Life In A Fruit Basket

Thank You

2015-04-03T08:17:00.003-07:00

Hey Hey Hey! It's my Birthday!

Cheers to one and all!

I would've already blogged about another birthday celebration at a ridiculously ~~snotty~~ swanky place and put on a new outfit that would make me really, really, really ridiculously good-looking but I feel like skipping that altogether this year and give what I normally spend on this day to some of my fave charities.

So yeah. Cake and icecream at home it is.

P.S. Don't worry, I might go back to being really, really, really, ridiculously good-looking next year.

Toodles!

National Puppy Day

2015-03-24T19:30:00.002-07:00

Although my Skyler is no longer a puppy, it melts my heart to share with you the first time we met. It was indeed PUPPY LOVE at first sight. This is one of my favorite moments of my entire life so you've probably seen this photo in my other blog posts.

Now that he's all grown, he's an 85-pound answered prayer who makes me laugh when I feel like weeping and cheers me up when I've had a rough day.

You will always be my baby poopy (yep, I spelled it right!), Skyler.

Anyone diggin' my retainers?

Toodles! :)

Chill Pill: Sam Smith

2015-03-19T19:23:00.003-07:00

Oh, hey. Sam Smith covers Whitney Houston's How Will I Know and it's giving me all the right kind of chills.

Merlin's beard, that voice.

How's your week so far?

Toodles!

Fruit Fashion Files: Paris Fashion Week Fall/Winter 2015

2015-03-15T19:54:00.001-07:00

You are going to collectively hate me for this post. This is Paris Fashion Week and there are just too many great designers that are showing in a short span of time, so I'd like to apologize for flooding this post with a bountiful harvest of my favorites. Can I just say, we are definitely going to see a lot of really really really well-dressed people this coming Fall!

Guy Laroche plays it cool with metallic panel knitwear, denim and multiple-slitted skirts.

Dries Van Noten finds some inspiration from the Orient with brocade and cherry blossom embroidery. Van Noten knows how to play with silhouettes and manipulates the focal point to the neck and face with a gorgeous flower accessory.

Balmain takes us back to a Studio 54-esque era with fringe dresses, color-blocking, lots of neon and flowy, pleated pants sweeping across the floor.

Barbara Bui explores the sophistication of leather from coats to dresses to cropped pants---even full length skirts!

Rick Owens adds some sparkle to geometric lines, giving it a more feminine touch.

Lanvin This is why I love Alber Elbaz. He's got such a creative mind but he puts it all on a woman's perspective. Is it wearable but thought-provoking? Sexy yet sleek? He's got everything covered in this collection. I just love everything about it...the silhouettes, the leather harness, tassels...EVERYTHING!

Christian Dior's Raf Simons takes mesh and converts it from street style to runway-worthy.

Isabel Marant goes higher with high-waist pants (hugs the ribs). Stomachs in!

Balenciaga Alexander Wang opts for a more polished appeal with hair updos and mostly conservative silhouettes---just a few plunging necklines here and there. Wang proves that showing less skin can still be very sexy with the right draping and fabric!

Elie Saab It's safe to say that my fave Mr. Saab found some deep connection with leaves in this collection. Who makes leaves sexy? Only Elie Saab.

Chloé sticks to what they know best. Soft lines, feminine and romantic!

John Galliano Bill Gaytten must be one of the most underrated designers as he brings out such a cohesive design with metallic jacquard and needle-punching (definitely my trend fave of all seasons!) all in the name of Galliano!

Akris keeps it clean and minimal but nothing is simple about these designs. They don't need any fussy detailing. The draping and silhouettes can amply speak for themselves.

Givenchy Some love Riccardo Tisci for his creative designs, but more people in the industry look up to him for his expertise on fine-tailoring. Both are evident in this season's collection and check out those interesting facial accessories (metal mustache, anyone?) ---you can't shake the Goth outta this guy and that's actually not a bad thing.

Zuhair Murad Aside from the heavenly gowns with cascading beads and embroidery, Zuhair Murad widens his horizon by involving mini skirts and trousers in this season's collection.

Hermès How cute are those leather overalls?

Sonia Rykiel The navy coat with shearling fur is definitely a must-buy!

