SamCas Designs

Hey everyone! So I finally found some time to work on my website. I was supposed to have it done professionally but that didn't work out, so I decided to go ahead and work on it on my own.

Now, I do not have any web design experience, and I basically whipped this site up (with the help of a ready-made layout by dzignine) in a couple of days, but I was just so excited to get the ball rolling that I didn't even mind all the little mistakes and whatnot here and there. 

Finally, SAM CAS DESIGNS IS HERE!

Buddha beads from $15.00

Crystal Rondelle Tassel Earrings $15.00

If you want to see the website and more of my jewelry, you can check them out and purchase them at http://samcasdesigns.blogspot.com. If you have Etsy and would rather shop there, you can also find me there at http://www.etsy.com/shop/samcas.

P.S. Yes, my cross necklaces are there!

HAPPY SHOPPING!

Anglophile

Forever 21 Sweater and beanie, BDG shirt, SamCas necklace, leggings and shoes from Hong Kong.

I love these leggings, but they're a bit difficult to wear sometimes. They do tend to clash with a couple of my favorite pieces and the large attention grabbing print sometimes screws up with my proportions and make me look shorter than I already am. 

The necklace in the picture is a limited piece in my jewelry line. I'll set up my Etsy shop soon and give you guys the details if you're interested.

Growing It Out

I'm starting to get really annoyed at my hair, the last guy who cut it really screwed it up and I don't have the time to style it every single day. Plus, I don't wanna damage my hair with all those products. 

Le sigh, so right now, I'm just generally growing it out.
Other than that, I'm really falling in love with brogues and creepers.

That is all.

H&M top, Topshop tights, and Primadonna brogues. MAC lipstick in "Ruby Woo".

Let's Go

It's a strange feeling to look at the bigger picture and realize that you're still so far away from your dreams, yet every step you take feels like the last step before reaching your goals. I've been self-reflecting lately since my life feels like it's in this stagnant area filled with doubts and crossroads. 

Other than that, I've been doing a lot of reading and learning to fill the void. I've actually been very productive in this aspect, since my Japanese has improved a lot over the past weeks. Konichiwa everyone!

Old Navy vest, Cotton On shirt, SamCas cross necklace and Buddha bracelet, Casio watch, OS bone bracelet, H&M leather bracelet and ring, stud bracelet and shoes from Hong Kong.

Fake Out

I am absolutely loving the whole preppy x slouchy look! I'm currently on the hunt for the slouchiest knits and the preppiest (is that even a word?) oxford button-ups! I don't care if summer's coming up, I want to wear this. It might be good that I'm coveting this look now too since all the knits are on sale.

Forever 21 button-up, H&M sweater and wedges, SamCas necklace, leggings from Hong Kong

See more at Claire's.com

A Couple More Days

Just a couple more days as a Claire's Style Blogger and I'll be back here full-time! 

For now, enjoy my outfit posts and if you want to see more click here! :D

H&M sweater and shoes, Claire's ring and clutch, Bosquejo necklace, SamCas bracelet, tights from Hong Kong.

Cross My Heart

Last couple of weeks as a Claire's Style Blogger, and I promise, I'm all yours again!

Cotton On tunic, SamCas cross necklace, Claire's rings and bracelet, Forever 21 denim shorts, brogues from Hong Kong.

Where I've Been

Hey guys! Sorry I haven't been updating the blog lately (I know, slap on the hand for me!)

In all fairness, I HAVE been blogging, just not here. Wanna know where?

Catch up with me at Claire's cause I'm one of their February Style Bloggers! :D

 

Ralph Lauren sweater, Forever 21 leggings and tank top, Claire's accessories, shoes from Hong Kong

Entire outfit is from the streets of Hong Kong (hehe), Claire's sunnies, SamCas cross necklace, Forever 21 beanie

See you there!

Castro In The Castro

Last weekend I went to Dolores and the Castro. It was my first time to go to the city since I returned to the Bay and I almost forgot how colorful this place can get!

If you've never been to SF, these are a couple of places you should most definitely go to. Dolores park is just full of love and good vibes all around, and in the Castro, you'll see some of the craziest stores with the wildest people, plus, the best Happy Hour deal I've ever seen anywhere in the Bay!

