This post is not for the "macho."  

Straight or not, I am a girl.  Though slightly heavy handed and equipped with a lions roar, my armory has been and always will be never ending supplies of lipsticks and dresses.  But I admit, the past 2012 was not the in the top 10 of my best girly years.  Not at all a flouncy year for me.  Obviously, the lack of fashion related posts is evidence enough of my crime against my kind.

dress: Topshop

Forgive me.  Pardon my lack of appreciation and response to beauty and elegance.  I hope my holiday oxblood ( What a politically incorrect nomenclature! PETA is weeping!) dress - which wore 3 times in a month - will make up for the lost time.  It's very much backless and I wore it to Christmas Eve mass.  

I hope the circumstances are redeeming enough for you.

Hopefully 2013 will get me back on track.

One of my ultimate fantasies is to be able to masterfully juggle time.  Be efficient, be all-knowing, be in all places at once! - is my perfect idea of a successful lifestyle.  Yep I have delusions of being a god! But don't we all?  The poker barbie has done it, so shall I!  I'd just have to learn how to get myself on the wire.

However I try to not let the maddening pressure seep through my choice of clothing.  Though laid back fashion is my thing these days, nothing spells Looney Girl better than a uniform sweatshirt. 

 I have temporarily retired my sky-high heels, leopard prints, and micro-mini skirts to give way to customized/DIY T-shirt, colored jeans and a pair of sturdy flats.

• Tshirts from TEEm NO-RULES are really catching my eye.  I'm still contemplating on an awesome design though.
• You can't miss colored jeans; they're everywhere now.  Mint green is quite in the radar too!  Check Lookbook.nu - sea foam green is the bomb!
• Outland is my brand of choice when it comes to ground level foot wear.  You can find them in the local department stores.

Goddesses have down time too!  However,  you don't have to look all gloomy when life gives you lemons.

Your Beachness by damnvixen

I never get to glamour up on the beach.  The water is just too tempting to pass it up for a photo op.  Maybe some of you prefer strolling by the shore or check out other beach goers.  I, on the other hand, would jump into the water at the precise moment that opportunity presents itself.  Although I do still strike a pose, I have long succumbed to the fact that I'm no Sports Illustrated model and so therefore pictures of me in all my drenched glory arent really worth posting outside my facebook account.  

Which now brings us to my long time dream of looking mighty fine by the pool or shore ala Michelle Pfeiffer in Scarface.  

Soon this dream wont stay that way for too long.  Zalora made sure of that.  The most popular brands, ease of payment and free shipping - I am sold!

Here is My Zalora Wishlist!!

Make one too!  Head on to http://www.zalora.com.ph

Suddenly the breeze has acquired a slightly sticky feel to it. I, for one, can sense that my tan is making a slow comeback. Well, hello February! This is the month everyone seems to be at their prettiest. Whether you are on a look out for a new squeeze or you are on the steady wings of love, everyone wants to wear that distinct blush akin to sweet romance. Leave any semblance of gloom and ditch that pale disposition. Replace them with a lovely glow, the kind we all want that special someone to remember us by. 

Mission: Captivate

Try to wear clothes that deviate from your usual look. Go for a dress if you consistently wear laid back styles, or try on a pair of sleek wide legged pants if you are mostly a very feminine dresser. If your wardrobe consists mostly of clothes in the neutral colors of black, white, brown or cream, have the courage to experiment with color blocking. Start by putting together two or three pastel colored garments. Have fun figuring out what makes sense on the color wheel. If you are bold enough, try formulating your own theories on color harmony. This year, I hear the color tangerine will stand for fresh and bold. How does a little orange dress appeal to you? Surely that is captivating! 

Now that we have laid out our color foundation, let us move on to setting the mood. I am talking about the intensity of impact. There are three ways to dress up to melt hearts; simmer, sizzle, or boil.

Simmer

Just like butter on an ever so slow heat, to look simmering is to dress subtly. Pick tops with scoop neck cuts, no showing of cleavage or bodily assets please. Show your charm in clothes that merely hint at the depth of your allure. Channel the Duchess of Cambridge for inspiration. 

Sizzle

Moving on to a notch bolder than the previous suggestion, dressing to look sizzling hot would not be that hard at all. Cebu’s fine weather allows for us to incorporate feminine textiles like chiffon and accents like lace into our weapons of choice - our clothes! This time it is all about sheers, silhouettes and light fabrics that seem follow where ever the wind blows. I love how this makes quite a room for imagination! 

