Sunday, May 31, 2009

What A Sale Shopping Week It Was!

The global recession has obviously hit us, and a few stores have started their sales earlier to beat the rest on enticing us to spend our money at their shops. Theodore's at Boni High Street was the first to do just that, as they had a denim markdown sale that started May 1—two pairs of jeans for the price of P6,995!  Since I'm preggy and about to give birth in a few weeks, there's no point of buying new clothes—just yet!  Nothing will fit me anyways.  But when I heard about the store's shoe sale that started last May 18, I secretly let out a sigh since I won't be able to get first dibs.  I am not allowed to drive around on my own now.  But when my mom invited me to visit Ninang Liz Lirag of New Yorker PVR (Arnaiz Road, Makati. Tel Num: 844-7753) last week, I quickly said yes.  Yipee!

First stop: New Yorker.  Mom had her fittings, while I browsed through the sale rack.  They're old stocks/samples (even vintage clothes from the '50s) are on sale at only P1000-P2000 a piece.  That includes alterations already—sulit!  I actually picked a few pieces (guilty as charged!), and will have them altered after I give birth.  Uh-oh, my first purchase for the week.  But they're definitely worth it!  I was even able to buy a gown :)  How could anyone resist the price offering?  Will post pics once I have them altered :D  That's probably going to be around a few months from now ;)

After mom's fitting session, we headed straight to Theodore's and went straight to their shoe sale area.  Brands include Botkier, Delman, Dru New York, Miss Sixty, Opening Ceremony, Puma and other men's brands.  All priced from P1495-P4995! (Photos are taken from Theodore's facebook page)

The white fabric and silver strap pair (top left) is my fave from the Botkier selections, P3495 each.

The silver round-toe ankle strap pair (bottom left) stood out for me. Delman, P3495 each.

The gladiator wedges (center) and the gem-encrusted 2.5 inch heels (top right) 
are both hits among those who went to check out the sale.  Miss Sixty, P2495 each.

They're all so cute!  I couldn't decide which of them I like the most.  
Opening Ceremony, P3495 each.

Here's hoping they still have stocks and sizes.  And wadaya know, they still do!  I got a pair of Miss Sixty heels worth P8850 that's slashed down to P2,495—a steal, don't you agree?  I didn't realize how good the quality of these shoes were until I opened the box again to take pics when I got home.  The box smells of genuine leather, and I could safely say that the scent might even be stronger than some of my leather handbags!  It sorta gives me a "high" every time I get a whiff of it :)

They also have clothes on sale, and any last piece (clothes or shoes) left are given an additional 10% off.  I saw a Miss Sixty dress priced at about P2500 (last piece, too) in Small size.  Even if I lose weight after giving birth, I won't be able to fit in it, since the bust size for small is a 32-inch.  Oh well, less expenses for me, whew!  Maybe they're meant to be yours?  :)  So, keep your fingers crossed that the last piece is your size and you're in for an extra treat!  Theodore's is located at Quadrant 4, Boni High Street; store hours: M-Th 2-10pm, F-Sat 2pm-11pm and Sun 12pm-9pm; Tel nums: 856-3571, 8561635.

But wait!  My sale shopping week didn't end here.  After the MYOH (Make Your Own Havaianas event) last Friday, we headed straight to Rajo Laurel's birthday sale (up to 70% off, and it's buy-one-take-one!).  Good thing we had a change of heart—we were supposed to go home right after, but thought we should check out Rajo's shop since we were in the area already.  There were still a few great finds, and we tried on all that we could until closing time.  I was surprised that the attendant Jem still remembers me, as I used to borrow clothes from Rajo for shoots, and we chatted while my mom tried on our picks.  Jem shared that there were just too many customers earlier that afternoon who hoarded Rajo's creations—it was the last sale day that Friday.  They couldn't accommodate everyone; good thing we came late.  We had the shop all to ourselves, along with just one other customer.

