Don't Be Losyang

Farewell... And Be Happy...

2009-03-06T12:13:00.003-05:00

After much mulling over, I have decided to discontinue this blog, Don't Be Losyang. It was fun while it lasted and ideas would come to me, but alas, a style chronicler, I am not.

I have decided to leave commentary on the world of fashion, design and style to those more capable and honestly, have better credentials than I do, like:

Manila Fashion Observer
The Sartorialist
Garance Dore
Desire to Inspire
Chez Larsson
Door Sixteen

This blog brought to the forefront my struggle to not fall into the trap of becoming just another working mother from the burbs. Don't Be Losyang will always be my motto, and it is now part of my psyche. I wish you all well. We can all live and love with style forever.

PS... I will still keep up my other blog, Of Knitted Tales and Sunday Dinners. Maybe a few DBL posts will be made there on occassion. Hope you keep reading!

My Oscar Show Round-Up

2009-02-23T11:55:00.010-05:00

On the Oscar goes to...

Here are my top 5 favorite dresses of the evening.

No. 5 - Tina Fey

Image from: Cele|bitchy.com

This beautiful dress matched her age and demeanor perfectly. Completely elegant and a perfect showcase for her beautiful face and even more beautiful mind. I have been searching high and low for who made the dress but have been unsuccessful. Plus she was one of those presenters that did not walk the red carpet that evening, so there aren't any interviews of her giving the obligatory nod to the designer of her gown.

If any of you know, please comment so we can give the appropriate credit where it is due.

No. 4. - Penelope Cruz

In vintage Pierre Balmain. This dress is over 60 years old and is simply beautiful on her. During her interview with Tim Gunn, she told him that she had seen this dress several years ago, but did not feel it suited her then. But this time around, she knew that it was the perfect dress for her, and lo and behold, it was still available. It was simply meant to be.

I typically do not like ballgown-esque gowns, but this piece seemed to me to be way too important to ignore.

No. 3 - Angelina Jolie

As a black gown lover myself, I particularly loved this Ellie Saab gown on her. I am not particularly a fan of Ms. Jolie, but I always enjoy seeing what she wears to the great industry event. This very classic strapless gown and emerald jewelry were perfect against the background of black tuxedoes and the red carpet. I am all about quiet elegance and sophistication. Quite a few members fashion police (certainly with more creds that I do) did not like it, but I loved it.

No. 2 - Marisa Tomei

This Versace Atelier gown in silver grey was simply too beautifully constructed to ignore. It certainly was a discussion piece with the cascading pleats all around the skirt. This was certainly chosen for its impact and posing possibilities. You could not photograph this dress without spreading out its train. I can't imagine how Ms. Tomei must have felt with all the twisting she had to do to showcase this dress to its maximum potential.

No. 1 - Anne Hathaway

This was my favorite dress of the evening, hands down. Armani Prive. The mermaid shape and light color helped her outshine all the others in my view. Just as Shirley MacLaine said during her tribute during the Best Lead Actress presentation, Ms. Hathaway is certainly one that will be coming back to the Oscars many more times in the future.

Images of No.4 to 1 taken from: JustJared

Say what you will about last night's 81st Academy Awards show, I for one enjoyed it. I enjoyed the newer format for the show. I liked that the audience was so much closer to the stage. Hugh Jackman, to me, brought a very intimate and entertaining vibe to the show. I loved how he spoke to certain members in the audience. I also particularly liked the way they presented the major acting awards, with past winners honoring the nominees. I cannot imagine what it must feel like to be honored by a past winner for your work. That gesture makes winning, or not winning, all the more meaningful. Don't you think?

While I was happy to see my dear, Robert Pattinson, presenting during the show, I was not one hundred percent sure about whether he should have been there or not. I had the same feeling about the performance by Zac Efron and Vanessa Hudgens, or the couple from Mama Mia, in the "The Musical Is Back" number. I am hoping that they were chosen to be there because of their future potential as actors, rather than exploited for their fan base. Over all though, I will not deny that Robert and Zac were sure nice to look at.

I enjoyed this year's award season and cannot wait to watch more movies this year. The movie world never ceases to amaze me and I thank them for creating such a beautiful world, albeit, relegated to a theater screen. Though sometimes purely commercial, film is still a true art form.

Winter Basics - Outerwear

2009-02-13T21:59:00.006-05:00

We recently just went through a warm spell here in the North East which brought to my mind the need to get a move on this series on Winter dressing. It reminded me that I soon have to conclude these articles lest they no longer be relevant to the season at hand.

This brings me to one of the most obvious parts of winter dressing, which is outerwear. When I was a young girl, I had the opportunity to visit Hong Kong several times in the Winter, and it was my first experience dressing in them. While the temperatures there never really compared to those we get here, it was enough to pique my interest in them. Seeing all these fashionable ladies walk up and down the streets in New York City is truly one of my favorite visions during this season.

In my personal opinion, a woman really needs at least three pieces of outerwear during the season. A nice wool overcoat, a sporty weather proof parka, and a good base vest.

Of the three, expect to make a real investment in the coat and the parka. Spend as much as you can afford on these as a really good choice will last you several years.

