Chic in the Tropics

ChickDowntown Winner-Rand's Body Harness

2009-10-14T05:57:00.000-07:00

So after an extensive and tedious process (a.k.a. writing all the names of the entries on paper and randomly drawing out the winning entry... sorry for my being technically inept, lol), we finally have a winner for the ChickDowntown.com-ChicInTheTropics giveaway!

Congratulations to.. (drumroll please) The Couture Cookie!

You're taking home a pair of these uber hot LNA Zipper Leggings courtesy of Chickdowntown.com. Congratulations!

also i'd like to thank those who did try with their entries. appreciate that a lot, girls.. hopefully there's still more to come!

For now I'll be leaving you with shots of Rand, a fierce Architecture student from the city, rocking one of my custom body harnesses with a basic white shirt and a moto jacket. Definitely killing it! I will be coming up with more posts, guys. Swear. and I'll be getting back to your comments as well.. Its been very busy. But hang on in there. xxoo

DIY DAY: Leather Cut-Out Top, MM-Inspired Bunny Ears

2009-10-11T06:53:00.000-07:00

First off, let me just say that my current mood is as black as my lipstick.

Stephen Gately from Brit group Boyzone passed away yesterday at a very young age of 33. And it's NOT right. Just not. I swear, I spent a few good minutes earlier getting teared up while watching Boyzone videos. It may be totally irrelevant to some of you, but well, you know, I was a prepubescent 12-year-old once who religiously wrote fan letters and ruined cassette tapes from overplaying Stephen's singing parts... so yeah, he played an integral part in my childhood. Stephen, you will be missed.:(

Okay, moving on. I adored this silver bubble dress during its heyday, but of course that has long ago passed and this dress has just been sitting in my closet for quite a while. I actually love the material a lot, so I was really rocking my brain on what to do with it. I nipped the bubble garter off and voila- tank top! As some of you might know, I fell in love with Kimberly Ovitz's "business in the front, party at the back" cutout pieces for Fall, so I just took some spare leather strips and nuked the back. Totally love the result, but be prepared to do some sewing. Good luck!

The Maison Michel-inspired Bunny Ears are for my friend Aoi. Have fun with them!

I hope you all had a great weekend. I will be announcing my giveaway winner TOMORROW. Wheeeee.:)

The Birthday Bash Year 2: In Pictures

2009-10-08T07:42:00.000-07:00

Guys, my sincere apologies for not having done my rounds with your blogs just yet, as per usual... I dunno, something's really up with my internet. Either its too slow or I always get disconnected. So while I have that looked into, puhleez bear with me.

I'd also like to remind my friends and readers in the US that my LNA Zipper Leggings giveaway courtesy of Chickdowntown is still very much open, so feel free to click here if you want to give it a shot.:)

So while we're all still reeling over all the fabulosity with the Spring shows, here's something absolutely off-course.. picture's from this year's wacky Birthday Bash that i threw with my homegirl Gladys. It was fun getting friends hammered, so yeah, we're doing it again next year!

I swear I'll be back on track ASAP with some new DIYs. Thanks and much love!

Gladys with the top that i DIYed for her

Back From a Very LONG Week

2009-10-05T06:58:00.000-07:00

You still can... follow me on twitter

You can ALSO still join my giveaway here (US Residents only). I'm extending my giveaway for one more week!

So sorry for the hiatus. Thankfully, things are starting to fall back into place for everyone. Let's continue to pray for those who are affected though.

Just updating you on the stuff that went on over the weekend. Last Saturday I got to fraternize with native Deutsch speakers and got to practice on mein Deutsch when I emceed Sprach Institut-Cebu's Oktoberfest und Gedichte Abend (Poetry Reading Night). The German poems were certainly phantastisch (Though trust me, I still have a lot to learn)! That was quickly followed by a fun night with friends just dining and doing a bit of videoke.

