The Style Reactor

What's Love?

2012-03-03T14:10:00.003+08:00

Finally got around to reading everyone's answers to my Valentine's Day giveaway question:

What is love?

Cheesy, I know, but I haven't formulated my own definition so I really loved hearing your thoughts. I'm sharing with you my favorite answers, as well as my pick for the best answer who will win some consolation prizes from the giveaway.

I totally feel this. When someone I love hurts me, I can't help but still love them after. I guess it's attachment?

Being someone's better half, kumbaga.

I think I heard the last line from a movie, I'm not sure what it is. The second to the last line was beautiful though. :)

I love it when old people are still sweet to each other also :">

This definition would've tickled my high school self so much, especially the blushing cheeks, butterflies in my stomach bit. =))

MY TOP 3

3. from Elaine

2. from Lorsh

1. from Cesi

Congrats Cesi!! :)

I asked someone to read the definitions to me aloud so I wouldn't be biased cause I know some people who joined the giveaway. I ended up picking one a friend of mine wrote! Amazing!!!

I love what Cesi wrote cause it's simple yet striking. I was thinking, "WOW. Bulls eye" We all have different beliefs and definitions but right now, love to me feels like it that. We all try to describe it but once the heart knows, it knows.

Thank you to everyone who joined!! Have a great weekend! :)

Stylish Saturday: Philip Plein Milan Fashion Week

2012-03-03T13:18:00.001+08:00

I absolutely love this dress!

Victoria's Secret came to mind!

Like I said before, I'm not a huge fan of reptile prints but they actually look good with lace.

This has a sort of Cheyser flavor doesn't it?

I love this! They look like Fair Isle prints but they aren't!

(photos from zimbio.com)

Before today, I have never heard of Philip Plein (or I may have but I must have forgotten about him). I was browsing online when I saw his collection. It brought out my former penchant for rocker-inspired pieces (my high school self's style) but I like this collection because it has fur so it has a bit of a luxe and glam feeling.

Color Palette: Blacks, grays, whites and reds

Material: leather, knits, fur, sheer

Trends and Prints: reptile, cheetah/tiger as prints and patterns, military influences

What's your fave? :)

Aggravated Shopping

2012-03-02T17:03:00.001+08:00

My mom and close friends know that if I buy stuff for myself using my own money, I tend to be a fickle shopper who gets buyer's remorse after! I like shopping alone so when I find something I like, I immediately call them up and ask "Should I buy this?" Then right after I pay for my purchases, I call them up again and tell them "I shouldn't have bought this! I feel so guilty!"

I don't know why that happens, though it never does when I buy food! Haha :-)

Anyway, I kind of had a bad day at school. Some events just made me so aggravated! You can just read why on my Twitter if you wanna know cause I don't want to rant here.

I went to the mall to do some errands after class. I went inside through the bookstore. I wanted to buy this book by Nick Hornby but it was too expensive. It was funny cause I was browsing through the shelves then I chanced upon the Gossip Girl book! I plucked it out and it was 184.50php. The others were all regular price! So, lucky me! =)) It's funny cause I've always wanted this book. I chanced upon this Pretty Little Liars book at the discount pile while I waited in line. I don't know why it was on sale; it's still in really good condition! I got it for 99php :)

I went to the newly-opened Love Diva here in Davao to get the accessories I've been eyeing since I first visited. I got a necklace with a lip pendant (I dunno, I just have a penchant for lip-shaped stuff!), maroon cloth necklace and a mustache necklace for my sister. They have a sale rack with stuff at 200php each, but if you buy 3, you get it at 500php! No regrets since the maroon necklace alone looks like it costs more than 500 bucks! I was so inspired that I want to create my own! If only I had time.

Anyway, it's March!!! I've announced the giveaway winner on my Twitter account and I messaged her on Facebook already. Still picking out my winner for the best answer! =)

xx

Best Dressed List: Oscars

2012-02-27T18:24:00.000+08:00

I love awards seasons!

Its a chance for me to see (and critique) gorgeous gowns, which I will raaaaarely have the chance to wear. I live vicariously through these celebs.

My ultimo best dressed is Penelope Cruz in Armani Prive.

I love the simplicity of the whole look. To me, its something royalty would wear (like Julie Andrews in Princess Diaries). She doesn't have to try hard; she's already an A-lister.

