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As people would say, a new year, a new start. Late last year, I finally switched to the Fujifilm X-A5 and so far, it has been a breeze! With this model being so lightweight, this camera was so easy to bring around especially when traveling. 

A lot of you guys have asked what do I use to shoot or how does my shooting process work. To start things off, the 180-degree tilting LCD really does the charm to get the shots I want. I’d ask someone to assist me but of course to speed up to shooting, I just have the LCD tilted and position myself as to how I want it to look like in the frame. Afterwards, I just select photos for post-processing (something to talk about another time). And with that, my ultimate photoshoot hack is it out! However, this feature really does help especially when you are the type to self-shoot or if you want to achieve certain framings. 

Another thing I’m so thankful about with this camera is the wi-fi and bluetooth feature. Being in this digital era, getting content quick from one device to another is probably one of the best upgrades we can get from a camera. Plus, this also saves me time rather than transferring images from camera to laptop to mobile. Trust me, it was the worst when this feature didn’t exist especially if there were deadlines to meet! 

And of course, how can I forget the sleek design that I love. It comes in four colors, but of course, black still wins for me! By the way, if you’re looking to get one yourself, its new price is at Php29,990 which is quite a lovely treat for people who love documenting their whereabouts or want to start photography.

PS: It is nice selfie camera too with that 1080p and 4K video! *wink*

-R.

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Truth be told that when it comes to traveling finding the unique gems of the city will always be on our itinerary especially for those who love to document adventures. Whether it’s an outfit or a travel shot, these photos are technically the storytellers of today’s digital world. 

During my trip to Toulouse which was just a few weeks back, I had days to myself and one of the key places I wanted to visit was the Musée des Augustins because of the Jorge Pardo exhibit. The colors, the media used, and the overall presentation of the statues just looked splendid that I had to see them up close and personal. Fun fact: I’m a museum junkie because I love seeing artworks and the stories behind them. Sometimes, I get to research further for a possible collection inspiration, who knows right? 

Anyways, I’ve been asked several times, how do I actually plan my outfits for trips? Three words: Research, Weather, and Feel. 

Research

I research on the locations we are visiting. Is it colorful? What vibe does it give? Are you going for an edgy, casual, or girly lewk? Or do you want to blend in or stand out?

Weather

This is probably the easiest! Just figuring out if it is hot or cold will also give you an idea of whether or not you should bring extra garments or just repeat a piece but style it differently. We all have to think about not going beyond the baggage limit. (I know, it sucks big time)

Determining the weather also gives you an idea of your color scheme for that trip. PS: don’t forget to consider the location too!

Feel

Trust your gut as well! Sometimes, you don’t always have to research about EVERYTHING. I only do that if there are those key locations I’d want to blend in with the scene like the photo set above. However, in some cases, I also just feel it out. For example, Bordeaux is a place for wine and vineyards. Hence, I pictured myself in a dress running through the grape vines. I think it’s also about how you view a particular place. Pre-impressions count!

During the trip, I can’t just dictate that I wear a certain outfit on a particular day. Like what they said, your outfit also says a lot about your mood. 

                                                             Outfit details | THAVIA the Label | ZARA boots | Sunnies Studios

I hope this little guide helped in a way about styling your outfits for your future trips! Let me know what you guys think and thanks for dropping by! 

-R.

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The Miu Miu disco installation was basically an Instagram heaven for everyone. From the chairs to the accessories on display, they were all to die for. I mean c'mon, it was a millennial pink wonderland!

Now that I think about it, for fashion people, this would probably be the best bar to go to on Valentines day. Drinks and bags? I mean why not! The disco brought me back in time to that 80s vibe of casual drinks and cute colorful tones of clothes. There was that vibe of playful romance. 

Well, it’s that time of the year again wherein people take that extra step to make their loved ones feel special. Friends, lovers, family, you name it. Valentines day isn’t really something exclusively for couples but well, we do know how it can sometimes bring us the blues because of the endless sweet entries on social media and guys carrying flowers... trust me, I’ve been there too. 

But hey, all I can say is that Valentines day is also that day for extra self-love. Well, February in general. Go pamper yourself, work out if you wish, meditate, and you know, treat yourself out shopping (cause I know will)!

To keep it short and sweet, yesterday’s Valentines mood was more of alone but not lonely. Building your future path and spending more time on yourself, it is quite refreshing. The end of the month is still long way but I really do hope you managed to at least share your love with someone or you know, slowly learn to love yourself even more because you really do deserve it!

Until the next entry!

-R.

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A few days back, I received lovely news from the Miu Miu team! The #Miumiudisco is finally up and running, which explains my unusual semi-pinned hair. Not to mention my hints of glitter from top to bottom and this patent faux leather skirt. I’m not the most colorful gal of the night but I guess my accessories can do the talking!

