Wednesday Wishlist: Birthday Edition!

Wishlist by farrahgarcia featuring a shimmer eyeshadow

Hi guys!

So, my birthday is coming up in 12 days and I will be... Forever 21. Here are some of the things I am wishing for:

1) A surprise something.
My cousins surprised me on my 18th birthday but I haven't tried being surprised by my friends. I just remembered Valentine's Day in Ateneo with the gimmicks like the flowers, signs, cakes and shiz and as much as it pains my pride to admit it, I want that. :( Though I guess I have to keep dreaming cause it's not like I'd even have someone to lunch with on my birthday. (Sorry I sound so negative, but I'm being real here) Friends, call me on my birthday at 12nn-1pm while I'm having lunch, just so I don't feel alone please :(


1. a) letters from my friends in Manila would also be nice, although I'm not counting on it cause I know they are busy.
(letters nalang cause I always give them that!!)


2) Bags.
My "dream bag" used to be a Mulberry Alexa but now I am lusting over Proenza Schouler's PS1, available in beautiful and bright colors. le sigh


3) Spiked shoes.
I have been eyeing them since forever!! They have it in Heur Sheen, Romwe, OASAP, etc!

4) Gift checks or money
('nuff said)
Cheyser, I am counting on the gift checkS, as you promised birthday buddy! =))

5) Books.
Some books I want are still here, but the list includes Perks of Being a Wallflower, Can I have your number (Sophie Kinsella), Chicken Soup books (except the first ed, teens and college cause I have those) and Gossip Girl books. Any chic lit book actually--light and fluffy, like cotton candy! :)

6) Quintessential iPhone/camera/laptop
though I doubt this will happen.

7) make-up brushes and make-up


8) Accessories
Hint: I'm a huge necklace girl!
I want those that are timeless yet make a statement and can be worn everyday; something that would last long and wouldn't tarnish easily.

Brands I am eyeing: Love Diva, Island Girl

So there! :)
Lemme just say, it was quite hard to think of stuff to ask!!

Aggravated Shopping

My mom and close friends know that if I buy stuff for myself using my own money, I tend to be a fickle shopper who gets buyer's remorse after! I like shopping alone so when I find something I like, I immediately call them up and ask "Should I buy this?" Then right after I pay for my purchases, I call them up again and tell them "I shouldn't have bought this! I feel so guilty!"

I don't know why that happens, though it never does when I buy food! Haha :-)

Anyway, I kind of had a bad day at school. Some events just made me so aggravated! You can just read why on my Twitter if you wanna know cause I don't want to rant here. 

I went to the mall to do some errands after class. I went inside through the bookstore. I wanted to buy this book by Nick Hornby but it was too expensive. It was funny cause I was browsing through the shelves then I chanced upon the Gossip Girl book! I plucked it out and it was 184.50php. The others were all regular price! So, lucky me! =)) It's funny cause I've always wanted this book. I chanced upon this Pretty Little Liars book at the discount pile while I waited in line. I don't know why it was on sale; it's still in really good condition! I got it for 99php :)

I went to the newly-opened Love Diva here in Davao to get the accessories I've been eyeing since I first visited. I got a necklace with a lip pendant (I dunno, I just have a penchant for lip-shaped stuff!), maroon cloth necklace and a mustache necklace for my sister. They have a sale rack with stuff at 200php each, but if you buy 3, you get it at 500php! No regrets since the maroon necklace alone looks like it costs more than 500 bucks! I was so inspired that I want to create my own! If only I had time.


Anyway, it's March!!! I've announced the giveaway winner on my Twitter account and I messaged her on Facebook already. Still picking out my winner for the best answer! =)

xx

Micro trend: YSL Arty inspired rings

Almost everyone loves these rings as much as I do! I've been spotting them on almost every famous Filipino fashion blogger I follow!

Laureen Uy wears one from Extremefinds on Cape Town

Camille Co wears a real limited edition one in Tweed

Cheyser wears one from ROMWE in Sequins and Studs

Kryz Uy in one from WAGW in You can bet

See? :)

Well, good news! My online shop StyledUP is selling YSL Arty-inspired rings!

