I've always admired ramp models and fashion bloggers. They just exude that special confidence. Models walk like it's nothing. Fashion bloggers post their own photos on their blogs. I am neither of the two. First, I don't have the height and the body to become a model. I'm 5'5" and I weigh ... uhm, let's not talk about specifics. Fine, I'm a size US 4 for tops and 6/8 for pants. Second, I haven't dwelled too much on the idea of becoming a fashion blogger, and it's really because I feel insecure about my body, especially after I've given birth to Allie. I know I shouldn't but I really do. Although I'm almost at my pre-pregancy weight, I don't think I'll ever have my pre-pregnancy body ever unless I have plastic surgery.
Mommies, you know what I am talking about -- stretch marks, preggy tummy fat, and oversized hips. Oh yeah, put that bigger boobs on that list, too. I can't believe I'm saying this but I actually prefer smaller ones. Don't tell me husband I said that. Haha.
I've tried quite a few workouts - I had a personal trainer at the gym once upon a time, then I tried anti-gravity yoga, then just plain yoga, and more recently, crossfit. Nothing kept me going. Going to the gym just makes me super hungry afterwards, and I actually gained weight from it. I had a bad experience with anti-gravity yoga -- never again in a million years. Ordinary yoga was kinda alright, and I'm willing to try it again. But crossfit and my body are still incompatible as of today. I will try it again soon when my body's stronger, but not yet. It's too strenuous for me. But I am about to embark another fitness regimen to make my body more fit and leaner. I'll talk about that next time.
A few weeks back in June, I got invited to guest at a fashion show for Style Origin that was held in Trinoma. I figured it was going to be fun, and I get to tackle my body insecurity head on. So I joined. Well, I was in for a big surprise. I didn't expect it to be big, BIG. But it was BIG. I walked the ramp with professional models, fashion bloggers and celebrities. Oh my gosh. It was even directed by Mr. Robbie Carmona himself.
First, I got to pick my own clothes from Ensembles, a local brand that I really like. We were asked to bring our own shoes, so that really helped my confidence. Then, I met with my fellow bloggers and practiced walking. Eek, I think I was the most inexperienced one. But I told myself, I can do this, I can do this, I can do this.
I had my hair and make-up done by the Shiseido team. They transformed administrative offices to temporary hair and make-up studios. The place was insanely busy. So yeah, I felt really out of place, and my insecurity was just building up. My consolation that time was that my make-up artist told me I had really, really good skin. He even asked me what products I use.
Okay, so when the time came for us to go backstage, the professional models and celebrities were there with us. The organizers were arranging the clothes to be worn by the models. It was crazy messy. It was like they were having a warehouse sale. Well, that, and there were tons of abs everywhere. Yes, those abs made me forget about the butterflies in my stomach for a moment.
I was the first blogger to walk, and I was still getting the jitters at the last second. Bloggers walked alone. I came after these beautiful, skinny models. Thank goodness, I was able to go through with it. Here's proof that I was there. Haha.
Yes, I know I probably was the one with the fattest body who walked. I felt like it too. I learned not to care what other people think by then, as long as I feel comfortable and beautiful like the Dove women that I see on commercials, I'll be fine. Just keeping it real folks. Besides, I think I was the only mommy blogger there, so kudos to me. Haha.
I'm glad I joined. I felt I could do anything. Would I do it again? Absolutely.
Showing posts with label fashion. Show all posts
Showing posts with label fashion. Show all posts
Saturday, July 26
Monday, December 23
Everyday Hello Kitty
When I was a kid, I was super obsessed with Sanrio, especially Hello Kitty. You name it, I got it. I actually remember playing make believe Hello Kitty museum inside my bedroom. Haha. I even get my dad to buy me loads of Sanrio stuff from Japan whenever he went. Oh well, those were the days.
My fascination with Hello Kitty lessened now that I'm all grown up. I know, though, that one of these days, Allie would come to love "cat"or "Chichi" -- yes, that's what she calls Hello Kitty now. Her first Hello Kitty was this cute purse that she received as a gift and she fills it with snacks.
So when I got this news that SM Kids' Fashion has this Hello Kitty planner giveaway, I got so excited. The year is about to end, and it's so timely. I get to buy Allie some Hello Kitty apparel, and when I fill the stamp cards, I get the planner. Yes, it's going to be mine! (insert evil laugh here)
If you want your own too, read on how to get it. Hello Kitty lovers, unite!
