I COMMIT TO CHANGE: My Wardrobe Malfunction

Have you ever felt the sudden urge to go to a clothing store and purchase some clothes to make you look and feel better? I usually battle with this problem since I don’t have a lot of clothes to wear. Correction: I do have several clothes it’s just that they are mostly shirts and jeans. Since I have big arms, wearing shirts make me look bigger than I really am. And this is why I frequently feel the need to change my whole look whenever I’m in the mall, killing some time before I attend meetings.

Aside from this, I often find myself ransacking through my closet just so I could find the right clothes to wear to the events I go to and the scheduled meetings with my boss. And this sometimes takes me forever! Before, I could just throw on any ‘pambahay’ clothes and work the whole day in the comfort of my own room. While this has been acceptable in the past (when I was still working at home as a freelance writer), it no longer is okay for what I do now.

At the 2010 Hot Air Balloon Festival, Clark

As many of my friends know, I have been given a job as a Web Marketing Manager for SPARK Magazine (thank you Sammii!). I started on the last week of April and I’ve been very happy about the job. Ever since I can remember, I’ve always wanted to work for a magazine. I always thought that if I could just get at least one article posted, even without any remuneration, I would be happy. But I could never get the part. This is because I lacked the education and background for working in the industry.

But hey, I love to write. Ever since I was 11 years old, I’ve been writing poems and short stories. If you do a Google search on Trixie Torralba, you would be directed to several links all containing previous poems I have published on a certain blog (unfortunately, I forgot the password). I knew that if they (magazine editors) would just give me a chance, I would prove myself to them.

Luckily, I was well into my 8th months of being a freelance writer when I happened to overhear Angel’s friend, Sammii, asking if anyone was interested in working for an upcoming magazine. I knew I could not let this opportunity pass. So I told her that I was interested and luckily, I was accepted.

This is my third month in the business and I’m feeling more ecstatic than ever! I get to practice photography, meet new people, and do what I’ve always wanted! But most of all, I get to show people (especially my editor) what I am capable of. I may not be perfect or the best, but I am trying to be.

My tasks in the job include writing articles, doing photo shoots, featuring restaurants, attending events, and talking to several people. And because I have nothing DECENT to wear to such events, I always end up heading to the mall and scouring for an outfit that will fit my budget while still being able to look tiptop.

Knowing this, I decided I COMMIT TO CHANGE my whole wardrobe. I always had a knack for pretty clothes but I always thought that I wouldn’t get to wear them. I always made alibis (palusot) that there was no point in buying such clothes as they will just get stuck inside my closet. Well, now’s my chance.

During a trip to Bangkok with my friends

I COMMIT TO CHANGE not only my wardrobe. I will also change my bags. Before, I used to buy just about any bag large enough to fit all my essentials but below P500. I have to keep in mind that the magazine I am working for is a luxury lifestyle magazine. And although I may never have the chance to own a Balenciaga (except if it’s free), I do have to look for bags that are of good quality and design.

A bag I got in Chatuchak, Bangkok

I COMMIT TO CHANGE my shoe collection as well. If you ask anyone close to me, they will honestly tell you that I have really cool shoes! And I promise I really do since I’m a shoe person not a bag lady. But I will look for more designs and comfortable footwear that will make me able to face people I talk to without any insecurity.

Yes, that's my super white leg in the middle.

Lastly, I COMMIT TO CHANGE my look. When I started with the magazine, I decided to chop off my hair and had it cut short by Basement Salon. A few weeks later, I got Mr. Shin of Beautybrick to fix it for me. Aside from my hair, I also need to learn how to put on makeup. I used to be a big fan of cosmetics back in 2008 but I stopped using them when I started being M.I.A. from the events of VIBE Manila. My sister, Bubot, sponsored my makeup class from Suesh as my 24th birthday present. I will be attending the class tomorrow and already, I’m excited!

A fully made up Me with hot Toni Santos in 2008

Hopefully, with these changes, I will be able to learn how to become a better talker since I always shy away from crowds because of my insecurities on the way I look. *Crosses fingers*