Rachelle Styles.

Published

2010-04-13T23:00:00.006+08:00

i'm right in the middle of summer and it is sweltering in Manila.

apart from that, been crazy busy running around for both work and pleasure.

I will leave posting photos of travel for later,

as now calls for an update of the styling/ writing portfolio.

...

A short article on the spots trend that I did for stylebible.ph

click here

..and a couple more shots from that feature in Ystyle.

this was supposed to be a Holiday campaign for Marks & Spencer,

but came out only last Valentine season too.

this last one is a shoot I did a while ago for Tod's.

if I remember accurately, it was for last season's F/W campaign.

more soon.

ta!

of Love and Hearts

2010-02-12T00:51:00.008+08:00

so it's the Valentine weekend. whoopee.

i don't have a date,

i have a bunch of dates!

starting off with a friday movie date (what else? we're watching Valentine's Day -duh.)

then waking up a bright Saturday with brunch (all you can order gourmet!),

wine and good music to cap the night off.

as for Sunday, St. Valentine's day itself, i have..

nothing.

yet!

Last Saturday, I drove down to Tagaytay with friends for Brunch at Antonio's.

i love going there. I totally don't mind a 2-hour drive for lunch.

The ambience, food, and just the deviation from our everyday pace/atmosphere are enough reasons to up and go just because we feel like it.

Must go back there on a lazy weekend.. with a date! maybe ill wait til next year ;)

this was for a shoot I did for Ystyle. It's coming out Friday, Feb. 12 ....which is.. today.

Bea Ledesma styled Jessica Yang while I styled half-Thai, half-German Philip.

we had the shoot at this quirky boutique resto, The Frazzled Cook. i thought it was somewhat reminiscent of Serendipity in NYC, but homier and of course, more Filipino. I made a mental note to go back there for a meal..

(for those based in Manila, it's along Luna Mencias St. from SanJuan to Shaw Blvd)

You know that song by John Mayer? I am Perfectly Lonely ☺

[ actually more like perfectly alone. I don't feel lonely actually ;) ]

happily so. I am learning that I love the company I keep when I'm alone. I think I'll keep it that way for a while ♥

“A woman’s heart should be so hidden in Christ that a man would have to seek Him first to find her.”

Make a great weekend!

♡ R

Inspire

2010-02-08T02:27:00.005+08:00

and another one gets engaged!

is it that time of my life already? i guess im at that age huh..

last january, i have been to 2 weddings.. (3, if you count my parents' silver anniversary ceremony) ..then im looking forward to 4 more this year.

that's a lot right?!

it kinda feels weird. mostly im excited (parties, champagne, love, dresses, friends). i mean, i loove weddings! but i wonder, when will it come to the point when i feel the pressure and the imminent clock ticking? i reckon not til maybe 3-4 years, at least!

...that gives me time. ☺ life is exciting isnt it?

so much change -you never know what will be thrown you at any given day.

im fanatically in love with this life.

Serendipitous

2010-01-29T15:04:00.006+08:00

Crazy past weeks!!

okay so now I'm back. Clearly I haven't honed my time-management skills yet. But it's only just January, so I have a little more time to work on it.

MUST. BE. DISCIPLINED.

anyhoo, I read about the Michael Kors ♥ Manila tote mid January and rushed to stores to check it out. By then it had been out for a while and I was bracing myself for the "out-of-stock" response from the local salesgirl. So I walk in, casually look around, then finally ask if they still had the canvas bag. The sales associates look at each other and one of them nods, "yes." In a matter of minutes, I was walking out, a giddy little girl smile pasted on my face.

turns out, someone reserved the last piece, and never returned for it. (snooze, you lose)

Lucky me! It was meant to be.

I absolutely love it. It's eco chic and roomy enough for my bazillion everyday things.

so, two things I've (still) been crazed over: denim and lace.

oh, yes, and wedge booties.

these Renegade Folk booties have been my go-to shoes this month.

so much so that they are on high risk of overexposure (just like your local celebrity-du-jour).

***

the denim shoulder-padded Zara blazer has been quite the companion too.

