Style Crazy

Blast from my promenade past

2011-02-19T00:42:00.001+08:00

Prom seems like a distant memory when I think about it. Mostly, I cringe when I remember my fashion choices on my junior prom. I was young and excited, so you would guess I totally went overboard. My gown was a bonanza of sequins and satin, and totally not me. My senior prom dress was better as I took the minimalist route. And yes, I still proudly wear that wonderful column of red and black to formal occasions. Timeless, indeed.

So, for the prom season, I was asked to write about how one can get more mileage out of that lovely (and often expensive) dress. Times are hard my friends so it's time to get thrifty. Read about it here.

Hack it.

Mari Mantaring

Layer it.

Shey Collado

Rework it.

Niki Francisco

Design it.

Leah Cruz

Rock it.

Leesee Bayaborda

Transform it.

Zian Ceranilla

Some photos from the shoot:

My "older" girls: Niki, Shey and Mari in eye-popping lipstick shades

Looking haggard (yes, no makeup) with photographer Lally Eleazar

Mari and her true blue lips (She's Gijo's cousin!)

Leah working it for the camera with supportive Ate Jana as her "coach"

My talent manager, Janabeybz

Zian being coached by Ms. Lally

My "younger" girls (Leah, Leesee and Zian) with makeup artist Jinky Ureta and hair stylist Pilita Guadines

Still on the subject of prom, my friend invited me a few weeks back to the preview of Vania Romoff's prom collection for The Ramp.

The window cover was removed to showcase the "mannequins" - top ramp models including Jasmine Maierhoffer and Ria Bolivar

Lanie, Raquel, Vania, me and Royce before the show

The dresses are all tres chic but still perfect for formal occasions other than prom. The collection is fairly new as it just debuted last Feb. 12. So if your prom's already over and done with, shop for your graduation dress instead!

Obligatory outfit report:

Sheer polo: Poisonberry | Leopard print dress: H&M | Harness boots: Five by Five

Yes, it's nice to be back with a marathon post to boot!:))

For my prom shoot:

Photos by LALLY ELEAZAR of Lightshapers
Styling by LIANE REYES (yes, me!)
Makeup by JINKY URETA of Make Up For Ever Pro Team
Hair by PILITA GUADINES

Hype for HYPER

2011-02-04T00:42:00.000+08:00

It's time to get HYPER!

The S/S 2011 trend reports have inspired F-STOP to scour thrift shops for clothes in full colors and vibrant prints. If one of your fashion resolutions is injecting color to your wardrobe, then this collection might have something for you. Expect the usual client favorites like blazers, tunics, dresses. You're guaranteed this season's hottest: floral prints, laces and sheer! This love month, F-STOP hopes to play cupid and make you guys fall in love with its latest offer.

Showing some blogger (and schoolmate) love for Melai of Style and Soul as she starts the year right with a collection that's set to make your vintage-loving heart all a-flutter. So, remember to save the date: February 7, Monday, 8PM.

Shop F-STOP. Like F-STOP on FACEBOOK too.:)

Paint splotches

2011-02-03T11:43:00.002+08:00

While on a break from an interview, I came across this wonderful breezy top from Bayo. It was in a cheery shade of yellow and had primary-colored splotches all over it. It was love at first sight. The fact that the hem was short in front and long at the back reminded me of my current obsession: mullet-hemmed gowns.

I wore it on a date with Gijo for our anniversary.

Mullet top: Bayo | Cargo skirt: American Eagle (vintage) | Olsen boots: FivebyFive

Bag: Mango | Earrings: Marc Jacobs | Watch: Rolex

I just have to share that after a year of so of dealing with a neanderthal phone, I'm ecstatic to have a phone like this. Thanks Gij!:) And thank gods it was on sale!

It's the GT540. And I'm super loving it!

Neck tales

2011-01-29T12:25:00.005+08:00

I have always been a fan of brilliantly made statement jewelry. One of my favorite local designers is Nicole Wisenhunt. Her gorgeous creations ignited my love affair with opulent neckpieces. I swore to myself that when I get married I would wear a bespoke Wisenhunt piece. And I definitely will. But hopefully, I can get my hands on some of her creations before that far-off date arrives.

But in the meantime, I have to give her props for her latest collection Points of View. According to Stylebible.ph:

Photo via Stylebible.ph

"Nicole Whisenhunt was inspired by the 1920s and Art Deco for her latest collection, Points of View. Shown here are her architectural influences. The cubist painting on the top left,The Sleeping Girl by Tamara de Lempicka, captures the hedonist sensuality of the Jazz Age. "

Not the entire collection, but these ones caught my eye. And in the words of the great Rachel Zoe, I die. Hey, I rhymed!

Lourdes neckpiece

Belle vest (front and back)

Cosette neckpiece

Vionna neckpiece

Massimo pendant

Maxine pendant

Stass earrings

Gabrielle earrings

One, two, three, FOUR pavor

2011-01-28T23:18:00.002+08:00

I'm not the type who gets all mushy but let me just have my turn to gush then it's back to regular programming.

It's been four years!!!

Felix, Greenbelt 5

January 27, 2011

Janabeybz's birthday celebration

October 2010

Shey's Danz Dish 5

February 2010

Some UP IE Club event

September 2009

Gianna's despedida

June 2009

Boracay

April 2009

Of course, since it was a weekday, we only had time for dinner and a quick date. So we celebrated our fourth year with a cozy dinner at Felix, Greenbelt 5. It's Asian fusion so it was loooove.

Our appetizer, their version of spring rolls. Gijo's favorite!

Gijo's order: Chicken and bacon something.

My order: Bangus belly with laing on the side. Yes, I went to a restaurant to order bangus, lol!

We had a chocnut flavored cake for dessert but it was gone before I could even think of taking a picture. It was soooo yummy! We're going on a better date tomorrow seeing as we have more time. Can't wait!

And yes, here was what I wore:

Graphic print top: Celine (vintage) | Tapered slacks: Bangkok |

Snakeskin and gold heels: Charles and Keith (gifted) | Messenger bag: Vintage |

Woven belt: Bangkok | Capiz bracelet: gifted

Yey to the most awesome four years!

Cheers to many many more!

P.S. Before our little date, I went to this awesome private event which I will blog about once the article's published. Clue? It's for trendy fashion-philes and involves a well-known fashionable monkey!

P.P.S I am in love with these pair of heels! Super comfy to the nth level. Thanks to my awesome friend Lester for gifting me with these. Love love love them!

There's something about Portia

2011-01-21T10:34:00.000+08:00

And by that I mean, Portia De Rossi in the series Better Off Ted - a satirical series that revolves around Ted's life in the R&D department of the soulless invention conglomerate that is Veridian Dynamics. While the show garnered positive feedback from critics, it had a low viewership and was later cancelled some time in its second season. Its humor reminds me of Modern Family, I guess that's the reason I liked it in the first place (yes, I'm such a Modern Family fan!).

This got me thinking: Portia is really gorgeous! With that in mind, I trolled the net for her best shots and these are the ones I loved:

I'm thinking she's a Zac Posen muse because all her gowns were made by him, even her beautiful wedding gown. It really is my favorite!

2007 Academy Awards

Love the back of this gown. Usually braids don't do it for me, but this made me reconsider.

