G.U. almost forgot

Since G.U. was the 1st stop of our short HKG trip a few weeks ago, the question remains: "What's the G.U. haul?"

While not as sizeable as my usual hauls, it was pretty decent considering the super shot length of my stay. Was able to buy stuff for Mark, Ate Bullet and myself. 

One of my my hauls for Ate was this outfit.

It consisted of a loose t-shirt, denim gauchos in this very versatile off-white color.

And to ground the neutral top and pants, a pair of cool, neon green platform sandals. 

This is such a comfy, elevated chic kind of ensemble.

You can really never go wrong with this brand.

FMM: Scent to Song, part 2

Byredo is one of those niche fragrances that's a fave among the scent-loving community. I've been hearing about this brand for years, but don't really know what the brand is like since they don't have it available in stores here in MNL.

I'd see the brand in HKG, particularly in Lane Crawford. Back in 2017 when the fam flew to HKG, I chanced upon it while we were strolling in IFC. But since we were in a hurry, I never got a chance to smell it.

When Mark and I went to Seoul last October, there was a Byredo store inside Lotte Department Store. On my way to the supermarket, I made a quick stop and finally took a whiff of this brand. Verdict: the hype is real!

That's why during my trip to HKG last month, part of the itinerary was the Byredo store in IFC. There, I finally got my hands on some of their most popular fragrances, the OG being this:

Gypsy Water is the Byredo scent that's on everyone's lips (or noses.) And it's easy to understand why. The scent is so fresh and clean, like an elevated skin scent.

And to celebrate my 1st bottle, today's Friday Magic Madness is an off-shoot of the scent's name.

"Gypsy Woman" & "Crystal Waters." Remove the "Woman" and "Crystal," and you have one of the scents that I'll be using on the regular. You gotta love the music of the 90s. Just like you gotta love this scent.

Classic Cool

Walking past H&M in Megamall, they have this huge display pushing their denim line.

The in-store billboard features a big and diverse group of models wearing jeans and different types of white tops. This combo of denim and white is the ultimate “classic cool” ensemble. It’s so classic and easy that you can wear it any time, anywhere, and you’ll still look chic.

Just like this ensemble that I was able to put together.

The white top is from SheIn, the jeans are from Mango and the snakeskin sneakers are from Zara.

Cool, eh.

Snack with a K!

Blame it on the Korean shows I've been watching lately, but there was a sudden craving for Korean snacks that had to be satisfied.

In their movies, Tteok-bokki is one of the go-to snacks of students. You'll often find young characters having a bowl of this traditional rice cake after class. Sometimes, they'd have fish cakes, too. And watching the characters eat them with gusto just makes my tummy grumble.

That's why today, this was my snacks of choice.

Tteok-bokki and fish cakes!

K-ravings satisfied.

Always our guide

He was our guide when we were growing up. Teaching us the values of integrity, leadership, compassion and kindness. 

He was one of the biggest influences in my life. In fact, I won a silver medal in an essay writing contest for the piece I wrote on him.

And even if it's been 34 years since he went to heaven, he still guides me - an all of us - until now.

On your 113th birthday, thank you, Lolo Iking. For the love and guidance that we experience even until now.

Happy Birthday, Lolo!

You da Gulaman

Black gulaman has to be one of my all-time favourite drinks. Ever!

It might have started as a kid when we'd have black gulaman whenever we'd eat at our usual Chinese restaurants with the family. Whether it was Ling Nam, Wai Ying or Green Patio, my drink of choice would always be Black Gulaman.

It's a habit that I've carried on until now. That's why whenever a restaurant serves this delectable drink, you can count on me to order a glass or two. Or three or four.

Eat Fresh has awesome gulaman that comes in huge cups, which is why it's my go-to order in that resto.

Bur recently, I've discovered this black gulaman goodness!

Yes! Fruitas now sells these by the bottle.

Take my money, please!

Raise your Mug(ler)

Fast fashion fans are always waiting for the next big collaboration. Particularly those coming from H&M.

It's been pretty quiet since last year's Iris Apfel collaboration. And there hasn't been a big name attached to the brand after Simone Rocha's in 2021.

But that all changed when they announced who they'll be collaborating with this year:

Mugler!

Yes! Thierry Mugler is a designer who's brand wis known for their very avant garde and almost alien-esque aesthetic. When you think of Mugler, you think of silver and black, stark lines and ultra-modern designs. 

