Type(over)cast

There is no telling what kind of weather will show up anymore! Even Florida, with its actual lack of a spring and fall season (well, we like to label that we do but we all know better), would have a blistering 95 degree weather one day to a freezing 43 degrees the next day.  To be honest though, I am somewhat enjoying it since I can still wear sweaters, the only thing I ever seem to purchase and own anymore.  Not to mention, the continuity of wearing black is also alright with me. The idea of summer (again, we skip spring here entirely) and its fashion actually stresses me out already. So, let it be cold, drab, and gloomy. I'm sure I'll blend in just fine. Anyhow, here's an outfit fashionable enough to meet those requirements above with matching low-quality photos.

Balenciaga glasses | Old Navy sweater | F21 skirt | Old Navy booties | Coach satchel | MK two-tone watch

In other news, have you guys seen this video?  

Nothing has been as deliciously accurate as that video.  It instantly reminded me of one of my favorite actresses ever, Ms. Anna May Wong. The first Asian-American actress who ever graced Hollywood with her ethereal beauty and badass presence.  She was an incredible performer who had been robbed of many opportunities, such as infamously losing a lead role as a Chinese character to a German actress.   If we deny racism as a reasoning behind that, then I don't know what else it could be.  So, you know what she did?  She upped and left Hollywood for Europe, and there she was deservedly recognized for her work.   It seems as though we are only accessories and supporting roles, not complex enough to go astray from the personality categories delegated to our ethnicity by white Hollywood. What are your thoughts on this?

Image courtesy of: Tumblr

Happy Day

Hey-o!



Such a long time has passed since the ladies and I have posted here in Within Color.  I can safely say that we collectively opted for a hiatus because... life.  Personally, many things have happened since my last post in June, and I honestly do not remember most of what happened except for the one single event that forced me to hibernate from the blogger world which snowballed into the rest of the year.  Yet, I will save that for another post (dun dun dun!) because I think that this renaissance (unfortunately, I am your first poster) should be kept celebratory and just plain happy.



With that in mind, let me share with you guys one of the happiest days of my life.  If not, the happiest.  On November 8th, 2013, I married my Dylan.

Obsession!

Long time no see, WC!

I have finally returned from my 15-day trip back to my Motherland, the Philippines. We spent an entire week  vacationing at one of the most famous beaches in the world, known for its sand and sunsets, Boracay.  The beginning of May is also the beginning of summer over there (even though there are literally only two seasons, dry and wet), which meant the return of a fashion that is almost unbeknownst to me. As I have mentioned before, my closet only knows 2 shades: black and white. Not to mention, arm lengths that rarely expose any of my skin at all. Needless to say, having to pack for a beach getaway and still look a little bit stylish was quite challenging for me. All I can say is that there were a lot of black and white. LOL. Maybe some denim too. I meant to show those outfits, but I got excited about another thing and could not wait  to post about it. So, in my desperate need for an aesthetic change that is "appropriate" for the summertime, I happened upon this one dress at Mango. It was love at first sight. I snatched it and took it to the register STAT. I was never crazy about prints, but this really caught my eye! Now, I just want all the tropical prints in the world. Never should have side-eyed the guy in the Hawaiian print shirt.  Ah! Color me obsessed.

Revlon Colorstay nailpolish in Marmalade | Neiman Marcus bi-fold colorblock wallet

 Mango tropical print dress with belt | Old Navy booties | Charles & Keith bag | NYX B52 lipstick

Speaking of obsessed, during my recent trip, it became more apparent to me how obsessed we, Filipinos, are of having a very fair complexion.  When you tune in to the television, a majority of the commercials are of skin-whitening products: soaps, creams, lotions, and even anti-perspirants.  It feeds on the Filipino obsession that having white skin means that one is more attractive.  This obsession has gotten to unsafe levels with people getting intravenous administrations of glutathione to facial creams with corticosteroids.  The 300-year colonization of the Spaniards may have a significant influence over this.  With the mestizos and mestizas and their fair skin and round dark eyes, not to mention power and control over the natives, how can one not uphold them as an ideal?  This mindset has stayed with us, unfortunately.

