One is a Cropped Cord Trouser.

Aside from the cord material, I’m loving the little details that make up the entire thing. From pockets, front and back, to belt catchers. It also has the casual turn up hems locked by button tabs.

It comes with 2 thin belts (faux leather and canvas with studs). Don’t you love it when bottoms come with belts? I do. It’s like I’m getting more from the actual purchase even when I do realise that it’s computed into the price. It turnout that I actually brought home 3 Promod pieces rather than just 2. Know what I mean? More fashion pieces is always good in my book.

I’m sort of bummed out when I learned that it’s currently available at a discounted price over on their website. Don’t we have some sort of price protection for consumers like what they have in the US here in Manila? We should. Heh.

Cropped Cord Trouser with belt, Php 2,495.00.

The other purchase is a rather thin frilly fluid Tunic made out of 96% Viscose and 4% Elasthanne materials, which I found on Promod’s Nice Price rack.

To show you just how thin the material is, take a look at this photo.

It’s fantastic for sunny and humid days. It can serve as a simple and solid canvas to showcase pretty accessories like necklaces, earrings, bags or even the pair of shoes you’ll end up wearing for those dressy occasions then it can also be worn for the more casual ones as well.

Frilly Fluid Tunic, Php 995 (original SRP Php 1,495.00).

I have to admit that since I was pressed for time, I didn’t try on these items at the store but when I finally did get the ooportunity to do so at home, I was quite delighted that they fit perfectly and they suit my body type real well. I reckon I really can trust my style instincts now. LOL.

Photos taken using my Nokia 6700 Classic; © 2009 Sasha Manuel

I bought something that resembles this Rock Girl Tee (also from Warehouse) but mine’s called an Abstract Tee and it’s in black.

I grew up surrounded with houseware, glassware then hardware (family business, don’t ask, heh) and it never entered my mind that the best ware that I could ever find myself surrounded with are fashion and style wares. Warehouse introduces the style phrase “WARE it with –” at least, it’s the first time I’ve come across it, specifically on their website. Fabulous idea. I’m stealing it. LOL.

Here’s a quick peek at my Abstract Tee!

It’s a tee. I heart tees (if you’ve been around Style Manila long enough, you know just how much!). And it’s actually interesting that this one doubles as a dress. Think tunic-slash-shirt-dress. Hehe.

Abstract Tee, Php 1,495.00.

I was with a new friend, K, who managed to snag — after a slight scare on this card-eating wallet of hers, GAH — this gorgeous cross body slouch bag for Php 2,650.00.

Stolen, schmolen. Celebrate the non-loss with a new bag, I say! LOL

Anyway, apart from the one in Greenbelt 5, Warehouse has stores in Shangrila Plaza Mall and Robinsons Galleria. Oh, yes. I reckon they’ve managed to convince me to become a regular. I can’t wait to go back and shop my heart out.

BTW, I still haven’t told you about the ones I bought from PROMOD the same night. Next time!

Product images nicked from warehouse.co.uk; Middle photo taken using my Nokia 6700 Classic; © 2009 Sasha Manuel

Dear me, if it’s not a crime for me to lose 2 pounds then I’d most likely form a team and join this thing! I mean, you’ve got to hear what you’ll be getting if you win! But let’s save that for a separate post, first let’s talk about the contest.

Disclaimer: press release and juicy, non-fat bits ahead (pardon the pun, LOL)

14 Days to Show off Your Shape

Ever wanted to raid a certified fashionista’s closet? Or have you ever wanted to strut the streets of Manila wearing a Hermes, Rhett Eala, Michi Calica, Religioso, Kate Torralba,Jun Escario, Chanel, or 7 for All Mankind?

Michi Calica

Kate Torralba

Rhett Eala

HERMES

7 for All Mankind

You know you want to and in 14-days, these could all happen to you — if you win in NESTLE FITNESSE’s 14 Days to Show off Your Shape, that is.

Here, fashion and fitness come together to give style mavens a crack at their dream ensemble— handpicked by the country’s top fashion editors no less—while getting in tip-top shape. “This is the first of its kind in the country,” says Myra Garcia, Consumer Marketing Manager, Nestle Fitnesse. “After all, there’s no better motivation than walking the streets of Manila while looking fashionably fit.”