Gwyneth Paltrow in Tom Ford

I love the simplicity of the whole look. Period.

I can't explain it, is it the hair? The single diamond cuff?

But I'll definitely say this: it takes a lot of restraint to keep something in its pure, pristine, untouched state.

Tina Fey in a custom Carolina Herrera

This is also a shining example of how simplicity can work for you.

Jessica Chastain in Alexander McQueen

This look I love for the balance. The dress is beautifully intricate so she balanced it off with subdued make-up and a simple hairstyle.

Kristin Wiig in J. Mendel

I love the dress, no doubt about it, but to me it was a safe choice. Plus, the hair color was too informal for the Oscars.

Shaleine Woodley in Valentino Couture

People have been putting this dress on the Worst Dressed List cause they say it isn't age-appropriate. They say it makes her look old. If you look at just the dress, I think it's beautiful. It has that vintage feel to it. I bet a more modern take on it would be to have the hair loose?

Leslie Mann in Roberto Cavalli

I love this look because it combines simplicity and sparkle. I think the hairstyle suits her too. =)

Milla Jovovich in Elie Saab

Milla Jovovich channeled some old Hollywood glam in this dress with serious sparkles. I love the whole look. :)

Other noisemakers:

*Angelina Jolie's black Versace dress.

I mean it's nice and all, and her right leg stole the show (Her right leg has a twitter account, by the way!) but I honestly find having her in every best-dressed list so overrated. Plus I found her hair too light for the intense black gown.

*Emma Stone's Giambasta Valli gown

I love Emma Stone, I think she rocked the dress. Yes, even though it does take us back to Nicole Kidman's 2007 dress. I mean, if you're gonna copy/take a style peg from someone else's look, best you copy from someone like Nicole Kidman.

*J.Lo's Zuhair Murad gown

I read lots of tweets about it, but when I saw it, I got disappointed. Maybe cause I don't like the arm-bearing part, or maybe its the updo that was a bit too ferocious.

*Michelle Williams in Louis Vuitton

I don't know why this dress was fussed over. There's a tiny silver bow at the waist that I hate! But I mean, compared to her other kiddie-looking looks, this looks a tad better.

Top 3 trends:

*Sparkle

*Simplicity

*Safe and so-so

Sorry if I sound so harsh! haha.

Tell me what you think!

Who is your best dressed?

Trendspotting: Ombre Hair

2012-02-26T11:20:00.001+08:00

Ombre'd hair has been making waves in the blog-o-sphere lately.

It's been spotted on:

Cheyser Pedregosa of TheWalkingRecessionista

Patricia Prieto of Paradigma

Mia Durano of The Handmade Turban

Kookie Buhain of Death by Platforms

(photos from their respective blogs)

The hair gives off a relaxed and breezy vibe that's perfect for the coming summer months.

A tip: Before having your hair ombre'd, consider your skin tone and wardrobe. I like Cheyser's hair best because it compliments her skin tone and the change is gradual. The ends have almost the same color palette as the roots. But since summer is coming, light ends also work in giving off that beach-y vibe. For colder months, keep hair darker.

What can you say about the trend? Do you plan on getting your hair ombre'd or not?

Tell me!

Marchesa F/W 2012 RTW

2012-02-23T09:40:00.001+08:00

(photos from vogue.com)

I love love love Marchesa!

Georgina Chapman and Keren Craig did it again!

Although their collection had some darker pieces (reds and blacks which I didn't include), it still stayed true to the Marchesa design aesthetic. The details are exquisite and truly intricate. Every piece is breath taking. I'm sure if I were there, I'd feel like I'd be watching a parade of goddesses walking right in front of me. These are some of my favorite pieces.

Makes me think, If these are just RTW, what would the Haute Couture pieces look like?

Jill Stuart F/W 2012/2013

2012-02-19T10:15:00.002+08:00

Not really a Jill Stuart fan but I couldn't NOT post this collection. It really appealed to my personal style aesthetic, which is clean, classic, polished and girly.

My favorite pieces include the black dress with the collar (3rd photo) and the turtleneck/slacks combo (6th photo). The 7th photo was a beautiful unexpected pairing of prints, although I thought the skirt was a bit too casual for the runway show (compared to the turtleneck on the 6th photo which looked a bit more luxe).