Boil

The word needs no further adjective to further expound it. The communication is loud and clear, it is attention you want and therefore you shall get it. This time the clothes barely matter at all, it is the attitude brought forth by what we wear that gives the level of hotness we are after. The key is power dressing. Will for admiration and romance to come your way, by donning clothes that make you feel good about yourself first. I find that playing with men’s clothes, or those inspired from it, serves two purposes. One, men really like it, and two, girls feel empowered by it. It is hard to resist a woman in a boyfriend shirt dress. 

It is up to you to pick one course of action or you can just go ahead and progress to a boiling point. It is, after all, St. Valentine’s season - snag a heart!

note:  The foregoing is my article for Cebu Review's February Issue.  Download the digital version by clicking on the image below.

Thanks Mac of Style Cebu from lending me her gorgeous picture!

Cebu Review: Cebu's Travel, Leisure & Entertainment Guide

Our ride for the whole day!  A big pump boat the fits 30 people from Eris Island Hopping

The Travelling Scarf is now doing its rounds here in the Philippines!  This wanderlust of a scarf is on its 6th destination, making me the 6th person to act as hostess for a good few weeks.  

What better way to treat my sky colored scarf visitor than to drown it in the infamous Filipino hospitality right?  This year,for me, is filled with so many water adventures; this last island hopping trip I had been to was perfectly matchy-matchy with the travelling scarf.  The pristine waters of Mactan Island definitely went well with the vibrant blue accessory.

I was holding on for dear life as the pump boat was already heading to our destination.

How to style the travelling scarf was kinda difficult knowing there are so many ways of tying a one.  Honestly   I find scarves weird.  Blame it on having lived for forever in a tropical country; we just don't see that many people wearing one at any given place or time.  And so, hair accessory it became.  Did a square knot around my already done pony tail and poof! I have a style!

Watch for the next installation of  The Travelling Scarf as it goes all the way to Baguio, the summer capital of the Philippines!

A man is most physically attractive in his everyday wardrobe. 

Little do they know that that hanes underwear peeking through that worn out blazer and jeans ensemble, adding to the  mysterious nonchalant air, are perfect ingredients to catching a certain girl's discriminating eye.  

However...

What men forget, is that bank accounts and statements of assets and liabilities are mere icings and garnishments to a cake that is already oh so delectable in its simple self!  Sometimes all it takes are just a pair of levi jeans or perhaps wrangler jeans topped with the most basic of tees to close the deal.  

So what's the catch?  

Borgy Manotoc is THE Total Package!  We need more like him!

Would it be too much to ask for a profound head and an articulate mouth to liven it up?  This year, it is my fervent wish to meet such a man.  Maybe I frequent the wrong places or I'm entertaining the wrong crowd, because these days most men seem to enjoy living up the Peter Pan syndrome.  Seriously, gay men are hotter these days.  

Straight men beware: The threat is real!

It's one hell of an expensive day when my prayers for not to be caught in rain go unanswered.  I don't even want to mention the times I chose to get stranded rather than tread through the city's murky flood.  Ohmygehd! The horror!  And how about the threat to my perfectly drawn eyebrows?  Obviously I am not a fan of the wet season.  However, a girl has got to go out, go to school, high five the boys, sneer at fellow girls and gossip some more a.k.a live life in general.

Hunter Wellies

Could Wellington boots a.k.a wellies be the answer to my prayers?  The western world, with their four seasons, is not alien to this apparel.  In fact it seems to me that rain boots are part of their wardrobe staples akin to sweatshirts or blue jeans. One of my vivid childhood memories is a scene of an adorable old lady doing her usual rounds of feeding a badelynge of ducks.  Not exactly a charming picture when quacking ducks and a pail of poultry feeds are in the scene, but I must admit the rubber boots made quite an impression to me.

Flickr photo from GumDropsWetWeather

I have not seen anyone my age wearing this very functional foot wear.  I don't understand why, despite the fact of flood being everywhere these days, no one seem to dare and try them on.  Would you rather be carried by sweaty men for a service fee of, how much is it now? Ten pesos?  Is that your interpretation of being "swept off your feet"?  I will unfriend you! hahahaha!

If you know where I could invest on a pretty and trust worthy pair of wellies here in the Philippines, I am all ears!

Shock. Awe.Captivate

 

 

 

 

No, not really drunk Drunk, just drunk-ish.  So you decide to treat yourself with some booze after the whirlwind of mind fucks you had gone through be it at work, school or at home.  Having considered the place you will go to and the crowd you will be with, it now boils down to how safe and secure you will be in your outfit.