In order for me to understand this better, I also have to look into my own experiences.  These experiences may not seem so profound to me at the time because it is so instilled in our culture that white is better.  My sister and I have fairer complexions than the rest of our family.  Our relatives would always label us as the "pretty" nieces, cousins, granddaughters, etc.  It was always followed by a remark of how fair we were.  Our prettiness didn't necessarily have anything to do with our almond eyes, or pouty mouths, or dentist-approved teeth; just that we were fairer than the rest of the clan.  What gets to me is that it doesn't stop there, we are then considered as the smart ones or the successful ones even though we have cousins who are of the same profession.  This might just be a personal observation, but I think it has a lot to do with the idea that if you are fair, you are more likely doing better in life because you do not have to toil outside under the sun.  This is truly bizarre because here in the States, the people who have the time to lay out under the sun for long periods of time are those who can afford to, and most of them are Caucasians. WoCs, what do you have to say about this topic?  Do the people of your ethnicity also have the same standards of beauty? This is a good read for more information on the skin-whitening in the Philippines. 

One more thing!  Before my trip, I finally graduated with my degree in Health Care Administration. Woo!  I don't have pictures of the ceremony or after, but this was me before leaving my house. :3 It's nice seeing you again, WC! :3

Bustier dress via Tobi | BCBGeneration ankle-strap sandals | NYX matte lipstick in Shocking Pink

Recycled

Apt title is apt!

This outfit is basically my go-to outfit when I'm feeling dressy but don't want to put that much effort. If you can't tell by now, I am a super lazy dresser. Besides comfort being a priority, it is my next priority to wear a no-fuss (meaning no ironing and accessorizing required) outfit. This time, I mixed it up by layering on an olive military-esque jacket. Another unintentional factor in this attire is how old and cheap each piece is. The jacket is from 7 years ago and was priced at $10.  The dress... well shirt that I turned into a dress... is from 5 years ago and was also only $10. Lastly, the shoes! These are one of my favorite pairs ever, and my first thrift store treasure. They were marked at $7 in perfect condition.  I really think that I have grown to appreciate each article of clothing that I currently have in my closet, and am much more attentive of what I buy with a focus on their wear-ability in the future.

Target olive jacket | F21 floral top/dress | Lace-up booties via Salvation Army | Couronne clutch

As you may have noticed, I changed the location of my outfit picture-taking! This is to commemorate my getting a HOA violation for not maintaining my lawn, as well as my friend Jenn who said that my pictures looked like I just handed my boyfriend a camera and lured him to the driveway to take pictures, which really was the case. Hi Jenn! Baby steps. Also, I apologize for my lack of hairstyling. My hair has been so lackluster that I want to chop it all off again, but I just get discouraged and give in to putting it up in a bun. :( So question: can you ladies suggest a quick hair and face fix-up that will make me look like I actually put an effort in it but only requires 5 minutes (LOL)? I think both you guys and I will appreciate it. Heehee. 

On a side note, I will be visiting my motherland in the next 2 weeks, so if I am a bit delayed or ahead on my Monday posts, I truly apologize. I will, however, keep all of you in my thoughts as I bask under the sun with a mean fruity drink in my hand and my toes in the sand! ;)

Circle Skirt of My Dreams

I went to lunch last week with my fiance and his co-workers, and ended up stopping by F21. There was no purpose to the trip, but to waste time since I would have been bored getting home anyway. My usual bee-line to the clearance rack was not fruitful. However as I was leaving, I found this beauty! As some of the girls here in WC know, I have been dying to find a black circle skirt. I was a bit worried that this wouldn't fit me because it was an XS, and it was the only one I could find! Have you guys ever experienced that? I swear the skirt goddesses placed this there so I wouldn't miss it. The best part about this skirt is that it was only $14.50!!! Well, also that it's stretchy and twirly. Yep, twirly.

Mango cardigan | F21 tee | F21 circle skirt | MIA loafers | Coach bag | Ray-Ban wayfarers

Onto more serious matters. 

By now, I know all of you are aware of the bombings in Boston. It's really heart-wrenching how many times we have had to experience these inexplicable events as a nation (or even just as a part of mankind) recently. I find it very difficult to articulate the grief that I feel when I watch videos and read articles about these events as it really disheartens me that there are people out there who will hurt others for personal goals. How ever much my disappoint in human beings can be, I know that there are still wonderful people out there who would not think twice to help. So, I will leave you this video of our President addressing this dreadful tragedy and a link on how we can help Boston. 

