Luxe Vanity

RZ Style-list

2012-02-06T21:46:00.002+08:00

I am re-watching the Rachel Zoe Project (RZP) from Seasons 1 to 4 for the nth time by now. RZP is my constant companion during my mini workouts, my dinners at home alone, and basically every time i need a mini break in between all the stress that is going on in my life. Seeing what she does keeps me dreaming and subconsciously pulls me into the world that I want to be in, albeit only temporarily.

I honestly love her style. Her taste is so distinct and her direction in fashion is very clear. She writes her name on every piece of clothing that she wears that even when you see the same style on another person, you would think, "That is so Rachel Zoe."

I am really happy that she decided to venture out with her own brand of clothing and accessories, other than just being a stylist. It is so much easier to follow her sense of style this way.

I was browsing through the collections in shopbop.com and piperlime.com and I saw the same elements that she wears in her everyday life. From the structured jackets, fur vests/coats, the use of white, and exuding effortless glamour with every piece.

Here are my favorites.

1. Cameron tux dress

2. Cheryl Asymmetrical Coat

3.Gia Scarf Top

4. Olivia Blouson Gown

5. Sylvia Cowl Halter Top

6. Audrey Shoulder Bag

7. Blake Platform Sandals

I really want to get my hands on some of these pieces, if only I could try them on first before buying them. I am not really comfortable with buying things online without trying them first. Sadly, there is no store here in Singapore that carries the RZ brand yet. In the mean time, I am happy just looking at them off the screen of my Mac.

Shoes for Gaga

2012-02-05T18:18:00.001+08:00

Thanks to icons such as Madonna and Lady Gaga, women around the world have been inspired to push the boundaries and be more daring in their fashion choices. With that, designers have also been more daring to push over the top designs to the consumer public- skulls, spikes, studs have become a prominent part of the designs of many designers. Though these are accessories usually linked with punk and rock artists, they have, in recent years, made their way into the mainstream, showing up on celebrities, socialites, and even the plain Jane on the street.

Check out these shoes that look like they are meant for a futuristic sci-fi movie. Too much to be worn out on the streets, but are nevertheless coveted by girls like me.

From Charlotte Olympia

From Christian Louboutin

There's actually a lot more of these spiked shoes from Christian Louboutin, and I want every single one of them!

That Extra W-edge

2012-02-05T13:37:00.001+08:00

Spring is here and finally it is nice to go out and spend time under the sun once again in those shorts and sun dresses.

The cork wedge is a staple for spring/summer as it is both comfortable and fashionable. You will not have to worry about heels sinking on the grass in the garden or on picnics, or on the beach. They also provide enough support for you to be able to go for long walks without the pains of wearing stilettos.

Here are some wedges that will give your outfit that extra edge this season, without sacrificing beauty for comfort.

Nude colors are still must-haves this season.

Here are some options that will update your look without burning a hole in your pocket, same style at a friendlier price point.

If you are looking for something that is a bit more edgy, rebel/ punk rock options, then these cage sandals are for you.

An alternative to the cage sandals, from Charles and Keith.

Kickbox your way through the new year

2012-02-04T20:17:00.001+08:00

Every year for the past n years, as far back as I can remember, losing weight has always been at the top of my new year's resolution list. Although in the past few years, I've had a little success in my weight loss plans, it has been a very long and slow process. I've tried going on crazy diets, signing up for gym membership, and getting a personal trainer, but I was never disciplined enough to follow through. This resulted in my weight see-sawing plus minus 5 kg.

This year, I really want it to be different, for various reasons most of which are linked to vanity. So I bought a high energy kickboxing video that I will follow every day. ( i will really try to follow it every day... )

I got the 10-minute solutions Kickbox Bootcamp, which consists of 5 10-minute routines that target different areas for losing weight and shaping up the whole body.

I did it for the first time today and I got to tell you, it is really tiring. That shows just how out of shape I am right now. From today's experience, I think it will be effective to help me reach my weight loss goals. I hope I can have enough motivation to see this whole program through. Wish me luck!

The Kaiser is here

2012-01-27T03:39:00.000+08:00

The Kaiser, Karl Lagerfeld, has recently launched a collection of staple pieces at more affordable prices to be sold at net-a-porter.com.

You can now get your hands on a Kaiser piece at less than USD 1,000, with most pieces ranging between USD 150 to USD 500. To be honest, I have been waiting for a long time for Karl to come up with a collection like this ever since I missed his collaboration with H&M. Chanel is just too expensive for a mere auditor like me. Although this collection is still more pricey than its high street counter parts, it is certainly a far cry from the prices at Chanel.

The collection consists of biker jackets, vests, blouses, skinny jeans, and lots of collars, mainly in black, white and silver. It is modern, edgy, and a bit futuristic.Well, what did you expect, this is the Kaiser we are talking about.

Here are the pieces that I loved most from Karl Lagerfeld's Karl collection. They are available at net-a-porter.com and they are selling fast. Go place your orders before they sell out. Some of the pieces are already sold out.

Playful Prada

2012-01-24T00:21:00.000+08:00

I was looking at the latest copies of Elle and Style Magazine and came across the latest ad campaign for Prada and I immediately fell in love with it. It's official, Prada is indeed my favorite brand!

The Spring/Summer 2012 Campaign of Prada is full of floral prints, pastels, and some really playful details that are young and fresh. The looks channel playful and glamorous at the same time. The silhouette is really feminine and the shoes add a good edge to balance out the whole look. I don't know what else to say. You've got to see it for yourself.

Here are the pics taken from the Prada website.

The Rise of the Heel-less Shoe

2012-01-23T11:57:00.001+08:00

I first saw the trend of heel-less shoes from the young Filipino designer Kermit Tesoro. When I first saw it, I thought to myself, this is ridiculous. There is only so much pain that a woman will be willing to inflict on herself in the name of vanity... But after some time, there have been so many designers both high-end and high-street who are on this trend. These painful shoes are now on the feet of celebrities, socialites, and even bloggers.

Shoes from Kermit Tesoro:

I can't deny it. This trend has started to grow on me. I have been converted.

Here are some options that are more accessible to the masses, in case you want to jump on the trend without burning your pocket.

These 2 are from DAS. (http://www.facebook.com/DASmyshoes)

Here are some less extreme cases, more feet-friendly from the collection of Filipino designer, Rajo Laurel with a mass market shoe brand Parisian Jr.

Thanks to the likes of Lady Gaga who are ready to go to the extreme ends for fashion, something tells me that this trend is not going anywhere soon.

A Tribute to the Chyc Muse

2012-01-22T19:43:00.001+08:00

My last post was eons ago and for a while there, I was losing the spark. My day job has drawn me over to the dark side, but with the new year, I am determined to come back to my camp.

It is the start of the new year and it is the time of the year when I set targets for myself. This year's goal is to buy something from Yves Saint Laurent. I have been a fan of the brand for a long time. I wrote a post on my obsession over the Tribute shoe some time back and now, my obsession has gone beyond just the shoe.

Here are what I am loving from the brand at the moment.

1. Medium Cabas Chyc in Navy Blue

2. Large Muse in Olive Green

3. Tribute in Magenta

4. Trib Too High Heels in Patent and Suede

5. Arty Oval Ring with Olive Green stone

Time to start saving up to get at least one of these things...

Over-reliant

2011-10-20T09:53:00.000+08:00

I was having a conversation with my friend last week and I was telling her how I feel that there is something wrong with me. I go on these emotional roller coasters that are impossble to pre-empt. She was helping me break things down to understand the underlying reason for my behaviour.

After much discussion, she came to one conclusion. I was obsessed with achieving something. I am constantly seeking gratification. In school, the sense of achievement comes after every exam, every presentation, every semester. The professors will give u a grade, words of encouragement and you begin to feel good about yourself. Your confidence meter gets filled up. After some time, the meter runs low, but it is right about time for the next presentation. So the cycle goes on and on... with every subsequent exam, project, and semester being the constant source of "energy" to fill my meter. Once the gap between these sources becomes too big, my meter runs empty and I begin to be cranky, moody, depressed, and feel worthless.

When I was in school, I more or less had a constant source. But in the workplace, that kind of gratification probably comes once a year. I don't have anything to fill my meter with. I go to work. I do my work. I get off work.

I thought about it and I think she is right. That is exactly what is wrong with me. I need to always feel that I am achieving something. That on its own is not really a problem, but the thing is, I need that feeling to come externally. I don't have an internal source to refuel my confidence meter. I would run out of batteries with no way to recharge until someone plugs me somewhere.

This is quite a realisation for me and it is hard to admit, considering I always thought of myself as more of an independent person. Turns out, I am a lot more dependent and reliant than I thought.

Thank goodness I have friends who are willing to listen to my rantings and actually help me see the things that I am too stubborn to see for myself. :)

The Curse of Being Polite

2011-10-15T14:56:00.001+08:00

Since young, we have been taught to two things. (1) Be polite. (2) Don't talk to strangers. As children, this was probably quite easy to abide by. My parents or some grown-ups will always be there to tell us to be polite to people and I would be too scared of strangers to even bother talking to them or responding to them. But as I grow older, being polite has sort of already been ingrained in my system. It has become a natural and civilized response to anything. At the same time, the fear of strangers has somehow subsided. I feel that at this age, I should be able to protect myself and talking to a stranger can do me no harm. Over the years, the two things that I was taught since young has been transformed in my head to be "Be polite to everybody, even to strangers. "

On most circumstances, I would think is a good thing. Everybody likes a polite person. It is a trait that should be embraced. But after recent events, I am beginning to think that it is better to not be so polite, especially when hard-selling strangers are concerned.

In these tough times, everybody is finding it difficult to make a living, especially those in the field of sales. Nobody is willing to spend. Banks and insurance companies have lost the trust of the general public and sales agents are challenged with higher quotas. As a result, these people will do whatever it takes to meet their targets.

In the past, it was straight-forward. Sales people were confined within the four walls of their stores. You don't enter the store, they can't sell to you. Years later, they began setting up booths, putting up their banners in MRT stations or wherever. They have stepped out of their comfort zones yet from afar, you will know where they are from and what their intentions are. That made it easier to avoid them and protect yourself from being ambushed and coaxed to buying something you initially had no plans of ever getting. However, times have changed. They have gotten a lot smarter. They no longer show you where they are from. They will approach you like as an average person, taking you completely off-guard. No banners, no IDs, no ways of identifying who they are.

Being the generally polite person that I am, when someone comes to approach me, I would be more than glad to give a response. I'm more than glad to give directions, give a compliment, or even help you fill up a quick survey. I am not comfortable with ignoring people or turning people down. But often times, my good intentions are taken advantage of and the hard selling begins. By that time, it becomes too difficult to turn it down. It's too late to walk away.

I am beginning to wonder why these people always end up approaching me? Is it true what my brother says that I am too gullible? Do I look too nice or too naive? Why? It can't be. My colleague and some friends told me that I generally look cold and unapproachable.

Maybe I should stop being too polite. Maybe I should show my temper more. Maybe I should stop minding these people. I should just keep my shades on and the earphones plugged, as the ultimate "Do not disturb" sign. I should just walk a little faster....

I've had enough of these people faking to ask for directions or asking simple questions that eventually lead to wasting my time for an hour so listening to a bullshit sales talk. I swear never again!

To all of you out there, beware. They may not wear their corporate IDs on them or have a booth with the company banner, but that does not mean they are innocent bystanders.

You can't take the guy out of the girl

2011-10-09T18:46:00.000+08:00

Last week, I went out with a friend/ colleague and we started playing Time Crisis 4, basketball, and Daytona in an arcade. It came as a surprise to her that I would actually go to an arcade and play considering that I always show up in the office in a dress and 5-inch heels. It also surprised me that after 4 years of having lost touch with my "guy" side, I actually had so much fun in that hour and a half that we spent inside the arcade.

All throughout my primary and most of my secondary school years, I have always been more of a guy than a girl. Although I would occasionally go shopping with my girl friends and also go gaga over prom, I spent most of my quality time with my brothers watching NBA, WWE wrestling, and playing Pokemon on the Nintendo Gameboy. I used mainly unisex things such as black Samsonite backpacks, Timberland boots, and Nike/ Adidas sports shoes.

Fast forward 4 years later, I became this fashion-obsessed girly girl who spends most of her time shopping, and going through fashion magazines and websites to be up to date on the latest styles out there. I am mostly in dresses and high heels, fully decorated with all sorts of accessories. One look at me and nobody would believe that I was actually into "guy" stuff before. I tried very hard to change myself over the years, to be treated more as a lady and not to be considered as "one of the guys." I gave myself a makeover to have my Cinderella moments just like all the other girls in my class did. But at the end of it all, I guess you could not really take the guy out of the girl. Deep down, there will always be a part of me that enjoys being a guy.

Time-Less

2011-08-11T10:34:00.000+08:00

On a random sunny day, walking around the NUS campus some 3 years back, my fellow Filipino student wondered why I wore a watch every single day. He later asked me if I wore my watch to sleep. I told him “yes” with a straight face. For as long as I can remember, I have always worn watches. From the basic black rubber-strap plastic swatch in the early 1990s until the steel watches and now ceramic ones… I never went anywhere without a watch.

My friend told me that it must be very stressful to be me, with my obsession to be constantly aware of the time even in the wee hours of the night when I am supposed to be sleeping. I did not take his words seriously. Only recently did I begin to ponder on what he said. Why do I need to wear my watch to sleep? I reasoned that I needed to know how much more hours of sleep I can get before it is time to wake up again. But doesn’t that make me even more unable to sleep because I keep thinking that in 3 hours I need to get up? So it just lures me into insomnia….

