Complementary polka dots

I had already decided the night before that this Saturday would be another day for shorts. (I had cut down another pair of jeans the night before.) My mind made up, I went out of the shower to discover the sky dark and glowering. Hence the sweater.

Though the shorts came from a pair of baggy pants, I think the stiff and untailored effect goes well with a fit shirt. The tie as belt was likewise an afterthought - a way to make another rainy day a little bit happier.


Polka dot shirt, Topman; polka dot tie and tote, thrifted; jeans now denim shorts, Guess; sweater, Sisley; leather sneakers, Converse; gold watch, Omega Seamaster

New old denim shorts

So I was at Topman, fitting denim cargo shorts that I was about to purchase, before I remembered that I had so many pairs of jeans languishing in my cabinet.

I picked out this old pair, which, although weren't cargo pants, had the same exposed pocket detailing. At Manila's 30℃, the heat is no longer funny, and I think I should be wearing shorts as much as possible - like on weekends - not just because it's summer, but because it's already becoming uncomfortable. So I brought out my scissors and cutter to do the job.

I'd say not bad. I just have to bring them to the tailor to have the back part hemmed. Or maybe, since they're denim, I'd let the fabric fray...but then again, we're talking about shorts here - meaning not much length to spare.

Studded tee, Zara; denim shorts formerly known as jeans, Lee; leather belt, Izzue; sneakers, Surface to Air; leather duffel, thrifted; scarf, SM Department Store

Looking in my closet, I find more items to turn into summer companions - from denim to chinos and fatigues. I think I may soon be needing this pair of "power scissors". Now if only there were also handheld hemming devices.

As for tailored shorts, either I have my slacks altered or get the real thing.

Summer inspiration

The first things I'll do next summer is to look for a straw hat and new sandals — strappy ones or with Y-straps.




Hmmm. How indeed to make a tank work. Still about the hat?




This is an interesting version of the bolo (necklace-like piece). The most stylish thing about this picture? Hair, on his head and as stubble.




And before I forget: next summer I have to get serious about wearing shorts! Surprisingly the length of the shorts here prevent the look from appearing all beach-y. I'd choose different footwear though.


Images from Stockholm Streetstyle and Vanessa Jackman

Red-lettered thrift Saturday

The day started ash gray, with the morning more dazzling because of the drizzle.



That's why I took advantage of uncertain weather and paired my lightly ashy cardigan with a thrifted pair of shorts that are almost sheer, slightly gauzy, with veins of silver in the thread. (Bought it together with my other gray items on an equally somber day.) And since they didn't have any pockets, I just inserted my white handkerchief in my cardigan, much like a jacket's pocket square.



Though the sun didn't come out, the cloudy day didn't stop me from claiming these magnificent maroon loafers I blogged about the other day. Just look at the details: the panels, the braided leather, the animal skin effect, and even the gold sphinx emblem.



On impulse, I wore this braided bracelet on my ankle.



Here is the pair's label. Anybody heard of it?



Even if I didn't get the other pairs I wanted, I did surface this elementary school red envelope portfolio from a pile of bags.



It's made of some kind of plastic, lined with leather. The label reads François Marot Paris, with a dog at the center of the logo.



Lastly, I took with me this small shoulder bag with compartments you wouldn't think would fit in such a quaint article. Label reads Romantique.



Open it and it shows slots for cards, pens, and papers. It has three more accordioned sections (below), one closed with a zipper. I also liked the gold details, and of course, the texture and the smell of genuine leather. Looks durable, and can even fit my Canon G10 and a Starbucks tumbler. What else can you ask for?



What a way to spend the day. The umbrella above and the shoes and portfolio were not the only things red. Met another stylish girl at the bookstore wearing a flaming jacket. And she was not the only one I met yesterday with red lips.

Street simplicity

Just like their outfits, I hardly have any words for this entry.

Folded red shorts and white shirt both crinkled, barely there collar, turtoise shell (?) glasses, gray bracelet.

The hair, his face, the bricks. By the way, his name is Henning.



Cat frame glasses and feline glare, cropped jacket revealing more stripes, drop-crotch shorts, corrugated cement.


From Stil in Berlin and The Sartorialist