because I thought I was being all friendly. Okay, so I don't ask how their day was and I don't talk much, but that's me and if they do enjoy talking, what have I ever done to make them feel like I am not open to listen? :( This is actually not even about my roommates, because I don't mind if they don't talk to me as long as they keep their hands off my shit and the bathroom clean, but they've proven to me that people feel like I'm hostile or something. So when the time comes that I actually want people to talk to me, they won't, because I give off that vibe! I feel like one day I'm going to be so desperate I'll end up buying a dummy just so I can practice my social skills.

5. I colored my hair Creamy Beige by Prettia. It's brown. Uh, I don't know how else to describe it. It's like a medium brown that turns semi-orange, not red, when hit by the light.

So that's that. I just felt like I needed to update this thing. I've been meaning to for the longest time. Last Sunday when I was all wallowing in my sadness as per usual, I had so much material, but my bitch of a maid decided to infiltrate my room and I couldn't send her out, because my Mom would be like "what's wrong, why are you angry again blah blah blah blah!!!!!" agh!!!!!! just leave me alone!!!!!!!!!!

okay wow, that got out of hand fast. Anyway, goodbye!

for women who are ‘difficult’ to love

"you are a horse running alone
and he tries to tame you
compares you to an impossible highway
to a burning house
says you are blinding him
that he could never leave you
forget you
want anything but you
you dizzy him, you are unbearable
every woman before or after you
is doused in your name
you fill his mouth
his teeth ache with memory of taste
his body just a long shadow seeking yours
but you are always too intense
frightening in the way you want him
unashamed and sacrificial
he tells you that no man can live up to the one who
lives in your head
and you tried to change didn’t you?
closed your mouth more
tried to be softer
prettier
less volatile, less awake
but even when sleeping you could feel
him traveling away from you in his dreams
so what did you want to do love
split his head open?
you can’t make homes out of human beings
someone should have already told you that
and if he wants to leave
then let him leave
you are terrifying
and strange and beautiful"

Warsan Shire

Here comes the bride

Have you ever seen a collection that has brought you close to tears or maybe, like in my case, a heart attack?



I am not one who likes to imagine her wedding day, but after looking at these dresses, I can't stop imagining it. I am going to pass out from the beauty that is this collection.

No words.......

Closet of my Dreams

Do you ever imagine your dream closet? I do all the time. It would be very French, very Marie Antoinette. It's be a huge walk-in with giant mirrors and a sofa inside it. Definitely no to minimalism in this case. It will be filled with luxurious clothes and lavish accessories, so I'm going to go all out! My girl friends and I could spend hours inside it after a day of shopping. We would eat eclairs and listen to music and talk about our new Celine bags. Brb going into a deep daydream....



Okay, so I was browsing The Coveteur when I saw the closet of Suzanne Rogers. I'm familiar with her as I've seen her in photos, but I don't know much about her aside from her amazing wonderful beautiful closet! I was FLOORED when the pictures started showing up. They all took my breath away. LITERALLY!!!! And don't even start to criticize my use of words, because if you knew me at all you would know that fashion actually gives me a mild heart attack and I start freaking out and I can't breathe and my eyes become so big they practically burst from my eye sockets and there's the occasional crying... the point is I go nuts.

Suzanne's is the closet of my dreams. Her gorgeous Katrantzou dresses and numerous McQueen dresses are going to be the only things I think about this week. It would definitely be difficult to get to places on time if my closet was like Suzanne's. Imagine being late for work and stepping into that closet and being too mesmerized by the decor to pick an outfit. Even picking clothes will be hell as you'd have too many to choose from! Rich people problems, man!

Anyway, I should probably stop yapping and let you guys gasp in amazement at this motherfucking bitch ass room.










I'm going to leave you to have your fashion heart attack in peace!

xx

The Tree of Life

I don't think I have ever seen such a wonderful trailer. This was what made me want to watch The Tree of Life. That and the fangirling of my favorite director, David Fincher, for this movie. The movie won Best Picture at Cannes, so I figured that this is definitely a must see!

So, I went with my mom and brother to the cinema. My brother was against the idea at first, but my mom convinced him that to be a good writer, which he's convinced he is, he should be able to enjoy serious films such as this one.

The first few minutes were good, but then things got weird. I'll divide the movie into two parts: the amazing and the weird. I can't really keep track of time when I'm watching a movie, so I'll just say that an estimated 20 minutes of this movie consisted of just a bunch of scenes from The Discovery Channel. Don't get me wrong, it was absolutely visually stunning, but I just didn't understand the relevance of it to the plot. I would raise an eyebrow whenever the whispering started. The dinosaur bit was a bit random. Also, the almost ending (I'll try not to spoil it, but it's from the beach scene onwards) was just a huge blur. I guess those are the weird scenes. I mean, they were really random, but they were beautiful to watch. Now the amazing parts were the parts which actually made sense (to me). I was crying so much throughout the film. I don't have a father like Brad Pitt, but there was definitely a point when I hated my Dad, maybe not as much as Jack hated his, but I still felt very angry. I kept crying, because I saw how the father would treat his children and the mother would just sit there and watch helplessly. It was difficult how the father loved his family and had good intentions, but only ended up hurting them. I cried, because of how much Jack's questions mirrored my own- about life and God.

