A little doze of confidence & courage

 Here are some quotes that inspired me this week:

Inspiration and Strength

Isaiah 41:10  fear not, for I am with you;  be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you,  I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

Psalm 18:32-34  the God who equipped me with strength and made my way blameless. He made my feet like the feet of a deer  and set me secure on the heights. He trains my hands for war, so that my arms can bend a bow of bronze.

1 Corinthians 10:13  No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.

Psalm 27:1  The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life of whom shall I be afraid?


I really feel loved and I do believe that no matter what happens, God loves me so much. 
He knows what's the best for me and He ALWAYS have the best plan for me.

I Thank The Lord Almighty for giving me strength everyday, for giving me another life each morning I wake up and for having such wonderful family and friends. I thank Him with all my heart for all the blessings that me and my family have received. 

Last Saturday , July 27, I opened my online shop and I honor Our Almighty God above anything else and I thank Him for giving me courage to venture in this kind of business. It's never easy but I know I can make it possible because of Him. He will guide me all the way because He knows that I dedicate this to Him and to my family.

Here's the blog post related to my online shop : Southern Belle Fashion Shop

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My Online shop - Southern Belle

I’m so grateful and honored to share with you my small business – my very own online shop. I started to open it yesterday July 27, 2013 and I’m so happy that finally I took some risks to begin such business like this. I named my online shop SOUTHERN BELLE. Me and my husband are still doing the website. It is still under construction as of the moment. Right now, I put it up on Facebook.  I’m always a fan and fascinated of fashion of that era. Typically they wore hoop skirt, corset, pantalettes, a wide-brimmed hat and gloves. They also frequently carried umbrellas and hand fans to protect themselves from the sun.

Here are some of Southern Belle's items:

We have Maxi dresses, Bodycon dresses, Maxi skirts, Bandage skirts, Lace dresses, Floral dresses, Belts, Scarves and a lot more! Items price range from Php150-Php400 or US$3.46-US$9.24 excluding shipping fee.

Here are some style inspiration I come up with Southern Belle's items:

Blouses, Shorts, Pants, Skirts and Accessories are FOR SALE

 Be a modern Southern Belle!

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8 Ways to mix and match patterns

Are you having a hard time mixing patterns? Have you tried mixing patterns and textures? It may sound risky if you’re unsure of what to pair with. Let me give you some tips for ways to mix patterns just in case you’re ready to give it a try!

1.       Stay in the same color family

If you’re uncomfortable to use contrasting colors, pick a color from the print and there you have it. Contrast in fashion is fun but is it safer to pick any color from the print because it make your outfit a little more basic and the patterns are not too busy.

2.       No too much pattern

Keep in mind too much pattern can be overwhelming. Break it up with a solid color.

3.       Neutral prints

Neutral patterns are famous when you want to be bold but still has a classy feel vibe.

4.       Avoid matchy matchy patterns

Avoid going polka dots from head to toes – polka dot shoes & shirt or going stripes all the way. There’s no wrong with mixing the same style of patterns in one outfit, BUT make sure choose different scales and doses. Mix big polka dot top with a smaller polka dot skirt and a blouse with thin stripes look good with a skirt that has large stripes.

5.       Two different patterns

Never mix patterns that will struggle with the other pattern. Mixing large floral with a large plaid may look awkward, but if you keep the other pattern smaller than the other; it will look good. Having two patterns in one outfit is a very good idea.

6.       Try texture

If you’re not yet ready to try mixing patterns with another pattern, then start with a pattern and a texture. Try to wear a fur vest with plaid top and incorporate it with contrasting color skirt.

7.       Do it in a subtle way

You can pair your solid color t-shirt with floral skirt and add a polka dot flats. Sometimes going for subtle is the best way to mix patterns as long as the rest of your outfit pulled together.

8.       Switch up the scale of the patterns

You may want to try mixing leopard print shoes with floral pants or you may pair a plaid top with a leopard print shorts. It can be very interesting.

So for the bold and the brave, don’t limit yourselves!

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Style Inspiration of the week

I'm obsessed with leggings and I have collections of them in different designs. I want to take some risks and try a leather-looking leggings or pants. A leather jacket is okay but leather pants? Some of you will ignore this post, but please bear with me. I mean, leather pants/leggings are not for everyone, not also for everyone's budget but they can be done.