123rf.com

OUTFIT. Let say you will go clubbing, do yourself a favor and show one asset at a time, lest you be mistaken for the cigarette promo girls.  Show legs, show boobies, but not all at once.  Slut is a harsh, stingy word, you don't want that.  If you like wearing those stringy undies then skip this next sentence.  I love mini dresses and skirts, but I detest the airy feel down there, so I have a habit of wearing boylegs; I feel secure that way.  Do yourself a favor and smack hard every peeping tom too!

SHOES.  How drunk you intend to be determines how high your shoes ought to be.  Your feet and ankles are way more precious than you give them credit for.  Avoid stilettos and anything else that resembles a deadly weapon instead of a goddamn shoe!

MAKEUP.  And to top it all wear shine proof, water proof, and if you can find it, sweat proof makeup.  You are supposed to peg the look at sultry and smokey not a burnt survivor of a three-alarm fire.  One last thing, stack on some rings just in case you get mixed into a bar fight.

 

Again take note, rape proof clothes, shoes you can stand and run on, a face that says parteeyy, and some self defense blings that will get you past the bouncer.  This goes without saying: "Drink responsibly" ;)

Sunglasses, shades, sunnies! The eyewear that makes fun rhyme with the sun! Drop by your local flea market for the most wacky and outrageous designs. You don't have to be Lady Gaga to pull this off.

Spot that eye candy and never have to worry about being mistaken for a perv. Hide your peepers under the tints and glare and do eye-rolls whenever, wherever!

Ahhh let's pretend we're notorious gossip magnets and that our sunglasses are our only solace for anonymity!

Shout out to my girl Mac of Style Cebu for an awesome collection she dubs Sunglasses Frenzy.

Spot me if you can! ^oo^
Sent from my BlackBerry® powered by Sun Cellular

The sites I regularly visit were all over the recent Hollywood events.  I didn't get to see most of these events but from the looks of the pictures, especially the ones from the red carpet, I have found my favorites!  To me, they were quite a stand out!

Elle Fanning

Im not really drawn towards florals, but the way this young lady looks so innocent, fresh and glamorous especially in this Dolce & Gabanna romper, is very captivating to me.  No wonder she's become the Fashion Muse that she is now.  Keep it sweet baby girl!  There's a growing concern about a children being made to look twice her age.  I came across an article in The Frisky and it's quite an interesting read.  Personally, I think the times have changed, and we have our fast paced lifestyles to blame.  

Hailee Steinfeld

from Celebuzz

She was highly acclaimed in her performance as Mattie Rose in the movie True Grit.  Like Elle, she too is a Fashion Muse and is currently the face of Miu Miu.  She was astounding in a unique Marchesa dress she helped design!  Turns out she's got a bit of Filipino blood in her as her maternal grandfather is Filipino.  

Blake Lively

Gossip Girl's Blake Lively is the IT girl in Hollywood fashion.  Anything you put on her seems to project a regal aura that becomes all the buzz where ever she appears.  Take for instance this orange leather-ish Gucci dress and Christian Loubotin animal print pumps.  She looks so good I dont find it funny and amusing anymore!  There's more to hate, she's Leonardo Di Caprio's current squeeze, oh come on now!

Despite being in the ahem! mid twenties, I wonder if I could still pull off a teeny look?  Not that I'm fishing for compliments, but its worth a try! ;)

Happy 113 Years of Independence, Beloved Philippines!

5th Grade extra-curricular event

This is as nationalistic as I can get, in a vain kinda way!

College graduation souvenir picture

Im no Leonor Rivera or Maria Clara but when it comes to family and friendship I am as traditionally Filipina as those two.   

His Side of Cebu Street Fashion

My raw email interview with Homer Anthony Medici

Photo by: Homer Anthony Medici

I:  love your blog cebu street fashion.  would you mind if I ask a few questions? although eloise has graciously filled me in on the big picture.. id like to get your side too if youre not too busy. ^^

H:  sure no prob.

I:  i understand.. pardon me if this is informal.. just a few quick ones

  :  what made you like fashion photography?

H:  i tried a lot of genre of photography but as an artist what i like most in photography is fashion, editorial,or fine art photography because i can express and execute the image in my head with control of the photoshoot, and Fashion photography for me is always exciting because it always evolves in time and nature. It also tickles the mind of the audience interpretation which is sometimes funny and interesting to hear what other says about my works. Same thing as fineart Photography, Fashion Photography is still Subjective.

I:  how do you choose your subjects? 

H:  I choose my subject by how they look overall, it does not mean they have to be pretty or handsome but i need them to be attractive with their looks. something that catches the eye. and makes you look back and gaze. 

I:  so far what do you think of cebu's street fashion?