So I tried forming a habit of removing my watch the moment I reach home at night and go on with my affairs for the night without knowing exactly what time it was. The result: I accomplish more things and am more well rested. I would blissfully go to sleep, knowing only that the night has fallen, and thinking that I can have 8 hours of sleep. I fall into deep sleep for 5 hours and wake up as if I’ve had 8. It is a great change in my routine. From now on, I shall pass each night time-less.

Coco's pink sequins

2011-07-22T09:08:00.000+08:00

I was on ebay looking for vintage finds and accidentally came across this vintage chanel bag. It is the flap bag with the interlocking C's lock in pink leather covered with sequins. The seller says it was made in the 1950's and was originally bought from a cancer charity.

From the photos, it looks like it has been well maintained. It is currently going at $2,199. I absolutely love it. It is the marriage of my 2 great loves-Chanel and pink! I would really like to buy it but then I am not really very comfortable with getting branded items online. I still like the exhilaration of going to the store physically and then carrying out the paper bag at the end of the day. Besides, this bag is gonna dig a hole in my almost empty reserves. :P So for now, it's just for viewing pleasure. :)

Funky shoes reinvented!- Jeffrey Campbell

2011-07-10T20:23:00.000+08:00

Before officially starting this post, I would like to apologise for the hiatus. I have been busy with my graduation, getting ready for the corporate career, actually starting and adapting to my new job that I spend every extra time just lounging about and recharging. But anyway, I am back in the scene!

I signed up for this website called ava.ph which is an online store that gives special discounts for selected brands for certain periods of time. (Other similar websites include reebonz.com) This time around, the sale happens to be for Jeffrey Campbell shoes. I saw these 2 pairs that I would certainly want to own!

The first one is a remake of the original multi-colored wedge by Salvatore Ferragamo. The original one looks like this.

This is the Jeffrey Campbell version.

The other one is called the skater booties, also by Jeffrey Campbell. It is inspired by the footwear worn by ice skaters. Ain't it fabulous?

I don't have a good experience buying shoes and clothes online because sizes can be very different from brand to brand. In the past, I always bought too small a size or too big and ended up just wasting it. That's why I am reluctant to purchase these shoes, otherwise I would have clicked "add to cart" and proceeded to check out already. (They are pretty reasonably priced after all.) Oh well, I'm just sharing my new find! :)

Facebook Disconnected

2011-06-30T21:41:00.000+08:00

Since sometime in March, I deactivated my facebook account. It was a major change for me considering I used to be on facebook almost 24/7, but I had to do it. Constantly stalking other people, finding out what everybody is doing, and gauging the liveliness of other people's social lives by the their wall posts and posted pictures made my already rock bottom self esteem drop to negative. I was a mess. I kept feeling that my life was inadequate and I kept trying to look for people or circumstances to blame for it. Hence I decided to get myself offline for some time. My argument was as long as I did not know what others were doing, then I will not feel jealous and I will not feel bad. I only had to focus on what I was doing.

More than 3 months later, I feel that it is time to reactivate my account once more. I am now mentally and emotionally prepared to see the vibrancy of the lives of others, feel happy for them, while my lackluster existence is left unaffected. I have come to terms with who I am and am done coming up with lame excuses for my own miserableness.

What was life like without FB? Well, actually life goes on as it is. The only inconvenience is that it is really very hard to reconnect with people especially those whom you have not contacted in a very long time. When I went back to the Philippines for a holiday, I could not contact most of my high school friends. I just realised that I no longer had most of their numbers, since I have been too used to messaging them via facebook.

Another problem I had was in organising events. The Facebook Event function is probably one of its major selling points. It is easier to keep track of who is coming, who isnt coming and have discussions on what will take place via a single platform. Sms-ing everybody one by one and collating their responses is indeed very tedious.

After being disconnected for some time, I can really appreciate the usefulness of social networking platforms. Without them, the distance between people becomes very obvious.

As I am about to enter another stage of my life, officially entering the workforce, I will certainly be meeting a lot of people along the way. Facebook will really be useful and helpful in this hence I am once again online!

Tahari through work and play

2011-05-29T18:01:00.001+08:00

Among the resort 2012 collections, I must say Elie Tahari is my favorite. I love its wearability as well as quirkiness through little details and color choices. Mustard yellow and red and white were prominent in the collection. The looks provide a good variation for the working girl with attires appropriate for work and some playful and relaxed outfits for a quick vacation or for your days off. If I had to choose only one piece from the whole collection, my choice will definitely be the shoes in mustard yellow. One item to update your look through 2012! (At least that's what I think after seeing it? lol)
The looks that I loved most:

For work:

For your day off:

Graduation through the years

2011-05-29T13:48:00.000+08:00

I went out with some high school friends yesterday, and it is really comforting to see that we have all turned out so well. Some have changed so much, and others have not changed at all, but all very promising nevertheless. Time has really flown by way too fast. I am already about to graduate from university but it feels like it was just yesterday when I graduated from high school and first went to Singapore.

I was being very emotional last night, going through my old stuff and it felt like I just opened Pandora's box. I couldn't help it as tears began to build up and flow down from the corners of my eyes as I looked through old photos, letters, notes, and christmas and birthday cards exchanged with classmates. Among the stuff I found was our class photo with messages written at the back.

I also managed to find my elementary and high school valedictory speech. Reading them now, they don't feel very well written but at that point in time, it sure felt right!

Elementary Valedictory Speech
Six years in elementary has been a bag of nuts. We have had hard nuts to crack, rotten nuts to encounter, and empty nutshells to be disappointed at, but all the same, the bag of nuts was well worth it, for we have also had some of the best nuts we’ve ever tasted.

Today is the day of all days for us, parents, teachers, and students alike, as we celebrate the fruits of our labor. Our graduation today is a testimony that we have learned enough to move on. As we climb yet another step up the academic ladder, we bring with us all that we have learned not just from the curriculum but also from the interactions we’ve had with each other. Along the way, we have shared experiences and formed the bonds of friendship which we will carry for as long as we are able to remember. We have lighted the flame of anticipation of bigger challenges, and we are determined to vanquish the monster of defeat.

For all our accomplishments, we would like to express our sincerest gratitude to our teachers and parents who have continuously supported us all the while. Most of all, we would like to say thank you to Dr. Yu, without whom all this would not be possible. To my fellow graduates, let us the relative freedom that high school promises to further develop our potential. Let us not forget the lessons we have picked up from our elementary years. Lastly, let us bear in mind that we are one step closer to the fulfillment of our dreams, and nothing can stop us from achieving them.

Good day and God bless.

High School Valedictory Speech

Today is the last day of our journey towards the real world. Tomorrow, we find ourselves in the real world, equipped with the knowledge and experiences we have gained in our four years of high school. During these four years, we have found the truest of friends, developed the strongest of bonds, gained the most valuable of lessons, all of which we need in order to overcome the obstacles that we will face in the real world.

Before we were able to proudly march up the stage and claim our diplomas, we had gone through a lot. From the moment we took the first step into high school, we met unexpected challenges and difficulties. I know that upon our graduation, all of us will heave a sigh of relief because finally, all the troubles of high school are over, but let us not forget that graduation also marks a new beginning.

Whatever we experienced in high school is only a fraction of what we are yet to experience in the future. Let us remember that success is never final. This being said, let us not be complacent, but instead exert more effort to achieve more in the future. Let us not be discouraged by failure; instead, let’s see it as a motivation to do better. We have already come this far and nothing can stop us from going further down the road that leads to our dreams.

As we go on to college, let us not forget our parents who have been and will always be there to support us in our every endeavor; our teachers who inspired and guided us through all these years; the school which provided us with a good learning environment for us to hone our skills; and most of all, let us not forget one another, especially those whom we spent twelve years of our lives with and those who have helped us become who we are today.

Our batch is special because it is composed of people who are unique in their own ways, who have skills and talents in different fields. We are a very diverse group, but we continue to embrace this diversity and learn from it. In the end, we can show the world that through our diversity, we can make a difference.

To my batchmates, congratulations and happy graduation to all of you. To our alma mater, teachers and parents, thank you very much.

After all this time, I felt that I never really got over high school. I was forever holding on to it dearly, because those were 4 glorious years for me. But now, I feel that I really need to put it behind me and move on. I am graduating from university for goodness sake. I need to stop being in denial. Those days are over and I need to buckle myself up to work harder as I enter the workforce. Back to zero, another clean slate for me to paint the life that I want for myself.

Jump Out and Play

2011-05-27T18:01:00.001+08:00

After seeing Jennifer Lopez in the Michael Kors Deep V-neck jumpsuit during the American Idol Finale, it is certain that these full suit wonders are all the crave this season. They can look glam and red carpet worthy, laid back and sweet with florals, or perfect for summer getaways in bright and nude shades.

The thing with jumpsuits and playsuits is that it is the morph between a dress and pants. It gives the convenience of picking out a complete outfit in one go, just like a dress does, without having to worry about what to wear on top and what pants to match it with. At the same time, it gives you the ease of movement that pants and shorts do, so that you would not have to worry about acting all dainty and sitting properly and the like.

Here are some options that I found.

Glam and formal

Fun and playful

Looks for less (but just as good)

Just add a blazer or cardigan, ballet flats or pumps, and a little clutch or a small shoulder bag, and you are good to go!

A confession as I come to terms with my materialism

2011-05-26T22:15:00.000+08:00

Here is a journal article that I wrote for my consumer behavior class last semester. I thought of bringing it out and re-reading it as I struggle with my materialism once again. I have been quite obsessed with material things that I have lost the joys of the simple intangible things in life. But as is with any obsession, you can never be completely satisfied and that inadvertently led to depression....

In Tatzel’s article The Art of Buying, materialism was identified with happiness from possessions and acquisitions and material achievement as the measure of success. It further pointed out that people who are materialistic use the things they own for impression management. The article helped explain how materialism develops from perceived material deprivation and how items are used to gain acceptance. This mirrors my personal experiences and as the article concluded, my pursuit of materialism has made me a lot unhappier.

I was not always materialistic. It was not until I saw what my possessions did for me did I begin to be obsessed with them. As a child, my parents chose things for me based on functionality and durability. Everything I owned looked old and dull compared to what my classmates owned at that time, and I was envious. Furthermore, intense competition within my own and extended family made gaining acceptance and acknowledgement a necessity. I strived hard but was never successful.

All that changed when I started purchasing luxury goods and more fashionable things. People started to take notice of me and compliment me, especially among my family members. My possessions gave the impression of superiority because I owned better and more expensive. I finally had bragging rights.

The article also acknowledged that although the public knows that materialism is bad, we are told to keep on buying. We are given the false impression that it is okay to acquire things, even if at times, they are beyond our means. I have on countless occasions purchased items because I saw an advertisement showing that owning it will elevate my status in society. The envious stares and praises of the people around me further fed my hungry ego, eliminating any guilt that should have arisen from the purchase. The item served to fill the gap between my actual and ideal self.

Furthermore, Asian culture emphasizes a lot on creating a good impression and saving face. This gives us more reason to purchase items to show everybody that we can afford a certain standard of living similar to our peers. This also makes us more conscious of how others view us, so we will take an extra effort to portray the right image, to mask everything unpleasant with more material things.

As I used my possessions to boost my self worth, I began asking for more. I was always comparing myself with everybody else. I know that there is always somebody out there, who is richer and could afford better things, but I found that hard to accept and it depressed me. I began focusing on what I did not have rather than be happy with what I had. I had a perception that I deserved so much more than what I had.

Materialism not only affected my purchasing patterns, but also the way I viewed other people. I begin to assess others based on their possessions. The more and the better their items are, the better my regard for them. I became snobbish and could no longer understand how people could be happy with life’s little pleasures.

I am now well aware of the negative consequences of my materialism. I am a Big Spender who lives for pleasures and benefits that material things provide and thinks that everybody else should be the same. I want to have more self-control, but it is very hard to do now that I have become over-reliant on my possessions as a support system. I feel helpless and extremely insecure without them. They have come to define who I am, a part of my extended self, and are my golden ticket to society.

I hope this article serves as a reminder of how unhealthy materialism is and help me come to terms with my materialism... The depression is killing me!

Cheap and Chic Shoes

2011-05-20T14:03:00.000+08:00

I recently discovered a local label called Gold Dot that sells accessories and shoes and affordable prices. The prices range from around 2000 PHP to a little over 3000 PHP for shoes. Their styles are very unique and trendy and are often featured in local magazines. They have very limited stockists though, but you can always get them online through their multiply site golddot.multiply.com.

Here are my favorites from their collection.

Carrie Boots

Chelsea Wedge

Brenda Cutout Heels

Check out their multiply site for more information. :)

World's most precious shoes

2011-05-20T13:46:00.000+08:00

For this year's Cannes Festival, Giuseppe Zanotti collaborated with Chopard to come up with a pair of diamond studded satin pink heels to be worn by Anja Rubik on the red carpet.

It consists of rose gold chains, 22 carats of diamonds, 134 carats of rubellites and 199 carats of pink sapphires. That's a hell lot of jewels for one pair of heels. I would not have dared to wear it out unless the floor was made of 24K gold!

It is probably bit too much to design such an expensive pair of shoes just for the Cannes Festival. Indeed it is. But this pair has a greater cause. It will be auctioned off at the amfAR's Cinema Against AIDS gala later on to raise funds.

Bazaar Treasures

2011-05-18T13:25:00.000+08:00

Over the past week, I visited some bazaars and wholesale markets to scout for one of a kind accessories to add to my collection. It was a tiring trip with people squeezing against each other to get a better look at the items, the summer heat, the little alleys, and of course the bargaining with the sales people; but it was well worth it.

I love what I found.