So sorry I wasn't able to post a Stylish Saturday yesterday. I purposely disconnected myself from the internet to rest. I spent my Saturday with my family. We watched the last full show at Abreeza last night. For us girls, it was The Vow and for my dad and brother, they watched Ghost Rider. I found the movie cute, especially their wedding at the museum. Channing Tatum was so hot when he cried, I couldn't help but shed tears myself. My sister Feebee was crying hysterically that my other sister, Timmy, couldn't help but hiss "Shut up Feeb! You're the noisiest crier here!" Haha. Rachel McAdams was so charming. You just get drawn her. I thought the ending wasn't good though. :|

So, how did you spend your weekend?

I'm spending what's left of mine on making lab reports and studying for 2 exams tomorrow.

Have a great Sunday!

Dilek Hanif Haute Couture

2012-02-17T21:19:00.001+08:00

I have no words.

Gorgeous. Elegant. Feminine. Luxurious yet versatile. Timeless.

Sorry for my lack of updates. I swear I wanna post all about NYFW which is happening now, but I find that there are too many shows and just 1 of me. Still, I missed doing these kinds of posts. :)

Valentines Day Giveaway!

2012-02-14T21:31:00.000+08:00

Just a quick post cause I just got home!

Spent Valentines with le fam. It's an unusual change for me because I've spent 3 consecutive VDays with my forever date, my friend Mithi. Today was good, even though I've spent it alone 20 years in a row (or 21?). One thing constant about my Valentine's day though was the presence of an EXAM. Ever since I started college, my teachers have shown lots of love through exams scheduled on Valentine's Day. I felt pretty good about the one today though! :-)

Anyway, (as usual) didn't get anything other than fat (via the amount of food I consumed) but I'll be the bigger (literally and figuratively) person here and be the one to give you guys the gifts.

Tah-daaah! My Valentines Day Giveaway!

Using Rafflecopter to make things easier, and I'm still deciding whether to have 1 winner or 2, but for sure, I'll be giving away a prize for the one who gives the BEST answer to my question.
So, please take it seriously guys. :)

Thank you to my generous sponsors!

Open to Philippine Readers only

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Stylish Saturday: Grecian Inspired Prom ideas

2012-02-11T23:02:00.000+08:00

It's prom season again!

I don't know why but I always link prom with a Grecian theme. Perhaps because I've always wanted to sashay, transformed, into prom a la Taylor Swift in her "You Belong with Me" music video. Prom is believed to be the night where all dreams come true after all. But alas, I learned at an early age that it is not the case. Still, it hasn't stopped me from dreaming of that day when I can wear my Grecian goddess outfit.

I saw this Reem Acra gown on Lyst.com.

Its jeweled straps and the flowy pleated skirt (plus the white color!) take me to the days of the Greecian goddesses.

Although at $5060, it's just too pricey for students.

Another alternative I found was this chiffon Alice + Olivia dress.

At $275, it's a cheaper alternative to the Reem Acra one above and would be perfect for proms whose dress code does not require wearing a long gown.

It would look perfect with a vintage gold belt, like this one from Free People and a gold cuff like this one from Alexander McQueen.

However, the McQueen cuff and the Free People belt are too pricey, so this cuff from Nordstrom and this belt from Mango would do.

This asymmetrical dress also from Alice + Olivia would adhere to the Grecian theme as well. Nothing screams Grecian like asymmetrical necklines and draping.

For accessories, go for gold plated necklaces like this one from Nordstrom. I don't really like how gold it is, so probably pick one in a brighter color.

For the hair, you can always wear a chained headband like this one from ASOS (a steal at $10!), or for something different, try this gold cone also from ASOS.

And for shoes, oh for the life of me, please wear heels!

I made the mistake of wearing kitten heels during my prom for fear of stumbling. It was soooo unflattering. Prom is a great excuse to wear heels, so don't pass up the opportunity! (or else, you'll never learn to walk in heels... like me!)

Usually, Greek goddesses are in strappy flats that reach to the knees but that's kind of uncomfortable, especially with all the dancing, don't you think? Your normal pumps would kind of take away the Grecian feel of everything, so strappy heels would be a good bet!

These heels from Guess and Pour La Victoire are my picks, although I'm leaning to the Guess one more.

For the bag.. well, do goddesses even carry bags?

(BTW, I never realized til now how much work was for girls come prom season! So guys, if there are any reading this, please appreciate your date's efforts!)