Editors Pick the Ultimate Wardrobe

“ For the prizes in NESTLE FITNESSE’s 14 Days to Show off Your Shape, we found out what some of the country’s most stylish people want to have in their closets,” shares Myra Garcia, Consumer Marketing Manager, Nestle Fitnesse . “And in doing so, we were able to shortlist what’s arguably the most coveted designer wardrobe to hit Manila.”

Dona Cuna Pita, for example, believes Chanel to be a true fashionista must-have saying that the iconic designer “blazed the trail for all female high-fashion designers.” On the local front, Kate Torralba and Rhett Eala emerged to be among the top favorites. “Her quirky dresses and colorful palettes make you feel like a Barbie doll. I can almost swear they come with invisible heels that make you feel like you’re 5’11,” quips Isabel Roces about designer Kate Torralba. On the other hand, Rissa Mananquil describes Rhett Eala as “fashion’s big innovator, thinker and provocateur.”

Jenni Epperson, Joyce Fernandez, Audrey Carpio, Bianca Consunji and Pauline Juan are the other top mavens that Nestle Fitnesse consulted in assembling the Ultimate Wardrobe.

14 Days to Fitness and Fashion

So what do you have to do to get a crack at Manila’s most coveted designer wardrobe?

Simply form a team of 2-8 members, and using Nestle Fitnesse’s 14-day meal plan, everyone in the team has to lose at least 2 pounds in 2 weeks. “No, 2 pounds is not that daunting, it only needs a few diet tweaks,” quips Myra Garcia. She explains that participants only need to replace breakfast and one of the main meals – either lunch or dinner–for 2 weeks. She adds that to exercise as well as eating plenty of fruits, vegetables and low-fat, carbohydrate rich foods is the best way to complement the 14-day regimen.

And as part of the challenge, participants also need to chronicle their 14-day regimen via an online “fitness diary” accessed at www.fitnesse-14days.com . The Top 10 most popular FITNESSE 14-day diaries will make it into finals.

The Nestle Fitnesse 14 Days to Show off Your Shape will kick off on November 14, Saturday, 9am, with the voting period lasting from November 15 to December 3, 2009. And as adjudged by Manila’s top style icons the winners will be announced on December 10, 2009 in a special fashion show.

“People who’ll join this challenge will have nothing to lose but pounds,” jests Myra Garcia. “Not only do they win the fashionista closet of their dreams, but they walk away with health tips, tweaks and tricks during their 14-day challenge and continue on living a healthier, fitter and a more runway-ready lifestyle.”

For more information about Nestle Fitnesse’s 14 Days to Show off Your Shape, please log on to www.fitnesse-14days.com.

P.S. If you do end up joining, please do come back and share the link to your fitness diary at the comments section. I’d love to check how you progress, hopefully, even root for you and your team!

Images: GeiserMaclang

Anyway, the point of my ramblings is that 10 folks are a step closer to achieving Wellness this Christmas. Getting these gifts from Spa Essentials (makers of locally-made aromatherapy products, Amu’in) will certainly make them feel like Christmas has indeed come early.

ONLY 44 folks on the list and since ALL are NICE — I double-checked, ha — but we only have ten (10) Josyn Kits from Amu’in Wellness available so no choice but to narrow it down via electronic raffle. Yes, it all boiled down to luck of the draw. But I did tell you that that’s how things are going to be, yes?

And the lucky ones are:

Congratulations to the ten (10) lucky Style Manila readers:

1. AMN011 Maria Lyssa
2. AMN031 Jay-l Aquino Santiago
3. AMN019 Abbey Florentino
4. AMN023 Rodney Garcia
5. AMN021 Didi Tiu Tang
6. AMN024 Bagel Betorin
7. AMN033 Mayi Umali
8. AMN035 Mau H
9. AMN006 Elphie Marie
10. AMN001 Tara Jerika

Note to winners: I will be needing particulars (full name, mailing address with zip code and contact number); send them to contests@stylemanila.com asap to expedite shipping of the Amu’in Kits. We will give you 48 hours to respond, failure to do so will force forfeit and unclaimed prizes will be raffled off to non-winners in a re-draw. This process will be on repeat until all prizes are claimed.

