Fusing Fashion & Philanthropy: Wild Soul Sunglasses

It’s not every day that we get to do what we love for a living whilst also being a shining light to those in need. To most, achieving just one of the above would be enough. But not for Marc Battipaglia and Andres Beker who created philanthropic fashion label Wild Soul Sunglasses in November 2012.

Wild Soul was created on the premise that there are causes greater than our own that can and must be supported. They are dedicated to giving supporters of Wild Soul a platform to help the causes that are close to their hearts.
Black Owls.


*Black Lions.


Black Rhinos.

Wild Soul’s range of sunglasses which are all named after untamed animals (the Lion, the Owl, the Elephant, and the Rhino) help customers “be wild” while helping them “fulfill their soul”, giving a portion of each sale to a charity of the customer's choice. 

Each pair of sunglasses are meticulously crafted after the intricate features of the animal whose name they carry and are available in several rich and earthy colors using quality materials.

Blue Elephants.


Earth Rhinos.


Emerald Rhinos.

But it wasn't always an easy road for Marc and Andres to get their vision off the ground. After meeting in college, the pair became instant friends and knew they both shared a passion for design while incorporating charity and giving back into everything they build.

Manufacturers backing out, website designers who could not accurately portray their vision, delayed and lost shipments, all the while balancing work and law school, were just some of the obstacles that were trying to throw them off track in their quest to fuse fashion and philanthropy. However these hurdles didn’t stop the duo.

Spotted Ivory Elephants.


*Spotted Ivory Lions.


Tortoise Lions.

Today, their mornings begin with emails being sent from Argentina, updated tasks lists in New York City, and their days coming to a close with orders from the other side of the world.*Tortoise Owls.


Yellow Elephants.

Marc and Andres’ willful persistence has shown that passion for a cause can overcome the biggest of hurdles. They have successfully bridged the gap between fashionistas and philanthropists worldwide, affirming that there is a little Wild to everyone’s Soul.

Wild Soul Founders--Mark and Andres. <3 p="">

| Text and photos were provided by www.youngrepublic.com. |

Wild Soul is currently available at Young Republic, discover + shop the world of indie fashion -at www.youngrepublic.com

The ones with *asterisks* are my top picks. Which are yours?


Much love,
Mela

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Written In The Stars

If you consider a Php1000 head-to-toe look as "thrifting", then I certainly am stingy.

Mom got this dress for Php700+ from a local boutique and never worn it even once. Hence, as the self-proclaimed *coughs* heiress *coughs*  of everything she has, I took this lovely out for some sunlight and fresh air. 

Peplum bodycons are commonly night dresses but since I couldn't think of any party that I'd probably go to in the next few days or weeks, I came up with a summery twist.  

Not a single centavo was spent for any of the items I'm wearing (because they're mom's) save of course for the shoes. I bought them two years ago when Solemate by SM Dept Store first came out. Buy One, Take One for Php399! I barely used them so they got buried under shoeboxes until I forgot I owned something like them. Only then when I looked for unused clothes and shoes to sell did I find them again. 

Everything in this post was written in the stars, ha! Need my sunnies say more? :)

| Photos by Sandy Delfin--who owns everything I'm wearing here except the shoes. XD |

Hype this on Lookbook.nu here!

Have you ever tried thrifting?

I'd love to hear your stories.

Much love,

Mela

P.S. Something about the sunnies that made my nose more pointed. Awkward. But I like it. :|

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Blogoversary Series: Easy Breezy

One of the more frequent reminders I get from my mom is to Take It Easy.

I've always been the kind who stresses one's self too much whenever something needs to be done. 

I may not rant a lot amidst people but deep inside I am sick and full of complaints, frustrations, and ridiculous thoughts that are really oftentimes unnecessary. So I always end up realizing that I could have also achieved the same goals taking the easier path--the one that doesn't involve pessimism and pushing myself too hard. Sometimes it takes a trip to the spa or salon for me to realize that. XD

Because the first one was so lady-like and sophisticated (Blogoversary Series: Signature Poses) and the second was fun, girly, and youthful (Blogoversary Series: Twenteen Three), I wanted this part to just be as relaxed and effortless as possible--something that any girl could wear to the mall with friends.

Everyone loves skater skirts these days because of their versatility--they can be worn for day-to-day activities, in sports, or even in formal events depending the the top and shoes that you'll pair them with. Cropped tops like this are usually loose. Instead of tucking it in, I decided to pull one shoulder down to create a "skinny illusion". I'm using the same satchel as the Blogoversary Series: Twenteen Three post with it's hidden shoulder strap revealed. Very functional bag, isn't it?

Minus the shoes and accessories, this entire outfit from Stiles by Fabshop only costs: Php895!

cropped top: Php150

skater skirt: Php195

satchel: Php550

What a steal!

| cropped top, skater skirt, satchel: Stiles by Fabshop | sneaker wedges: Gifts Ahoy | aztec necklace: Mizar Clothing | neon bangles: SM Accessories | photography: April Garcia of Studio23 Photography-Events |

Hype this on Lookbook.nu here! 

If you want amazing photographs like the ones in this Blogoversary Series, "Like" Studio23 Photography-Events' page in Facebook or visit their newly-launched website via studio23.ph for affordable packages and personalized quotations!

I hope you enjoyed this blog series. :)

Much love,

Mela

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