Archive for 2012

The Polka Dot Dress

Happy New Year to all!

Just like Mexican's who attempt to talk to spirits, Danish folks placing mistletoes under their pillows to find their "future" husbands, burning of scarecrow dummies in Ecuador,  dinner for one in Germany, celebrations in the cemetery for the Chile-ans, midnight moonlight kiss for lovers in America, and the Scottish who observe the "Hogmanay" or great balls of fire festival in celebration of the new year, the Philippines also has their own set of traditions.

My outfit post for today is inspired by one of the Filipino practices during new year, that is to wear "polka dots". Not only that, it is customary that Filipino households pile up round shaped foods in their dining tables before the new year starts. Philippines believe that this will bring them prosperity by associating the round dots to coins and wealth.

Nevertheless, I was just inspired by my colleagues facebook post today, and realized that i have to keep this as my guiding principle for 2013:

Expect GREAT things to happen, more so, ATTEMPT to do GREAT things for the glory of God!


 
 
  

What I Wore:
Dress - Forever 21
Ankle Strap Platforms - Brash Shoes for Payless
Gold Belt - Tango
Acessories -Pop Culture
Watch - Philip Stein

Enhancing the Basics

“Dress shabbily and they remember the dress; dress impeccably and they remember the woman.”

For me, fashion is creativity. You need not own the most expensive brands to be fashionable. Fashion is art, and is a form of self expression. It's a process of selecting pieces of clothing, then coming up with something unconventional, yet the result still looks elegant.

Here, i played with basic pieces from my wardrobe - a blazer, a  tank top, and jeans. Just got so tired of the basic jeans plus tank combo, so i just donned a simple blazer to accentuate the look. I could just add more accessories, or perhaps knee length boots if i want a more sophisticated "sosy girl" and glammed up look, but since i'm just going to the mall, i picked up the simple ankle boot wedges instead.

As I've mentioned, i stand 5'9". I need not to dress up loudly, just to get the attention. However, if i want people to look at me without screaming it out loud, i just wear ultra high-heels and voila! High heels, whatever your height is gives that instant confidence. So, always invest in a good pair of heels (preferably platforms for the extra comfort and support).

“I don't know who invented high heels, but all women owe him a lot!”

 
 


What I Wore:
1. Blazer - Mango
2. Heineken inspired Tank Top -I got this froma tiangge in Greenhills for onlyPhp 200!
3. Black Jeans - Jag Jeans
4. Ankle Boot Wedges - Forever 21
5. Necklace - Accessorize
6. Watch - Vintage Casio model DB360 bought online FB user Pink Blossom

On Faded Shirt and Leather





“You gain strength, courage and confidence by every experience in which you really stop to look fear in the face. You are able to say to yourself, 'I have lived through this horror. I can take the next thing that comes along.' You must do the thing you think you cannot do.”



Hi guys! Just got very busy but I tried my best to squeeze time for this quick post. Went overtime last night and ensured that my marketing plan for 2013 was checked by my boss prior to our strategic planning workshop this coming Friday and Saturday. I had to study the pathophysiology of a new disease covered by a new 100million brand assignment I was tasked to handle, and of course, a lot is expected from me.

Anyway, I just feel good this week. Though my schedule was extremely tiring, I was able to accomplish a lot of things, and learned a lot of new things at the same time. I just get so excited with the amount of new learning I had to absorb that despite the expanse of information I need to grasp, and the volume of concentration and time I need to put into it, it didn’t matter at all.

Just a learning: When you put your attention and efforts into something, results will always follow. Sometimes it can get very grim accomplishing a task, but when you keep on trying… soon, you’ll succeed. When you try and try… the margin of error gets slim, while the opportunity for discovery and accomplishment gets bigger.

“Yesterday is gone. Tomorrow has not yet come. We have only today. Let us begin.”
Mother Teresa
 

Underneath the Swagger

 “When people hurt you over and over, think of them like sandpaper. They may scratch and hurt you a bit, but in the end, you end up polished and they end up useless." Chris Colfer
 I am a product manager. Part of my job is to pipeline new products for the consumption of  certain types of customers. I do market research, competitive analysis, field surveys, launches, and other marketing related activities somewhat similar to advertising and promotions. It is a pretty tough job not only because of the numbers, but physically it could be a lot draining as well.

I am very thankful because at a very young age, i was blessed to land this position. (The age bracket for this post usually starts at the age of 30 and up) Yes, i still have a lot to learn still, but i consider this as a big break.

Going up the career ladder is not that easy. Aside from the heaps of work you need to do to prove yourself, you also need to gain the respect of your co-employees, and for me that is the most difficult task. You don't get to please everyone since you deal with different personalities - biases and perceptions included. You get to work with the most difficult people alive.

