It’s graduation season! I have fond memories for this time of the year. My Lola used to bring me to Baclaran a few weeks before graduation to look for a new dress to wear to the ceremony. She was so proud of me - I was always an honor student - so she wanted me to have something nice when I walked up the stage to get my diploma. I think this went on from elementary to high school!

It’s been a while since then, but I’d like to share some graduation dress recos from my favorite plate to shop for clothes online - Zalora!

Even just three years ago, my wardrobe was dictated by the events I needed to go to. I would buy dresses and pieces specifically for an activity and usually I would be under duress because I don’t have that much time to shop. Most of the time, I’d end up with clothes that don’t fit really well or are overpriced off-the-rack because I was in a rush and needed something ASAP. My wardrobe was a mess. Things didn’t really match because there wasn’t any planning whatsoever!

When I was a kid, I remember that my mom would lend me her gold jewelry every time there was a school event. If there’s a recognition day, graduation, communion, prom, foundation day, whatever it is, I would be wearing something extra special even though I just have a school uniform on. She would always caution me before leaving, “Wag mo iwawala yan!” (“Don’t lose it!”) as if I needed a reminder. But then I really didn’t understand what gold was worth before anyway. If I knew, I suppose I would have been more nervous about wearing my mom’s things!

By now we know that non-cosmetic face masks are here to stay. Now while there may be a lot of frustration about the fact that we can’t show off our carefully painted faces while outdoors, we don’t have to be completely drab about it! We can definitely use our face masks to express ourselves and our personal style. Luckily, local mask manufacturers have stepped up their game, and we’ve found the prettiest ones for you.

When it comes to fashion, I like keeping an eye on the latest trends. Even so, I know that classic cuts and detailed craftsmanship will always look good! Comfort and practicality are also musts, of course. So I have mad respect for local fashion brand Plains & Prints, as they always seem to come up with updated pieces that have a timeless look to them, without sacrificing wearability and comfort. I also appreciate the fine detail work and excellent materials they use. Best of all, their collaborations with local artists make it possible for people like me to own wearable art! They have truly come a long way in their 25 years of existence, coming from humble beginnings as co-founder Roxanne A. Farillas’ clothing stall in Greenhills, to a respected fashion house with branches nationwide.

The prevailing theme of the modern times seems to have a lot to do with being bold or daring to be different, all done in the name of breaking free. But here’s a thought to give you pause: what if that freedom can just as much be found within? After all, some limitations we only put on ourselves because we are too used to conforming to what society dictates.

In a timely move, Avon Fashions’ latest campaign for their collection of intimate wear seeks to encourage Pinays to step into their comfort zone instead. Stressing the importance of being authentic to oneself and embracing the life each individual chooses, Avon tapped five inspiring local celebs to send the powerful message that there are many, and sometimes unconventional, ways to define success.

The age of social media has given birth to an interesting phenomena called "doing it for the 'gram". Whenever we post something - because surely we have to post something - we do it with one eye on how good it will look like on our various feeds. It doesn't matter how uncomfortable or miserable we may be at that time. If the post looks great, and 50 other likes agree with us, then we feel good. We feel important. 

When we got a sneak peek of the full roster of H&M Beauty, I was personally curious if the quality lived up to its chic packaging. In general, the eye and lip products are great and can really compete with more established brands but what caught my eye was their set of Powder Blushers, which range from soft hues to shocking pigments. They're just P499 at select H&M branches. Naturally, I got three… because that’s what people like me do.