about

Christine here, jewelry designer, part-time graphic artist, full-time dog parent, and owner of two online shops,           The Vintage Chick and the recently launched Summer Soul Gypsy. 

Summer Soul Gypsy and The Vintage Chick 

I started designing and creating jewelry out of curiosity and as a challenge to myself but did not realize it would later develop into a passion and eventually, into a business. I am a Piscean and I enjoy immersing myself in creative activities. Discovering and developing new skills is something I strongly believe in and I love that my work allows me to do that. 

Although the sound of "jewelry designer" is pretty glamorous, I honestly live a low-key, laid back, bohemian-kind-of-life. I work at my home studio south of Manila where I spend majority of my work hours designing pieces, working online and doing inventory while listening to old school rock and roll and tending to my dog's needs (yes, she is pretty spoiled). Other times, I have early mornings and late nights at trade fairs and bazaars around the city. On those days, business can be pretty grueling and I depend on lots of coffee and my business partner and partner in crime, Mark, as lifesavers. 

Personal style 

Style-wise, I am into bohemian, hippie, rock and roll and eighties grunge fashion. I prefer wearing worn out, slouchy boots, acid washed jeans, and loose tops. Knits, laces, prints, suede and leather are my favorite materials. Being into bohemian fashion, I believe in the importance of good jewelry. Thrifted clothes take up most of my wardrobe but I also support local brands and independent labels.

Influences

I was born in the eighties but I'm pretty much a seventies, hippie kid. My playlist include the likes of  American folk, country and rock and roll acts such as Led Zeppelin, Bob Dylan, The Rolling Stones, The Doors, Aerosmith, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Carly Simon, Peter, Paul and Mary, CCR, and Simon and Garfunkel. I also listen to eighties and nineties alternative, rock and grunge bands. Music has played a huge influence on my life and work and I consider it an everyday source of inspiration. I also love vintage things, enjoy thrift shopping and I'm a fan of reusing, upcycling, and repurposing old things. 

I'm also a huge movie buff and have seen hundreds of movies. My favorites include Into The Wild, Almost Famous, City of God, Another Earth, Requiem for A Dream, What's Eating Gilbert Grape, Fight Club, The Machinist and The Godfather Trilogy.  

Being one with nature

On rare occasions  I leave home wearing a shirt, a large backpack, hiking shoes and with no make up on to go climbing mountains. I know how far fetched it is from the glamour of being in a fashion-related business, but climbing mountains has taught me discipline and respect for the environment and brought me to see nature in a different light.

Through this blog, I hope to document my experiences as a designer and artist and share my thoughts and the inspirations I pick up along the way. If you have your own thoughts that you want to share with me, feel free to leave comments or send me a message. 

Thanks for the visit!