End of the Year

I was supposed to make this an "End of the World" post but I was pressed for time and I hoped as well that the world wouldn't actually end. I got my wish, the world hasn't ended so far so today's  post is for the end of the year.
2012 has been one helluva roller coaster ride. I started out ACTIVE in the blogging scene (always at events and stuff, even organizing one!), but later on I realized I had to de-clutter my life (both online and offline) so I lay low. I started blogging about things I believed in and when I felt like it. To sum up my year in 3 words:
acceptance. streamlining. mellow.
As I write this entry, I realize how FULL my year was. I thought it was boring but andami palang ganap! However, in the latter part (October/November dark ages) I had to let go of a few things. I somehow don't regret it though. I believe it's best to start another year with less baggage to make room for the blessings that are about to come in.

Mellow doesn't always make for a good story, but it makes for a good life. 

Anne Hathaway 

Christmas Dinner

"Friends are the family we choose for ourselves"

--Edna Buchanan

Some photos from our group's Christmas dinner last Saturday. We had a chill dinner at Lea's place. We talked and then played the "S-game" which is a drinking game that is harder than it seems :)
photos from Mithi and Lea
Your new friends know who you are. Your old friends know why.

PS. Last Friday of 2012!!  TWITTER | TUMBLR| INSTAGRAM | PINTEREST | CHICTOPIA

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Christmas Eve

What did you get for Christmas?

me: fat

--from Twitter

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!!!

Happy Holidays!
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Pastel

Happy Holidays!

I hope everyone's feeling the Christmas spirit as we get ready for Christmas tonight/tomorrow! I'm queuing this post (as a gift, you could say!) cause later, I'll be at our family's annual Christmas dinner/gathering. I hope you guys are also enjoying your own family's media noche and not just sitting at the computer, on Facebook and Twitter.

Anyway, this is what I wore to last Friday's "End of the World" hang with my high school batchmates. I actually wore this to school once but didn't get to have it photographed so I wore it so it could be shot. :) It's one of my faves because the pastel colors luckily came together. 

So anyway, friends and I had dinner at Sbarro (thanks for the treat, Dex!!!) and then went out for drinks to chill and talk. Afterwards, we went to Krispy Kreme and Starbucks to cap off our night. Thanks guys, other than my family, wouldn't have wanted to spend the end of the world with anyone else. Ahhh, the first day of my vacation started out great..and it's been non-stop ever since. I have yet to spend a full day home since Friday. I'm tired but not really complaining though cause I'm home early for the most part of the year. Hahaha. I really missed coming home late. =))

Some photos from that night:

Dex and Mithi doing their version of the "blogger pose"

goofing off

at Starbucks. Thank you Fort!!! ;)

ran into Lea (also Heidi) at SM--twas the place to be for our batch! :))

top: Cotton On shoes: Janilyn
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Santa Baby

shirt: Human

skirt: Forever 21 shoes: Parisian
It's Friday, the 21st of December, the day the Mayans predicted the world would end but here I am, on my computer blogging. I am (secretly) thrilled they are wrong because for one, I haven't finished my end of the world entry yet. Second, I still haven't done a loooot of things like go to Paris or wear a bikini yet. haha. Anyway, I'm happy too cause my vacation starts today! 
What inspired this outfit? Well, it was the last wash day of the year and Christmas was approaching so I wanted to wear a Christmas-y outfit. The top part kind of reminds me of Santa Claus (red and white).  I wore the gold skirt I wore at the WAGW event and dressed it down with a plain white tee. I wanted to do the whole maroon and gold combo but I don't have any maroon pieces yet so forgive me if the red cardigan looks too bright/clashes against the gold. Here's to trying out new things! :) What do you think?
This is what I wore when went out with my high school friends, Dex and Mithi just this Wednesday right after school. They visited me at Ateneo cause they wanted to check what my "new" life was all about. We ate at Friday's and Bigby's. As always, we took tooooooo long to order. That always happens when we're together and when I recall this little quirk of ours, I can't help but feel comforted by the familiarity of it all. I'm so glad they're back home! :)
Anyway toodles! I'll be going out with my high school buddies for some end of the world fun in a few!! :)  Enjoy your day too! TWITTER | TUMBLR| INSTAGRAM | PINTEREST | CHICTOPIA Please like Davao Fashion Bloggers on Facebook