Sunday was my good friend Kristine's (of StyleCebu) birthday celebration at her cousin Anton's Shabu-Way restaurant. Prior to the party, I had another emceeing gig, this time a short one at Ayala Center-Cebu. A night spent with friends over some really good shabu-shabu.. All in all, a lot of fun:)

How was your weekend? Vielen dank for the love!

the birthday girl and her guy Joven

the uber delicious offerings at Shabu-Way

Kristine, me and Paula

hosting at Ayala Center-Cebu.. and wearing the DIY thigh-high boot spats

with Gladys, Aoi, Barbie and Faye at MOOON

with some students and administrators of Sprach Institut-Cebu

wearing an old gray shirt turned into a tank, a New Look black tank, sequined blazer and DIY body harness

Let's Make a Difference

2009-09-29T06:55:00.000-07:00

Regular blogging programming will resume next week. Please bear with me.

For now I just can't bring myself to blogging about fashion and my usual "day-to-day" life when this heartbreaking tragedy is still very fresh here in my country. We here in Cebu are not directly hit by it, but our hearts do go out to the hundreds who did not see this coming and who definitely did not deserve such ill fate. For now I'm just really focusing my attention on however I can help and whatever I can tangibly give. It won't be much, but here's to hoping that it will go a long way.

A lot of the victims still have no access to necessities like food, clothing, footwear and even potable water. If you are in Cebu and wish to drop off donations in kind, you can check out an extensive list of drop-off centers HERE. Also don't forget to check out Outpost's and Vudu's Live Aid events on Wednesday and Thursday, respectively.

For my site visitors abroad who also wish to help, you can do so by getting in touch with the Red Cross in your country.

With our small ways we can make a world of difference.

An Urgent Cry for Help: Help the Victims of Typhoon Ketsana

2009-09-27T05:37:00.000-07:00

This is off my regular blog programming, but this matter is of the essence and we all need to act upon it and do our part (no matter how little) to shed light on the plight of the victims. Just using my blog as a humble vehicle so that I may be able to bring your attention into it as well, and I hope i am successfully able to do that.

Last night while a lot of us having our regular weekend, Manila and a lot of neighboring parts in Luzon suffered a terrible fate as Typhoon Ketsana rolled in and virtually landslided and or/flooded over most parts of the area. It's not looking good at all.

To quote from the AP:

"...Rescuers plucked bodies from muddy floodwaters and saved drenched survivors from rooftops Sunday after atropical storm tore through the northern Philippines and left at least 106 people dead and missing...

..Tropical Storm Ketsana roared across the northern Philippines on Saturday, dumping more than a month's worth of rain in just 12 hours. More than 330,000 people were affected by storm, including some 59,000 people who were brought to about 100 schools, churches and other evacuation shelters, officials said."

The search and rescue operations are still ongoing, and authorities are expecting to add more figures to the death toll. Scores of people have been displaced from their homes, having their properties completely buried by mud. It is a time to be one in action, and all our thoughts and prayers would count.

Every little bit of what we can pledge also helps. Currently most of the victims have no access to food or water as well. If you are living abroad and wish to aid via donation, you can course it through TXTPower's Paypal. Meanwhile, do course through most national bodies (DOH, PNRC, PAGASA, etc) for all local help.

Let's help each other out in this time of need.

**images courtesy of MSNBC, and Getty Images.. special thanks to Leah

Work in Progress, "TBL" Canned

2009-09-25T18:29:00.000-07:00

if you want to you can...follow me on twitter

for my friends and readers in the US, you can still join my giveaway here

So loves,

* I'll be on track with replying to your comments very shortly. My hands are currently tied up with planning the uber-late "birthday" party that i'm throwing with my friend Gladys Lee (she was born on the 18th) tonight. just us, friends (and their friends, uh oh), and some drinks.. haha! sorry guys. no worries, i'm not advocating alcoholism or anything. and i swear, i'll be a total teetotaler (try saying that over and over lol) right after this. :)

* Here's a sneak peek of a top that i'm DIYing for her tonight. yep it looks like a hot mess now, but i think it should be wearable (in the very least) by tonight. Girlfriend's gotta look smokin'!

*And in some sad TV news, The Beautiful Life just got cancelled. Weird, cuz i totally dreamt it this morning. Ugh, guess I spoke too soon.

Have a fierce weekend, all!

