The days are endless

That is, when you count the hours and schedule them to the last minute. Being busy isn't all it's cracked up to be, especially when you fall sick and realize that you didn't know what you were chasing after all along. Excuse this as another brain fart, or more drivel that I disguise as fashion commentary (haha, wait for the next paragraph). But what is excruciatingly funny is that all those hints that I have been dropping the past year about something "new" coming to my life, some "change", may after all be something that I already had but have only taken for granted. What is funny is that it has taken me more than a decade to realize it.




So these pics were taken last Friday, when I thought I could watch a movie at the theaters even if I was already feeling really woozy. Thought that all I needed was this Topman hoodie that I had just gotten at 50% off. But alas, I was already way into the clutches of whatever virus (not even alive!) that invaded my system. Not helped by really comfy but equally nonprotective Thai farmers' pants and espadrilles. Not helped either by Jake Gyllenhaall and Anne Hathaway trying their best to act with a lousy script. (Though I did love the part where convulsions preceded the I-LOVE-YOU confession.) Hang tight kids.


Black tee, Bench; striped tee, Izzue; hoodie, Topman; Thai farmers' pants and espadrilles bought in Davao; nylon tote, thrifted

Photos by Johanna Hife

The movie in my mind

Everything is as it should be when I wake up in the morning, roused by the sun and birdsong. No urge to check anything online or on my mobile. Hungry, what immediately fills me is the yearning to write and take advantage of the first hour when my mind is clear.




Still as water, lighter than clouds. Some pray first thing in the morning, others meditate. I walk silently in a dimly-lit street, which could be a memory, a tapering emotion, or a sentence that is threatening to collapse on itself.




Call it a place, an event, even an illusion. Sometimes the silence stares back, or I fall in. Sometimes I am less than dust, if I'm lucky, tumbleweed.


Sweater, Springfield; shirt, Crocodile; jeans, Maison Martin Margiela; belt from a market in Milan; espadrilles from Aldevinco, Davao; Young Camel satchel, thrifted

Mixing stripes, checks, friends, drinks, and second lives

I find it strange that out of the three new pairs I bought, this navy one fits the best. A little note for those who want the genuine articles: look at the stitches, besides the lettering on the soles. Now if only I had a shirt that has the same print on this rubber mat … Doesn't it remind you of a Dries Van Noten pattern?




If I were only in a summer villa somewhere very very far from any central business district, then I wouldn't need to wear a neck tie. Of course a light cardigan would still be nice, and maybe also some things striped and checked (even more leeway for polka dots and prints!).




But the thing is I was at work today and could only escape to places in my mind, even if my espadrilled feet could have very easily imagined sand with a few patches of grass (even if, as expected, it rained hard today).


Emporio Armani shirt and tie: both thrifted; cardigan, Dean & Trent; trousers, Martin Margiela; belt, Brave Beltworks; navy espadrilles from Spain

Photos by Patricia Suzara




But that doesn't mean that work — or the hours after work with colleagues — doesn't bring its own confessions and discoveries.




It was mentioned tonight, over drinks and a long table of dishes, that with the kind of work our team does and with our hours, it was inevitable that people did other things besides: they had to lead second, more interesting lives. Besides the usual freelance jobs for writers and editors, a few confessed of maintaining, like me, their own blogs. One even boasted of thousands of daily hits…

I suppose there (here), no one needs to abide by dress, or even moral (!), codes. No stripes on shirts, no bars to limit the excesses of the mind.





Though I myself am immersed in several extra-curricular projects, when it comes to leading second lives, I wouldn't put any number. Without taking extra jobs or publishing blogs, just reading books opens multiples of universes. Writing literature exposes all of them.

So I leave you with one short paragraph that I finished reading this morning, on my way to work, that I'm sure no colleague could second guess what emotions they inspired:


At the same time Himmelfarb realized he could never convey the sudden stampeding of the heart, sickening of the pulses, enmity of familiar streets, the sharp, glandular stench of unreasonable fear. For words are the tools of reason… (Riders in the Chariot, Patrick White)

Blue, yellow, and a dash of bravery

I've never tried the color combination before, but I was feeling cheerful and positive this morning, and open to some experimentation.

The anchor of this outfit is a dark navy belt with gold sequins — bought at the women's section of Mexx, but what the heck.




Here is the tie up close, with black, gray, and blue stripes. It's a little wide, but I think it works.




Here are the tie and the belt coiled and ready to strike.