Wishlist Wednesday: Christmas Wishlist

I should've posted this yesterday but I was out with my friends. It doesn't make a difference if it's posted a day late, right?
Anyway to start, I'm now 21 and it was just last night that I wondered if godparents still give their godchildren my age gifts on Christmas. Usually, it's just cash now but still, I wonder at what age would that stop coming. Probably when I have a job, right? Something to ponder about.

Material-wise and feasibility considered, I only want 3 things:
1) Shoes *patent nude pumps  (saw a pair in Aldo that's on sale)
*capped toe heels or flats (I keep seeing them on Vern's blog. They look really posh)
*moccasins/loafers from Shoebox and Me in Abreeza -their collection in Abreeza now is really nice. It features the loafers/moccasins in summery colors that I just want to gobble up! I want the pinkish/reddish one and the turquoise one. I think it's at about 699 or 799 a pair. For that amount, I think it's worth it cause it lasts long. When my mom and I went to check their latest collection, we realized we were both in Shoebox shoes we had purchased a year before. 
2) Bags
On my bag lust list this Christmas is:
a) a doctor's bag like Kweshie's which she bought in Parfois (see here) Sadly, I went there yesterday and seems like they don't have it already.
b) a tote/bucket bag from Shoebox again It looks like a bucket bag but it's pretty roomy and it has a strap. It comes in neon green, pink, yellow and orange but when I passed by, the orange was sold already! Gah. It's at 899php! I hope it's still there if and when and after I get my Christmas money.. or maybe someone can give me?
Lastly all I want for Christmas is a photoshopped photo of myself on what I'd look like if I were thin. SERIOUSLY. (hello THE Justin Quintos)
I know there are apps to "fattify" yourself but I already know what I look like fat. I'm hoping to try a different tactic to motivate me to weight loss. I'm hoping a photo of myself looking slim will help.
What are you wishing for this Christmas? :)
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QUICK ROMWE GIVEAWAY (ends December 19)

I am giving away a pair of ROMWE leggings!

1) Just like this photo

and our page Davao Fashion Bloggers

and

2) Comment "liked" on this post if you did!

I'll be giving away a pair of ROMWE leggings (random design cause ROMWE will be picking it)

ONLY IF the number of likes on the photo reaches 60+ by December 19th!

I'll be picking the winner from your comments on the post :) Please also invite your friends to join. If it won't reach 60 likes, no giveaway. :))

OPEN TO PHILIPPINE RESIDENTS ONLY

Hurry! I need to have 60 likes on that photo by December 19th!

Thank you guys! :)

WAGW Davao Ambassadors Launch

Last week, I was invited to attend the What a Girl Wants Young Ambassadors of Style Launch at WAGW Abreeza. I was pleasantly surprised when I got the invite in the mail because the ambassadors they chose are actually 3 people I grew up with: my cousins Enzo Rabat and Ccia Ang, and family friend Milen Aquino. Biases and family ties aside, I  have to say, they picked the right three. :)

121212

top and bag: H&M

shoes: Feebee's (Payless)

Happy 12-14-12!

It's Friday again!!!

 (and Lantern Parade in UP *sob*)!

How did you spend the last repetitive day we'll live to see?

On my end, nothing special really happened that day. I just finally had my picture taken in a bookshop. Haha. Nothing special either for the outfit I wore to school yesterday. Even though I wanted to spice things up a little, I was running late so I went for a fail-safe outfit again. As a last resort, I grabbed this scarf which is actually a belt from my sister's pair of shorts just to add a little color. It's a little variation of the outfit I wore here.