January undoubtedly is the ultimate month for SALES.

thank God it's almost over, now I have better chances at saving. (I want to travel!!)

or not.

♡ ta!

P.S. I am now currently eavesdropping at a Renegade Folk meeting. Watch out for their new collection because as I type this, I am holding back utmost excitement. Their new collection is FABULOUS. I am already 2 pairs of shoes poorer.

2010 ★ a commitment to stubborn positivity

2010-01-03T17:35:00.009+08:00

Happy 2010!

I have to skip NYE pictures (yeah, so okay, I forgot to take good ones) and go right into the new year! have been hanging with friends nonstop, making the most of the vacae downtime we have left.

A lot of things excite me this year. Largely the new experiences I'm going to make (it's the year to take action! gotta get get), the blessings I'm claiming, and the commitments that I will strive to keep! Commitments mostly to keep myself moving and improving. Some of them: to eliminate negativity, take a lot of firsts, live healthy, be active -physically, spiritually, and mentally. It definitely won't be easy. But that's the beauty of life, isn't it? It will be bright and colorful and full of character.

One of the other things I'm excited for is:

Renegade Folk's new line, from which I already bought 2 pairs!

luvluvluv them. ♡♡

I took one pair out for a walk today. feather + studs = i♥.

new year equals new playlist.

top 5 on mine are:

1901 - Phoenix

Animal - Miike Snow

Take Me To The Riot - Stars

Rubber Lover - Marmaduke Duke

I Feel It All - Feist

another thing for 2010: relentless forgiveness.

enmity hurts us more than it does our object of hate.

let's LOVE ourselves more this year!

kill with kindness ;)

tell me about your resolutions!

ta! ♡

p.s. I finally finished redecorating my room (see first picture above) and I'm 90% satisfied!

Before Sunrise (2009's final moments)

2009-12-31T16:19:00.011+08:00

I want this to be me in 2010.

Fantabulously cluttered with books!

books = new worlds = endless inspiration

got a ton of (unread) books lying around [in shelves, mind you]

now all i should ask for is time.

as soon as i saw the photos, i took a liking Alexander Wang's side braid.

it's so effortlessly boho/edgy/chic and totally doable!

and so I went Wangster with my locks on Christmas night

***

2009, you were pretty awesome.

thank you for introducing me to: new lives, bright lights, fascinating people,

a thousand joys, sporadic hardships and dull pain, hard-earned lessons,

fits of laughter, maddening obsessions, lasting relationships,

the collision of souls (&hearts), life and soul conversations, a million soulful soundtrips

cozy frigid nights, colorful worlds, dreamy sundrenched mornings♡, frighteningly real feelings,

a trillion truths and memories,

a wonderful Savior, His faithfulness all throughout, and His never-ending & glorious promises.

pictys from my birthday brunch, christmas dinners & out of town chilling

In a few hours comes the new year.

2010: the year for reckless surrender, blind faith, and wild abandon.

I'm ready.

♡ R

Sunshine State of Dreams

2009-12-30T19:10:00.008+08:00

and I'm back.

I really must quit this (badbadbad) habit of going AWOL for long periods of time. it's either I quit altogether or stay committed. must think about it before clock strikes 12 welcoming 2010.

anyhoo,

right now I am at a lovely hotel (8 Suites, Tagaytay) with a nice view and the howling wind outside my windows (nicely lit room!). needless to say, I have some time on my hands. finally! after the hustle and bustle of the Holidaze in Manila -some downtime. but more of that on another entry (no signs of flaking for now, yay).

last October-November was MTL-NY-LA

I had the time of my life! so happy to have visited one of my fave people on this planet, Jessy in MTL [who just started blogging btw (wahoo!), follow her here]
...other friends in NY and more (MORE!) in LA. I just love these people to death and being able to travel and spend time with them is a blessing.

LA was fabulous. made it back after 8 years and never thought I would love it as much as I did. seeing that I have this terrible tendency to babble, i'll make it short and sweet by the simple statement that I had the time of my life.
That about sums it up.

ta!