As for me, I'd probably go with this shell clutch from Lanvin. It's so unrelated to the Grecian theme, but it's still gold, which is why I love it!

Don't worry if all your accessories are gold. It is the essence of that Grecian goddess look.

By the way, you guys should try out Lyst.com. It's the site where I found all these items. It's kind of like Polyvore, where you can create collections, but I like this better cause it's easier to use! :)

+ Follow me on Lyst

I HEART SOUL SALE!

2012-02-06T22:59:00.000+08:00

Presenting SOUL Lifestyle's

I HEART SALE!

The FIRST and BIGGEST (Valentine) sale this year!

A few reasons why you should drop by:

1) It is the FIRST and BIGGEST sale this year!

2) EVERYTHING in the store will be ON SALE!!

3) LOW, LOW PRICES!

Tops as low as 199php and shoes as low as 299php!

4) Xclusive discounts for Chosen card holders!

Was 695, now 499, but for Chosen card holders, 399!!!

Drop by the Gaisano Mall store between February 10 to February 16, 2012 for the grandest SALE this year!

Visit http://www.facebook.com/SOULLifestyle or

http://twentyfoursevensoul.tumblr.com/

Show Some Love

2012-02-05T22:25:00.000+08:00

I got these in the mail couple of days ago but only found time to blog about them now.

I'll be doing a Valentine's Day giveaway soon, and here are some of the prizes!

NYX Lippies in Athena and Iced Lavender from Gillianna of Gillianna's Shop

tan slim wallet, coin pouch and red envelope clutch from Shai of Shy Shop

and I got a whoooole lot of accessories from Dane of Febrile Chic!

I got so much I think I have enough for a few more giveaways!

(Not pictured by the way, is a yellow tassel necklace which I wanna keep for myself! hahaha)

Thank you to all my generous sponsors who agreed to sponsor my giveaway on such short notice!

I only asked for one item because I planned on having only 1 winner but I was given more in return! So my 1 winner plan may be 2 winners instead!

Thank you for showing so much love! :)

Stylish Saturdays: Armessi

2012-02-04T15:46:00.001+08:00

I am super happy, proud (and pressured) to announce to you that I will soon be taking on my very first styling project! I will be styling for Armessi, my former AIESEC co-app Yana Santiago's line.

Yana is a super talented Clothing Technology student at UP right now, and she will be showcasing her S/S 2012 collection at the NCCC Fashion Show featuring Davaoeno designers on February 25. She won't be here though, that's why she asked me! Haha.

Little tidbit: Yana messaged me on Facebook and proposed this to me. I said YES! But then a few seconds later, I got cold feet. She said that I should go for it cause she trusts me.

Aww. :'>

Thank you sooooo much for entrusting this to me Yana!

So, for Stylish Saturdays, a preview into Yana's Debut Collection: Into the Wild.

I love the mix of animal print and patterns! So fresh!

To shop, visit armessi.tumblr.com

Find them on Facebook

Photos from Armessi fan page.

Taken by RJ Santos

Modeled by Emmerie Cunanan

Accessories by Saint Rebel Street Boutique

SOUL Lifestyle Bloggers' Shoot BTS

2012-02-02T20:26:00.004+08:00

Some photos on what went down at the SOUL Lifestyle Bloggers' shoot last Monday.

Mimi and I played make-up artist to the three lovely bloggers. I practiced my "mad make-up skillz" on Gail.

Guess where we had our shoot? I suggested we shoot here. I have always loved it here. So peaceful, quiet and beautiful!

Pink Mother Mimi doing the "Cheyser" pose! We miss you Cheys! :)

ate Diane, ever so dependable!

Steph glamming it up.

We actually had a FULL-LENGTH MIRROR at the shoot, c/o Kweshie, whom we've christened as Mary Poppins.

Blogger/Photog Aidx playing stylist to Kweshie

a little preview of Gail being shot by Jun!

Steph in outfit #2, shot by James

Notice how I only posted half pictures! I don't want to spoil the bloggers' posts by showing their outfits!

Three bloggers, three photographers, three outfits each.

The photographers (Jun, James and Aidx) got a chance to shoot each blogger in a different outfit.

What is fast??

Usually, when we schedule a shoot, it ends up raining. This time it was no different.

The day started out beautifully, but later on, the clouds started to darken. Good thing we had an indoor venue!