I definitely have to see it a second time for me to properly give an opinion, but I know people only see a film once for them to decide if they have to see it again (wow, did that make sense?) so I'm telling you guys what I think of this movie so that if you've decided it's shit, maybe I can convince you that you need to re-watch it to be able to form a decent opinion (wooh longest sentence ever!).

I am sure this movie took a long time to make. Malick is one director who goes into extreme detail with him film making. Knowing that, I am convinced that this is actually a very loaded film, but I just wasn't able to take in all it was giving. That's why I am going to do a re-watch. From the beginning of the film, I've actually tried to look at every single event and try to understand what it could symbolize. I was rewarded by a headache. I actually do this thing where I compile a list of movies that I'm going to see when I am mature enough to appreciate them (a bunch of Von Triers are on the top). I realize that I'm never going to be able to appreciate the movies if I don't watch them. So, The Tree of Life, definitely a difficult movie to appreciate fully, but the more I think about it and analyze it and listen to people who love it, I realize how it all comes together. This is a start maybe? The next time I watch a film such as this, maybe I wouldn't need a re-watch to digest it all? I hope so. I really live on the moment when a film ends and it leaves you in a daze of emotions.

Even without understanding fully all the symbolic mumbo jumbo, I still have to say that The Tree of Life was a good film, just based on how it impacted me. I was a blubbering mess for a portion of the movie. I was also confused (the good kind) in some parts.

The film was a long 2 hours and several minutes. I really hope that I get to understand all that nature shit, because I will be pissed if I realize that that was just a bunch of stock videos put in to make the movie more ~artsy. The cinema was packed when the movie begun. An hour in, the cinema was only 2/3 full. When people thought the movie was almost over (it only seems like it is, but it actually still has a good half hour left) only half the people were left. When the credits finally rolled, a bunch of people laughed and everyone breathed a sigh of relief. It was actually pretty hilarious how everyone in the cinema was like "ah, fuck it" and just laughed it off. Ah, Filipinos! (This is not meant to be an insult.) My mother claimed the movie gave her a headache and she did seem tired the rest of the day. This is just a warning.


I have to say Brad Pitt is probably my favorite actor now. And that kid who play Jack is beyond amazing. I mean just superb!!! Plus, their mother is divine. I don't think she could get any prettier. Sean Penn though.... what are you doing in this movie. I did not feel your impact. Also, third brother. What was your role?

So I won't put in any conclusions on this post as I have no concrete opinion of the movie yet. I must say that the more I read on it, the more I understand and like it. I will definitely update after my re-watch (in the hopes that you still care)

PS. (not really a spoiler) I don't know what's happened. I was just reading some reviews on the movie when they brought up the scene where Brad Pitt's son tell him to be quiet and Brad freaks out. I just started crying, because that is EXACTLY how my dad gets mad. He doesn't push my mom or brother to get at me, but his face and his voice and the "what did you say?" and then sudden change in voice to extremely angry. I just... ugh. I'm 18 years old and yet I'm still terrified just thinking of that voice.

Friday Night Films

Bonjour! Je suis etudiant en francaise! Ca va?

I'm sorry it's horrible! I'm only a few classes into my French, but I'm enjoying learning very much! Usually I am pretty good at accents, but I've come to realize that accents that don't require the English language are difficult (My good accents are Irish, British, Southern, etc).

I've been re-watching The Dreamers so many times and I'm trying to pick up their accents. Every time I watch it, I'm left amazed. I've seen it countless times. I never get tired of it. Whenever I watch it, I feel as though I am transported to another world--their world. It's such a wonderful film and I suck for not being articulate enough to convince you, but I am posting the trailer here anyway.



Okay, that does NO justice to the film at all, but if you found the trailer wonderful, then you will be blown away by the film. It didn't really garner an overwhelming score with Rotten Tomatoes (just saying for those of you like me who consider the site the best basis for movie ratings). I haven't really tried to dissect the movie and look at the cinematography and script and just all the things that critics usually look to to see if it's a worthy movie. Whenever I watch it, I just watch and it makes such an impact. I guess that's why I love it so much.

It's not a film for everyone, but for those who love film, Paris, history, then it's worth checking out! I want everybody to check it out! If you do watch it, please comment and tell me whatever you thought of it (love it or hate it, whatever!).

