2012 TREND

According to Glamour January 2012, the "First Great Trend" of the New Year will be military-inspired. Think buckles, buttons, brass, pocket-heavy jackets, army green, cargo pants, pins, military shirts, etc.

Keep everyone at attention, like Duchess Catherine.

Flashback: It was also a 2010 trend.
Click here for a few of my military-inspired pieces. Yey! I don't need to go shopping!

GO FOR GOLD

This Holiday Season's look: definitely anything and everything sparkly! Inspiring my 24-K DIY effort: "Gold Rush" nail polish. True to the saying "all that glitters ain't gold" this one's a real cheap-o! It's Manila's local polish brand Caronia (I can hear the ad jingle in my head now, "Caronia! Caronia!", haha), selling for less than SGD1 a bottle! Yey!

 My 24-K effort: DIY nail polish in Gold Rush.

For more festive Holiday nail art ideas (my next goals), see these.

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!

BEAUTY WISH LIST

I want to believe I've been nice the whole year and that I deserve a little "me, me, me" Holiday present. In the name of cleaner, clearer skin, I'm eyeing facial brushes.

Been checking every Sephora store here in SG for the Clarisonic Mia, retailing for around SGD250 (approx USD200).

But I just learned that a cheaper alternative is out there -- the Olay Pro-X, which sells for only USD29 (approx SGD38). It's among Amazon's 2011 best sellers!

Been watching video reviews for both products. Generally, women are happy with both. So I'll probably go  with the cheaper one (if and when I don't feel too guilty to shop).

Have you tried either?

MANGO SALE

One more thing I love about SG: pre-Christmas sales! Mango's year-end sale starts tomorrow, 14 December 2011. Where I come from the sales start after Christmas or after New Year (when you're supposedly done with all your shopping, hehe). 

I wonder which Singapore branch will be best to visit...

From MNG's Facebook

Update: Yesterday, Sunday, the Isetan branch had the least shoppers versus Ion Orchard (crazy!) and Ngee Ann City (crazy!).

AT THE AIRPORT

The best way to kill time at the Changi Budget Terminal's boarding lounge: Enjoy the MAC make-up buffet at the Duty Free shop! Kaloka! 

What I Wore for the flight:
Light gray tee, F21
Charcoal pull-over, Zara
Black jeans, Defacto
Black ballet flats, Zara

GLAMOUR's EVERY WOMAN SHOULD...

Bits from the article JUST ONCE IN LIFE, EVERY WOMAN SHOULD...
(Glamour magazine, December 2012)


Glamour...

• Fall madly in love! (Me: Check!)
• Try skydiving! (Me: Hmmm...)
• Buy the crazy-expensive dress! (Me: Later in life.)

Three writers on the essential experiences you really don't want to miss out on...

• Be wildly, passionately pursued. Sounds outdated, but you deserve it. -- Caitlin Flanagan (Me: Check! Haba ng hair.)
• Be a fan of something - anything. Sports. Gaga. Buffy. Obsessing is fun! -- Emily Nussbaum  (Me: Check! Sex and The City, my Ginebra fan days...)
• Be friends with a much older woman. No, your mom doesn't count. -- ZZ Packer  (Me: I want to do this.)

From seven celebrities...

• "Go zip-lining. I love it can't wait to do it again." -- Christina Hendricks  (Me: Hmmm. Parang sky diving din ito.)
• "Eat a piece of cake! Eat a doughnut! Forget about everything and eat a doughnut and don't feel guilty about it!" -- Zooey Deschanel  (Me: Check! That's why I miss my skinny self. Lol.)
• "Live alone!" -- Gabby Sidibe  (Me: I want to try this. But I can't imagine how -- I'm happily married. And I love living with my Hubby. Hehe.)                                                                                                          
• "Once in her life, a woman should buy something she knows she can't afford, that she wants desperately, and buy it with her own money." -- Elisabeth Moss  (Me: Again, all the big spending will have to wait later in life.)                                               
• "I think probably vomit in public. I'm just throwing it out there! Listen, a lesson in humility is good for all of us." -- Anna Faris  (Me: I'm all for lessons in humility. But vomiting in public has an age limit. So pass. Lol.)                                                                                                     
• "Get the courage to say exactly what you're thinking and stand up for yourself. When you do that as a woman, you realize how much power words have." -- Olivia Munn  (Me: Check! Check! Check!)                                             
• "I always wanted to run a marathon and get a really short, G.I. Jane haircut. I trained for the marathon but got injured. And I've never had the chutzpah for the haircut!" -- Julie Bowen  (Me: Fun runs - Check! Marathon - I'll put that on my list. Boys cut - Check! G.I. Jane cut - Hmmm...)          

