FRAGRANCE | Vial trial: L'Eau de Tarocco by Diptyque

Vial Trials are my reviews of sample fragrances given out by sales people from various store purchases. Compared to my posts about full bottles--which are mostly positive because I already like them in the first place, that's why I bought them--Vial Trials are hopefully less one-sided since they were just given to me; I didn't pick them.

In this installment is L'Eau de Tarocco by Diptyque. Although I love Diptyque, the last one I reviewed--Tam Dao--didn't impress me that much, so let's see about this one.

LOOKBOOK | Spicing up your vacation wardrobe with matching prints

Have you ever experienced seeing something on display, falling in love with it, then buying it but have no idea when or where you're going to wear it? So I saw this printed long-sleeve shirt with matching shorts on a mannequin and felt exactly just that.

The print, though dominantly floral, felt quite different from the usual summer prints I see. So I got both pieces even if I really didn't know whether the right occasion to wear them would come soon. Or at all. It didn't help that they're in a satin fabric, which makes the set even "harder" to wear. I mean, cotton or linen wouldn't be much of a problem, but shiny o'l satin?

LOOKBOOK | Lightweight layering

With the rainy season kicking in, we're expecting jackets, sweaters, and hoodies to find their way out of people's closets once again. But since it never really gets too cold in this country, perhaps we could go for some lightweight layering.

LOOKBOOK | Happiness with Uniqlo's Doraemon x Takashi Murakami collection

Yes, this is happiness! Doraemon fans--or practically anyone who likes cute stuff--are sure to love Uniqlo's Doraemon x Takashi Murakami collection. Minions, Marvel, now this. Oh, Uniqlo.

Although the t-shirts are for men and women (but in men's sizes), Murakami's characteristic flowers may not appeal to every guy. I myself shied away from some designs, considering I'm no stranger to wearing floral prints. But there's still a bunch of different options sans the flowers, or too much of them.

FRAGRANCE | The pleasantly light and fresh Castile by Penhaligon's

It is light and fresh, a fragrance that only reinforces my fondness for the Penhaligon's brand. Although I tend to gravitate towards warm and woody scents, every now and then I try on something on the lighter side and fall in love with it. Such was the case with Penhaligon's English Fern, an old-school scent some liken to an aftershave or something that reminds them of barbershops of yore.

While both exude freshness, Penhaligon's Castile is different. English Fern, being a fougére, is more "green" and earthy while Castile is a little more vibrant with its pleasant combination of citrus (petitgrain and bergamot) and floral (orange blossom and rose), with a little bit of wood and musk thrown in.

LOOKBOOK | Cuban feels

Where's my coffee?

The Cuban collar shirt--or sometimes referred to simply as Cuban shirt--definitely exudes tropicana cool. That said, it's a sure bet when putting together that perfect summer outfit.

Whether plain or printed, this shirt is characterized by its open, lapel-like collar and short sleeves. It usually has a boxy fit although some modern iterations are trimming the silhouette just a notch. This relaxed vibe clearly speaks of summer and the tropics.

DINING | A chance encounter with West Town's Coffee

Inside West Town's Coffee.

It was one of those afternoons when I had to go find a place to while away time. Being a weekend, the usual suspects at Century City Mall were expectedly packed. As I stood by the mall exit thinking of where to go, I saw that there was a regular flow of people crossing the street and then disappearing into a corner lined by construction sites. I always thought it was just ongoing construction work there but clearly something must already be finished.

So I followed their lead and after a short walk The Milano Residences came into view. Its front was lined with shops and restaurants, one of which was West Town's Coffee. I went inside.

LOOKBOOK | Faux summer suiting

Nope, it ain't a suit but just matching pants and blazer. The blazer, in fact, is unlined, which, together with the lightweight fabric and loose fit, make for a great casual summer outfit. Could it even pass for a summer wedding outfit?

LOOKBOOK | Guardian of the galaxy

Uniqlo always has the best tie-ins with other brands, and their latest collection of Marvel t-shirts is no exception. I had to control myself and I ended up with this Guardians of the Galaxy piece, with Baby Groot in the back trying to unplug the lights.

Wore it with my years-old camo jeans--also from Uniqlo--and a pair of sneakers. Mind you, these camo pants can also go well with an office shirt.

LOOKBOOK | Surviving summer with a batik motif shirt

Rooted in Southeast Asian tradition, most prominently Indonesian, the beauty and diversity of batik patterns are worth celebrating. I'm happy Uniqlo adapted it into easy-to-wear lightweight shirts as part of their 2018 Spring/Summer Batik Motif Collection.