For the coat, try to go with a single breasted cut rather than a double breast or peacoat style which tend to add weight to the wearer. As for color, since it is an investment to be made, chose a color that you know will go with everything you have. In my case, it would be black. I would love a camel one as well, but that may have to wait another year for me. I practically wear mine everyday for work.

For the parka, I too would go with black, but a dark blue one will do just as well. I wear my parka every weekend and whenever a more casual look is appropriate.

As for the vest, feel free to buy one in either fleece or in the more rugged puffer styles. I usually get to wear this over my sweaters with a scarf and a hat during the warmer winter days. Plus on the extra cold days, my vest is the perfect extra layer I need between my sweater and coat to keep me toasty.

When you go any buy these, always keep in mind that there needs to be enough room for a thicker layer underneath. A too tight coat or parka will simply make you look heavier and unkempt rather than sleek and comfortable.

Also keep in mind their washability. For the coats, expect to have them dry cleaned occassionally, while the parka and vest, you can find good ones that are actually machine washable. Remember to keep them clean as much as possible as smells tend to stick to clothing more during the cold season. A quick spray of Febreeze should suffice to refresh them in between washings.

Do not forget to accessorize as well. A nice hat, scarf and gloves will always complete the ensemble. I'll talk about them more in my next post.

Images taken from: Net a Porter, Neiman Marcus, LL Bean and REI

Winter Dressing Basics - Sweaters

2009-01-26T22:15:00.005-05:00

Up next, the staple of all winter dressing basics, sweaters.

Sweaters now come in a multitude of fabrics; cotton, cashmere, wool, silk, and other blends. Luckily now, they also come in a wide price range so you can pretty much find a good sweater, no matter what your price range is.

If you live in a region that gets very cold, I suggest you invest in some wool sweaters. If you live in a more moderate climate, cottons and silks will certainly keep you warm.

For sweaters, I typically invest in four basic styles: a v-neck pullover, a cardigan, crew neck pullover, and my personal favorite, the turtleneck. When I was a little girl, I always associated a turtleneck with a scratchy, suffocating experience. But as I grew older, I couldnt help but, associate it with the sleek image of Audrey Hepburn in black capri pants and ballet flats.

I typically buy these pieces in a variety of textures, from a thin rib knit, to a chunkier knit. For the latter, I, personally buy it in a cardigan style, and if I absolutely feel I need to get one. Since I wear thermal undergarments everyday, I can usually get away with the thinner sweaters, so I can avoid adding on the extra bulk normally associated with winter layering.

Sweaters come in a variety of colors, but if you intend to spend some money on them, it would be advisable to buy the basic neutrals like black, white, grey, cream or beige. Also, keep laundering instructions in mind. Wool sweaters typically call for hand washing or dry cleaning. They also tend to pill, or get fuzzy in spots were there tends to be a lot of friction, like under your arms and elbow. When my sweaters tend to do this, I usually keep them to wear around the house and eventually to the goodwill box. If you can't afford to have a sweater last for only one season (like me) I would try to buy something that has more cotton or other blend in it.

Here are a few sweaters that should be enough to give you a good enough variety throughout those cold winter months:

I know they are quite conservative, but if you do have the body and the budget, feel free to express yourself with a chunkier piece, or maybe even a brighter colored one. It's also a good idea to get at least one sweater in the color of the season. This season it was eggplant... Although, I honestly couldn't get myself to buy one. I really wanted to though.

With any of these sweaters, you can certainly get away with two looks at least, for work, weekends, night time, and go from sleek to sexy, depending on what you paired them with. Nice slacks, jeans or even a skirt with tights and knee high flat heeled boots. A few scarves and some nice layered jewelry can set the tone of the look pretty well too. I'll, of course, leave all that fabulous creativity up to you. Show me what you come up with! I'd love to see.

Images from: Net a Porter and Old Navy

Winter Dressing Basics

2009-01-22T18:22:00.005-05:00

One of the biggest things I have had to adjust to here in the United States is the change of seasons. Especially here in the East Coast, we're lucky enough to experience all four seasons. One season I particularly like, is winter. Occassionally, the winter can get tough as the temperature can be brutal at times. We've recently experienced a particularly cold two to three weeks with the temperature dropping to the teens. Factor in a wind chill and there were days when it felt like 0 degrees.

Having grown up in the Philippines, I never really experienced cold the way I do now. So I really thought that I didn't like the cold. I didn't during our first few years here, but now, I do. Maybe because I've learned to dress for the weather.

In the beginning, I didn't like winter because, I always felt that I had to look like the Pillsbury dough boy to keep warm. Thick, bulky sweaters. Big puffy jackets. But recently, I've learned a few tricks and stocked up on a few "basics" that have helped me get through the winter without being "losyang."

I am dedicating a series of posts on some of the basics that I think every woman should have to not be "losyang" in the winter.

First up, winter undergarments.

To me, these are long johns and long sleeved undershirts. I always wear a set everyday of winter. Since I do, I always make sure to make an investment in these. In the beginning, I used to have a whole bunch of cheap, cotton sets that in a familiar waffle pattern. These never really did the trick, plus they were hideous. Truly something to be kept under wraps, if you know what I mean.