Despite the rain and haggardness due to multiple outfit changes, Kwesh and Gail find time to goof around!

Excited for the bloggers' outfit posts! :)

(photos by me, taken with Gail's camera)

Obrigado 2012

2012-02-02T17:45:00.000+08:00

I started out my week really busy. I had school in the morning and a event and shoot for SOUL Lifestyle in the afternoon.

I was invited by my cousin ate Marga, to the Havaianas media lunch called Obrigado. Obrigado is the Portuguese word for "Thank You". And certainly, Havaianas has so much to be thankful for. Ate Marga and our cousin, ate Tisha brought Havaianas to Mindanao in 2005. Six (ongoing seven) years later, they are going strong!

The lunch was held in Cellar de Oboza. It's my third time at Oboza, and you know what they say. Third time's the charm!

When I entered, I noticed the place setting, the decorations, and the other little details. Everything was so nice They really put a lot of thought into everything!

As usual, the food was amazing! Tricie Arcenas whipped us up a delectable and healthy organic feast for lunch.

The nice thing about this event was that everything was green! From the food which was organic, to the press kit (a bag which is big enough that it can be used as a shopping bag!), meal card (made out of recycled Havaianas boxes), decorations, etc.

Ate Marga (sorry I know it sounds unprofessional to call her ate but I feel like it's too awkward not to!) showed us a video of Havaianas events in 2011. They had the roll-up store, which traveled to other Mindanao provinces, Make Your Own Havaianas event, the Havaianas Black Velvet party to launch the embellished collection, a car sticker event, and a lot of out-of-the-box events.

2012 will be a big year for Havaianas because they are celebrating their 50th year as the world's favorite flipflop brand!

Havaianas started in 1962 from the breezy culture of Hawaii and the serene design of Japan. Today, you can see marks of its original parentage in the iconic rice pattern sole of each Havaianas pair and the exuberant colors and style that influence each style. This year, the brand ushers new colors, styles and designs with the all-new Havaianas 2012 collection! (I'll be doing a separate post on that)

Thanks for the invite ate Marga! I super had fun! :)

Leaving you all with a photo of Tricie Arcenas' famous strawberry shortcake to finish off!

Yum yum yum!

(photos from bobmataphoto.com)

Gossip Girl 100th episode

2012-02-01T18:03:00.003+08:00

Gossip Girl's 100th episode last night was... wow. I don't even know where to begin explaining it! To keep it simple, I loved it.

I will be discussing some stuff so if you haven't watched, stop reading right here.
MAJOR SPOILAGE AHEAD!

The 100th episode was allotted for the day Blair's been looking forward to/(secretly dreading): her wedding. She'd been dreaming about her prince and today, it was finally going to happen.

I'll spare you the details as to what happened because for one, I'm pretty sure narrating the thing to you would get boring; I tend to story tell in detail. Anyway, here are some of my favorite parts:

1) Nate's realization that the girl that he thought he'd marry, the girl he was with for half his life was going to get married.

-I felt a bit bad for Nate that time. :( Pretty boy Archibald, the UES's most eligible bachelor, stag on his former love's biggest day. And oh yeah, I almost forgot that Nate and Blair were actually together, which goes to show that they really weren't meant to be together.

2) Chuck sabotaging the priest.

-I had to give it to Chuck. I really thought that he'd push through with that (un)holy alliance but no, the new Chuck prevailed. The new Chuck who truly loved Blair and wanted her to be happy even if it meant not being with him prevailed.

3) The fashion.

I watched this show primarily because of the fashion and the Royal Wedding did not disappoint!
I loved Serena in her Vera Wang Farrah dress (yup, it has the same name as I do. Can you imagine my delight when I found out?). It is actually also a wedding dress.

Blair's minions were well, minions, in matching Vera Wang dresses as well, which were quite unflattering. Look at them though, so excited to be part of a huge event! (All their patience in dealing with Blair paid off! haha)

Of course, the princess bride-to-be was the most resplendent in her Vera Wang Esther dress. Ahh Vera Wang just makes the best wedding dresses! Also, I think it was a good choice for Blair to keep her hair down. If she kept it up, it would look too stiff!

4) Momma Eleanor interfering.