TIPS in choosing the perfect pair:

1.  My advice if you're going to shop a leather pants, find a pair that fits your bottom and waist but not giving you that squeezed-in effect.

2.  If you have a tight budget and can't afford the leather one, find a pair that has a leather-looking finish.

Here's how I would style leather pants: Since leather looking pants are already eye-catching, I opt to pair it with basic black camisole, structured white blazer, layered silver necklace, white feather earrings, leopard shoes and lemon yellow bag.

ALWAYS think clean lines, basics and neutrals. The pants stand out so the rest of the ensemble should streamline and polish your look. The bright yellow bag adds a pop of color without competing with the leather pants.

List of items:

Helmut Lang Stretch-leather leggings
Proenza Schouler PS1 Leather Medium Top Handle
Dune Bernie D Leather Point Court Shoe, Leopard
Guess layered necklace
H&M Black camisole

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8 Ideas for what to wear when you have ‘Nothing to wear’

Have you experience opening your closet then got the impression of “Oh men! I have nothing to wear”. Nonetheless, let me help you choose the outfits that will always save the day. Be simple and do some styling and you’re good to go. You know fashion is not about the brand or type of clothes you’re wearing; it’s all about how you carry yourself and with a little dose of confidence I’m sure you’ll look good all the time.

Please walk beside me as I share my ideas in what to wear when you have nothing to wear.

1.   Jeans and white t-shirt

You can never go wrong in a classic white tee and jeans. You need to have these basic pieces in your closet because you can make many kind of looks with jeans and white t-shirt. These pieces are not only for casual, you can also dress it up by choosing the perfect heels plus glam it up with accessories.

2.   LBD (Little Black Dress)

LBD is essential in your wardrobe. Choose the right style for your body. You will see this dress in any occasions and it’s very classic staple which you can create different looks. By changing your accessories and adding some layers, you’ll have an updated look.

3.   LWD (Little White Dress)

If black dress is one of the basic staple in the wardrobe, white dress deserve to be on the list as well. White dress is very chic and clean looking. It always sends pureness and clarity. Just like black dress, you can dress it up or down. Pair your sky high heels and simple jewelries for an evening look. You don’t need too many accessories because the dress itself is pretty enough to get you notice. To get the casual look, add some sunglasses, hat and oxford shoes.

4.   Tailored trouser and top

This ensemble should always be present in your closet because this combination can take you from day to night. Wardrobe should have at least one good pair of tailored trouser and nice silky buttoned up top. With this combination, by changing your accessories and shoes it can take you to the next level.

5.   Black skirt

You can pair any kind of top to the black skirt. Make sure to choose the right style and length that will suit your body shape. This outfit is always on the go .You can wear a simple tank top with black skirt and pair it with heels and clutch for an evening look or switch from floral top and flat sandals for a casual look.

6.   Floral dress

You can do a lot with your floral dress or also known as “summer dress”. You can dress it down or up. Throw a nice leather jacket or blazer and heels for an evening look or denim jacket or vest and add boots, sneakers or flats for a more casual look.

7.   Trench coat

Trench coat is essential in your wardrobe. Tan, beige or black trench coats are my picks. You can pair it with a dress, shirt & jeans, tank top and skirt. If you want to add more drama and if the weather is a bit colder in your place, add some black tights or patterned tights and knee length boots.

8.   Denim shorts and striped shirt

This is my 'go-to' outfit. it is very simple and comfortable.

I really adore the striped shirt because of its simple pattern design and I started with stripes during my days in mixing and matching pattered prints. If you are in doubt with mixing pattern designs, striped shirt will save your day. It’s always in style and you can make a lot of looks. Pair it with denim shorts & crisp blazer, add a fedora hat and kick in some oxfords or sandals and you’re good to go. Striped shirt can also be pair with skirts, whether its lace, skater skirt or pencil skirt, you’ll be very chic and stylish.

Remember: Don’t wear clothes that will not make you happy or confident enough. 

                   If you don’t feel good then it’s not worth wearing them.

                   Today, everybody can look chic in inexpensive clothes. Rich kids also buy in thrift shops.