I have 1 more in red, 2 more in turquoise and 3 in black!

Visit my Multiply page and Facebook page now!

(photos from their respective blogs)

A New Diva is coming to Town!

Went to have lunch with my dad one day in Gaisano Mall when I passed by this sign!

I knew what it meant so I went GAGA!

I am so excited that Love Diva will be opening a branch in Davao!

For those of you who don't know, they are an accessory brand from Australia, touted to be Accessorize's "younger sister".

I don't know exactly when Love Diva will open but mean time, visit their website here.

And like Love Diva Philippines on Facebook.

Bloggers' Meet and Greet

A post before I get ready for our annual family Christmas party on what went down yesterday.

I was at the mall for a whopping 9 hours!

I told myself, I'd reached my Abreeza quota for the year and shouldn't come back, but I had to return today. So much for that.

I went to Abreeza to stop by for the Meet and Greet at WAGW.

Holiday Shopping!

Thank God for Abreeza, big-sized clothing and more and better selections to choose from. We don't have to rely on the packages with clothes that my lola sends us from the States every year. Usually, they arrive late and we still have to find stuff to wear, which is hard considering my sisters and I are all big boned! Call it European sizes, I say!

Got 2 dresses for Christmas and New Year at Dorothy Perkins! Finally, I have no excuse to look like a mom, like Christmas 2009. *shudders*

The pink one is for tonight, the metallic one is for New Year's! Outfit-ey post soon!

Shoes are from Janilyn. I love them! They remind me of SJP's Manolos in the first SATC movie. It also looks like something Blair Waldorf would wear--in flats form.

I plan to accessorize with a turquoise cuff from SOUL Lifestyle. I got the necklace for my sister!

I could have easily went the usual black and pink way by choosing black shoes and black accessories, or you know, just pairing my dress with neutrals, but starting right now, I am resolving to start wearing more color!

So, 2011 Fashion Resolution to wear more color? CHECK! :)

Happy Holidays, loves!

Shop in Spotlight: Mauve

Make a Statement. Wear Mauve.

So goes the mantra of this new kid on the online shop block. 

Started just this August, Mauve already has a loyal client base. Owner Anina Rubio started her shop because she wanted a change of environment (she used to work in the corporate world!) -- from Engineering to fashion. Being an avid online shopper plus the emergence of online shops, the change proved to be good move because she says, Mauve surprisingly started out great. I can tell it's because of their All About Geometry Collection, which features necklaces in geometric shapes. Yes, you all saw that first on Mauve! It's cool cause it's definitely something different--and it was borne out of Anina's love for math! How unexpected is that? :)

I love the red and black necklace from the All About Geometry Collection!

The name Mauve was suggested by her sister because it sounded sophisticated and chic, and it definitely does the trick, doesn't it? To Anina, Mauve pretty much caters to anyone who loves to stand out and who loves fashion. Some accessories can be worn subtly so working girls can easily pair it with their corporate looks. Pile different Mauve accessories up? A different story. In the end, It's a matter of how you style the accessories :)

Anina said she loves having an online shop because she can do business in a hassle-free environment.

And when asked for advice for new online shop owners, all Anina has to say is:

"Be nice!"

Thank you again Anina for sponsoring my giveaway! :-)

Like them on Facebook
Add them on Multiply

PS. Have you joined my Mauve giveaway already?

12 Days of Christmas Giveaway: Day 3 **CLOSED**

on the third day of Christmas, Farrah gave to me...

Christmas Bazaar

After going to The Peak yesterday, we headed off to the bazaar at Davao Convention Center upon the insistence of  my sister Feebee. (By the way, she has a blog so please click the link and check her random 13 year old musings out) Here are some random photos I took.

Because of the cayenne, Chubby posed like the jalapeno from Plants vs Zombies. Think he got the look down pat, right?

You've Got Mail!

Just got home from Saturday class and found 3 packages waiting for me!