Given how this is very different from H&M's wearable, everyday approach to fashion, I'm excited to see how these 2 brands will bring their sensibilities together.

LFLTAT; To the Nine(tie)s

Who doesn't love the minimalism and simplicity of the 90s?

It was the era of plain, streamlined dresses in chic cuts. Simple jewelry and an overall clean and sparse aesthetic.

Since last year, i’ve Been seeing that back in fast fashion shops. And thanks to the recent Zara sale, here’s a Look For Less Than A Thousand with that aesthetic in mind.

Tadaa!

The dress is so chic and beautiful. It’s a long, black dress with long sleeves, and a surprise at the back!

Paired with a metal choker, it captures the 90s to a tee. For less than a thousand pesos. FROM ZARA!

Who would’ve thought you could be dressed for the red carpet for less than P1000. If you know when and where to shop, you definitely can.

FMM: Irresistible

Today's Friday Magic Madness was inspired by a music conversation between Devi and myself.

We were thinking of music videos with back-up singers and dancers who were made up to look exactly the same. While on the topic, we both thought of and blurted out the same thing.

Robert Palmer!

Back in the 80s, he was known for very catchy tunes with visually interesting music videos. He's particularly known for having all-female back-ups, with their LBDs, slicked back hair and red lips. They'd have these poker faces, and they'd just slightly move and groove seductively to the beat.

Just like in "Simply Irresistible."

This 1988 video is now 35 years old! But it still looks fresh and current.

And irresistible to watch.

Putting the “March” in “Marchesa”

You know a design is good if it still looks current and relevant even if it’s more than a decade old.

Such is this dress from Marchesa Notte. Back in the early 2000s, Marchesa was one of the brands to watch. Having 2 women designers at the helm - Georgina Chapman and Karen Craig, they knew how to dress women. That’s why their designs became popular with the A-list fashionistas.

When I was living in HKG, I found the Marchesa Notte dress on sale at Lane Crawford in IFC. Because it was in Ate Lissa’s size, I had to buy it.

While tidying up my closet, I found the dress, still as pretty as the day I bought it. And again, that was more than a decade ago, in 009!

This is such a fashionable find to start off March.

You better Works!

After much anticipation and a long time waiting, we finally have an official Bath and Body Works store in the Philippines!

Yes! Their first mall store in SM Megamall is finally open!

Work, Bath and Body Works, Work!

Let it B

Before our HKG trip, I knew that shopping won't be a big part of the agenda.

Given that it was just a 3D/2N trip, my priorities were eating and meeting friends. Although my mind was already set on going to GU, thus it was the first place we went to after arriving.

True to expectations, I didn't go to my usual shopping haunts like Mongkok, Prince Edward Street, Lane Crawford Outlet and Joyce. But I was able to go to GU, Uniqlo, Citygate Outlets and IFC.

While at IFC, I had to go to the restroom, and found out that the Byredo store was just across. And with that, this was my unplanned purchase on this trip.

Since Byredo isn't easily available in MNL, I'm glad that I let myself buy this despite it being unplanned.

Ming Dynasty

We were at CLK waiting for our flight home last Sunday night.

Suddenly, we heard excited shrieks and people started running towards the airport balcony where the people from the departure area could view the arrival deck.

Curious about the ruckus, we went to the balcony to see what was going on. It turns our that the China Youth National Basketball Team just arrived in HKG, and the head of their delegation was China's most famous basketball player, Yao Ming!

Yup, even from afar, his 7'6" height is imposing.

The first time I saw him was in 2007 when he visited HKG. He was just a few feet away from me, he really looked gigantic. Now, even if he was around 15-20 feet away, the feeling was still the same.

After all these years, he's still famous and has the same following in HKG.

More of the Usuals

It might have been just a 3D/2N trip, but there was a conscious effort to sample all the HKG eats that are part of my life.

Like my usual McDonald's breakfast:

And Lok Bo Fan (from another resto, though.)

They were great eats! As per usual.

Prawn Stars

Just like my previous trips to HKG, no matter how short or how long, a visit to Landale Prawn Noodle Shop is always one of my stopovers.

So, in between a trip from Kwun Tong and Tung Chung, it was off to Admiralty, for this:

It's been 4 years since my last bowl of Prawn Noodles, and it's still as good.

Thank goodness some things never change.

