Color Story: You're the G(Oat)

There are days that you just want a fashion palette cleanser, and look for something that's not white.

For such days, oatmeal is a good option. 

It's not stark as white, but not too heavy like khaki, and not too plain like beige. It has the proper amount of creaminess, and still has that aspect of cleanliness.

Just like this ensemble:

The key piece here is the oatmeal skirt from the Nicolo x R.A.F. collaboration. Just like the other pieces in that collab, this has a lot of interesting details and cuts that make it visually interesting. Then, the top is from Surplus Shop, and it has an off-white hue that plays well with the colour of the skirt.

It bring the concept of "clean girl aesthetic" to a different level.

Printed Matter: Glam Bot(anicals)

In the many times that Plains & Prints has done botanical prints, they've always done it well. 

Ate Bullet has a closetful of dresses, skirts and tops from the brand, and it's time to add another one to the collection. 

It features this print:

It's an array of flowers and leaves, all light and bright in colour, set against a backdrop of deep green that makes it pop. This pretty print is the canvas for this even prettier coords.

It's a crop top with a ribboned strap, plus a flowy skirt.

This is a perfect ensemble to make everyday a glamorous one.

LFLTAT: Straight to No. 1

No, this isn't about the song by Touch and Go.

What it is is another post-Christmas sale ensemble.

For less than a thousand, of course.

The top is from Kashieca, which is a lace top (it's long enough to be a dress, actually) with an interesting, Chanel-esque print. The skirt if from The Landmark, and we all know who affordable fashion items are there.

Despite the P800 price tag, this look definitely has a lot of class to it.

LFLTAT x Color Story: Taupe tier

Sales about after Christmas day.

Retailers know that people have a lot of Christmas money to burn, so they give them a gentle nudge and suggestion on how to do it. 

Because of these sales, it's so easy to churn out a Look for Less than a Thousand, that can also be a Colour Story. Just like this ensemble:

It's a very classy and classic taupe look, but with something extra. The top is from Baleno at The SM Store, while the pants are from H&M. The pants are particularly interesting because it has that faux layered look, thanks to the lace overlay.

For the price - which is just around P900 - is a top choice!

Blue & Blooms

This is one of the ensembles that instantly caught my eye from the Plains & Prints x Raxenne collaboration.

The pants are made of soft denim and has botanical prints on it. The top is a muscle shirt made of this washed denim looking material.

With this pairing, you get an outfit that's feminine but not too girly, floral, but with an edge. Any way you wear it, you'll surely look blooming.

LFLTAT: Distressed call

And the denim on denim saga continues.

Was just passing through The SM Store (yeah, right) and saw this denim ensemble that caught my eye. 

It's a denim skirt and vest combo in dark denim. What made this pair interesting were the distressed details on both pieces. For the vest, the hem was distressed, exposing the pocket. For the pants, the side slit had distressed touches, too.

What's even more interesting is that both items were on sale. So, this ensemble was less than P1000.

You did it again, SM. You did it again.

Color Story: Brown town

Brown and its different hues have found itself on this blog a few times already.

And given the myriad of fashion choices that use this colour, it doesn't show any signs of stopping.

This is an ensemble that plays with different shades of brown to create a fun, relaxed and chic look.

The chocolate brown top is a loose cropped shirt from Uniqlo. The khaki culottes (yes, it's not a skirt) is from Surplus Shop. The beige Fisherman's sandals are from The SM Store.

The colour palette makes this ensemble look very chic. And worthy of painting the town in.

Printed Matter: King of Pane

Yes, floral and botanical prints in vibrant colours are my jam. Ornate, Tromple L'oeil prints are also things that catch my attention.

But there are days when things that things that are quiet and muted are more up my alley. Just like this printed pair from Plains & Prints.

It's a skirt and blouse ensemble with a subtle window pane print. The base is this very light peach colour, which makes the print almost meld with the hue. 

Sometimes, subtlety is king.

Take a bow

Among the many pretty pieces in the latest collection of Plains & Prints, there was one dress was a must-buy in my book.

It’s the pretty shift dress with a full scenic print all-over, and two bows on the sleeves.

What makes it even nicer is the fact that it’s a two-fer!

The bows are removable, to give it a different vibe.

That’s the reason why this dress just had to be taken home.

Printed Matter: Petal Attraction

Plains & Prints has mastered the floral print. 

They have a way of making it fun and fresh, yet classy and chic at the same time. That's why Ate has quite a number of floral printed pieces from the brand.

And she can now add another ensemble to that collection. Thanks to this print:

It's so dainty and pretty. It has that botanical print feel, rendered in soft, pastel colours. And the off-white background makes it pop-out even more.

This pretty print is found on this skirt an top ensemble.

It's such an attractive ensemble that's perfect for summer.

Our Blues. And whites.

To paraphrase Nigel's Line in “The Devil Wears Prada:”

“Give me something blue and white with a hint of art and I’m on board.”

That’s the reason behind my obsession with Ming Vase prints on clothes, and that’s also the reason why this ensemble from Plains and Prints was seared in my mind the moment I saw it on their lookbook.

This blue and white ensemble is a classically cut - a pencil skirt and a cropped square neck blouse. What elevates it are little details like the side buttons and a contrasting belt.

And of course, the blue and white print! It’s a bit tropical, a bit Mexican, with a bit of Morocco thrown in the mix. Overall, it’s a stand out despite it’s veiled simplicity.