And here is my entire outfit, with my lovely espadrilles, of which rubber soles are fast weathering.

My friends said that my torso was top heavy and that my shirt had to be of a lighter fabric so it won't bunch under my sheer cardigan. What do you think? Also, should the belt show or be hidden?




Suddenly I am thinking of just showing the belt at the back and not the front. All in all, I think today's little experiment wasn't a total loss. Today is one of the few days I have worn my espadrilles without rain making them squishy.


Shirt, Paul Smith; sheer Zara cardigan and Di Bazzato tie: both thrifted; skinny jeans, Two Percent; belt, Mexx; espadrilles from Davao

Outfit photos by Patricia Suzara

My favorite things, part 1: Espadrilles, books, and leather notebooks

My mom just returned from Davao with the top three espadrille colors I ordered (there are of course more, but they can wait). Got another navy blue pair, plus two basics, since the one I have will be giving way soon. Right now I'm in the process of breaking them in. Strange that for me, things happen in reverse: the espadrilles are initially loose, then my feet get used to filling out the fabric.




I am aware that Tommy Ton's amazing blog, Jak & Jil, does My Favorite Things posts for fashion people. I suppose my version is different, since I think only half of my favorite things can be worn, and not a lot of them can be categorized into "lifestyle" items.

These three leather notebooks have been collected over time (their many predecessors are tucked inside a drawer). The top one in checkered suede was a gift from a friend, the one with leaves and butterflies I bought from an artisan in Beijing, and the large, chocolate brown notebook is the latest acquisition. Inside them are doodles and mostly poems and drafts and snippets of poems, my thoughts, and impressions from different periods in my life.




Literature is my first love, and much of the form and content of this blog, believe it or not, has been influenced by what I have read. Here, the row of books looks just like something from a store shelf. You can only see colors, titles, and names. Nothing is surrendered as instantly as clothes surrender shape and texture to both our eyes and our hands. But inside these pages are stories of generations that span continents and many wars, people stranded in forests of sighs, not to mention Chinese silks, exquisite kimonos, and all the finery of the Colonial era.

The sun shines through words as it pierces gossamer, honey, amber, diamonds, or simply: salt.




So what do espadrilles, notebooks, and books have in common? They have all taken me on journeys, whether points A and B are places, people, stories, or the destinations that only silence can reach.


I have relatives coming to Manila from Davao in August. For those interested to buy espadrilles, kindly drop a word.

My latest fix: Authentic navy espadrilles

It's been months seen I've wanted to buy espadrilles, but I just wasn't satisfied with the quality or the feel of the products being sold here. I think this purchase from Aldevinco in Davao City, in the country's southern region, is worth the wait.



Nothing that I've seen here has the same combination of rope (I hope it's jute) and rubber, and though this pair may be less durable than what's available at Zara or similar retail chains, I would prefer these since they're closer to the traditional articles.

I presume cosido a mano calidad artesania means "hand-sewn, quality craftsmanship". My Spanish-speaking readers are free to correct me.



I suppose this pair was made in Spain and just brought to Davao. If so, they would indeed be closer to the espadrilles worn in Catalonia from way back in the 14th century (so says Wiki). In any case, the feel of authenticity always adds to the experience — besides the fact that walking on rubber and rope is more comfortable than it looks.



I've read about the difficulty with finding the right size for espadrilles. Since they are made from fabric, one is told to get something that fits smaller than snug to allow for the material to stretch. This has become a dilemma for my long-distance purchase. My mom had a size 37, but my toes were already half-folded, so I got a 38, which turns out a little loose, at least for one shoe.

I guess I will have to see. Won't be much of a problem since I have relatives in the south and the pair only cost me PhP650 (around US$13). What's more, I'm still thinking if I'll also get a black and/or brown pair.

I wore them out yesterday on another thrift shopping trip. Will tell you all about it tomorrow.

Random ribbed shirt idea

Bought a new Belkin case for my iPod 3GS. Doesn't it look nifty? I like the feel of it. If only ribbed shirts also had such patterns, and not just boring stripes.


White tee, cK Calvin Klein; sheer sweater, Zara; jeans, Gap; espadrilles from Davao

Work life

What I wore yesterday at work. Yes, the office beckons even during weekends. But when I say work, I do not mean just going to the office.









I also mean blogging (here and on my other pages); designing, making, selling, and delivering Bosquejo accessories; writing poetry and yes, even reading; and believe it or not, I have another project coming up — one that I am procrastinating on just by writing this post. (I don't think I've been this nervous in quite a long time.)