Fabulosity

2011-05-08T22:02:00.000+08:00

From my tweets for the past few days, one can probably tell that I was experiencing some issues in my life that made me very angsty, that caused my self confidence to plummet, and that made me want to get away from everything.

Thankfully, I had a weapon by my side. It was Kimora Lee Simmons' Fabulosity.

In her bestselling book, Kimora defined fabulosity as a state of everything that is fabulous, a quality ascribed to that which expresses glamour, style, charisma, power and heart. She shared a lot of anecdotes of how she exhibited fabulosity and how she got to where she is now.

She also mentioned three truths about life that I really need to remember.
1. There is no such thing as being discovered.
2. The person with the most talent does not always get ahead.
3. Life's a bitch sometimes.
I have never heard anyone but this matter as bluntly as that, but it is good that Kimora did because it certainly serves as a wakeup call for me. Enough with blaming everything on circumstance. Everything depends on me and me alone.

She prescribed 15 laws to follow in order to achieve fabulosity. Of the 15, here are the ones that I really struck a chord in my heart and I will strive to live by.

Law #2 Embrace and exhibit the qualities that make you different.
Law #3 Speak out, ask questions, and make your presence felt.
Law #11 Celebrate and take care of your inner goddess and outer diva.
Law #14 Love yourself enough to rise above criticism.

After today, I promise to embrace who I am, love myself, stop hiding in the shadows, and assert myself to achieve what I want. At the end of the day, any failure of mine is of my own doing.

My latest tweet: "You can tell me that I am bound to fail, but that does not mean I am going to listen."

"The question is not who is going to let me , but who is going to stop me. "- Ayn Rand

Mini Me

2011-05-06T23:31:00.000+08:00

I met my high school friends today for pizza and coffee. After being on house arrest for some time, I was delighted to be able to leave the house and meet up with friends. I guess it is true what they say that your high school friends will be your best friends. :)

One of my friends gave me a little present. When I got home and opened it, I was delighted with what she gave me. It was the Etude House Minime Perfumed Stick. She gave me Ms Twinkle, which was in a Sweet Fruity Floral scent. And best of all, Ms Twinkle was purple and Asian. :)

I think it is a wonderful present and is perfect to give to your girl friends, at parties, as souvenirs in goodie bags, or as gifts as well. I think most ladies would love it. It is cute on your vanity table, smells good, is very convenient to bring around, and it comes in many different characters for you so that each one of your girl friends can have a different character. It reminds me of the Kimidoll that they sell at Precious Thots, with each Japanese doll represents a different blessing. This is just both decorative and functional.

You can check them out here.
http://www.etudehouse.ph/plist.aspx?pcode=allnew

I absolutely love it! I think I will buy some to give to my friends as well.

Second generation treasures

2011-05-06T18:19:00.000+08:00

There is a whole craze over vintage and going through mom's closets. A good friend of mine just had tweets about how she went through her mom's closet for vintage maxi skirts. For my case, I was looking more for accessories.

Here's what I found.

1. Givenchy shades

2. Bally vintage bag

3. Christian Dior Diorella perfume

That's what I call investment pieces!!! Something we will all still love 20-30 years down the road!

Fashion Casa

2011-05-06T11:35:00.001+08:00

As I was googling my favorite designer Elsa Schiaparelli, I came across these fashion inspired hotel rooms. It just shows us how prevalent fashion is. The names of designers have gone beyond just clothing and accessories. They have been attached to furniture, house ware, and even hotels.

1. Elsa Schiaparelli Suite, May Fair Hotel, London
This has Elsa's signature shocking pink decor. This dress really goes well with me, especially with all the pink, and pink being my favorite color.

2.Hotel Missoni, Italy
I know that Missoni is known for its great bed linen, with its colorful knits. I have seen them featured in Rachel Zoe's bedroom and a couple of other celebrity homes. But having a hotel is a different story. This room is a bit more retro and quirky with the colors and the details. Interesting...

3. Maison Moschino, Milan, Italy
This is ethereal and elegant. It feels like an atelier. Check out those lamps shaped like dresses. Amazing!

I would like to go live in one of these hotels even for a night. I'll make sure to go check them out the next time I go to Europe. :)

Photos from independent.co.uk.

Nude at the Met Gala

2011-05-04T15:10:00.000+08:00

I just finished going through InStyle.com's celebrity photos for the Met Gala and there was a color palette that prevailed. Majority of them (or at least those that looked great) were in nude pastel colors. Of course there were a few blacks and reds like what Demi Moore and Dianna Agron wore by Prabal Gurung and Michael Kors respectively. However, the best-dressed still came mainly in their skin tones.

I have to applaud Taylor Swift for her excellent choice of outfit. She came in a J. Mendel gown with black lace. She successfully channeled Old Hollywood glamour in this outfit with her blue eyes, swept up hair, and luscious red lips.

Ashley Greene totally killed the competition in this Donna Karan ensemble. It was certainly a Cinderella moment.

Emma Roberts is all grown up and glamorous in Michael Kors. She must be getting some good fashion advise from her aunt Julia.

Gwyneth Paltrow kept it simple in a long sleeved gown from Stella McCartney. Less is indeed more in this case.

The young actress, Hailee Steinfeld looked modern and stunning in Stella McCartney and Nicholas Kirkwood heels. I would love to own this dress personally! She certainly made a better choice than many of her older more experienced peers.

Blake Lively is really at the pinnacle of her career right now with movies and endorsement contracts left and right. She is even Anna Wintour's and Karl Lagerfeld's favorite. I am not really a very big fan of her laidback style, but this time around, she really rocked this Chanel dress. She does Karl Lagerfeld proud!

Mrs Pinault comes in none other than Alexander McQueen, perfect for this year's theme.

Renee Zellweger shows off her svelte figure in a simple Carolina Herrera gown.

Fergie came in Marchesa. I loved the gown, but not really the best choice for her. It was overpowering on her. A great gown nevertheless.

The Olsen twins have always been fashion icons,. but I did not always like their style. This time, Ashley pulled off this vintage Christian Dior gown.

This Stella McCartney dress is perfect for Amber Valletta. It really accentuates her body and clings perfectly.

Kudos to Stella McCartney for sending down so many gorgeous gowns down the red carpet for the Met Gala!

Royal Wedding Hangover

2011-05-03T14:50:00.000+08:00

UK now has a new Duke and Duchess of Cambridge in the name of Prince William and Catherine "Kate" Middleton. It is probably the most anticipated and hyped wedding of the 21st century. Similarly, I do not know of any anticipation and speculation over a piece of clothing than what transpired over the wedding gown of Kate. It ended up being designed by Sarah Burton, creative director of Alexander McQueen, inspired by the gowns worn by Queen Elizabeth and Grace Kelly.

The royal wedding has already passed for a few days now but I still have not yet gotten over the wedding dress madness. I am still scouting for excellent wedding dresses.:P Monique Lhuillier will certainly be one of the first go-to designers for wedding gowns. Marchesa is also one of my top picks since I love their ball gowns and formal dresses. And of course, how can we forget the royal designer Sarah Burton.

Here are some of the dresses I have picked out!

Alexander McQueen Duchess Satin Gown

Alexander McQueen Silk Satin Organza Gown

Marchesa Ebony and Peral Ombre Strapless tulle gown

Marchesa pearl draped strapless silk tulle dress

Marchesa strapless Organza draped dress

Marchesa platinum embroidered gown with tulle skirt

Monique Lhuillier Silk White Embroidered Organza

Monique Lhuillier Silk White Organza Sweetheart Asymmetric Drape

Summer Occupation

2011-05-02T18:34:00.000+08:00

My exams are officially over and I am back home in the Philippines, taking a long and well-deserved break before I attend the graduation ceremony and start being a slave of the corporate world.

It is day 2 of my vacation and I am so BBBBOOOOORRRREEEEEDDDDDDD!!!!!!

I seriously need to find something to do or else I will definitely go nuts.

As I rummaged through all the old stuff that we have in the store room, I came across this 3D house puzzle, so I took out the biggest one I could find and started building it. Here is what it looks like once I was done with it.

For the rest of the summer, I might end up taking out all of those puzzles and building them to kill time. Other than that, I have 2 books that I brought with him for my fashion "education". I also intend to learn fashion illustrations and at least learn to sew something before the summer ends. I can't pursue a career in this yet as my parents keep telling me to be more realistic and arts do not flow in our blood. Hence I will be an accountant by day, and learn and hone my skills at night. I am not yet ready to give up my dream of opening a fashion boutique in the future, but I need to find a means to get the capital and to fund an MBA in luxury fashion management. :P

Vintage Fashion and Fashion Gamebook for some summer reading

Work Station

2011-05-02T18:23:00.000+08:00

Before I proceed with my post, I would like to apologize for the hiatus. I have been quite busy packing my stuff to move them to my new place and then unpack them in the new place and pack once again for my trip home to the Philippines. (but for the most part, I have been lazy to go online and was too hooked on sims 3!)

Anyway, as I previously mentioned, I moved to a new place. I wanted it to be more like a stylist's loft but I had serious space constraints. I did what I could though.

My theme was mainly white with accents of pink through my desk accessories. The highlight of my room would be the display cabinet that doubles as a bookcase as well as the bookcase that I converted to my shoe and bag display shelf. (Okay, I know that probably didn't make sense, but it did while I was doing it. :P)

At this point, most of my family members said my room looks like a store. I can already open up my little boutique in there (which is what I intend to do in the future, not in my bedroom though) and forget about having a room for sleeping.

I can say that this room is truly me! With my accessories out in the open, my shoes and bags, my fashion books and Gossip Girl, chick flicks, and Audrey Hepburn DVDs. Overall, I am happy with the result, although I wish I had a bigger room and had a walk-in... But that can be arranged in the future.

Here are some pics of my room.

Looking back, thinking ahead

2011-04-23T06:39:00.000+08:00

It is 6:30 am and I have not slept a wink. For some reason, I have been feeling uneasy for the whole night...Since I can't sleep anymore, might as well put my time to better use.

I have been thinking, why did I become the person that I am now? At the same time, how do I become the person that I want to be?

For the person that I have become, I am constantly looking for someone to blame for the ugliness that I see and from the failure that I have become. Does it really have anything to do with others or is it all me? Can I still change that?

For the person that I want to be, I am looking for my golden ticket, someone, something, or some opportunity that is going to sweep me off my feet and take me to winter wonderland. Is this feasible? Or should I start working my ass off and start drafting a 5-year and 10-year plan?

What should I do now? I have reached a crossroad in my life, where I am about to graduate from university and now arises the question, what do you want to do with the rest of your life? Do I need to make a definitive decision now? Can't I just cruise by for a few more years?

Who I am now determines what kind of jobs I can take or will be qualified to do. Who I want to become determines what I should be fighting for.... Decisions.... decisions... decisions... I guess this is what it really means to grow up.... Have I really grown up then?

The Military Dilemma

2011-04-19T11:51:00.000+08:00

I am looking for a new jacket that I will bring with me for my impending Europe trip. I have been wanting to get myself a military jacket for ages, so this is the perfect excuse to get one.

I found a couple of options from Promod.

Faux leather officer's jacket

Faded Canvas military jacket

Striped military jacket

Right now, I am more inclined to get the last one, the striped military jacket because it is a good balance between masculinity and femininity with the toughness of the military spirit coupled with the light colored stripes that makes it look more like a riding coat used by the ladies in the past. It looks so European making it perfect for my Europe trip. (forgive my nonsense. I will say anything to convince myself that I am making the right choice.:P)

Decisions... decisions... decisions... I am so excited!!!

Metallic Collar

2011-04-16T11:15:00.000+08:00

I have decided to get myself out of the spending freeze and went accessory shopping. I know, what you are thinking.... You are probably blaming me for lack of discipline, but trust me, I really tried to cut my spending. I just had to reward myself for surviving my final semester as an undergraduate!

Anyway, I found these two wonderful neckpieces.

I found this silver "tribal" rock-inspired piece from Baggensac. It is located on the ground floor of Vivo City, near Gong Cha and Crumpler. I was so happy to find this because I drew this necklace in my "portfolio" not very long ago and here it is alive right before my eyes. I knew I had to get it. It is perfect for accessorizing a basic tee or tank top for the casual trendy look.

This next one is from one of my favorite accessories stores, Diva. I just love how they always change their collections to suit different themes. They even created a Sex and the City theme and a Disney theme. This necklace would look great with a simple tube dress for a night out or a date.

I now have 2 new pieces that can help upgrade my wardrobe!

MJ! and no it's not Michael Jackson

2011-04-08T19:31:00.000+08:00

When my friend came over from the Philippines, I took her to do the rounds to meet my "friends" on Orchard Road. (and by "friends" I mean the stores because I really like how they keep me company and make me happy whenever I am alone) As we were walking through the stores, I kept referring to Marc Jacobs as the love of my life. She probably thought I was going bonkers! But seriously, the man is a genius!!! I love him!!!! How can someone handle so many lines by himself and always give a breathe of fresh air to everything he touches. I mean, he has the Midas touch!

A saw this photo of him on Bagthatstyle.com and it is amazing how he wears a prada skirt better than any woman I know. :P That kind of vibe and confidence is really what I am aiming for- to believe in oneself and just don't care about everybody else and to be absolutely fulfilled and happy. He is so inspiring!

Fleur de Shoe

2011-04-08T13:57:00.000+08:00

I have not given up my search for decor for my room and with my shoe obsession, I am dead set that my little art work display must also be of shoes.

I continued my search in art.com and I came across another artist Elena Feliciano and she has a lot of shoe illustrations incorporating different flower patters and sketches. Each piece looks very refreshing and appealing. However, amidst all the flowers was this really adorable animal.