H:  for me Cebu Street Fashion is still at early stage, meaning we only see people dressing up in certain time, places and events. and its rare to see someone during week day looking fab and hip, unlike other countries like hongkong, japan, france and new york. people go to work with their best outfit, i hope more people here in cebu will keep trying to dress up everytime they go out so that we can post more content in the site hahaa...

I: any big plans for the blog?

H:  Get a few Sponsors with names, Buy our own domain name, National & International Recognition awards, Hopefully we can post everyday. Inspire Everyone, hmm.. i think thats all for now

I: weeee! tnx homer!


Part I: Her Side of The Story

Her Side of Cebu Street Fashion

My raw chat interview with Eloise Daniot

Photo taken from Eloise Daniot

I:   both of you are art students right? can u tell us a quick overview of the sweet training you  and homer had?

E:  well we started out as both fine arts kids; him from usc me from UP

  :  he was more into commercial training since he's an advertising major and im more inclined to art since im a painting major

   :  I worked as a designer in a company based in madrid and he used to work in film sets as a still photographer and then later studied as a 3d animator in College of saint benilde    

   :  he also took up business in photography in benilde while working as a contributing photographer to summit media and other magazine publications in manila specializing in fashion editorials

I:  but why fashion photography? what's so special?

E:  because we both love fashion.  since he met me he's become more interested and passionate about it.  we shared the same interest and appetite for all things beautiful and the drive to constantly learn new things

I:  and it shows in the beautiful pictures.  
 :  how do you choose subjects? and how do you make them comfy in front of the camera?

E:  we just see them walking.  when we have time we actually wait is some spots where a lot of people pass by but most often we just spot them while we're doing other things like having a meeting in a cafe then this stylish couple passes by

I:  almost like a stake out?

E:  we just ask them if we can take their photo for our street fashion blog.  sometimes, they don't agree, they wont allow us to take their photos

I:  so only the bold and shamelessly proud have been features so far?

E:  those comfy enough in their own style;  those comfortable enough with their looks and style

I:    ahh yes no wonder the pictures are so alive!

E:   it must be taken a point that style also involves having great confidence in yourself

I: what other places do you shoot?

E: we find our subjects in malls and restos or where people hang out since cebu is not a place where everyone walks in the street.   a lot of people have to take cars and vans to travel

I:  its usually you who keeps an eye for the wandering stylistas?

  :  or does homer have a say?

E:  of course it's an agreement between me and homer

   :  he asks me or i ask him, "how about that one?"

I:  do you have minimum criteria besides confidence?

E:  style, confidence, interesting mix of fashion

   :  something like that; something that grabs our attention

I:  so you go but gut feel? lukso ng dugo sort of an natural instinct?

E:  yes

   :  like " hey mer look at that guy i kinda find him interesting u want me to go ask him if we can take his photo?" LOL

I:  what toys are you using?

E: EOS 5d mark II and a 72-200 L lens all canon

I:  i have no idea what those are but they sound like premium stuff any photography enthusiast would drool at!

E:  lol well his gears are what he uses for his paid projects

I:  any future plans for the site?

E:  mostly the international ones have been demanding for more posts

   :  we actually have two more blogs coming up

   :  im planning to edit some of our posts pa; put some descriptions for the more interesting photos

I: your site really puts cebu fashion in the world map

E: wahahhaha! really? it's quite overwhelming. it's just one of our pass times really, we havent taken it that seriously

I:  so to conclude whats can u say about cebu street fashion?

E:  it's quite eclectic;  a lot of people are now really dressing up

   :  when they go out to work or to the mall or for school not just really for parties or what not.  its getting quite interesting and also with the healthy flow of foreign travelers which also pepper the scene and in some way also influence the locals in their modes of dressing

I:  Thanks for gracing me with this interview Eloise!

Part II: His Side of The Story

Day 09 - Something you're proud of in the past few days

Oakely Holbrook in Matte Rootbeer

Meet Bronx, the wild card winner of my heart, which had always been a Ray-Ban wayfarer cult follower.  I beam with pride because I rightfully earned it.  Let's just say I've been a very good daughter academically this past semester; a fitting bribe from any loving father, don't you think?

Ray-Ban 2132 in Red Rubin

My spirits were low after I scoured two major malls for that Ray-Ban new wayfarer in red rubin I was lusting after.  You all pretty know how much I get into a trance when it comes to red things.  Sad to say I didn't get to have what I really wanted because it was incompetently out of stock!  How difficult is it to press the reorder button from your suppliers? gah!  My sight fell upon this beauty in the glass case and I immediately settled for it.  Not that it was second best, coz personally I think Oakleys are a notch better than Ray-Bans, but design wise, new wayfarers has got to be the sleekest in eye wear architecture in the market.

sorry for the crappy phone pic, point and shoot cam is still busted :(

Polarized sunglasses like Oakley's Holbrook are perfect for minimizing the summer glare.  I enjoy the vintage tint on my vision.  It feels like I have stepped into a magical realm full of rainbows!

not mine but thanks flickr!