DIY DAY: thigh-high boot spats, body harness

2009-09-23T07:29:00.000-07:00

you can.. follow me on twitter

First off I'd like to thank all those who have participated or have already expressed interest in my Chickdowntown giveaway. Of course it is still wide open, so if you haven't checked it out yet, then make sure to do so by clicking here. I'm also anxious in finding out who gets to bring home them uber-hawt LNA Leggings.:) I also apologize if i've been late in commenting back (my Blogger kinda sucks right now), but i'll most certainly catch up in record time:)

DIY thigh-high boot spats, DIY body harness, tailored blazer, M&S drawstring tank dress, Janilyn shoes

I have taken an extreme liking to DIYing things myself. I mean, if you can make, then why buy, right? Totally right up any recessionista's alley.:) I got inspired to do the spats from a how-to posted by the totally gorgeous Maegan, whose blog I have fallen in love with since I encountered it just very recently (I know, I HAVE been hiding under a rock). Always charming and full of inspiration, her site is an absolute must-see. Make sure to check it for the instructions.:) I have yet to buy the appropriate booties for the spats, but I haven't yet found any pair that i actually liked.. the open-toed pair isn't half bad for it either..

As for the harness, i'm definitely not the first one to do it either, but since I had some extra chains lying about (from a broken necklace), I decided to do it anyway. Real fun and is not THAT time-consuming.:) I will be initiating personally-designed DIYs, but i'm still waiting for some stuff, so hope you can bear with me:)

What have you DIYed lately? Thanks again and much love to all, xxoo

It's in the Details

2009-09-22T09:24:00.000-07:00

top-bottom: Nicholas Kirkwood for Rodarte, Josh Goot, Rodarte, Jill Stuart, Rad Hourani, Josh Goot

A collation of some of my favorite details from this season's NY and London shows. And I'm sure we all agree that Nicholas Kirkwood has totally outdone himself again with those insane Rodarte shoes.. But seriously, Josh Goot killed with that last dress. Total love.

Now, at least i can go to sleep with dreams of vivid imagery...

Still have'nt entered my giveaway?

then click HERE

(or you could, you know, just check out the last post.:D)

Good night

ChickDowntown-CITT GIVEAWAY!

2009-09-20T04:45:00.000-07:00

follow me on twitter!

So yes, I turned 23 today. Nothing drastic really changed, but everything is great so far. Spent the day dining with the family, got to chitchat with the boyf, and will be heading out in a few to join my good buddies for some celebratory drinks. Gad, I feel so.. OLD! But yes, thank God for the simpler yet deeper pleasures in life, yes?

It would be great to pass on the good vibes. SO with that, in celebration of my BIG 23, exclusive online fashion retailer Chickdowntown is tying up with ChicInTheTropics for an incredible giveaway!

Up for grabs is a pair of the highly-coveted LNA Zipper Leggings. A longtime favourite of some of Hollywood's hottest (Gwen Stefani, Hilary Duff, Rihanna, Kourtney Kardashian and Amber Rose, to name a few), this is a staple to have for this season and for many more seasons to come.

as seen on Paris Hilton and Amber Rose

Wanna be the lucky one to rock these babies? Easy! Here's how:

1) Must be a follower of Chic in the Tropics;

2) Must leave a comment on this entry telling me how you would rock your LNA Zipper Leggings (where you'll be wearing it, what will you be wearing it with, etc);

3) Must link back this entry on your own blog (if you are a blogger, of course:)). Let me know through a comment:)

4) Open to US residents only. (Unfortunately)

Contest ends on October 5 at 10 PM EST, in which the winner will be randomly chosen. The winner announced will have 24 hours to contact me for the shipping information, colour, size and other particulars. Another winner will be selected if he/she fails to do so.

So give it a shot, and best of luck to all! Definitely interested to find out who wins.:)

--oooo000oooo--

In case you didn't know by now, Chickdowntown is one of the most trusted sites that feature a wide selection of designer goods (with brands like Adam, Balmain, Jill Stuart, Loeffler Randall, etc) as well as incredible vintage one-offs. Make sure to follow them on Twitter (chickdowntown), as well as their blog, to be updated on the latest on everything fashion and their generous giveaways.:)

ON THE BOOB TUBE: 'The Beautiful Life' Successfully Sizzles

2009-09-18T01:42:00.000-07:00

I just saw the pilot episode of the Ashton Kutcher-produced show 'The Beautiful Life' and I can already tell that it will have a SERIOUS following among the young and the fashion-enthused. Provided that the writers keep up with the expectations and hype that will arise from this great pilot, then the CW might just have a winner in this one (Unfortunately the pilot premiered dismally with only 1.46M viewers.. but that could still change). 'The Beautiful Life' is fast-paced and contains all the catty sauciness that fits the bill of the perils and highs in the modelling industry. All in all, very interesting must-see for this season. I seriously enjoyed it.