SM Kids’ Fashion and Hello Kitty Welcome the New Year
Retail megastore launches contest for 2014 limited edition toon-themed planners
MANILA, PHILIPPINES – Imagine spending 365 days with the world’s favorite cat. Now, little girls can enjoy precious moments with Hello Kitty thanks to SM Kids’ Fashion. This 2014, young fans of the famous feline can grab an exclusive planner featuring three bold-colored covers, red, pink, and white, with a gold stamped Hello Kitty logo.
By completing exclusive stamp cards available at all SM Kids’ Fashion outlets, kids can get their very own limited edition notebook organizer. A Php. 300 single-receipt purchase of regular-priced Hello Kitty apparel from the SM Kids’ Fashion department entitles bearers to a stamp card and free first stamp. BDO Sapphire and Diamond Rewards cardholders, as well as, SM Prestige members can get their stamp cards and first stamp with no need for a minimum purchase.
Young fashionistas can complete their cards by collecting stamps through Php 300 single-receipt purchases of regular-priced Hello Kitty and SM Kids’ Fashion apparel. A total of five Hello Kitty stamps and five SM Kids’ Fashion stamps is equivalent to one complete stamp card. Included apparel is available in the Children’s Wear, Girl’s Teens Wear, and Character Shop section of The SM Store.
Get the purr-fect item to plan your fantastic year with The Limited Edition Hello Kitty Planner Giveaway only with SM Kids’ Fashion. Promo runs from November 15, 2013 to January 15, 2014.
My fascination with Hello Kitty lessened now that I'm all grown up. I know, though, that one of these days, Allie would come to love "cat"or "Chichi" -- yes, that's what she calls Hello Kitty now. Her first Hello Kitty was this cute purse that she received as a gift and she fills it with snacks.
So when I got this news that SM Kids' Fashion has this Hello Kitty planner giveaway, I got so excited. The year is about to end, and it's so timely. I get to buy Allie some Hello Kitty apparel, and when I fill the stamp cards, I get the planner. Yes, it's going to be mine! (insert evil laugh here)
If you want your own too, read on how to get it. Hello Kitty lovers, unite!
SM Kids’ Fashion and Hello Kitty Welcome the New Year
Retail megastore launches contest for 2014 limited edition toon-themed planners
MANILA, PHILIPPINES – Imagine spending 365 days with the world’s favorite cat. Now, little girls can enjoy precious moments with Hello Kitty thanks to SM Kids’ Fashion. This 2014, young fans of the famous feline can grab an exclusive planner featuring three bold-colored covers, red, pink, and white, with a gold stamped Hello Kitty logo.
By completing exclusive stamp cards available at all SM Kids’ Fashion outlets, kids can get their very own limited edition notebook organizer. A Php. 300 single-receipt purchase of regular-priced Hello Kitty apparel from the SM Kids’ Fashion department entitles bearers to a stamp card and free first stamp. BDO Sapphire and Diamond Rewards cardholders, as well as, SM Prestige members can get their stamp cards and first stamp with no need for a minimum purchase.
Young fashionistas can complete their cards by collecting stamps through Php 300 single-receipt purchases of regular-priced Hello Kitty and SM Kids’ Fashion apparel. A total of five Hello Kitty stamps and five SM Kids’ Fashion stamps is equivalent to one complete stamp card. Included apparel is available in the Children’s Wear, Girl’s Teens Wear, and Character Shop section of The SM Store.
Get the purr-fect item to plan your fantastic year with The Limited Edition Hello Kitty Planner Giveaway only with SM Kids’ Fashion. Promo runs from November 15, 2013 to January 15, 2014.
Friday, September 20
Fashion: J.Crew Baby
I am a super fan of J.Crew. They have this store called Crewcuts that carry girls' and boys' apparel. I've been waiting for Allie to grow up so she fits Crewcuts. Haha. I've been wishing that J.Crew make their own baby clothing line, and my wish was granted. J.Crew Baby is out! It makes me want to have another baby.
Visit J.Crew Baby
Look at how cute their baby tunics are. I love the black and white hearts one.
Look, they have Petit Bateau and Oeuf too.
... and Salt-water baby sandals.
You know what's missing though? Stuff for toddlers.