♥ R

come on, come out

2009-10-16T06:48:00.008+08:00

It's been a pretty busy week. Preparing last minute things for work and personal to-do lists left me no time to blog/ or take pictures! Ugh, such a bad habit. I should really take more effort to pick up my camera and demand for someone (friend, random stranger, whoever) to take my photo.

I haaate packing. so many clothes, so little space (and weight allowance). This trip is a lesson in restraint -I tried my hardest to be a light packer! Only the essentials.. and anyway, whatever I need, I can buy. That's the best rationale.

*****

Photo by: Jak & Jil

Photo by: Jak & Jil
Photo by: Jak & Jil
Photo source: tfs

I am currently at the airport lounge now waiting to board my flight to Montreal. A friend told me it had just started snowing in New York. Ahh, so early in the year! That's really sad. I have no warm fuzzy feelings for snow, I don't care for it, not at all. Maybe if I had a big fabulous fur coat like that to keep me warm as toast then I wouldn't mind.... Maybe.

I'm really stoked for this trip and, my friends, I'll catch ya on the flipside.

ta! ♡

P.S. More pictures to come, I promise.

Style Artillery

2009-10-09T19:09:00.007+08:00

There is always an element in every outfit that makes it, or anchors it. There must be in our wardrobes or our boudoirs that, once you throw on, is all the élan an ensemble needs. A go-to statement piece. For some it's neon bright colors, or a piece of jewelry.

A flash of animal print (or skin) always does it for me. My friends joke that I can dress up animal print head-to-toe and they'd ship me off to the safari. What can I say, everyone manifests a wild streak in all their own ways and measures.

I DIY-ed these shorts. they were formerly a pair of Citizens of Humanity capri pants -before I realized that length was just horrible for my petite frame. I studded it all around.. and it's funny because I few weeks after, I found an almost identical pair in Zara. Hah!

I am currently Stylebible.ph's Prive Fashion Series girl and cover their events every Wednesdays. These were the past two that I've gone to. Fierce shoes and fabulous bags! Inspirational designers too.

click here to read

On the tube now is Michael Patrick King's commentary on SATC the movie. So many fashion and real-life insights on the script and the movie! Can't wait for part 2.

Have a wonderfully indulgent weekend everyone!

ta! ♡

Freefall

2009-10-06T03:47:00.006+08:00

It's been a crazy couple of weeks. If you haven't yet heard, a typhoon hit Manila last Sept. 26th and devastated so many areas. Lives were taken, cars and homes were destroyed. The past week has been spent trying to get resources to places and people that needed them most. YesPinoy visited some sites and we distributed packed goods to families in need. More still need help and I must find the time this week (as everyone tries to go back to their normal schedule) to work at relief operations. donations may be made through the Philippine Red Cross.

Taytay, Rizal

***

On to the lighter side of things..
I have been crazy over white shirts lately. Been really into lounge/ lazy dressing too. This tank by Duerr is one of the comfiest I have ever worn. I love it (and everything else in their new line).

My very very good friend gave birth to a beautiful baby boy yesterday! Both mommy and baby are healthy, what a blessing. He is the cutest little thing and I am absolutely smitten.
Pictures to follow.

heart must stop fidgeting and sleep now.
ta! ♡

you've left a star.. and come back a Supernova

2009-09-20T22:05:00.009+08:00

quick weekly recap.

oy, such a delinquent in taking outfit photos and so please bear with some old takes I've uprooted from the archives.

CULTE CRAZY

and then there was ROCKEOKE

on to today.

I am exhausted from a loong shoot. It was pretty fun.

Will wait for the proofs, but in the meantime, a preview...

[okay I just realized the hand position kinda looks creepy]

a leopard spotted mind

OH MY. I just (finally) finished my Californication Season 1 DVD set, and ohmystars the finale was AWESOME. oh man I really loved it! I am officially (too) emotionally attached.

I am going out and buying Season 2 tomorrow.

enjoy another long weekend (in MNL), darlings!

tuning out to GossipGirl now.

xoxo

ta! ♡

Play It Pink

2009-09-18T00:33:00.007+08:00

Yes, yes, it's been a while. I have a few outfit photos in my archives piling up but let's start with these for now..