Some things were personally noted, such as:

* Mischa's character is interesting and very... Mischa Barton. she didn't have to work hard to achieve the character's psyche, so good for her

*Sara Paxton has GORGEOUS eyes and fits the "innocent up-and-comer" role so well

* Ben Hollingsworth wasn't someone I expected for the role of the ubermegahot male model discovery, but he is slowly growing on me

* All the other young female "models" still got owned by Elle McPherson

* Zac Posen is adorable in his cameo

* Irina Lazareanu supposedly made a cameo as well but i missed it (?!)

* The gold-and-silver Versace minidress frequently seen on Mischa plays an integral part in the storyline;

* Sara Paxton can walk in 4-inch Jimmy Choos. reprazent!

DO include this in your watchlist this season. you won't regret it.:)

Again, will post my giveaway rules this sunday. I'm so psyched!

The Big 23

2009-09-15T08:25:00.000-07:00

I am turning 23 in 5 days and I am inexplicably agitated.

Another year is getting ripped off my body clock, and I feel a crazy milieu of emotions--I guess it's the way it is for everyone, right? Remorse for all the wrong decisions, jubilation for all the things done right, anger for everything that turned real sh**ty, and a big fat question mark for everything else-yep, sounds like birthday nerves to me.:)

I still don't know where things are going. There are too many uncertainties, but in the very least I am still here, alive and kicking, and that should be something worth being REALLY thankful for.

In the spirit of all things celebratory, here are 23 things I would want (material and not)for this year.

23- a bucket of fried chicken. yeah, you know that's never absent!

22- a new phone. my p990i is slowly dying from torture (unfortunately i am not one to be trusted with gadgets in terms of care)

21- a good book cuz i should catch up with my reading. preferably something from Cormac McCarthy

cannot wait to see the movie either...

20- anything sequined. leggings or a blazer in jet black. need the razzle dazzle without looking too disco..

this sequined blazer on Lauren Santo Domingo will seriously haunt my dreams tonight...

19- Zana's body harnesses... or a way to make my own version of something to this effect.. i'm literally frying in jealousy:(

want. need. drool. crave

18- a professional make up kit

17- need a body form. badly. today.

16- yes, because i really want to polish my sewing somehow. i still really want to make unique one-offs for myself and friends/family. do i plan to sell eventually? nope. maybe. depends.

wouldn't you wish you had a compact Hello Kitty sewing machine too?!

15- more DIYs! I do have a ton planned, so just hang on in there!:)

14- a netbook. as i am a proud commuter, i need something a little bit more discreet. any suggestions? i'm partial to the HP Mini though...

HP Mini.. you'll be mine this month or the next..

13- my own pair of Nicholas Kirkwoods. there is no other designer shoe brand i covet more than his. yep, this is where the "dream" portion of my wish list kicks off...

Nicholas Kirkwood is the sh*t

12- though on second thought, i also extremely desire to have my own cage heels. need to find a good and definitely more affordable "version" of these babies...

11- i need a VACATION desperately. it doesn't have to be anywhere fancy, really. just plop me in a beach somewhere and i'm all set:)

to wake up to this in the morning is just divine

10- i need to give back. i'm not wealthy or anything, but its just good to help in any which way possible with whatever means we have. i'm thinking WorldVision.

"GIVING BACK IS THE NEW BLACK" Hell to the yes!

9- a dress! i'm not soo much of a dress person, and i know someone's bound to give me one this year, so MOM, if you're reading this, something along this line would be fine by me:

The Alexander Wang dress that wouldn't die and Kimberly Ovitz's fall 2009... nothing else would do. lol

8- the ability to give up fatty food. i know it shortens my lifespan eatng all that fried chicken and meat, so this should most def be in my resolution this year. sadly. (but let me have my bucket just for my birthday pretty please)

7- more friends to speak Deutsch with, for practice! (btw, many props to Dane and Haute Shopper for their help!)

