Hollaback girl

MANILA, Philippines - January, with its fireworks indicating the official conclusion of the holidays, may herald the commencement of a new year, but it’s the month of June (in this country, at least) that feels like a fresh start. A brand-new school year means another round of resetting body clocks after nearly two months filled with hazy, noncommittal days, and an abrupt return to work and the real world.

White bondage dress (Anthology, P6,500), drawstring trousers (Tint, P2,398), white leggings (Dorothy Perkins, P595), silver bejeweled rings (Koket, P840), silver drop earrings (Koket, P380), gray snakeskin bangles (Koket, P899), cycling glove (Stella McCartney for Adidas, P1,995)

We are all too familiar with this cycle, however, and we know that the shock is immediately buffered by the promise of new classmates, new subjects, and a rainy season to remind us that summer is indeed over. You don’t have to show up in class dressed to the nines, but it should be easy to impress after sweaters find their way back into our closets once again, along with classic neutrals and electric colors. And it’s possible to get everything off that checklist at Power Plant Mall, where consumerism isn’t what they promote, but a lifestyle – breakfast before school, coffee and fitness during the day, dinner to unwind afterwards.

Dress (Tint, P3,398), ruffled cuffs (Aldo, P795), chain belt (Mango, P1,750), buckled belt (Mango, P1,250), knee-high socks (set of two) (Stella McCartney for Adidas, P5,695), earrings (Anthology, P150), lace-up booties (Charles & Keith, P2,499)

Everyone believes in new beginnings in January, only to end up supremely disappointed with the resolutions they made and failed to keep. In fact, it can take as quickly as a minute, or an hour, into the year to break your resolve. This is why we’re pretty convinced that starting anew should come more than just once a year, and that it’s better-welcomed by a batch of fresh faces and a wardrobe, than a flute of champagne. Save the bubbly for the weekend, kids, it’s time to get back to work.

White cotton headband (Kamiseta, P209), metallic headband (Aldo, P695), silver clip on earrings (Koket, P399), white jeweled ring (Koket, P1,680), silver cuff (Anthology, P500), metallic sweater (Zara, P3,490), jersey dress with sheer raglan sleeves (Joanna Preysler at Tint, P3,600), knee-high socks (Stella McCartney for Adidas, P5,695), lace up wedges (Tint, P4,398)