Saturday, January 26, 2013

Slip On A Leopard

The leopard is out! I'm liking the background of these photos because it's very appropriate for this outfit. And so, allow me to bombard you with pics. Doesn't it look like a feline is enjoying her brief escape from the cage and is wandering around the park?





I love this leopard leggings! Although I admit they were a little difficult at first to figure out how to wear until I found this top in neutral color with black collar accent from Forever 21. It's like 'what could be better?' They look like they were made for each other.











True to self, this sheer black collared shirt added a pop of color to the whole outfit... 


accessories on hand - sm and forever 21; watch factory; hair accessories - forever 21 and goody

Keeping it simple, I paired the outfit with this Forever 21 shoes in neutral color.



I’m so into leopard lately, I just purchased another one this time, a cardigan, which I will post soon. Can't wait to share it here.

Thursday, January 24, 2013

Meet The Photographer

Squaremeal is not a fashion blog and I am not a fashion blogger. I wouldn't call myself a fashionista (although I am quite enjoying the label as some of my friends do call me that < a little lift of my own chair here>) It's not that I don't want to be one. In fact, I would love to, even if only a trying hard fashion blogger, that would already be an honor. Take a peep into my bucket list and you'll find this one in the 'how I wish' list. It's one of the many things that I hope to be during this lifetime.

Because Squaremeal is created primarily to journal my son and I's thoughts, events and how we spend our lives together, let me tell you where luis comes in behind those outfit shots aka an overdose of my trying hard express yourself fashion posts. He is the man who's eyes even if so small, could find the beauty in me <ehem> (he gotta do it for the love of longer Timezone hour and unlimited Little Martians playtime). Luis has been at the back of those lenses and responsible for taking those 'quite fabulous' shots :)

Introducing the most patient photographer. . . (he assumed the role when the yaya had to leave to take care of her baby).




Me - can you be still Luis?  Him - mom can you just catch up?






Me - give me a serious face now.  Him - ok mom you want serious, i'll give you serious.


Me - give me a Robin Padilla look.  Him - who?  Me - an action star, kind a like a mad face shot.  Him - oh like lolo's face. Here . . .


Me - just give me your best shot.  Him - that's more like it.

pants - Mundo clothing NZ brand, The Ramp. shirt- Onesimus. shoes- Crocs
Behind every successful shot has a man behind :)

Monday, January 21, 2013

Might as well be polka dots!

While Times Square New York City has its famous ball dropping in New Year's eve, I'm thinking... why not start something like it in Manila? Say, we gather around the symbolic Edsa Shrine? or Rizal Park maybe? It may not exactly be like a ball drop event and how they do it in NYC since that wouldn't be an original anymore, and Filipinos are not known to be copycats (ok, just a bit).  

Something like a gathering of people say, all in red, for luck with love? Or can you imagine streets full of people wearing polka dots even for just one single night to welcome the new year? Polka dots are known to symbolize wealth and prosperity, and Filipinos are known to be superstitious. Wow, I can imagine this event becoming a global tradition in the future :) Can you almost feel my excitement and enthusiasm here :) It would be fun and beautiful don't you think? 

Oh well... let me stop my wishful thinking for now. Meantime, allow me to be the 'man on the street' giving polka dots a big, sweeping moment. Cheers for a prosperous 2013!





Top and Skirt: Forever 21

Tuesday, January 15, 2013

Animal Influence

We love all things vintage and there's nothing more classic and versatile than an animal print garment. Its good pattern could spice up any look and add a little twists to our everyday outfit.

Gone were the times when animal prints, such as leopard or tiger, were used predominantly for lingerie only and weren't appropriate at all for the workplace. Now, animal prints are actually becoming essential pieces for any woman’s wardrobe, like mine.


This blazer from Tango is one of my favorite and will always be a memorable staple from my wardrobe collection (not that I have much). Since it has been a big designer look in 2012, yet again, I might just invest on a few more pieces of animal print goodness for myself this year. Its popularity I believe, would carry on in 2013 and beyond.


The key to wearing animal prints is to use a few basic key pieces with it like this Forever 21 black trousers I paired with my blazer. It somehow enhances the outfit. Remember not to wear too much if you dont want your outfit to come across as garish or costume-y.



I love this gold detail linings on my top from The Ramp. You wouldn't feel dressed too casual if you decide to remove the blazer when it gets too warm.


Some other animal print options you might invest in are belts, vests, a button-up top, a silk scarf, and of course, shoes. Shoes are one of the greatest animal print items you can buy, and they’ll get some great compliments too.


Don’t be afraid to wear animal prints, but remember to use them sparingly to get the most fabulousness out of your fashion!







Sunday, January 13, 2013

Get Organized in 2013!

I saw this accessory cabinet on sale at Groupon.ph last month. I thought it would be a good start to get myself more organized this year and so I bought it. It's actually very useful for someone who is trying hard to be sophisticated, like this woman!  :-)


Getting organized is a never-ending job. It involves getting rid of old stuff every now and then. While I was stacking up, I actually had to let go of almost half of my accessory collection simply because they are more of a clutter now than for-keeps, and I don't think they deserve a place in my new accessory cabinet.



Now, there's no lost productivity because there's no wasted time looking for something that I've misplaced. All of the visual disorganization diminished and there's a sudden brightness in my closet.

http://www.bloglovin.com/blog/4379191/square-meal

Thursday, January 10, 2013

My Holiday Oxfords

I wear heels almost everyday at work. And so during the past holiday, I decided to give my feet a break from wearing high-heeled footwear. Thus, this pair of oxfords from Shoebox became a holiday favorite. Oxford shoe is as versatile as it is timeless. It's never boring. This suede oxfords are not only comfortable, it's also classy. I particularly love the color cobalt blue because of it's rich color. The style is also very feminine and relaxed. I can almost hear my feet expressing their gratitude for the brief detachment. Well, Merry Christmas! :)

The perfect match for my Oxfords is this royal blue leggings from Forever 21. 


Nothing is an ordinary pair when its oxfords, right? Get a good pair now. Your feet deserves a break!

http://www.bloglovin.com/blog/4379191/square-meal



Sunday, January 6, 2013

Denim-On-Denim

The universal fabric of the fashion world - denim. They come in bleached, dark, light or faded, etc. just every wash or shade you could possibly want or need.

My favorite mindless outfit to throw on over the weekend - a head-to-toe denim ensemble. Because it can range anywhere from classic and all-American to daring, innovative and cutting edge ... no need for some deep thinking.



This top I actually bought from the men's section of Forever 21. Yup! There's something about a men's top on, which makes me feel sexy (i need the boost). I thought as well, Luis might just find it useful in the future... 2 birds with one stone!


Denim-ON-denim is wearing denim from head to toe. Yes, it's a delicate business, but it's a cool look when done properly.





I paired my top with a skirt from Mango to add femininity to the whole look, and it actually appeared fashionably put together.


I got denim jeans, jackets, skirts, shorts, and shirts in my closet, and oh, a pair of denim shoes too!


A classic blue denim will never date. Stock up on it and take a stab at that denim-on-denim trend soon!