I love packages! It's starting to feel like Christmas already :)

Accessories

Sorry for the lack of updates lately. I've been feeling so uninspired. And when I'm uninspired, I tend to produce half-baked posts. Well, that all changed recently. Yesterday, my best friend from pre-school, Ayessa, and I met up to make accessories. I swear, she is one of the most creative and resourceful people I know. I got blown away yesterday when she was teaching me all these tips and tricks--how to make this type of bracelet, where to get cheap tops, etc. 

She taught me how to make Kidada-inspired bracelets (which I will be doing a DIY post soon about) while I taught her how to make feathered earrings. Here are some of our works, which we are selling!

pink suede wrap bracelet

brown Kidada inspired bracelet

You can check out the album on Facebook if you find anything you like. We could also probably do a design you have in mind, just contact us (PM or comment on the photo).

Lastly, I would like to leave you guys with this video. I just watched Friends with Benefits with my sisters awhile ago, and I super loved this scene. 

 I had a really great weekend! October could be loving me. How about you guys? :)

Gossip Girl Season 5 Sneak Pics!

I am looking forward to September 26th!

That's when the fifth and newest season of Gossip Girl begins. TV Fanatic just released some sneak peek photos of the first and second episode. The first episode is entitled "Yes, Then Zero", and will show what our favorite It-Girl Serena van der Woodsen has been up to in California.

Serenate go to a party

I have always been partial to Blair's ensembles, but lately, I have taken to Serena's style. She just always looks so effortless yet polished. It's like she threw on the first thing she saw, and by virtue of her being gorgeous, the clothes just naturally look good on her. It's that je ne sais quoi It-Girls have.

Kate Moss is like that.

from the second episode

The second episode is entitled "Beauty and the Feast".

The previews on TV Fanatic show Serena hanging out with her so-called cousin Charlie/Ivy. 

love that whole subtle mixed print thing going on

*pictures from TV Fanatic

Did you notice how Serena is wearing mostly turquoise accessories? She's also sporting red pieces, mixed prints and is that a tribal print dress (and vest)?  I love how her red blazer complements that turquoise bag. I wore a red and turquoise outfit to the ADHOC party last Saturday. Does that mean I'm on trend? I didn't even see the previews until now. Score! :-)

Are you excited for GG season 5 too? :-)

Favorites from the 2011 VMAs

I wasn't able to watch the VMAs because I woke up late and then missed the replay! Eep! I was able to follow it from updates on twitter though. Besides, I usually watch awards shows like these for the fashion. Anyway, thanks to the internet, I can still appreciate the outfits. Here are some of my favorites:

1. Beyonce Knowles

beyonce-vma-2011-lanvin-260x390.jpg

Aside from spawning multiple jokes like, "Beyonce's pregnant, it must be Destiny's Child!" or "Beyonce's married, therefore she's not a single lady!", everyone seemed genuinely happy (or jealous at the kid who has Beyonce carrying him/her in her womb) at the news of Beyonce's pregnancy. She just shone in this orange Lanvin dress, which complimented her bronze skin. Add to that the glow of her pregnancy, I think she was the biggest star of the night!

2. Zoe Saldana

zoe-saldana-2011-mtv-vmas-01.jpg

Zoe Saldana has been on my fasyon people to watch ever since "Avatar". Her exotic beauty and great figure make her a designer favorite because she can carry any outfit with grace and poise. I love her in this dress by Barbara Bui. Her shoes are also by Bui, and her clutch is Lanvin.

Top Picks from The 1st Kadayawan Trade Fair and Bazaar Experience

My friends Mithi, Julienne and I met up yesterday and we went to the Kadayawan Trade Fair and Bazaar. I had stomach cramps but I just had to go because Mithi came home for the long weekend and I haven't seen her for more than a month!

There were a lot of exhibitors, but these were some of my favorite picks of all the stuff there.


1. Candy Bags and Kara Shoes.

I first read about them on Fashion Firewoman. Jariss writes "this imported bag business brings us the latest bag craze in Manila". When I found out that they were coming to Davao, I knew I'd just have to stop by and check all their stuff out!