Tuesday, September 17
Fashion: Peter Pilotto x Target Collab
The 3.1 Philip Lim for Target collaboration has just hit the shelves, but here is another very cool collaboration heading your way. Peter Pilotto is the next big designer to come to Target. I love the fabric prints and the structure of the clothes on Peter Pilotto's collection on Net-a-Porter, and I am uber excited for the Target Spring collection. I hear they're selling clothes, accessories and swimwear from $14.99 to $79.99.
Oh, and dig this. International shoppers can go through Net-a-Porter to get some of these collab items ON THE SAME DAY. Yay for us!
Here's the teaser from Target:
Coming February 9, 2014.
Monday, August 19
Toddler: Flower Girl on a Sunday Afternoon
A cousin of mine got married one Sunday afternoon. Allie was one of the flower girls. The motif the chose was teal and gold.
My mom, my sisters and I got dolled up by Kim Tan-Rodriguez, the fab artist behind the Beauty Addict blog. This was our second time getting her as our make-up artist for a wedding. Haha, isn't it obvious we like her so much?
My mom's and Allie's dresses were custom made by the same one who did my cousin's bridal gown. As for my dress and my sisters', we wore mint and they were all retail. From left to right: on Sasa, Topshop; on Veronica, Miss Selfridge; on me, Banana Republic BR Monogram.
Allie got so excited to wear her dress because it was so shiny and puffy. Parang ballgown ang peg ng skirt ng dress niya!
We arrived at the church an hour early. Here we are playing with my sister's gold clutch.
The flower girls were each given a tiny metal blue pail filled with flowers. It was cute but a bit on the heavy side. Here's Allie sitting near the blue carpet playing with the flowers. Haha.
Daddy E and I were candle sponsors. I love the giant match stick igniters. I prefer this over the traditional matches -- I have a hard time lighting matches.
Allie just loves flowers. She played with the petals all throughout the ceremony. A good way for kids to pass the time and not get bored. Well, aside from playing with the flowers, she took off her shoes and went under the pews. Uh oh.
The wedding reception was held at Taste of L.A., a little restaurant down in Morato area. We were seated at the balcony area. Allie was overlooking the bride and groom behind the glass upstairs. I think it was a good seat plan because Allie was noisy. Haha.
I think she enjoyed the food. Mmmmmhmmm.
Tuesday, August 13
Fashion: 3.1 Phillip Lim for Target
Okay folks, I was just wishing last night that the Phillip Lim for Target preview would already come out. Now it's here, and I can't wait to share it with you. The pieces are to die for. It's part of the fall collection, and somehow, every fall and winter, Target seems to hit it on the spot -- Missoni in 2011 and Neiman Marcus (I still can't get over it!) in 2012. I'm pretty sure this one will run out pretty quickly because the clothing pieces are so sophisticated, and the bags, oh the bags, please don't get me started (or I will never stop). Clothes are set at $19.99 to $299.99, and accessories are priced from $19.99 to $59.99.
The nearest Target is about a 10-hour airplane ride, but I am going to pull all the strings now to get my hands on some of them.
Phillip Lim's Pashli medium satchel like the one on the left costs $825. But with the Phillip Lim for Target, you can get the bag of similar shape from the same designer at a fraction of the cost. Well, until you can afford the expensive ones, collaborations are the way to go. They use cheaper materials, and the quality is much lower, but hey, designers still put their names on these items.
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| Images from Phillip Lim and Target via Refinery 29 |
Well, anyway, as for my picks. Here they are. All images below are via Refinery 29. So check them out for the whole collection.
Tops:
Dresses:
Sleepwear:
Bags:
The collection also have items for men, by the way. Nice right?
So schedule your visits this coming September 15. Get your plastics ready people. It's going to be exciting! :P
Fashion: Those Melissima Shoes
The first time I saw these shoes from the Melissa x Karl Lagerfeld collection, I fell in love with it.
I was determined to get the black jelly patent Melissima from Geleia, the store here that carries Melissa shoes. I went to the Trinoma branch. I saw it on display. I was so excited to finally try it and confirm its comfort.
Then I asked the store associate for my size. They said Melissima only come up to a size 8. Meaning, the store didn't stock up on the size 9. I was so disappointed because I know they carry this style bigger sizes in other countries. You see, I wear a size 9 -- a pretty common size internationally, but here not so much. It's considered giant's feet. Sigh.
I can buy it from Saks Fifth Avenue or Shopbop. They sell it at $145 + tax, far more than the price they sell it here in Manila. Don't ask me why it's cheaper here because I don't know why. It just sucks that I can't get one.