My answer: Once in life, every woman should leave her comfort zone to follow her heart and pursue a dream. Read my other blog for more on this. (On Courage, read here. Have Faith, Not Fear, read here. Retiring at 35, read here, What I Know For Sure, read here. A Better Me, read here.)

How did you do this year?

MAIDS MADE TO QUEUE FOR H&M-VERSACE

Just how committed were they to get hold of the Versace for H&M line?

Read here.

Kaya pala ubos agad! Hehe.

VERSACE FOR H&M - SG EDITION

No, I didn't camp out for the Versace for H&M line. Versace's not really my style. But yes, I made sure I'd go to H&M (at the Orchard Building; nearest MRT: Somerset) today, November 17.

Versace for H&M:
Another successful collaboration.

Arriving at H&M, I felt hopeful -- "No lines!" (see photo below)

Inside I discovered why -- because the Versace items are 98% sold-out, and it was only a little past 1pm (5 hours after the store opened?). No more accessories (wanted the necklace with pendant). No more dresses (wanted the studded pink one sana). No more bags. But still lots of the black leather jackets. Hehe. Pass.

I asked one of the sales people (they were all wearing Versace shirts, by the way -- cute!) if stocks will be replenished, negative. 

H&M SG
Orchard corner Grange Road

No picture-taking allowed inside the store so isa lang ang stolen shot ko...

Only three racks of clothes left.
Most of them are black leather jackets.

What's still available as of 1pm today...

2 pieces left

Ito marami pa, 2 racks.

In limited sizes na lang.

Limited sizes available.

Until the next H&M collaboration!

11.11.11 WEDDING

Thanks to Twitter, Facebook and Gmail, I was updated on my dear cousin's 11.11.11 Manila wedding. 

Sharing C's fab wedding look --

I'm wowed by the details of the wedding gown!
Created by her dear friend, one of Manila's
top young designers, Veejay Floresca.
Photo: from Veejay's Twitter

Our dearest C
as a radiant, blooming, fabulous bride.
Photo: from Veejay's Twitter

Her Valentinos, scored in HongKong.
The wedding's color palette: Black and cream.
Photo: from Veejay's Twitter

For the glamorous entourage outfits, designed by the bride, isa lang masasabi ko "I want!" They were so pang-Fashion Week. Was supposed to be part of the entourage. But God had other plans. *wink* 

The Bride's Lovely Ladies

C's prep dress was by Martin Bautista. Her reception gown by Eric delos Santos. To quote her friends, "Parang fashion show ang wedding!"

Best wishes to C and A! Love you both! Hugs from SG!

WEDDING GUEST

I'm supposed to be part of a fabulous wedding entourage this 11.11.11. But because of our SG Adventure, I sent my regrets as early as June (didn't want to harass the bride and groom). The color motif: black and cream. How very Chanel! 

Upon visiting Red Carpet Fashion Awards today, three dresses made me wish I could at least attend the wedding as a guest. Would love to wear any of these three fabulous creations! Or at least something like them, hehe.

Zhang Ziyi's Christian Dior princess-like number. Lovely.

Fan Bingbing in Elie Saab. Ka-theme ng Ms. Universe 2011 gowns! Remember my entry? But maybe in another color (blush?), para hindi feeling bride. 

Michelle Williams in Oscar dela Renta's tulle dress. Would love to accessorize this!

WHAT I WORE FOR MARGARITAS

What I wore to a Friday night out with friends...

Chocolate top, F21
Black skinny jeans, F21
Black flats, Zara
Necklace with locket, MNG
Gold bangle, F21
Gold loop earrings, gift from my parents
Brown leather bag, Fino

Frozen Margaritas
para sa mainit na chikahan!

 More on the night out, on my other blog.

FASHION SHOW AT THE ION ORCHARD

Chanced upon a fashion show along Orchard Road, right outside the Ion Orchard mall. 

Spotted: Style magazine's event at the Ion Orchard

Clothes I liked most were from Roberto Cavalli. But sorry, I have no good photos, puro blurred. This is the best one na. LOL. The rest of the pieces, from other brands, were too off-the-rack.

Observations on the event: Perrier water, champagne, chocolates and brownies were served non-stop to the seated audience (may budget!). People were in casual chic, nothing really fashion-forward (baka kasi sa street lang?).