I hate...

having to eat alone. waiting for downloads to finish. waiting for a late professor. seeing happy couples. seeing sad couples. losing things. running from building to building so as not to be late for class. standing next to skinny girls. celebrating my birthday. waking up the night after you slept with wet hair. getting too drunk. downloading the wrong file. having to squeeze into pants that fit well just a month ago. getting gifts in the wrong size. getting my shoes wet from the rain. having cereal but not having milk. being the only high person which makes you annoying to everyone else. entering a dark room and not being able to find the light switch.

when my favorite shows end. when a good book is turned into a crappy movie. when I overcharge my phone. when guys wear slippers in places other than the beach or at home. when I forget my password. when I'm asked to pick where to go. when someone turns up/down the volume to a number that isn't a multiple of 5. when bangs have grown to an awkward length. when Lady Gaga destroys beautiful clothing by wearing it. when people i'm not close to touch me. when the movie i want to download has few seeds.

commercials. Maths. injections. butterflies. butter popcorn. typos. condescending remarks. Katy Perry. trypophobia. misogyny. traffic. homework. rape culture. special snowflake syndrome. air bubbles. late flights. awkward situations. boys who think they have to pay for everything when on a date. small talk.

Why Miley Cyrus' Haters Need to Stay Pressed

I've just gotten news that I'm getting free tickets to Miley Cyrus' Gypsy Heart concert in Manila! You guys have no idea how much I have been waiting for these tickets and how much my friends and I have bothered the sponsors to give us free tickets. All those annoying text messages have finally paid off! My friends Czar, Ana, and I get Gold B tickets! I know what most people think of Miley Cyrus and I can already foresee the eye rolling and laughs I will have to endure when the day of the concert gets closer and closer and I cannot help but flail excitedly in public.

The thing is, not most people understand my devotion to Miley Cyrus. Sure, she dresses well and always has the cutest arm candy, but really, she's an inspiring person. I'm not going to turn her into Gandhi or whatever, I just want more people to see why they should stop hating on Miles.

1. She is unpretentious and genuine.
- Probably the worst thing about Disney stars is how boring they are. Miley isn't cut from the same cloth. She's funny and honest and sincere. She's unapologetic for being a real person. Everyone on Disney always have to please the masses, but Miley thinks being real is much better than being liked.

2. She's funny.
- I adore Miley's stints on SNL. She's got such a great sense of humor and she knows how to laugh at herself, which I think is great. Her latest SNL stint's opening number was hilarious. The girl can go on stage and sing about her mistakes. Watch her interviews too. She's just very charming and likeable!

3. She can't be tamed.
- I love the part of Miley that grew up right in front of us. I love that we saw that she's a real person. Her "scandalous" photos and salvia smoking are parts of what makes her a real person. I also love how unapologetic she is about it. Salvia smoking is legal and I think it's shitty that Disney makes her apologize for being a teenage girl. Nonetheless, Miley continues to be herself and have a good laugh about it.

4. Her songs are catchy.
- Don't you even deny it.

5. Awesome: A Demonstration.
-


Now I am sure everyone will still find things to hate about Miley, but I'm not going to ramble on about that whole "She's just a teenager and lalala". I unapologetically unironically adore Miley Cyrus.

Resort round-up!

My resort 2012 favorites! I did not realize there would be sooooo many, especially since I was never a big fan of Resort collections (what are they supposed to be, anyway? Someone please explain this to me). I just found myself making these every time a collection came out!

Anyway, I've conveniently put page breaks on my collections posts because they tend to be very photo-heavy!

Playlist

I rarely talk about music on this blog, which is unfair. I listen to music all the time and I always come across great artists that I want to share to people. Unfortunately, my friends don't have the same music taste as I do. I figured that people on this blog (let's just pretend someone aside from myself even remembers that this blog exists) would appreciate my music taste! I'm going to be making playlists for you guys whenever I feel like it. I'm going to make this a regular part of the blog, so I hope you guys like the songs!

This playlist is just a random assortment of really chill songs. Agh, I suck at describing songs. I can't even place songs in their proper genre. Anyway, these are all very mellow, but they're all lovely and kind of haunting. Listen for yourself!

1. Holocene Bon Iver
2. Baby Warpaint
3. Blood Bank Bon Iver
4. Boy with a Coin Iron & Wine
5. Breathe Me Sia
6. Kreuzberg Bloc Party
7. Lover I Don't Have to Love Bright Eyes
8. Possibility Lykke Li
9. Postcards from Italy Florence + the Machine & Beirut
10. Skinny Love (Bon Iver Cover) Birdy
11. Spanish Sahara Foals
12. Transatlanticism Death Cab for Cutie

Download.

contrast

playful bright colors + serious tailoring

School is starting in a few weeks! 3 school essentials that I need for going to a school like Ateneo that's huge and requires me to walk around in the heat.