I just bought a new notebook today (yay! uhh, I'm a dork like that, yeah). It just so happened to be pink [by "it just so happened" I mean that I left no pile unturned and no shelf un-scoured for the perfect notebook with the best cover, leaves, and price] and I noticed that most of my purchases have been pink lately. It's not my favorite color, but I must admit I love its vibrancy and girly-ness. It injects the most mundane object with character, don't you think? Bright and feminine and absolutely me.

I have turned into a studding madman. I studded the corners and punched in that garter strap so it doesn't flap open when I throw it in my bag.

I got this lipstick holder from Fino Leatherware. Isn't it adorable? Given the fact that I've been addicted to lipstick lately, it's the most practical accessory to stumble across! I love all things leather, they smell delish.

Cosmetics shopping is a happy drug. I got two of Allure's best, in one! Nars came up with a limited edition duo compact of the best blush and bronzer: Orgasm and Laguna. They're awesome, and on top of my list now. Came with an Orgasm nail polish too.

My lipstick addiction was just heightened by this new discovery: lip primer. Color isn't as vibrant, lips aren't as smooth, and staying power not as strong without it. Model Co. Lip Perfection Kit is the best; it fills in the lines for flawless application and keeps the color until you wipe it off with a napkin. I swear by it!

I absolutely am obsessed with pink lipstick. First was Shu Uemura's PK 344. It's sheer, moisturizing and the best shade of Barbie pink.

Next I went crazy at the MAC counter. I got Lickable, which is a dark heavily pigmented fuschia (directly below). I bought Saint Germain too, it's this chalky pink shade -perfectly pale against my tan!

They say that if you have two shades that look great on you, it will be awesome x2 if you mix them. I did and awesome it was. Everyone loved it! Even my star makeup artist friends Jigs, and Robbie, complimented my lips and asked what brand and shade it was. Thank you, MAC. [with sweetie Robbie below. my face loves his makeup styling skillzz]

The clock I got in Paris (a bit lilac though) & the magnetic frame behind it, my heart-shaped stickies, and Marc Jacobs dump bag.

***

my fave pink square bangles with black studs.

off to sleep. ta! ♡

Shiny Happy People

2009-09-11T01:53:00.001+08:00

There's nothing more fun than going out with my fashion people. Specifically if those people are either: Alyanna or gay. But what do we get when I actually have both? A rockin' good time in Bed, that's what.

Bed, as in the bar.

oh no no no... they're not gay. I tried to convince Jigs (below) he wasn't either, but like he said -the [AA] shirt says it all. *sorry girls.

***
eek! sequined jodhpurs!
♥ J'adore ♥

ta! ♡

I'll Follow You Until You Love Me, Paparazzi

2009-09-09T00:06:00.014+08:00

some photos I collected over at Stylebible.ph

✧✧✧

This one was for a poll they did about bejeweled headbands... now I don't know if I should be happy or sad that they put me alongside the country's most beautiful faces. My feelings about this are conflicted. ;D

The girls (and their headpieces) are so beautiful, mine cannot help but pale in comparison.

In any case, I must thank the lovely ladies over at stylebible for deeming my locks and headband worthy to be featured. :)

---

This was for Preview Magazine's Annual Best Dressed ball. The theme commemorated Barbie's Golden year and I came as Disco Barbie.

---
The Make Your Own Havaianas event! I especially loved this because the press got free customized flipflops! I chose a bright sky blue with slim gold straps and nationalistic pins. One pin of the Philippine islands, one pin of a jeepney (ironic since I hate them with a passion), one pin that spelled "Noypi", and one of a multicolored Holga because I am a shutterbug!

---
When I covered that event at Members Only.

---

At Jul B. Dizon's event where I finally met the metro's most fashionable baby.

Alexa is a sweetheart, much like her mom. Such beautiful people!

I was so happy she let me hold her :)

here with Alexa Kaufman and her godmother, Alyanna.

such is the life of a freelance stylist bouncing from one shoot/meeting/event to another.

how was everyone's long weekends??

(USA and Canada: Labor Day weekend. Manila: the funeral of INC leader.)