In choosing a good pair of winter undergarments, always choose sets that have silk content. Now there are some that are made with special technology that keeps the heat but does not overheat the body. Cuddl Duds, Cuddl Silks or Jockey make pretty good ones and can be found in most major department stores beginning in the fall.

One of the keys to successfully beating the chill is proper layering. Choosing a good base layer will set you off for the day. Also, a good quality set, while not cheap, won't be over-stifling and will be soft and comforatable on the body. Plus, they will last you a long time. Good quality ones will also not result in adding extra bulk to your body.

If you work in a city and do a lot of walking or need to commute, I would recommend you buy yourself a set enough for a week. Even if I don't work in a city, nor have to walk or commute, I have about 7 sets, one for each day of the week, since I wear a set everyday. But, that's just me.

Buy them in white, flesh, black or grey to cover all the colors you may use during the winter season.

Images taken from: jcpenny.com

Hello... My Name is... I am a Robert Pattinson Addict...

2009-01-22T10:52:00.005-05:00

They say, one of the first steps to defeating an addiction, is acceptance that you do have one. After much denial, and if I am to, in any way, successfully defeat this, I am admitting that I am addicted to Robert Pattinson.

While I know, I am not alone in my addiction, just google his name and you'll find pages and pages of fan sites dedicated to him. I know. I've been scouring each and every single one of them.

For my sake, and that of my family's I must fight it off. And I will... I know I will...

Ay Diyos ko! Tulungan nyo ako! (Oh my God, please help me!)

This is my favorite picture of him.

I know these are old pictures of him, but these to me are some of the best looking ones. At least to me.
Images taken from: Robert Pattinson Online

I Don't Want to Go Back To This

2009-01-09T12:44:00.006-05:00

Happy New Year to all! I have woken up from my stupor and have recently been jolted back into the real world. At least, my real world.

The month of December brought me to a very unusual and disconcerting place in my life. I still am not sure what happened to me. I have never experienced such a phenomenon in my life, and truly don't want to experience it again. I hope you don't mind if I share this with you. But I am hoping, by sharing it, I will be able to keep myself from slipping back into it.

You see, I got sucked into the world of Twilight. Yes. The books. It all started with the movie and all the hype it kept getting. Not to mention the actor who took my breath away. Since the movie was getting all this hype, and not having had a good book to read for a while, I decided to buy the first book to read. I cared so little about it, that I bought the copy that had photos of the movie actors on it. (If you really, really know me, I have a thing about my books - more on that another time.) Little did I know that it was the beginning of what I thought was a downfall on my part.

I read the book in about a day. Opened it one evening and then realized that daylight had come just at the last chapter. I was hooked. I bought the second book, and the third, and the fourth. I finished the series in less than a week. And during that week, I could not function. I did not cook, I barely concentrated on work, I took care of my children in a haze, I barely functioned at all. No knitting, no blogging, nothing. My DH was not pleased. How I managed to get through this holiday season is still a wonder to me.

Once the series was over, I thought I would be able to move on. But no. I became, embarrassingly enamored, with the actor playing Edward, Robert Pattinson. I convinced a friend to watch the movie with me... I had to... I almost brought my 7 year old daughter to watch the movie with me... This was not good. To tell you the truth, I barely remember the movie. All I remembered was him. I hadn't had a crush on someone in a long time (I am married, with kids you know!) so I had forgotten what it was like to have one.

I watched and read anything I could get my hands on him. Youtube, tmz, perez hilton, just jared. You name it, I checked it out. Pictures, old movies, interview videos. Everthing. Anything.

It was embarassing. I was discussing him with my 16 year old niece and I could see she was beginning to think I was getting creepy. And I was embarassed to say I was crushing on this 22 year old. Can you see the word "cougar" on my forehead? I could see it in my niece's eyes though.

I struggled with this. I desperately fought myself to come out of it. I wanted to understand what was happening to me. How had I come to this? Was I bored? What? Why?

Well, the epiphany came to me today. I had allowed my imagination to run free.

Something I have neglected to allow, or maybe refused to allow, for a very long time. In my quest to be the great wife, fun mom, creative woman I wish to be, I had shut down the one thing that can allow me to be all I wish to be. I was constantly looking for sources of inspiration from the outside. I forgot that I had an imagination that I could have drawn from as well.

I don't know why, when or how I shut my imagination down. I guess it all comes with being a so-called "adult." So when I succumbed to the Twilight and Robert haze, it felt like the ground had been pulled out from under me. My imagination began to run wild, and since I was no longer used to recognizing it, I could not get myself back to the real world. I had to claw my way back. I don't think I am back completely just yet. I am still finding myself peeking at the showbiz websites for news about him, but I am much better now. But I am getting there (I do it only every 6 hours now)

I don't ever want to go back to this. I will allow my imagination to run free once in a while so as to never fall back into that stupor again. The more I let it run, the easier it should be for me to step back into the real world. The imagination is a very powerful thing. Let yours roam free. Join me in seeing what it brings back!