Rainy Days

As much as I hate the weather right now (there's a storm here in the Bay area and the weather has been horrid), it gives me a good chance to wear layers and all the winterwear I bought in Hong Kong. 

I actually missed wearing winter clothes. 6 months in Manila will make you yearn for it. 

In any case, aside from the stress of blogging a million things and writing, it's been a pretty slow, chill week for me.

Hope everyone is having a good week!

H&M coat, Gap sweater, tights from Hong Kong, Bakers boots.

Healthy Living

It's a little bit late to start talking about resolutions, but hey, it's better late than never.

One of my resolutions this year is to live a healthier lifestyle. So far, I've been doing pretty well, and I'm actually enjoying it. Preparing my own food, making healthy choices, and getting early morning endorphins.

Who needs junk food when you can have this for breakfast?

Oatmeal and yogurt with granola and mandarin oranges.

Nomnomnomnomnomnom!

The Return

I'm back! Wow, it's been MONTHS since I last touched this. Last year was a rollercoaster and if there's one thing I learned, it's that the whole life and lemons thing is real only if you know how to make lemonade. If you don't then use the lemons for something else. 

Zara brown sweater; H&M striped dress; Zara bag; Casio watch (not pictured); SamCas bracelet; shoes from Hong Kong.

Writing a whole entry about what's been happening to me for the past few months would be like writing a novel about someone's first time, but in all seriousness, there were a lot of firsts, a lot of lasts, and a whole lot of fun that came my way last year.

The Perks and Cons

Perks and press cons that is.

Philippine Fashion Week is over for me (it officially ends Sunday) and it's been a pretty tiring week. Lots of running in heels, writing, and booze to keep myself sane. Oh, and becoming fashion roadkill (with matching bruise, just in time for Halloween) basically sums up the finale of fashion week for me. 

That being said, I'm beginning to really fall in love with STATUS, especially with the STATUS team. The work is hard, but the perks and the people make up for it.

Case in point, yesterday one of my editors assigned me to attend a press con for MTV EXIT (End Exploitation and Trafficking), a campaign that promotes freedom and human rights. Rock band Evaline and MTV VJ Holly would be at the press con to answer our questions. 

But turns out, the set-up was that each person would have a one-on-one interview with VJ Holly and Evaline for 10 minutes each. Ok, at that point I kind of just died a little bit.

Aside from the obvious, I had a pretty awesome time at the press-con because I met so many new people including Jam 83.3's DJ Sasha (it's a radio station here in Manila). We got to talk a bit and she's really cool. 

I went to go interview Holly first, and the girl is gorgeous! On top of that, she was so sweet and adorable and I really loved her cross tattoo.

Next up was Evaline, an up and coming rock band who's toured with Placebo and the Young Guns. The fan girl inside me was jumping, I mean come on! Six gorgeous rockstars, and they were all mine for a good 10 minutes! HAHA! 

This is super embarrassing to post, but whatever, it was so awkward just standing there just in the middle, so I wanted to be all fun and do something. This corny pose was all I could think of. So sad!

Read about the STATUS blog entry about the press con here and learn more about MTV EXIT at their website.

Last of the HK set - SCAD HK

One of the few out of the ordinary things I did in HK was visit the SCAD (Savannah College of Art and Design) campus.

My good friend Regine studies there and she was nice enough to tour me around (Twice! Cause the first time, I didn't have my camera)

Let me just say, that for a small school, it's a pretty bad ass place to study in. I wish I had gone to a school as inspiring as this place. (Maybe I will! Gives me a reason to live in Hong Kong!)

See more pictures under the cut!

Jeremy Scott x Swatch Part 2

My last trip to Hong Kong was amazing! I just have a huge Hong Kong hang over! I'm sick though :( The extreme weather conditions (aka extreme heat outside and full-on A/C inside) gave me a flu but I think it was worth it!

One of the highlights of my trip is the fact that I finally got the Jeremy Scott Swatch Opulence watch!

The frame is detachable, and yes, you can purchase the frame alone! You know, if you lose it or something.

I've been hunting this baby down for a good year now (it always seems to be out of stock, and it's so overpriced here in Manila) and I finally GOT IT!

That being said, Jeremy Scott is releasing a new set of Swatch watches designed by him, and good God! Eye candy galore! I want that X-Ray Vision watch on my wrist NOW!