Meet Copy Cat Copy Cat. If this is a real shoe, I wouldn't hesitate to buy it.:) It is so funky.It is great for collection but just a disclaimer, I probably would never wear it out though. It reminds me of a giraffe shoe that I saw in a magazine somewhere before.Seriously, we are running out of innovations in the footwear department.

Here are some of Elena Feliciano's footwear artwork.

The Cambridge Satchel

2011-04-08T09:27:00.000+08:00

I am really dying to get this satchel ever since I saw it in a blog some time back. The more I look at it, the more it grows on me.... The best part? It comes in fluorescent colors like neon pink, orange, and green that make them perfect for the coming summer. It gives a new twist to the vintage look that we always see in all those blog shops.

The other best thing? It is available in the Philippines so I can get my brother to go buy it for me before he comes over....

Here's the Cambridge Satchel Company satchels.

I am thinking of getting the orange one.:)

If you want something branded and probably smaller, you can opt for the Kate Spade Essex Scout. It has the same feel. :)

Green Eyed Monster

2011-04-07T14:21:00.000+08:00

I will literally be a green-eyed monster if I see anyone owning any of these green pieces... It's perfect for the coming summer!

1. Gucci Python Shoulder Bag
I just really really love this. When I saw this in the new arrival section of net-a-porter.com, I knew I had to have a blog post for it. It's a combination of all the hottest summer trends- python skin, sling laidback bag, and in such a hip color. Gucci Gucci Gucci!

2. Kenneth Jay Lane Necklace
This will be perfect for that little tube dress or tube maxi dress for day or night!

3. Michael Kors Raffia Sandals
Run around town in the latest comfy footwear by MK.

Anyone generous enough to give me any of these as a grad gift? :P

Photo Shoe-it

2011-04-06T22:18:00.000+08:00

As I was going looking for posters or art work to enhance the atmosphere of my new room, I came across this artist Inna Panasenko and I absolutely loved her art prints of various shoes.

I particularly love this red shoe with the tassle, Conquistatore Passionate. I was even thinking of getting ordering it but the shipping and framing costs were too expensive. :( I can only enjoy it off my laptop screen now...

Inna has a lot of other nice shoe prints and top it off, she has nice artwork titles totally showcasing a lady's attitude towards footwear. :)

High Heels, Wild Passion

High Heels, Coolness

High Heels, Obsession

High Heels, Romance

All photos courtesy of art.com. I would want all these hanging on my walls someday.... :P

Bag Stalker- Givenchy and Celine

2011-04-05T13:17:00.001+08:00

NUS Business School students are really on a league of their own. Either they have affluent parents or have made a good killing on their own, but nevertheless, they are certainly not the type to skimp on leather goods.

On top of the majority of the students carrying some type of branded bag, commonly in the form of Longchamp le pliage, Kate Spade, Coach, and the LV Neverfull, there are those who carry more seasonal and trendier pieces.

In the past 2 days I spotted 2 bags that are used by my classmates that really caught my attention. The first one is the Givenchy Nightingale bag that many celebrities have been caught carrying. I did not really like this bag at the start, but after seeing 2, 3, 4 people carrying it in school, I can't help but begin getting drawn to it.

The other bag is the celine mini luggage bag. I first saw it in one fashion blog of Style samurai (http://stylesamurai.blogspot.com/search?updated-min=2011-01-01T00%3A00%3A00%2B08%3A00&updated-max=2012-01-01T00%3A00%3A00%2B08%3A00&max-results=50)
I later saw this carried by a classmate and I was surprised. That was one fashion forward classmate.

I need to keep a sharper eye for these little details in school. The best models are really the people around you. And being put amidst these people who not only have the means and the eye to get such accessories, I am really fortunate and have so many sources of inspirations.

Let's Get Waist-ed

2011-04-05T12:17:00.000+08:00

A slim waist has always been my best asset, if not my only asset, hence I can't help but to find ways to accentuate it and draw everybody's attention to it, in hopes that they don't see the big arms and chunky legs. lol

If money were no object, I would really want these belts and they are all u really need to jazz up your plain outfit.

My favorite is this laser cut leather belt from Alaia.

This paul and joe belt is perfect for a simple dress. It actually reminds me of the obi belts used by Gucci for the Spring 2011 RTW runway show.

This Roberto Cavalli is just all about over-the-top bling!

You can try this Lowie skinny belt for a dainty touch.

A dainty touch that leaves a statement from Miu Miu.

Sadly for most of us, money is a major object so here are more pocket-friendly alternatives.

ASOS gives us these options.
Flower cut detail wide belt

Metallic Obi belt

Polka dot bow belt

Forever 21 beaded canvas belt

Forever 21 twist buckle wide belt

Top Shop Black Snake Elastic Corset Belt- to replace the pricey Alaia

Top Shop Gold double circle belt (to replace the Miu Miu)

i don't play favorites, but i can't help it

2011-04-04T14:39:00.000+08:00

For the first time, I wore the Isabel Toledo for Payless satin heels with a red bow. For something so cheap, I must say, it is awesome!

It looks good for my FAT feet, and it is very comfortable. I can even run in them. This is a find that I am really happy of and I swear I will wear this more often! The red ribbon is a nice touch too!

"Mommy doesn't play favorites with her babies, but it is just so hard with this shoe."

Wrist Candies

2011-03-31T14:42:00.000+08:00

Do you remember your first ever watch as a child? I am willing to bet that majority of us would say that our first watch was Swatch - The plain black light plastic watch that would not break no matter how many times you throw them. If not the plastic watch, it has to be Flik Flak.

I never really went through the Flik Flak phase, but I sure was envious of my cousins who did. I loved the fun designs and colors on the strap of it. But I quickly grew out of the Swatch watches phase. In 3rd grade, I was already into the metal straps. I have not been attracted back to Swatch since. But that was until the trend for big, chunky ceramic/plastic watches came about. At that point, Swatch started to catch my attention once again. Now, there are 2 styles from Swatch that I would really want to own right now.

The Lady Collection
The first one is the recently launched lady collection that consists of a small plastic face with a long strap that can be double-wrapped, making it both a funky accessory and a functional timepiece. And to top things off, it only costs 50USD. I would say that is quite a bargain.

I love them in the pinkish delight dream or the bluish soft sky.

Chrono Plastic Collection
These are the styles that are similar to the ceramic watches in style and in the overall appeal, but it is a lot lighter.

Here is black dunes pink for some attitude.

Here it is in oceanpurity for that sweet, young, and fresh look.

But at the end of they day, what is really so attractive with these watches are the amazing array of colors that make them look almost too delicious and sweet to have on your wrist. :)

Safari on your feet

2011-03-31T11:31:00.000+08:00

Animal prints are always cool and in fashion, but it was not until I saw this Valentino heels that I was totally convinced to push animal prints up my wish list/ must-haves.

Animal prints are almost always linked to the Amazon woman, and true enough, it is precisely the bold, feisty, fearless and powerful characteristics of these Amazon women that automatically become associated with whoever wears them. Talk about a quick fix for a low day... Wearing something with animal prints automatically makes me feel empowered and in control. There is no denying that animal prints are certainly accessories that do modern, cosmopolitan women justice.

Here are some options to jazz up your outfits and bring out your inner Amazonia!

1. Charlotte Olympia leopard print heels

2.Miu Miu leopard print ballet flats

3.Tabitha Simmons for Runway to Green Animal Print boots

4.Christian Louboutin animal print sandals

5. Tory Burch Leopard print reva flats

In need of inspiration

2011-03-28T02:37:00.000+08:00

I was at Miss Selfridge, Wisma Atria yesterday and saw two dresses that looked awfully familiar.
One was inspired by a dress worn by Sarah Jessica Parker in Sex and the City and another one was something very Missoni.

Here, see for yourself.

I am supposed to be in a spending freeze but I just could not stop myself from buying this Missoni-inspired dress. Besides, my 20% off voucher was expiring soon so I HAD to use it. This shift dress is my signal that summer is approaching... it is time to work out and show off those legs.. ** as if**

Knock on Wood... Clog Clog

2011-03-25T13:40:00.000+08:00

As I was walking around the mall the other day, I noticed a common trend among the fashion store windows- the mannequins were wearing wooden sandals.

This reminded me of a time in my high school days when we were obsessed with Happy Feet sandals in the Philippines. I went to so many places just to get hold of a pair. They were selling like hotcakes then. Oh the satisfaction when I finally got hold of a pair in orange... But the fad died out pretty quickly... Now, it seems like it is making a comeback together with the whole floral, peasant look. And yes, Happy Feet is still alive. Check out their website here: http://happyfeetsandals.com/?page=catalog&cid=11. They are more fun and colorful than ever.

Seeing this trend, I tried to see where it started. I guess that can be attributed to Karl Lagerfeld's sending of clogs down the Chanel runway some seasons back. Now, every other brand has some variation of the wooden sandal.

1. Here's a pair from gucci. Keeping it simple with just its logo.

2. Jimmy Choo adds some sizzle with it in gold.

3. Miu Miu adds a very nice print to it.

4. Pedro Garcia keeps it real with just a little ankle strap.

In the alternate universe where most of us belong to, here are some options that we have.
1. Forever 21 brown suede clogs

2. Zara wooden buckle sandals

3. Zara Wooden Vamp Sandals

4. River Island White Wooden Sandals

Of course you can always check out Happy Feet as well.

Clog Clog Clog away this summer!

My Wedding Shoes

2011-03-25T13:14:00.000+08:00

Sometime back, I posted that I have already found my wedding dress courtesy of Marchesa. Nothing has changed since then. I am still single. But I came across this pair of shoes by Brian Atwood and I knew it would be the perfect wedding shoes. So I am here to share it with you guys again! It is a net-a-porter.com exclusive. It has a lot of nice details and I especially love the embellished heel! I wonder if I can get this first and keep it for later. :P Nah, it's too darn expensive for now!

Other bridal shoe picks include these pairs from Miu Miu and Christian Louboutin.

Charm your way through life

2011-03-21T23:33:00.000+08:00

I have always been a charms girl.... But it is quite frustrating how those nice charms can cost so much.

The thing with charms is that it gives you the opportunity to have a unique bracelet that nobody else can have. It is strictly yours, with each charm representing who you are. You can move the charms around and add as many as you want. You can be elegant, playful, simple, extravagant, chic or whatever you would want to be. It is also very feminine and very easy to match with your clothes.

I used to dream of having this charm bracelet full of charms that I collected from my travels, with charms from vintage shops, bazaars, etc. It will be a memoir for me that chronicles the different adventures I have had... But then again, it is just a dream for now...

Here are some charms that i would love to own to channel the inner me to the people out there.

From Juicy Couture:

From Tiffany and Co:

From Thomas Sabo:

The rule is: Break all the rules

2011-03-19T14:03:00.000+08:00

Lady Gaga will be awarded Style Icon of the Year by the Council of Fashion Designers of America. Her style is really bold and does not follow any rules. I think she deserves this award in that she serves as an inspiration to all of us to not worry about conforming to rules and following the rules of Fashion 101.
Lady Gaga's extreme fashion

Fashion should be personal. It should represent you for who you are. Who cares if you are wearing a dozen colors all in one go. If that is what makes you comfortable then so be it. There is also nothing wrong with wearing a tutu skirt everyday if you think that is your representation of femininity and drama. Purple hair with neon blue nails. Silver, brass and gold jewelry all mixed together. A pastel pink lace dress with a red biker chic leather jacket... You name it.. Any combination is acceptable. There are no rules! The only rule is in your heart.

Why don't u give it a try and wear your heart on your sleeves like these folks!

Your friends through thick and thin

2011-03-18T10:15:00.002+08:00

I am not alone!!!

I am referring to my shoe obsession. According to a survey conducted by ShopSmart Magazine, women in the USA owned an average of 17 pairs of shoes. Read the full article at http://yourlife.usatoday.com/your-look/story/2011/03/Women-fall-head-over-heels-for-shoes/44870342/1.

According to the women surveyed, they love their shoes because no matter how much weight you gain, you can still fit into your shoes. They are your friends through thick and thin. Well, this is probably true for most cases, except when you really gain too much weight then your feet will be too fat for the shoes. But yeah, the essence is there.

In addition, 60% of women are willing to tolerate pain for fashion. They will wear the shoes because they are nice, no matter how uncomfortable they are. Ditto. I have a lot of shoes that I can barely walk in, making them only suitable for dinner dates. I used to struggle so much with high heels but I walked through the pain till my feet are now used to it. I can't imagine life without them anymore.

51% of women notice what others have on their feet. Ditto ditto. The shoes are the first thing I notice in any outfit. I can not notice the face, but I cannot not notice the shoes. :)

I am normal!!!

You are marrying into royalty, now what?

2011-03-18T09:59:00.000+08:00

Top British designer Matthew Williamson commented yesterday, “Kate isn't a fashion bunny. I don't know why everyone in fashion is waiting to see what she wears. I'm, like, thinking: get over it”, referring to Kate Middleton who will be the latest addition to the royal family. (Read more: http://newsfeed.time.com/page/3/#ixzz1GuXlRXqb)

He's right. What is with the obsession over everything that she wears or does? It has reached an extreme point where the sheer lace dress that she wore that supposedly attracted Prince William, fetched £78,000 in an auction. The dress was designed by Charlotte Todd for a university fashion show.

Let me guess what all the commotion is about.

In these very difficult times, everybody is looking for an easy way out. The will of many ladies to marry rich (not necessarily a prince, but someone rich nevertheless) has gotten stronger. They are hoping that Kate Middleton's dress can do for them what it did for Kate.

Another reason is that people just love fairy tales. Kate Middleton's story serves as a reminder for them that they too can have their fairy tale ending, pushing them to continue hoping and dreaming, waiting to be swept off their feet by a hopefully, not balding prince.