Going on Hiatus

2008-12-03T10:36:00.002-05:00

Dear Friends and Readers,

Given these troubled economic times, I simply could not keep this blog going with posts on fashion and other more worldly ideas. I have run out of things to write about that I think would be interesting to all of you. Do not worry, I will not be shutting down this blog. I will simply be going on hiatus to give me time to think about and plan for what I want this blog to be in the future.

My pursuit of living and loving stylishly in the 'burbs of NJ, has not died. Never again will I ever be "LOSYANG."

Hopefully, when I come back, you will be interested to see and hear what I have to say. Thank you all.

Sincerely yours,

The Knittymommy

PS, the Of Knitted Tales and Sunday Dinners will still be up and updated from time to time.

Make your voice heard!

2008-11-03T19:24:00.001-05:00

Whatever your political inclinations are, tomorrow is a very important day where we have the opportunity to exercise our most powerful right! GO OUT AND VOTE!

Difficult Times

2008-10-14T10:49:00.002-04:00

I've been quiet for sometime because of the recent turn of events in the world economy, the credit cruch and some personal issues. It's somehow making me re-evaluate what I want to do with this blog right now. I still want it to be about living and loving stylishly, but I fear that it would be inappropriate to focus on the material aspect of it, especially in this difficult time. Isn't it materialism and greed that's gotten into this economic crisis in the first place?

Please keep an eye out for the changes that will be coming to this blog. Rest assured it will still be about how to live and love in style... but not just about me.

Stay tuned...

My Seven Habits

2008-10-02T11:19:00.001-04:00

After reading this I began thinking of what I keep as guiding principles in my personal and professional life. I have, in my previous lives, have managed employees and have stood as a mentor to a few persons. Of course now, I am a mentor to my children, and hopefully still impart to them my own Seven Habits.

1. Never stop learning.
This keeps me going. I believe that life is all about constantly learning. If you decide to stop learning, from school, books, from others, from your mistakes, you become stagnant. You do not grow. We must all keep growing.

2. Strive for excellence, not mediocrity.
Always do your best, in everything that you do. I am not speaking of perfection here, but always try to do things better. The "pwede na yan" attitude is the death of us all. While you do your best, also demand the best from others. It's part of learning and helping others learn as well.

3. Always look your best (I have to keep reminding myself of this)- Thus, don't be losyang!
This I struggle with everyday. This is why I started my blog in the first place. While I know I will never be able to afford all the great brand names out there, nor will be as stylish as the other bloggers out there, but I always try to keep in mind that I must always present the best of me.

Whether we like it or not, our appearance is always judged. A first impression will always require a second look to be changed. If you look messy, unkempt or just plain untidy, you may never get the second look that will let them see how beautiful and fabulous you really are. If they like what they see initially, you'll certainly get that next look.

4. Live within your means (This too.)
Living in the world today is so difficult, with all the wants of life. I was lucky to have been born in a family that didn't seem to have much worry about money. My husband and I never felt that we couldn't have what others did.

But now, it so tempting to fall for the "it" bag, the "it" phone, the "it" whatever. With credit cards abound, it is so easy to get in over your head. Living within your means helps you keep your mind and head clear, without envy or fear.

5. Always seek inspiration.
This is almost similar to my first habit. We must continually seek inspiration. In anything. Living a life without any inspiration is almost like not living at all. Something needs to wake you up every morning and get out of bed to face the day. Be it your children, your spouse, from the internet, from the arts, creativity, etc. Just keep your self inspired to live each and every day that God has given you.

6. Choose to do what you love, and you will never "work" a day in your life.
We all know what it feels like to be trapped at a job we don't like. I know we all need money and a source of livelihood to survive. But I feel bad for those who choose to do a job, only because of the money and come home each day miserable. Or those who spend their hours at work, moping and hoping to be somewhere else.

I was lucky to figure this out earlier in my professional life, rather than later. I actually got forced out of a job, due to petty squabbles and pinoy crab mentality. But this experience forced me to think of what I really wanted to do. I chose a career that I loved dearly. I believed I lived it to the fullest, so when it came time for me to make changes for my family, I had achieved my dream job and am no longer looking for that dream job.

Now, I am a paralegal. While it is no longer my dream, I still love it. It combines everything I imbibe. The constant learning environment, the stay put nature of the job, always putting my best work forward, and yes, occassionally, I get to put on a pretty face for court appearances, client meetings and negotiations.

7. If it is meant to be, it will fall into place.
Lastly, after being able to control all of what I hold dear, I still have to remind myself, that there is someone more powerful than I in this life. There is a higher power in this world, who truly does control all things and has a plan for each and every one of us. No matter how much I can control the 6 things, if its not in God's plan for me, it will never happen. Sometimes, we do not understand why things don't go our way, despite everything we do. To me, it just means that it was not meant to be.

Not everything must be so hard, and if you're finding that it is, you must pause and think, is this really for me? If you stop a moment and close your eyes and take a breath, you may find that there is something else there for you.

What are your "Seven Habits?" - they may not necessarily be seven.

Today's Outfit - 08/20/08

2008-08-22T13:12:00.005-04:00

I went a little safari-ish on that day. The photo's not that great, but hopefully it conveys the look enough. All the clothes were gifts from Manila that came with my mom.

