MANILA FABULOUS — Selfie. The Urban Dictionary defines it as “a picture taken of yourself that is planned to be uploaded to Facebook or any other sort of social networking website.”
Time magazine named it one of the top 10 buzzwords of 2012—well, Kim Kardashian is a selfie queen, and keeping up is what people normally do whenever a trend surfaces.
Clearly, it has become a social phenomenon that has also taken Manila by storm. Celebrities and non-celebrities alike have made it their habit to post self-portraits for their followers or even the rest of the world to see.
The prevalence of selfies is one of the reasons Instagram is addicting. There’s an instant gratification that comes whenever a peer likes or leaves a good comment on your photo. More than that, selfie fans seem to seek validation as to whether they look good in their recently purchased top or not.
Admit it, at some point in your life, you may have also been guilty of taking a selfie photo. Although the concept of taking our own photo isn’t actually new (personally, I was introduced to it when I got a graduation gift back in 2000: a Samsung mobile phone with a rotating camera to allow self-portraits), its ubiquity in the cyberworld today is being met with raised eyebrows. Understandably, haters gonna hate.
I do get why many abhor selfies, as they wonder, “What makes you think others are interested in seeing your self-taken photos?” What’s even more annoying is when this habit reaches the point of too much self-importance, narcissism, or even obscenity (please don’t shock your Facebook friends with photos of your abs on their news feed), then we have a problem.
I don’t post photos of myself by a mirror nor am I using the hashtag #ootd (as in Outfit of the Day), but I love stalking local celebrities and sometimes bloggers who do. Doing so on a daily basis, if possible, allows me to be constantly updated with trendiest things to try in fashion and beauty.
As someone who dabbles in fashion styling, following them has an inspirational effect on me. It provides me with so many ideas about mixing and matching clothes, shoes, accessories, bags, even hair and makeup.
It inspires creativity, individuality, and versatility. Proof of this is the birth of many other selfie-dedicated Instagram accounts and blogs that feature #ootd posts, each marrying different style influences.
I also think that looking at selfies can be motivating, and I’m sure a lot can relate. How so? If you see Anne Curtis sporting a midriff and pencil skirt or Georgina Wilson rocking a hot pair of sunglasses and a sexy bikini, isn’t that enough motivation to hit the gym?
We scoured the Net for top five local celebrities whose Instagram accounts are worth getting your daily dose of style inspiration from:
1) Anne Curtis (@annecurtissmith) – This effortlessly chic lady sure has an enviable knack in styling; she frequently posts her outfits on It’s Showtime which are well put-together yet not overthought.
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2) Rhian Ramos (@whianwamos) – She is one of the few celebrities who religiously post photos of her daily outfits. You’ll love her casual, cool, and sexy take on dressing up (or down).
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3) KC Concepcion (@xtina_ontherocks) – If you’re a curvy woman, then you should take your cues from KC’s fun and sophisticated style.
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4) Bea Alonzo (@beaalonzo) – As she is trying to have a healthier lifestyle, she often works out; her cute workout gear will make you want to workout yourself.
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5) Kim Chiu (@chinitaprincess) – Are you a girly girl? Kim is your perfect peg, as her style is defined by dainty, sweet and feminine dresses and accessories.
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