Bosquejo Bauble: Amulet necklace

This necklace is part of what I wore today. I have been talking about men's accessories for quite some time. So this is my first DIY attempt to bring together my thoughts on the matter.

My first idea is to use amulets commonly sold in Manila for good luck or to bring specific fortunes to those who wield them. The amulets, or anting-anting in the vernacular, come in a mix of sacred and profane iconography typical of the country's folk Christianity.

I have opted to get rid of all religious and superstitious associations in order to focus on the design.


CX Prêt-à-porter shirt, wool tie, Structure leather belt: all thrifted; jeans, Calvin Klein Jeans; pullover, French Connection; laceups, Marlboro Classics; bag, Tyler; necklace, DIY

Though some may argue that the first necklace looks too feminine, it may either be that there are still some chinks in the design, or that it may only be a matter of interpretation. Nevertheless, I have created this second version that I expressly intend for use by women. My sister has already asked for it.

Hopefully, I'll be able to create more necklaces to expound on this first idea, before I move on to the next.


Bought the amulets from Quiapo

White bow tie and jeans

The phone is once more broken, and hence my broadband connection. So I'm here again at the café just to blog.

Not that I'm complaining. I'm still smiling after all (:P). It's just that nothing seems to be working. Even dressing up, which should be fun, has conceded to the Monday blues. Well, almost.

Good thing for time-and-tested basics. In this case, my ever reliable purple plaid shirt, which goes with almost anything. If it weren't for it, I wouldn't have the strength to even wear a bow tie, or be half as brave to bring out my beloved white jeans.

Maybe that's what prodded things to pick up. For instance, I've never taken as many street style photos in a day (three is a record!), even if one prospect did refuse her photo to be taken, and there seemed to be no stylish men lurking in the central business district...


Plaid shirt, Springfield; pullover, French Connection; white jeans, Maison Martin Margiela; leather filigree belt; Brave Beltworks; penny loafers (not seen), Bass Weejuns

Summer palette: Yellow, green, red

I was so inspired by the outfit of a girl I photographed yesterday for my street style blog, La Folie Douce, that I replicated her color palette for my own outfit today. Very apt indeed for the increasingly warm and humid days of a ripening summer in the tropics.

Yellow v-neck tee, French Connection; fatigue cargo pants, Izzue; leather filigree belt, Brave Beltworks; sandals, Marlboro Classic; nylon messenger bag, Tumi; gold-plated automatic watch (not seen); Omega Seamaster


So this post introduces my gym locker snaps, which, together with my bed spread posts, comprise my "outfit" entries on days when I have no photographer (still have to get a tripod) or when I am just plain lazy. (Blame the heat.)

A bright, sunny day

Went to see Cecille yesterday in the suburbs. She will be leaving very soon for the states.




So we took the opportunity not only to share a meal with her family, but also to snap some pics in a nearby construction area.




Forgive the hair, the dust, and the unfriendly weather.




I know. I'm rarely away from the smog, noise, and stress of Manila.




This is Cecille, in her second appearance on this page. I'm telling you, it was her idea (or Patricia's?) to tempt death by playing amongst heavy machinery.






On the leftmost is Claire, my boss from London. Besides being a seasoned journalist from the Financial Times, she has also done some wicked photography. She took the first and last pictures in this post. In the middle is Patricia, in her debut appearance on this blog. I owe a lot to her for patiently taking my cameos. The same goes for Cecille.




As I have just turned another page, it is time for Cecille to move on. Talking with Claire, I am reminded that there are many more places to go to and lots more things to do.

I am always convinced that people keep on changing, just as fast as events take us on detours. But some things stay the same — like sun, friendship, and fun.


Tee, French Connectionl pants, Y-3; laceups, thrifted; filigree belt (barely seen), Brave Beltworks; stone and string necklace, vintage; watch, vintage Omega Seamaster

Pictures by Patricia Suzara, Claire Barron, and Miguel Paolo Celestial

Some Spring 2010 ads

Trussardi 1911

Raf Simons