Nice maternity gown, but no point buying preggy clothes since baby/little J is about to come out :)

These silk jodhpurs are simply fab!  I think they costs about P1500-2000 (discounted). 
I love their big dressing room: it comes with a big comfy couch.  Perfect for me to sit while I wait and help my mom try on her picks.  
Jem was there to assist as well, for any alteration requests.  The room is airconditioned, too!

I got this adorable eyelet cream dress; and it costs only P1,500 after discount :)  How could I resist a sale?  Of course, I have to have it altered (reasonably priced at P500) after.  Too bad, I wasn't able to go earlier that week so I can share this sale event with you.  But Jem informed me that this is an annual sale, so do watch out for it next year :)

Ongoing sales: Paul Smith and Ben Sherman
Better save up for these stores (I have a hunch it will be anytime this month): Zara and Mango

Sugary-Sweet Sweets

I know I'm supposed to be introducing you to the latest shopping finds, but I want to talk about food—just this one time.  This is a tribute to an establishment that might close down soon, give or take a year :(

Remember Magnolia Ice Cream House in the '70s that became Nestle Creamery at the turn of the century?  Well, we heared that the whole lot along Aurora Boulevard has been bought by Robinsons Land Corporation, so no more good ol' ice cream parlor in a few months :(  Which is why hubby and I, along with my parents, went to pay this classic diner a visit tonight.  It was a spur-of-the-moment thing, and we got there just twenty minutes before closing time (10pm).  
Big booths were available to accommodate big families.  Some of the seats need upholstering, but I guess management doesn't see the need to renovate the place since it'll be gone soon.  If you're not in the mood to check out their big menu, pictures of their ice cream concoctions (probably their bestsellers) are placed on the wall to serve as suggestions for you to order.

Hubby and I tried their Blueberry Crumble, P135, which is prepared and mixed on a frozen slab of marble.  This marble slab is placed at the counter, where you can see first hand how they prepare your order.  Our choice was amazingly delicious, we couldn't stop eating the vanilla ice cream with blueberry filling and streusel bits combo.  It's soft and creamy, close to tasting like gelato, but has the sweetness of an ice cream.  They have twelve other concoctions you can try.  Sorry, wasn't able to write them all down.

My parents got a Buko Fiesta, with four big scoops of ice cream (your choice of flavors) served with peach and banana slices, and nuts, P 290.  Yummy as well, but I prefer the Blueberry Crumble over this one.

And since I've been talking about sweets, I just had to share with you this butter rum cake that I've been snacking on.  I bought this yesterday at the basement of Power Plant Mall (they're still there today—Sunday) for P350.  The price might be a bit steep, but this cake literally melts in your mouth; and very juicy, too!  I wasn't able to take a photo of their other products, but their Mushroom and Dulong dips, P300, are delicious as well!  You can even mix them with plain rice or pasta for a quick yummy dish!  

Joyce's is available at the basement strip of Power Plant Mall until May 31 (Sunday, today).  Contact num: 853-0129

Saturday, May 30, 2009

Happy Feet

Not even the rain could stop the people from lining up at the Rockwell tent this afternoon, as I was greeted with tons them seated outside while they waited for their turn to go in the Make Your Own Havaianas (MYOH) event.  I went with my mom earlier today, and met my cousin—a die-hard fan of the Brazilian flip flop—who's been patiently lining up for her turn.

One perk us writers have is that we get first dibs on these babies, and the media was invited last Tuesday (May 26) night for a special fashion show and sneak preview of what they released yesterday.  As usual, I wasn't able to attend, since I didn't have a driver and I couldn't drive because of my big tummy.  So I asked the event/pr group of the event (super thanks to Amor Maclang and Anika Punzalan of GMCI) for an invite extension today.  All I had to look for was Janice Villanueva when we got to the gate, and we were in!  :D

A line outside just to get in, and another line to have your personalized Havaianas made.  Sigh, the things we do :D

We're all set! Take your pick from Havaianas Top (bright colors) and Slim (muted hues) styles.