I thought, "If I can't wear something new, I'll at least wear something inspired by the date: repetitive" hahaha :)

PS. Don't forget to like our page Davao Fashion Bloggers on Facebook! :)

*probably my shortest post to date

Last Minute

*I see the light* 

What did I tell you? Expect more outfit posts right? :D

Sorry for the stupid face but here's the outfit I wore to the What A Girl Wants Young Ambassadors of Style Launch at Abreeza yesterday. More about that soon when my blogger friends upload their photos. 

Oh yeah, be prepared. This is kind of a wordy entry.

Uniform

cover-up: SOUL

pants: JS

shoes: Shoebox

bag: H&M

Yay an outfit shot again! But pardonnez-moi for the blurry photos as it was my brother who took them. He's a frisky kid so his hand isn't steady yet. I am training him and he's willing to learn cause I promised to pay him for every nice photo he'll take. >:) (sshhhh)

Anyway, this is one of my "uniforms". This is what I wear when I'm too lazy or in a rush to pick out clothes from my meager closet. It's for the same reason that I chose to wear this yesterday--I was in a hurry for school. I usually wear this with jeans but I wore it with these pants I bought at JS Gaisano (hello bargain, they're at 350php!!). I bought them a size bigger because I wanted to hide my muffin top. I'm kind of regretting it though cause it's actually stretchable and it kept sliding down my waist!! Plus, I felt a bit off about the wide hem; I'm not used to wide-legged pants even though they should be my best friends. They hid my thunder thighs, which is one of my problem areas.

On the upside, even though these were loose on me, at least I felt I thin! =)) #femalepains

Anyway, on to a more somber note. Bagyong Pablo happened. I'm watching the news now and I feel sad for all the casualties esp in ComVal and Davao Oriental. That is so close to home! I'm thankful nothing happened to Davao but it's still so sad that this had to happen and so close to Christmas. :( Hope you guys will be able to donate/volunteer!

Gifts that Give

Tis the season for gift giving but I think that it'd do the world a whole lot of good if we gave gifts that give--gifts that help our environment, promote a cause or give livelihood to the underprivileged. Here I've compiled a few of my favorites: 

Leyende Beach Bomb Cologne

Php450

Ever since the Leyende event (and ever since I discovered their products), I've grown to like this cologne a lot (I also like their Mother Butter Cocoa lotion, which you can also buy here). It smells so fresh and it smells better the longer it is out! BTW, I am running out of perfume too, so *hint, hint* ;)

You can buy this at Zalora (5% off with TheStyleReactor120), Green Options at Gaisano Mall (for Davaoenos) or through http://www.leyende.com/.

Happy December 1st!

Merry Christmas!

Somehow I cannot believe it's December 1st already (and that it's soon about to end). I guess I am getting older and busier to notice how the days pass by. I'm sorry I was not productive in terms of blog entries for November (I just had 6, can you believe it?) but thank you all the same for still dropping by my blog. :) I'm sure with all the upcoming events, I'll have lots to blog about!

So what happened today was I looked for an outfit for the WAGW event next week. There were sales everywhere! Forever 21 had a double markdown sale but it was disappointing--only few items were on sale. I have yet to visit my other shopping spots and the DavCon bazaar tomorrow. After a short nap, my brother, dad, sister and I watched Rise of the Guardians. As I'm typing this entry (and looking for photos of snow), what an apt movie it is for today and the season! It was really funny and there were some heartwarming moments in there. I felt guilty because I realized how jaded and negative I can be. I wish I could have (or at least keep) that childlike wonder and innocence again.

For now, some pictures to get me (us) into the Christmas mood. Sorry for all the snow pictures. I'm so fascinated by it. One day, I do hope that dream my friends and I have of having a White Christmas comes true.

Closet Sale!