6- the perfect deconstructed tee. we know how important THIS is..

Elizabeth and James... the intentional hole is genius

5- better health of course. giving up on unnecessary weekend binge drinking, inhaling secondhand smoke, the works (but again, let me have this just for my party. please!:P)

4- deeper friendships with REAL friends (not those who screw you over the first opportunity they have)

3- a deeper bond with my family. awwwww. because of my usually hectic schedule i have somehow pushed this back, but im quickly making up for it. at least trying to

2- to get settled in? lol no. not this year i guess. just thankful that everything with the boyf is stable for now:)

1- inner peace, a better sense of self, and a deeper spiritual existence. we ALL want this. its always just a matter of how and when.

So there! I still don't know how different this year would be, but i'm just grateful about a lot of things. No use dwelling over what sucks, right?

And yes, exciting news! Because i do want to "give back" for my big 23, Chic in the Tropics is tying up with ChickDowntown.com for a major giveaway! Will announce the details and contest rules on the 20th (actual birthday) so please keep posted. Thanks and much love!

Kanye, that was REAL Gross

2009-09-14T07:02:00.000-07:00

I know most of y'all saw this by now, but I just had to repost, as this is downright sad and ridiculous. Kanye always thinks he can get away with murder, but this is just... wrong. I'm not huge on Taylor Swift but absolutely no deserves to be assaulted and humiliated like that in front of the world. Ugh.. the horror. Poor Taylor.

DIY DAY: Maison Michel-Inspired Mouse Ears

2009-09-12T09:38:00.000-07:00

Thanks for all hanging on in there! I did promise a DIY for you all loves, so I'm just quickly doing this before heading to the sack. I really am quite pooped but this was pretty exciting. Hope you enjoy it as well as i did xxoo

I absolutely fell in love with Maison Michel and their fanciful pieces the moment i stumbled upon their fall catalogue. Shot by none other than Karl Lagerfeld himself, the milliner's pieces were just lighthearted and well... for the most part, cute. I'm pretty sure almost all of us saw MK&A rocking out the bunny and mouse headbands during the Opening Ceremony event in Japan. So what did you think about that? Yay or nay?

While most of us would definitely think this trend over (esp me, lol), I noted that this would be a fun and VERY easy DIY to try.

What you'll need:

tie wire, black headband, tulle, needle and thread, black garter (or lace, or any cloth strip you prefer)

Instructions:

Finished product:

I had a lot of fun doing it.:) So if you want to dip your feet in some animal ear magic without footing $400, then go for it. Have fun!

BTW, again.. biggest love going to my 90+followers.

Quick Update

2009-09-10T23:17:00.000-07:00

Sorry for only having a single post this week-- been quite busy, but for different reasons entirely. I think I'm on a roll with DIYing- i enjoy it tremendously and if i could just spend ALL my time cooking up brilliance, I definitely would. I'm also using every single spare time available to practice on my sewing. Yep, I've finally taken my old machine out and starting back from scratch. I used to sew like 4 years ago and even then I had the sewing competencies of a toddler:). I think it could be quickly picked up on, but I can't really tell yet as I'm still just testing the waters. That, plus my continuing Deutsch lessons-- i know, i know! so many things all at one time, plus added pressures! Then again, I always believed in doing things one at a time, so I'm just carefully balancing my time with everything. No worries, I wouldn't be pausing my blogging any day now. But do bear with me.

Matter of fact, I'll be posting a real fun (ok, not.. this was kinda hard to do. but you'll like it if you have the patience) DIY tonight. Have yet to upload the pics anyway. till then loves. xxoo

The Event that Was: Make Your Own Havaianas 2009

2009-09-07T18:24:00.000-07:00

A few weeks back, top global footwear brand Havaianas successfully took flip-flop fashion to the next level as they invited some of Cebu's Havaianaticos (the apt name for those who have embraced the Havaianas lifestyle) to get first dibs of this year's Make Your Own Havaianas 2009-Media and VIP Night.