For all those loyal fans of Gossip Girl, you'd agree that it's rare when Eleanor would show her soft and motherly side. Her inner momma came out when she went on to talk to Chuck about taking one last shot at talking Blair out of the wedding. Even she knew that he was the only one she loved that way. It was such a mother lion protecting her cub moment when she said "I don't want my daughter to wait for a second chance to be happy".

5) Blair asking Cyrus to walk her down the aisle

Can I just cry? I remember those days when she hated him, but Cyrus only showed her love, and she ended up loving him too. <3

It was so cute when Harold told Cyrus "Blair needs you" and Cyrus panicked, like "I'm on it!". And when Blair asked him to walk her down the aisle, his face lighting up in a huge smile was so heartwarming!

6) Serena being the best maid of honor ever

"B, I'm totally prepared to make a run for it with you"

--Who says that? No one but your real best friend can know your innermost feelings!

and the part that I hated:

Louis being a man-bitch.

He was charming at the beginning, and it was so kilig when Blair actually got her prince but I was glad not to have ever gone to Team Louis. It was a LIE!!!

"Today, with the eyes of the world upon us, I had no choice but to stand by your side after your public apology. But that was it. From this moment forward, there is nothing between us but a contract. Our marriage is all for show. And you’re going to put on the best damn show anyone has ever seen. You’ll smile for cameras, stand by my side, and wave like you don’t have a care in the world. But when we are alone, we’ll be like strangers to one another. And it will stay that way until I say it’s over. Now smile. Smile for the photographers."

Now tell me that doesn't make him a scumbag!

No wonder Blair made a run for it...

...to Dan's waiting car. WTF.
(Although I'm opposed to this idea, is it weird if I find their friendship cute? But can it puh-leeease not be more than that?)

You know what I think?

Blair should have just chosen Chuck. She could have but she did not because she didn't feel like she deserved to be so happy and in love with someone that much. Sometimes, you love someone so much, you know you do, but you're scared he'll hurt you. But love is all about taking chances and trusting that person not to break your heart. When someone loves you like Chuck loves Blair, you tend to get scared because it's all too good to be true. If there's a time to be selfish, it's now. Don't test destiny--it will always take you back to the person you're meant to be with. If you keep fighting it, the harder it gets in the long run.

(Just my two cents)

Lastly, what was that thing at the end about Georgina Sparks being Gossip Girl...?

So much to discuss and talk about!!! Let's talk!
Post your comments!

HELP WORLD VISION

2012-02-01T16:27:00.003+08:00

World Vision is the organization my friends and I support. We send a child, Mark Oliver, to school. It's been going on for about 2 years now. Anyway, Bench has a new campaign, the 1M41M Campaign.

I really need your help for this. Please help in by tweeting, sharing on your Facebook walls and of course, by voting.

All you need to do is:

1) Go to http://www.benchtm.com/1m41m

2) Log in using your Twitter account

3) Follow @benchtm

4) Vote for a celebrity whose chosen charity is World Vision.

(Sam Concepcion, Semerad Brothers, and Kris Lawrence)

Right now, Sam Concepcion is at 2nd place, right after Dingdong Dantes so we really need all the help we can get!

Help send more children to school!

For only 600php/month or 20php/day or for most of us, one Saturday night gimmick forgone, you can send a child to school. What a beautiful legacy that would be!

If you're interested, please visit

http://worldvision.org.ph/.

Shop in Spotlight: Freestyle Necklaces

2012-01-31T22:44:00.004+08:00

I found about this shop because of Mandi Garcia's post wherein she wore this awesome Deathly Hallows necklace. I immediately fell in love with their quirky necklaces. I was so happy that they agreed to sponsor my blog giveaway! So, anyway, here's what happened during the interview.

TSR: Why did you name your shop that?
FS: It was an obvious choice, we want our necklaces to be fun, flexible and promote individuality, hence being free of style, freestyle.

TSR: When and why did you start your shop?
We started Freestyle Necklaces back in August of 2009.

TSR: How was it like the few months you started your shop?
FS: The business was shaky, we didn't have a business model, our products are not in top quality, and the brand wasn't known yet, but luckily because of our unique designs and support from friends we survived that stage.

TSR: Describe your shop. Describe to who your shop caters to.
FS: It's hard to pinpoint and describe who our customers are, they vary depending on our designs. Some designs are loved by young at hearts and kids, some by guys, some by boyish girls, and other designs by fashion enthusiasts. We just make sure we produce designs that we like, and hopefully a good amount of customers will like it too. However, in terms of market, we're quite sure that we cater to girls who are in highschool to college.