2006 Emmy Primetime Awards

Her bone structure and complexion: just flawless.

And the characters she played in her past TV stints were pretty much the same: haughty and kinda rotten in a lovable caustic shell:

In Better Off Ted, she plays Veronica Palmer - Ted's immediate supervisor at Veridian Dynamics. She's cool, calm, collected and often lacks a conscience. She's funny in her arrogant ways and she always gets what she wants.

In Arrested Development, she plays Lindsay Funke. She's materialistic, flamboyant, and likes to be the center of attention as she adopts a cause for a week or two. She's just a complicated character that way, I suppose.

So that's it. Basically, I just wanted to say: Portia De Rossi is gorgeous. With all that pulled-back hair in Better Off Ted, it's impossible not notice how her bone structure is just beautiful. And this post is an ode to her.:)

Dreaming of Yves

2011-01-20T10:04:00.000+08:00

Tribute platforms - the YSL shoe-tastic claim to fame. From what I've heard, the comfort these skyscrapers offer is legendary. One of my fondest dreams is to be gifted (or otherwise buy) a pair of nude YSL tributes. But since that isn't going to happen anytime soon, I resign myself to trolling the net in search of some YSL eye candy. And ooh, look at what I found:

Jane of Sea of Shoes' most recent purchase. I am in love with the chunky-ness of this pair. It would make my year to have one. Please universe?

Photo via Sea of Shoes

Tribute platform sandal in Gold Crackle. So versatile and so utterly unattainable. Look at that height! And they retail for around $ 790, yikes!

But, if it's any consolation (or not), I'm not so shoe-deprived after all: I ordered a pair of Gareth Pugh-inspired two-toned wedges from F-Stop.

Photo via F-Stop

While these aren't anywhere near my desired YSLs, I'm at least happy to add something new to my shoe collection. Shoes just make me happy like that, you know? I've lusted after these babies for so long but was reluctant to shell out cash. I think the universe finally decided to give me a break by throwing F-Stop's reasonable (read: cheaper than another online shop's rates - by half!) prices my way. Thanks Melai (she's also from UP CMC) for starting my year on a jolly note with a pair of fashion forward wedges! Visit her blog.

I'm kinda scared yet excited at the same time coz these wedges are not my usual style. Wish me luck as I'll really try my best to rock them in the future!:)

Oh and may I just say:

HAPPY BIRTHDAY KRISTA!!!

It's her 23rd birthday today. And as I've mentioned before, she's one of my oldest friends, almost 12 years now. Kayps, I love you super! See you on Saturday!:)

Power to the flower

2011-01-19T09:05:00.002+08:00

Yes, I've said this time and again: fashion cycles. Last year, we've seen the '60s hit the fashion radar with its ladylike silhouettes (think Louis Vuitton collection). This year, be prepared to see the comeback of the disco-driven '70s.

Jumpsuits, high-waist bell bottoms, platform shoes, hot pants, flowing maxidresses and chunky accessories are all the rage when it comes to this year's spring and summer seasons. Think about mixing glamour and sophistication with effortless hippie chic. It's bohemian with a liberal splash of sophistication.

Read more about the '70s in 2011 here. And to give you a better idea? Ta-da!!!

Bring out the color of the '70s with vivid pops of color - from mustard yellow to royal purple.

KAT CORPUS maxidress | GAUPO shoes

Take the road less travelled and channel the bell bottom with a tailored jumpsuit. Add some sparkles and its '70s glamour all the way.

JULIUS TAROG jumpsuit | GAUPO shoes

Glamour and sophistication were all the rage in the '70s with silhouettes that celebrated curves and with hemlines that swept the floor.

JULIUS TAROG dress | GAUPO shoes

Go crazy with floral prints and vivid hues and bring the '70s all the way to 2011.

KAT CORPUS dress | GAUPO shoes

With a cinch of the waits and the flare of the pants, the '70s are back with animal prints to boot.

JULIUS TAROG top and pants | GAUPO shoes

So it's time to make like a Charlie's Angel and dish out some fashion, in full bloom retro '70s.

JULIUS TAROG (09175213104) 308 - A Tomas Morato, Quezon City

KAT CORPUS (09175780528) 10 Xavierville Ave. Loyola Heights, Quezon City

GAUPO Level 2, Greenbelt 5, Makati City

Photos by BIANCA CATBAGAN

Makeup by JINKY URETA of Make Up For Ever Pro Team

Hair by VIOLY BANSUELOS

Modeled by NIKI FRANCISCO

P.S. This was shot at Gijo's house. Thank heavens for the Mantaring family! Oh and this was my first fashion editorial! It was stressful but still hella fun. I guess it helped that I already knew the people I was working with. I really hope I get to do more editorials. Crossing my fingers and toes.:)

Out and about

2011-01-18T21:04:00.001+08:00

...with my best friend, Maddie. She lives in the States now, so we all jump at the chance to hang out with her whenever she comes over to visit. With my flexible (read: horridly vacant) schedule, I'm the person with the most chance to go with her whenever. Well, actually even at the height of my busy school days I always made myself available. But hey, that's what you do for best friends, right?

On today's agenda:

Greenhills Shopping Center. Yes I gave in, I shopped. Blame it on Maddie!

I want chiffon-esque loose blouses! Current obsession.

No, they won't fit you Madz.

Tory Burch knock offs, eh?

Glitter shoes for the small ones! Cutsie patootsie!

Happy with her purchases

Mango-esque tops

Quick stop at NAIA Terminal 3 to claim Maddie's Aunt and Uncle's bags that were 'misplaced' by Cebu Pacific. Boo.

We don't know what those sweets are, but they're seriously addictive. Love!

Great Thai massage at Nuat Thai to end the day.

Of course, here's what I wore:

But I really wanted to bust out some stockings. I balked at the last minute seeing as we were only heading to Greenhills and they would have seriously dampened my haggling prowess (not that I have much of it to begin with).

Cropped jacket: Old Navy | Tribal print top: Cotton On | Shorts: gifted |

Woven belt: Random Bangkok bazaar | T-strap wedge: Nine West |

Stockings: SM Department Store | Capiz bracelet: gifted | Ring: St. James bazaar

Just golden

2011-01-17T23:00:00.005+08:00

I admit, I've been on a slump. I find myself looking at my closet and just not hearing the call of the fashion muses. So to prevent myself from suffering from fashion anemia, I've decided to inspire myself with these dazzling looks from the recently concluded Golden Globe Awards.

Angelina Jolie in Swarovski-encrusted Atelier Versace

Anne Hathaway in Armani Prive

Olivia Wilde in Marchesa and Christian Louboutin

Sandra Bullock in Jenny Packham

Dianna Agron in J. Mendel

Eva Longoria in Zac Posen

Kelly Osbourne in Zac Posen

You guessed right, sparkles are back and here to stay, along with back-baring extravaganzas.

And may I say that while I am not loving her dress, she looked so radiant. She really is one of my favorite actresses, looks and smarts in one, top that!

Natalie Portman in Viktor & Rolf

So therefore I conclude, I need a reason to don a spectacular gown. Is anyone getting married this year? I just need a dose of good old full out formal.