Sunnies. I never used to be comfortable wearing sunglasses when I'm any place other than the beach, but Ateneo is actually as sunny as a beach so I figured why the heck not? I only use my nude colored wayfarers, but I'm going to go shopping for more soon.


Everyone in our school wears shorts, because 1. we have no dresscode and 2. it's hot as hell in school. I wear then almost everyday, but I'm getting tired of my usual blue denim shorts, so I wanna add a bit of


Wearing heels in school is a huge no-no. Try it and you'll curse that second you decided on it. Flats are your best friends in college.



So not excited for going back to uni but I'm sure I will be once I go shopping in Bangkok this week! Way thrilled for that!

Tina's 18th

Last May 6 was, one of my closest friends, Tina's debut. The youngest of all the Barbies was finally turning into a legal adult and we were all so excited for her.

We spent months guessing what the theme of her debut was. It was only during the day itself that we figured it out--well, I haven't actually figured it out yet, but it's got something to do with the galaxy and stars and stuff. Whatever, the theme being vague does not detract from the awesomeness that was this party!


How it looked like outside

The first surprise was Madam Auring being there to tell people their future. There were only a few guests who had their fortunes told. I'm all for good fun, but man everyone was like really weirdly ecstatic about what they were told. Because you know, wholeheartedly believing in a stranger who claims she sees your future is totes sensible.

We were finally called inside, because Tina was about to make her grand entrance. We knew she was going to dance, but we didn't expect the kind of dancing she did! She was lifted up and twirled around. It was so cute and surprising!


The grand entrance. This is unedited, btw.

After the entrance was the 18 Candles of which I was a part of. They just played our pre-recorded message on the huge ass screen (how humiliating) while we catwalked to get to Tina's throne. Then came the usual debut traditions. The funniest part was the video of the celebrity greetings. She had TV hosts, senators, actresses, councilors, groups of traffic enforcers, and the crowd favorite, Dirik Niramsi (a Derek Ramsy impersonator who looks nothing like him)!

An important part of every event, of course, is the food. For Tina's debut, it was great. I remember wishing my friends would eat some more so I didn't look like a hog. Then the drinks. Out of all parties I have attended, Tina's drinks were the best. Strong, but still tasted great. My favorite was the Mojito and Black Orchid. I think my condition of being in a drunken stupor by the end of that night attests to how much I enjoyed the drinks served.



I had one too many.

This debut was by far one of, if not, the best debuts I have attended. I hope you had a great time during your celebration, MM. I know I did!

Two days ago I went on a beach trip with my friends. It was sort of a last minute thing so I didn't have time to diet and shop for the perfect bikini. I did have time to go through some online. Here are my top pics for every style. Personally, I think a bandeau looks best for my body type, but I included all kinds for everyone.

Triangle top:

TM by Tara Matthews, Chloe, Mara Hoffman, Shay Todd, TM by Tara Matthews, Emilio Pucci, Missoni, Milly


Bandeau:

Old Navy, Old Navy, IM-HM, Mara Hoffman, Mara Hoffman, Chloe, JETS, H&M

One Piece:

H&M, Rodarte for Opening Ceremony, Zimmerman, Zimmerman, Mara Hoffman, Dolce & Gabbana, Lanvin, Melissa Obadash, Fogal 497, Agent Provocateur

Sadly, summer is coming to a close as affirmed by an upcoming storm. Hope I can squeeze in a last swimming trip before rainy season comes around. Everyone stay safe!

Last Saturday was the scheduled DLM photoshoot. My friend, Aia, had asked me to style the shoot along with my friend, Tina. Tina and I arrived at the house of Matt, where we were supposed to prep up, but since we were early birds and were too shy to enter, we decided to grab some lunch at McDonalds. When we finished and headed back, we found the whole team already there.

Tina and I got on to making outfits with the shirts while Yella and Jo did hair and make-up on the models. Karlos cut up the shirts. It was hours and hours of working + chatting up and laughing! We started shooting at around 5 pm. Jack, the photographer, did wonders! He made the models lie on the grass and climb trees. He would ask models to turn their heads a couple centimeters and it would make such a huge difference.



Jack would yell "shirt!" and, as the stylist, I would have to run and make sure the print is clear and visible.



Me with Alex (model) and Tina (co-stylist). The top Alex is wearing was actually a t-shirt, but we had Karlos alter it since we thought a tank top would look better with a maxi skirt. Doesn't the alteration look so professional?



This is the "dream team".
L-R: Anna (hair), Jo (hair), Jack (photographer), Yella (make-up), Alex & Karlos (creative directors), Me (stylist) & Tina (Missing in action) with Aia, the girl behind all this!

And here's a teaser of how this will turn out



Make sure to follow AIA and like Dream a Little More on Facebook for updates! Shirts go on sale June 1! Designs are already posted on the FB page. They ship worldwide!