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.

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!!

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!

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.

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. :)