Thank you all for choosing to participate. I truly appreciate your efforts in joining this and other Style Manila thingamajigs. I hope you won’t tire of entering any of the contests since there IS one more coming up so stay tuned!

And thanks again to Mike Turvill and the rest of the staff of Spa Essentials for making this wonderful giveaway possible.

Top image: Spa Essentials | Amu’in

Can you really blame me?

I’ve been trying not to buy shoes but I just couldn’t help myself when I spotted this beauty.

I have to admit that when I stepped into the VNC store in Alabang, I immediately was drawn to a couple of other pairs before setting my sights on this one. Among the three top choices, I opted for this one and I reckon I can come back for the rest if I truly want them. (Haunt me, you VNC shoes, haunt me. I dare ‘ya!)

I’m christening this pair, Almond — just because it’s what’s on the shoe box and it does remind me of the Almond brown shade (see this #ae9b82).

Retails at Php 2,670.00.

My weekend made me feel loads better. Pepper Lunch with great folks, shoe shopping with the gurls and conversation over coffee. I heart P and M! Looking forward to more weekends like this last one!

P.S. VNC is currently running a couple of promos (+1): “Buy two and get the third pair for 50%” and if your purchase is over Php 1,500.00 you’ll get a nifty pouch (I got myself the silver one — choices are that or gold, hot pink, or electric blue). And if you collect receipts worth Php10K within the year, you can avail of their discount card.

Photo © 2009 Sasha Manuel

For the sake of argument, this particular outfit is not your typical t-shirt and jeans look — note that I even took on a Levi’s white and blue colour palette, which was popularized by that old TVC — but, technically, it simply is what it is (a t-shirt and jeans outfit). IMHO, it’s all a matter of a rendering difference and perhaps toss in a quirky detail or two to make it less generic and more my own.

But there’s no law forbidding you to spice it up a little, yes? I’d recommend that a bit of attention be given to certain style details like accessories and colour.

Dropping the work boots from the ad, I opted for colourful blue and green stilts instead, then added the long beaded necklace and my Coach, focusing on style add-ons to somehow pull things together. The loose white t-shirt is actually a boyfriend tee which I bought from Supré during my last trip to Australia. And the jeans, well, are from Levi’s. I have to admit that when I chose the “Levi’s” colour palette, I wasn’t really inspired by it. Twas on looking back did I realise the semblance. I was actually wearing a lime green tube underneath the tee (twas in fact sheer hence the need for another layer, heh).

Outfit details:
Top Supré
Tube Supré
Jeans Levi’s
Shoes Janylin
Necklace Canada (gift)
Bag Coach
Studs Mum’s
Watch Hand me down from my sis

And, before I go, I reckon it’d be nice to do an quick FOTD. Yea, I took a few steps to catch what light my windows would let in that day before dashing off to Makati and actually start letting the outfit serve its purpose. Please excuse my room, it’s been in a constant state of mess regardless of how much I try to put things in its place. Stuff eventually crawls back to where they’re most comfortable sitting. Gah.

Face
Regenerist Regenerating Serum, OLAY
Total Effects 7-in-1 Anti-Ageing Cream, OLAY
Nature’s Minerals Foundation in Shade 02, The Body Shop
Tea Tree Oil Cover Stick (02), The Body Shop
Clear Smooth Face Powder in Natural, Maybelline

Eye
Minerlize Eye Shadow in Gallery Girl (soft olive green), MAC
Smokey Eyes Powder Pencil (Smokey Black 01), Elizabeth Arden
Volum Express Waterproof Mascara, Maybelline

Eyebrow
Waterproof Mascara in Brown, Artistry

Cheek
Soft Color Blush in Deep Wine, Neutrogena

Lip
Lipstick in Modesty, MAC

Believe it or not, I actually make time to experiment with different makeup looks, in the hope of stretching my “I’m-late-for-work” makeup techniques. LOL. I’m actually keen on playing around with the other half of the Mineralize Eye Shadow, Bright Side, which is in a Champagne Gold shade. Yesterday, after a long period of separation with my MAC LustreGlass, I actually dabbed a whole lot on my lips whilst in transit; headed to a lunch at Conti’s in Greenbelt 2 hosted by AVON (introductions to the Anew Rejuvenate Flash Facial Revitalizing Concentrate — think anti-aging serum — were made). But that last bit is a whole different story.