FMM: Cheung Dynasty

Today's Friday Magic Madness song is an homage to my trip to HKG last weekend. Because of that, a HKG-themed FMM song is in order.

One thing I learned whilst living in HKG was the concept of "Four Heavenly Kings of Music." This referred to the 4 biggest names in Canto-Pop. These are the 4 male singers who are considered icons in the local music scene - some even making a name internationally.

These are Andy Lau, Leon Lai, Aaron Kwok and Jacky Cheung.

Among these 4 names, the one that would be more familiar to Pinoys is Jacky Cheung. That's because he had a song with Regine Velasquez in 1994. It's a song that made it big in the Philippines, as well as in HKG.

"In Love with You," was a great song that successfully melded together the styles of both Jacky and Regine, which made it doubly successful.

It's not hard to fall in love with this song, really.

Okay, Coral!

It's a given.

Whenever my travels take me to HKG, there's one place that's a "must-visit."

Cafe de Coral!

This iconic HKG fast food joint was part of my life during my 4-year stint in HKG. It was my go-to place for breakfast, lunch, dinner, even tea times! It's an ubiquitous part of the landscape and there's always a branch near you wherever you are.

Even if this trip is a very short 3D/2N, Cafe de Coral HAD TO BE part of the itinerary. So, this is where we had breakfast on our 2nd day.

The interiors of Cafe de Coral have been upgraded. But the service and the food is still the same.

Okay, that's one "must-visit" checked off the list.

Tart Time

The past 2 odd years, new items of stores and restaurants closing in HKG became commonplace. In fact, a number of my favourite places - Hui Lau Shan, Hop Hing Noodle House, Mido Cafe, Fat Angelos, even Swindon Book Co. Ltd. - closed down.

Upon arriving in HKG, there was a feeling of fear and dread that one of the places that I'd visit multiple times a week would be closed as well. This is Pie & Tart Specialists.

This is the small bakery that I'd often visit at the corner of Granville Road and Chatham Road South. I'd pass by their store before going home from the office, and would be their floss tarts and the mini tuna pie. It would usually be my dinner, or a whole day thing on weekends.

While Grace was shopping for shoes on Granville, I quickly darted to the corner to see whether Pie & Tart Specialists was still open.

Et voila!

Of course, my evening snack that night was the floss tart.

I'm so happy that I got to visit this store again this time.

Ticket within a Ticket

Call this an inception moment.

My airline ticket from CX going to HKG came with another ticket! It's a ticket to a film that I've always wanted to watch, featuring one of my all-time fave actresses - Julia Roberts!

"Ticket to Paradise" is a rom-com that's been on my radar since the trailer dropped. Unfortunately, they didn't show it here in MNL, mainly due to the fact that most theatres were closed. 

So, when it appeared on the entertainment console, I immediately pulled it up and watched it.

Gosh, Julia hasn't lost her touch when it comes to rom-coms!

Triple Treat

One of the great things about HKG is its size. Because it's a fairly compact island, it's so easy to go from one part to another in less than an hour. One can travel from East to West with such ease, and it's easy to meet a lot of friends even with a limited time frame.

Which is exactly what I did last Saturday. As my first full day in HKG, I made it a point to see my friends who I haven't seen in years - and for one - more than a decade.

First, it was off to Kwun Tong to meet Bebe. She was a former colleague, a brilliant art director, and now pursuing her passion of advocating a healthy lifestyle through Traditional Chinese Herbal Teas.

The last time I saw her was in 2009, so it was great to catch up after more than a decade.

Then, it was off to the opposite side of HKG, in Tung Chung. It was here where I met up with Tanya - one of my great friends in College who also became my first "local" friend when I moved to HKG in 2005. Actually. we saw each other a few months ago here in MNL, but it's different when you see friends in their "home court."

Third, it was time to meet Monna. Another friend I made while living in HKG. She's the cousin of Ovvian, my college friend, and we also became friends after that initial and accidental meeting. Too bad I don't have a photo of our meet-up, but yes it happened.

Three awesome friends in just 1 day. That's really a treat!

See you, G.U.!

Just an hour or so later after arriving in HKG, this was the first stop.

Gosh! I've missed G.U. so much that I had to go straight to their Mira Place branch after checking in our hotel.

As always, G.U. did not disappoint.

I'm so glad to see you!

CX-cited

After a few years of being apart, I'm reunited with my favourite airline!

Hello again, CX! It's so good to be back!