Speaking of formal, these people are so in my list of what not to wear when I do get my chance. Nothing that looks like a wedding cake, please! While satin is a thing of beauty, mostly it can be a thing of disaster. Overworked and gaudy, not good.

Mila Kunis in Vera Wang

Lea Michelle in Oscar de la Renta

Jennifer Love-Hewitt in Romona Keveza

I love these two to bits, their gowns were just a tad too patchwork-y for my taste.

Heidi Klum in Marc Jacobs

Helena Bonham-Carter in Vivienne Westwood

Ladies, flab is no excuse to not look fab. It should actually push us to more creative dressing. This is prime time to celebrate those curves. So do this:

Amber Riley in Oliver Tolentino

And not this:

Gabourey Sidibe in Marc Bouwer

And no, the constipated look is not good anywhere other than the bathroom. Guys, get over yourselves.

Justin Bieber

Zac Efron

And that wraps up my fashion police segue. I can't wait for the Grammys!:)

Photos via JUST JARED.

Shake up the new year

2011-01-07T14:40:00.002+08:00

One of my resolutions for this year is to be a bit more adventurous with the way I dress. And also, to give all the clothes in my closet their due air time. I've noticed that I've been wearing just a few of them all the time. So I'll have to shake things up for 2011!

In that vein, here's what I wore:

Lace top: Topshop (gifted) | Harem pants: thrifted | T-strap pumps: Elie Tahari for TJ Maxx |

Charm earrings: Aldo (gifted) | Ring: gifted | Assorted bangles: gifted & H&M

Speaking of the new year, tt's fun to start it off with a catch up with friends that you haven't seen for quite some time. It's a perfect time to share stories of every sort. It's just my perfect idea of fun. Super fun dinner at Tapella, Greenbelt 5. Meet them folks:

Gianna, Camille, Kiko and Pat

Josh and Trina

Frau, Kat and Kiko

Gijo and his new corporate look!

Hurrah for a wonderful year ahead!:D

Shoe Lust

2011-01-06T12:05:00.003+08:00

While fashion may be one of my best loves in the world, in it's internal hierarchy shoes still reign supreme! As the new year comes strolling in, I find myself craving and wanting shoes, shoes and more shoes. But practicality and the lack of extra moolah to burn force me to confine my lust to just, well, lust.

So these are some of the items that I'm dying to have. And to be fair ha, I'm not reaching for the stars. These babies are actually quite affordable. It's just that I really am trying to be responsible here and save while my resolutions are still brand spankin' new.

Christian Siriano for Payless Spring 2011

Love the shoe architecture. And may I quote: "Fierce!"

Christian Siriano for Payless Talon Pumps

While not the newest in his collection, they still manage to be fierce.

Gold Dot Bestie Clogs

Named after The Capricious Club blogger Bestie Konisis

Five by Five Tiller Wedges

I've been wanting this since last year, but my Olsen buy made me delay getting this.

Jessica Simpson Dany

Now available at Five by Five! And may I just say animal prints and faux skins are one of my top weaknesses.

Imma say it again, shoes will be the death of me. *Sigh*

Of gatherings and more gatherings

2011-01-04T12:00:00.003+08:00

Yes, I'm back from my extended hiatus! I'm starting the year right with a marathon post of my barkada parties, both high school and college.

Every year (actually, we're just on year two), my college barkada would get together to celebrate the holidays on the 26th. And yes, it's themed dinner. Last year's theme was red, black and gold. This year, we decided to spice it up a bit with color! Yes, everybody picked a color they would be in from head-to-toe. We had Asian to go with it. And here are the results:

Very colorful no?

Mark (red), Jordan (white), Daven (orange), Angela (gray), Barbie (yellow), Frau (beige), Gijo (brown), Jana (green), Gianna and Emman (black), Presh (pink), Mae and J3 (blue), Sarah (violet), and me (neon)

The boys! To be fair, they followed the theme! And yes, our night's winners are in this photo!

The girls!

Our winners! Mr. Orange and Mr. Red. They were in their colors down to their accessories (yes, orange and red watches!)

Mark even had red socks! Beat that!

And here I am in my what-was-I-thinking neon outfit! Haha..yes, I kinda failed!

Bomber vest: Espirit | Striped dress: Pink Manila | Pumps: shoecrazeee.multiply.com |

And because my best friend wasn't able to make it back home for the holidays, we decided to have dinner with her mom to cheer her up! We had the yummiest and most affordable thai food over at Songkran in BF Homes. We were almost complete! Boo to Cherry who was in Bangkok and Olive who had work. Oh well, good news though, our group's going to be complete some time this year. Our stateside friends are coming over for a visit! Yeah! Soooo happy! Yey to an epic 2011!

Denim button-down: Cotton On | Ruffled floral skirt: Forever 21 | Suede flats: Lowe East Side at Payless |

Accessories: Aldo

KP, Shey, Pau, me, Leng and Tita Len

Happy new year one and all! I can feel that 2011's going to be a blast!:)

Together again for the holidays

2010-12-20T11:00:00.001+08:00

It's that time of the year again! Hurray for our annual barkada Christmas party! This year, with my best friend Maddie spending the holidays in the States (we usually spend it at her house with a sleepover), we spent it out in the streets (yes, I'm OA that way).

Leng, Cherry, Olive, Shey, KP and I

Gijo, me, Krista, Cherry, Olive, Leng and Ron

Complete attendance (almost): Ron, Leng, Olive, Shey, me, Krista, Cherry, Gijo

with my date!

and my favorite, Bunny (Cherry's sister)

Had yummy Vietnamese dinner at Zao in Serendra.

Crispy spring rolls, Gijo's favorite.

Catfish in tamarind sauce

Saigon barbequed pork

Chicken, I think

Braised pork

Seafood pho, I think

And ended the night at Agave with bottomless margaritas partnered with salsa and chips.

Bottomless salsa and chips for P290. We had 4 or 5 batches, so sulit!

Olive and Shey got bottomless strawberry margaritas

KP got a mango margarita, single not bottomless.

Olive tinkering with my camera.:))

I inherited a bunch of vintage bags from my lola so expect to see a lot of them in my next posts. Build outfits around bags, in the words of Barney Stinson, challenge accepted!

Gray cardigan: borrowed (from Auntie Joy) | Red top: gifted |

Herringbone-print skirt: vintage (from Ate P'Chee) | Nude pumps: shoecrazeee.multiply.com |

Handbag: vintage (from Lola) | Bejewelled cuff: Forever 21

I love how the pictures turned out. Thanks to a flash setting that I have yet to figure out, it was a happy accident.

Happy holidays one and all!

It's a 10 for Culte Femme

2010-12-19T15:35:00.002+08:00

In-house Rustan's brand Culte Femme celebrated 10 years in the fashion industry this week. Designer Hindy Weber-Tantoco decided not to do a fashion show but instead threw a party to just plain celebrate decade in fashion. She did it in grand style in a private party over at Martinis, Mandarin Oriental.

Free flowing vodka-based drinks from Belvederre Vodka!

For her latest (and some say last) collection, she gathered 10 muses who embody the Culte Femme spirit.

Anna Go-Chia

Rima Ostwani

Daphne Osena-Paez

Stephanie Kienle

Kyla

Cesca Litton

Mai Kauffman

and herself!

