Things We Love

Here is my new book “Things We Love,” which I adore. Kate Spade’s catalog of everyday things that inspire is filled with stunning photographs. My favorite spread, however, is the very first one— the sleek and simple black and white stripes are reminiscent of Coco Chanel’s famous sofa. How very clever!

Friday inspirations

On Fridays I usually draw strength from the thought that it is the end of the work week. I envision the weekend ahead to be filled with high tea, leisurely drives, and hours in bed with my book and movies. This particular Friday is different, however, for tomorrow I will have to go to work for makeup classes. When I woke up this morning I immediately felt its unusualness. I felt frightfully drained. But the day must go on and so I must find other sources of inspiration. There are plenty of things, fortunately, that make life worth living.

Among other things, Grace Kelly elegantly lounging at the beach, Audrey Hepburn in Givenchy in "How to Steal a Million," the sensual Lea Seydoux, that final scene in "Midnight in Paris," an outtake from the Miss Dior Cherie ad, and the ever chic Suzy Bishop, are saving me today.

Confetti balloons

I have been searching for metallic gold balloons for the longest time but, alas, to no avail. Today the universe decided to give me a treat. When I came across Studio DIY's gold confetti-dipped balloons this morning, I could barely suppress my glee. What a splendid idea! My wedding will have tons and tons of these, definitely.

The weekend

The weekend flew by beautifully. I woke up especially early on Saturday to read my book and work on my drawing as music from "Blue Jasmine" and "Midnight in Paris" played in the background. It was the best feeling in the world, having my nose in Edith Wharton while the rest of the city was in slumber. In the afternoon we drove to Manila to cheer our students on in their basketball game, and then to compensate for the manliness of it all he took me to high tea. We shared a pot of creme caramel and while we found the boldness of its color startling it was wonderfully fragrant and its flavor was light. This morning we went to the Legazpi Sunday Market for brunch and I marveled at the pretty flowers and he at the spicy noodles. Before heading home we paused for drinks and to compensate for the girliness of it all we watched as George Saint-Pierre almost lost his title. The sun was out and the waiters were bustling about readying the place for a party in the afternoon but we were comfortable and did not mind. I had my bunches of pale pink roses delicately wrapped in brown paper with me the whole time, after all.

Flowers for my room

A room must have fresh flowers if it were to be truly beautiful. If I had all the money in the world, I would have fresh flowers in every nook in my house-- pale pink roses, peonies, lavender, and daisies. The world is a much happier place with them, undeniably.

Before the weekend

1. Looking at flowers to add to my artwork

2. Quick dinner at Wildflour

3. A cosmopolitan before heading home

4. Leafing through my Audrey book for style and life inspiration

To Catch a Thief

Among Alfred Hitchcock’s extensive oeuvre, “To Catch a Thief” perhaps best exemplifies the filmmaker’s signature glamor. I could watch it over and over again and never tire of the grandeur of the Riviera, the relentless charm of Cary Grant, and, of course, the exquisite beauty of Grace Kelly. That I adore road trips and swear by elegant picnics and alfresco lunches by the beach is, I believe, largely because of this movie.

Tom Ford and the single man

The poignant tale of “A Single Man” (2009) is breathtakingly beautiful but the movie’s greatest strength is Tom Ford’s impeccable styling. His quiet elegance inspires.

A silver teacup and some bottles

For a while now I have been on the hunt for a nice tea set. I think I have outgrown the flowery cups and pots that I acquired for myself years ago when I was still deeply inspired by shabby chic. Because I am older, perhaps, I now prefer classic lines and clean and solid colors over daisies and Peter Rabbit illustrations. My plan was to get a simple white china bone set but when I found this shiny silver cup and saucer pair in Starbucks of all places last night, I knew I had to have it. Last night when I finally retrieved it from its bag and put it on my desk, I swear my room lit up.  Next time, I will get it in gold.

Yesterday, too, in my desire for simplicity and minimalism, I reorganized my pens and paint brushes into bottles and glasses and their clarity made my desk look wonderfully immaculate. 

I hope to soon paint my room white. As with almost everything else from my past, I have outgrown its pale pink.

Work in progress

I am ever so slowly filling this paper up with flowers. It is tedious but I find that the unhurriedness of it all soothes me.

My Tumblr

It took me quite a while to figure out how it works, but I have finally set up a Tumblr account. Bravo, Clarise! I have always admired its pretty and sleek layouts, and so decided to give it a try.

Go to my tumblr page here.

There goes two hours of my life. :)