Wednesday, December 28, 2011

Fashion + Food Lovers

This month is an extra special one because one of my colleagues (who I consider one of my mentors) had a book launch, which I posted last Monday.  
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And since the book is about two of her passions (food and fashion), a holiday-theme table setup was added for a festive touch to the book launch
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And it wasn't just me who attended this milestone of Jenni's, 
check out who celebrated with her :)


Her daughter Aryanna Epperson.  A life size cut-out of Jenni was also on display by the photowall—cute!  She's wearing all Forever 21, too :D
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Jenni's husband, Tom, and her cute baby boy, Dylan
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Tim Yap was the host
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Xandra Ramos-Padilla, the publisher and one of National Bookstore's executives
with Amina Aranaz-Alunan (who was my colleague also back in Chalk magazine with Jenni Epperson)
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Victor Basa and Divine Lee
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Geolette Esguerra of Metro magazine, who's wearing Forever 21 booties ;)
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Zen Zest Michelle Asence-Fontelera and Heidi Ng
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Designer Tina Daniac, with stylists Myrhh Lao To and Edlene Cabral
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Designer Louis Claparols
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Photographers Dix Perez and Sandro Paredes
Dix is the man behind the fabulous layout of Jenni's book
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Bubbles Paraiso and Maxene Magalona
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Tessa Prieto-Valdes
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Crystalle Henares
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Maureen Disini and Nina Estacio
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Robby Carmona
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Bianca Valerio
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People were lining up to have her book signed
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Along with us :D
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and while we waited for our turn, we were served these oh-so-cute cupcakes
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Of course, I had to have a photo taken with "Jenni" ;)
Congratulations, Jenni :D
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OOTD: Top and leather shorts from Forever 21, bag from Furla, booties from Virtual Mae

Monday, December 26, 2011

Celebrating Style

Blog surfing is something most of us do on a daily basis. And that keeps up the pressure on bloggers to produce more exciting material for their readers. One blog that has positively touched the lives of its readers is by Jenni Epperson. More than her regular posts on style and trend updates, she reveals another side of her life as a loving mom and wife who makes easy-to-cook, gourmet-looking entrees for her family. She tops it off by sharing food styling and table setting tips to make family meal times extra meaningful.

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Epperson declares that fashion and food “are my two passions.” “Ever since, I have been part of and deeply in love with the fashion industry,” she says. “Since I’ve had a family, cooking for them has become my way of showing my love and had also become a release. I also believe that these two are close to every modern woman’s heart.”


It seems that I am not the only one who loves getting to know this motherly side of Epperson, which led to the birth of her Jenni Epperson Fashion + Food book. “I have always dreamt of writing my own book, but really knowing what to write was what held me back. After my blog took off, I realized how many people out there have the same desire to make everyday celebrations more memorable. This became the focus of my book,” she adds.





Each section of the book is presented with a handpicked theme by the author, providing décor suggestions, easy to cook recipes by the Epperson family (yes, even her daughter Aryanna cooks!), table setting tips and outfit recommendations to make celebrating occasions extra special.


Exclusively for Style Kit, Epperson shares with us her special fashion + food memories; plus tips for celebrating the holiday season:


Style Kit: What is your most memorable celebration?
Jenni Epperson: My daughter Aryanna's first birthday was the most memorable one. It was the first big event for my family and I wanted it to be very personal and special so I didn't hire a party planner. It was simple and intimate, and to top it off, I also invited a nearby orphanage to join in the celebration. It became the start of many successful memorable parties I hosted for my family years later, and it was also a way of giving back.


SK: What is your favorite occasion/holiday and why?
JE: Date night! Many would say something more generic, but date night is a beautiful occasion to prepare, and it's also very random. You can do it out of celebration for any event, like an anniversary, but you can also just decide to give your partner a treat! It helps make the fire of love stronger between couples!


SK: What is your favorite dish to cook and why?
JE: In my book I made a super simple shrimp scampi pasta that can pass as a "fancy" meal but trust me it was super easy and super yummy! That's my thing—it has to be easy to whip up because the modern woman doesn't have much time to spare!


SK: Can you share with us at least five hosting tips for the holidays?
1. Think of new gift-giving ideas. If you're planning to throw a party, make a different version of secret santa by putting in a theme like "must have for the year ahead" or "reminders of the year that has passed.” Play around with nostalgia and memories, it always makes for an awesome get-together.


2. Don't sweat the prep. It's your celebration just as anyone else’s, so don't try to do it all on your own! Get the whole family to help by delegating. It also strengthens the bond.


3. Go for colors or metallic hues! Whether it's for your fashion or table setting, these two styles make maximum impact with minimal effort. It's also the perfect fashion palette this holiday season! Try sapphire, ruby or emerald colors and mix them up with neutrals!