Shirt: Khaki top with Bush Jacket details, Jill, Rustan's
Pants: Olive Green Capri pants
Shoes: Penny Wedge Heels by Mossimo

I am sure you've noticed me wearing these shoes in several posts so far. They're surprisingly very comfortable and I can actually wear them the whole day. Plus they were less than $30.00.

Hit or Miss?

Today's Outfit - 08/08/08

2008-08-22T13:06:00.004-04:00

This is a bit delayed, but I finally got around to downloading some pictures off of my camera. Here's what I wore on the opening day of the Olympic Games.

I picked the look up from Mrs. C. Although, I think her look rocks so much more. I simply can't do the scarf thing. Maybe I just dont have the right scarf.

Shirt: White T-Shirt with Crochet detail, Mossimo at Target
Jeans: Lee from Kohls
Shoes: Penny Wedge Heels, Mossimo at Target

Hit or Miss?

Diamonds are a Girl's Best Friend - Really

2008-08-11T22:50:00.004-04:00

I've just been presented with the Diamond Award by one of my very first readers, Mrs. C.

I am so flattered and a little bit guilty because I haven't been as active on the blog for a while. It seems I haven't been able to chronicle my exploits in the looks department.

I present the award to the following bloggers that I have inspired me to be my best...

Daphne of Daphne's Diary
CD of Manila Fashion Observer
Scott of The Sartorialist
Mrs. Jackie T of The BagHag Diaries
Jo and Kim of Desire to Inspire
ChichaJo of 80 Breakfasts
Habitually Chic

Through your eyes and words, I am inpsired, daily. Thank you.

Thanks again Mrs. C! I really do love your style!

What Started It All...

2008-07-01T17:18:00.005-04:00

Some people have asked me what started this whole rediscovery in me. To be quite frank, ever since our move to the US in 2002, all I really had time to concentrate on was getting our family up and running. I could not afford myself any time to even think of myself and how I saw myself. There was a point where I barely even looked at my full figured self in the mirror. People will attest that the only pictures they ever saw of me were my family's annual Christmas photos.

Then some time 2 years ago, I began to feel very depressed. I felt that I was no longer visible. Though I have never been one to put myself out there, I had put so many restrictions upon myself. I would weep after watching the fashion make-over shows, and the Dove commercials. While I know there is more to life than fashion and glamour, there is no life if you can't even see yourself anymore.

Then I decided to take things into my own hands. I began looking at myself in the mirror. I replenished my make-up supply and began sorting out my ratty, faded and ill-fitting clothes. I began keeping an eye out for some good trends, ones that will last a little longer than yesterday, to use as inpsiration.

And with the help of a good friend, one of the "majaderas" actually, I offered myself as a guinea pig to model for her while she taught herself photography. Seeing my own image this way was so over-whelming. It helped me see me. Although I am all made up, it is still me. Since these photos were shown publicly, old friends from the past chanced upon them and remembered the old me. The me I had forgotten.

As you can see, I am still not willing to truly reveal who I am here, but I assure you I am one of the models here. Can you guess which one?

PS... To those who know me personally, tahimik lang ha! ("Please keep quiet.")

Today's Outfit - 6/25/08

2008-06-25T20:32:00.004-04:00

I felt like wearing a dress today.

Hit or Miss?
Dress: Mossimo at Target
Shoes: Chainlink Jelly Thong Sandals from Old Navy

Check that one off the list... The Floors.

2008-06-25T01:03:00.000-04:00

Since we moved into the house, we've been very slowly doing a project here and there to make it our own. One major project though was refurbishing our hardwood floors. I have to give credit to my DH for single-handedly taking care of that project.

The living areas of the house had been covered in a shaggy green carpet all through out, while the bedrooms were covered in a cream/off-white carpet. We had thought of doing the hardwood floors at one point, but were procrastinating in the beginning because we were afraid of the expense and the enormity of the project.

But,I have two girlfriends, I call them the "majaderas" who, under the guise of trying to see what condition of the floor was under the carpet, ripped out one room's worth. As such, we went about ripping the carpet all throughout the house.

Before...

My DH sanded and sanded and sanded the floors for approximately 24 hours straight. We didn't want to pay for an additional day on the sander rental. At one point, he recounts, when he was dog tired, he simply lay down on the floor and hand sanded a few stubborn spots. For the next three days, he primed, and sealed and "polyurethaned" the hardwood floors. I tried helping him with the first coat of polyurethaning and ended up with my fingers stuck together. Alot of help I was that night. That was the extent of my work on refurbishing our floors.

And now, after...

I'll try to get a better photo of the floor in the future. But I think you get the picture.

This is a proud accomplishment for DH and me. We never believed we were "DIY" types. But with the help of my beloved "majaderas" the DIYers in us have been awakened.

Filipiniana

2008-06-15T21:18:00.010-04:00

Picking up from the post of the Manila Fashion Observer on Filipiniana, I decided to put in my own post on the subject. Over the weekend, Filipinos across the world celebrated the declaration of Philippine independence from Spain. Here in our own town, a big celebration was held in a park by the Cooper River.