Spin the wheel!

These limited edition lifestyle pins are what everyone's excited to get.  This time, MYOH offers Pinoy-themed pins, and from the looks of it (I asked a lot of the MYOH attendants), the tarsier pin is their bestseller—I knew I just had to have this cute animal in my havis!

My cousin got these for her and her sister.  Top styles seem to be a fave for the young 'uns.  

On the other hand, my mom and I stuck to our fave Slim styles.  We kinda exchange colors, too!  Teehee... Mine are the melon green soles with sand gold straps; pins are the colorful Vinta boat, orange seashell, cute tarsier, and a four-leaf clover (for luck!).  My mom picked the tarsier and the Philippine map—proud to be Pinoy!  With tons of crystals for her usual liking for bling-blings!

Another new addition to the fourth MYOH event is this handy drawstring pouch to store 
your brand new customized havis.  Nice!
Price: P795 for each pair, pins are sold at P50 each.
Are you geared up to get your very own pair?  Then, head out to Rockwell tent tomorrow and line up as early as 11am.  Get ready for the long lines: bring a book to keep you preoccupied while you wait; or go with a friend.
MYOH event ends Monday, June 1.  And for those who already got theirs, care to share what your spankin' new havis are?

Friday, May 29, 2009

Lash Discovery

I've been a hermit due to my pregnancy, which is why I haven't had the chance to road test Estee Lauder's newest vanity product until last night.  Good friend KZ invited me to attend two events, but let's leave that for another post.  And I saw this as an opportunity to try Estee's latest baby—TurboLash All Effects Motion Mascara.

I've worked with so many professional makeup artists, and most of them suggest that you slightly jiggle the lash wand as you work your way up from the lash bed.  This ensures that each of your lashes are coated well for a thicker and volumized effect.  But not all of us are gifted when it comes to this style of application, and this served as the "inspiration" behind Estee's newest product.

We tried it at the event a few weeks ago at the launch at Mcafe in Gbelt4, and it didn't really make a big difference to us who attended that time.  Most of us were quite shy, maybe because a camera man was filming us as we tried the product.  So, this time, at the comforts of my room, I was able to apply it with ease.  The motor started vibrating as soon as I opened the tube, and I let it sit for a few seconds under the roots and worked my way up to the tip. And to my surprise, my lashes turned out differently this time.  It does look thicker! Powered by a small button cell battery, it has micropulses that run at 125-cycles per second.  So, each lash is fully-coated.  You can also add multiple coats without clumping, since the unique gel formula is a buildable mix of “jellified” water, olive oil and paraffin waxes.  

“There is no need for perfect application technique because the brush works on its own to separate and fan lashes beyond what a brushstroke by hand could ever achieve,” said Anne Carullo, Senior Vice President of Global Product Development and Innovation, Estee Lauder. “With this breakthrough mascara system, every consumer is an expert in creating extravagantly dramatic lashes that pop!”


Saturday, May 23, 2009

Falling in Love with Roses

Taking out a few petals of a rose has been a habit of mine since I was a child. I used to lightly rub them on my cheeks. I loved how smooth and soft they felt on my skin, and it also gave me the feeling of being part of a royal family a la Cleopatra. THAT was a long time ago, and I had forgotten how a simple flower can actually make me feel pretty—until this year.

Ever since British beauty brand The Body Shop was absorbed by L'Oreal, their products (from quality to packaging) have never failed to catch my eye. For this spring, they launched a makeup collection with the rose as their muse: roses etched on the powdered compacts and lipsticks, with subtle scents of roses infused in the products that make you feel like you've stepped inside a dreamy garden of roses. My favorite from the lot is their Roseflower Radiance Stick that serves as a great highlighter stick, and gives a dewy finish for a healthy radiant look.

They come in super cute packaging , and are perfect for Pinays who are into pretty pastel hues.

