Pages

1.23.2017

Washed Ashore

When I was packing for The Philippines, preparing for my near month-long trip, I knew I didn't want to lug a chest of clothing around the whole time.  Especially since we'd be on the move most of the time.  

I used my beau's man-scarf as a fun head wrap.  Not enough water pressure to get through the thickness that is atop my head - I wrapped it up and kept moving.  Used my one piece as a top for dining out and - actually, I found this beach-festive jumpsuit as a dynamic bottom.
Put it all together and what do you get?  Bippity Boppity Boo!
I loved wearing these simple layer able (cheeky) jewelry pieces all from Amarilo.  On and off the beach.  They work with everything.  My ring set was the perfect title of my vacation.
23 days and 6 planes later, I'm back and finally able to look back and share what the heck I wore all that time.  And just how I managed to get away with packing only a backpack load of clothes.  Some cute basics, hair wraps that could also be used as tops and exquisite accessories to make me feel pretty while trailblazing.  The only thing I was NOT prepared for was the couple 21-degree days spent in Seoul.  It wasn't cute.

But I digress.  
Come back for another simple traveling outfit I cooked up in my backpack on Thursday!!
Read More »

7.31.2014

Beach Surf to Rooftop Turf

SURF

Last year, I decided to indulge in the creative, resort side of swimwear.  This year, the theme has been all.about.comfort.  In more ways than one.  I want to be comfortable in my clothes enough to forget about them and enjoy my life.  Especially when I'm at the beach. 


Read More »

8.09.2012

Northwest Tropical

Peaked by my last scarf play, I decided to go through my magic bag [of scarves] and see what else I could do with some of the scarves I haven't been wearing...

A few years ago, a friend gave me a beautiful, hand painted scarf/sarong from Hawaii.  I LOVED it buuuut I had no idea what I would do with it.  The brilliant yellow and frosty pink painted flowers... I wasn't sure where it fit.  Until now that is.
 Thankfully, this scarf is huge so it covered all necessary areas to play the part of a dress that evening.  And while I don't find myself in halters much, I did enjoy showing off the plunging neckline I created with wrapping the scarf.  The yellow goes rather well with my coloring so I'm excited to wear it around my neck come Fall.
scarf: Hawaii / belt: Forever21 / wedges: Les Fiances / earrings: Forever21 / bangle: vintage

The weather was absolutely perfect on Monday and Theo and I loved walking up and down Alki Beach.  A perfect reprieve from a stressful day at work as everyone is now rushing around tying up loose ends before our awards show and industry showcase in Vegas.  I am a last-minute packer and even though I have quite a knack for it, I have never needed so many dresses and shoes for a trip before now.  Vegas for 8 days...yikes!  Talk about overkill.  But I can't wait to wear a couple new dresses I bought just for the occasion aaaand - I'm bringing the camera along to share the experience!
Read More »

3.17.2012

After Dark

Every night after dinner, Theo and I take a walk down the beach and find somewhere to have a drink or get dessert.  And since the beach is quite long with many, many places to choose from, our nightly walk becomes an event all on its own (plus great exercise!).  Last night, we decided to take a few pics of my evening beach wear... and my nightly antics.

Recognize the "waterfall" skirt?  I wore it as a top in an earlier post here.  It works wonderfully as both and that's why I loooove it.  The top I am wearing is actually a tube dress.  I simply layered the bottom half of the dress with my skirt
I can't wait to get this skirt back home to the city and pair it with some dynamite stilettos.  However, I have a sneaking feeling that it won't be all that easy getting into those things again...  For the last 3 months, my free, happy feet haven't been in a pair of real shoes for more than 10 minutes. With all the barefoot walking, barefoot climbing and all in hot humid weather, I'm actually worried my Frodo feet will need some painful acclimation before I can look good in a pair of pumps again.  Guess I'll fight that battle when it comes.  Besides, I'm starting to like doing these posts with no shoes :)

tube dress: H&M / waterfall skirt: Zara / belt: Zara

Don't forget to leave a comment!
Read More »

3.14.2012

The Frivolous Things In Life

This morning I was in an easy, breezy mood.  So I went with it.  
I've always wanted to own a hat just like this but I always thought having one would be a complete waste of money.  And you know what?  It is.

But who cares!
 Oh what a bore my Tiny Closet would be if I never exercised frivolity!  
Sure, a closet filled with clothing and shoes that went with everything and could be worn all year round would be convenient and economical and blah blah blah...