I decided to bring my kids for a dose of Pinoy culture and celebrations. We were greeted by an abundance of Pinoy food and refreshments. A very typical Pinoy-style fiesta abroad. If you've ever attended one, you'll know what I mean. What also greeted us was the handful of folks that decided to wear traditional Filipino attire.

Here are a few examples of the pieces that I saw that day:

The Kimona.

A Kimona is usually an translucent embroidered blouse typically made in a "jusi" (silk organza) or pina (pineapple fiber) fabric. The pina versions are typically more expensive as it is a hand woven fabric. The Kimona is also available in a rainbow of colors, either dyed or hand painted. Here, this Kimona was lined with a beige fabric, possibly to avoid having to find a fine under blouse. She has paired it with a long, straight skirt with a thigh-high slit on the side. She also accessorized with a long necklace made of shell and beads.

Below are a few more examples of the Kimona. The lady on the left wore an irridescent purple style, while the lady on the left wore a finely embroidered natural colored kimona.

The Kimona is possibly the most versatile Filipiniana piece. It may be paired with a long skirt of any color and makes a fine formal piece for any evening occasion. If you have no means of having a Filipiniana piece custom made, ordering an hand embroidered kimona in a natural beige would be your best bet. While one made in the jusi fabric would be more than adequate, one in pina would be very elegant.

The Patadyong.

These are good examples of the patadyong with is basically a kimona with a wrap shorter skirt. The skirt is the patadyong. This is typically identified as peasant and farmer wear. A folded kerchief that went over the shoulder, and a bandana tied in the hair completed the look.

I particularly liked that the lady in the earlier picture wore a plain pina kimona with the batik fabric skirt as she exuded a simple elegance. However, the lady in the second photo, presented the most authentic look, with her plaid skirt and sandals that mimicked the traditional "bakya" (wooden sandal).

The patadyong is not meant as formal wear, so if you were to invest in Filipinana wear, the patadyong should truly be a second priority. It would be most appropriate for more casual occasions and would really only be well appreciated in fiesta settings such as this.

The Barong Tagalog.

For men, the Barong Tagalog is the most formal of all Filipino men's attire. The Barong Tagalog is so traditional and is the trademark of any Pinoy man. Every Filipino male must own a Barong Tagalog.

In the Philippines, the Barong Tagalog is really the most enduring piece and is present in all settings. It is a basic piece of every Filipino man's closet. In french linen, it is a gentleman's office uniform. While in jusi, or pina, it is the most formal piece a Filipino gentleman can ever wear, fit for every single formal occassion.

Here, this gentleman appropriately wears his pina Barong Tagalog with a plain white undershirt, black pants and black formal shoes. While pina was probably too formal for the fiesta, it was certainly the best representation of the Barong throughout the day. Ideally, if it is a pina barong, the undershirt should be a long sleeved one. But a short sleeved undershirt is quite acceptable.

Short sleeved barongs are appropriate for office work. Same with colored barongs, preferably in subdued colors like white, pale blue or pale grey. However, in every situation, it is imperative that only a plain (no markings, at all) white sleeved undershirt be worn. Sleeveless undershirts and printed t-shirts are truly not acceptable. I am sure you have all seen examples of that.

Most ideally, the Barong Tagalog should be custom made for the best fit, especially if it is for a very formal occasion. However, if you have no means to have one custom made and fit, send your measurements, particularly the neckline size to ensure the closest fit.

The Barong Tagalog looks fabulous on other men of non-Filipino heritage as well.

The Terno.

The terno is possibly to most elegant of all Filipiniana ladies fashion. The butterfly sleeves are so distinctive and the fabrics the dress is made out of is usually the finest available. This example was the only terno that was worn a this event. While it is a fine one, it is unfortunately not the strongest example of the terno. She did however wear it with great pride and excitement.

The terno was popularized by the former First Lady, Imelda Marcos. It was a look that truly identified her. Because of her identification to gown, it got somewhat of a bad rap in the years after their reign in the Philippines. Similar to the shoe issue. Nevertheless, the former first lady made the look iconic.

Image taken from The Fash Pack

The photo in MFO's post is, to me, a much better picture, however I feel the photo of Mrs. Marcos' terno here, truly depicts the fine craftsmanship of the Filipino with the beautiful embroidery exhibited in this piece.

Personally, I feel every Filipina should own a terno. I must say however, that the terno must be an investment as it must fit you to perfection. Anything short of that and the look will lose the elegance and glamour the dress naturally exudes. As it is going to be an investment, the finest material and craftsmanship will ensure the highest return. Also, keep in mind that this dress is meant to be formal wear, so the more fabulous, the better.

Being away from the Philippines, we really don't have access to the exemplary craftsmanship that our Filipino dress makers have. Typically, we normally have to rely on pasalubongs from the Philippines of some of the more traditional Filipino pieces. Or if you're lucky to go home often enough, you're able to have some pieces custom made for you. At worst, we have to rely on what is available from the local Pinoy store or some of the internet stores like BarongsRUs or BarongatSaya.com. These online stores are really not half bad, but really don't offer a lot of the more traditional dresses.