I spent mine: as Gwen S. singing at a friend's sing-a-long party.

: hanging out with the ladies, watching a film while sipping hot cocoa and munching on bananutella toast.

: snuggling on my couch with a book.

I hope everyone had a weekend as wonderfully indulgent as mine.

ta! ♥

Sunshowers On the Flipside

2009-09-07T22:40:00.004+08:00

After some odd 5 months of settling back in and getting sucked into the hustle and bustle of working again, I have finally decided to re-start blogging. It took me a while -I had to learn (and I'm still learning!) how to properly organize my free time. I figure it's a good practice of discipline, something I need very very much.

This started out as an online portfolio where I upload all my past and ongoing projects, but is now slowly meshing into a space of personal insights, inspirations, and outfits as well. Going back to the world of blogging, and crossing my fingers that I stay more committed this time around! x

P.S.

I gotta express thanks to my friends and dane for getting me back here. ♡

The Big September

2009-09-07T18:27:00.002+08:00

Two of my advertorials came out in the September issues of Metro and Metro Society. I do believe I have another one coming out in Metro Home (supposedly this month too), but I have yet to find out if it did. It's becoming somewhat of an embarassment to keep asking the saleslady in Bufini if I can rip open the plastic coverings just to see first if my work is in there. She has been nice enough to let me each and every time.

This shoot for Smart Gold has been my first with Ronnie. The concept used personalities known in their field to analogize the Midas' Touch principle. It was a pretty fun shoot and everyone was so easy to work with! A highlight for me was when Rafa expressed delight over my choice of wardrobe for the men, rifling through the rack and trying on some of the jackets. "You can shop for men." Oh actually, I do. Any guys in Manila who need help, you know where to find me! Online, that is.

Joaqui happily bought those jeans I got for him after raving about its perfect fit!

It was from Topman.

Photographed by: Ronnie Salvacion

-----

This was another shoot I did and prepared for last minute! We shot an advertorial for Samsung's new LCD TV with two personalities. One came out in Metro Society. That TV was gorgeous. It was so thin, and the picture so clear. Ah. I love technology. I wonder if they got to keep it.

The first personality is Ernie Lopez, one of the head honchos of ABS Publishing. He had a really homey apartment, and one that told of his enthusiasm for sports! Bikes were lined up in his living room, almost like decor. He had the cutest twin girls too.

The little pod he is holding in the picture below is apparently the TV's remote! Wild, eh? Please forgive the skewed landscape photo. The scanner screwed something up with its symmetry (yes the scanner, not me).

Photographed by: Doc Marlon Pecjo

-----

☼ I still have to get my hands on a copy of Preview and Martha Stewart Weddings..

More features for the Fashion Month!

Style Bible: Nicole Whisenhunt

2009-09-07T00:43:00.000+08:00

An event I covered for Style Bible.

Nicole does Prive Fashion Series at Members Only. Her statement bib neckpieces were absolutely gorgeous. I loved Bryan Leyva and Noel Manapat's reconstruction of the "filipiniana" too -modern, but still distinctly Filipino. It was such a freshly appealing change from the usual.

click here to read more about the event.

Rock and Roll Romance

2009-09-06T15:08:00.000+08:00

I've always been more into RnB and HipHop more than anything else.. but now I'm slowly but surely getting into the Rock rage. It makes me want to thrash around enjoying and rhythm and rips. And there is nothing like Kings of Leon to send me on a high! they are so so awesome.

Wearing a cropped tank from Topshop (I ♡ Topshop's current collection. I can wear each and every piece! I want to reside in that store) with a leopard print top [F21], studded belt [Zara], and latex leggings [AA]. Shoes [Steve Madden], Necklace [Get Happy], Bag [Mango]

Rockeoke night with the sweeties.

ta! ♥

Kenneth Cole Reaction

2009-09-02T19:58:00.000+08:00

My first shoot with SSI.

Photographed by: Doc Marlon Pecjo

all products by Kenneth Cole Reaction and Kenneth Cole New York

I wish I had more time to lounge around (and take pictures) whenever we shoot in Doc's house. It's so beautiful, I'm pretty sure they've used every space and corner in some shoot or another. Once, my stylist friend brought in sand to allude a beach setting for a beauty editorial. It was awesome; looked like it was done on location.