When we first came to their booth, there were a lot of people so we couldn't take any photos! And why not? Everyone was ooh-ing and aah-ing at the delicious candy collection! Very true to their name! :) 

They have really affordable stuff. The shoes are Php550-650, and the bags are Php850. I wanted this brown satchel but I didn't bring any money! Boohoo! :(

Anyway, if you're in Manila, according to their Facebook page, they  have branches in Tiendesitas and Robinson's Galleria.

Great picks from Candy Bags and Kara shoes

Trend Spotting: Feathered Earrings

Having been online a lot lately, I noticed how a lot of Philippine bloggers have been wearing these feathered earrings. I've seen them on

Ava Te


Aisa Ipac,
 

Tin Iglesias,


Patricia Prieto,


Camille Co


and Laureen Uy.



I like that it gives a pop of color and an added touch of quirkiness. I think they would also go well with the maxi skirt trend in completing that gypsy look. Notice how they each only wore one earring? The earring is long so wearing a pair would overwhelm.

Some stores you can get feathered earrings from are MARiS and CROW.
*BTW, I don't own the pictures. Got them from the MARiS page, and their respective blogs.

Cheap Thrills

I spent my afternoon yesterday tutoring a 3rd year in Chemistry. Afterwards, I headed to SM North Edsa. I was looking for suspenders as an alternative to a belt for these pants I bought which are SUPER LOOSE. No, I didn't lose weight (I wish though!) but rather, I made a mistake buying my size, when the pants were actually stretchable. So I ended up with pants 2 sizes bigger than me.

RULE OF THUMB/ NOTE TO SELF: IF IT'S STRETCHABLE, GET IT TWO SIZES SMALLER.

So anyway, I tried on the suspenders (which I was gonna pair with a straw fedora, a plain black shirt and espadrilles) but I looked stupid in them. I remember my grandfather used to wear them. Now, I don't know anyone who does. I was trying to resurrect a trend. hihi :)

So anyway, I went to the ladies' department to look for a belt. Tough luck on that! I couldn't find any to my liking (at the same time, one that would fit). Dejected, I went to the shoe department. The first thing I saw was

Yes. They were PEEPTOE BOOTIES at 50% off! (they now cost 600php only)
sadly, they didn't have them in my size.

close-up view of peep-toe booties

So anyway, I took photos of the shoes I found to my liking

Red Soles like Loubs

in love with the black ones! but they are at the regular price. :(

These are clog-loafers in camel, I think it's called. I absolutely love them!

They are not too high and they have a thick heel so it's not hard for me to walk in them.

They look good with my folded jeans as well, don't you think? :)

more studded booties <3

these nude shoes remind me of Michelle Williams' dress for this year's Golden Globes :)

I also loved the color of these pumps. They match my nails! :)

I went to the accessories department also, and tried out stuff.

 I am loving hats! They add an extra pizzazz to your outfit!

1. Below is me, channeling my inner Avril. I tried on this necktie. There was also a bow (not headband bow BTW), like what Blair used to wear on Gossip Girl. I couldn't take a pic of it though cause my hand covered the bow.

Gorge ring with a gorge price as well.

I am not open to paying 300 for this ring. I can buy a top with that!

Necklaces with spikes. They're quite edgy, especially with a plain top.

You can also wear them with your LBD.

I took a photo of this "Kipling" pouch. Well that's because I have a Kipling bag in the same print.

And I used to think it was an ugly print.

Flower pony-holder. It's so easy to make with scrap cloth.

But doesn't it remind you of Forever 21?

This costs 79php

More necklaces.

and a beret with a studded peace design.

Hope you all enjoyed your weekend because today's the only day I get to rest! I played make-up artist/creative director to a shoot last Saturday, then I taught yesterday. I'm still tired, but it's all good. It feels nice to be productive!

Sorry SM, if you have a no-photo taking policy.

And I must say, my Samsung Champ takes good enough photos. :)