"And tonight, I'm cleaning out my closet"

I'm selling some of my clothes, most of which I wore once or twice. Like this neon leopard print skirt from Forever 21+

worn here

and here

this leopard print top from SOUL I wore here

and this Forever 21+ jacket I recently bought. I bought the wrong size and tried to have it exchanged but Forever 21 did not let me cause I took off the price tag. It's at 1435php and still in stock at Forever 21 Davao but I'm selling it at 1000php. (I still kept the tag and receipt) I only wore it 2x!

here

here

Please visit styledup.multiply.com to check out the other clothes I'm selling :)

PS. I also have a 3000php worth of gift cheques from SOUL which I haven't claimed yet and want to sell in exchange for cash. It's just that there aren't much pieces from the recent collection that would fit me so sayang naman diba? If you plan on shopping at SOUL, please trade with me! I promise, no funny business. Besides, I'd have to come with you to the store cause my GCs aren't on-hand; I just drop by and if I like something, I'll get it.

PPS. Important! Pls contact me only if you plan on buying something 1000php and up cause the GCs are in 1000php denominations.

Again, please visit:
styledup.multiply.com

Thank you!!

My (Secret) Shopping Spots

While waiting for Gossip Girl to finish downloading, I thought of doing a random post of where I buy my clothes. I'm not really a fan of spending exorbitant amounts of money on clothes (if I were to spend from my own pocket, I'd spend 1500php TOPS on an article of clothing. But if it were my parents' money, well, that's another story :)) ) Anyway, my favorite shops that are available locally Forever 21, Topshop and Dorothy Perkins but the latter two can get really pricey so I don't get to buy as often. Local brands that have nice clothes that are reasonably priced (for plus-sized girls like me) are Human, Oxygen and Tomato (well for bags and shoes). For shops which haven't reached our shores yet, I LOVE H&M. I have yet to check Ever New and Cotton On, two retail chains which have recently reached Manila shores. And if you're wondering what I think of Mango and Zara, well, they are the most fashion-forward of the set.

Model I Love: Jasmine Maierhofer

I haven't done a Model I Love post in so long! (The last one was last year with Karlie Kloss) so anyway, because I can't get over the Forever 21 fashion show (seems so long ago),
meet Jasmine Maierhofer.

Victoria's Secret Fashion Show 2012

Hello after a week!

I know, I know. I really should get on with blogging more but life's been dull and school just started. Anyway, here I am with a peace offering. I missed doing gushy/critique fashion posts. Lately it's been more of personal style and experience posts. Let's get started, shall we?

Every year, the world eagerly awaits for November, when the annual Victoria's Secret Fashion Show happens. It's the time when all the guys are drooling and all the girls are starving or doing extra sit-ups at the gym. :)) Me, I watch the show for the styling. I love the creative team for putting a lot of thought into the props, costumes and concepts. Money is no object--I heard production cost $12M!

I can't wait for December when I will have the chance to download the show and watch it. For now, some photos from Divine Lee's blog.

What Your Clothes Say About You

I recently watched an episode of Suits (the first one of the second season I think) wherein Jessica asked Harvey to fire Mike. The day Jessica asked Harvey to fire Mike, Harvey came into the office and Donna sized him up on how he was feeling and accurately what was going on, based on his clothing. Actually, I think Donna does that a lot--picking up on non-verbal clues. She's really perceptive that way. 

I also read a book by Meg Cabot (Queen of Babble) wherein the protagonist (Lizzie) sizes up the handsome man (Luke) she meets on the train based on his clothing. I know they are both fictional incidents but that really got me interested. Actually, deciphering who people are based on what they wear is something I'm curious about and want to learn. 

All I Need are Shades

...to look like a celebrity!

Happy Friday..and hello Sweet November!

Can you believe it's Friday? Actually, I can but to me it feels like a Sunday! It's funny that it's only now that I am losing track of days when in fact, school is already starting on Wednesday! Isn't it funny that it's during the last days of vacation do you actually start to enjoy the vacay?