M.A.C. released their own rendition of the classic rose with their Rose Romance collection late this month. If I fell in love with the wearability and the ingenious infusion of the rose scent in The Body Shop, I swooned over the highly-pigmented playful makeup of M.A.C.

Beauty powders are presented in 3D rose illustrations, P1300, in and Shimmer Rose (soft violet pink with pearl) and Blush of Youth (clean pink with gold pearl). So pretty to look at! I don't think I can bring myself to use them :o


Making a debut through this collection is their gel blush in Just a Pinch, P1250. It's in gel form, so it feels light on your skin and will give you a rosy healthy glow without the heaviness of a cream.

If you're into stained lips, then their See Thru Lip Colours, P870 each, are perfect for you. They're not as thick and heavy like their Lipglass versions, but give just the right healthy tint on your puckers. I love how my lips absorbed the shimmery light cream, and how cool it feels when applied.  I'd use them everyday—very wearable!  
L-R: Loving Touch (sheer pearly light pink), Tender Trysts (sheer pearly plum), and Secret Crush (sheer red berry).


And if you have extra moolah to spare, I suggest you include this in your beauty budget. A limited edition of their fix spray, P800, that comes in—what else?—rose scent. A concoction filled with vitamins and minerals (a blend of green tea, chamomile, cucumber and 100% natural rose water) that's good for your skin. Spritz this on after applying makeup; your skin will quickly absorb the water to keep it moisturized. It also finishes off your makeup with a nice radiant glow—try it!

So, why don't you reward yourselves with these rose-inspired picks? :D

Friday, May 22, 2009

Trying Something New: this blog and a modern crop :D

Every time I'm in Hong Kong, I always set aside an afternoon for a trip to the salon. For some reason, I trust these stylists more when it comes to giving me a new hairstyle to show off when I come home. No matter who cuts it, I always come out happy and more than satisfied with my new 'do. I guess it's because I'm of Chinese decent, with limp and super fine hair like most of the Chinese population. I believe that someone who's Chinese as well can understand the texture and "personality" of my hair. I do not frequent Hong Kong as much anymore; but finding someone in Manila whom I can trust to give me a "yearly makeover" can be quite tiresome, too.

But I've found MY hairdresser in Mr. Louis Kee! I secretly envied those women who have a regular hairstylist, the only one who can touch their hair and work their magic. I wasn't successful in that search until I met Louis. Before my visit today, I've been contemplating on having it cut really short—since I'm about to give birth this July and might have a hard time taking care of my long hair. Louis suggested that I give short hair a try, to which I gladly agreed. He did a great job cutting my hair into a nice shoulder-length bob two years ago that I knew I can trust him to give me an even better hairstyle today.

And boy, did he do a great job! I now have a bob that shows off my nape, which goes a bit longer at the front to frame my chubby cheeks. I was so elated and excited to show off my new 'do, that I even gave him the go signal to cut it just a bit shorter hehe... He laughed and told me to take it one salon visit at a time, and promised to give me an edgier cut once my little bundle of joy comes out.

The last time I had my hair this short was when I was in grade 6, and the first snip almost brought me to tears. It was different this time, maybe because new beginnings await—a baby on the way, new businesses brewing, and this blog that I've been meaning to put up. It's embracing change that keeps me excited and challenged, and I can't wait for the days ahead :D

How about you?  Any "makeovers" you've been dying to go through? :)



*Visit Louis Kee salon at the ground floor of One McKinley Place, 5th Avenue corner 25th Street, The Fort, Bonifacio, Taguig. For appointments, call 856-3388 and 856-4848.
*San Juan (and Quezon City) residents would be glad to know that Louis will be opening his second branch around July (keeping all our fingers crossed) at Connecticut St. near Greenhills area. So, watch out for it :)
*Here's a link to the feature I wrote about the salon when it first opened: http://mb.com.ph/node/198654

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