TSR: What is your best seller? What item do people often request for?
FS: Before the Harry Potter set our best sellers were the mini cassette tapes and the statement designs (OMG, FML, FTW, WTF, TUS) About requesting, a lot request for it, but we believe that limiting some designs and not overselling them has its advantages. We want our customers to feel a little bit special by being one of the few who has it.

TSR: What is your favorite item among all the items you sell?
Marvin: Being a guy, I'd say I really like the army man necklace, if not that I'll probably go with the cassette tapes (since I put into great effort in making them. haha!)

Claudine: I like the cassette and the poker chip necklaces.

TSR: What do you love about having an online shop?
FS: Besides being cheap, what we love about it is we can interact with everyone. We had customers from Visayas and Mindanao, and we're really surprised on how they found us, and we're glad that they ordered from us.

TSR: Any advice for new shop owners?
FS: If you really want to own a shop, do it. Nothing stops you from being successful on something if you're passionate about it. But of course do some research too, since the online market is really full of shops now, you have to know how to stand out. Do not make the mistake of being just another online shop.

Thank you Marvin and Claudine!
Visit Freestyle Necklaces at

freestylenecklaces.com

facebook.com/freestylenecklaces

Micro trend: YSL Arty inspired rings

2012-01-29T18:48:00.000+08:00

Almost everyone loves these rings as much as I do! I've been spotting them on almost every famous Filipino fashion blogger I follow!

Laureen Uy wears one from Extremefinds on Cape Town

Camille Co wears a real limited edition one in Tweed

Cheyser wears one from ROMWE in Sequins and Studs

Kryz Uy in one from WAGW in You can bet

See? :)

Well, good news! My online shop StyledUP is selling YSL Arty-inspired rings!

I have 1 more in red, 2 more in turquoise and 3 in black!

Visit my Multiply page and Facebook page now!

(photos from their respective blogs)

Stylish Saturdays: Wildfox Couture Spring 2012

2012-01-28T15:28:00.001+08:00

Ever since Aidx showed me his peg for the Pickled and Peppered Young Blood shoot (By the way, billboard's out! See it at Gaisano Mall--going up the car park), I have been obsessed with Wildfox Couture. Their shoots are so creatively styled and fun! Plus, the videos are wild! I wanna style for a shoot like that someday.

Anyway, here are a few photos of Wildfox Couture's Spring 2012 collection. Believe me when I say I literally had to stop myself from screenshot-ing everything! (Yep, these pictures are just screenshots from the website)

Theme for Spring 2012: Wild, Wild West!

A New Diva is coming to Town!

2012-01-28T15:03:00.000+08:00

Went to have lunch with my dad one day in Gaisano Mall when I passed by this sign!

I knew what it meant so I went GAGA!

I am so excited that Love Diva will be opening a branch in Davao!

For those of you who don't know, they are an accessory brand from Australia, touted to be Accessorize's "younger sister".

I don't know exactly when Love Diva will open but mean time, visit their website here.

And like Love Diva Philippines on Facebook.

SALE!

2012-01-28T14:55:00.001+08:00

Was supposed to go to the gym yesterday but had to pick my sister up at school and accompany her home cause she was sick. Since I blessedly had nothing much to do, I went to look for plussized clothing. Here are some of my favorites:

Waterfall open cardigan from Forever21 $27.80

It would be perfect with my basic black tees.

Peacock Open Jacket from Forever21 $17.80

Same reason as above--dress up my basics

Sequined flag tank from Forever 21 $5.99 (FOR REAL!)

I've always wanted a shirt with a flag on it!

Embellished trapeze tank from Forever 21 $19.80

cause I am still hung over metallics

Sequin Shimmer shorts from Forever21 $22.80

-same reason above :)

Woven Career Jacket from Forever 21 $29.80

a nude blazer is a MUST! Dunno if I have any other bottom (aside from jeans, bless my soul) to pair it with though

Faux fur vest from Forever21 $34.80

-a la Carolina Engman <3

I don't know if it's usually like this but Forever21.com has a promo right now wherein they give free shipping to orders $50 and above!

Mink foil top from Dorothy Perkins £5.00 (GOSH!!)