Anyway, outfit report and FOTD done, let’s move on to other things. How’s your week so far? More importantly, what are your plans this coming Halloween weekend? Party, cemetery or both (in a non-mutually exclusive reference, LOL)?

Photos taken using my Nokia 6700 Classic; © 2009 Sasha Manuel

Yes, it’s a second-hand Esprit dress that I got for only around Php 400 (if I’m not mistaken). However, I appreciate the fact that the items are carefully washed before they’re put on sale on the site.

I’m not big on shopping online since I prefer trying on the clothes before paying for them so I’m glad that this dress fits like a glove.

Wearing a dress to work is a great way to spice up your work outfit. Transition from daytime to night-time will be relatively easy. Remove the blazer, cardi or coat you may be wearing whilst in the office as soon as you get off and go on that date or night out with the girls. But since I found it too warm a day to don even a thin cardi, I dropped the piece altogether and settled for just the dress.

Dress Esprit
Shoes Zoe Wittner
Bag Coach
Earrings Diva
Necklace Lee Hwa Jewelry
Bracelet Gift
Watch Hand me down from my sis

How about you, ladies? How often do you wear dresses to work? It doesn’t have to be on a Monday. Hehe.

P.S. If you like this dress, it’s a good idea to check out their multiply site.
Photos taken using my Nokia 6700 Classic; © 2009 Sasha Manuel

Last week, a box full of lingerie arrived on my doorstep (figuratively speaking). It’s all part of the AVON Fashion 2009 Holiday collection which showcases stylish pieces from elegant grandiosity to urban sophistication, boasting rich hues inspired by the tones of the season: Royal Salute, Wonderland, Hollywood Glamour, and Grand Jewels.

Hollywood Glamour
Bridgette Underwire Brassiere, Php 399.00
Bridgette Panty, Php 199.00

Royal Salute
Elizabeth Underwire Convertible Brassiere, Php 475.00
Elizabeth Panty, Php 199.00

Wonderland
Sophie Underwire Brassiere, Php 350.00
Sophie Panty, Php 150.00

Grand Jewels
Laura Non-wire Brassiere, Php 365.00
Laura 5-in-1 Panty Pack, Php 399.00

Sophie from the Wonderland set is the cheapest of the lot. Its design also suits the pre-teen to the young adult age range, not as sophisticated as the rest of the designs available in the collection.

I know these were intended for my use, but they failed to provide the right sizes so I ended up giving them away. I hope the women who ended up getting the Avon gifts will enjoy them. So folks, sorry but I won’t be able to give you a review or if I’d really recommend the buy.

The Holiday collection will be available starting 16 October 2009 through Avon representatives nationwide. Don’t have an Avon lady yet? Call 864 2900 or visit www.avon.com.ph to find out how you can get in touch with an Avon representative.

Photos taken using my Nokia 6700 Classic; © 2009 Sasha Manuel

When I mentioned that I’m in its October 2009 issue, the statement definitely raised some eyebrows and garnered surprised looks on each of their faces. Rightly so cuz if you’ve seen me even just in photos, I certainly don’t have the make which would qualify to be on even a quarter of a page. But just to make things clear, there were no semi-nekkid photos in this feature. Fortunately. LOL.

An obligatory post for a small feature on the Filipino fashion and beauty blogger and her Philippine fashion and beauty blog.

And I quote:

Sasha Manuel
Sasha has uplifted her hobby as a writer and photographer into a true brand. Style Manila was one of the first blogs that covered everyday city fashion with a passionate voice.

Original question asked was: What makes you unique as a blogger?

My reponse: I reckon it’s how my voice would come across clearly and candidly as I tell my readers about the things I find interesting in the world of local fashion and beauty. I discovered that they appreciate how conversations stem out from my posts.

Anyway, champagne anyone?

Thanks, Jayvee!

P.S. The photo used in the feature was blogged here: Webcam Fun (An FOTD).

