halfwhiteboy

A study in contrasts. I think I can say that I am able to comfortably mix colors, match a tie with a shirt, dress an outfit up or down, but one of the things I'm never comfortable with is mixing prints . Like, how are you supposed to put two different patterns together and create harmony? How do you find the right prints that would complement each other and not end up in an ugly clash? Sure, there are tips and all but it's a whole different thing when you're actually trying to do it. The confidence just escapes me while I'm stuck in perpetual awe at just how well brands like Etro come up with the best print on print ensembles out there.

It's a shame I still haven't been to the beach this summer. But no matter, no matter, at least I've been to one of our happy places recently, Sitio de Amor in San Pablo, Laguna . They have a manmade lagoon and a pool, so I guess we're good. Besides I brought with me some beach spirit--my surfboard print swim shorts from Guppy , a local brand I first discovered through Instagram. [See also: 5 local swim shorts finds on Instagram ]

Nothing more screams summer than a trip to the beach. White sand, black sand, gray sand, pink sand, or brown sand beach , it doesn't matter. But are you ready with your OOTDs? You'll need a new set of beachwear , right? I'm thinking tropical print shirts , tank tops, some linen pieces, and of course, swim shorts . While they're everywhere to be found, Instagram can be a source of some great finds, too. Here's but a few local brands on Instagram where you can get your next set of swim shorts.

Instead of beaches, this summer saw me visiting a couple of waterfalls. Outfit-wise, it was mostly blue for my first two waterfall trips, both in South Cebu. There's the blue shirt and swim shorts combo I wore to Kawasan Falls in Badian , and the multicolored pastel shirt and cerulean blue shorts I donned for our trek through the five-tier Aguinid Falls in Samboan . Though multicolored, the latter was still heavily anchored on blue. This time around I consciously picked a different color, orange . As plain as this V-neck tee is, I thought it just pops, so I went for it and paired it with ombre printed swim shorts . I can't explain how the colors complement each other but for me it simply works. I subscribe to the thought that if it feels right, then it must be right.

Goofing just a bit by the waterfall. Another day, another waterfall. Another outfit, of course. And because I was trying to veer away from my default t-shirt or tank top when going on trips like this, it was another buttoned shirt and swim shorts combo for me then.

When going on trips to the beach or any place that involves swimming, I often reach for tank tops and t-shirts to go with my swim shorts. On our recent trip to Cebu , however, I made a conscious effort to also try buttoned shirts. So here I was sporting a long-sleeved shirt--sleeves rolled up--while enjoying the Kawasan Falls in Badian, Cebu . It's a blue on blue swimwear ensemble : light-hued top and dark-colored shorts, plain vs printed. And oh, even the sandals I was wearing were blue! Hmm...the dry bag, too.

I've been down for a week and have just been discharged from the hospital yesterday. Bummer, I know, but life goes on. As I'm psyching myself up for my return to work tomorrow, I'm trying to have nothing but good vibes. I'm even thinking of when I can make another trip to the beach while it's still summer (*wink wink*).

Perfect framing, right? No, not me. The cat! Found it yet? I thought I only get photo-bombed by cats at home. But of course they're all alike, so even on vacation, there's always some furball who wants to get in the frame. I should've known better.

Because I brought almost nothing but tank tops for our little summer trip, what else would I wear to an island-hopping adventure but a tank top! I think I scored enough additional cash as a pedicab driver to afford such a trip.