FMM: Travel back

This weekend will definitely be one that I'll spend reminiscing. It's going to be at a place that was my home for a few years and holds a lot of wonderful memories.

With that, it's time to bring back a 1988 classic that used to be played a lot at home. It's from Johnny Hates Jazz, and the vibe of this song is perfect for my upcoming weekend.

I'm looking forward to 3 days of going back to "Turn Back the Clock." 

Heeeres Hotaru!

There seems to be a Japanese series influx on Netflix. More and more, J-Dramas and J-Rom Coms are popping up on the suggestions list.

After finishing "Atelier" and "Born to be a Flower," a pleasant surprise came into view.

"Hotaru no Hikari" is on Netflix!

Binge-watching this will take me back to my HKG days for sure.

"A" big mistake

It's amazing how a single letter can turn an otherwise good sentence into an erroneous one.

Exhibit A. Literally.

See how a misplaced "A" made a difference? It ruined this perfectly designed poster at SM Megamall.

Proofreader, please!

Doggone it!

Oh no! Kuro and Chunky just figured out how to escape from Ate’s garage!

Kuro was successful in his escape, using different chairs to hop out of the barrier, then he was gone! We had to chase him after he escaped. No do8bt, Chunky will learn the same trick soon.

Smart dogs!

Petrichor period

This was a word that I learned way back when I was still in elementary school.

It was at the library in Claret School. While reading this science book, one page talked about “Petrixhor.” Because the word sounded so intriguing and complex, it stuck in my mind.

Basically, it’s the scent of rain after it falls on the soil and grass. It’s something I’d smell a lot when we were in Bicol, mainly because Lolo’s House was surrounded by carabao grass. After the rain, that distinct scent would waft in the balcony, and my first thought would be:

“Ahhh... Pertichor.”

It’s been a while since that smell reached the concrete jungle where we live. But that will change after buying this Replica scent in Shangrila Mall recently.

‘When the rain stops” aims to replicate the scent of land after its been drenched in rain. While it seems like an unusual scent to wear, after smelling the sample of this perfume, it brought me back to that period in my childhood in Bicol.

Another scent memory unlocked.

In the right place

Of course, I had to watch "Your Place or Mine" the day it started streaming on Netflix.

It's a nice, uncomplicated and easy-to-watch Valentine's film. The fact that the main characters are a bit older, with "old people concerns" make this film relatable. And yes, Reese Witherspoon hasn't lost her timing and charm in rom-coms.

Yup, the film has its heart in the right place.

Worn out shirt

I'm not really a cologne wearer. That's why when there's a cologne at home - most often gifts - it takes years before the bottle is finished. No matter how big or small the bottle is.

So, it must mean something when a bottle of cologne doesn't last longer than 4 months. That's what happened to the bottle of Bath and Body Works White T-Shirt. 

Yes, it's all used up after just a few months. As it, to the last drop.

That's because this scent is so nondescript and it just feels like you're wearing freshly laundered shirts. 

Thankfully, there are still 2 more bottles at home. (And 2 more on the way!)

FMM: Steps up

Just like Wham!, there was another popular English singing duo back in the 80s. While they weren't as super popular as George Michael and Andrew Ridgeley, they also had a number of hits and had songs that enjoyed a lot of airplay in the Philippines.

That group was "Giant Steps." While it might not immediately ring a bell, their song most likely will.

Their 1988 hit "Into You," was one of the ear worms of that decade. It had that same laid back groove and catchy beat. They'd also play this quite often in the MTV shows back in the day.

Just like the song title, I'm still into this song even after 35 years.

That’s Fresh

When Bath and Body Works launched "White T-Shirt," it was part of a collection that included 2 more scents. The 1st was "Fresh Getaway" and the 2nd was "Fresh Cotton and Coconut."

Thankfully, Gary brought a pair of that other scent from the US when he came home for Christmas! Woot!

Like its name, the scent is very fresh and is similar to "White T-Shirt." But it has a hint of coconut that gives it a tropical vibe.

It'll be good to have something fresh to rotate the White T-shirt with.

Palaz-zo Chic, part deux

People who really know me also know this factoid: whenever I find an article of clothing that's really, really, really, REALLY nice, my tendency is to buy it in all the available colours.

Such is the case with the Plains & Prints Varvara pants. Yup, the Palazzo pants in white that was written about just a few days ago.