The MYOH is a yearly affair that has successfully transcended to become AS popular and as sought-after as the flip-flops themselves. This is the only time of the year where Havaianaticos can fully customize their pair of Havaianas, from the strap and sole choice, right down to the embellishments of swarovski studs and the nifty little pins. In short, tons of fun with the choosing!

turn the wheel to choose your colour combination

Big kudos to the local Havaianas family for adapting Filipino pride as the overall theme for this year. I'm super adorin' the transformation of some national icons (vinta, tarsier, sorbetes cart, etc) into cute little strap pins.

Congratulations are definitely in order for 2009's MYOH.. till next year!

(And of course, thank you to the lovely ladies behind the occasion: Big Seed Media tandem Jaja Chiongbian-Rama and April Rama, and A.L. Amizade's Leanne Florendo and Aimil Sarmiento, for never forgetting us bloggers during Havaianas events.)

with girlfriend Kristine of StyleCebu.com and her boyf Joven, along w/ Yves and Klint

Next UK gray top, old vest, pleather leggings and SM peeptoes

my complimentary pair... the Tarsier pin is beyond adorable

... And i Gave DIYin a shot

2009-09-04T08:36:00.000-07:00

Who knew that there would actually be some spare time to do this? Thank my lucky stars for this incredible day job(go on-air, do nothing. go on-air, do nothing. repeat 50x)!

So today I decided to finally get a move on with this simple DIY project that involved some nuking and a little bit of [hand]sewing (since i couldn't lug the machine to the office:P). Just basically took a dated long vest that cost next to nothing, a thick sequin trim (costs around Php 30++ at your nearest fabrics depot), sew together and cut up the excess length from the vest... and voila, the result is an über cost-friendly and current piece.:)

I'm sure we've all noted that sequins, paillettes and the like are big for this season, so this is great by adding that subtle pop of shinin' shimmerin' splendid without attracting too much attention.

I know I'm still far from being in the league of ingenious DIYers, but I'm happy with myself for making a bit of headway. Now, we'll just have to see how I'm going to style this..

DIYin' on the Brain

2009-09-03T00:21:00.000-07:00

Image haul courtesy of the Flickrs of Calamity Jem, Post Scriptum and The Coveted

I've been thinking a lot about DIYing things lately.
Among the one million other things I need to do and think about. If I DID have the luxury of time, I would spend my days in the comforts of our ole' working desk, whipping away interesting creations, just like a lot of you (my blogging friends) do. The internet is chocked full of resourceful fashionistas who seem to have the limitless capacity to transform anything and everything into something seriously badass(utter envy there).

And while I am most definitely not as prolific as most, I'd like to think that I do have a bit of sumthn-sumthng (a .0001 sewing competency), enough to at least create one-offs that my friends and family would appreciate. Or I'd appreciate. At least. Hahaha.

Sigh. Just a little bit more time is all I need to put my "creativity" at work. I do have my needles and our ol' sewing machine gathering dust in our house somewhere, so at least that's ready. Whenever I am.

Random Photoshoot, Random Friday

2009-08-29T00:33:00.000-07:00

Grüß dich (Hello)! Is it an exciting weekend for you so far?

Mine certainly has been interesting in a way. Last night the group trooped over to one of our usual watering holes in the city, just hoping to get our dose of weekend liquor on the cheap, and absolutely dressed down to do nothing but sing videoke to let the stresses loose. Yep, don't we just love chill weekends like that?

So I don't know why it even came up in the first place, but we just decided to do an impromptu photoshoot at yes, 12 midnight. And no, we were nowhere near inebriation! Guess we just wanted to bust a move Project Runway style and see where our "creative juices" can take us, given the limited time and resources. So with the clothes off our backs, the limited make-up that we had, and Ced's camera at the back of the car, we came up with this:

I am definitely proud of the spur-of-the-moment work that we were able to produce, and most definitely of the people behind it. Everything is still a work in progress, but I'm just grateful to be with a team who professionally and gamely takes each other's constructive criticisms well. Aside from being simply "workmates", they are my closest confidantes as well, which makes working with them such a breeze.

Matter of fact the model for this shoot, Nina, is my bestfriend. She does me proud!

Now, wasn't that a prolific way to spend the night? Hope you enjoyed your evening as well. And as always, I end this note with gratitude. Vielen dank to all of you!