An easy and breezy outfit choice for a night in town with friends. To be frank, I wore this top to school along with denim shorts. To switch it up a bit, I brought out a body hugging skirt et voila, from something casual to a look for a long night of conversations and don’t forget, photo-ops! 

The event was stunning but I’ll save the details for the next entry. I’ll just have to leave you hanging for now!

                                                                              Brandy Melville Top | Stylenanda Skirt | Miu Miu Accessories & Shoes

-R.

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6 Months later

It’s been a long while since I posted on this site. To be exact, it’s been six months.  I’ve been busy growing outside of the blogging scene but at the same time, I’ve missed writing about adventures and all things fashion. A 2017 reflection entry which is better late than never, right?

             Rosebud Tokyo Top | Stylenanda Skirt | Vintage Chanel | Sunnies Studios

For me, 2017 was a year of brokenness and self-healing, with the latter still being a work in progress. I gave last year to myself first. To pause for awhile and let myself go and feel everything I had to feel. It was a tough year but it was also a memorable one. Growing individually and also getting closer with people I knew were gems I’ll be keeping for the rest of my life.

This was also the year of many firsts, from graduating diploma with the best collection to flying to Kyoto for a Cruise show to competing in Italy, and finishing a five look collection for the first half of my degree. I’ve come to realize I’ve come far despite all the hardships I’ve gone through. As cliché as it may sound, pain demands to be felt. With no lie, I was really suffering continuously for months. But hey, it does get better, right?

Fashion wise, as mentioned, I’ve laid quite low on the blogging scene but I do know one day, I’ll slowly come back and that starts today. Step by step, I’ll grow to become a new and better version of the girl behind Paperdoll. To my readers, thank you for always supporting and I’m terribly sorry for my long hiatus. Renee DG is coming soon with more entries!

Cheers to a new start!

-R.

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The Love Affair

Growing up, I’ve always been fascinated by head pieces. Heck, back in grade school, I was even labeled as the head band girl who always had funkiest and weirdest headbands. Imagine a little chubby gal wearing such huge pieces that could pass off as headwear to some royal event, walking down the grade school hallways. I was just really into them!

As time flew by, my taste evolved from plastic headbands to turbans, and then to hats. I’d say my obsession for hats became a form of comfort zone plus a constant savior against bad hair days. To whoever invented hats, thank you for saving gals and lads from stressing over their undone hair. 

About a month ago, I did this shoot with a few lovely creatives for a feature regarding my love affair with hats. You can read up more about how I pick them out and what are my current favorites here. That said, I’ll leave them to do the talking!

O U T F I T  D E T A I L S :

Look 1: NAVA top and dress | Beret from a local brand in SG

Look 2: Self-Portrait top and pants | Thrifted hat from Japan

Look 3: Editor’s Market top and pants | Hat from a local shop in Kyoto

P H O T O S  B Y : Andrea Beldua

A R T  D I R E C T I O N : Mags Ocampo

S I T T I N G S : Sam Potenciano

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Business as Usual

Over a month long blog hiatus but a lot has been going on since then. From that unforgettable LV cruise experience to the finishing my diploma collection, and finally coming home after three long months, the show continues and must go on.

My two weeks in Manila has been nothing but amazing –– seeing friends, several catching up sessions here and there, attending events nonstop, modeling for experimental shoots, and even conquering the Manila thunderstorms just for those iconic UP sunflowers (how I wish I had clips of that adventure).

It has been a hell of a ride and a hot one too. Living in a tropical country, I have found a way to layer without having to sweat immensely under who knows how many layers. Business as usual, I am always on the look out for staple pieces I’ll be using in the long run. I’m currently obsessing over various types of this see-through net top, which you’ll probably see more of a few Instagram posts later. Pull out a minimalist bralette and bring on the slick back hair, you’re in for a breezy and beat the heat kind of day!

       NAVA top | Brandy Melville Bralette | The Editor’s Market Pants | Gucci Bag & Shoes

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Roaring 20s

Today marks my twenty years of existence. Woah, that was pretty fast. I still remember the times I wished I was older and adulting. Little did I know that at the age of twenty, I’d be wishing otherwise. 

This entry comes straight from the heart and well, I just drafted this 30 minutes ago. Definitely, fresh off the keyboard. 

On other things, let me just share five life lessons I’ve learned throughout my two decades in this universe.

First

Love yourself. 

As cliché as this may sound, but loving yourself really does help. This works in various matters. Loving yourself in a form of not making yourself suffer failing by studying harder. Loving yourself in a way of helping yourself get up when times get rough. Loving yourself when you know that is all you have as of that certain moment. Of course, loving yourself enough to make a better version of you. 

Second

Move forward.

