My Month in Outwerwear

Clockwise from top left: Hooded Cape by Bexist, Rain Jacket by Corpus, News Reporter Jacket by 3.1 Phillip Lim, Boots by alfredoBANNISTER, Nylon Buckleigh Tote by Burberry, Leather High-Tops by Raf Simons

Outerwear options are limited when the elements force us to be practical. For instance, as much as I want to sport a blazer and harness, a raincoat is more appropriate if I have to ride the bus to work on a rainy day. The randomly changing "earthquake" weather of San Francisco has trained me to layer like a pro and prepare for anything with these key pieces.

My San Francisco elemental essentials: Boots, light-weight and water repellent outerwear, wool coat/cape, leather high-tops, water repellent bag. I think you can tell if someone is native to SF if they always bring a sweater just in case (or maybe that is a Filipino thing?).

- jerome

The Truth About Christmas Shopping

News Reporter Jacket by 3.1 Phillip Lim, Gray Denim Jacket by h&m, Jumper by N.HOOLYWOOD, Jeans by Uniqlo, Belt by Dior Homme by Hedi Slimane, Boots by alfredoBANNISTER, YSL Easy Bag by Yves Saint Laurent

Happy Holidays, everyone! This is my favorite time of the year, and not just because of the shopping and sales involved. But lets be honest, shopping sales everywhere is always a reason to make something your favorite. On a recent shopping trip, I realized that I have a few personal rules when getting dressed to go shopping. The general theme of my outfit is relaxed but put together. I like to pair tailored pieces with deconstructed or textured layers. This allows me to be stylish, practical, and comfortable which is very important, especially when I am shopping for other people.

Other rules of holiday shopping include: Have a list of people to shop for or else you will end up with more things for yourself, never shop on an empty stomach or you will get cranky and buy more to try and cheer you up, and (when buying for yourself) only buy things that are on sale. The holiday season is perfect for sale items. Full-priced merchandise can be purchased later after a few weeks and paychecks, but sale items in your size or on your list will only be at that low price NOW.

I also find it helpful to have a spacious, but comfortable bag with you. Carry your Moleskin, phone, lists, iPhone, and other essentials with you so you do not forget anything or anyone.

- jerome

Here Comes the Rain Again

Shirt and Rain Jacket by Corpus, Houndstooth Bomber Jacket by Reiss London, Jeans by Uniqlo, High-Tops by Raf Simons, Tote by Burberry

San Francisco is notorious for its rainy, gray weather. The random seasons can confuse even locals, which is why the abrupt change from summer to fall this year was a nice surprise. I happen to enjoy the cold for three reasons: comfort food, cuddling, and layering.

I love to layer. The cold presents the opportunity to create new outfits, and gives reason to my leather jacket collection. I am so excited to bust out the sweaters and tall boots! Usually reserved for such an occasion, we can wear some of our favorite pieces when it's wet. I thought it appropriate to start off the rainy season with some of my favorite London labels, thinking of the times I took refuge under awnings when it sprinkled on Oxford Street.

I don't mind rain so much. It is a combination of wind AND rain that kills me. I feel like a woman whose skirt has been blown up whenever the wind bends my umbrella in the wrong direction.