Artist Nikki Luna wasn't there, so no shots of her! But yes, she's a muse!

Raya Mananquil and Tim Yap hosted the event. Rissa Mananquil was also in attendance.

It was also a time to get together with some of my co-workers:

Not exactly a co-worker, Valerie de Guzman

With Ana Kalaw

With Jackie Cohen-Antonio

And my kabarkada KP came to keep me company! She came from a jungle-inspired party, hence the leggings:

Here she is with her idol, Daphne Osena-Paez. We just had to get a photo of KP with her!

Congratulations Hindy! Cheers to 10 more years? We'll see!

And yes, an outfit post:

Sheer brocade-print poncho: Love 21 by Forever 21 | Blue skirt: Forever 21 |
Nude pumps: shoecrazeee.multiply.com | Clutch: Express |

Belt (used as necklace): vintage (from Mama | Gold cuff: bazaar find

Party photos by DANIEL TAN.

And we said goodbye

2010-12-16T02:46:00.021+08:00

We buried lola on a Sunday. It was a nice breezy day. The sun was out and I'd like to think that was her way of saying good bye.

My brother and I decided to tinker with our new camera. Cemeteries can be the most beautiful of places. There's a quiet peace that makes me think of how our dearly departed are finally resting free from hurt or pain. I know for my lola, it's that way.

Black sheer polo: Poisonberry | Velvet skirt: vintage | Leopard print flats: Payless Shoe Source

Leopard print shades: Forever 21 | Clay flower earring: bazaar find | Bead necklace: vintage

It was also a time to celebrate life. I think lola would have loved having the family all together.

My brother and I. Yes, I now see the resemblance. I've been denying it for years.

My cute cousin Chrystel. She doesn't look it here but she's a tomboy. Crazy hyper on steroids!

Photos by JONAS REYES.

For the love of frill

2010-12-15T09:33:00.002+08:00

My lola had the best accessories. Her jewelry stash was love. I remember her ritual of choosing a matching pair every time she had to go out, no matter how small the errand was. I found it funny that she had a matching bag, fan and hanky for every occassion. I kid you not, she still kept some of them! I'm not that anal about my accessories and in a way I guess I'm more quirky than she was. But I'd love to think that this is also my link with her. And that I cherish.

Floral dress: Perceptions | Fringed sandals: Schu | Tiger ring and bracelet: Avon |

Bead ring: bazaar find | Watch: Fossil

Yes, these were taken by my new baby, my Canon G-12. My aunt arrived early for the wake and brought it with her. Mama was keen to try it out. I love it! Btw, she's the one wearing the purple crocs.

More snapshots:

She was sick for a while. Turns out, she had fever and a sprained leg. Nothing a little dose of antibiotics from the vet didn't cure, though. Whew, close call.

Accessories photos by ROSE REYES.

Work and wake

2010-12-14T09:21:00.000+08:00

Life goes on. I had to do a few things for work on the second day of the wake. It's Christmas time and we had to come up with our very own wishlist. I did the list for the bargain hunters that may be in people's gift lists. Read up on it here.

Graphic deco skirt, P 850, Poisonberry
I wanted this, but stocks in my size were all gone. BOOO.

Printed scarf, P 350, Top Picks

Lace and tulle skirt, P 850, Poisonberry
MY FAVORITE! In fact, I bought one for myself.:))

Leopard print brogues, P 820, Ichigo

Case bag, P 780, Ichigo

Customized necklaces and keychains, P 180, Anagon Collection
Ana even made a keychain for YStyle! She did one with my name also!

Angel wings necklace, P 180, Anagon Collection
I want this for myself!

Floral dress, P 900, Poisonberry

Graphic crop top, P 500, Top Picks
Guess what, I want this too!

Online brands Poisonberry, Top Picks, Ichigo and Anagon Collection lent me some of their best printed merchandise. I swear I wanted to buy so many things (and I did!). My gosh, the dangers of working with shoppable items. Boooo.

Here's what I wore:

Sheer top: Poisonberry | Herringbone print skirt: vintage (from Mama) |

Suede flats: Lower East Side @ Payless | Bucket bag: random KL bazaar |

Thick rimmed glasses: Babo | Watch: Fossil | Ring: Anagon Collection

It's funny how my St. James The Great bazaar finds turned out to be items from two of the brands I featured! Six degrees of separation, so true!

Product photos by SARA BLACK.

A week in black

2010-12-13T02:00:00.001+08:00

Last Monday, my lola died. She lived a full life and for that we were glad that she's now with my lolo in heaven.

When I was a little kid, I used to watch her put on her makeup and curl her hair every morning. I wanted to be like her and have her arsenal of beauty products at my disposal. I have her to thank for starting my love affair with fashion. So this week's posts will be an ode to her. For her love of full skirts and unusual fabrics. For her love of fashion and impeccable attires.

White shirt: bazaar | Floral skirt: vintage (from Mama) | Red patent belt: random Bangkok bazaar |

Ruched ballet flats: SM Dept. Store | Red bead bracelet: gifted | Leopard print shades: Forever 21

I know red is taboo for funerals but my lola loved the color. So this was for her.:) Oh and Ping ping was comforting me and wanted some vanity shots too.

UP Aking Mahal: Team Manila x UP IE Club

2010-12-04T12:46:00.000+08:00

Three of the N years I spent in college were in the College of Engineering. Those years were made even better by my organization UP IE Club. It was there that I got to know people who ended up being my closest college friends and more importantly, it was in this organization that I met my boyfriend. Yihee!

IE Club has always had the reputation of being the best of the best in the college. Be it in academics or extra-curriculars, the organization has always managed to churn out the best talent. Yes, shameless plugging! But seriously, IE Club extends this excellence to helping those in need. To help secure funds for the IE Club Scholarship Fund, they collaborated with Team Manila to come up with a campaign called UP Aking Mahal: a tribute to a song that must be sung. It's a creative variation of UP's anthem UP Naming Mahal. I had the chance to write about it to help promote the cause. Read it here. Check out the posters:

And of course, the merchandise:

UP Aking Mahal shirts at P400.

UP Aking Mahal lanyard at P150

Malayong Lupain lanyard at P150

Saw the shirts for myself and they're really nice! It's really worth your hard earned moolah.:)

For orders, visit the UP IE Club tambayan at the 3/F Melchor Hall (College of Engineering) or fill out the online order form https://spreadsheets.google.com/viewform

?formkey=dHVVNGsyMWlURnQ5UFEtSFF5ckU3TkE6MQ. For inquiries, email up.akingmahal@gmail.com.

Fashion cycles, that's a fact

2010-12-01T11:59:00.003+08:00

I wanted to try my hand at sheer clothing and thought black was my safest first foray into the world of sheer. After a long day of work the day before, my mom surprised me by giving me her skirts from way before. I adore skirts and hers had the lovely patterns that are so in right now. Yes, fashion is cyclical. I love vintage.

Yesterday found me buzzing along the Makati and Pasig area yet again. I got the chance to get to know the local retail brand Blued. Apparently, the brand started as a Marketing thesis from Ateneo. 19 years later, they're still at it. The brand caters to the preppy collegiate type, and so totally not my style. But its nice to hear from local brands once in a while.