For Sheer

Hello, all! :3

I am both sorry and not sorry for missing a posting opportunity last Monday. I am sorry because in my little conceited brain, I have failed you, our devoted readers, a chance to view another... ahem.. interesting outfit of mine. On the other hand, I am not sorry because I was so moved by Michelle's post, that I felt that it needed and deserved all the time that we can allow it to. For me to post a mundane outfit after such a meaningful post would be to betray the very purpose of this project.

This was the outfit that I meant to post last week. I wore it on Easter for lunch with my fiance's family.

F21 sheer shirt | F21 linen pants | Zara studded belt | BCBGeneration ankle strap sandals | Couronne clutch

I have never worn that shirt in daylight before. I didn't realize until after the lunch (looking at the photos) that it was incredibly sheer. Normally, I would not have a problem with that because I seriously wear whatever I want. However, I felt a little embarrassed about it that day. I was very worried that my fiance's family criticized me and him for my choice of a shirt. I'm not sure what influenced my feelings that time. I could state the obvious notion of trying to give a good impression, or maybe that it is so instilled in our brains that as people (not just women), there is an expectation of what is proper or expected of us in particular settings. In this case, the young woman who is supposed to dress conservatively in front of her future in-laws. Yet, when I was getting dressed that day, there was not a single moment wherein I dwelt on how people would react to what I would end up wearing.  There was no intention of making a statement.  In actuality, there was very little effort in the thought process that occurred to dressing. All I knew was that I wanted to wear something (1) black and white; (2) didn't require ironing, and; (3) allowed adequate ventilation to fight off the rising humidity.  So, I suppose what I'm getting at is that there is no reason to ever put judgment on anyone especially in terms of what they decide to wear. No, I am not wearing a sheer shirt so you can see my mammary glands. No, I am not wearing red lipstick so you can make out with me. No, I am not wearing a short skirt so you can reproduce with me. 

This problem is something that I continuously struggle with, trying to comprehend. This should not be a problem in the first place. Yet, it exists.  However, before I bore everyone with an endless (and possibly fruitless) rant, I think I am more interested in what your viewpoints are. I feel like this problem is just the surface of a very broad issue regarding society and its perceptions on the way a person presents themselves, whether it be through clothes or beauty.  I am sure that everyone have experienced this at some point one way or another, and am very eager to learn more from you folks. 

 Thanks everyone!  Looking forward to your comments!

No Evil: Two Ways

Hello, all! :3

It's really quite difficult coming up with a good outfit when a) you live in Florida (although Miss Glenda will prove me wrong!), and b) I basically live in scrubs 5 days a week. So any chance I can (read: every weekend), I try to dress like a normal human being.  While I am courageous to declare myself as someone who dresses like a normal human being, my outfits may actually tell a different story. I don't even know how to begin describing my style. Comfort is definitely a constant. Other constants are black, white, and basic. When I go shopping, I pave my way straight to the clearance racks where I luckily enough find marked down basics that will still look fresh in years to come. I'm not saying that I'm not a big fan of trends. I just don't think trends are a big fan of me! Lately, though, I have been rummaging through my closet for older articles of clothing and trying to make something new out of them. You may also read this as me not having anything else to wear because laundry is a task I truly despise. :(

I think it goes without saying that I am very excited about this project.  Not only will I be able to discuss with a few of my favorite ladies beauty and fashion, but it'll also provide me a chance to get creative and start looking like a normal human being again. With that, I leave you with my first outfit post.

For daytime excursions (pigging out at a South-east Asian grill, Asian market shopping, being disappointed at how hiked up the prices are at my local record store):

F21 swiss dot dress from '05 | Coach classic leather shoulder bag | Zara skull shirt | Target high-tops | Ray-Ban wayfarers

For nighttime adventures (watching S1 of Breaking Bad with my Boss with booze and frozen pizzas):

Houndstooth blazer via Macy's | Old Navy Diva skinny jeans | Braided belt from a F21 pair of shorts

All rings and Fountain pen tip necklace from Erica Weiner Jewelry and Alphabet Initial necklace in "d" from Gorjana.

Thanks everyone! See you later. :)