The style and silhouette were so chic, I had to check if they had it in other colours. And they did! It's also available in black!

So, it was off to Plains & Prints Ali Mall since they were able to find a pair for me. While waiting for them to bring out the pants, I browsed the racks and found this asymmetric khaki top that went so well with the pants.

Now, Ate has 2 pairs and 2 ways of rocking these pants.

Mango Picking

While there’s a different feeling of joy and thrill when shopping at Mango stores, shopping online also has its unique benefits.

One recent discovery after browsing their site - the sales are bigger and the prices are lower online. Plus, there are way more items to pick and choose from. These irresistible deals led me to make my 1st order from the website. And my orders are here!

Looking at the waybill, the items came all the way from Spain! So, it’s def straight from the source!

Hello to another great way to shop for Mango!

Three-riffic!

And just like that, Olivia Rose is now 3 years old!

Don't grow up too fast, Via. And visit your Wowos and Wowas in MNL soon.

Star Studded

Among the many franchises of "Star Trek," my favourite would be "Star Trek The Next Generation."

No wonder that the series "Star Trek:Picard" has always been on my radar. But since we don't have Prime Video, I still haven't seen the series.

But after seeing the trailer for Season 3 of the series, it might be the trigger for that Prime Video subscription!

Picard, Riker, Troi, Crusher, LaForge, Data - and Seven of Nine. In one series!

Must. Subscribe. Now!

Thank you, Next!

No, this isn’t about an Ariana Grande Song.

It’s about the fact that “Next in Fashion” is having  a 2nd season!

This is going to be next on my binge-watch list!

FMM: Scent to Song

After receiving my boxes of Bath and Body Works products, I proceeded to excitedly opening one box after the other. And while opening one of the boxes, today’s Friday Magic Madness song just smoothly eased in my mind.

It’s this 1980s hit by Larry Graham which is such a cool and easy-listening song that’s super worthy of an FMM mention.

“One in a Million You” enjoyed a lot of air play back in the 80s. It was so popular that a lot of the local artists would also sing it in different TV show and radio show guestings. One of the famous Filipino singers who would sing this was the late Ric Segreto. And his voice was perfect for the song.

Oh, and if you’re wondering what scent inspired this song, it’s this one.

Smooth transition, eh?

Palaz-zo Chic

While Palazzo Pants were most prevalent in the late 60s and the 70s, it hasn’t really disappeared from the fashion scene. Every decade since then, we’ve seen some iteration of this wide-legged pant in some shape or form.

That’s understandable considering how chic this silhouette is. It has that certain ease and elegance when a pant strongly resembles a skirt. It makes a person do a double take, making you wonder what she’s wearing.

In one of its collections the past years, Plains & Prints came up with their version of the Palazzo Pant called the “Varvara Pant.” It was from a year or 2 back, and it was featured in one of their Shop Live events when face-to-face shopping was still restricted.

In this January’s Purple Sale, that pant found its way to the Ali Mall store at 50% off. Of course, we know what happened next.

Aside from the pant, there was this two-fer blouse that was a perfect pair for the pant. It was the same colour, but had a striped sleeveless top with a belt. This made it a perfect breaker to this all-white look.

So chic indeed!

(Bath and) Body Rocks!

The box that Biboy sent from the U.S. is finally here!

I’ve been waiting for it because of this:

My sale stash of Bath and Body Works!

Gosh, my room will look like a mini-Store after unpacking.

Special K

Nope, this isn’t about the Kellog’s Cereal. Admittedly, thoug, i’m a huge fan of that.

This is about the sub-group of D’ Frendz who are K-drama fans. After telling them that i’ve started watching K-dramas on the regular, they’ve gladly welcomed me into their fold.

And Maricar’s Christmas gift definitely made me feel like i’m truly a part of this special group.

It’s a box of Korean goodies!

She told me that I should munch on these the next time I binge-watch a K-drama.

Advice taken, Maricar.

From Baking to Biking

It was sometime in 2020 - the start of the pandemic - that Ate Bullet, Ray and the 2 boys started talking about opening a coffee shop for bikers. 

Ray is an avid bike enthusiast, and part of their trips would be looking for good coffee apres riding. One of their usual haunts was a place in Makati called Kohi Coffee. It was during those rides that they planned of having their own coffee shop one day.

In 2022, that dream finally became a reality with Kuro. And in a few days, they'll celebrate their 1st year.