Blued's brand ambassadors

Patrick

Frances

They're UP Pep Squad co-captains (from last year I think)

Star Magic girls (forgot their names)

Juddha Paolo hosted the event

Oh and please help me win a trip for two to Europe! Simply go to http://www.myeuropeandream.com/ then search for my entry: Red-blooded love a la Europa and LIKE it. Pretty please? Thaaaanks! I promise to use it well!:)

Hola weekend, you sure were long!

2010-11-30T08:00:00.001+08:00

For some people, the Thanksgiving weekend marked three whole days of rest and family time. Sadly, I had to work. Sure, it was tiring and kinda stressful but it was hella fun too! My lovely friends tagged along with me to be my trusty helpmates! For three whole days I was going to and from the Makati/Pasig area for a feature I'm doing and they came along for the ride.

Leng and Ron — they're one of my favorite couples.

Krista — she's one of my oldest kabarkadas, since grade 5!

Ooh, and I got to do my first pull out ever. Fuuuunn. It was fun pretending I was one of those girls who regularly go on a shopping spree with a couple of shopping bags to show for it at the end of the day. Sadly I had to return my lovelies in three days. Boo. But I think I might end up buying a couple. Tee hee.

Of course, we couldn't pass up the wonderful south extravaganza that is the St. James bazaar. Was it just us or is this year's bazaar the most packed ever?! I guess that's what you get when you roll a long weekend and a payday weekend in one. Whew, by the end of the day our feet were killing us. But we came away with some great finds! So all's well.

Imma put all the outfits I wore for the three days here coz I'm too lazy to put them in different posts. Sooooo, here's what I wore:

Day 1:

Striped dress: Heritage 1981 by Forever 21 | Embellished flats: random Bangkok bazaar |

Quilted doctor's bag: Mango | Watch: Guess | Bracelets: random bazaar finds |

Clay flower earrings: my mom's

Day 2:

Poncho: bazaar find | denim shorts: bazaar find |

T-strap wedges : Nine West | Quilted doctor's bag: Mango

Necklace: Valera by Freeway Art | Jeweled cuff: Forever 21 | Tiger ring: Avon

Day 3:

Black V-neck shirt: bazaar find | Harem pants: thrifted | Woven belt: gifted | Black flats: SM Dept. Store |

Tiger ring: Avon | Rice grain ring : bazaar find | Bejeweled gold cuff: bazaar find

So that's what I did on this wonderfully long and exceptionally tiring weekend.

Side note: It's almost Christmas!

Lovely poinsettias at the Salcedo Market

Our glowing Christmas tree, officially lighted last night.

Can't wait for the parties and get-togethers to start filling my calendar.:)

SPIT it out

2010-11-26T14:36:00.000+08:00

After weeks of invites from Jana, we were finally able to catch the improv comedy group SPIT (Silly People's Improv Theater). They're our version of the American show Whose Line Is It Anyway and was brought to life by Yakult Okay Ka Ba Tiyan endorser Gabe Mercado. To be fair, the group was really funny. Loved their skits/games. And my gosh, they seemed to know everything! As in encyclopedic knowledge at work, seriously! I think it's safe to say that our group enjoyed the show. It was worth braving the horrendous Makati traffic for.

Image via Teresa Barrozo's Flickr

If you wanna catch them in action, they'll be performing in Bonifacio High Street on December 4 in the open space in front of Krispy Kreme. With a landmark like that, I'm sure you'll know where it is. Krispy Kreme yum! They'll also be performing again at Hexagon, RCBC in January 2011.

Here's what I wore to the show:

Lace sheer top: Topshop | Purple sundress: F&H | Quilted doctor's bag: Mango |

Ankle strap heels: Charles & Keith | Capiz-inspired bangles: H&M |

Plastic bracelet: Valera by Freeway Art

Let's add a hat!

Straw fedora: H&M

Off to work with some play on the side

2010-11-25T09:59:00.001+08:00

As I've mentioned in my previous post, our dress code at work is fasyon casual. I thought I'd show you guys how I usually dress for work:

Cotton long sleeved top: Zara | White eyelet skirt: Topshop | Turquoise fringed sandals: Schu |

Bronze cameo-inspired locket: gifted | Cross necklace: Jerusalem |

Watch: Fossil | UP Baller ID: gifted | Beaded bracelet: bazaar find

On a side note, isn't our little kitty so cute? Her mom left her in our backyard so we adopted her. We named her Ping Ping out of sheer love for cuteness.

Oh and inspired by Karl of Inkarlcerating's recent blog post, I decided to contact the monster shoe maker too. Too bad the Skull heels that I wanted are not set for production any time soon. Kermit offered me the Heel less extravaganza instead. So, now I'm in a pickle: should I get them for Christmas? In leather too! Boo, the woos of a non-moolah endowed.

It's lovely how our own designers are bringing the world to our shores. See the similarity?

Heel less

Olivier Theyskens for Nina Ricci Fall '09
Image via pearlsandpoison.buzznet.com

Kermit Tesoro Holiday '10

Bone Heels

DSquared Finger Bone booties Fall '10
Image via myfashioncents.com

Kermit Tesoro Holiday '10 Skull heels
(done in fabric)
Image via Lookbook.nu

Skull heels (done in car interior material)
Image via Kermit Tesoro's Facebook page

Personally, I would love to get my hands on either Kermit's or DSquared's Bone/Skull heels. I'd love to wear them for my graduation. I'm already in the talks of having my dress made by a fellow blogger. The Bone heels would just be the perfect icing on my proverbial cake. Well, a girl can dream!

Job hunting for the holidays

2010-11-22T21:31:00.004+08:00

A one-day work week just isn't cutting it for me. So I'm looking for more work to fill up my otherwise freewheeling week. Got a callback from one of the biggest publishing firms in the country. Clue: they're my favorite. Here's what I wore:

Navy cotton blazer: Seventy Seven | Zebra print top: Notations | Trousers: Random Bangkok bazaar |

Nude pumps: shoecrazeee.multiply.com | Capiz bracelet: gifted | Quilted doctor's bag: Mango |

Floral locket watch: gifted | Cross necklace: Jerusalem

Given that at work our dress code is fasyon casual, I jump at every excuse to dress up. What do you think of my version of corporate dressing? Would you hire me?

I treated myself to a mani/pedi after at my favorite nail salon: Get Polished. Got fuschia nails called Samba by Orly - my favorite nail polish brand. O.P.I. and China Glaze are close runners-up. Aren't they lovely?

Speaking of work, I was able to catch the Shangri-La Plaza holiday 2010 collection fashion show a few weeks back. It was nothing really new and the clothes could be for any season, well except for the coats, but they were still beautiful. Here are my favorites:

MANGO
Black + sheer + paisley + shimmer

CROSSINGS
epaulettes + leather-like piping + red

Styled by MEGA for the PHILIPPINE RED CROSS
red + woven jacket details

Styled by MEGA for the PHILIPPINE RED CROSS
Strong shoulders + feathers + military

RUSTAN'S
lace + bodycon

TOPSHOP
leather vest + paint splatter

TOUGH JEANSMITH
gray + leather

WAREHOUSE
gray + paisley + layers + slouchy silhouette

ZARA
leopard print + bodycon + leather-like detail

I'm such a sucker for interesting details. Don't you just love how a different print or color or detail or silhouette can amp up an otherwise blah outfit? Holiday dressing is just love. It's really the perfect time to layer on different trends and no one can say anything about it. Once again, I wish we had colder temperatures so that layering won't be such a death-defying feat. I can't bust out my jackets (I'm obsessed with them!) coz even air conditioning doesn't stand a chance against the tropical heat and humidity. I would just love to have the excuse to bust out a trenchcoat. *Sigh*

Oh and on a giddy note: I'm getting a Canon G-12! Although it's not set to arrive 'til January I am beyond ecstatic. Finally, a decent camera! *shivers in joyful expectation*

Shangri-La Plaza holiday 2010 collection photos c/o PAULA RIVERA and MAIA MELENCIO of Buensalido & Associates Public Relations.