4. Scared of holiday fat? Go the extra mile and research healthier recipe alternatives so that your food can taste the same but be less guilty.


5. Make a new tradition. Whether it's making a personal and unique decor for the tree or whipping up a signature cookie recipe, find a new tradition that you can do in the years to come.


* Jenni Epperson Fashion + Food features photography by Tom Epperson, book design and layout by Dix Perez and illustrations by Soleil Ignacio and Kris Abrigo. It is exclusively available at National Book Store and Powerbooks. Visit www.JenniEpperson.com for more fashion + food tips.
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Friday, December 23, 2011

Because it's Christmas and CDO/Iligan needs our help...




This 28th of December, 2011, Seventh HIGH is holding a charity drive for the victims of typhoon Sendong in participation with DSWD. Seventh HIGH, a year old boutique nightclub in Manila, has been known to throw special charity events for different causes, including Breast Cancer Awareness, Pediatric Cancer Wards, and even HIV efforts. In light of the recent tragedy in Mindanao, Seventh HIGH seals 2011 with what the hope would be their biggest call to compassion.

The event is entitled SOS: SeventhHIGH  Operation Sendong. Raising awareness among the urbanites of Manila, it encourages its attendees to help by bringing donations or pay door charge in order to be part of the party. Donations and door proceeds will be given to DSWD in their relief efforts for the victims of typhoon Sendong.

Supported by a large roster of celebrity and model dj’s, bartenders, and guests, the young club hopes to give its attendees an inspirational celebration of humanity that brings together music, fashion, and arts in a unified effort to revive Mindanao. SOS is expected to be a big effort that calls to action different sectors and age groups in cosmopolitan Manila.

This event is open to public. Seventh HIGH is located at 7th Avenue, Bonifacio High Street, Taguig City. For inquiries and reservations, interested groups and individuals may call 09063786916. 

Monday, December 19, 2011

Typhoon Sendong

Typhoon Sendong's death toll has rose to 652, and 808 are still missing :( This is one of the worst news to hit us this year.  To help, you may:

TEXT
For Globe users, please donate to the Red Cross by texting RED to 2899.

For Smart users, it's RED to 4143.

VISIT RED CROSS's website
http://www.redcross.org.ph/donatenow

THANK YOU.

Wednesday, December 14, 2011

Sexy Pouts

It's been more than a month since Philippine Fashion Week ended, but I'd like to share with you some of the best looks that L'Oreal Paris has created for the shows.



It seems that the creative minds behind the recent Philippine Fashion Week shows all had the same idea of playing with lip color for this season.  From almost-nude-pinks of Noel Crisostomo to sexy plums of Lizanne Cua, there’s a lipstick hue that will work for the look you desire.  Take your cue from these runway looks, courtesy of L’Oreal Paris, and see how you can pull them off:

Sassa Jiminez keeps it clean and crisp with false lashes and glossy fuchsia lips.
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Noel Crisostomo intensifies the sexy pale pink lips with smokey eyes.
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Lizanne Cua goes for the dominatrix look with smoldering eyes and a refreshing pick of plum lipstick.
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Eric delos Santos breaks the rule (and how we love it!) by choosing to complement orange lips with turquoise-lined eyes.
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Chris Diaz’s bold pink puckers are softened with matte brown eyeshadow.
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I can't wait to try these looks for the upcoming parties ;)

Monday, December 12, 2011

Terno Dreams

Pitoy Moreno includes in his portfolio over 43 shows with celebrity models and well-known personalities—most of whom came to celebrate and participate in his most recent show held at the Isla Ballroom of the EDSA Shangri-la hotel.
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Featuring over 100 pieces of Moreno’s formal Filipiniana, the show highlighted Moreno’s exquisite detailing: hand-painted florals and butterflies, hand-sewn lace, embroidered details, or ethnic-printed weaves.


An all black ensemble gets a refreshing pop of color with a red lace overlay.
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A colored embroidered long cape makes for a dramatic entrance.
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A play on fabrics gives this monotone set a modernized look.
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A colorful sarong adds vibrant energy to this neutral dress.
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We should revive hand-painted artworks like these.
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A commemorative exhibit also featured couture dresses, wedding gowns and ternos that Moreno created for women such as former First Lady Imelda Romualdez-Marcos, Imelda Cojuangco, Fortune Ledesma, Dee Zobel, and actress Susan Roces.

