What’s On My Gears Packing List -August 2018 Edition

My upcoming travel is only a couple of weeks away, and as soon as August hits, you know I’m all about the excitement already. I’ve thought about what I will be needing, and here’s a few of them, since I already have a new replacement luggage on the way, that’s crossed off my things I need list. In the meantime, here are some stuff that I should never forget while on travel:

1. Good Walking Shoes 

Alright let me tell you something about good walking shoes for traveling. I was in China this year for a two-week long training and at the end of it, our organizers have arranged for visits to Beijing and Shanghai, and of course, what visit in Beijing is not complete without going to the Great Wall right?  Some well-seasoned travelers in our group were smart packers and pulled out good walking shoes for the Great Wall visit. Luckily, I found a pair of good shoes in the SciTech Outlet Park in Beijing the night before and bought myself the Nike Flex Training 7 for Women for just RMB 299 (Chinese Reminbi) approximately Php 2,392 that time and in my size too. All I had with me at the start of the trip were a pair of slippers and black loafers.

Lesson learned, be prepared for long distance walking and running and hiking and invest in good shoes to bring with you, even airports can be vast and cold. So I’m bringing the same pair with me to my escapade next month. 

2. Powerbank

Not a lot of people know this, but my Asus powerbank got confiscated in Guangzhou airport  before my connecting flight to Tianjin, because apparently, powerbanks are not allowed to be checked in and in China, inspection and security can be tough. I feel dumb that I didn’t pull out my Asus pink powerbank because it’s a convenient size to carry around, (only the size of a credit card, but still, as I took pretty good care of it to last me a couple of years). 

Asus Powerbank 10050 mah in Pink (credit card sized) 

A couple of weeks ago, C told me that he bought me a replacement and it’s not just any powerbank. It’s the Romoss Sense 6 LED 20000mAh Power Bank and oooh does it pack power. This is just what I need for our upcoming tour and it’s time to put it to the test. Imagine days of walking around and having to take all those photos and having to recharge when the need calls for it. How convenient! And I’m lucky to have a travel partner as thoughtful as C. 

Romoss Sense 6 LED 20000mAh Power Bank 

3. A Hat

And finally, this may sound so simple but yet, the last time I was out and now that I think about it, I had more than enough space in my luggage, I just didn’t bother to bring a hat for those day excursions. You see, I’m fond of ancient, historical and architectural sites, and a hat is just the most basic thing I could have brought along. Luckily there were souvenir shops in the Great Wall’s Beijing Station, which was also one of the most famous stations of the ancient landmark. I bought one at only RMB 30 or Yuan and brought it with me to all the other visits such as Tiananmen Square and all throughout Shanghai.It ended up on my father’s wall collection of all black hats. 

My RMB 30 souvenir hat from the Great Wall Beijing Station

The Great Hall of the People, Tiananmen Square, Beijing, China

Even while on travel, it’s still important to battle the heat and a hat is just one simple thing that I simply overlooked. Don’t mind me if I help myself to something similar like a gray or pink one.

And so, folks, these are some lessons that I’ve learned and can share with you. As of now I'm already excited so I'll be daydreaming about the attractions I'd want to visit too. See you soon! 

My Summer Picks for May 2014

To tell you the truth, I'm preparing myself for something big next month. This week alone, I've been blogging less and helping more clients with writing needs. I've also had to go to meetings to gather details and facts for my reports. But when I am sitting in front of the laptop and pushing keys one by one, I feel accomplished and closer to my goals. May is a very special month for me, and I can definitely feel change coming. 

Stalking online shops just made me realize that there are two things that have been constant on my wishlist, and that's shoes and bags.

OMOSHI Carry Label Messenger Bag from Okay Okay.com Php 699

I feel like this messenger bag will be useful for a personal birthday gift that will be arriving this month. I can easily throw in books, notebooks, pens and other necessary gadgets in here. 

Venice Never Full Bag from Paris Dreams Shoppe Php 650

I certainly like quilted tote bags in neutral colours and the Venice Never Full Bag sure can match my neutral flats. I like to use bags that can carry my wallet, phone, pocket Wi-Fi and other personal stuff. The thing about bags is that I stick to only one whenever I have errands to do in town.