Another possible reason is that people are selfish jealous creatures. They cannot take it if others are constantly successful or lucky. They are eagerly waiting to see a moment of embarrassment and see when Kate will fall.

Don't get me wrong. I have nothing against following the lifestyle news. It is great that they are getting married and sure everybody is curious as to who gets invited to the royal wedding, but auctioning a piece of fabric that poses to be a dress for thousands of dollars is absurd.

Kate and William are scheduled to get married in April and news says that the creative director of Alexander McQueen, Sarah Burton will be designing the wedding gown.

Coz It's St Patricks

2011-03-17T20:02:00.000+08:00

I have no idea about St Patrick's Day but it seems like everyone is talking about it so I guess it is just right for me to follow with my "something green."

Here's a dress by my favorite designer Elsa Schiaparelli. I just wish her fashion house lived on until today.

Miu Miu is doing a pretty good tribute to this day with its latest campaigns.

Loewe Amazona comes in this gorgeous color as well.

Happy St Patrick's Day! Hey, any reason to celebrate is welcomed with open arms!

Being Bandaged Never Looked This Good

2011-03-17T15:23:00.000+08:00

I saw this recent photo in Instyle of Katy Perry in a purple Herve Leger dress and was inspired to write this post.

I am a huge fan of Herve Leger, if only I had the money to actually buy them. They are known for the body-con bandage dress that can either be a girl's best friend or worst foe. For those who have what it takes, it is the best outfit to accentuate all your curves and assets. For those who are struggling with all the cellulite and love handles, you are probably better off with DVF's wrap dress else you look like a huge wrapped rice dumpling.

The body-con banded dress is my inspiration that makes me want to lose weight. I swore to myself that if I reach a certain weight level and waist size, I'll spend a bomb to get myself a Herve Leger as a reward for achieving a milestone in my life, since I have always been on the heavy side... So far I am still some 5 kg away from my first goal so rally on.

In the mean time, there is no stopping my admiration for these gorgeous dresses and how they are constantly reinvented to remain funky and cool for the modern confident woman.

I loved their Pre-Spring 2011 collection with all the bright colors. Here are my picks from that season. (Probably a tad too late, but they are still available in the online store:P)
Aimee Contrast Banded Dress

Bianca Contrast Banded Dress

Lausanne Beaded Banded Dress

Gisele Geometric Banded Dress

The Fall 2011/2012 RTW shows just ended a few weeks ago and here are my picks from the latest collection.

I need to lose weight fast!!!!!

Tribal Instinct

2011-03-15T19:21:00.000+08:00

Rachel Zoe posted this necklace on her website and there the search began....
Tom Binns Massai Necklace

Is it the era of tribal necklaces?
These very intricate tribal necklaces, adorned with brass, feathers, glass, and colorful beads seam to everywhere nowadays, from top designers' collections to high street brands, to bazaars and small handcrafted jewelry stalls on the streets. Suddenly, everybody wants a little ethnic and nature-ly feel in their outfits, dressing down a rather formal attire or playing up a rather dull tank top and jeans ensemble.

Here are some ethnic/tribal inspired necklaces that I found on the web.

ACB Fringe Brass and Leather Necklace from Net-a-porter.com

Radiant necklace from Anthropologie

Dannijo Brass Swarovski Crystals Necklace from Net-a-porter.com

Erickson Beamon Brass Leather and Glass Necklace from Net-a-porter.com

Navajo Beaded Necklace from Forever 21

Of Sticks and Stones... and broken bones?

2011-03-15T16:17:00.001+08:00

The other day, I went to meet a friend for dinner and she kept complementing me on a necklace that I wore that night. She said that it was so unique. She was even more surprised when I told her how much it costs. She expected it to be priced at as much as 200 SGD.

Here's what I wore that night.

I got this in a bazaar held at the NBC tent in the Philippines last December. After receiving such nice complements, I think it is just appropriate for me to give some credit to the designer of the jewelry. It was from moonstone designs. They specialize in handmade wire jewelry with precious stones, pearls, and other ornaments, creating eye-catching unique pieces, drawing inspirations from mother nature.

For those of you who are interested to find out more about this, you can visit their website at http://www.moonstonedesigns.ph/
Note: We are not related in anyway nor do they have any idea of who I am. I just love their jewelry and would like to share it to the world.

Here are some of the pieces from their collection that I personally love. I would definitely go find them at the bazaar the next time I go back to the Philippines to get more!

Back-to-School?

2011-03-15T12:42:00.000+08:00

I spent all of my elementary and high school years carrying variations of the simple black Samsonite backpack, handed down from my siblings. The quality of these bags are just so good that they could practically last forever. To most people that is a good thing, but for someone who is easily sick of things, it was my worst nightmare because I had to keep using them until they finally break down. My parents were strong advocates of good quality and sturdy stuff so that you don't have to keep buying new ones. Sadly, that was the opposite of my philosophy then. I just wanted something that looked nice. I didn't intend to use them for a very long time so they didn't really need to be sturdy.

After the horror of high school, I have sworn off backpacks, because I felt they looked too kiddy and unfashionable. I always thought it was something that only went well with the school uniform. However, for some unknown reason, I am seeing more and more ladies in school carrying backpacks as well. At first, I did not really like it, but the longer I look at it, the more it grows on me. It is actually pretty cool. So I tried to find some backpacks that I would be happy to carry to school. Backpacks are in once again! (or maybe they have always been in, I just rejected the trend:P)

1. Badgley Mischka Canvas Backpack

2. Marc by Marc Jacobs Classic Q Backpack

3. Marc by Marc Jacobs Totally Turnover Backpack

4. Tory Burch Brodie Ripstop Nylon Backpack

It's all about the feet!

2011-03-14T11:30:00.000+08:00

Yes, you heard me right. It is all about the what you wear on your feet. By now, I think you should have realised that I am obsessed with shoes. In thinking about how I will organise my new room, my major concern is how to arrange and display my shoes. I don't care about the bed, the table, the lighting and what-nots. :P

You might be wondering what is it with women and shoes. Well, I am not sure what it means for others, but for me, it is the best way of expressing myself. Because i am more on the heavy side, it is hard for me to look really good in nice clothes. I get very self-conscious, but with shoes, it's different. I do not hesitate to wear those sky high heels or those funky booties. There's an empowered woman. No matter what I am wearing, I can hold my head up high while wearing my high high heels. They are my ultimate fashion statement. People can stare all they want, but I take pride in being able to walk around in 5-inch heels.

Anyway, wedges are very big these days and they are looking cooler and cooler. They used to be big and heavy and rugged, but now, they are sleek and funky.

Here's 2 pairs of wedges that I came across today while going thru online shops. These are two pairs that can definitely draw attention to you in subtle ways.

Tabitha Simmons Cutout Wedge

Violet Cutout Wedge

Giving PS1 another chance

2011-03-14T10:32:00.000+08:00

No, I am not talking about Play Station 1. There is no way that will be revived with the really cool Play Station 3. :P

I am referring to the Proenza Schouler PS1 Satchel. I have been looking at it for some time and until now I still love it! I think it caters to the same look as the Mulberry Alexa but not as common. Although I love the Alexa, I am seeing too many people carrying it out nowadays. The only good thing is that it is cheaper than the PS1.

The PS1 medium leather satchel

I really want it in this salmon color.

In the alternate world, for those of us who cannot afford a few thousands of dollars for a bag, here's one from Warehouse that is very similar to the PS1.

Mother Earth's wrath

2011-03-12T11:56:00.000+08:00

Japan just suffered a massive earthquake yesterday, followed by a tsunami which triggered tsunami warnings in many other countries including Indonesia, Philippines, and the United States. These events are just shortly after another huge earthquake in New Zealand and China. Now, there are also warnings that an earthquake will hit the Philippines soon.

In light of all these natural disasters, I can't help but wonder... what have we done to our planet? Is the prophecy in the movie 2012 really coming true? Will our world end soon?

I used to ask myself how I would feel if the world really ended in 2012... Initially, I was scared. Everything that I have will be gone. How can I possibly just let go of all the things I worked hard for and saved up for? Do you see what's wrong here? pathetic as it may sound, my first thought was "My shoes! My bags!" It was not even a concern for my life....

But nowadays, I think I am able to let go more. I came up with these weird philosophies on living life and ending it as soon as you feel you have lived...Life is full of uncertainty. What's the point of working like a slave, trying to save money for the rainy day, when you don't know if you'll live to see that rainy day. There is a strong chance everything you worked hard for will just go to waste... I am sure a lot of the victims of the calamities could relate to this. and I believe that at a certain point in time, we will all be victims of some sort of calamity. Better appreciate this philosophy now before you are left with no choice but to accept it and bear with the loss. You never know when Mother Earth will strike again.

Hearing all the warnings of disasters awaiting the Philippines, I am really worried. I honestly don't think our house back home can withstand a huge earthquake right now. It's too old and hasn't been renovated nor gone for proper maintenance in decades!

Good Bye Barbie:(

2011-03-12T11:22:00.000+08:00

At least for the store in Shanghai.....

On March 7, 2011, Mattel closed the Barbie flagship store in Shanghai, which was opened during Barbie's 50th anniversary. This news came so suddenly for me and to be honest, it is quite heartbreaking, because I am a huge lover of Barbie. I thought that with the Barbie Shanghai store, I could easily add up to my Barbie collection.... Now, my source is gone!

The escalator that takes you to a little dreamland called Barbie land

The infamous staircase

I grew up with Barbie. I still remember the nights when I would stay up waiting for my parents to come home from picking up someone in the airport, dropping by Duty Free to buy our barbies more clothes. I can still recall the excitement when I saw a huge plastic bag full of Barbie house sets in the car from my dad's friend which was distributed to all of us cousins. That was my only Barbie house set.

Growing up with Barbie increased my attachment to it and to the brand. Now, I am a little collector of it, holding on to the very few parts of my childhood that I really enjoyed. But this is not the case for most Chinese girls. Barbie is something that is only being introduced to them and they don't seem to be very receptive to it. While I flew a thousand miles to Shanghai just to go to the flagship store, most of them won't even take a second look at it. Without an attachment to the brand, the flagship store was no longer appealing....

Oh well, the Barbie brand will remain strong and I will love it forever!:P I am thankful that I got to visit the store at least once before it closed, 3 months back!:)

Bobbi Brown Peony and Python collection

2011-03-07T12:35:00.003+08:00

Bobbi Brown came up with a new collection that has been featured in most of the fashion magazines for March.

What caught my attention the most is the very nice cosmetic case with a peony flower on python skin. Looking further, the shades are fresh and young, something that I would love to try for a new look this coming summer. The colors are in nice shades of pink and purple which are chic yet safe, without requiring very strong makeup application skills. :)

Behind Closed Doors... Are Skeletons and so much more...

2011-03-07T11:08:00.004+08:00

There is really so much more than what meets the eye. What we see are what they look on-camera.... To make things worse, these people are such great actors and actresses!

I do not deny I have been very envious of A-list celebrities, the parties they attend, the clothes, they wear, etc. I have a long list of celebrities I "stalk", searching for their party photos, etc. The list includes actors, models, socialites, bloggers, magazine editors, and even prettier and more socially connected personal friends.

As I was googling for 2 of the people in my list, I was shocked to see all the controversy going around them, most of which involve moral and legal issues, such as credit card scams and embezzlement charges. I am puzzled how these people can still be constantly invited to parties, put in the limelight despite the issues they are facing. Are people in the social scene that used to scandals that they can ignore it and just focus on the fashion of the moment? As long as they always end up on the best-dressed list then all their actions are acceptable?

I cannot ascertain the truth of the allegations that I read. (in fact, I still bear a significant amount of doubt, because I would like to think I am better at choosing people I look up to.) But I guess this is a good wake up call for me, reiterating the fact that pictures can be deceiving. What an outsider sees very different from what an insider sees. This tells me to take everything the media shows me with a grain of salt. I may not have all the designer clothes and the buzzling social life, but at least I'm not wearing a long train of outstanding debt/bills and lawsuits.

Photos from google.

Spring's goodbye, Summer's hello

2011-03-06T22:30:00.003+08:00

As part of my procrastination, i updated my inspiration board for this month. I went through fashion magazines for March, all are featuring the Spring Summer 2011 collections of our favorite designers. They all used different ways to express their ideas of the upcoming summer trends. One common theme emerged though: bright colors, bold accessories.

Here's my inspiration board now.

Boxy revival

2011-03-06T16:33:00.003+08:00

I have a ton of homework to do but I just really don't want to get started. I have been procrastinating for the whole week already, but my brain doesn't seem to want to work!:P So I spent my time going through magazines, blogs, online shops and whatnots....

I found a trend that is coming back in style. I don't know when this bag was born nor what it is called, but allow me to call it the boxy bag.

It came down the runway of Loewe Fall/Winter 2011/2011.

Kate Spade also has something similar in bright neon colors making it appropriate for Spring/Summer.

Now, I really want one! I am considering the Kate Spade one, but I need to wait till I get more funds:P

Old School Style

2011-03-06T00:11:00.003+08:00

Do you remember what shoes you wore to school back in your elementary and high school days?

I certainly do... Because I spent years wearing the same style. As in I literally kept buying the same pair of shoes year after year after year. I spent most of my elementary (primary school) years wearing a pair of black high cut boots that my aunt would buy for me from Australia. Yes, I was more of a guy then. I spent many years in loose shirts and cargo pants paired with timberland boots! (Oh the horror!) In high school, I became a bit more feminine by changing to black mary janes, wearing the same pair throughout the whole year. Thinking about it now, I can't imagine how I lived with wearing the same pair for such a long time. Nowadays, I wear a pair of shoes probably once a week and they don't even last for a year! But my mary janes then were plain, dull, and totally unoriginal. Almost every girl in school was wearing the same pair. (Oh the horror x2).