Things won’t always be the way you expect them to be. Hence, scenes from 500 Hundred days of Summer or La La Land. Not getting into your dream college, getting heart broken over someone, not being able to accomplish your agenda, or as simple as not receiving a thank you from a friend. I know, it can be pretty painful. Sobbing for days or being really disappointed, we’ve all had those days. Just keep in mind that better things are going to come your way. Chin up, do your thing, (have a few sad moments along the way) but move forward. 

Third

Be open. 

Being in the blogging and fashion industry, there will always be something new to learn from different approaches towards garment making to different platforms for blogging and reaching out to readers. Be open to learning, to receiving suggestions and criticisms, and of course, to meeting new people! At the end of the day, this will make you a better and brighter person. 

Aside from that, be open to experiencing new things and cultures. Living in a different country for schooling led me to appreciate all the differences among several nationalities, which also makes me value the world even more.

Fourth

Believe in your capabilities and embrace your craft.

I am a strong believer that every person has his/her own purpose in this world. As of the moment, it may not be clear for some but when that time comes, own your craft and always strive to be the best. You’ll be surprised about how content and happy you’ll be when you’re driven by your passion for that personal forte. 

Fifth

Chase your dreams

No matter how slow, progress is progress when chasing your dreams. The road may not be an easy one. Sleepless nights, nervous breakdowns, and all things in between. Let us just put it this way, good things really come to those who wait and work. Be confident, keep hustling and we will all get to where we are all destined to be.

Oh and lastly, tequila?

Cheers to another year of growth, love, and light! x

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Sham Shui Po

Two weeks ago, I was out and exploring the busy streets of Hong Kong from seeing the double deck vintage buses to the well-known HK high rise pastel buildings. 

For short, those were my constant sightings in this lovely country. The overall busyness just brings this city alive. Somewhat like a concrete jungle of Asia. Aside from the idea that this one week getaway to another area was our so-called “vacation”, technically, that aspect only happens when the sun falls and the neon lights are up. 

Nonetheless, this trip was another one for the books for my schoolmates and I. From having several layers of garments (not to mention, this A+ Shein coat!) and numerous hat changes, from running to and from fabric stores for our collection, and of course, staying up ‘til the wee hours of the morning, now that’s what I call an adventure.

                          SHEIN Coat | Nava Top & Culottes | Céline Bag | Zara Boots

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Emerald Hill

I’ve been missing in action for almost a month or so and for some reason I ended up in Emerald hill (now, where are my ruby slippers?) 

It has been quite a journey for the past few weeks. From the Wanderland festivities with fellow bloggers to an unforgettable wedding in Boracay, and back to Singapore to finish up the last remaining days of school. A very exhausting and fast rollercoaster ride, I must say. 

On a fashion note, my undying love for pieces with navy blues and shades of brown has been over the top. I’m pretty much a sucker for autumn/winter neutrals. They are just hues you can never go wrong with. Aside from the fall hue craze, I’ve also been obsessing over school girl chic with the long socks and buckled shoes situation. For a gal who is on the last year of being a teen, might as well go all out and seek fashion advice down memory lane where uniforms were all about midi pleated skirts and neatly folded logo socks. 

                      APC bag | Gucci Shoes | Self Portrait bottoms | Kirin Kirin Top

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Getaway

Just came back from a quick weekend getaway to the Philippines and it was pretty amazing seeing several constants in my life. Bittersweet “See you soons” but I’m delighted about the idea that a few of them said “See you in Singapore”. So let the adventures take over sooner than later!

Summer’s just around the corner and here I am, already stocking up on a few statement tees and denim apparels because you can never have too many comfy shirts (and this is why my friends blame me when butterflies come out of their wallets lol). Aside from having new staples, I’ve also looked through my old cabinets to find a few gems like this pair of tinted sunnies I got from the Wicked play I watched in NYC a few years back. Who would have known I’d appreciate it more when I got older.

Since I was back in Manila for a few days, might as well get the tropical and the greener side of my hometown. No doubt that I’m always nostalgic whenever I visit because once I ventured the world, I came to appreciate the Philippines even more. Getting away from the world and coming back home every once in awhile, I know for a fact that I’m still a Manila gal at heart.

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Pajama Party

Given how I’m always out of the house, garments that limited my movement would be the last choice when picking an outfit. During these busy moments, I’m all in for the loose and baggy clothing, but of course, there would always be several styling considerations. 

In my case, I’ve slowly embraced the pajama chic when I stumbled upon this velvet pajama-esque top at the recent Urban Revivo event. It was literally love at first sight. Velvet was something I’ve been obsessing over for the past weeks and another brownie point to this staple was that it had a cute bee embroidery on its pocket. The combination of the two was just right and perfect.

