White jeans

Another staple for summer. I know they're dust magnets, but nothing looks as nice.

Jeans, Maison Martin Margiela; shirt, Crocodile; thrifted bag, agnes b.; thrifted belt, Structure; lace-ups, Marlboro Classics; wristwatch, Tissot

To take Details' advice, here's a jolt of black for this evening. (Can't help the neon.)

Nylon jacket, Izzue; shirt, Sisley; trainers, Nike
Building photos by Patricia Suzara

Lace dress for Halloween

It's amazing how things come full circle. I remember wearing this thrifted lace dress as a scarf for a goth Halloween ball last year, and a picture of that outfit, which was primarily composed of thrifted items, was part of my very first cameo post on this blog.

Now I am wearing the skirt on top of a shirt and have instead worn a cardigan as my scarf.




I like the way the lace is only obvious at the sleeves and over my bum, and the way it is cut — which makes me think more of pirates than drag queens.




I suppose this is the casual variation of my goth outfit, even if I am actually wearing the lace dress.

See, it can't be that hard.


Tee, cK by Calvin Klein; jeans, Two Percent; sheer double-breasted cardigan worn as a scarf, Zara; filigree belt, Brave Beltworks; agnès b riding boots and lace dress: both thrifted; necklace, Qeelin

Three o'clock shadow

My favorite parts of the day are dawn, the afternoon, and the dead of night right before sunrise. I can hear myself best during these instances when the day is about to or is in the process of change.

Using up my vacation leave not to go to another country, but to read, write, take pictures, and wander in Manila. Hopefully to take stock of things...


Shirt and jeans, Izzue; braided belt, Nautica; agnès b. messenger and Next laceups: both thrifted; novel, 'Wandering Star' by JMG Le Clézio

How thrifting can change your life

I can't really judge this day (Sunday) of thrifting as happier and more fulfilling than the others. I can't say based only on remarkable items or the prices that I was able to haggle down — not even solely based on good company. I suppose, as it is with satisfying outfits, it is a case of the mix.

So instead of lazily laying everything on the floor, I have come up with three sets of the pieces I have bought. This first, you can say, is partially inspired by the Spring 2010 collection of Dries Van Noten. But instead of wearing a jacket with an ethnic Ikat print, I was able to pick up a pajama top with a design charming enough to make you think twice. Worn underneath is a pink-and-white, leafy linen blend shirt — still follows the print-on-print Dries aesthetic.




Here are the items for a better view of the prints. I like the fabric of the scarf, since it's not that flimsy. The pajama top is of a polyester mix. The jeans, Dior Homme.




Finally, I am able to find a Buffalo shirt that is just about the right size — good as shirt, as well as a jacket. Wearing it here as the former, with what I think is a nylon jacket, also in tan. Its collar can be buttoned up like a turtleneck, such that, undone, it looks like a clumsy flight jacket.

Ok, I know some of you raised an eyebrow when you first saw this pebble-dotted scarf — patterned after a bonsai cow? an anemic snake? a new bacterial strain? — but I think this is one instance where it makes sense: worn with items that are all masculine.




The items, again. You see that the tops are happy.




Now I know this may be somewhat of a stretch, but this third scarf that I found reminds me of the Fair Isle cummerbunds in Burberry Prorsum's Fall 2009 show. So indulge me...




I love the patter and the two-tone color of the scarf. So that's it: three pattern-on-pattern outfits from the items I thrifted.




Here are the scarves, worn together. One of our companions suggested I stitch them together, but that takes away the pleasure of yanking each one out. (I am wearing them pre-haircut.)

Shirt, Ben Sherman; linen pants, Sorbino; thrifted leather and canvas messenger, agnès b.; necklaces, DIY and gift; espadrilles from Davao; watch, Omega Seamaster




Before I forget, I was also able to buy this denim and leather tote by Tough Jeansmith. I think this can very well replace my less structured Gap denim tote.




And here is another surprise: a smallish green backpack with fine leather detailing. There is a logo of a dear with antlers stamped above the main buckle (the brand is Cervo, which is Italian for "deer"). At the back (not shown here) is a rectangular piece of leather engraved with these words: Manufactured by good workmanship in Italy with selective material.




Lo and behold: when you open the flap, the skyline of Florence with the Duomo greets you.




I know, the surprises don't end. Here is the last one, which sadly got away: a hooded extra-long shirt, with arms cut asyemmtrically. The piece combines parts from a shirt, hoodie, cape, and perhaps even a tunic. Very Japanese, and sadly, also very big.

Well, we can't have everything. Instead of getting it to have it altered, I let it go for somebody else...


So how does thrifting change your life? What do you think?


Photos by Lea Celestial and Niño Lorente