But I would be lacking that special, tingly naughty feeling you get when you know you bought something that completely stands out and makes no sense to have.   So I believe that to have a complete closet, one needs a few outlandish, indulgent, absolutely splendid items ...that don't go with anything!
My earrings, by the way are from H&M.  You can see them up close and personal in an earlier post, here.
 sandals: Dolce Vita / top: AllSaints / earrings: H&M
Can you imagine this thing bobbing through the streets in Seattle?  Ha!  Me neither and I'm okay with that.  The next time I wear this will be when I'm back in paradise.  That's what makes it so special.

Like my new hat?  Leave me a comment!

Read More »

3.13.2012

Colors

Looking for a new place to settle down and watch the sunset, Theo and I found The Kasbah, a very vibrant and comfy Moroccan restaurant.  When we cozied down into our purple and fuschia couch, all I could think was

Color!

And I was thrilled to be wearing the perfect dress for such surroundings.
Since I already sweat through Theo's Deisel chambray in an earlier post here, I had no choice but to sweat through his other chambray from Shades of Gray as well.  Sorry honey :(  I will be getting my own chambray once we return to the states.
This hand painted dress is my prized possession.  The earrings were a gift from Theo and a great design mix between hoops and chandeliers.  Love the turquoise pop of color!  Both items were found at the artist stands here on the beach.

Its getting busier and hotter here on the island.  As the weather warms to a steady 90 degrees daily, the night storms are dying down.  Unfortunately, as you can see here, the once spotless white sand beach is  now lined along parts of the shore with green...ery.  Ew.  Apparently, a typhoon hit a nearby island and soon after, the waves brought us the dredged up seaweed.  Good thing its only in a small part of this lil island.  

And as you can see, that doesn't stop any of us from enjoying the exquisite sunsets.

Read More »

3.12.2012

Details

 Today, I paired my trusty harem pants with Theo's chambray.  And you know, when it comes to clothing, once I get my top and bottoms on, that's my box, people!  I'm done and ready to head out.  I'm a conceptual thinker as well as a minimalist soooo honing in to the details doesn't come naturally.  Though I believe simplicity is the height of sophistication, details are just so damn fun and
I wanna play too!

My Tiny Closet and I are all about evolving so I decided to step out of the box today and dip my toes into something new... 
Detail
Where I would normally wear nude polish to blend and lengthen my fingers, my lemon yellow nails now act as great accessories to make my chambray and harems pop!
Also, these bangles have now made their 3rd cameo and I'm certainly not through with them.  They give more meaning to my ensembles and since my clothing choices are so simple, these bangles give me oomph without being bulky or unnecessary (in spite of their size).   Plus, they add to the overall esthetic of my shiny wooden necklace, which has also become a go to. 

Last but not least (and do I even have to say it)?  The neutral colors of these items go with everything (economically, this is thrilling to me).  Items that are able to be paired with everything in one's closet is like a Tiny Closet commandment so...end of discussion!
Read More »

3.08.2012

New Necklace

Wood carving is a huge source of income all over the Philippines.  Specifically hand carved furnishings.  So it's not surprising the plethora of gorgeous wooden jewelry that stems from this popular art.  I have a huge fear of commitment when it comes to owning jewelry.  Oh it's beautiful dangling on that velvet display but then I put it on and its too heavy or the metal is too cold or the design is too bulky, wah wah wah.... 

Have you heard anyone say that?  "I like this necklace but the metal is too cold!"  
Oy.

So this wooden statement piece is a wonderful compromise to comfort.  Not to mention, 
I LOOOVE IT!

Oh and it goes great with these harem pants too.  

I got them in size XL so that I could pull them up to to make a one piece.  Sometimes its pretty cool being a shorty :)

Pardon the bare feet.  It's not always easy to wear shoes here.  Even in restaurants like this one.  I was even at the gym and people were running barefoot on the treadmills!  My ensembles would look so much better with a great pair of shoes but oh well for now.  

This Indian restaurant was overlooking the sandy beach and full of lemony bright pillows and low hanging lanterns.  As the sun set, Theo and I ate some Samosas and spooned.  Heehee!
Read More »

3.04.2012

More Dusters!

As a continuation of my first post, The Duster, 
I have more where that came from :)




And that's not even all my collection.  These dusters all hit naturally at my ankles but its great what a belt can do!  It will be interesting to see how I can make use of these crazy things come Fall/Winter...

Keep visiting to find out!
Read More »

2.21.2012

The Duster

Many older Filipino women wear what is called a "duster".  Psst, in the states we call them "muumuus".  Dusters are long, shapeless, extremely colorful and pattern driven dresses to be worn in the house.  Normally, I wouldn't be head over heels for these zany things but they are so vibrant and fun I can't help but wear them.  Plus many of them are so crazy with patterns and loud colors that dusters kinda go with everything.

You know when something is so extreme that it goes with nothing and then seemingly everything at the same time?  I love it.