Never mind my flabby tummy here. Or my surgery scars. But aren't you excited for beach season yet? I know it's still winter in most countries but hey, let's all think ahead about having fun in the sun. And while you're at it, how about slowly building your beach wardrobe with swim shorts? And if you're not really particular about wearing pieces from last season, a lot of items are on sale! Clockwise from left:

While monsoon rains and the occasional typhoons are upon us this part of the globe, it's the dog days of summer elsewhere in the Northern Hemisphere. Oh how I envy you guys because I so miss the beach already. Now while most people pick up their swimwear early on at summer's onset, there's still pretty much lots of time to grab a couple more. It doesn't hurt that a lot of them are also on sale. Now let's take a look at what's still in store. How about some swim shorts that could pass off as regular shorts? It doesn't sound like a bad idea to be sauntering around town in them and then in some spur of the moment decision take a plunge into the water. Clockwise from top left: (1) Thigh-length swim trunks with front-seam pockets, chino-style top block, and adjustable waist tabs, from Swim-Ology . (2) Mid-length swim trunks in a gingham pattern, with a lace-up waist, Velcro fly, and adjustable side tabs, from Parke & Ronen . (3) Mid-length ...

A day after hitting the beach with a neon tee , we opted for our hotel's small rooftop pool this time. I wore one of my recent Speedo purchases (where I really had to restrain myself because I was loving the pieces at their store). It's part of their vintage-inspired line that evoke styles from the bygone era of the 60s and 70s if I'm not mistaken.

With summer starting to heat up this part of the globe, all I can think of is the beach. Well, and what to wear to the beach. I've been searching for new stuff at a safe distance--that is from my computer--and found a few good swim shorts from Philippine brands . I also started checking out some foreign brands that have stores here and now I'm excited even more. Here are a few of the pieces I found: Zara I've always loved this Spanish brand and it did not disappoint in the swimwear department with checks, tie prints, and paisley. Though still limited for now, the pieces are perfectly short, allowing the wearer to show some thigh for a sexier look. At Php 1,595, I think it's a pretty good deal already. Checked swimming shorts, Zara.

Cold spell now over and temperatures are slowly rising. The advent of summer is at hand! And whenever I hear summer, there's only one thing that comes to my mind--the beach. I still have no concrete plans whatsoever but I took to Facebook to check what some of our local brands have in store for the season, particularly where swim shorts are concerned. Unfortunately, not all of them have photos of their collections but I found bits and pieces from their posts on the social media site. So far I'm liking what I see and I'm sharing these with you (although now I have to beat everyone to their stores). Penshoppe The flagship brand of Golden ABC posted a photo of a bunch of swim shorts, all of which come in different striped designs. There's no photo of them worn by anyone but by the looks of it, the length sits just fine with me. I want my swim shorts short, so I'm glad these ones aren't droopy.

Last year I posted about Portuguese brand Impetus and its 2012 Beachwear Collection, which I liked a lot. So I looked up what they have in store this year and was a tad underwhelmed. Last year's collection was just wow while this year had me thinking about boxer shorts. Maybe it's just me but a lot of their pieces this year look like boxers to me more than swim shorts. To be fair, I still love that they're cut short, way above the knee. This one I kinda like although it may resemble gym shorts if you really look at it.

My mind is on some beach right now and I thought of looking up some swim shorts. It frustrates me that in spite of all those rumors before, Swedish retail giant H&M still hasn't opened up a store here in the Philippines. It's frustrating for me because their new 2013 swim shorts are just so nice, cut short the way I like it. And of course, with prices that start at just $ 9.95, they're fairly affordable. This one's my favorite, even if it wouldn't be flattering on my pudgy body. Also available in black. ($17.95)

I'm loving all the short shorts I see from British top retail brand Topman and Spanish label Zara for their 2013 swimwear offerings. There's a good mix of color, conservative, and bold prints from both of them. So could you blame me? Topman When Topman opts for color, then it's color -- and neon at that! Also loving the bold tropical print in the other piece here.

It's really frustrating that we still don't have H&M in the Philippines despite several rumors before (at least Uniqlo's opening in June). And seeing their new swimwear collection only makes me pine for the Swedish brand even more. I especially love the swim shorts here. They're of the perfect length for me although they also have longer ones like board shorts. If H&M were open here right now, I'd instantly break my promise not to buy any beach-related items this summer. The shorts are short enough for me, and the tank top is just awesome.