Model-Off-Duty

I may not be a model (duh, obviously) but today I’m most definitely off-duty! Harhar! Alright, I know you saw that one coming. If you hit Pinterest or Google images and search for model off duty look, you’ll somewhat end up with something like this. It’s a pretty effortless look to steal, another “just threw this on” peg anybody can pull. Same drill, starting off with the color of choice where you can never go wrong, black it is. Black has always been my favourite shade coz it goes well with everything - nothing you don’t know of already. All essentials here have been residing in my closet for a while like the basic sleeveless top, distressed boyfriend jeans and oh, after years of searching for a decent moto leather jacket, I finally found one at the thrift shop! Yay! I can’t afford these fancy things and keeping my fingers crossed during my trips to the Ukay-Ukay is the way to do it. Lastly, for a dressier take is a pair of classic patent heels. If you’re 30 like me and you don’t own one yet, ay ambot nalang sa imo! 

Among us, models are some of the most innately stylish people and it’s not surprising that model-off-duty has become an often imitated style category. Models have fortunate opportunity to work closely with designers and editors on a regular basis, so they know a few things about executing the latest trends in a noteworthy way! 

Looking at their photos is always a sartorial treat for me, especially since they're often sporting the most inspirational and thoughtfully assembled ensembles! So here’s my version and hopefully have helped you recreate like-minded looks.

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I miss this.

Miss Erl ♥


Photos by: Jr Burgos

Pseudo-Blogger

It was last year when someone was kind enough and managed to convince me to venture into fashion blogging, hence the start of this leisure act. Thirteen posts for an entire long year and that was it. Not bad? Ha! An epic fail I should say. I’m not sure if I will push through with the side-line though. I needed to recuperate from the fateful changes that 2014 catapulted on me. I’m still broken and I have to fix myself. I started losing interest in making myself up, not exerting the usual effort in looking my best. I went on a major setback that the only posing I could bring about is a decent selfie. What made me get my lazy ass up in front of the computer today was the overwhelming response from a trickle of my followers. Much to my surprise, they still believe in me… until now, I’m not sure why. As a result, I felt compelled to blog, not only to keep these girls inspired but also to stop disappointing myself. Thinking of thousands of untouched photos piling up on the hard drive, it’s only proper to update my page and use this cover as if I’m starting my year right. Sus, who am I fooling?

Meanwhile, the loveliest part of my 2014 is moving back to Bacolod for good. First thing on my to-do list is to shoot the first and only overpass we have in the City, practically installed right outside Robinson’s Place, Mandalagan. Being over and under the foot bridge countless times back in Manila makes our own extra special. On a regular day, no one bothers to use the ramp but this was taken during the festive season so it was almost impossible to fight the walking traffic. Kudos to the guard who helped out with the crowd control! You’re the best manong! And so are the rest who helped me out for the past year that proves to be quite a challenge!

Looking forward to a great 2015! 

Happy New Year!

Miss Erl ♥

Photos by: Jr Burgos

Masskara Fashion Week 2014

For some locals here in Bacolod, Masskara is somewhat a much awaited overrated excuse to squander money, getting drunk for 4 days straight along Lacson Street like it’s everybody's birthday! Sounds fun eh? As long as you don’t end up finding yourself stuck in the middle of the inevitable smell and sweat perhaps! I, on the other hand, really don’t mind, because aside from being away from home for almost 10 years, the yolo spirit in me always get all hyped up and egzoited whenever the Octoberfest starts kicking in. There ain’t no party poopers here in the City of Smiles! It's time to spread that contagious beam!

When I was still working in Manila, I always see to it that I fly home every 3rd week of October to celebrate Masskara Festival with my family and friends and so far only missed a year or two. I remember organizing my outfits ahead of time, segregating day 1 to day 4 complete with dress rehearsals back in Quezon City. That's how crazy I was with one of my favourite weekends of the year!

Now that I am back in my darling hometown for good, I made sure that I’m able to make the most out of my Masskara 2014 experience by incorporating my first love, fashion. One of the highlights of the fiesta was the Masskara Fashion Week! At the People's Hall last October 03, 2014, it was my first time to attend such event and was delighted to witness the launching of the new young designers group - Modiste 6100. I can’t be any prouder as I feast my eyes on the stunning creations of our local talents! It was a blissful feeling to see Bacolod's brilliant designers and brand owners amaze the people and animate the ramp with their colorful collections. 

On October 5, I was also invited to the Fashion Fiesta at Robinsons Place Bacolod to give a small talk about blogging and have the opportunity to introduce myself as “Miss Erl”. It was a venue for everyone who loves fashion, who does fashion, who IS fashion. It was like a bouillabaisse of its different genres and a chance to meet my co-fashion enthusiasts (bloggers, models, cosplayers, designers, stylists and even gay pride community!) as we all become one for FASHION. Ribbon Cutting was initiated by Chairman Mark Vargas, CD Jan Mari Vega, Photographers Master Roy Sabay and Mark Rufin (Digital Arts Photography) for the Photo Exhibit of the #MasskaraFashionWeek models. 

Captured on the photo are some of the #6100modiste designers and their pieces.

Without a doubt, Bacolod City has a bright future, especially when we talk about fashion. I consider #MWF2014 as a success, so congratulations to the people behind it! Special thanks to the promising designer, Adi Pau Colmenares Canete of The DOLLHOUSE for inviting me!

 Here's what I wore to the launch...

Check out this video for the event highlights and spot me at 01:57! Enjoy!

LINK to main Vimeo site

'Till next year...

Miss Erl ♥

Photos by: Jr Burgos

Edited by: Cristina Huilar

Makeup Guru

Don’t get me wrong. By all means, I’m nooo makeup guru. They say I’m pretty much in touched with my artistic side but I guess I‘m still a nay and not a yay on this field therefore, nope, not gonna attempt in doing a tutorial of any kind even if you insist. What? There were like 1… 2… 3... say 5 people interested on how I do my brows! Teehee! Sorry for those who’s asking for demos, instead, let me refer you to my Pinay YouTube makeup life savers, Shebby Liquette, Ana Victorino and my personal fave, Michelle Dy. I watch their makeup vlogs literally everywhere! Before I go to bed, in the comfort room, during coffee-yosi breaks, and basically wherever I’m stuck in. I often base my makeup pegs on their tutorials for over a year now and so far, it had up my skills a notch just by doing so! It’s amazing to learn things in your own convenience, without spending a dime – thanks to these talented ladies! That is also why I didn't let the opportunity pass when I saw the ads about the Basic Makeup Workshop that Michelle Dy was hosting. I am a subbie turned avid fan and was thrilled to finally meet her. (Remind me how nervous I got while she was retouching my makeup ;)). Too bad I wasn't able to join the part 2 yesterday... it was an ultimate sulit experience! Did I mention I was chosen by @DivaCreatives as best student? How about me winning the grand raffle prize eyeshadow palette from @Enhance_Cosmetics? Ahem! 

Bragging aside, this post is to promote our local beauty experts and please do support them by subscribing in their YouTube channels. You will surely learn a lot! I know I did! 

Not that it’s relevant, but here’s what I wore to the workshop and some bts with le classmates! 

"your brows aren't twins, they're sisters"

Miss Erl ♥

Photos by: JR Burgos