Closet Fashionista

I admit it. I am a fashionista at heart. You may not think it by looking at me, but really, I am. Secretly, that is.

I think we get it from our dad, this inclination toward fashion. Ever since I can remember, my dad has always styled his hair (a la Elvis Presley) and he always takes careful consideration in putting together his outfits, from shirt to pants to belt to shoes. Simply speaking, he is the metrosexual male of his generation.

My mom on the other hand, is more casual about dressing up, BUT she will get her eyebrows and eyeliner tattooed... SO, the point I was trying to make, in short, is that my fashionista side (aka vanity) is really a family thing. Must be in the genes.

The Dilemma: I can't let my inner fashion sense out of the closet! Let me explain to you why.

First of all, I live in a third world country where the gap between rich (even middle class) and poor is as wide as Mt. Everest is high.

In a poor county where even our President caused tongues to wag when he used his own moolah (he comes from a rich family, yes) to purchase a 2nd hand Porsche, what more the regular middle class Joe or Jane?

Restraint is the key word here. We have to exercise restraint and balance. Too much show is really just that - a show. So in exercising restraint, it's about expressing your personal style for yourself and not about showing off.

I have to also consider safety (mine, that is) as my office is located in Chinatown, crossroads to all types of people and vehicular transportation, among other things.

Here, anybody wearing anything that is not the norm of t-shirt and jeans may:

a) cause an even bigger traffic scene than the current norm and/or

b) identify the person as a potential holdup target by the various street hooligans.

Did I also mention the road conditions? There is no such thing as a sidewalk in Chinatown. Neither is there anything resembling a normally smoothly paved road for either vehicles or pedestrians. Numerous unidentifiable or unnameable items litter your path and, in the event of rain, well, let's not even consider the tragedy that may bring to your beloved shoes and bottoms.

So, getting to the point: with the above challenges, how does a closet fashionista cope?

I'm curious what you guys think and am open to hearing your suggestions! Share your ideas!

Shoe Break!

Allow me to interrupt our travel chronicles with a shoe post!

I was totally behaved (shopping-wise) on our trip. In fact, I barely got anything for myself, mostly presents for everybody else. Dang! It must be the mommy/age thing or something!

In fact, the only major thing (and it's not even a major major thing) is this:

Own image but not with original box which was left in our hotel apartment in Barcelona.

from www.camper.com

A pair of suede tourquoise blue sandals from Spanish brand Camper!

The sandals are quite comfortable and perfect for the perpetual summer weather we have here in Manila! I like how you can wear it casual with jeans but you could also probably wear it for semi-formal occasions with nice trousers or a dress or a skirt. Most of all, they are flats with rubber soles - perfect for running around in and after toddlers!

Can't wait to put them to use but now the weather in Manila is unpredictable and when I do think of wearing my Campers, it rains!

C'est la vie!

Yummy Italy

Enjoying the flavors of Italy - home to the best gelato in the world.

More of Barcelona

Barcelona is often overlooked as a primary destination in Europe, often passed over for the more popular cities in Italy or France. However, there is a laidback charm to Barcelona that is hard to resist and is as equally enticing as its neighboring counterparts in other European countries.

Here are some random shots of Barcelona...

Leisurely walking along Las Ramblas (just watch out for pickpockets which Barcelona seems to be notorious for).

Personally I enjoyed the stroll in this area. There are many interesting shops selling food, chocolates, flowers, souvenirs, etc. and there are also street artists that dress up in costumes and serve as part of the entertainment.

The marketplace along Las Ramblas

More random shots

I think in comparison to other big cities like Paris or Rome, my impression is that Barcelona is a bit more laid back. Mostly, people are very casually dressed and walk leisurely. The shops close in the afternoons for siesta time and on Sundays. Dinners are late and can take a few hours so that you may truly enjoy and appreciate your meal and the company you're with. It is a city to enjoy living.

Tapas Time!

While in Barcelona, we got to sample the local cuisine as were lucky enough to have a delicious tapas bar/resto right downstairs from our apartment.

This quickly became our "go-to" place for dinners as we discovered its delicious selections of tapas and paellas. This place was also a hit with our finicky 3-year old toddler who normally avoids anything "exotic" but gamely ate delightfully delectable gambas and paellas here.

Entering the place, you are welcomed by a well-lit bar with ceiling-hung Iberico ham as part of the decor and of course, if you so choose, your meal as well. Dee-lish!

I have to apologize. In our excitement and hunger, I barely remembered to take pictures of the food! Sorry, guys! Thankfully, my husband whipped out his camera and managed to take a couple of photographs before the food was annihilated.

Here is the Hamon con Melon (delicious Iberico ham with sweet, refreshing cantaloupe):

The subtle flavors of garlic in the succulent gambas truly made this a hit. This was my son's favorite and he would actually crave for this late in the evening! Good thing it was just downstairs from us so we could quickly order for take out to satisfy the little one's tummy craving!

And of course, the secret to keeping a 3-year old's butt firmly planted in his seat while enjoying a delicious (and sort of lengthy meal): bring toys to the table!

Costa Gallega Tapas Bar

Passeig de Gracia 71

Barcelona 08008

Tel +932153141

Barcelona, the land of Gaudi

Hola!

My parents-in-law are celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary and in lieu of a party, they decided to sponsor a family trip and have all family members travel together. What a great idea, right? I hope when the hubby and I get to our 5oth, we can do the same!

My super organized, travel expert sister-in-law organized the logistics and after a year of planning, off we went: 3 weeks of holidays (the longest holiday I have taken in my life!). We were signed up for a 2-week Mediterranean cruise with start and end at the beautiful city of Barcelona, Spain.

Here is the beautiful view of the tree-lined Passeig de Gracia (Barcelona's Rodeo Drive) from the penthouse balcony of the apartment we stayed at.

We enjoyed the view of the streets and for the shopaholics, the view of top designer stores such as Chanel, Gucci, Louis Vuitton, etc. that were within line of sight - excellent window shopping exercise!

Along Passeig de Gracia are also some landmark buildings by the extraordinary Spanish architect Antonin Gaudi such as the Casa Mila and the Casa Batllo below.

Unfortunately, the photographs cannot do justice to the real thing. You really have to see these in person to fully appreciate the creative genius of Gaudi. Every detail is like an element from a fairy tale. I can imagine waking up in such a house and thinking that I must be Alice in wonderland (in a good way)!

I can imagine not everyone will be a fan but you have to give Gaudi props for his fearless imagination and drive to innovate - making the mundane into something unique and extraordinary and not allowing the limitations of current materials or technology stop him from achieving his vision.

We also got to visit his masterpiece, the Sagrada Familia and that deserves a post on its own so stay tuned for more!

Long Time No Hear!

Did you miss us?

Sorry it's been a while.

We were off on a family trip and now we're back and we have lots to share.

Stay tuned!