Which one's your favorite?

After the Rain

It'd be an understatement if I said that the past couple of months have been bumpy. But I picked myself up, and thankfully the pieces have all sort of fallen back into place.

Btw, is it just me or does blogspot seriously suck up all the quality in the pictures?

Shawl cardigan - Cotton On; Floral shorts - Target; Buddha Bracelets and Warrior Necklace - Samcas designs (coming out soon!); Pink Tusks Necklace - Forever21; Platform Oxfords - some street market in Hong Kong

So big news once again, I am now going to be apprenticing under a legend! A Filipino couture designer named Aureo Alonzo (or better known as 'Tatang' to his clients) has decided to take me under his wing and mentor me!

He's not only the best of the best, but he's taught the best of the best! He's mentored popular contemporary couture designers such as Inno Sotto, Rajo Laurel, and Joe Salazar (R.I.P.) just to name a few.

Before you read more, don't forget to join my ONGOING GIVEAWAY!

Where the Magic Happens

A necklace from my upcoming jewelry line.

It's been awhile, and I must say, I missed you all! I've been working on my line (what else), and it's taking longer than expected just cause most of the time I'm on someone else's time considering the fact that I don't have a car here. I miss my Cooper :(

Other than that, I've been contemplating on my return to the US and have been looking at interior design inspirations here and there. Oh, and I finally caved in and got twitter, I would love it if you guys would follow me - @samcastweets!

And lastly, I'll be in Hong Kong the end of the month (SO EXCITED!), despite that I think we already have our itinerary planned, it'll be great to hear your thoughts on places, stores, malls, RESTAURANTS, etc. that I should go check out!

P.S. The giveaway will come soon! It's just postponed for a bit.

Cray CRAY!

Pictured: Necklace (it's just one but has a lot of chains) designed by me, new short(er) hair, and my room! Yes, my room in Manila is a bad ass rock climbing mini gym. -- No, that wasn't a joke

 Sorry for not posting. My life has been, as the title says, CRAAAZY! And not in a good way either. Because of all the craziness that's happened, I'll be here in Manila for the next few indefinite months (so yes, I shall be a blogger living in the Philippines for a bit), and since I won't be in the US, I unfortunately won't be able to blog for Claire's this coming August. Which of course SUCKS, but hopefully when I get back, I'll be able to do that. 

On a high note, I now have a lot of free time to work on the jewelry line (and then some), make up the lost time I have with my family and friends, and basically rediscover my roots!

This coming week, I'll be having a shoot with some of my jewelry, so I'm crossing my fingers that I can start showing you guys some more stuff, and start having items for sale!

And I'll end with a picture of my dog and my boyfriend's dog :) I miss my puppy so much!

Hope everyone is doing well!!!

Haul + jewelry + BIG NEWS!

Some bracelets from my upcoming jewelry line

I would like to apologize to all my readers for being a bad blogger. As most of you may know, I'm about to launch my own jewelry line, which means that most of the places I've been going to have been the marketplaces (for materials and such). Also, when I'm here, I really enjoy going to these marketplaces because not only are they cheaper, but they have such unique items that are only found in the Philippines. 

Since it's marketplaces I've been going to, I don't want to bring my camera and start taking pictures because I don't want them to think I'm a tourist (I did grow up here after all) and hike up the prices. So I hope everyone understands the lack of pictures.

But that doesn't mean that I don't have ANY pictures! Here's my haul so far (sans my materials which is going to take up an entire suitcase) and some more pieces from my upcoming jewelry line + the big news under the cut!

Quickie!

Hey guys! I'm actually here in Manila already :) I arrived last Saturday (Manila time)

Been having such a great time, and the weather has actually been really nice! (There was a typhoon a couple of days before I arrived)

Hopefully I can get some pictures in soon.

Also, just some clarification, I don't want anyone to think that I'm a superfluous packer. Although I really did feel like I was overpacking, I think some of you didn't realize that I was going to stay in Manila for about a month. Hahaha! So yeah, thanks for all your help though! I actually ended up just having to use just ONE luggage that still had enough space for my shopping! Yay!

I hope everyone is doing well, and I hope everyone had a great weekend! Can't wait to show you guys my beautiful country!