Credits:

Photographer- Ced Canete (http://www.cedcanete.com/)

Model- Jenina Chavez

Creative Director and MUA-Chiqz Espinoza
Wardrobe Assistant-yours truly:)

Locale: Turtles' Nest

**Special thank you to Maam Bambi and the staff of Turtles' for being so accomodating to our crazy whim.:)

Inspirations: Learning German

2009-08-26T08:11:00.000-07:00

Yes.. I'm glad to update you all that I'm [desperately] trying to learn die Deutsche Sprache (the German language).

I know, I know, why complicate a life that's already quite complicated? Well, learning this particular foreign language has always been a deep fascination of mine. There's just so much to be respected about the rich culture and people of Germany (i see that with the boyf all the time, who is half-German.. and yes, he would be half the reason why i'm going through this. hehe) that I just want to take it all in. I am by no means an expert on the German experience, but I humbly submit myself to learning everything from zero (having to start from Das Alphabet and numbers, hehe) just to achieve this education that I always wanted.

So since we are staying on topic, just wanted to share some striking images of and from some of my favorite German figures in fashion and everything else.

German model Christina Kruse was (and still actually is) a serious favorite of mine when I first started appreciating fashion as a kid in the 90s. in my opinion, she is quite underappreciated given her caliber and panache. I wish she received more acclaim than she did, cuz' she is way up the bar for me.

She is currently an artist/photographer as well. This picture.. will seriously haunt my dreams, in a good way. Eerily striking.

And who doesn't love Der Herr Karl Lagerfeld? Not much to say there as everyone in this planet and beyond knows who he is. Ok, except that.. that is just about one of the most adorable bears and is completely in his liking!

His photography work for milliner Maison Michel was just breathtaking. Worth a check if you haven't done so.:)

And one can never forget Jil Sander, one of the most critically-acclaimed designers to emerge from the country. The woman basically defined understated elegance to the letter. Too bad the namesake company doesn't rightfully belong to her anymore.. but hey, her +J line with Uniqlo should be a pleasant surprise to all JS fans!

So that's that for tonight.. I guess I just wanted to share with you this new passion that I'm undertaking. Btw, before I wrap things up, Vielen dank (thanks a lot) to my 90 followers (!!!). It's been seriously overwhelming. Thanks again and much love to you all.

The Good Weekend

2009-08-24T19:14:00.000-07:00

Because in some days..

Wearing a navy sleeveless blazer, ripped shorts, and GoJane's Balmain knockoffs

Getting your good friends together for some harmless, laid-back Saturday night hammerin' is the only thing that makes sense.

What is a good weekend to you? Good morning all!

On the Boob Tube: Project Runway is Back!!

2009-08-21T04:07:00.000-07:00

Thanks to a "tip" from one of my favorite style bloggers, Dream Sequins, I got reminded that Project Runway-US FINALLY made its much-anticipated comeback today. Both euphoria and fear came in- I'm completely enthused, yet at the same time fearing that I'll be glued once more to my PC for hours on end streaming episode after episode.

Tim Gunn shows us everytime that years of expertise, coupled with incredible character, will always work

I shamelessly admit that I am on the "PR mania" bandwagon, and don't deny it, a lot of you guys can relate! As "reality TV" as it gets (and we know it doesn't always connote positive tones), a lot of us lived and breathed with the characters. We cried when Jack Mackenroth (S4) had to leave due to a MRSA infection, laughed till we cried when Santino Rice (S2) did Tim Gunn impersonations REALLY well, and completely rolled our eyes with Wendy Pepper's (S1) "schemes". A lot of us crossed our fingers for our own favorites, and desired for others to be offed right away. Yep, those moments were totally TV, but they successfully crossed over and made their mark on the fashion-ready.

Aren't we all in love with Christian Siriano? He is the cutest thing ever!

This season the guys move cross-country over to the West Coast and will be setting up base in the FIDM (Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising). They'll have a whole new set of faces with new aesthetics and new drama to bring to the show. Hell yeah its exciting! We'll just have to stay tuned to the season to find out.

The faces of Season 6- let the drama unfold!

TO those who have seen it, how did you find it? What was your favorite season, or who was your favorite contestant? A lot of questions really. Do share your favorite moments!:) For now, I'm wishing everyone a good weekend. Auf Wiedersehen!

P.S. Do show some love and check out the incredible talents from PR-Philippines as well-- it's all on youtube!

