it seems the most common fashion deprivation complaint in the philippines has something to do with layering clothes. that is, the impracticality of it. with the climate, there is no sense in piling on coats and jackets and scarves unless you want to suddenly drop unconscious with heatstroke and dehydration in the middle of the street.

i myself am one of those who complain quietly about it, but i’m glad that this past year or two, ladies in the tropics are able to make up for the lack of clothing aggregation with a hollywood trend we can follow to our hearts’ desire: layering necklaces.

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it’s been a week since my little blog was thrown in as “collateral damage”. after a few days of confusion and frustration, i finally got my own domain. and i finally get to publish the post that’s been waiting patiently in the drafts folder since the academy awards concluded last week.

i am not jinxed after all… after the two american idol male contestants and the cool girl i’ve been rooting for failed to get past top 24 and top 20, i considered the idea that i might have jinxed them. but after my hopes from another entry were realized in this year’s academy awards, i knew superstition doesn’t live here.

congratulations to kathryn bigelow, the first woman to win best director!

avatar didn’t pull another titanic on us. congratulations to the hurt locker for winning best picture!

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the proposal contains all the fundamental elements that make up a consummate romcom: our protagonists could not stand the very sight of each other, but an unanticipated conflict coerces them to work closely together in resolution (in the case of this film, very very closely together). throw in some old school family charm and, in no time, their charade uncovers unexpected idiosyncrasies that predictably endear them to each other. they fall in love, the end.

i like my occasional romcoms. though i am the first to lift the achtung sign when the cheesy parts are about to commence, i relish the lighthearted and lightheaded emotions that steam away deep-seated anxieties. that’s the power of kilig, no matter how unrealistic.

sandra bullock once played the slave-driven subordinate to hugh grant’s role as insensitive billionaire boss in two weeks notice, but in what must be this year’s biggest romantic comedy, she takes a jab at being the boss from hell. with an efficient but underappreciated executive assistant, andrew paxton played by ryan reynolds, bullock’s margaret tate will make you laugh as a big city girl trying to survive a family reunion in alaska.

as usual, the fashion makes the movie more memorable for me. here are the ensembles that make me love margaret tate even if she is, as gammy annie tells, “satan’s mistress”:

this now iconic proposal scene will surely go down romantic comedy history. replete with the prada handbag and christian louboutin pumps.

boating their way to the family estate. traveling in style with hermes birkin and face a face sunglasses.

insert awkward here. meeting the family in a gray mock wraparound dress (i'm crazy about the details on this one).

plaid boyfriend flannel robe over sexy negligee. rescued shelter puppy optional.

crisp classic white shirt over black pants and christian louboutins. not exactly bachelorette surprise attire, but very nice nevertheless.

as margaret feels more at home in alaska, so does her outfit. two layers of sweaters, a striped scarf and cropped pants.

antique wedding dress from gammy, pre-alterations.

much less uptight the second time around. a casual chic top with gathering detail and a slim belt.

sandra bullock with director anne fletcher. puff-sleeved top with wide stripes. my favorite.