Guest Post: Fall Fashion Tips

Hi everyone! Happy Halloween!

I'm bringing you my first guest post, written by no other than Anya Sarre. Here's a little background on her:

Anya Sarre is one of Hollywood’s most influential trendsetters. A nationally recognized celebrity stylist, Sarre is known for her impeccable eye and ability to tie any look together with the perfect accessory. Named “Best Television Fashion Stylist” for her appearances on Entertainment Tonight, The Insider and countless other media outlets, Sarre is the go-to fashion expert for Hollywood’s biggest celebrities.

Well anyway, I got an e-mail from her asking if she could write an article for my blog, and of course I said yes! :) Anyway, I learned some useful fall styling tips from her article. I hope you do too! :)

Happy Halloween!!!

 "Halloween is the one night a year when girls can dress like a total slut and no other girls can say anything about it."

--Mean Girls

Well, I'm not a slut nor do I have a slutty body. I also probably won't go trick or treating tomorrow so this is my way of celebrating Halloween--Halloween-inspired nails!

nails from Nail Bar

like em? :)

Oh by the way, Nail Bar is offering a 10% discount on manicure and pedicure services until November 4 only! Try to drop by, guys! :)

Happy Halloween!

Grown Up

Hello! :)

How is everyone? It's been SOOOO long! I've been out since 9am; I came from a day trip with my friends. We went to Eden Nature Park, had lunch there and went trekking. Afterwards, we went to SM for a bit then decided to get massages. Finally, we ended up having dinner at Lachi's. Super tiring day, and my wallet's (almost) empty but it's all good. I missed this kind of outing--what with everyone studying in Manila and us having conflicting schedules. I rarely go out, and if I do, I usually go alone, with my sister or my family. I forgot how much energy my friends have!

My Life in TV Shows

 I've been measuring my sem break in terms of TV shows:

Monday-Revenge

Tuesday-Gossip Girl and 90210

Wednesday-ANTM

Thursday-X-Factor USA

Friday-Pretty Little Liars, X-Factor and The Vampire Diaries

(Glee also, but it's on hiatus)

Don't be surprised if these shows are the highlights of my week. Anyway, I watched Gossip Girl last night and I was really disappointed. The fashion is not as outrageous as it used to be and the story line sucks. For the fashion, I get that Blair and Serena are more grown up and have cultivated a more grown up taste (hence the need for clothes that are understated but scream expensive). I'm not really against that, but the reason I watch Gossip Girl is for the fashion. I want to see outfits so outrageous that only actresses could pull it off. To sum it up, I want to see the fantasy of my clothes. They should make the fashion better, especially now that the story line is poor. Is Gossip Girl making us easy to say goodbye? Considering this is the last season (and with only 7 more episodes), they should do the best job that they can about it (like One Tree Hill).

Anyway, end fan rant. This was the only dress that caught my eye in last night's episode. This is also where I realized the need for the lipstick to match the dress. I can imagine the horror had she worn say, an orange or red lippie. HAHA

Aside from Emily/Amanda's shocking cleavage-baring dress, this red blazer of Ashley on Revenge was also one of the fashion highlights of my week. I love the all-white ensemble made more business-like with the red blazer. The red blazer was not just any red blazer. It had a cut-out at the back which was an amazing surprise! Little details like that make an ordinary article of clothing amazing. I just don't like her character in Revenge though. She has ZERO sexual chemistry with Daniel, don't you think? =))

Anyway, just a short post to make up for my lack of posts. I'm having a bit of writer's block lately. :(

I try to write only if I could post something substantial. However, my lack of posts alarm me and has come to my attention (my friend told me she secretly reads my blog and why don't I have new posts! #pressure and #pleasure --it feels awesome that someone actually looks forward to your random ramblings). If you have any ideas of what I could write about, please don't hesitate to comment. Thank you huhu :'(

xx