                   It’s how you carry yourself and don’t forget, ALWAYS feel confident when dressing up.

Be yourself and create your own style. You can buy fashion but not style.

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How to wear boho style

You can call it boho, hippie, tribal, generally this style is timeless and effortless.

When we say bohemian, we think free-spirit, earthy, relaxed, chic and fun. It’s all about being natural with some splash of colors like yellow, blue,silver or gold,  orange, green and magenta. It can be printed/patterned designs or in bold solid colors but earth tones are the best. Boho-chic style is very fun and I’m super in love with this look. Kate Moss, Nicole Richie, Mary Kate Olsen, Sienna Miller are some of my favorite boho chic celebrities.

Bohemian fashion is my kind of style and I really feel good when I dressed up in this look. My readers asked me to give advice on how to wear the boho trend. 

Please click some of my articles and outfit ideas regarding Bohemian style

Reshaping the hippie look and Be a Modern Bohemian
Eclectic Bohemian 
Swing and Rock 
Hippie Dippy 
Sweet Modern Bohemian 

Stay effortlessly chic and natural!

Here are some tips on how to look  boho-chic:

1. Clothes – Boho is all about being free-spirit and natural. Don’t feel shy in expressing your own individuality. Colors are major factor in choosing the pieces to look boho-chic. Nowadays, you can switch to colorful designs with beautiful print dresses and tops. You may wear flowy shirts and skirts without looking too baggy. Choose for tops with beading, embroidery, floral prints or crochet details that are perfect to wear with shorts, wide leg jeans or skirts.

2. Shoes –You can pair your boho inspired look with gladiator sandals, wedges, platform, bejeweled sandals, silver flats and it can be very chic when you wear boots with legwarmers. Choosing the shoes/sandals depends on your preference. For me the aforementioned above are the best. The most important thing is you feel comfortable with the shoes you’re wearing.

3. Accessories – With the right accessories, this will make your outfit more attractive and in choosing the ‘boho’ style accessories is probably the most important part. Embrace this style with piling chunky wooden bangles, faux leather strap bracelets, beaded bracelets, gold hoop & dangling earrings and mixing different necklaces. It’s awesome to mix and match pieces for necklace, rings and bracelets. Feathers are always in style and some stone rings.

4. Hair – having a straight hair is good and to be more boho-chic, just give a little curls to your locks. You can also braid your hair and add some flower headress or headband. The idea here is to make it more natural and effortless.

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Review: In2it Line define Liquid Eyeliner

I’m not a brand conscious when it comes to makeup. I always get excited whenever I see eyeliners and definitely In2it has become a brand of makeup that I’m excited to explore. 

In2it is a makeup brand from Hong Kong and available in three countries (Malaysia, Philippines and Thailand). The brand is particularly famed for eyeliners, eye color and blush. In2it products are formulated for Asian skin using ingredients from Japan and Europe. 

I've had color liquid eyeliner in turquoise, pink and violet before I tried their black line define sparkling eyeliner. I've always looking for black liquid eyeliner that will suit my skin type. I've tried so many eyeliners from different brands and I absolutely love In2it’s line define liquid eyeliner.

The product claims to be:

• Super long wearing
• Waterproof
• Dries in 60 seconds
• Has shiny finish
• No smudging or panda eyes
• No fragrance
• Easy to apply and remove

In2it offers a collection of waterproof eyeliners, their sales consultant was very helpful and knowledgeable because she asked me what I was looking for in eyeliner. I replied, I would like very black liquid eyeliner without glitters or shimmer. She hand over me two eyeliners, one in matte finish and the other is in shiny finish. Of course I got excited with shiny finish and I thought it was like more of wet look eyeliner. Yay!

It’s indeed a very black shade and no shimmer or glitter plus it dries quickly in shiny finish as the product claims. The application is very smooth too and the nylon brush is thin which you can create good lines without any problems. It gets dried for about a minute or two wherein on the box it says it dry within 60 seconds. It stayed the whole day on my lids. I have a dry lids so I’ve tried to test this product to my cousin, she have an oily lids; just to make sure if it will stay intact the whole day – well, it did!

