About
The Reluctant Stylista is a fashion and lifestyle blog written by Alex Lapa--a once tomboyish girl who suddenly discovered the joys and perks of dressing up. Original illustrations by Paolo Lazatin.
For questions, comments, invites and other messages, please leave them here.
If you're looking for my styling work, you can browse blog entries tagged "work" and other related keywords. Drop me a line and let's see if our schedules will allow us to collaborate! It may take me some time to reply, though, as usually there's a lot of other things I juggle and I need to be doubly sure about my availability and resources before I commit.
Follow RS on Twitter
Subscribe to RS on your reader
Follow RS on Pinterest
We won!
The Reluctant Stylista is proud to be a finalist and winner for two categories at The Philippine Blog Awards 2010: Best Beauty and Fashion Blog and Best Blog Design. Thank you to all who rooted for us!
Twitter Updates
-
I look like a zombie. A male zombie. I could use a mascara. And lots of concealer.
posted 8 hours ago. -
I don't normally put that much importance on makeup, but today, I really REALLY need it. Crap. Of all the times to leave my kit behind.
posted 8 hours ago. -
I just realized I'll be home for Style Origin ATC lang before I fly off again to Davao. x_x #dedz
posted 8 hours ago. -
Running on 2 hours of sleep over 48 hours x_X
posted 17 hours ago. -
Red bull and Toblerone. Sleep is for the weak!
posted 2 days ago.
-
Networks and Affiliates
(Photo heavy post up ahead!)
I don’t know what it is with me, but since early this year, I’ve been finding myself drawn to looks that remind me a bit of trends I’ve seen when I was a little girl. For example, this vintage, floral pattern or calico, to others. When I was in the Promod styling contest last April, this skirt was the first thing I picked up. I just had to use it. I wanted to buy it for my own, but I thought it was a little pricey for just a skirt (it’s around P1600, I think). But it’s been months and I’m still thinking about the darned skirt. I don’t know if they still have it, though.
Do you remember Beverly Hills 90210? My liking for these floral things reminds me of the hit TV show in the 90s. I think I watched pretty much most of the series with my older brother and sister, which amuses me a little, actually. It just hit me that I was in very early grade school around that time and I shouldn’t have been watching it at all! Oh well.
I also read Lauren’s post about one of her recent outfits, featuring a gorgeous patchwork patterned blazer. I love it! I’ve always liked patchwork as a kid, which is why it probably reminds me more of 90s love. I’ve always been contemplating on having a custom-made print dress and originally, I just wanted a cherry print sundress. Now I think I’ll have another one made in patchwork–if I can only find a nice fabric for it.
And then lately (well, actually, not just lately, since I remember looking for these since my trip to Hong Kong of November last year), I’ve really been aching to get a pair of utilitarian boots ala Agyness Deyn (I know what you’re thinking. Me, the heels girl? But if I were to rock flats anytime soon, it’d be this). I just don’t know where to start looking for them. The first thing that came to mind, although it was a bit bulkier than I would’ve liked at first, was Dr. Martens.
(The controversial Dr. Martens ad with the late Kurt Cobain)
They were all the rage during the era of punk, grunge and Kurt Cobain. But they were so very expensive that kids probably had a tough time convincing their parents to buy them these bulky things. I can’t remember if my siblings ever had them and of course I was too young to make any such demands (nor could I understand their allure then).
Well I ended up randomly rambling about it in Facebook, and a cousin of mine who’s living in Taiwan got wind of it. Out of the goodness of her heart she bought me a belated birthday present: a pair of 50th anniversary vintage 1460 8 eyeboot oxblood Dr. Marten boots! They’re still with her (but there’s a family reunion in Cebu next week!), so she sent me a photo instead:
Reminds me of when I was wandering in the shopping districts of Hong Kong last year, looking for what I called “Tifa Lockhart” boots.
I can’t wait to accessorize with all these! Luckily for me, the whole 90s vibe is making a comeback–although I’m probably never picking up my denim jackets again, revival or no.
Related posts:
TIFA LOCKHART! OMG. If I could rock her outfit (that means losing 20lbs), I would wear those boots. Hehehe. Tifaaa!!!
Gasp! How I miss the 90s! And I can totally relate to that Dr. Martens x Kurt Cobain trend. And Beverly Hills 90210….childh0o0o0d ^_^
Haha! Hey I still have denim jackets, they’re nice on top of dresses ha (coincidentally I just picked up a floral dress at ukay last week). So yeah, I lurve the 90s
Come to think of it…Pau and I were also too young for 90210. The show was for older teenagers.
Doc Martens has a bunch of floral boots! I kind of want one but they’re so expensive. I used to have a pair of brown Doc Martens, which my mom bought in the States. I wore them all the freaking time.
@Bea – they were meant for US teenagers, haha! Remember when Melrose Place started, Jennie Garth made a cameo on the first episode?
@Kira – denim jackets are coming back! But I don’t know if I can pull them off, haha xD
@Lauren – I saw those floral DMs! When I get my first pair of DMs, I’m probably going to wear them everyday, too…just to get a rest from my heels, haha! I’m almost always in 5 inch heels, the lowest I wear is about 4.
sheesh, I want doc martens
) esp the sanrio collab 
)
Oh, btw, I just finished composing my nominations for the Emerging Influential Bloggers of 2010 (please update frequently since you’re on that list, hehe):
http://www.skysenshi.com/2010/06/my-nominees-for-top-10-emerging.html
I believe that the 90′s look and the 80′s look is coming back. All the bright colors and loser fitting clothing is definitely making a come back. I remember Beverly hills 90210 and a lot of the styles really do seem to be reflecting these styles. How is the fashion where you are? what are some of the popular brands and styles besides the 90s look… I like the 80s work out look, with the lose fitting t shirts off the shoulder and a tank top under neath. I guess that is a Beverly Hills look too! lol…
It’s pretty much the same here with fashionistas going for 80s and 90s stuff because most high street brands have that trend going on, like zara, forever 21 and topshop! The Docs are definitely coming back.
I need to get a hold of doc martens for an event do you know if i can find one here in manila?
Unfortunately, Docs seem rare over here since they closed up shop. I saw some old stocks at Robinsons Pioneer, and I hear there’s an outlet store in Cubao selling for half the price.