My point is, these are the things that make me alive, that I am living for right now. And for that, there are no weekends. And even though at many points, all these activities resemble drudgery, they are what shapes me. (Yes, I still manage some leisure, but extended periods of relaxation make me restless.)









It is raining again. When work comes, it pours.





Nylon jacket, thrifted; polo shirt, Ritual; trousers, Maison Martin Margiela; briefcase, Bally; espadrilles from Davao; necklace, "Benedictine" from Bosquejo's Sacre collection



Photos by Patricia Suzara

Dyeing for a change: last look?

I'll be chopping off what's left of my previously ash blonde hair soon, since my black roots are growing longer. Perfect time I think for a beige and brown outfit.




Slowly integrating pieces from Don Protasio's Holiday 2011 collection into my wardrobe. For this, I decided to match a fitted top and jacket with Don's very very baggy pants.




I love the cut. See the diagonal of the stitches? This is also a good time to wind down with loose trousers because of the rainy season: a time where I feel more comfortable with boots and skinny (or carrot-cut!) jeans.






Looking much much taller than I really am. Seems like a skirt from the side.




Now I'm thinking I'll miss the beiges and blues that go so well with blonde hair. (Though I know some of you will merely sigh in relief.)




But hey, maybe I'll be back with an even more radical hair color, maybe in a few weeks or even months. Maybe I'll surprise you again.




A little info on the polo shirt I'm wearing. Bought it from Ritual at The Collective, Malugay Street, Makati.




It is made from unbleached, undyed, handpicked cotton from Ilocos and Dumaguete in the Philipines, and is also knitted locally. The buttons are made from coconut husks and the shirt feels snug and very comfortable. (Included in this pic are the rest of my purchases: fair trade coffe and a canvas tote.)




Read about Ritual on my Benetton blog. Happy Monday!


Polo shirt, Ritual; pants, Don Protasio; espadrilles from Aldevinco, Davao

Outfit photos by Patricia Suzara

Where do you get these colorful espadrilles?

Shot by Tommy Ton at Pitti Uomo for GQ. Would be extremely grateful if someone could give me a hint.

Espadrilles, Thai farmers' pants, and a table runner worn as a scarf

Apologies for the fuzzy pics. Left my camera and only had my iPhone handy on my visit to Aldevinco center in Davao City. Was too full from my birthday lunch (ossobuco, aglio olio pasta, ratatouille, and crème brûlée from Aseya at Hotel Tropika) to remember my things! (Thanks for all the greetings!)

Didn't think I'd be able to find another pair of espadrilles to my liking (already have black, navy, and dark brown) but I couldn't resist this pair in mocha, which goes with dark denim.




These were the other colors. I'll be here till tomorrow morning, so if you'd like me to buy you a pair do let me know (with size and color) soon so I can get them this afternoon.




They cost P650, the same price I think as those sold at Greenbelt 5. Though I'm not sure if they have the same soles.




Found these table runners in ikat prints, which remind me of my Dries Van Noten tee from Spring 2010.




Then suddenly I stumbled upon this among the pile. The fabric has a rougher fabric and weave and my first impulse was to wear it as a scarf. I'll post better pics of this combo when I get back to Manila.




Worn here with a black pair of Thai farmer's pants. (The store sells wares from Mindanao, the country' southern region, and southeast Asian countries like Thailand and Indonesia.)




Drop by if you have the chance on your next trip to Davao. I've been to this store several times already, but it still holds some surprises.

Now I'm off to the beach to catch up on my reading!

El Bosquejo goes to Davao

I'm now staying at Davao City's Hotel Tropika. (For those still to visit the Philippines, Davao is the country's regional center in the south.) Flight was delayed by three hours going here. Good thing the lemon swordfish at the Hotel's Cafe Aseya was quite good; immediately took away the stress last night.




Here are my obi pouches for my new Azul collection, plus a preview piece, soon to launch on my Bosquejo jewelry site.




My holiday/vacation leave reading.




Finally I have time to try out the skincare products sent to me by the nice folks at Your Best Face. Will tell you soon about my new pampering regime.




Has anybody seen this? What do you think about The Class? Hope to watch it tonight.




This is the beautiful ethnic bed runner made of tinalak, mother of pearl, and beads.




Hope to hit the beach on Monday. It's been so long! Also plan to get even more (who can have enough?) espadrilles from Aldevinco. Who wants me to buy them a pair? Will post design/size options when I get to the store.