Whichever way you decide to obtain your Filipiniana piece, try to get the best quality you can afford. Remember, it is a representation of our culture, our nation, and for those like me, who live abroad, our home. Wear it in beauty and with pride. In wearing it, we celebrate and show our national pride. Mabuhay!

To the ladies and gentlemen who agreed to pose for me that day, Maraming Salamat, po!

The Foyer - Welcome

2008-06-12T13:47:00.004-04:00

One of the areas that I have been trying to complete in the house is the foyer. It was one of the parts of the house that I wanted to get finished as it is the area you first see when you come in. We finally found all the right pieces and have finally, put them all in place.

Before...

And now I welcome you ...

Forgive my photos as they are quite dark. I can't seem to get the spot into the right lighting. Also, we still haven't painted the walls, but will... sooner or later. (That's a whole other post.)

And yes, Spidey is a regular fixture in my house...

Food Finds at Whole Foods

2008-06-12T13:36:00.001-04:00

Every so often, when I feel like treating myself, I go visit our local specialty grocery stores like Whole Foods and Trader Joes. On the Friday of Memorial Day weekend, by boss closed our offices at 12:00 noon to allow us to enjoy the first weekend of summer. So, being payday and all, I was feeling "reeeech". Plus I had to do some grocery shopping anyway, so I brought myself to the Whole Foods market near my town.

One of my most favorite edibles is cheese. All sorts of them. I have never really kept track of which ones they are, nor whether they taste nutty or what their made of, goats cheese, buffalo cheese, cow's milk, etc. I just love them for how they taste. Maybe, I'll start taking note on that for future posts. It's a pity this post won't have photos of the cheese I bought. Since the cheeses have all been consumed, it's really too late for that now. Hopefully the links I put in will give you an idea of what I am talking about.

Anyway, I grabbed wedges of L'Edel de Cleron, St. Andre Triple Creme (it was cheaper than the Brillat Savarin or the Brie de Meaux - I am on a budget, you know! - Kapal talaga ng mukha!), and a Gruyere (I did'nt notice the brand or anything.)

I also did find an interesting butter made from Buffalo's milk.

I first eyed this on my sister-in-cooking-mitts' blog, Baby Rambutan. Made by the Fattorie de Garofalo in Italy. It got me curious, so I tried some. The 125 g pack cost about $3.49. Certainly more expensive than good old cow's milk butter. while I couldn't locate the nutritional information, I could not determine the fat count. But this is probably one of the creamiest butters I have ever tried. It spreads really well, and does not completely melt into the bread when you spread it on. I really enjoyed this butter, but don't believe I will be buying it again, unless there is a truly compelling reason. It's just too expensive. But good. Maybe when I have made my fortune.

The other find was a package of Sweet Olive Oil Tortas from Seville, Spain.

When I grabbed these, I thought I was picking up olive oil type crackers for the cheese. However, when I opened them, I was surprised - a little disapponted, really - that they had been topped with sugar. "Oh Darn! Mali!" I thought to myself. But nevertheless, I am not one to let food go to waste, so since I had opened it already, I took a bite. Memories of the old fashioned homemade otap from my Lola's house in Cebu flooded over me. They were not as crumbly or flakey, but it had the same crispness to it. I also picked up a hint of anise in it. Not very strong, just a hint. In fact I thought I had imagined tasting it after my second bite. It came back after another bite.

It tastes good on its own. It also tasted pretty good with a dab of the L'Edel de Cleron on it. This would be perfect for a good old fashioned pinoy-style beach front merienda while chatting it up with your oldest and bestest friends.

While these great food finds set me back quite a few bucks, I really did not regret my visit to Whole Foods that day. Some will define the good life with beauty, fashionable clothes, shoes, bags (God knows how I'd like to be like them too), pedicures and salon treatments... I simply define it being able to eat good food...

Cross posted on Of Knitted Tales and Sunday Dinners...

My Favorite Cheap Shoes

2008-06-06T10:24:00.006-04:00

I have a favorite pair of cheap shoes. I am sure we all have one. I bought them last summer on clearance at Target. They are decent enough to go to work in work clothes, and a cute enough to play in on the weekends with a pair of jeans. Their comfortable to wear all day, and at least to me, look fresh and interesting.

What I love about this pair is that I can wear them everywhere and at the price I bought them, it doesn't really matter if their out of style next week. Well, I hope they won't be, but if they are, that's ok. I didn't expect them to re-live a second summer season when I bought them, but I sure am glad they did.

Shoes: Merona Buckle Peep Toes from Target
Price: Regular $24.00 - cheap, huh?
Actual Purchase Price: $6.00 - how about that? hee hee!

Now off to a very hot and humid weekend in the 'burbs! Happy weekend and stay cool everybody!

The Punch List...

2008-06-06T10:13:00.006-04:00

Since we moved into the house in early November, we really haven't had a chance to do much with the house just yet. We're just getting used to the expense of running a home (the utilities are the shocker), we have to do things one step at a time.

