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Honestly, a lot of outfits never really make it to the blog. Often, they remain unphotographed or sometimes, even if some are snapped, they’re either regarded as “unworthy,” depending on my mood or worse, forgotten. Not that I really want every single day documented. I like having the freedom of being able to repeat outfits and pieces time and again.

This day wasn’t one of those I wish had gone unphotographed but the back to back night sky and me leaving my camera didn’t leave me much choice. So I had to make do with what I had and what I had was a roomful of books.

I was actually looking more for new titles than outfit backdrops but the moment presented itself and I seized it. I got something, of course. I may leave shoe stores empty-handed but a bookstore? A bookstore I never leave without a new book or a post-it stack. (Shameless plug: If you are reading this, National Book Store or Fully Booked, endorsing you will be a dream actualized. Call me, maybe?)

See, back when I was in 5th grade and the Fully Booked in Rockwell was still Page One, my friend and I would have weekly reading dates which constituted us hanging out not minding each other, each engrossed in our series of choice – mine was Goosebumps, his I don’t know. That, my friends, is the pivotal moment I learned to read fast. With only a few hours to escape in a story and zero intention to spend, I forced myself to finish books cover to cover. Fast forward a few years and I found myself in a different bookstore in a different mall (Powerbooks, Megamall) this time over a plate of spicy meatball pasta in the in-store cafe. Different place, same goal: to read more by spending zero.

So in a really geeky admission, here it is: I love books. My escape is often in the form of Science Fantasy titles like those of Terry Brooks or Robert Jordan’s. Witches and vampire stories are also welcome. (For your information, I do not discriminate vampires: both Anne Rice versions and those that sparkle under the sun are welcome.)  I’m also weirdly addicted to Paulo Coelho whom I consider my life coach and quite possibly my spirit animal. And well, throw in light reads like Leandra Medine’s Man Repeller and Devil Wears Prada types and I wouldn’t complain either.

So now I ask but one thing: please tell me, glasses in tow, that I’m not the only one who finds solace in a bookstore.

Top, TOPSHOP | Skirt, thrifted | Bag, NEON ISLAND | Pumps, VALENTINO