Suelas Puntera Basic in Grey Php 500

Suelas Couro in White-Black Php 700

I've been searching for comfortable footwear and found these from Suelas. I like everything classic and minimalist so I guess it shows in my selection. I've already submitted a form and am currently waiting for a reply.

So what does that say about my style? I think it's all about clean lines, functional neutrals and comfort. I do have a weakness for florals but that can come at another time because I've used and abused them enough I think. I don't also want to bore you with my choices of makeup and tools. I'm a die-hard fan of Urban Decay so you pretty know where this is heading. =)

How's your Wednesday? Share!

Floral Wedges in the Mail!

Raisie just received floral wedges in the mail and it turned out just as expected! So here I am on a Tuesday grinning wide. I will be doing more looks with these floral prints soon. They will do well with the top I got earlier. 

I got this pair at a very affordable price from Pinky Winky Shoes and Vanity on Facebook and this would do well with my floral rose top. In the meantime, I will be brainstorming for future outfit posts too. 

Just sharing a photo of my floral wedges here! May you be inspired as well! 

My Staceys From Pinkytoes

Before I started this post, I was kind of unsure if people actually read shoe reviews. I mean, who reviews shoes and reads about them, right? But I think a short review would be helpful, as well as an honest one. 

Pinkytoes is based in Manila, and even though I sent an order form last month, I had to be very patient because I understood that it was the busiest season of the year. And my patience did pay off. There are many different styles to choose from, and for those neon lovers out there, you can check out the selections and bring home some sweet babies, they now have pretty heels! 

My Stacey Beige from Pinkytoes arrived last Monday via local courier and I just could not wait to slip it on. Even though the box did not withstand the handling and arrived crushed already inside the shipping company's parcel, I was at least happy with the pair. 

Only after the first use, the heel with the brand name already became faded, even if I did not have much activity going on. 

One thing about my pair though is that I got the smallest size, which is 5 of about 23 cm, it seems to be a little too loose for my feet. It is the smallest size listed but it seemed to be too generous, and this also shows on the straps, I had to have more holes punched in the straps just so I could secure it around my ankles well.

Thank you card in the shoebox with guidelines at the back

Note: Refrain from using your shoes during rainy season! 

My toes do not even reach Stacey's tips! Hehe

But I like the fact that the color is very versatile which could be matched with practically anything at all, and that the transaction with the shop was smooth. Add to that, it seems to be the right summer sandals to have in one's shoe collection because it is reasonably priced and is very lightweight. Walking around in it the whole day did not cause any problems for my dwarfish feet! Also, the design is very pleasing and applicable to any casual ensemble. 

I already wore it to work once and it matched my leather bag very well. You can see what I matched it with here. Soon I might go back for the other heels I spotted! 

Stacey Beige from Pinkytoes on Facebook 

Disclaimer: This post is in no way sponsored or paid. Content is all blogger's own. 

Florals in Casual

For some reason, this floral cardigan brings out that love I have for the red+black combination. I call this put together Florals in Casual. There is some hidden comfort in a pair of faded Levi's. =p

It's the second time I wore these Lacy Daisy flats from Ziggy and Zooey and I have not encountered any discomfort with these. I am tempted to add another color but I know it has to wait, this is already my second pair out of indulgence really. I do patronize the brand.

I did find some nifty bazaar finds over the weekend and was I so happy to be able to drop by at Achi Mich's booth from 85th Closet at the Paseo del Mar last Saturday afternoon. I got to choose great pieces which cost less than what I anticipated! I guess there will be more photos of my finds here featuring her stuff. I really like going to her booths because she is super friendly and Achi Mich has just the right selection of pieces at really affordable prices.

As for the photos here, I just had to stay indoors because we were busy like that!

Lacy Daisy Flats from Ziggy and Zooey

Floral Cardigan from Mich Enriquez 85th Closet

White Top from Mom

Silver Watch Anne Klein

Rings gifted

Pearls from Mom 

Credits to Damon Steine for the photos

Subtle Femme: Rose and Gray

I call this ensemble Subtle Femme. 