-I've always wanted a champagne colored top! Sucks that they don't ship to the Philippines right now! :(

Aside from the sale, Dorothy Perkins has a limited 25% off promo for students!
Shop, shop!!

Leyende Giveaway Winner!

2012-01-25T20:32:00.001+08:00

So, I just sent the prizes of Hazel and Aine today (they won my Accessory giveaway). I've sent everything else, I believe! Venos, I still owe you yours. My friend is working on getting the Lory's hair cream still. :) Sooo, the Leyende giveaway commences my 12 days of (late) Christmas giveaway. Sorry for so much delays!

CONGRATULATIONS

Eloesita Valderama!

Congratulations to ALL my winners! and thank you for following my blog :)

Shop in Spotlight: Pirouette

2012-01-24T18:39:00.001+08:00

I just posted the winners of the accessory giveaway. I was supposed to mail the prizes today but the courier ran out of pouches! FAIL. :(

So anyway, here's a little background on one of the shops who sponsored my giveaway: PIROUETTE.

Pirouette is owned by Michelle Achacoso. She named her shop Pirouette after the ballet term meaning to spin or to twirl. She says "My favorite thing to create have always been tutus. One day (after weeks of still not having come up with a name), a friend of mine wore one of my creations and started twirling around with glee! Thats when I thought that PIROUETTE was the perfect name for my shop. It gives off a feeling of whimsy and playfulness, which embodies the pieces that I hand-pick, create and sell."

Pirouette's been doing good, they even got featured in Meg magazine's December 2011 issue! Awesome! :-)

Anyway, see the rest of my interview with Acha here:

1. When and why did you start your shop?

2009 was strangely a year where I travelled alot. During one of my trips with friends, I was given the idea that maybe I should buy some clothes to sell since it was almost Christmas time (months before christmas = bazaar season). I did that, sewed some original pieces, and joined a bazaar in our village and the Rockwell tent (among others). After that, other opportunities to join bazaars opened up. Eventually, I found a capable seamstress and started creating more original designs.

4. How was it like the few months you started your shop?

I was fortunate enough to be given the opportunity to have a bunch of good bazaars lined up. But of course, I experienced the lows of selling too. I learned a lot, met so many interesting people; and till this day I don't regret a single thing.

5. Describe your shop. Describe to who your shop caters to.

PIROUETTE fashion is for the young and the young at heart. It is for those who are not afraid to march to the beat of their own drum. PIROUETTE pieces are often whimsical with a touch of edge and playfulness. Classic pieces are also available so there is definitely always something for everyone!

6. What is your best seller? What item do people often request for?

When I started out, my best seller really was all the tutus. Lately, a lot of people have been looking for just a really comfortable yet trendy go-to top that can transition from day to night.

7. What is your favorite item among all the items you sell?

Right now, I'm loving all my maxis- be it a skirt or dress. It instantly makes me feel dressed up. Also, anything I make is instantly my favorite. Haha. But its just because I'm like a proud mama that way.

8. What do you love about having an online shop?

I love the fact that I can interact with my clients and see which items they love. My online store has been a creative outlet for me through my layout, shoots and posts.

9. Any advice for new shop owners?

Just keep doing what you love, and always find ways to inspire yourself. Talk to your customers, research, learn. Don't be discouraged during tough times; just put extra effort when things don't go exactly as planned. Good luck, and i'm really proud and happy for all of you guys!

Well, here are some of my favorite photos and pieces from Pirouette.

I took them from the Facebook page.

The pink top and the shoot's concept is love! <3

Oh how I love the skirt's frothiness! <3

Thank you again Acha for sponsoring my giveaway! :-)

If you haven't liked Pirouette, you can find them on Facebook and Multiply.

Winners for Day 11 and 12 Giveaway!

2012-01-22T22:58:00.001+08:00

Was finally able to finish auditing this giveaway because I got a tweet asking when I'd post the winners. Nahiya naman ako. It's almost a month since the giveaway ended and wala pang winners. So sorry guys!

Anyway, got to finish all my school work for the week (ie lab reports and the like), so I did this :)

I owe you guys only one more giveaway--the Leyende one.

and the winners are...

Winner 1

Congratulations

Aine Garcia!!!

Winner 2

Congratulations

Hazel Uri

Happy Chinese New Year! :)

*BTW, please join my friend Mia's giveaway here. She's giving away a satchel from Serial Apparel.