P.S.  Although this post may seem like a sunglasses advertising pitch, let me clarify that its not the sunglasses Im proud of, its me doing good in school after a stint of being "not so good".  Yeah, this is a disclaimer! ^^

Every other beauty enhancing tip out there would never miss out on recommending cosmetic contact lenses.  With all the K-Pop and J-Pop fever going on, these two countries' obsession for big anime-like eyes is naturally soaked up by fanatics and admirers alike.  Poof!  Colored and designed contact lenses are becoming easily available.  Pitch in the law on supply and demand and now we have very affordable contacts in ebay, facebook, multiply and just about anywhere else like your local market stall.

I have been a contact lens user since I was 15.  It is a convenient alternative to my bulky and not very flattering -350 eyeglasses.  Generally, its contact lenses during the day and eyeglasses when I am home and resting.  I have been using colored contacts for 2 years now and it's because I love how it make my eyes dazzlingly alluring.  This is definitely on my top ten best inventions list!  Leonardo da Vinci seriously ought to be venerated or something.  Ive only bought my contacts at optical shops and my brand of choice is Flexwear.

What calls for concern is that cosmetic contact lenses are now everywhere and with questionable origins too. I came across this post about fake contact lenses scare by Martha of thebeautyjunkee.blogspot.com.  Take a good look on this documentary report and judge this optical vanity for your selves.

Ive always wondered why optical shops havent stocked on these very cheap contact lenses, now I know the answer.  Here are a few things to consider when you decide on wearing contacts.

• If your only using contact lens for cosmetic purposes then avoid using it regularly as contacts are still foreign objects that can very well irritate your eyes.  
• Personal experience dictates that colored contacts get pretty uncomfortable to wear after just 6 straight hours of wearing it.  Avoid using them long hours.
• Always always buy only from trusted optical shops.  Dont get lured in by what youtube people say.  
• Keep hands clean especially when cleaning, rinsing, storing and finally wearing your contacts.

When it comes to the welfare of our eyes, I think its just fitting to be careful to a point of being OC about it.  You can not afford to be cheap in this area.  

Ahhh the heat is just too much to a point that Im worn out and I havent been doing anything yet!

1.  Crunchy or smooth peanut butter?

Im not really a big fan of peanut butter. Im more of a jam person, blame it on the diaetic gene. Id go for crunchy peanut butter because it's not boring and kinda feels less greasy. My fave brand is Jif dont know if we still have it locally though.


2.  What is your favorite color Rose?

Dark red.  It's mysteriously dark yet exquisitely feminine.  When mixed with the macabre its that enchantment that crawls up the skin.  Dark red roses are captivating arent they?  I love this Alexander Mcqueen shopper bag! This is perfect with my recent lust for Rayban's new wayfarer shades in opaque you-guessed-it dark red!

3.  Do you remove your shoes when you walk into your home?

No. I remove my shoes when I get inside the house and then I just go barefoot. I dont like wearing slippers inside the house too. You should see my feet photo album sometime lol!

4.  What is your favorite season?

Despite the crazy heat, summer would always be my favorite. It's not just the sunny weather or the beach, it's how well lighted my eyes see everything. Every color pops out and you can almost swear on the beauty of creation.

5.  Approximately how many hours a day do you spend blogging?

I would love to run my life in perfect schedule but I just dont have it in me to plan my day minute per minute. Im a whimsical blogger. Let's just say I blog by spurts of inspiration. I love to write so I dont want to ruin my writing leisure by putting timers or something like that.

This is my Monday for me!

It's Monday again!  Here's another round of get to know me questions.  

1.  Who would be your dream celebrity date?

Pretty much self explanatory but just to oblige, I want to pick his brain.  I'm smitten by and curious for the ruggedly handsome lot.

2.  Do you have any food restrictions?

No food restriction.  However, judging from that recent shot, I ought to ban food altogether!

3.  How much time do you take to get ready in the morning?

Pardon the uneven foundation application.

Im not really a morning person eversince I did a call center stint.  But when I do go out for something of the ordinary like school or the mall, an hour usually is enough for me.  30 minute bath and another 30 minutes for vanity.  

4.  Sausage or bacon?

I prefer sausages.  Bacon is too oily.

5.  Do you Google, Bing or Yahoo?

GOOGLE saves lives!  I use it for everything.