ORANGE SHOE

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SEPHORA MAKEUP CASE

What's inside the big Sephora shopping bag?

Black Bag:
Shopped at Sephora, Vivo City branch

Brown Bag:
Fino, a Pinoy leather bag brand.
It has received a lot of compliments in SG.
Proudly Pinoy-made! Yey!

A winner find: a silver metal makeup case for SGD150 (around Php5250)!
Specs: 14 inches x 9 inches x 9 inches 

An online store sells this or something that looks so much like it for USD275 (almost Php12,000), comes with make-up and tools, see redgingercosmetics. I saw a similar case being sold in SM Megamall for Php14,000, with makeup and brushes too. According to the salesperson, the case costs Php7,500, but they don't sell it separately.

I have existing makeup and brushes so Sephora's empty case is perfect for me. Happier because it's cheaper than the online and the SM prices. Yey!

Fab Find for Less

Here's how it opens. Photo below is from the online store. I'll reveal what's inside my case next time.

MARNI FOR H&M

Yes, I was in H&M last March 8 to check out the Marni collection. No photography allowed sa store, so no personal photos here. 

Compared to the Versace for H&M collection last November 2011, I think hindi gaanong pinagkaguluhan itong Marni here in Singapore. I went to the store around 5pm and marami pang stocks. Yung Versace, ubos by 1pm!

Such lovely prints.

I liked the polka-dot coat the most. Kaso ang mahal. SGD250 (almost Php9K). Pass. Was happy to just try it on.

What were your Marni for H&M finds?

ANDY WARHOL SHIRTS AT UNIQLO

We're so looking forward to the Andy Warhol: 15 Minutes Eternal exhibit at the ArtScience Musuem. It's opening next weekend! Yey! 

As a prelude (haha), we're happy to get shirts from Uniqlo's "limited only" Andy Warhol collection. Pop art for only SGD25 each. Now that's a steal!

I got the shoe print. I have a hardbound journal and stationary with the same design back in Manila. *kilig* Hubby got the iconic Campbell's soup print. 

Affordable Art!
Our Andy Warhol shirts from Uniqlo

From the Uniqlo Singapore Facebook page

JASON WU FOR TARGET

Dream shopping sequence: I'm among the ladies going gaga over the Jason Wu for Target collection (which is almost sold out according to reports). Below are the three items that would definitely be in my shopping bag. What would be in yours? 

The flared dress in black with nude patent belt. Is that lace tulle? Lovely detail!

The poplin dress in navy. I think the stripes are so pretty. There are actually similar versions of this here in Singapore, from the local boutiques. 

The short sleeve tee with tie in blush. So feminine! Perfect with black skirt, pants, shorts, jeans...everything.

On the Today Show, I remember Jason saying the collection is inspired by "the American Girl in Paris." Very French new wave cinema. And the best thing about them - most items are priced below USD60. True?

Now how do you say "Lovely!" in French? Joli!



PS
As we all know Jason Wu's popularity zoomed after Michelle Obama wore his creation to the Inaugural Ball, January 2009.

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

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!

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!

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!

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.

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!

SEPTEMBER IS THE JANUARY IN FASHION

My September afternoon delight...

I got my The September Issue DVD from HMV Singapore last year. I'm watching the docu for the nth time (para mas feel ko basahin ang magazine. LOL). Finally found me a Vogue September 2011 issue, thanks to the Edsa Shangrila Hotel gift shop (Yey!). It's out of stock in all the bookstores I visited.

Time for beautiful things.

"Because September is the January in fashion."

H&M SINGAPORE

Too excited!

H&M Singapore is opening September 3 at The Orchard Building.

Map from superadrianme.com

Now I don't have to fly to Hong Kong, Shanghai or Beijing for H&M. It'll be right at home (Naks! I'm owning it! SG's our new home).

Saw a preview of the Autumn 2011 collection -- mostly browns, camels and burgundy. Lovely!

Now, more than ever, I'm bent on selling everything inside my closet. (Which reminds me, I just sold eight clothing pieces -- four dresses, two tops, two skirts -- via my second ukay-ukay aka moving out sale. Yey!). I'll be shopping for a new wardrobe in SG (with Simplifying My Life still in mind, promise).

MOVING OUT SALE

Photo credit: getprettified.com

My first ever ukay-ukay (Pinoy slang for second-hand goods sale) is a success!

I'm moving to a new country next month. And I plan to travel light. I've been doing an inventory of items to keep, items to let go of. Over the weekend I got to choose the first eleven things I'm saying goodbye to:

1. A black MNG messenger bag
2. A brown H&M messenger bag (a Beijing find)
3. A brown Net (Taipei brand) satchel
4. An orange Salad bag (a HK find)
5. A white Charles & Keith purse
6. black and white pearls
7. pink & cream Forever 21 strands
8. Liz Claiborne charm bracelet
9. wooden bangles
10. maroon & gold charm bangles
11. green pendant necklace

I sent a Facebook private message to my office mates Sunday evening. In minutes, they were already reserving items. When I arrived in the office today, Monday, everything was sold out in less than 20 minutes. Bongga!

I was ecstatic to have sold everything. But I must admit, a part of me is having some sort of separation anxiety. But because my stuff are now owned by people I know and care for, I'm assured they'll be in good hands. Ang weird ko.

As I wrote on my "stuff" blog entry last year, I enjoy fashion, style, and the shopping that come with them but I know these are stuff I can let go of. In the grand scheme of things, I like them a lot but they're not what I hold dear in my life.

I must be ruthless in sorting my stuff. I don't want to pay for excess baggage.

Next items up for grabs...