Likes:

• Very long wearing
• Very black liquid eyeliner
• No smudging, flaking or cracking
• No incident of stinging/burn feeling on my skin or eyes
• No fragrance
• It applies smoothly
• Thin applicator is amazing which I can create fine lines with its thin brush
• Affordable price: Php 389.75 (comes with FREE Colour liner)
• Available in variety of department stores, health and beauty stores, hypermarkets and supermarkets, but not sold on line.

Dislike:

A bit hard to remove which takes about 5 wipes of makeup remover to take it all of

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Ways to bond with your Mother

Have you asked yourself when was the last time you had bonded with your Mom?  Did you give enough time – time to date your mom or just have a little chitchat with her?

With My Beautiful Mother

They say that there is an eternal influence and power in motherhood. There are so many responsibilities of mothers today. Our moms taught us to pray, good values, be responsible and a lot more. In every step we make, she is there all the time to give support, give pieces of advice and teach us what’s right from wrong in order to become a better person.

I have 3 siblings (My Kuya Wilson, younger sister Queen and youngest bro Wessley). The unconditional love of my mother was exceptional.  In good times and in bad times, she loved us all equally without expecting anything in return.

My mom is my best buddy and my most trusted woman. I’m her sidekick and she’s my superhero. Hehe! Seriously, I’m always with her whenever she got an appointment or something like it. So there are many things that you can do with the most special lady in your life.

You have to know the value of bonding moment with your mom. In pondering the significance of our mothers, I’d like to suggest few ways to bond with her.

1.       Go to Nail salon and spa

Manicure, pedicure with foot spa is a great treat for her. Our mom need time to relax even for a day after a long work at home. Remember folks, it’s not easy to be a housewife.

2.       Surprise her

I’m sure you love to see the reaction of your mom when you prepared a simple get-together for her or surprise her with a gift - something that she loves, a perfume, dress, bag, maybe? How well do you know your mom? So I guess you probably know what she likes.

3.       Cook her favorite dish

Sad to say but some of us were not born chef but who says that you need to be a chef to cook delicious meals? Our mothers are very good cook therefore you have to be prepared. Recipes are all now in the internet and all you have to do is practice. Know your mom’s fave dish and check some video tutorial. Voila! I’m sure your mom will be very happy. Number 1 for your effort and number 2 for the love.

4.       Weekend getaway

Plan a short vacation out of town where you and your mom can relax. Enjoy nature’s view or if you have more time, plan a vacation overseas.

5.       Dine out

Make a reservation in a fancy restaurant. If your mom have a favorite restaurant then this     will be perfect to reserve a table for the whole family. You may also want to try a restaurant that is new to both of you.

If you have any ideas or ways to bond with your Mom , feel free to share it and comment below. <3

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My vacation in Philippines: Baguio day 3

This is our last day here in Baguio City. I will surely miss the place, its cold weather, warm people, ube jam, strawberries, night market and spooky vibe in the hotel. hehe! 

Strawberries! Eating my fave fruit while on our way going back to Manila

Anyway, shall we take a look of what I'm wearing today? Great! 

I've always admire the beauty of camouflage patterns and designs that’s why this cropped long sleeves is a grabber and a scene stealer as well. Hehe!

The long sleeves is from Next and denim shorts from wrangler.

I like it so much because of the skull print and it goes well with my camou cap. Look! :)

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My vacation in Philippines: Baguio day 2

My day two in Baguio City is full of excitement and extraordinary journey… My second time to try horseback riding but still feel scared. But I got to take a crack at this. Few minutes had passed then pfft! I need to stop the horse ride and think of other good options. I thought of swan boat rides. That sounds fun! So we went to Burnham Park to try swan ride. I felt happy just by looking at the swan boat, can I tell a secret? I’m actually scared of lakes, oceans, pools. Whenever I need to go to any major bodies of water, I pray a lot. I know it may sound stupid but hey I have phobia so you can’t blame me. Haha!

Here are some of our pictures.

Anyway, I really enjoyed the rides. Now, let’s go to my outfits.

I want to make it simple, as a result I wore these black and white jeggings and tiger print muscle tee.  The jeggings is from American Apparel and the muscle tee is from Forever 21.
 I added a skull cap in burgundy and high-cut shoes with spikes from H&M.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ME! 

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