But Mary Janes have undergone major transformations since. Miu Miu converted our mary janes into something very fashionable and trendy by giving it a chunky heel and wrapping it in nice prints. When i first saw it on photos off the runway last year, I didn't really think of it as something that I would wear. But recently, I have seen a lot of bloggers and celebrities wearing similar types of mary janes. It began to grow on me, but by the time I finally decided to buy it, it is no longer available in Miu Miu outlets. Thank goodness some high street brands caught up on the trend. One of them is Forever 21, which is why when I saw a pair of floral mary janes on display earlier, I had to buy them right away! I'm gonna wear them to school one day! :P

Here they are!

Inspired by:

They Can Save Your Life

2011-03-04T01:56:00.004+08:00

I seriously believe that these can save the lives of women everywhere.

I have been obsessed with taiwanese talk shows recently and I am hooked to Kang Xi Lai Le. I watched 2 back episodes that talked all about shoes and I was inspired.

It is a widely known fact that women can never have enough shoes. I even find Imelda Marcos' shoe collection as logically justified after doing the mental calculation of how many years she was first lady and how long she has been in the social scene and how unforgiving the fashion police are. In an ideal market, women can buy as many shoes as they want, but sadly, there are constraints. Hence I asked myself, if I could only have 5 pairs of shoes, which 5 will I keep in my shoe cabinet. You can also think of this as if you could only bring 30kg of luggage, which 5 pairs of shoes should you pack...

1. Christian Louboutin pumps
These are a must. Well, they don't have to be Christian Louboutin but a decent and comfortable pair of pumps would be absolutely necessary. They go well with corporate attire, with skinny jeans, with skirts, as well as with cocktail dresses. The perfect accessory for any occasion!

2. Yves Saint Laurent tribute
I have long been a fan of this pair of shoes. They are comfortable and trendy and will never go out of style. Everybody needs a pair of open-toed sandals to show off those perfectly pedicured feet.

3. Tory Burch Reva Flats
I daresay this is what made Tory Burch famous. They are comfortable and fashionable. It has more attitude than your typical ballet flats and anybody can recognise them from anywhere.

4. Bootie wedges
I could not decide between putting in a pair of boots or a comfy pair of wedges so I decided the best case will be if it were a combination of both. The one I am eyeing is this pair of Elizabeth and James. It is very funky and is something you can wear all day as you shop until you go grooving in the dance floor at night.

5. Gladiator flats
The type of gladiator flats really depend on your personality. I personally like this pair from Chloe, but any other options from brands like Steve Madden are equally acceptable. Wear them with your maxi dresses, capri pants, mini skirts and what nots for a more laid back casual look! They are good for walking, sight-seeing or a little adventure trail!

If I have these 5 pairs, I will be satisfied... (okay fine, wishful thinking, but at least I tried to narrow it down... I swear I really tried! :P)

Only the Unconventional

2011-02-28T12:56:00.005+08:00

A recent trip to On Pedder at Ngee Ann City, Singapore, draw my attention to a pair of Nicholas Kirkwood heels. I have seen his shoes being worn by Sarah Jessica Parker, and I am really impressed at the uniqueness of his shoe designs. After that, I could not help but google him.

From www.nicholaskirkwood.com, I saw a myriad of shoes that I absolutely love. They come in different colors, sizes, materials, heel heights, all very funky and unique. They look like shoes I would love to own and wear on days when I really need the confidence boost.

Here are some shoes from his Spring/Summer 2011.

My favorite is this lace-tie up booties that comes in blue or white.

I can totally see myself wearing this pair of pink pumps to work.

This ankle strap booties look so funky, perfect for a night out in town.

Here are others that got my attention.

I am in deep trouble with my shoes wishlist growing longer and longer and with me getting more and more broke! :( Fairy godmother, I would be very happy with even just one of these shoes that I posted. Let me be cinderella and I promise not to lose one shoe while running down the stairs. :P

It's Midterm Break and I am Allowed to Dream!

2011-02-19T14:25:00.002+08:00

I am feeling a bit down so I decided to immerse myself through the photos of the last couture shows.

It is already the midterm break- a time to take a breather.... and I decided to change my desktop wallpaper to something more enlightening.:) Hopeful this successfully lifts up my mood every time I turn on my laptop!

To all NUS students, don't stress yourselves out this recess week! take time to breathe and enjoy! :)

Old English Charm with Cath Kidston

2011-02-19T09:34:00.004+08:00

For Chinese New Year, we had friends come over for dinner. With 3 ladies on the table, our dinner conversation (as well as the after-dinner conversation) was on handbags and shoes. My friend narrated her escapades with choosing the right Cath Kidston bag. I have heard of it before but it did not appeal to me as much. It was not my style.

After that night, I started looking at some Cath Kidston bags and they began to grow on me. The more I look at them, the more I like them! I saw a few that I love.

This is my favorite- summer blossom mini saddle bag

This looks pretty good too! Candy Flowers Saddle Bag

This is just adorable- Bouquet Applique Doctor Bag

The bags of Cath Kidston go very well with the current trend of peasant tops, floral skirts and dresses, knee high socks, with oxfords. :P Wait till I get a new influx of funds then I'll go get myself one and start experimenting! :P

I have found my wedding dress!

2011-02-18T17:09:00.005+08:00

No, I am not getting married. ( i don't even have a boyfriend yet:P) But as I was going through Marchesa's website, i came across this gorgeous white dress under its bridal collection. i fell in love with it!!!

Here it is! What do you think?

Here are other pieces I loved from Marchesa. My apologies if they are a bit outdated, but they are lovely nevertheless.

This dress is perfect for Black Swan. Somehow, I just keep visualizing Natalie Portman wearing this on the red carpet!

This dress is so unique. It looks like wearing paper origami. Ingenious!!!
It is glamorous, yet flirtatious.

Here are a few more!

All photos taken from www.marchesa.com.

Carefree Expiry Date

2011-02-17T22:17:00.002+08:00

I was just wondering, is there an age cutoff of when we should start taking our lives seriously? if there is, i would really want to know when that is, because I want to utilize whatever time I have left to play around with my life and explore and tumble on rocks and fall into pitholes, before my time is up.

I am asking this because I am thinking about what I want to do with my life. I really want to go into luxury retail for various reasons which include my obsession with luxury products, as well as my dream of stepping into the world that sells us dreams packaged in nice objects like a $3000 dress or $10000 handbag... I am not content with just being the end consumer. I want to be a part of the creation process of those dreams. But there is no map on how to reach that world. Everyone I ask, every book I read, points in different directions. They do have a common point though- starting from the storefront.

I recognize that fact, but I am not sure about starting from the very bottom. A part of me says that I will enjoy it since I love coaxing family and friends into buying these products. Another part of me is scared because it requires such a huge leap. I guess i am stuck in the mindset that I spent 4 years in university studying my ass off to just end up as a sales lady. I am worried about how the people around me will take it particularly my parents and my professors, all of whom have set huge hopes for me of climbing up the accountancy ladder.

I cannot decide on whether or not I should take the leap. Should I gamble and try it out? How much time should i give myself to take on this adventure before eventually succumbing to the forces of nature and saying it's really not meant for me?

I have never been the type who takes risks, but I am still very young. I can afford to do these kinds of things right? or not?

I truly admire those who can just follow their dreams whole-heartedly like my friend who went on to pursue his dance career after graduating from business school or those who just relocate to a new city to try to pursue their dreams, while living on a day-to-day basis.

Somebody help me decide!!! I know there are other routes into luxury retail for the few who are lucky to get head office positions upon graduation, but the job market is not on my side right now....

Rosy Cheeks

2011-02-17T19:38:00.002+08:00

I have been using some exfoliating and brightening products to get rid of acne scars. My daily routine involves applying Shu Uemura UV Underbase Mousse, Bare Minerals concealer, mineral foundation and Mineral Veil. I am too concerned with covering up my acne scars that I have piled up on too much products making my face looks too pale!!! Hence I am thinking of getting something to add some color to my cheeks.

Here's what I found in the market. They are all in gel or liquid form so they are easier to apply and are mess free!

1. Body Shop Cheek Tint

2. Benefit Tint series

3. Shu Uemura Miracle Cherry Blush Tint

Luxe Beach Style

2011-02-17T00:57:00.005+08:00

Earlier, I blogged about beach wear options from River Island, this time around, allow me to up the price range. These are more extravagant, true to the spirit of ultimate indulgence. I have categorised them into kaftans, swimwear, shoes, bags, and jewelry. Feel free to mix and match them as you wish.

*All photos are from Net-a-porter.com.

Kaftans perfect for a beach shoot!

Boyfriends beware! your girlfriend is getting the stares!

Strut your stuff!

Just stuff them all in!

Just one final touch!

If Money Were No Object- February

2011-02-16T13:51:00.004+08:00

I am being a good girl and have tried very hard to stick to my self-imposed spending freeze. I also tried to stay home more often and avoid the malls as much as I could, but alas I gave in to temptation. I visited the mall and found these pieces that I would love to own if money were no object.

1. River Island Purple Peep-toe Platforms
This comes in Navy as well but I prefer purple. I love this shoe but I tried it on and it is practically impossible to walk in!!!:( Otherwise this would have been a wonderful addition to my shoe collection, just for the fun of it... even if I would probably never wear them out of the house.

2. Tom Ford Simone Sunglasses
I have been seeing this around for some time but the more I look at it, the more it grows on me. I just don't know where I am going to wear them to since I am not really a shades person.

3. Loewe May Bag
The latest "It" bag to battle Mulberry's Alexa bag. It comes in a few colors and is very versatile. It might be time for me to stop my Alexa obsession and shift my undivided attention to this bag!

Don't worry, I am not going to buy any of these. I am still on my spending freeze.... .these are only for viewing pleasure!

River Island Kickstarts the Beach season

2011-02-16T13:20:00.005+08:00

I know that it is still a few months before the beach season comes, but the flight tickets to beach places like Bali, Phuket are very cheap nowadays, which makes it very tempting to start the summer way earlier.

As I was browsing through River Island's website, I found a few nice options suitable for the beach so I am sharing them here. The idea came about when I first saw the green espadrille wedges and I thought of expanding it into full outfits.

I love the turquoise fringe dress. It would be the perfect outfit to wear to a beach party, sipping on cocktails. The snake ring is a great accessory to spice up a normal outfit.

Leopard print is so hot!!! Need i say more?

Flowers for the Single Ladies

2011-02-13T20:47:00.002+08:00

My apologies for not blogging for some time.. I was bogged down by school work, lethargy, and addiction to a chinese drama.
Valentines Day is tomorrow, and it seems for that day, the world has to stop spinning.... Restaurants only offer set menus for couples and have cancelled their ala carte menu... Everywhere you look are bouquets of flowers and gift boxes of chocolates.... all in celebration of couples, couples-to-be and what nots.

Normally, I let valentines day pass me by like any other day, but not this year! I have made plans with a good friend to dine out and celebrate on this day!

For all you single gals out there like me, here are some flowers for you. (courtesy of Far East Flora)

Ladies, eat, drink, and be merry!!!

Work Wear Make Believe

2011-02-01T11:59:00.005+08:00

I would have put Work Wear Diaries but all the clothes that I feature here are not mine and will not be in mine in ages. I just really wish that when I start working, I would have a wardrobe like this.

I was supposed to look for job openings, but I ended up daydreaming about my workwear. So I ended up at net-a-porter.com (where all the pictures are from) going through the tons of dresses they have there.

I am a huge fan of jersey dresses and form fitting silhouettes because my thin waist is my biggest asset. I may not be thin, but I have been blessed with a more or less hourglass curvy figure so I can look good in a vareity of clothes.

To be worn on a daily basis appropriate for serious corporate jobs
Philip Lim Blue Cotton Dress

Alice+Olivia White and Olive Dress

Issa Navy Blue Jersey Dress
This is what Kate Middleton wore during the announcement of her engagement to Prince William.

Miu Miu Navy Dress

More flowy and feminine dresses for the days when you need to uplift your spirits

Catherine Malandrino Wrap Silk- Jersey Dress

Alice+ Olivia Silk Chiffon Dress

Lanvin Asymmetric Silk Jersey Dress

Helmut Lang Asymmetric Dress

Gucci Draped Jersey

For the casual Fridays when you can be more fun and experimental

I love these prints!
Aminaka Wilmot Beaded Shoulder Dress

Gucci Green Printed Silk Dress

Max Azria Tie-Dye Wrap Dress

Lanvin Python Print Dress

It's Awards Season!- SAG Awards

2011-02-01T01:18:00.007+08:00

Yes, it is awards season so there are a lot of red carpet moments for our celebrities. First there was the Golden Globes. This time it is the Screen Actors' Guild Awards and Oscars is just around the corner.

Pleats and drapes are certainly the trend for the SAG Awards dresses this time around. The colors are more varied but still lean towards pastels, just like during the Golden Globes. There are exceptions of course, one of which is January Jones in a black and gold Carolina Herrera dress. This is probably the best dressed I have seen her in a while.

Here are my top picks: (All photos courtesy of Instyle.com)
Hillary Swank in Versace
This is just classy. Something that I would love to wear if only I could afford it.

Angie Harmon in Monique Lhuillier
I love the feathers in all its femininity. It's not at all over-the-top.

Sofia Vergara in Cavalli
I love the pleating and how it accentuates her curves.

Lea Michele in Oscar dela Renta
Yet again, but still stunning!

Eva Longoria in Georges Hobeika
I just love Eva Longoria. I am kind of biased towards her, but you have to admit, she looks really well-kept after her divorce.