Prints, please?

2010-11-20T15:21:00.007+08:00

We went to Friday's on a Friday! My college friends and I had a get-together to hangout with our balikbayan (although she's here so often she may not qualify to be called such, but technically she is) kabarkada Gianna. Being cooped up all day in the house got me bouncing off the walls. And what do you know, my clothes reflected it!

Zebra print top: Notations | Paint splatter skirt: Random Bangkok street bazaar |

Pony hair and leather harness boots: fivebyfiveph.multiply.com |

Pink raindrop bear necklace: online store | White watch: Bench |

Neon pink bracelet: Cotton On | Love connector ring: Forever 21

I love how the prints explode! Plus add the pops of color and I was all revved up for the night! I think, more than anything, what makes print mixing work are two things: (1) confidence; and (2) proportion. Coz let's face it, if you're not really confident that what you're wearing works then it really won't work regardless of brand and 'it' factor. Also, the number one rule of good dressing (well, at least for me) is good proportion. If you have that down pat, then you're good to go. But one does not work without the other, so better bring them both along for the ride. So that's my formula: confidence + GOOD proportion = smashing outfit. Well, at least that's the core of dressing for 'lil ol' me.

Anyhoo, back to our get-together. We got to talking about our yearly Christmas/New Year party. Since last year, we've been assigning a theme. Last year, it was red, black and gold. This year it's all colors. We got assigned colors. And I picked NEON. As in it has to be head-to-toe neon. Good thing though, no color restriction. I love a good challenge! Any suggestions? Lemme know!:)

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Lumberjack lace

2010-11-14T10:38:00.010+08:00

It was a lazy Saturday but I had the urge to dress up.

Went to watch The Wedding Singer. It was okay, I guess. I wasn't a big fan of the movie anyway so I wasn't really expecting anything.

But the highlight of the day? I got to catch the Shangri-La Holiday 2010 collection over at their mall. Yeap, I drooled over the mag-o-licious clothes.Leather, black, plum, lace and plaid made a comeback - or did they ever fall off the radar? Regardless, I will be dreaming of these babies, most especially the ones from Debenhams, Zara and Mango. Well, I'll most likely be haunted by them. Boo.

So that's a lazy Saturday for you. Say hi to my lumberjack plaid!

Outfit photos by LESTER PASCUA.

From the chunks of my hair to the clunk of my boots

2010-11-12T00:15:00.010+08:00

Going to work once a week seems nice ~~at first.~~ Then boredom sets in. Then you do random things. So when my friend Jana asked me to go out with her to get a haircut, I agreed right away. I already had short hair to begin with (almost shoulder-length) so I decided that the only way to do it, barring hair extensions, was to get an even shorter haircut. Given that I've always wanted to try it and my boyfriend is super into short hair, I figured, "what the hell, let's go!"

So we went over to Studio Fix by Alex Carbonell over at Greenbelt 5 and there my locks (that weren't the longest to begin with) were hacked off. And may I just say, Randy, our stylist, is a genius. Jana got a Keratin Smoothing Treatment that lasted for hours! By the time we were done, I was rushing to The Fort for dinner with my friends. Being the great supporters that they are, they took a ton of pics. And now I give you my new hair:

Yes, it's short. My peg was Katie Holmes' pixie cut. What do you think?

And here's the rest of my outfit:

Olsen boots from fivebyfiveph.multiply.com

Aren't the boots lovely? Apparently, they're rip-offs of the Balenciaga boots that Mary Kate Olsen popularized, hence its name. I swear it adds about four to five inches to my height! Being short never bothered me before (I'm 5'0 flat), but now I think I wanna wear more heels to add at least a couple of inches to my height. I actually got to look down on people! I'm so used to looking up!:)) Oh and did I mention that they're uber comfy? They really are! The inside is lined with a soft hair-like material so it's really a dream to walk with. Don't let the height intimidate you!

Seeing my lovely clunky boots made me realize that although I'm more partial to gray and taupe, I have actually started a collection of black boots.

Studded slouchy boots: Zara A/W 09 | Elfin ankle boots: Trunk Show
| Pony hair and leather harness boots: fivebyfiveph.multiply.com

What's your fashion collection? Click click!

Btw, congratulations to Tricia Gosingtian, Domz Tiu and Lissa Kahayon for being named Forever 21 Philippines' brand ambassadors, along with Patricia Prieto. I'm so jealous!

Outfit and hair photos by LESTER PASCUA.

View from the front row

2010-11-08T11:26:00.003+08:00

One of the perks of working in the publishing industry is getting to sit at the front row to "cover" the country's greatest ode to fashion: Philippine Fashion Week. I was super thrilled because, really, this was my first PFW attendance ever. I never tried going before because I had no intention of sitting at the back row craning my neck to see clothes that were seven or eight rows away. Now, I had the perfect excuse: It was Halloween and I wanted to play dress up. Downside: I was only able to watch the tail end of Fashion Week. Boo!

What does one wear to events like these? Noob alert! Obviously, I don't have designer labels at my disposal, so I had to make do with what I had in my closet. Anyhoo, this was what I wore:

The Mango bag was the closest I can get to owning a Vuitton Speedy without breaking the bank. I wanted a black bag that could be formal enough for dressier occasions but can still be used to spice up casual outfits. As always, a doctor's bag is the perfect choice. Roomy enough to fit all my junk but still effortlessly classy. It was my boyfriend's birthday gift. Thank you Gijo!

Also, those shoes from JC Penney (yes, the bargain shopper in me is squealing) are the most comfy shoes ever. I swear, Lester and I walked around SM Mall of Asia for an hour while waiting for the next show and I never even had to stop once to rest my feet. Yey to comfy heels!

And this was what Lester wore:

Denim on denim, very James Dean don't you think?

More of us soaking up Fashion Week:

Yes, I had a standard pose. I figured I had to look, I dunno, composed? I realize now that it made me look like I was about to burst out into song. That or spontaneously frothing out a speech. The pose just screams political hopeful. Wah, oh no no. Done with that phase of my life, thank you very much.

So that's it! 'Til the next fashion week. I think I'm gonna be a regular.:)

Photos by LESTER PASCUA.

A dress and a first

2010-11-07T18:40:00.010+08:00

Today was family day, as is usually the case here in the Philippines. We all got together with my mom's siblings to celebrate their youngest brother's birthday. I was too lazy to put on anything complicated so I just pulled out a random maxidress and that was it. I'm a sucker for accessories so I just had to pile them on to jazz up my otherwise uber plain outfit. Don't you just love maxidresses? It makes me feel like I'm traipsing down the beach. And the simplicity of it, ah snaps to no-fuss dressing.