***

Style Bible

2009-08-21T03:34:00.000+08:00

some pieces I contributed for the online mag, Style Bible.

click HERE.

CREAM-O Advertorial

2009-08-17T01:25:00.000+08:00

Published in CHALK August 09

We shot Ateneo Blue Eagle's Kirk Long for Cream-O. It was a pretty quick shoot, finished in 2-3 hours! Only 2 frames and Kirk made shooting a breeze, no fuss. Photog Roy captured pretty awesome photos too. Amusing how Kirk's newly-dyed platinum blond (formerly dirty blond) hair made him look like a real-life Ken (this shoot was just after the Preview Barbie-themed ball. We still had Barbie on the brain, hence the connection.).

(click to enlarge)

I got the tee, jacket, and jeans all from Zara while the white button-down and Nike jacket were his own. I had a nice plaid purple tee, but it clashed with the Cream-O wrapper. In the end we settled for solid colors B&W.

(click to enlarge)

PREVIEW August 09

2009-08-17T01:10:00.001+08:00

I am really drawn towards this cover. For one, Carla Abellana is absolutely GORGEOUS. Secondly, I love the simple streetwear styling. The outfit on the cover is totally something you can wear out to lunch (maybe with a cardi for some?) or the mall. I would anyway. Liz did an awesome job on the cover ed! as always.

Getting reacquainted with Fashion School and doing another page of Powder Room :)

(click to enlarge)

PREVIEW July 09

2009-08-17T00:59:00.000+08:00

My first pages since I got back from somewhat of a hiatus (Montreal, New York).

happy to be back and working again!

(click to enlarge)

I did a beauty page and interviewed Laura Bertotto of VMV Hypoallergenics. Brilliant woman with candid wit. I very much enjoyed the interview -learned a lot, laughed a lot. It was also a delight to meet her beautiful family.

(click to enlarge)

Preview August 08 Issue

2009-07-27T18:06:00.000+08:00

My first Fashion Workshop. It was on department store dressing/ shopping. Not a totally tedious experience -I discovered how updated and surprisingly on-trend some pieces in the stores are!

Fashion School = jeans. Worlds different from the distressed denims of 2009!

I covered Fashion Week S/S 08. I (with the fashion team) came up with a roster of the handful of designers worth mentioning.

Preview July 08 Issue

2009-07-27T17:48:00.000+08:00

July in the Philippines is somewhat of a transitioning period - although more in publishing terms than in seasons (in which case, it would be June).

I've never worked in a corporate setting, but I always enjoy putting together power suits (or outfits) for Business Class.

Preview Anniversary Issue 2008

2009-07-04T01:34:00.000+08:00

June 08

Our cover shoot featured head-to-toe Prada looks for the S/S 08 Collection

I assisted in styling the cover story, shot on location at the Heritage Park.

Styled by: Liz Uy

Art Direction by: Vince Uy

Produced by: Alyanna Martinez

Assisted by: Mariane Perez and myself

I wrote an article about some solutions to beauty questions.

I was privileged enough to do a style feature on someone whose style I've looked up to, Tyler Store Manager, Glod Limlengco.

This was also our eco-chic issue, I styled and wrote Business Class with that angle in mind and featured some green friendly pieces as well as some tips for a healthier environment.

I also did a story on prints for Fashion School.

My First Month At Preview

2009-07-02T01:53:00.000+08:00

May 08

KC Conception was our cover girl and we shot in Vince's building in Makati.

Alyanna and I compiled this mood board/ behind-the-scenes page.

I did a lot for this ish. It was my coming out issue!

Also did this Q&A beauty feature.

Also shot these beautiful ladies for beauty and fashion profiles (respectively).

My first editorial was with the YDG babies! Batch 08.

These darling geniuses have a special place in my heart.

I assisted Liz and Vince for the shoot and did the interview with the designers.

My first Fashion School! My first pullout and first product shoot. I did the text and styling.