If you think you already escaped bullies way back primary education, well think again. Bullies also thrive in work settings. My say? Don't mind them. As what the famous proverb said - "If people throw you stones, throw them bread in return."

“Like all bullies, they’re cowards underneath the swagger" --Edward Cullen” Stephenie Meyer, Breaking Dawn
Do not attempt to get even. Do not let them get into your nerves, instead prove them of your maturity. Bullying is a defense mechanism for bruised egos. In psychology, they might have very devastating childhood experiences. I just rely on to my family and and God whenever i encounter difficult challenges in the workplace.


  

 

 

Affliction is Gossip's Aftermath

Affliction is a good man's shining time

Affliction is a time of great distress, misery, suffering, and pain. All of us, at one point in time have experienced such a trying moment in our life. The question is, how do we respond to this challenge? How do we react, especially if we are threatened with such pain?

One common response would be, of course to protect ourselves from it at all costs, and sometimes doing so can also inflict pain to others (physical or emotional) as well.

The workplace is a setting where gossip is high. One thing i dont like about it, is that when passed, its nature becomes fabricated and exaggeration takes place once it reaches the final recipient. One thing bad about gossip is that if the recipient is not objective enough in interpreting such information, then relationships break and integrity of one person is tainted as an aftermath.

I have been a victim of this destructive gossip. It caused me great agony and pain because what people knew was not legit, but came from false assumptions and misnomers from people who really don't know me, at least.

To be resilient against its negative effect, one must learn how to be objective. Well, it takes a great deal of maturity and practice to be objective especially in the corporate world where dog its dog. He must believe only on information based on facts and not on approximated assumptions, or go to the person directly and validate the pressing issue.We must learn how to give the benefit of the doubt - giving a person a chance to explain himself or show evidences of truth. When we display such actions, affliction is pacified.

My take on rumor mongers, not that my hands are clean on this (but trying my best in avoiding such actions), avoid passing on gossip. Veer away from people who talk trash against other people.

Gossip is gossip unless supported by facts and evidences.

 
 
 
 


Accessory Lovin! (Tips on where and how i buy my blings!)

It's a long weekend! 


I decided to stay at home and enjoy the long day by taking quick naps, reading, and watching tv! I have no recent outfit posts to blog about but i thought i might be able to share to everyone very useful tips on how to shop for "FAB" accessories without cutting a hole in your pocket.

Before everything else, i want everyone to know that i am an extreme accessory addict. When i shop for accessories - i hoard. I have a whole dresser full of jewels but i am proud to say that most of them are "wise" buys. Wanna know my tips?

Tip no. 1:
VILLALOBOS STREET, QUIAPO MANILA

Of course Quiapo is known for the Quiapo church which is the home of the Black Nazarene. But only a few people know that Quiapo can be also the home of the most affordable and best beads and accessory making materials in the country. Just find Villalobos Street in front of the Quiapo church and you'll find your way to an alley full of accessory stores. Recommended stores are Wellmanson's, Butingting's Atbp, DIY Beads, Sophie Accessories etc. You'll be surprised that items here can be found in branded shops in malls triple the price, and im telling this to you seriously! For a more detailed description of accessory shopping in this place you may visit Bead Snob, especially to accessory makers out there.

Tip no. 2:
FOREVER 21 

Who loves accessories on Sale? I think everyone does! Forever 21 in Megamall and Mall of Asia has Sale Racks with top quality accessories discounted from 30-70% off! I usually don't buy accessories in Forever 21 not unless i really feel that i need to buy it right away. Otherwise, i just wait for the next season and check if the item i previously eyed on is already on the sale-rack!

Tip no. 3
PARFOIS

Parfois is a Brazilian accessory and bag store i just love. Most of their accessories have a touch of boho- vibe in it. When you see their collection, you'll definitely see that items deserve the price you pay. However, some accessories can be way expensive. My tip? They also have sale racks all year round so go check out their stores!

Tip no. 4:
168 MALL

If you're the type of person who dont want to risk going to Quiapo but still wants affordable accessories, you could go to 168 mall where you'll find accessory stores left and right. One drawback here is that you'll also be likely to bump into someone who has the same bling-bling as yours. There are stores though that have rare finds so i suggest you scrutinize every store first before going gaga in splurging the moolah!