The Event that Was: UP Cookout 2009

2009-08-17T20:25:00.000-07:00

Going back to blogging one step at a time.

I've only been gone for several weeks and yes, I am missing out on too much. I haven't visited my favorite bloggers in ages! i'm definitely catching up, albeit totally in a snail's pace, so please do bear with me.:)

--ooOoo--

A few days ago I was thanking my lucky stars for giving me the time to go to one particular event that gave me incredible times and memories.

The University of the Philippines-Cebu Cookout is one of the most highly-anticipated yearly collegiate events in the city, and is continuously flocked by multitudes of both UPians and their contemporaries from other universities year after year. Being a previous student of the UP, I have had bit parts and contributions to the event, even becoming one of the event hosts for the 2007 show, so it was just great to just be able to stand there and watch the new UPians bring on the fun and the revelry.

A dim view of the stage. Sorry for the image quality

In brief, the Cookout aims to be a fun and failsafe way to showcase the wide spectra of talents from the different students and organizations of UP Cebu, yet at the same time stay true to the tenets of the university by raising awareness to various socially-relevant issues. With various segments like Rampahan (the popular design and modelling free interpretation), dancing, singing and bands until the wee hours of the night, it's easy to note why the Cookout is always a runaway success.

Save for some very minor technical glitches, this year's event was as enjoyable to witness as with the previous years, so major kudos to the UP Student Council and the UP Bamkwan for putting a great show together!

Hundreds of UPians and visitors get comfy in the UP Field while watching the revelry

I wasn't able to take too many pictures as I was way too far from the stage, but I hope these ones do suffice.

UP Mass Communications student King Perez in Yves' "Watchdogs" concept

Candidates of the Miss UP competition in Yves originals and custom bags from Kieth Bitor

UPians Chris Co and King Perez flanked by Yves, both for "Watchdogs"

Project Runway-Philippines Season 1 contestant Lord Maturan, guest judging for the evening's fashion segments

with friends Lord, StyleCebu's Kristine, Chiqz, Ghea Mae, Kieth Bitor and Brylle

Wearing a gray tank (thrifted), vintage floral belt, reworked 90's Wrangler liberty floral skirt (thrifted) , Novo Shoes-Australia studded ballet flats

Overall, he talents were incredible, and the UP Cookout will always overwhelm. An evening of social solidarity, along with a juxtaposition of talents and principles, will never fail in my book.

Thought of the day:

-"The only people with whom you should try to get even are those who have helped you. ~John E. Southard

Stay good lovelies!

I'll Be Back... With More

2009-08-08T04:38:00.000-07:00

Hey all, I know I have been unusually M.I.A. for this month and the last.
My sincerest apologies for doing that without prior notice. I can't even begin to tell you how draining it is to be ME right now. My production company is really taking everything to the next level and most of the responsibility relies on me on making those things happen. All I can say is, the effort and the painstakingly sleepless nights WILL be worth it, and of course all of you would be the first to know.

A lot of you have been worried and extending warm sympathies about the hater situation, and i super appreciate it-but i can assure you, they're definitely not the reason why i've taken a hiatus. I know what opinions count in my life. I'm totally fine, its just that everything is just piling up right now in terms of my career and that of my team. I love what I do in this blog, but unfortunately I do have to set this particular love for something bigger than me. It's definitely one of those hit or miss times, and there wont be any other time to seize these opportunities than now.

But it doesn't mean I'm gone... I'll be posting, though not too often, at least not until everything gets ironed out. Until then, don't forget me. There will be more outrageousness, more incredible parties, and more people from this city who stylishly are on a league of their own. And those WILL be worth the wait.

You haven't heard the last of me.

POSSESSION OBSESSION: Rad by Rad Hourani

2009-08-02T00:44:00.000-07:00

Gaddddddddddd. Rad Hourani is just slowly killing me!

If I would have the option to have some sort of "daily uniform" then this would be it. Love the androgyny, love the ease of form, love the presentation.. NEVER has a completely ascetic collection blown me away before than how Rad's work did, and yes, it's totally me. I'm literally losing sleep over how to possibly DIY these beautiful things. Haha.

Seriously, Rad is the sh*t.

*photos from JakandJil.com