Winona Ryder in Alberta Feretti
I love the skirt of this gown, but I don't like the way she carried it and the bag is horrible!

Annette Bening in Tony Ward
I love the jewels on this one. You only need to add a pair of earrings and you're good to go!

Walk-in Inspirations

2011-02-01T01:05:00.003+08:00

I have previously posted about inspirations for my new bedroom. Well, i got new ideas going through the celebrity closets featured at InStyle.com.

These are more inspirational than realistic, but you never know. I mean, i have always said I'd much rather have a small apartment with a huge walk in closet even if it means no living room, dining room, and kitchen. I am weird that way, but to me, I get more gratification living amongst my clothes than anything else.

I particularly love how Miley Cyrus decorated her walk in with her shoes on black ladders, and the pink and black color combination. I am seriously thinking of getting those kinds of ladders for my shoe wall:P

The rest of the pictures are mainly for viewing pleasure!

I wish I could wear these more often

2011-01-31T23:23:00.002+08:00

In recent years, I have an obsession for WICKED heels that are over the top and really funky. My problem is that I don't have enough occasions to wear them to. I am not really a party girl and people in Singapore don't really dress up that much, especially with shoes since they have to commute so much. I already get enough stares wearing 5 inch heels to school on a more or less daily basis:P

In my current shoe "collection", these are some that I really hope I could wear more often.

1. Michael Kors Black Studded Peep Toe Booties

2. LAMB Patent Red T-strap Platform Heels

3. D&G Strappy sandals

4. Cezar Gaupo Blue & Green Velvet Peep Toes

A Foregone Battle

2011-01-30T22:58:00.002+08:00

Today is what I would classify as one of those down days, where I wish the world would end by 2012 and take all my problems down with it.....

I have been thinking about my life. I don't deny the fact that I have changed a lot in recent years. In the process, I lost a part of me. I lost the intellectual part of me. Have I become a bimbo? I lost the fighter inside of me. I feel that the moment i left the Philippines, I have stopped fighting and began settling. Now everything seems to be going downhill...

Is it true that the moment you stopped fighting, you already lost the fight?

Gossip Girl Showdown

2011-01-28T13:55:00.002+08:00

After the Christmas break, Gossip Girl was back this week with the 12th episode of the Fourth Season "The Kids Are not Alright." Although I am not loving where the story is going now, I still love the fashion throughout the show.

I am torn between the show's two protagonists Serena van der Woodsen (Blake Lively) and Blair Waldorf (Leighton Meester). Sometimes I like Blake's effortless chic while sometimesI adore Leighton's true upper east side flair.

Personally, I can relate so much better with Leighton's character. I share her sentiments about following strict dress codes, about the importance of getting ahead, of wanting to stay on top of the world, and my fair share of a certain snobbishness. I think that ever since I started watching gossip girl, I kind of patterned parts of my life to be a Blair Waldorf although naturally I don't have her wealth and power.

I must admit though that there's a part of me that wish I could be like a Serena, carefree, free-spirited, and adored by everybody. But i was not blessed with that charisma so I have to go back to my carefully painted Blair image.

How about you? Who do you prefer?

(All images from CWTV)

Tick Tock Bling

2011-01-27T10:55:00.004+08:00

A friend of mine excitedly sent me a message over Skype to tell me about her new find. It's a line of watches from the HK brand Chouette.

I googled it and saw the collection of watches. I was overwhelmed with all the BLING. The more I look at them, the more I am drawn to them.

Here are some of the watches that I am eye-ing. I am not sure how much they cost yet, but I was told the one with leather straps cost around 1600 sgd. Oh they cost a bomb, but they are just oh- so-lovely!!!

I love the purple and rose gold details of this one.

This is just feisty!

The LED changes from "LOVE" to telling the time. It's like saying "it's time for love!" and it's pink! Need I say more?

Another pink bling bling!

I am a thing for blue nowadays... so this is growing on me too!

Chiffon Femininity with Valentino and Elie Saab

2011-01-27T10:46:00.003+08:00

Loads of femininity in pastel colors, with an overpowering amount of chiffon- that’s what brings these two collections together for the Spring 2011 Couture show.

Elie Saab added a lot of florals, feathers, and some shimmer to the collection, with each dress swaying to the models movements as she walks down the runway. Valentino on the other hand stuck to more pleats and ruffles.

Here are my favorite looks from the show.

Elie Saab Spring Couture 2011 (photos from style.com)

Valentino Spring Couture 2011 (photos from WWD)

Dramatic and Glamorous Femininity at Dior

2011-01-25T16:30:00.001+08:00

As I was going through the Spring 2011 Couture show of Dior, I could not help but fall in love with it. John Galliano has done it once again. He never fails to sell a dream. This couture show keeps the audience asking for more. I absolutely loved the hair and the red lips, the elaborate head pieces, and of course, the dresses. This show encapsulates what couture is all about. It was certainly glamorous, flirty, and full of femininity with the layers of tulle, sequins, and pastels. Of course, drama could not be missing in the outfits with the huge fur, feathers, and balloon skirts. I am not very good with words in describing these fashion trends so here are the pictures of my favorite looks.

You can check out the full show and a proper write-up of the essence of the show at style.com. (photos all taken from style.com)

Enjoy!

This is my favorite of the lot!

Cruella de Ville, only a lot more sophisticated

I love how feathers were used to create streaks of black ink on the dress.

This is something I would definitely want to own and wear to a cocktail party.

This looks so sweet!

Green is the new black

2011-01-22T10:52:00.001+08:00

In the onslaught of weather irregularities all over the world, pressure is being exerted on people to do something about global warming, before another disaster strikes. This is no longer an issue that just concerns the environmentalists and the scientists. FMCG companies such as Unilever have already claimed to reduce their wastes, minimize their eco footprint and promote sustainability. Even the big fashion houses have jumped on this noble bandwagon.

“Green” is the new black. According to Women’s Wear Daily, Runway to Green will be launched on March 29 in Christie’s auction Bid to Save the Earth event. This will be a fundraising event featuring a runway show by international fashion designers including DVF, YSL, Rag and Bone, Jason Wu, Derek Lam, Marchesa, Manolo Blahnik and many more.

The pieces will be included in the Fall 2011 collections of the designers and will be available at net-a-porter.com for a limited time period before the collections become available in the stores. The proceeds will go to environmental organizations and educational programs that will teach companies how to integrate greener practices.

Fashion for a cause. Isn’t it remarkable? If you have the funds, why not go and contribute by buying a piece from these collections? In the mean time, as you wait for the collection to come out, try to reduce your own ecological footprint by recycling, taking public transportation more often, as well as supporting other sustainable initiatives of various companies. ☺

Here are some sketches of the designers to take part in this cause. Photos taken from WWD.com.

Walking the Distance

2011-01-21T14:09:00.004+08:00

The NUS terrain is filled with slopes and stairs and the internal shuttle bus is just not as frequent as before. Hence, comfortable footwear is a must, as you rush for classes, and run from one building to another.

In the past, my campus must-haves included a pair of Tory Burch Reva flats, some Steve Madden gladiator sandals, and the ever trusty Havaianas flipflops. This time around, I am looking for more options. I’ll probably buy one pair for this semester.

Here are some of my choices.

1. Chloe ankle strap sandals

2. Juicy Couture Hermosa Jelly sandals

3. Marc by Marc Jacobs ankle strap jelly sandals

4. Pedro Garcia strappy metallic sandals

5. Valentino studded sandals

From my budget, I probably could not afford the Valentino, but they just look so nice, I really had to take it into consideration. Right now, I am more in favor of the Chloe, MMJ, or Pedro Garcia. :P If only my allowance would come already!!!

Photos from Saks fifth ave and net-a-porter.

Radiant Touch

2011-01-20T22:55:00.002+08:00

The semester has just started but I am pre-empting the inevitable- the stress and fatigue as the semester progresses. Hence, I have been on a hunt for cosmetics to reduce the look of tiredness and give a fresh look despite a sever sleep depravity. Here’s what I found.

1. Shu Uemura UV Underbase Mousse in Pink

I have been hearing about this product for ages and today, I finally gave in to temptation and got it. It claims to help even out skin tone and imperfections. The Pink shade also adds radiance and brightens the skin.

Using this product is perfect if you are in a rush. It takes the place of your sunblock since it has SPF 30 and you can use it on its own without foundation. It’s lightweight formula also helps hold makeup longer without clogging the pores.
2. YSL Touche Eclat Radiant Touch

I heard of a lot of models using this product so I decided to get it on the plane on my way back to Singapore from Manila. I am using Shade #2. I was quite skeptical about it at first. I was kind of afraid that it will be like Benefit’s ooh-la-lift, but still decided to give it a try. Thank god it is able to deliver its promises. It works wonders especially under the eye area to relieve tired eyes.

3. Benefit High Beam Complexion Enhancer

This has been my life saver for the past semester and it will continue to be my loyal companion this semester. Apply it on the cheekbones or the jawline to highlight your features and add an instant radiance to your otherwise tired complexion. Sometimes, I also use it under the eye area for extremely bad days!

I maybe prepared for the worst this semester, but I sure hope it does not become as worse as the last semester when I did not only battle tired skin, but also severe acne breakouts.

MAMA, please save me

2011-01-20T12:51:00.002+08:00

My dermatologist in Manila prescribed this perfecting serum called Mama Lotion (Now called M2 Skin Refinish) to help lighten my acne scars. You see, I have always suffered from sever acne especially during the deadline or hell weeks of the semester. The acne managed to disappear after some time but the scars are there to haunt me forever. Hence, my dermatologist is asking me to use these products.

When I first started using Mama Lotion (M2), I felt it was too harsh on the skin. I did not dare use it with any other products because I am afraid it might result in allergies or infection. But after a while, my skin got used to it and I started using it with my Olay moisturizer. I feel that it does lighten the scars a bit and really improves my overall skin condition. However, the results are too slow.

As I was searching to learn more about this product online, I found out that it actually came in a whole line of skincare products. It starts with an exfoliating cleanser, followed by the skin refinish, and a moisturizer, all of which contain the miracle ingredient mandelic and malic acid. I tried to get my hands on the other 2 products, hoping that it can speed up the surfacing of results. I finally managed to order them online from strawberrynet.com.

I can’t wait to start using all 3 steps of the process. I face is already almost flawless, the pores have shrunk and are no longer very visible, and I managed to get rid of most blackheads. My only problem is the acne scars, so I really hope that these products can save me.

The twitter effect

2011-01-20T12:28:00.001+08:00

I finally got on the twitter bandwagon and I must say, it is addictive. Pretty much like Facebook when I first started using it, I can’t get my hands off Twitter. It is not like I am tweeting anything, but being the busybody that I am, I love reading other people’s tweets, especially those stylists, models, and other idols of mine.

My brother was right. I am indeed a tech dinosaur in this modern age… It took me so long to discover the pleasures of such a technology that is so suitable for the gossip-y me. Well now, I can’t stop using it! Tweet Tweet!:P

A trip to Barbie Dreamland

2011-01-19T19:03:00.001+08:00

Last December, I convinced my dad to take a sidetrip to Shanghai to visit the Barbie flagship store there. I have been looking forward to that day ever since we got on the plane to China. Sadly, Shanghai was the last stop in our annual 11-day China pilgrimage.

On the day of my Barbie visit, a very unfortunate thing happened that almost ruined my day. While eating breakfast at the Radisson Hotel in Shanghai, a Buddhist monk approached me and started telling me all sorts of things, and started quoting some Buddhist verses. He cornered me into giving him a donation for some ceremony that he will be holding a month later. To cut the long story short, he was a fake monk and he stole my money!

Thankfully, my love for Barbie is so much more powerful that no monk can ruin the day for me.

When our tourist bus stopped outside the Barbie flagship store, I felt my heart stop. I was in awe. I excitedly stepped on the escalator lit up in pink lights, up to the main store. (My apologies to the rest of my family members who had to endure my little girl fantasies and join me in this fanatic trip.) I was seriously overwhelmed by the store. Everything was pink!!! The store was divided into sections:
• The standard Barbies for sale
• A Photography studio
• A design studio
• Home accessories section
• Barbie brand clothing and accessories
• Life size mannequin
• Barbie Café
• Barbie spa
• Collectors’ Corner
• Barbie Runway

I started taking photos of almost every corner. While in the store, I saw this little girl dressed as Snow White walking around, being followed by 2 sales people, and her parents. I saw the saleslady carrying 2 bags full of Barbie dolls, and I overheard the parents ordering the bed, closet and bed sheets. What a lucky little girl!!!

In such a Barbie world, it is not enough for me to be taking photos of the place alone. Thankfully, I had my own photographer to follow me around- my Dad. (Dad, thanks for agreeing to my unreasonable request and fulfilling my childhood fantasy…)

Of course, how can I leave such a wonderful place without any remembrance. Naturally, I went home with two Barbie dolls – the Empress of the Golden Blossom and Preferably Pink.

Here are some of the photos taken at Barbie Shanghai. For those of you want to visit it, it is located at 550 Huaihai Middle Road in Shanghai. It can be easily spotted because it is in the shopping district near H&M.

Bedroom Inspirations

2011-01-19T17:54:00.003+08:00

Much to my disappointment, I have no choice but to move in with my sister in Simei this coming April. It is time to say goodbye to the condo lifestyle. There is no point complaining about it now. I just have to make the most of the situation. At least, I get to save over 1000 sgd on rent.

I have been thinking of what to do to my new room. I have a lot of liberty as to how I want to decorate it. All I was told was the room is bigger than my current room and the wardrobe is built in. The rest is up to me.