Love how the SG streets are buzzing with activities!

DEFINITELY A DO

What's cheaper in Singapore versus Manila? The magazines.

Shopping Do: My favorite Glamour (US) mag costs only SGD9.9 (less than Php350) in news stands / mini marts. Almost Php150 cheaper than the Manila tag price. Yey! 

Shopping Don't: The glossies are more expensive if you buy from HMV, around SGD12+.

J.Lo for the December 2011 issue

Update
The Best Deal: Glamour's e-magazine, via my iPad, only USD3.99 (only around Php172)! Yahoo!

STEPS

Here's what I wore sight-seeing around Singapore...

WHAT I WORE
Black t-shirt, Forever 21
Beige A-skirt with black floral print,
Department Store find.
Black flats, CMG.
Shades, Zara.
Navy Longchamp Le Pliage.

FASHION FILM FEST

Harper Bazaar Singapore is celebrating its 10th year with a Fashion Film Festival next week! I will definitely find time for this. *big smile*

Featured Films:

1. Marc Jacobs & Louis Vuitton
2. The Day Before: Jean Paul Gaultier & Versace
3. The Day Before: Alexander Wang & Proenza Schouler
4. Valentino: The Last Emperor
5. I am Love
6. Lagerfeld Confidential
7. A Single Man
8. Signe Chanel

Click here for the sked.

VERSACE FOR H&M

As I mentioned in an earlier post, I'm so looking forward to the Versace for H&M collection. Mainly because I'm here in Singapore (where H&M opened its first SG branch last month). Very accessible na ang launch! Pwede maki-osyoso on November 17! LOL. As a girl on a budget, I appreciate how haute couture partners with high street brands to make pieces accessible to mortals like me.  

Here are a few items from the Versace for H&M preview...

Very superwoman!
Red na, may cape pa.
Around USD80 or Php3,600

Love this LBD!
I can imagine the possibilities --
from work to parties.
Around USD150 or Php6750

I want!
Only USD25 or Php1125 

Love the color.
But yellow's not for my skin tone.
Pinay Morenas would look great on this.
USD199

I feel this piece is most me
among the collection.
Studded pero pink!
USD199

This silk bustier will go a long way.
You can match it with everything.
USD129

So Versace!
So not me.
Pang fierce fashionistas ito!
USD129

For the complete preview, click on their Facebook page.

PINOY PRIDE

Mabuhay ang Pinoy! Designers Kermit Tesoro and Leeroy New dressed Lady Gaga. And their fierce creation made it to the "Marry The Night" promo photo. Claps and snaps!

Gaga's costume: proudly Pinoy made!

10 RULES FOR BRILLIANT WOMEN

Here's something that can make any woman be her most stylish, most brilliant self.  

Saw Kathie Lee and Hoda's interview with Tara Sophia Mohr. The segment's intro music was Beyonce's "Who run the world? Girls!..." Love it! Anyway, I really think this one's worth sharing.

Excerpts from The Today Show website --

It’s time to step up, brilliant women. 

Here are ten principles for owning your brilliance and bringing it to the world:
 


1. Make a pact. No one else is going to build the life you want for you. No one else will even be able to completely understand it. The most amazing souls will show up to cheer you on along the way, but this is your game. Make a pact to be in it with yourself for the long haul, as your own supportive friend at every step along the way.
 

   
   
2. Imagine it. What does a knock-the-ball-out-of-the-park life look like for you? What is the career that seems so incredible you think it’s almost criminal to have it? What is the dream you don’t allow yourself to even consider because it seems too unrealistic, frivolous, or insane? Start envisioning it. That’s the beginning of having it.

   
   
3. Gasp. Start doing things that make you gasp and get the adrenalin flowing. Ask yourself, “What’s the gasp-level action here?” Your fears and a tough inner critic will chatter in your head. That’s normal, and just fine. When you hear that repetitive, irrational, mean inner critic, name it for what it is, and remember, it’s just a fearful liar, trying to protect you from any real or seeming risks. Go for the gasps and learn how false your inner critic’s narrative really is, and how conquerable your fears.

   
   
4. Get a thick skin.If you take risks, sometimes you’ll get a standing ovation, and sometimes, people will throw tomatoes. Can you think of any leader or innovator whom you admire who doesn’t have enthusiastic fans and harsh critics? Get used to wins and losses, praise and pans, getting a call back and being ignored. Work on letting go of needing to be liked and needing to be universally known as “a nice person.”