I have always been fascinated about dainty details, and this includes laces, pearls, even studs. It's been raining frequently here in our place, and I have decided to put on something practical but still femme.

The top has a peter pan collar style, but it is loaded with pearls, dainty lace appliques and even little diamond studs. It has a sheer fabric and has an old rose color. I guess my outfit inspiration for this is my grandmother who is so fond of pearls and knitted details. I call it my Portia Top after my granny, every time I put it on and wear it I am reminded of my lola and the way she used to walk out that door with giant sunglasses and her favorite hand painted clutch.

I wore it under a gray knitted cardi yesterday which was one of my purchases from Tzu Chi Bazaar last Sunday. To at least add some consistency to the look, I wore my gray flats paired with the jeans.

Top- Adah Belle

Gray Cardigan- Tzu Chi Annual Bazaar

Shoes- Ziggy and Zooey

Breaking The Rules: Do You have to Match Your Bags and Shoes?

I think it was my grandmother who told me that one of the rules of dressing up is to match your bags and shoes.

What?

Match your bags and shoes.

I think she meant wearing the same color family for your bags and shoes, and this was a rule even my mom followed. So if women were also quite fashion conscious, (and have the money to do so,) a lot of matching could be done. But I guess during Lola's time, it was not a problem since the purchasing power of the peso still had its strength. And if we were given the luxury, we could be doing this:

I think my grandma would say this one is for weddings

Purple is royalty's color

Black and gold never fails

A blue satin number for a date?

Red satin for the red carpet or is it too much?

Take a pick between the black... 

Or blue studded match... 

Or beige will do

Care for some florals?

But what of breaking the rules?

Honestly, I can't afford to follow the rules. 

But if it's breaking the rules we are talking about, let's see how Helena Bohnam Carter breaks the rules. 

Mismatched shoes for a floral satin and tulle dress on a formal event

If you're an athlete, you can break the rules too as long as they are Nike 

Polkas join in the rule breaking

They belong together, not quite mismatched

Even little girls are allowed to mismatch

Pastel mismatched in wedges

Primary color mismatch

Can't make up whether to go with red or blue 

Mishap or intentional mismatch? Try dancing in those

Do you follow or break the rules? Let me know! =p

Ziggy and Zooey: Maddy Stone Has Broken In!

I just have to share the good news that Maddy Stone has broken in!

What am I talking about? Ok, here's the story. I got my pair of Maddy Stone in Size (?) [Not telling you the size of my feet, they are really small] and I was happy that they have a pair in my size and of course, no more pre-order, it's all ready to ship. And thanks to Ziggy and Zooey, I am in love!

Ziggy and Zooey announced that Maddy Stone was on sale and this alerted the bargain hunter in me. So I took advantage of the sale period and ordered mine. My everyday wedges for office wear were cracking at the heels, so this was a chance for me to get a good pair of flats.

So what's the fuss all about? It takes a few turns and wears for leather to be flexible and bend. It's usually stiff at the first wear, and this is what added my confidence that Ziggy and Zooey shoes are made of high quality materials. I didn't doubt that I was getting my money's worth with Maddy Stone. I chose the color because it is a neutral shade and can go well with any attire I put on for the day.

This is also my birthday gift to myself, so yup, I reward myself for my hard work! =)

Here's a photo of my package which arrived earlier than expected thanks to Air21 and the timely service. 

This arrived a day after shipping was confirmed and earlier than expected too! 

These are my new flats! And I looooove it to bits!

Yes, I'm happy! Can you tell I'm happy?

I even wore Maddy Stone to a corporate event on Monday morning, no need for heels that pain my feet thank you very much. I'm super comfortable with a smile on my face. 

Look at all those beautiful colors, I might go back for Aqua soon. 

And these glitter flats will find some space in my shoe rack someday. 

Let's not forget this Lacey shoe. Yes to this! 

{Photos and logo from Ziggy and Zooey}

Ziggy and Zooey, you will be hearing from me again soon! Hahaha. Have a good afternoon everyone!