Going all out on the sleepwear get-up, I grabbed one of my go-to culottes, got my slip ons, and I was ready to conquer the first Sunday of February! I mean c’mon, sleepwear as casual wear? Let the pajama parties begin!

                           Urban Revivo Top | Nava Culottes | Gucci Slip ons 

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Greenery

2017 is swinging by quickly and I still can’t believe we’re already through with the first week of February.

Like all the other people out there, January, to me, was a so-called trial month. Getting all the goals and resolutions set and hopefully, fulfilling them all within the year. Ultimately, one of the resolutions I’ve slowly embracing was to add more color into my wardrobe. Et voila! Here I am embracing this year’s Pantone hue, Greenery. Despite the season still being winter in other countries, I’m already embracing all the autumn hues. Well, you can’t blame me for that, all my life I’ve been residing in countries where there is literally only rain or shine. I just have no choice!

That aside, the Fashion weeks are about to start soon, so let greenery take over the runways around the world! 

Oh, by the way, here’s to more videos and entries in the months to come! x

                  Topshop Skirt | Gucci Shoes & Bag | Top from the Bugis Market

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Highway 17

A gal with a messy bun, an all black ensemble, and a few line strokes by the neck, that was how I looked like as I welcomed the new year (oh, and not to mention champagne o’clock). 

With just a few days into 2017, it’s time to buckle up because this year’s going to be a hell of a highway journey. Bring on the flares, both literally and figuratively. Former in mind, comfort is of the essence to spark creativity and so, it is in fashion as well. Find the light that radiates in you and let it be your noise without uttering a single word.

Let 2017 be a year of investing in yourself. Let it be another year of progress towards reaching your dreams. Of course, let this also be a time of growth. Most importantly, get out there, keep the positivity flowing, and love yourself endlessly. Cheers to highway 17, folks!

               ZARA pants | Fashion Blogger Top | Gucci Bag | Charles & Keith Heels

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Lights at Dusk

In the darkest hours of the day, there will always be signs of light that will guide you along the way. The sun sinks into the horizon filled with sky scrapers and dusk enters the picture. Just a few seconds after, the city is filled with stars lined up in a columnar manner; however, they differ in form and shape. 

Night life is awake and is seen through the minuscule outlets of energy. Music plays from a distance and people start to dance around the district. An array of colors glisten on the water as it reflects the stars from different heights and arrangements. 

Exhausted from a night filled with food, fun, and laughter, she finds her way back home, calling it a night, which was quicker than lightning striking land. There goes another evening spent on chair hopping and short story sessions while finding the stars in the midnight sky.

                                                         Zara Outfit | Topshop Belt 

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Off Duty and Life Lately

Whenever I’m not hustling down the streets in heels or moving to and from events, I’m as casual and as on-the-go as can be. Of course, I’d have to gear up for fashion battle aka drafting, fabric sourcing, and sewing. 

Truth be told that the student-blogger life is not a piece of cake, most especially if you’re in the field of design like me. Time is of the essence to come up with creative content in a short span of time. As for me, another struggle is being a one gal gang since I’m all on my own in a different country. Not complaining though since it’s a challenge and new way of approaching and experimenting the BTS side of blog entries, bring it on!

      Gosha Rubchinskiy tee | Zara Hat | Local sunnies & bottoms | Adidas Superstars

Life lately has been pretty fast-paced. Job interviews here, new opportunities there. Just a few of the things that make my heart rise. Of course, there will always be that one unfortunate event that happened a few days back, which was a sprained ankle from rushing down the staircase to buy breakfast (you know what happens next, haha!). Onto the more serious things, I’ve also been working on my first collection to be produced for school, which everyone will be seeing next year. I definitely have to be more than prepared for fashion production war, so let’s get down to business!

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#ThrowbackThursdays: E! Bloggers Ball

Continuing my September holiday in the Philippines, I was stoked to see a few familiar faces in the blogging scene. It felt like prom all over again minus the dates, promposals, and corsages of course.

A few weeks prior to the event, Jeline, Bea, and I were already planning our agenda because when would be the next time I’d see them again? Sidetracking from that,  there will always be that inevitable what to wear question in our chat box before events, which drives us all crazy every time. A few tiny nibbles there and several races to the mirror moments, we were all set for the ball. 

Dressed in Francis Libiran, I was channeling my inner Morticia Addams on a glamorous night out. From structured A-line silhouettes to intricate lacework, and a chained choker, it was more of a gothic lalaland for me. 

Of course, the night did not just end inside that decorated, dim-lit ballroom. Being a golf cart ride away from our hotel lobby, the shenanigans and clowning around continued in our room where all the endless Flaminghoe fun happened. Now that’s how you cap off a night!

                                 Francis Libiran Gown | Louis Vuitton choker | Dior Shoes