Photos taken using my Nokia 6700 Classic; © 2009 Sasha Manuel

Though spending a day out of town can be a great idea but with present weather conditions, it can be impractical. Hanging out with friends is a mighty fine thing to do but do you have the time and/or energy for it? Schedule a spa weekend alone or with friends sounds divine but you do have to consider if this would fit in your budget. Should I remind you that Christmas is, after all, just around the corner?

These things further magnified the benefits of Aromatherapy. It can be fabulously inserted into your set routines without causing a hiccup to your system or schedule. For example, lighting up a burner will only take a few seconds and that’s about it. Just let the essential oils do their magic while you continue prepping for work or going through your nightly rituals.

So, wouldn’t it be a fabulous idea to explore the world of Aromatherapy?

Style Manila, together with Spa Essentials, makers of Amu’in Wellness Aromatherapy products, wishes you Wellness this Christmas.

We’re giving away Amu’in Wellness Aromatherapy gift packs - Josyn Anti-Stress Kits valued at Php 1,155.00 each to ten (10) lucky Style Manila readers simply because we want you to have a relaxing experience that come Christmas Day, you’ll be well on your way to embracing wellness as part of your healthy lifestyle. I reckon this a perfect introduction to Aromatherapy for folks who haven’t tried it and a fantastic opportunity for those who have and are looking to sustain it.

How to Join

Become a Fan of Amu’in Wellness on Facebook and/or add them as a contact on Multiply. Rightly so since you are vying for the Amu’in Wellness prize, yes? Don’t have an account? Signing up for an account in Facebook or in Multiply is relatively painless. And if you end up doing both, each earns you an entry just don’t forget to do the next step.

Drop them a note. Send them a Facebook message and/or send them a private message on Multiply which includes the following information:

Subject Line: Amu’in Giveaway on StyleManila
Message Body: your@validemail.com Thanks!

Make sure you do this, folks. You will receive a confirmed entry code on your email.

Leave a comment on this post. (Optional) Only if you want to make sure your entry is listed. Make sure to include the entry code in your comment and use the email address you sent them. Otherwise, I will entirely depend on the list they will send me. (Important note: I have no access to the Amuin Fan Page on Facebook or Multiply account.)

Subscribe to Style Manila. (Optional) Best to stay tuned for updates. Failure to respond within the given period (I usually give folks 48 hours) will call for a forfeit and unclaimed prizes will be raffled off to non-winners in a re-draw. This process will be on repeat until all prizes are claimed.

What Winners will Receive

Amu’in Josyn Anti-Stress Kit
SRP Php1155

Abel Kit
Hulay Body Mist(50ml)
Sigla Body Mist (50ml)
Alaga Insect Repellant (50ml)
Alaga Hand Sanitizer (50ml)
Alaga Stress Relief Balm (10g)

I will be accepting entries until 02 November 2009, 11:59pm and will be drawing up the winners via electronic raffle; announcement will be on the 5th. Again, stay tuned for updates.

For questions or clarifications, feel free to leave a comment below. I’ll address them as soon as I possibly can.

Isn’t this giveway a great way to kick off the Holiday season? I’m looking forward to seeing your name on the raffle list. Best of luck!

Note: Mechanics were conceptualised and implemented by Sasha Manuel esp for Amu’in Wellness and StyleManila.com

P.S. If you’re interested in finding out more about the available Amu’in gift packs (there are about 5 others you can choose from), give me a day or two and I’ll tell you folks about the Holiday 2009 collection on a separate post.

Amu’in is produced by the same company behind the popular Spa Essentials products (available in Watsons), Nurture Spa Village in Tagaytay and Pampanga and Spa Professionals International Development Center, an internationally accredited professional spa school in the country. It is found in Echo Store in Serendra and in Podium, Kultura in SM Mall of Asia, Sanctuario Spa in Malate, Landmark Trinoma, The Spa at Mandarin Oriental Manila, Mogambo Springs at Plantation Bay Cebu, Amanpulo and Beauty Bay, Landmark in Dubai. For bulk orders and inquiries, call (632)8382167 or email info@spaessentials.com.ph. Visit www.amuinwellness.com and the Amu’in Page in Facebook for more details. You can also get orders from amuinwellness.multiply.com.

Images: Spa Essentials