Filed under: Look of the Day, Skirts, Wear of the Day | Tags: Citymax, Lora Lina, polo, Skirts, top
I’m feeling a little bit adventurous with my clothes at work, just because breaking the rules is something I would like to do, for once in my life. (Haha, shut up!) So wearing something that is way out of my “ordinary” is a dare especially when I’m not even sure if I’m allowed to wear it. (You know, following a strict dress code is a must here.)
So far, after four months, I haven’t been given a memo to “dress properly” so I guess my outfits to work are pretty much on target. But I’m not so sure about that black knitted top I wore one time. I guess it’s slightly inappropiate because 1. it clings/hugs my body (huge belly), 2. it has short sleeves (in gorgeous black satin, I must say), and 3. it makes me feel and look sexy (that’s why I wore it in the first place). Well, if I’m wearing something “inappropriate,” I can always reach for my lab gown and hide underneath its white unflattering tent. (Will post and show you this getup soon!)
So anyway, going back… I wore a long skirt today! After hmn, 12 years, I guess. Haha! The last time I remember wearing a long skirt is when I was in grade five. That was a denim skirt paired with a denim vest, pieces which are so uso back then. After that, I promised to wear nothing but jeans and the first available shirt in my closet. So far I’ve been keeping that promise. Until now:
Beige long skirt from Lora Lina, SR49 (P612.50). White polo top from CityMax, SR30 (P375.00). Sandals from F&F, SR19 (P237.50).
Okay, so I’ve just been fooled by one of my officemates that I can rock a skirt just because I am tall so the moment I made a trip to Riyadh Gallery, I made a beeline to this sort of designer Arabian clothing store which is having a 70% off sale. Their offerings are dresses and skirts so I decided to pick one that would match my fashion photo inspiration:
The inspiration for the look.
The model’s skirt is too flowy for the office so I decided on the Lora Lina because 1. it’s beige (very versatile like the skirt on the photo) and 2. it has a straight silhouette (so I will look taller and “leaner”). I already have the polo blouse in my closet from one of my first ever trips to CityMax (an SM-like department store here). I thought I will never wear that blouse ever because it was slightly big for me. Although I also have the white tank top on the model already. I just don’t have the gypsy-like polo. So I make do with what I have and forego the tank and stick with a tucked-in look (a look which I couldn’t carry for the longest time because I have bilbil).
I’m not fond of any accessories so I didn’t bother wearing one. Besides, the laced belt (sewn in the skirt) and the thin leather belt (comes free with the skirt) pretty much accessorize my neutral look:
I think I really looked clean and polished with the long skirt although I’m not sure if I’m getting a long skirt again for office wear. Let’s see. Haha!
I’m feminine, not girly. Choz!
Well, for starters, I like huge bags. Whether I carry lots of items or not, I always go for the over-sized bags which can accommodate a lot of things. But I also use small ones when the trip outside the house is short and near.
Here’s my over-sized bag for the moment:
White Bag from Calliope, SR40 (P500.00).
And here’s what’s inside:
1. A pouch from Divisoria, P20.00, which I stole from my younger sister upon leaving Pinas, hehe, to serve as my kikay kit here in Riyadh.
2. A GAP pouch, a birthday gift from my officemate Maan, serving as my “essentials” kit.
3. A tarha (veil), the partner to my abaya (a thin robe-like clothing worn by women in the Kingdom upon leaving the house). (Price with my current abaya: SR70)
4. A book. I’m reading Prisoner of Tehran by Marina Nemat now.
5. A yellow pages handy book. Riyadh Today 2008 serves as my guide in everything and anything about the city. It contains lots of information on going to and around Riyadh, plus it has a directory of shops, restaurants, hospitals, schools, and embassies.
6. Eyewear. This one has my pair of eyeglasses bought from the Optic Shop in Suleimaniya for SR270 (P3,125.00). My vision’s 225 on both eyes now. Argh.
7. Sunglass. I’m wearing the shades I bought from Topshop nowadays. (SR65, P812.50). Shades are a must here in the Kingdom! Beats the heat and the sand anytime.
Then let’s dig in deeper:
Found in the essential kit are the following:
(From left to right) my Iqama, the residence permit people should always carry in the Kingdom; money in Saudi riyals currency of course; black ballpen; company ID (not in photo is my cellphone, a trusty and rusty Motorola Razr, which I am using in taking photos).
Found in the kikay kit are the following:
(From top to bottom) a Germany-made wooden brush from Deira (SR15, P187.50); Body Fantasies fragrance in Raspberry from Geant (SR20, P250.00); Vaseline hand and nail cream, Maybelline mousse compact powder, Ponds loose powder in tan; Chili’s wet tissue (free when we ate there, hehe); Always sanitary pad, Rimmel shiny and sweet lipgloss from Geant (SR17, P212.50); Blistex Soothing Splash liquid lip moisturizer from Deira (SR5; P62.50); contact lens; hairpins and rubber bands.
That’s pretty much it. No, I do not lug around this much stuff! 
Oh, and sometimes, my bag also carries my lab gown or my abaya, whichever is I am not using when going to work and going home.
Tell me what’s inside your bag! Better yet, show me! 