We've actually gotten to do a couple of things already which I look forward to sharing with you. These are:

1. The Floors - done
2. The Foyer - done
3. The Pink Bathroom
4. The dining chairs

The projects yet to be done:
1. The Walls
2. The Window Treatments
3. The Family Room Floor
4. The Garden
5. The lighting fixtures

Love this wall

2008-06-04T13:36:00.004-04:00

One of the gifts my father and uncle sent me from back home are several prints of maps from the Projections collection at the Lopez Museum. The are simply beautiful pieces that I can't wait to put up on my home. Although right now, I am running out of money due to the runaway prices of gas and food here in the US, so I am currently envisioning the look I want for these pieces.

I am excited to feature some pieces that are distinctly Filipino in our home. Rest assured that the giant wooden spoon and fork from Baguio will not be a featured piece in my house.

Anyway, I have this vision for the maps but have been having a difficult time expressing it to my DH, so I was beside myself when one of my favorite inspirational sites featured exactly what I had in mind. At least now, my very visually inclined husband, will finally understand what my plans are.

Image taken from Habitually Chic.

2008-06-01T22:35:00.003-04:00

I saw it last night with my DH. I. LOVED. IT.

See it with your girlfriends, or your spouse, or anybody you enjoy life with!

Image taken from www.allmoviephoto.com

New Online Store Find

2008-05-29T10:20:00.005-04:00

While I was innocently strolling around the internet, I stumbled across the Budget Diva blog. She featured an online store called Know.Label that had a lot of nice things for prices that I found to be quite reasonable. For example:

$58 for this dress - too bad its all sold out...

and $39.00 for this bag....

While I can't afford to go shopping for the rest of this year. I just did the family budget for the rest of the year, and I am fearful. But hopefully next, year, I'll be able to do a little more revamping in the wardrobe section.

If you can manage to do some shopping on the site, think of me... Send me any comments you may have on the quality of the merchandise and shipping. I would love to get the low down on this site.

Photos taken from Know.Label

Another Look I Love

2008-05-29T10:02:00.002-04:00

I have a blank wall in my living room that I would love to put a wall of shelves into. I would probably wouldn't get shelves all the way to the ceiling, but certainly nothing less than 6 feet.

Now this is a look I can probably pull off with a little less money than going for the yoke back chairs.

Photo taken from desiretoinspire.blogspot.com from Domino

I heart these chairs

2008-05-28T13:49:00.002-04:00

I will have them one day. One day. One. Day......

Image taken from desiretoinspire.blogspot.com

Today's Outfit

2008-05-22T21:07:00.002-04:00

Over the weekend I bought my first pair of wedge heel sandals. They took some breaking into, but decided to wear them to work today. This is what I wore today.

Shirt: Old Navy Scoop Neck Shirt with a white camisole underneath
Pants: Dockers Sydney Pant in Charcoal Grey
Belt: Tan Belt from 168 Mall, Manila, Philippines
Shoes: Tan Penny Wedge Heels by Mossimo, from Target

Hit or Miss?

Photo taken by K.

The Basics

2008-05-22T13:03:00.003-04:00

Now that I have established the premise for this blog, here are the basic things that may be expected to be seen from this blog.

One of the primary features of this blog will be "headless" photos of myself in outfits I have put together, ala the Manila Fashion Observer's "Share My Outfit" posts. You can tell me whether they're hits or misses.

This blog is not just limited to fashion. It will also include make-up, other personal products and even some home design and other "living" related topics. So, other posts may include product reviews, trials or almost anything under the sun that leads to living in style on a shoestring budget.

Don't Be Losyang

2008-05-22T09:55:00.003-04:00

I am a Pinoy (slang for Filipino) working mother and wife living in the suburbs of New Jersey. My husband and I and our daughter, moved to the US in 2002. A year later, we gave birth to a baby boy. Ever since we moved, we've been up and running, making a living for our little family, getting ourselves established and secure. I am sure this is all familiar to all of you.

Then one day two years ago, I found myself in a rut. I had fallen into what I think is the suburban stereotypical look. T-shirt, jeans, rubber shoes (sneakers in this part of the US), ponytail, no make-up.

Hey! Don't get me wrong, for some people, this is all fine and dandy. But for me, it was not me. I felt like I had given up on myself to move everybody else in my family along.

So, I struggled with myself. One day, I found the answer on a segment on the Today show, featuring alpha moms vs. slacker moms. And one of the slacker mom's said... "My dreams don't have to die, for my family's to live." What a revelation.

A little later that year, an old high school classmate passed on the advice given to her by another classmate, when she and her husband moved her as well, "Don't Be Losyang!" I am now taking that motto for myself. I need to love myself in order to love my family and all those around me better.

So I have embarked on this journey. A journey that I would like to share with all of you. I am sure I am not the only one in this situation and may be we can go on this journey of self-discovery together.

While there are a million and one fashion and style and suburban mom blogs out there, hopefully there will be room for just one more. In the worst case, it will be just for me to chronicle my own journey and hopefully someday be able to look back at the steps I have taken to get to where I have actually gotten.

I love high fashion style but have a mass retailer budget. Let's see if we can get that to mix.

Hopefully you'll like what you see, and cheer me on. If you don't like what you see, be kind, and just walk away and wish me well. Thanks.

Photo taken from www.glamour.com.