I want to make my room look like some sort of Stylist’s studio. If you have watched Rachel Zoe Project, then you probably have an idea of what I am talking about- the huge white table tops, lots of shelves, inspiration boards, and of course, the animal print rugs. I have begun collecting some inspirations for my room and I will be visiting IKEA and other furniture stores soon to start canvassing for items. The mentality for this room is unlike in the past because this will be more permanent. I am no longer renting, so I need to think carefully. This is perhaps the only chance that I can decorate, until I get married (maybe… many many years down the road).

Some things that I need to pay special attention to will be my workstation and where can I put all my accessories. I need a better way of storing it than my current method. Also, I need to think about a vanity table. I don’t really want my work table to double up as my makeup table:P

Here are some inspirations. I will post again if I have new ones.

Inspirations from IKEA:

Workspace Inspirations:
Barbie workspace

Whowhatwear.com office

Rachel Zoe's workstation

Glam Up for the Golden Globes

2011-01-17T23:36:00.006+08:00

As I was in class, I got an email from WWD telling me about what the celebrities wore at the red carpet for the Golden Globe Awards. To my professor, my sincerest apologies, but the couture gowns are really a lot more interesting than the lecture topic.

Anyway, the underlying theme for the dresses this time around is Christmas and pastels. Shades of red and pink and green dominated the red carpet.. There are of course 2 black gowns from Zac Posen and Marchesa that I really loved as well, but most of them were in the shades mentioned above.

Here are my top picks:

1. Lea Michele in Oscar Dela Renta
I am a sucker for baby pink so I am biased towards this gown, but you can’t deny the fact that Lea looked absolutely stunning in this gown.

2. Eva Longoria in Zac Posen
I have always been a huge fan of Eva Longoria. She is too hot to ignore. This time is no different.

3. Olivia Wilde in Marchesa
Need I say more?

4. Anne Hathaway in Armani Prive
Annie is just always so glamorous and sophisticated. It is no wonder she always ends up in the best dressed list. I don’t think anyone can pull off this look better than her.

5. Catherine Zeta Jones in Monique Lhuillier
The succulent green ball gown makes Catherine look like absolute royalty.

Here are some other dresses that night.
Dianna Agron in J Mendel

Sarah Hyland in Max Azria

Angelina Jolie in Versace Atelier

Sofia Vergara in Vera Wang

*All pictures courtesy of WWD.com

A tribute to Valentino

2011-01-16T22:24:00.003+08:00

“From December 22nd to February 13th 2010, 100 exquisite haute couture pieces from the renowned Italian Maison Valentino will appear in a curated exhibition at Resorts World Sentosa, Singapore. “

The exhibit was named “Valentino Retrospective Past/Present/Future.” When I first heard of this exhibit from my sister in early December, I was so excited. I could not wait to see the works of art of Maestro Valentino up close and personal. The moment I got back to Singapore, I asked my friend, who swears to wear a red Valentino gown as her wedding gown, to accompany me to this exhbit.

This afternoon, I went to visit the exhibit and I was left mesmerized.

Valentino is really a genius. He creates classic designs that transcend the test of time. From black and whites, to reds, and a combination of bright and bold colors, Valentino Garavani is able to deliver exquisite and intricate designs that can be worn decades back and decades forward. He does not care about trends. He stays true to his design principles over the years, upgrading and reusing his themes to create dresses that are just to die for.

From the moment we entered, there was a solemn air around the whole exhibit. There were all the avid followers adoring each dress like an antique work of art, examining the intricate details, the craftsmanship, each piece sown to perfection. While looking at the works of art, my friend and I kept on oohhh-ing and wow-ing as we saw designs that look so modern but were made as far back as the 1960s.

The exhibit consisted of dresses worn by celebrities like Julia Roberts, Cate Blanchett, Nicole Kidman, Cameron Diaz, and by social figures like Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis. It also showcased some dresses from the 2009 collection under the new creative directors Maria Grazia Chiuri and Pier Paolo Piccioli.

Words are not enough to express his genius so here are some pictures taken from the exhibit. (Forgive my bad photography but flash photography was not allowed inside the dark room.)

For those of you who have the chance, make sure to go and visit this tribute to the fashion legend. I will definitely visit again before they officially put down the exhibit. For 12 SGD, it is totally worth it.

New Couture Wallpaper

2010-12-07T22:46:00.002+08:00

After having the BCBG 2010 Collection as my wallpaper for ages, I decided to create a new collage using pieces mainly from the Fall 2010 Couture runway. Featured are John Galliano for Christian Dior, Jean Paul Gaultier, Elie Saab, Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel, Gattinoni, Alexander McQueen, Armani Prive and Michael Cinco.

New inspirations for the upcoming semester!

The Wonderful World of Barbie

2010-12-07T22:18:00.004+08:00

I am extremely excited about my upcoming trip to China. I know what you are thinking… I have gone to China for 10 consecutive years and there could no longer be anything to look forward to. Besides China isn’t Europe or the United States. As much as China is the fastest developing country, a lot of its provinces remain just as primitive as before. However, this year is different. I will tolerate every rude Chinese who doesn’t know how to apologise or wait politely for his or her turn. I will bear every dirty stinking toilet that I will encounter during the 10 day mountain sight-seeing trip, all in exchange for a day in the Barbie World in Shanghai. (http://www.barbieshanghai.com.cn/index.html)

*Don’t get me wrong. China is a very beautiful country with its rich culture and heritage, but some inland places are still very poor and have not yet caught up with the developments in the coastal cities.

It is probably embarrassing for a 21-year-old female adult to still go GAGA over Barbie, but I can’t help it. I am a huge Barbie fan. In fact, I have started collecting them.

Barbie Collection
Strictly speaking, my collection began 1997/1998 when I bought the Golden Qipao Barbie in Hong Kong that was created to commemorate the return the rule of Hong Kong to China. The doll came in a huge box, together with a certificate and a commemorative coin. My mom forbade me from opening it. It had to be preserved in mint condition.

I did not buy Barbie dolls for years after that, until my sister bought me a Manchurian-dressed Barbie. At that point, I told myself that I will collect Chinese-dressed dolls. That was followed by a porcelain doll from China.

Not being able to enjoy a very good childhood (thanks to all the stress from academics, family pressures, etc.), there was a kid that was dying to come out of me. Hence, I got a Russian porcelain doll as well.

I decided to be serious about collecting Barbie dolls after my trip to the Hershey factory in the United States. There, I saw a limited edition Hershey Barbie. I bought it and shipped it back to the Philippines. (My suitcase was full and I was afraid the box will be destroyed if I squeezed it into my luggage.)

My recent purchases include the 50th Anniversary Barbie Generation of Dreams and the Eiffel Tower Barbie. With my impending trip to Barbie Shanghai, I intend to get myself a few more collectibles. Soon enough, I can set up my Barbie display cabinet.

You might ask, why am I so into Barbie dolls… I think it is because Barbie serves to be my symbol of femininity and connects me to my childhood. I am not yet ready to let go of being a child. Most people don’t see me as a little girl, but deep down I still want to be one. Collecting Barbie dolls reminds me of that.

PayLess for Shoes

2010-12-06T19:29:00.002+08:00

When I went to the United States in Spring 2009, I have never heard of Payless ShoeStore. While I was there, I viewed it as a cheap store and did not even bother to enter the store. More than a year later, back in Manila, the store opened a branch in a more prestigious location with a huge press coverage and with celebrities patronizing it. Maybe it is now worth a visit.

PayLess Shoe Store (http://www.payless.com/store/) has caught on the high street bandwagon in recent years and has teamed up with famous designers to come up with looks for less. Some of the current collaborations include those with Project Runway winner Christian Siriano, Isabel Toledo, and Lela Rose. With these names attached to the Payless store brand, I decided to give it a try.

Yesterday, I went to Powerplant Mall and visited the store there. Madness ensued. The store was small and extremely crowded. The shoes were sorted in racks based on their sizes. I immediately rushed to the 8, 8.5 size racks and searched the boxes for shoes by the 3 said designers. I managed to find the shoes by Lela Rose and Isabel Toledo, as well as some by Alice+ Olivia. I tried on a lot and left with 2 pairs of pumps. I don’t really know where I can wear them to, but heck for that price, you don’t really need to think so much!

The designs are pretty good, but in terms of quality, don’t expect so much. These are what I would call “disposable.” For that price, they aren’t really meant to last long but more just for keeping up with fashion trends….. Would I advise others to go visit? Definitely! It is perfect for bargain hunting, you get to try the shoes as much as you want without getting stares from the salespeople, and you get most of the latest styles available.

Here’s what I got! You better hurry before they run out! (They already ran out of Christian Siriano shoes for my size☹)

Bazaar Treasure Hunting

2010-12-06T15:13:00.003+08:00

The thing I like most about bazaars is that you never know what you will find in them, as long as you have the patience to go through each stall slowly. The thing I hate most about it is that it gets too crowded and people become very uncivilized, shoving here and there….. But let us not talk about the ugly stuff…..

Christmas season is here and together with it comes bazaars being set up left and right. Last Saturday, I went to one of them. The one I went to is the Christmas bazaar held at the World Trade Center, near Mall of Asia. There were so many stalls and it was super crowded, but I am happy that I found some good stuff.

Whenever I go to bazaars, I mainly look for accessories. There are a lot of nice dresses but I am not a believer of free sizing. Fit is very important for me and free size clothes either don’t fit me at all or are not flattering. For accessories, it is about uniqueness and how it can complement your outfits, so you need more variety of them. They also don’t have sizes so even if I am more plus sized, it is fine.

Inside the bazaar, there is a stall that sells wooden and native accessories at a very cheap price so I bought a few necklaces. There were also those that sell cocktail rings and unique pieces from Korea. There are also stalls that sell old clothes worn by celebrities like Anne Curtis, Kris Aquino, Angel Locsin, etc. Other stalls are those that sell native delicacies and handicraft, as well as those that sell imitation designer bags and children’s toys.

Here are some of the bling bling that I bought.

Note to self: I got to stop hoarding accessories. I don’t know where to put them already. My room in Singapore is like a bazaar in itself already!

New World of Cheap Luxury

2010-12-01T16:59:00.005+08:00

Manila’s upper class- How I always wondered where they got their money. I always marveled at how these people could spend hundreds of thousands of pesos as if it were no object.

Well, money is an object. Even these rich ladies know where to get their goods. (Maybe not all, but a percentage of them.)There is some kind of an unspoken secret among this circle of people, and last weekend, I got an inside peek at their shopping haven.

A friend of mine told me about a bazaar at the NBC tent @ The Fort in Taguig, Metro Manila. The bazaar is organized by Karl Edward International Inc. (http://karledwards.multiply.com/) every weekend.

This place is a dream come true for me. It has a good mix of designer goods, accessories, and random stuff you may need to play up your wardrobe. It is like those premium outlet malls, only cheaper. If you are looking for some pieces that are no longer available in the stores, this would be a good place to go. You get the items without the huge markup that the retail outlets add on the products.

Things that they sell include our favorite brands: Herve Leger, BCBG, Emilio Pucci, Valentino, Fendi, Tory Burch, Karen Millen, Longchamp, among others. With regards to the source of these designer stuff, nobody really knows for sure. Some say these are from the distribution centres, others claim these are from the manufacturers themselves. However, the standard rule applies, caveat emptor (Buyer beware.) Knock-offs can easily be included in amidst the real stuff so it is up to your discretion to choose your items carefully. People who are knowledgeable about this cannot be fooled, but first-timers can be easy prey for these stall owners. Most sellers are very honest and will tell you which ones are real and which ones are imitations so if you are unsure, just ask. ☺

Here are some of my finds from my last visit.

I absolutely love these wire jewelry. I saw them for sale at the airport but they were so expensive for fancy jewelry. Here at the bazaar, the accessories are selling for ¼ of the price at the airport. Talk about getting a good bargain. It was too good to resist!

Some Tory Burch finds....

I will definitely be going back to see what else I can find. I love bazaar shopping, because you never know what good deals you can get. The items are also more unique:P

Ooh- La- Lace

2010-09-28T18:37:00.003+08:00

Together with the growing prominence of the androgynous looks, with boyfriend blazers, military jackets and boyfriend jeans, a totally opposite trend is on the comeback- that of corsets, pastels, and lace. We have seen lace outfits come down the runway, celebrities rock these looks on the red carpet and high street brands come up with looks to ride this trend.

Here are some looks that I love.

1. Eva Longoria in Black lace serpentine gown
Every time I see a photo of Eva Longoria, the first thing that comes to mind is “Wow! How can she look absolutely gorgeous all the time?” This picture is no exception. This look is absolutely elegant, sexy, seductive and uber feminine.

2. Dianna Aragon in tiered lace gown by Carolina Herrera
Contrary to Eva’s look, Dianna looks very dainty and sweet as if she was pulled out of a bedtime princess story.

3. Kate Torralba in a pink lace mini dress of her own design
Here, renowned Filipino designer shows us how a lace dress can be funky and trendy, emanating a confident woman in-charge.

4. Sandra Bullock in Marchesa for Oscars 2010
I have a very deep impression of this dress because in one episode of the Rachel Zoe Project, Rachel was freaking out when she couldn’t get this dress. Although I am sure this would look great on any of Rachel’s clients, that did not stop Sandra Bullock from totally owning this look. Now that is a glamorous princess right there.

5. Alexander McQueen Resort 2011 Beige lace cocktail dress
If only I had the figure, this is definitely a dress I would love to own. With the right accessories, you can easily dress it up or down, for work, or for a party.

6. High street adaptations
Here are some looks courtesy of the different high street brands such as Miss Selfridge, Forever 21, and Dorothy Perkins.

I myself am in the process of adding more lace into my wardrobe. :P