The shop is located beside the old bakeshop owned by Ray, which is great because they've already built a loyal clientele there. Now, with the influx of bikers, their old bakeshop habitue has expanded. So, it's a good mix of old and new.

Looking back at how they were just discussing this shop, to reading about it here, it's clear that their passion for both baking and biking is what will make Kuro even more successful in the future.

Lilly of the Valley

From the time she appeared in "Lost" in 2004, I've liked Evangeline Lilly.

There's something enigmatic about her personality. It's something that she carries with her in the TV shots and films she's appeared in.

When she appeared as "The Wasp," in "Ant Man" in 2015, the geek in me was thrilled. And seeing that she'll be back this year to reprise her role, well, it's an even bigger thrill.

Please fast forward to February 17 so we can see her on the big screen again!

Cousins x Cousins

Our family is blessed to have cousins who are very close to us. We're so close that even if we haven't seen each other in decades, we catch up as if we just met last week. We pick up where we left off, and it feels like we were never apart.

Yesterday, we had lunch that represented 2 generations of cousins. 

First, Dad & Mom with their cousin, Tita Sally.

Second, Kuya & me with our cousin, Victor.

Victor and I were constant playmates when we were kids. I'd spend weekends at their house in Merville and we'd often bike from Merville to Moonwalk and back. After college, they moved to Canada, and didn't see each other for decades. Actually, last year was the 1st time I saw Victor in more than 30 years.

But as the conversations flowed, it didn't feel like that at all. Again, it felt like picking up where we left off. Both for us and for our parents.

That's the great thing about close cousins.

FMM: Twin Peaks

No, this isn't a post about the Kyla Maclachlan and Sherilyn Fenn series from the 90s. After all, this is a Friday Magic Madness post, so it should be about music.

What this is about it that iconic 80s duo who churned out hit after hit during that time. They were fixtures in America's Top 40 and Top of the Pops.

The Thompson Twins.

My Kuyas would listen to them a lot, that's how their music became familiar to me. Eventually, I'd listen to them on my own.

They had lots of nice songs that are still on my playlist now, but this is the one that's played most often.

"Doctor, Doctor" has that nice combination of a catchy beat, a relaxed rhythm, and well-written lyrics. Just like a lot of 80s ditties.

This is really the time when music was at its peak.

Color Cacophony

The minimalist in me likes monochrome outfits. But there are times when the want to insert many complementing colours in an outfit is so great that it just has to be done. Just like this ensemble:

First, a pair of flat sandals that have 6 different colorus in one design.

To up the colour ante, here’s a pleated skirt from Plains & Prints. The print is composed of varying shades of pink, plus a smattering of Orange, brown and white. This echoes some of the colors on the sandals, which make them a great pair.

The item that will bring it all together is this plain, pink shirt with an interesting sleeve detail.

So much colour. So much chicness!

Yeoh go girl!

Although this happened a few weeks ago, it's still worth mentioning and bannering.

Michelle Yeoh wins her 1st Golden Globes!

It's the first time a Malaysian Actress won this award. And the fact that she won it at 60 years old breaks so, so, SO many glass ceilings.

Certainly, this is just the 1st of many awards for her.

Furry Frenemies

When it's time to visit Ate's house to check on the 2 dogs, this is the sight that usually greets me.

Maybe it's because this is the 1st time Kuro has had another dog live with him, but majority of their time together is spent dog-fighting. Literally.

Kuro often bullies Chunky by biting his ear or legs, or whenever Chunky tries to approach me, he bites Chunky's leg to keep him from coming near me. Then, Chunky retaliates by pouncing on him, since he's the bigger and heavier dog. Methinks it's their way of cementing their friendship.

Ah yes, boys will be boys. Even if they're both furry dogs.

Free the Frida

Even before going on my exchange program in Mexico, I've always been a huge fan of Frida Kahlo and her art.

Being an art fan even as a grade schooler, I'd already look at art books and was always enamoured by her paintings. The colours, vibrance and the occasional surrealism - they were so unique and creative and was uniquely her.

The 2002 film "Frida" was something that I re-watched so many times. And the icing on the "pastel" was going to Mexico and seeing some of her works in person.

Imagine my thrill when Shein came out with a Frida Kahlo collection!

This is so unique and it's the first of its kind in my eyes. Needless to say, several items from this collection have already found itself home.

Further proof that fashion is art.