Friday, December 9, 2011

Watch This

The excellent craftsmanship of Italian watch-making was proudly unveiled at the Power Plant Mall as high-end watch brand Anonimo introduced its quality timepieces to the upscale Filipino market via a cocktail evening and launch event that showcased the best of the brand’s luxurious offerings. The Florence-based watch brand was brought to the Philippines by Its ‘Bout Time Inc. (under the leadership of Soong), which operates under pioneering group Frigate Holdings.
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Seen at the swanky affair were distinguished guests and notable personalities, including Frigate Holdings Chairman Wellington Soong, who has brought to the Philippines luxury car brands such as Jaguar and Maserati, his son Jason who is It’s ‘Bout Time’s Managing Director, Lovi Poe, Tim Yap, and Anonimo CEO David Cypers who flew all the way from Italy.
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Founded in 1997 in Florence, Italy by Federico Massacesi, Anonimo sought to highlight and enhance the creative city’s reputation for watch-making finesse. Known to have achieved the perfect blend of tradition and innovation enhanced through quality craftsmanship, each timepiece bears the brand’s signature aesthetic: handcrafted designs and the use of unique materials to suit varying preferences and needs.
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An ode to the authentic Italian military watch design, Anonimo offers an extensive range of timepiece options through its various collections: the high-performance Sports Line, the elegant Militare Line, the technologically-advanced Professionale Line and the rich and classic Dino Zei Line.
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*Anonimo is now available at WASHINGTON Power Plant Mall, Rockwell Center Makati City. For more information, call +632 898 2288 • +632 836 9937 or visit www.anonimo.com.

Wednesday, December 7, 2011

Oversized!

I've always thought of playing around with hubby's long sleeve polo, or even my dad's—since it's bigger.  I've actually thought of wearing it as a tube dress, just like one of the many tips that this artist shared through this video:


Pretty cool, right? :) I'd love to try these styles in the coming weeks ;)
Enjoy!

Monday, December 5, 2011

Happiness is...

I received an e-mail with a link to Coca-Cola's latest project from their PR, Keren Pascual:




It's a tearjerker, right? :)  It's heartwarming to know that multi-national companies use their "budgets" on worthwhile projects to make others happy :D


Merry Christmas, everyone!

Monday, November 28, 2011

Worst Flight Ever

I have a hard time sleeping now, so I might as well share with you my horrible flight experience with a certain airline earlier tonight. 

Flying with children is no joke, more so when I'm seated far away from my son and the nanny.  I was booked a business class seat (which they insisted even if I asked for an economy seat) by the company who invited me to cover an event. I thought of bringing my son and opted to buy economy seats for him and the nanny, as it was a very short flight.  It's not practical to spend so much for a short trip, in my opinion. 

Unfortunately, my son didn't want to leave my side, but the flight attendant insisted that I move him back with the nanny since a passenger was complaining about the little one (who was very quiet and well-behaved at that time).  I knew my two-year-old son was going to cry and make a scene, so I tried to talk my way out of it—to no avail.  So, while I was in the economy area with the nanny, trying to pacify the little one... my friends overheard the flight attendant and one of the heads talking trash about me behind the closed curtain.  

Things my friends overheard were:
"Bakit kasi isang business class ticket lang binili nya?" (Why did she buy just one business class ticket?)
"Sino ba kasama nya sa likod?" (Who is with her at the back?)

My friend asked the flight attendant to come over to where he was seated.  He told her nicely that it was very rude of them to talk about me, and that everyone can hear what they were talking about.  I'm not sure at what point in their conversation did she answer back, but her defense was that I was being hard on her.  Okay, granted that I was, I don't think any passenger deserved to be talked about that way, right?

He even asked if he can file a complaint, and the head came out and gave him their IDs and a feedback form.  I personally think that they were very arrogant to have given their IDs. The fact that they gave them could only mean two things:
1. they were confident our complaint won't reach their head office
2. they think they didn't do anything wrong

I will definitely raise this to the company, not because I want revenge, but I think they need to know how their front liners are doing at work.  

Don't get me wrong though. My flight from Manila to Cebu was a dream.  All the flight attendants were so attentive, seeing how my son was crying almost the whole time before we took off—we were delayed, hence my son was very agitated and bored.  You know how two-year-olds are :(  One of the senior ones even approached me and asked how I was doing.  A simple question like "How are you?" can make all the difference.

This flight back to Manila?  Not one apology from the two of them.  But one of their co-flight attendants came back and apologized on their behalf.  So the whole company is not to be blamed here.  I just hope that these two will be reprimanded for what they did.  Maybe being an FA is not the right job for these two.  

Friday, November 25, 2011

Black Friday Sale

Forever 21 Philippines joins the Black Friday sale with its yellow tag deals like these:


Two for P950 (comes in 2 colors for the polka, and 2 plain ones)

2 skirts for P624




4 lipgloss for P325

Visit the store today to get first dibs on Sale items, plus "Buy-1-Take-1" specials. 
Oh, and if you're interested in the Moshi Moshi handset, check our promo out :D


See ya!

Tuesday, November 22, 2011

I'm Back

I'm still settling down here in Manila, so much post-event stuff to do.  In the meantime, please click on the photo below to find out what happened in Cebu :D


Thank you, Cebu :D

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