These dusters are sold literally all over the country - you can get them virtually anywhere.  And what's more, they're super cheap.  So I bought 6.  Its somewhat unusual for a girl of my age to be wearing them as I said before, dusters are really only seen on older women and house wear no less - but who cares?  I'm not Filipino, I'm American so I'm oblivious to blasting the stereotype and shaking up the system.  Remember the atrocity with Urban Outfitters and Forever21 using navajo prints on undies and flasks?  Too far, too far I know but you know what I mean.  I digress....

Anyway, I usually delight in shapeless wear (I live, eat and breath "drape") but these days, I have been getting a bit leaner so I thought it would be fun to hike up my hem and show my legs.  Yeah baby.
I hid the extra material under my thick leather Zara belt to turn my long duster into a fun Summer dress.


Disappointed you couldn't see the real thing in its vibrant entirety?  Don't worry I'll be showing you just how awesome and man-repelling this house dress can really be!  Let's just say you shouldn't wear it if you share a bed with someone.  

Wait - no!  Wear it and blow his mind!

Have a great week!
Read More »

2.19.2012

You Say Skirt, I Say Shkirt

As Theo and I took our evening stroll down the beach, we saw a cozy little lounge with pillows, candles and low chairs, perfect for watching the sunset while cradling a yummy rummy drink.  As we were about to be seated, I thought of the perfect outfit to go with such a setting.

I hurried back to the hotel to change my shirt and grab the tripod.

Earlier while I was in Makati, I visited my first Zara store.  I've always been intrigued by Zara - every fashion blog I've ever visited has touched on Zara at some point in time.  And the clothing is just so darn chic - the designers are brilliant for implementing such cool ideas for Gap-like prices.  While what I've seen of the clothing has only been online (Zara hasn't quite found Seattle yet), when I stepped into the Zara in Makati, Philippines I was BLOWN away.  I spent probably, accumulatively 4-5 hours sifting through the entire inventory.  Yikes!  

And in that time, one of the items I left with was an asymmetrical sheer black skirt.  And like Tiny Closet style, the only reason I found sense in buying it was because I could wear it both as a skirt and a top....which is what I did the first night I wore it.
 The suede sandals are from Dolce Vita.  Every pair of suede shoes I own (and I own more than one should of just suede shoes mind you) I credit Dolce Vita.  

I have had these sandals for 3 years!!!  

The Tiny Closet may be oh so tiny but it is not lacking.  Longevity makes up for its small size.  And also versatility!
One of my new year resolutions for my blog was to wear my jewelry!  Just wear more jewelry in general.  But shortly after February, everyone realizes that habits are just so darn hard to break.  There there is a rhyme and reason to everything we do - and don't do.  I will be focusing on this "jewelry complex" of mine later but to my credit, I do want to point out that the earrings above I bought from H&M 4 years ago and even though I wore them for the first time a couple days ago, I still wore them dammit!  So that's a step forward right?  And I intend to wear them again soon.

You see, I was just waiting for the perfect outfit, ya know?  Are you buying that?  Yeah, we'll talk about it later.  

Oh and by the way, that gigantic drink gave me a splitting headache.  I felt drunk and hungover at the same time for the rest of the night.  And since my ensemble was cozy enough to sleep in, needless to say I did just that.  Fail.
You like?  You leave a comment!
Read More »

2.16.2012

I Can't Stand The Rain

...Against my window

Last night, the rain outside sounded like a dam opening.  Not used to it.

It's been raining all week and will continue until the week is through.  And this aint' Seattle drizzle-all-day-til-you-could-slit-your-wrists rain, this is torrential, biblical rain, okay people?!  Wow.  But since the locals are carrying on as usual, so will I.

Let's take some pictures, shall we?
What's amazing about storms here is the sky and the beach are both still so bright!  Its raining and I still need my Raybans.  Even though my face is much darker than normal, I can still wear my signature satin finish M.A.C. Red.  
This linen dress I found at a dress hut and there are literally hundreds of these huts everywhere I have gone.  My self control for Summer dresses is slowly deteriorating. 
 My head scarf is the end remnant of another white linen dress that I got from the same hut.  When it comes to white linen, I'm like P Diddy - I have to wear it!  My earrings from H&M are still kickin it.  I really can wear them anywhere.
I hope you had a wonderful Valentines Day and spent it with the people you love.  I had wanted to act out that famous lusty scene from the movie "From Here to Eternity" but thoughts of sandy salt water in my mouth and up my *ahem* made me skip it in the end.

Happy Valentines Day :)
Read More »
Copyright @ The Tiny Closet | BLOG DESIGN BY KOTRYNABASSDESIGN