EVERY ACCESSORY HAS IT'S STORY

Mantra Bracelet and Love, Trust, Patience Bracelet - Totally Charmed
Snake Bracelet - Wellmanson's (I got this for only Php 80.00 which is being sold in boutiques for 300-500 pesos!
Bracelet - Forever 21 (From P735 to P309); Ring - Butingting Atbp (At only P35 at Villalobos St. sol at P100-180 in shops)

Bracelet from 168 mall

Watch with changeable straps - Aldo (So many colors from just one watch)
Aztec inspired bracelet - Forever 21
Black ring - Villalobos Street (Butingting's Atbp - Would you believe i bought this at only Php 35 while this is being sold in SM Dep't Store at P270?)



Street Fashion!




Today is definitely a treat for me! Why? Because I get to brave the busy streets of Divisoria and find lots of awesome stuff!  Well, if not for work I won’t go to this place but I just have to find a prop for an upcoming event, and Tabora street in Divisoria is the only place I could think of!
Just a short trivia for everyone – Tabora Street is a place in Divisoria where you could find costumes, masks (you know the glittered masquerade papier mache?), textile, Christmas and other home decors, native give-aways, event give-away items, and the like. Items here are price way beyond those in department stores. You’ll be surprised as well and tell yourself that it’s better to buy here than in boutiques because of the wide selection of items.

Divisoria is a bargain heaven where you could buy anything you could think of – as in literally anything! Well, now that Christmas is drawing near, taking the effort in going to Divisoria will save you lots of moolah! Your five hundred pesos will go the extra mile! 

Well after accomplishing my work agenda – of course I had to proceed to my next goal. One thing I’ve learned from fashion bloggers/gurus is to “accessorize”, especially if you’re just sporting a plain outfit. I was going through my accessory collection and realized that something’s missing – COLOR! I realized that I was sticking to the basics such as brown, silver, gold, and black. Boring right? So that’s my mission today! Find some accessories that screams out COLOR.

I found this  unique-wonderful (yes! Up to now I’m still in awe)  accessory shop in 168 mall where I hoarded lots of colorful (and quality) accessories that could not be found in other shops in the area. Take note: they have super affordable prices! It’s in the ground floor of 168 mall (Building B). It’s in the second pavement on the left side of the escalator.

So girls, to those who have the time to go to Divisoria and find awesome finds – I encourage you to! Nothing’s wrong with buying items here. You’ll be surprised that stuff here could be found in boutiques and is already priced higher.











Photo Credits:
Photo 1 and 2 - Taken from Greenbelt 3 while enjoying my fave Pearl Milk Tea from Chatime!
Photo 3 - a sole companion is a must in braving the streets of Divisoria
Photo 4 - Divisoria already starting it's Peak season
Photo 5 - This parking space is a very convenient innovation for 168 mall goers 
Photo 6 - My favorite arm party from Girl Shoppe!
Photo 7 - Wonderful christmas decors already in sight Greenbelt!
Photo 8 - My outfit for today's busy day!

What I Wore:

Shorts - Nava
Bag - Miumiu
Armparty - Girlshoppe
Sneakers - Hdy
Belt - Parfois
Top - Nava
Watch - Aldo



Fresh Loots!



Top - Friday Love; Vest - CBRL

Earthen Hues


I just thought about that Paco Park will be a perfect place to go for a picnic date because of the relaxing atmosphere, sans the restless crowd. I took note of the humid climate and the earthen theme so i decided to wear something casual yet chic!




  
 
 


What I wore:
Top - Forever 21
Belt - Topshop
Shorts - Gap
Bag - Mango
Silver Ballet Flats - Solemate
Scarf - Zara
Aviators - Rayban







What's the Focal Point?

Good afternoon everyone! This is my very first blog post so i'm asking all the first time readers here to please be kind to me. Anyways, the title of the blog entry is about "focal point." I'm no professional stylist or blogger whatsoever, but according to some sources, artworks should have a "focal point" or a "statement piece".
Could you spot the focal piece in the pictures?

Today i went out to do a mini pre-christmas shopping. Due to the upcoming holiday rush, finding a decent parking spot during weekends is truly a hassle. What more if it's already December, when everyone is ecstatic to spend their bonuses! I ended up at the highest level of the steel parking space in 6750. Only did i realize that it is also a nice spot to take pictures because of the seclusion.

Top - Topshop; Tube and Skirt - Forever21, Pink Bangle - Wellmanson's (For those of you who do not know - this store is a haven of super duper affordable accessories, and a source of supplies from jewelry makers and beaders across the globe). Neon necklace from A'postrophe .

 
Who wouldn't notice 'neon' screaming from afar right? Fashion gurus said that in order to stand out in a simple outfit, one must don a statement piece. I noticed that younger ones notice and look at my necklace with interest from a distance, while the older ones stare in disgust? haha! A lady of 26 years sporting a neon pink necklace?

Clutch - Dorothy Perkins; Watch - Aldo
Neon Flats - Ichigo.




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