Oooh, this post marks my very first outfit endeavor (for this blog at least). Now, I have to warn you that the photos are in no way stellar. But really I just wanted to have a go at it and share my exploits with you.

Dress: Perceptions at Target | Shoes: shoecrazeee.multiply.com | Earrings: Aldo |

Bracelet: bazaar | Bangles: H&M | Watch: dad's Rolex Submariner | Necklace: Jerusalem

Speaking of sharing, get a load of Jane Aldridge (Sea of Shoes)'s latest post. Love her photos. Reminds me of fashion editorials. Is it just me or is she getting better looking by the minute? I would love to raid her wardrobe. Whose wardrobe would you love to raid? Click, click and lemme know!:)

Some MAC lovin'

2010-11-06T10:09:00.003+08:00

I've been a fan of MAC Cosmetics since I started watching makeup tutorials on YouTube. I mean, any respectable makeup guru had a stash that was mostly MAC so naturally I became curious. Case in point: my favorite makeup guru Sarah Victor is a fan. And although the brand isn't cheap by any means, you get great value for your buck. I'm not swimming in dough so I only have a few MAC items in my makeup stash. And of those few, I just have to say: I am loving their new Haute & Naughty Lash mascara like crazy!

Day, check. Night, check. Perfect!

Big and small.

It has two orifices: the small one (pink) houses a smaller spoolie for day wear and the bigger one (glittery purple) holds the night wear spoolie perfect for finishing up those smoky party eyes. I have been using them non-stop since they were given to me to try two months ago. It isn't waterproof but it doesn't smudge easily. So it's perfect for longtime wear but also easy to remove. It retails at P1,075. Not that cheap, but when you factor in the fact that it's like getting two mascaras in one tube then the price suddenly more bearable. For someone who's never been big on mascaras, I sure am hooked. Yep, I'm a mascara convert now.

For November, MAC also came out with a new collection: A Tartan Tale. They collaborated with famed London-based photographer Tim Walker. He's one of Vogue's resident photographers and he's been at it for about a decade. So yes, he is deemed worthy and with that our credential check is complete.

As its name suggests, A Tartan Tale is Scottish regalia liberally mixed with pop-punk whimsy. It's their holiday collection and it makes me wanna bust out me bagpipes, not that I have any.

"Do you hear the bonny bagpipes

on the moors,

or Johnny Rotten and the

Sex Pistols? One in each ear?

We’re telling a slightly twisted Tartan Tale

to celebrate holiday 2010,

in all its posh, punk, ancestral, anarchic,

noble and naughty glory."

"Royal and raunchy, colours and patterns collide, fantasies come true,

punk faeries take flight, with poetic new looks for

Eyes to gaze long upon Glamora Castle:

Dazzleglass Creme like Radiant Jewels; Lipstick kisses from The Faerie Glen;

Black Swan Pearlglide Intense Eye Liner; Family Crest Pigment;

My Highland Honey from the heather in Powder Blush;

Sexy Style Clan Nail Lacquer; and forever Zoom Fast Black Lash mascara,

for the Dark Prince, or Princess.

Enter A Tartan Tale, and be transformed!"

I am so loving the abundance of plaids. I think I'm getting some of these goodies. Oh well, 'tis the season anyway. Who knows, I might be lucky enough to be gifted with these. *hint hint* *wink wink*

A Tartan Tale is available in all MAC locations: Rustan's Makati, Rustan's Shangri-La, Marrionaud SM Mall of Asia and Power Plant Mall, Rockwell.

Photos and campaign blurb by MAC.

What got me started

2010-11-05T10:05:00.005+08:00

I was asked to come up with a shoot for our Halloween issue two weeks ago. Okay, the concept wasn't completely mine since my editor helped me fine tune being the complete publishing noob that I am. And guess what? The shoot happened on my birthday. Wow, working on my birthday. Good thing it was fashion-related, otherwise I would have thrown an epic hissy fit (or not).

Tricia Gosingtian took the fabulous photos for this shoot that required five fashion bloggers to dress up as their fashion icons. Yes, a fasyon Halloween indeed. I had the time of my life getting in touch with these people whose blogs I consume on a daily basis. I was pleasantly surprised that they were all so nice and we ended up having such a blast. Super glad I got to meet this generation's fashion icons.

Icons only: A fashion blogger's take on Halloween
read full article here

Photo by TRICIA GOSINGTIAN
Make up y JINKY URETA and ACE BERNARDO for Make Up For Ever
Hair by TEEJAY PAYONGAYONG for Essensuals Toni & Guy
Shot at RUE BOURBON, Burgos Circle, Fort Bonifacio

Can you believe Tin is only in her second year of college (Yey to UP Diliman's BS Clothing Techology)? She's the baby of the bunch! She was so sweet and, not to mention, talented. She was one of the five people selected from her course to help create and design for Lee's PFW SS '11 runway show: LEEberation.

Tin of Fashion Ate the World
as
Agyness Deyn

I was so lucky to have been able to catch Hanna in the Philippines. She's back fresh from her stint at the University of Edinburgh. I love her effortless vintage style. She makes it look so easy to wear vintage for everyday urban traipsing.

Hanna of Little Miss Dress Up
as
Little Edie Beale

Karl is a nurse. Unbelievable right? I cannot wrap my brain around the thought! I bet he makes nurse scrubs look like a thousand bucks. If not, he can always make do with his seriously imaginative punk rock street style.

Karl of Inkarlcerating
as
Sid Vicious

She's my high school classmate's girlfriend and also a fellow UP Diliman College of Mass Communication alumna. Small world huh? Kookie has an ongoing affair with amazing heels and I am in love with her towering boots. I wish I had legs like her though. I swear, they look as if they're as long as I am tall. Boo.

Kookie of Death by Platforms
as
Mary Kate Olsen

Another awesome looker, Lissa is one of Chictopia's top posters. I saw one of those posts a while back (like a year or so ago) and was immediately drawn to her wonderful multi-strap sky-high heels. Yes, I got one for myself soon after. She's also Liz Uy's assistant. Wow. Lissa, hook me up naman!

Lissa of Chictopia
as
Madonna

Thanks also to Alex Cantor of Rue Bourbon for letting me use the restaurant as our shoot venue. I know it was super last minute, so sorry. I'm so glad I have friends who are business owners! Yes, spoken like a true leech!:))

Being around these bloggers inspired me to do two things: (1) start my own fashion blog. Hey I write for a living, might as well write for fun! Hence, this blog was born the day after; and (2)start dressing better, meaning trying out high heels for everyday use, more accessorizing and more experimentation with different styles. So wish me luck! I really wanna make my mark.

So all in all, doing a fashion shoot was a nice way to spend the first day of my 23rd year. Happy birthday to me! Hello to a year of high heels, sequins and fashion adventures!

Photos by TRICIA GOSINGTIAN.

Oh what perks!

2010-11-04T16:41:00.020+08:00

Look at what I got in the mail the other day:

Lotion and compact powder from NU Skin!