Maybe I should just suck it up and pay extra just to have it. I might do just that.
Sorry for the rant. xo - Frustrated Melissima Lover
Labels:
fashion,
philippines,
shopping
Tuesday, June 25
Baby: My Top 10 from Villa Oasis
One of my all-time favorite baby/toddler clothes stores to shop at is Gap. I was checking out Gap's website, and they have this Villa Oasis collection which reminded me of the beach. I am still longing for the beach. Summer's officially over in the Philippines, and I haven't been able to visit the beach this year. Hmm, there's no stopping us though, it's kinda hot all the time here.
The color combination in this collection is navy, aqua, white and teal. There's a hint of yellow and gold there too.
I love shopping for my little girl. So whenever I get that chance to grab some cute items, I do. Here are my top 10 items that I'd love to get for Allie.
Dinner at the beach:
01 V-neck cardigan. This is a 100% cotton light-weight cardigan that is perfect for a windy night. I like that it's in white so Allie can wear it with anything. It's easy to clean too if it gets stained.
02 Zig zag dress. I can picture Allie wearing this dress for a dinner. I love the chevron pattern -- it's so uso now even for kids. There's smocking at the back too. Another plus? I can get a similar outfit so that we're matching. Haha.
03 Strappy patent sandals. Allie's into sandals now, and this seems to be a good piece to be used with different outfits.
Daytime walk with mom:
04 Contrast bow top. This top has puffy sleeves and the bow and stripe details remind me of a sailor outfit.
05 Bow geometric skirt. Can't this skirt get any cuter? The jewel tones of the sea and white just makes it so refreshing. The print reminds me of stained glass patterns and sea glass.
06 Diane von Furstenberg x baby Gap color block sandals. I got this for Allie a while back, so I just had to put it in here. I wish they made this in my size too.
Pool and beach time:
07 Floppy canvas sun hat. In addition to sunscreen, it's important to wear hats so toddlers' faces won't get burned. The floppy brim makes sure that the face is under the shade.
08 Asymmetrical geometric one-piece. Here's another piece that reminds me of stained glass. Just adorable.
09 Bubble knit shorts. Allie has this in pink and she loves wearing it. I think it's a cute cover-up after playing at the beach.
10 Embellished flower jelly sandals. Another one of Allie's outfit staples is the jelly sandal. I think she wore hers until it didn't fit anymore. Her lola gave it to her. It's also from baby Gap but in blush. This light blue jelly sandals would look cute on her too.
Monday, June 17
Fashion: Lulu Guinness x Uniqlo Collab
So I told you about my first trip to Uniqlo. Never have I been so thankful there was a delay in getting new styles to the Philippines. I was able to grab a few Lulu Guinness tops. They are uber comfy, and the cut is very flattering. They are my favorite tops now. Most of them are black and white so they can be worn with any color. They are only P790 a pop, so grab some now why don't ya?
Speaking of, you can get your fun and quirky Lulu Guinness handbags and accessories for up to 50% off. Yup, they are on sale.
Look, here's the exact peeping doll design from the Uniqlo UT collection.
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| Peeping Doll Zoe |
This one I like too:
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| Lulu Hotel Edith |
Another cutie below. Just look at the clasp!
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| Black Polka-Dot Leather Medium Eva |
Tuesday, June 11
Fashion: Isabel Marant x H&M Collab
H&M's newest collaboration is with ... (drumroll please) ... Isabel Marant. The Isable Marant Pour H&M collection is bound to hit selected stores and online this coming November 14, 2013. Exciting times!
Labels:
fashion
Thursday, June 6
Fashion: Twirl Around With Tulle
Have you seen this really adorable Anthropologie tulle skirt?
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| Image from Anthropologie |
This time, it will be available in maxi length. Here is a first look for you.
Project Happy will be having a bazaar pretty soon, and they will make these skirts available. So watch out for it. Like Project Happy for updates.
Labels:
fashion,
project happy
Wednesday, June 5
Fashion: Collaboration Heaven at Uniqlo
Uniqlo was a brand I first heard from friends. I haven't really given it a thought until I went with my husband to find him some jeans.
We went to the branch at the Block in North Edsa. My first impression was, wow, this store is pretty big. I am a sucker for organized displays, and this was also one of the reasons I was pulled in. Price was pretty affordable, and I decided to try on some stuff.