Of course, it was hard to get this without a pair of white sandals. And ForMe has the perfect pair.

This ensemble is so effortlessly chic, that when you wear it, Miranda Priestly immediately comes to mind. Once you rock this outfit:

“That’s All.”

Pair-fect Week: Day 4 - I’m your Venus

Nope, this isn't about Bananarama's hit 80s song.

But make no mistake, that song is one of my most replayed songs.

This is about today's fashion pair, which is an ensemble from R.A.F. It's a venus-cut top and tapered pants in a neutral khaki color.

What's interesting about this pair is the top. It's not seen in the photo, but the back is longer and a lot more flowy than the front. This elevates the pair to something worth wearing to a semi-formal wedding or a dressy event.

I'm sure Ate will find an event to wear this.

Heart to Art

While passing through SM Megamall on the way home, something caught the corner of my eye that made me stop and do a double take.

On the window display of Kamiseta, there were several dresses, blouses and skirts that has beautifully drawn artwork as prints. And you know I can't resist a good print, so I was immediately drawn into the store.

It turns out that the beautiful paintings were all done by Heart Evangelista, and translated to fashion pieces through a collaboration.

Almost all pieces were showstoppers, but there was one that was truly, beautifully irresistible. This pleated skirt (see, it's a trend) with a delicate print of 3 women.

There's a certain Gustav Klimt quality to the painting, and it's sure to be a conversation piece. Now, since the skirt is very artsy, it has to be the focus of the outfit. So, for the top, a plain, black Uniqlo blouse with puffed sleeves is just what the fashion doctor ordered.

Together, this ensemble screams Art Gallery opening chic!

You gotta heart this ensemble! You just gotta!

In Poetic Fashion

In Greek Mythology, Calliope is the muse of eloquence and poetry. She always created beautiful things, that's why she's often seen with a tablet or paper on her hand.

With that context, the fast fashion brand Calliope fits its namesake.

It's an underrated brand that isn't as big as H&M, Zara, Cotton On and the other more famous fast fashion houses in Manila. But despite the size, they're really big on style. Whenever I pass by their store, I find something covet-worthy.

On this weekend's trip to Calliope, I found - and had to buy - this skirt.

It has a beautiful, African print which is so vibrant and eye-catching. It also has a classic flare silhouette, and a gross grain ribbon to accentuate the waist.

Then, I paired it with a plain, black tee from the same brand.

Like the poetic creations of Calliope (the muse), this ensemble from Calliope (the brand) is also a poetic thing of beauty.

LFLTAT: Blackbird

Avian prints are still very much around. It's proof that it's not a one-time fad but a fashion mainstay.

But here's something new. Avian embroidery! Particularly on this black skirt from Kamiseta that I got on sale.

At first glance, it might look like a bit too much. There's lace, there's a ribbon, and of course, the embroidery. Strangely though, the combination works.

The busy skirt needed a counterpoint. And I found it via this black flutter sleeved top from Uniqlo, also on sale.

This combination is perfect for the "bird" reference. With the sleeve that look like wings and the embroidery that really has wings, it's a fashion match!

And did I mention that this ensemble cost just a little above P800?

LFLTAT: Long and loose

These days, I've noticed a lot of loose, long-sleeved clothing in every department store and fast-fashion place. They vary from tops to knits to dresses to jumpsuits. I guess it's because of the December weather, or everyone just wants to be a bit more modest.

That's why today's "Look for Less than a Thousand" is inspired by this type of modesty. It's an ensemble that's covered up and chic.

The first piece is a denim top which I found in my Divisoria fashion haunt.

There are many things to like about this piece. First, the dark denim fabric is a classic. The puffed sleeve is very now. And it also carries this year's embroidery trend. It's a three-fer for a very small price!

Then, I paired it with this long and loose pair of khakis from Uniqlo. This was on sale and it was practically a steal at P390!

Together, this ensemble is super on-trend, and super affordable at below P650!

How's that for fashion for less?

Matchy-matchy x Color Story: Blush hour

Most people equate blush pink with "bridal," but with the right pieces, it's actually a great color to wear on an everyday basis. Or to a casual event.

Just like this blush pink halter dress that I found at Surplus Shop. 

A few feet after, at SM Department Store, I chanced upon these blush pink ballet flats.

Together, it's a chic and refreshing ensemble that's nice for a daytime event or a casual party.

I think Ate will be tickled pink.

Matchy-matchy x Color Story: Marooned!

Some fashion pundits will say that it's not chic to wear the same color from head-to-toe. Some others say that fashion rules were made to be broken. But I say, there are times where you can have a compromise and meet in the middle.

I'm known to suggest some matchy-matchy ensembles to my sisters and friends. Just like this snakeskin ensemble from 2013. This is an example of matching prints.

Sometimes, I also match colors, especially when it's a deep, bold color that really catches the eye.

For instance, this maroon dress with a pleated detail has always caught my eye. It's from Stella, Robinson's Department Store's house brand, which has a lot of beautifully tailored dresses.

A few days after I saw it, this pair of velvet, maroon heels presented itself at SM Department Store. It has the same, rich shade as the dress.

The result, a beautifully matchy-matchy cocktail ensemble! And while the color may be monochromatic, the skin that shows (both arms and legs) break the color and give the eye some breathing space.

It's an ensemble that's a match with Ate Bullet's personality.