It's a gift from the direct selling company NU Skin. Background info: I wrote about their new line called ageLOC a month ago. They invited me to sample this anti-aging line as part of their pre-launch event. In the comfort of a cozy hotel room, I was given an impromptu spa treatment using their ageLOC Transformation set along with their ageLOC Galvanic Spa System II. Read about my experience here.

An impromptu spa date

Forgive me for being overly enthusiastic but this is the first material thank you I've received as a result of a writeup I did. Haha...well, at least they appreciated what I wrote about their product. But still, yey, I'm a writer!:))

Some more pictures:

ageLOC Transformation Set: 2-in-1 Cleanser/Toner,
Day cream, Night cream and Future serum

ageLOC Galvanic Spa System II

Thanks to Blaise Fortuna of NU Skin for the appreciation. It's really that more than the gifts that got me giddy.:)

Photos (except the first one, it's obviously crappy so that means it's mine) by NU SKIN.

Wishing for springtime in Manila

2010-11-04T09:24:00.007+08:00

WARNING: LONG AND IMAGE-HEAVY POST but an enjoyable one (I hope!)

I have always been jealous of the four seasons that northern countries enjoy. Each fashion week only brings to mind my pining for fall, winter and spring. As this dream can never come true, barring a natural disaster that results in climate shift (no, I don't wish for this), I can only strive to do my best to enjoy our version of springtime and eventually our very own tropical summer through the wonderful world that is fashion. Having said that, here are my top picks from last week's Philippine Fashion Week Spring/Summer 2011:

Folded and Hung
In a dizzying array of warm colors, Folded and Hung presented a summer collection that was gypsy, Native American, hippie and rock all at the same time. It channeled the laid-back feel of the annual indie fete that is the Coachella Fest.

Anne Curtis in hippie purple

Kermit Tesoro
His designs have always catered to those who are not of the faint of heart and this season is no exception. This collection calls to mind beautiful aliens that exist in the annals of science fiction.

Jeffrey Rogador
I have never been a fan of denim but this designer had me rooting for denim in no time. In his collection peppered with patterned and sometimes reversible denim jackets and pants, Jeffrey put an end to the boring image of plain old denim. Patches, blanket weaves and geometrical patterns were offered by the dozen in this show where denim was king. (Better pictures to follow, the best jackets aren't here, boo!)

Reversible jeans

Love the patchwork

Patterned jeans

Love the piping

acid-wash is here to stay

Look at the geometric patterns!

Love the pattern on these pair

Denim blazer, who would have
thought it would look this classy?

Veejay Floresca
While the silhouettes he used were nothing new, there was something timelessly chic about Veejay's spring/summer offering. Echoing the gowns that sashayed down the Burberry runway, the designer spins this collection away from being hailed as knock offs with exquisite detailing that is all his own.

My favorite, what a pop of amazing blue!

Love the detail on the bodice!

Jerome Salaya Ang
Military meets extra-terrestrial in Jerome's austere runway show. It reminds me of Chronicles of Riddick. Not an accurate description but you get the picture. It's so futuristi-chic.

Dark queen indeed

Patterns and thigh-high slit

Soft and hard

Love the pop of purple

Frill and austere

Enrico Carado
What is up with the extra-terrestrials huh? Enrico's collection reminds me of dragon scales from far-flung regions of the universe. The vivid shades of red and blue contrast wonderfully with the simple tones of black and white.

Scales galore

Love the scales!

Tulle and hardware, what a match!

Kate Torralba for Paperdolls and Rajo Laurel for Wharton
The incredible design duo resurrects the mod '60s with pairings that make me wanna bust out a magazine and look up Twiggy. Now that old is the new new, vintage is given a new spin with color pops and metallic sheens that are so right now.

Pink-tastic

Black is eternal

Narrow red

Like an astronaut

Astronaut on a date

Mod squad

SM Kids

I generally don't like kids but this show had me squealing and itching to pinch these models' cute little cheeks! Pint-sized models strutted their stuff in the SM Kids runway show. Models aged two to 12 sashayed down the runway to showcase the fashion-forward thinking of kids today. Princess Pacquiao also makes an appearance stealing the spotlight pretty much like her father does. Like father, like daughter!

Almost a lady

Cute as a button

It's Manny's little Princess!

Almost like Thumbelina

A future heartbreaker

The littlest couple

So that wraps up my marathon post. I'll be doing a PFW outfit post as soon as I get the photos from my camera guy Lester. Stay tuned for that!

Photos by CELWYN ABASOLO, KESTER DEE and NESTOR VILLARICA for Runway Productions. Special thanks to NIKO PEDRO of Buensalido & Associates Public Relations.

Wanted: A Decent Camera

2010-10-26T10:00:00.011+08:00

This style blog has been a long time coming. As in its been literally planned over and over again in my mind for N years. The lack of sufficient web designing skills and a decent camera were the only things stopping me. But really, the web designing part is not a biggie anymore as there are templates available. So done with that, check! Although I wouldn't turn down anyone who wants to breathe life into my crappy generic blog. Haha...so help please?

A decent camera on the other hand is hard to come by. After all, how am I supposed to take note of my outfits if all I have is a point-and-shoot? My cashflow right now is pretty non-existent as my freelance publishing job pays, well, late. And I am now officially part of the workforce and am on the verge of being unemployed (thank you freelance job for at least saving me from the lovely status of unemployed). So at this point, I shall have to leech off from my lovely friends for outfit photos (hello Lester!). Or I can make do with my trusty but ancient point-and-shoot provided that natural light (hello bipolar sun) will be all over the place. With the weather in Manila being so wonky nowadays, I say, fat chance. Boo.

But still, a girl can dream, right? So to save this post from an all-text destiny, here are my dream cameras:

Sony α NEX - 5

Photo by GEARCULTURE.COM

The Sony α nex-5 has been on my lust-list since the start of this year. It's a nifty little camera that has interchangeable lenses for point-and-shoot and dSLR quality photos. Woot! I really am in lust. And at a price of $699.99 for the kit with the 18-55mm 3.5 - 5.6 lens, it's a pretty good deal. But it's still a deal that my diet cashflow cannot handle.

Canon G-12

Photo by CANONG12REVIEW.COM

The Canon G-12 is the newest in the line I call the G-series. It pretty much combines the point-and-shoot portability and functionality with dSLR quality. If the photos you have to take don't really need to be high-res then this is definitely a nice substitute for the clunky dSLRs. Of course, quality is sacrificed. This is perfect for me since I'll only be taking photos for vanity's sake. This baby will set you and I back by about $499. A bit cheaper than the Sony camera, plus I'm a sucker for Canon. So user-friendly!

Canon 450D/Digital Rebel XSi

Photo by DPREVIEW.COM

I guess I can say that this is the camera I'm most familiar with since this is the camera I usually borrow from my fabulous friend Lester when I travel. Yes, the ownership is kinda conjugal. Anyhoo, it's a breeze to use and is really user friendly. Yup, I have a Canon bias. The damage? $899 which includes the 18-55 IS lens. My only complaint is that its flash regularly gives up on us. The pop-up mechanism's not all that as most of the time we have to pry it up for it to work its magic for us. But still, the photo quality is superb.

So those are my camera lust-haves. We'll see how I can manage to get my hands on one of these babies. Stay tuned to see how this turns out. Wish me luck!