   
   
5. Be an arrogant idiot. Of course I know you won’t, because you never could. But please, just be a little more of an arrogant idiot. You know those guys around the office who share their opinions without thinking, who rally everyone around their big, (often unformed) ideas? Be more like them. Even if just a bit. You can afford to move a few inches in that direction.

   
   
6. Question the voice that says “I’m not ready yet.” I know, I know. Because you are so brilliant and have such high standards, you see every way that you could be more qualified. You notice every part of your idea that is not perfected yet. While you are waiting to be ready, gathering more experience, sitting on your ideas, our friends referenced in rule five are being anointed industry visionaries, getting raises, and seeing their ideas come to life in the world. They are no more ready than you, and perhaps less. Jump in the sandbox now, and start playing full out. Find out just how ready you are.
   
   
7. Don’t wait for your Oscar. Don’t wait to be praised, anointed, or validated. Don’t wait for someone to give you permission to lead. Don’t wait for someone to invite you to share your voice. No one is going to discover you. (Well, actually, they will, but paradoxically, only after you’ve started boldly and consistently stepping into leadership, sharing your voice, and doing things that scare the hell out of you.)

   
   
8. Filter advice. Most brilliant women are humble and open to guidance. We want to gather feedback and advice. Fine, but recognize that some people won’t understand what you are up to (often because you are saying something new and ahead of your time). Some people will find you to be not their cup of tea. Some will feel threatened. Some people will want to do with your idea only what is interesting or helpful to them. So interpret feedback carefully. Test advice and evaluate the results, rather than following it wholesale.

   
   
9. Recover and restore. If you start with the things that make you gasp, doing what you don’t quite feel ready to do, and being more of an arrogant idiot, you are going to be stretching out of our comfort zone–a lot. Regularly do things that feel safe, cozy, and restorative. Vent to friends when you need to. Acknowledge the steps you’ve taken. Watch your tank to see how much risk-taking juice you have available to you. When it’s running low, stop, recover and restore.

   
   
10. Let other women know they are brilliant. Let them know what kind of brilliance you see, and why it’s so special. Call them into greater leadership and action. Let them know that they are ready. Watch out for that subtle, probably unconscious thought, “because I had to struggle and suffer on my way up…they should have to too.” Watch out for thinking this will “take” too much time – when the truth is it always has huge, often unexpected returns.

Clear a path by walking it, boldly.

I HEART H&M

A trip to Singapore's first H&M store was among my first week SG Must-Dos. Accomplished it yesterday (Yey!). Yes, I allowed myself a break since it was a Sunday and I've been "good" the entire week. 

H&M is located at the Orchard Building, corner of Orchard Road and Grange Road (see map here). If you're taking the train, it's very near the Somerset MRT station (red line). Hubby and I went down via the Orchard MRT station though, because I had to drop by the Ion mall, for an errand.

I loved everything! 3 levels of fabulous (and affordable) clothes, shoes, and accessories. Kaloka! See this season's collection via their website. What I'm looking forward to: the Versace line by November. 

As expected, the store was jam-packed. Long lines in the fitting rooms, long lines in the cashier. Some girls were trying on stuff sa floor na nga mismo, haha. Crazy. (Well, what do you expect? Nag-overnight nga ang Singaporeans for the store opening. Read story here.)

I tried to steal snapshots while shopping, see below. 

We're here!

Fur in SG? I don't think so.
Pang fabulous winter vacation sa Hong Kong, Korea or Europa.

More fur from the H&M Fall/Winter collection.

Adorable Hello Kitty pull-over.
For my fashionista nieces?

May ganito rin sa Pinas tiangge diba? LOL

The ballerina-inspired dress I really loved!
Very Carrie Bradshaw!

TORY BURCH REVA

One of the best things about being Pinoy -- pasalubong from balikbayans!

My current loot is something from my dear Tito R, Tita E and cousin K: a pretty pair of metallic snakeskin Tory Burch Reva ballet flats (Does this make me a Simple Girl now? Haha.). I can live on ballet flats (have more than ten pairs at the moment.). So I was ecstatic! 

My cousin P warned that Revas need some break-in before they become comfortable. Well, I'm confirming that now: I've worn mine twice at ang sakit nga! My pain: pinching on the sides. It may not be the shoes, baka my feet are too wide (and fat) lang? LOL. But really, I've heard so many "time for band-aid" stories so I'll be patient, mega break-in on its way. Haha. 

My shoe size vary between 8 and 9,
depending on the style.
These are 8.5.
Perfect na sana!