I fell in love with the print on this pair of pants.
I got it because it was such a fun piece at P990. It is the same pair I was wearing in this photo below.
When I noticed it was a Celia Birtwell collaboration while shopping, I wondered if they still had the Laduree collection. So I went around and found these.
Monday, April 29
Fashion: DVF x GapKids Round 2
Diane von Furstenberg and GapKids got together again in a Limited Edition Explorers Collection. The prints are refreshing and colorful. There are new cuts and accessories available too. Visit Gap to learn more.
Friday, March 15
Shopping: Laduree x Uniqlo
I first had my taste of macarons when my pastry chef friend made some. Cafes in Metro Manila have started to offer French macarons and people are buying them. Bizu has so many flavors to choose from. Brasserie Cicou has special flavors too like wasabi. da.u.de has the cutest macarons, which I think Allie would adore. Even French Baker has macarons already.
I have yet to try Laduree because it's pretty much non-existent on my side of the world. But maybe next year, I'll get to travel and get some for myself. Haha.
Laduree and Uniqlo have teamed up to come up with these cute designs. Just adorable. I'm not sure if every design is available but yes, Laduree x Uniqlo is available in Manila too! Yay!
UT Laduree now available in Uniqlo Mall of Asia and SM North Edsa, The Block.
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| via Laduree |
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| via Uniqlo |
Friday, February 8
Fashion: Hermès x Comme des Garçons
Another collaboration has finally made its way out. The "Comme des Carrés" scarf collection is a feast for the eyes. Each one is art on its own. If I could, I would get my two favorites. I will probably secure them on black frames, and put them in my forever living room.
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| Copyright Hermes. Via highsnob |
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| Copyright Hermes. Via hypebeast. |
Do you like them as much as I do?
Well, I heard they retail between $550 and $720. You can get them at COMME des GARCONS in Paris, New York and Tokyo, and at Dover Street Market in Ginza and London.
Monday, January 14
Shopping: Target x Prabal Gurung Collab
Target just doesn't stop! Missoni, Neiman Marcus and now, Prabal Gurung.
People are anticipating a Missoni-for-Target-type of demand. I am pretty sure you have heard of the clamor and excitement about the Missoni and Neiman Marcus collaboration recently. People flocked Target stores just to get their hands on the items. As expected, they sold out very quickly.
On the same day of the launch, eBay already had loads of these things listed, and they had been highly marked up because the items were not in stock anymore.
Just what is in store for you in the Prabal Gurung x Target collection? Vibrant colors in fun, flirty cuts ... accessories like shoes, jewelry and handbags.
Here are my top picks. Take a look.
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| Copyright Target. Source LuckyMag. |
The Prabal Gurung collection at Target will launch February 10, 2013.
Wednesday, December 26
Shopping: Another Dress for Another Wedding
I hope you guys had a very joyful Christmas, first of all. We spent it at my parents' farm (as always), but we came back just in time for the in-laws' family Christmas party tradition. I'll fill you in soon. But right now, I'm feeling all shopping-y. For a dress. Yet again.
So I picked this gown to wear for my friend's wedding.
But I ended up wearing my purple ML Monique Lhuillier Bridesmaids mid-length dress (sorry no photo). I felt it was too warm that day to wear a long gown to an outdoor wedding reception. Sabi ko, I'll just wear the long gown for my cousin's wedding next year. I was part of the entourage, and I have to wear blue. Perfect na diba? Bummer though, she recently requested to not have anyone besides herself to wear a one-shoulder piece. Haaay.
Now I have to get another gown.
If money were no object, I'll probably get this one by Carolina Herrera. Nice no? Even with its print, I think it's formal enough.
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| Carolina Herrera Hand Painted Silk Organza Gown Copyright Neiman Marcus $7990 |
Or maybe this by J. Mendel.
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| J. Mendel Lace Sheer-Overlay Gown Copyright Neiman Marcus $5500 |
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| J. Mendel Lace Sheer-Overlay Gown Copyright Neiman Marcus $5500 |
Here's an option from J. Crew, that's a fraction of the price. It has a Grecian-inspired skirt too.
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| J. Crew Arabelle long dress in newport navy silk chiffon Copyright J. Crew $365 |
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| ML Monique Lhuillier Sleeveless Ruched Chiffon Dress Copyright Nordstrom $248 |
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| Watters Tawny Soft Satin Dress Copyright Watters.com |
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