Dress - Something Borrowed by www.zalora.com.ph; Sandals - Primadonna (similar styles also available HERE)

I've had this sheer, nude cropped top with gold beaded details for so long, I fear that it lay in my closet for half a year or more. I kept waiting for the right occasion to wear it and felt that the occasions that came or the venues that accompanied them were too casual or too glam for this piece of gold. Finally decided to throw it on over an LBD for my birthday even though we were headed to very relaxed venues.

It is perfectly normal and expected for people to grow up and move on and take the next step in life.

But I still find it stunning how one after the other, my peers have resigned from their jobs, embarked on a new career, moved to a different country or got engaged. It appears 26 is the age to make huge, life-changing decisions.

Personally, I think this is because we underwent the so-called "quarter life crisis" the previous year(s). At 25, we've asked ourselves so many troubling (the trouble was probably self-inflicted) questions such as, "Should I keep working at this company forever?", "Is now the time to get married?", "Where is my place in this world?", "What career should I pursue that will support me and my family in the long run?"

Perhaps in the midst of dwelling on whatever dilemma we've placed upon ourselves, we discover some answers. And after the answers, we formulate plans. Then at 26, we're ready to take that giant leap of faith.