Chanel This collection is by far, one of the most spectacular that I've ever seen. Lagerfeld channeled Coco in a lot of the designs, but you can see that he harmoniously integrated his own style into every piece. I love the high necklines and staple combinations of tweed and houndstooth. The greatest accessory of the collection is the nude/black cap toe slingbacks--- elegant, versatile and timeless!

Valentino We all know that the infamous Derek and Hansel created a bit of a ruckus towards the end but let's not lose sight of how Valentino had a great show overall. The collection was romanticized but you can sense a darker side that the brand doesn't usually show a lot of.

A closer look at Derek and Hansel's ensemble.

Miu Miu While Miuccia Prada proudly showed with pastels on her Prada collection, she steps out of her comfort zone to play around with some prints and louder color palettes.

Louis Vuitton Ghesquière continues to inject that extra oomph into the brand's collection with shorter helm lines and body-hugging silhouettes.

all photos via style.com

This was one heck of a long post but very much worth it, non? I just wanna throw all these clothes on the floor and roll all over them ~~like a rabid dog trying to get rid of an itch.~~

Sashay Shante overload.

Toodles!

Derek & Hansel Are Back!

2015-03-10T20:36:00.004-07:00

While I am currently compiling my fave collections from Paris Fashion Week, THIS JUST HAPPENED. I don't know who the heck ~~had the sparkling balls~~ talked the Valentino crew into it but this is one of the best moments that the mainstream media has ever successfully co-mingled with the highest fashion authorities.

I bet that got a lot of stern faces turned upside down! *cough* Anna Wintour *cough*

Toodles! :)

Fruit Fashion Files: Milan Fashion Week Fall/Winter 2015

2015-03-09T18:51:00.001-07:00

It's like a Streetfighter game with the last two cities...Milan vs. Paris. The designers who show for both cities always have the most creative and unexpected surprises, and I cannot pick one over the other.

It's always hard to narrow down my favorites from the Milan show but here are some of the collections that stood out for me:

Alberta Ferretti spices things up with a modern twist of Italian Renaissance.

Fendi I'm just here for the coats. No, really. It's all about the coats. Thank you, Lagerfeld.

Prada Whoa! Pastels for fall? For Miuccia Prada, the answer is a resounding Heck Yeah. And she pulls it off with a tremendously strong collection from the clothes to the accessories (bright-colored gloves and double-strapped Mary Jane's).

Etro We all know that Veronica Etro is the Queen of Prints and she takes it up to a glorious level with patchwork details, mixing patterns like stripes with paisleys and brocade with glen plaid. I love how she sticks to the classic fall colors but adds a little bit of blue in there to mix things up---as if things need more mixin'!

Emilio Pucci Creative directors now seemingly leave one fashion house for another but there must have been an air of mixed emotions as Peter Dundas showed his last collection for Pucci (it's rumored that he might to back to Roberto Cavalli). I think Dundas has made such a great impact on the label that his collections would be remembered not only by his celebrity clientele but by his peers in the industry as well.

Salvatore Ferragamo keeps it classy with some pleated midi skirts and twisted leather waist belts.

Dolce & Gabbana shows us how Italians incredibly love their Mama. The collection is a loving ode to the matriarch in the family, with feminine pieces inspired by romantic red roses and children's drawings. I love how they had some of the models tote around some adorable babies (not sure if the babies are their own but it's the thought that counts) and they even let the very beautiful and very pregnant Bianca Balti strut her baby bump!

all photos via style.com

Up next is Paris, Oui oui!

Toodles!

Fruit Fashion Files: London Fashion Week Fall/Winter 2015

2015-03-03T17:53:00.002-08:00

The Brits have set aside the fish and chips as London Fashion Week cooks up some savory collections from playful, romantic pieces to modern chic creations.

Here are some of my top picks:

Black leather, sharp edges and metal hardware. To be quite frank, I don't think the Devil wears Prada. It wears Gareth Pugh.

I'm a sucker for David Koma's minimalist chic pieces (hello, disco ball dress)!

Temperley London masters the art of flowy, easy breezy elegance with full skirts and wide-leg trousers.

Mary Kantrantzou embraces the future with a bold play on synthetic materials, with prints like paisley and damask infused into them.

I usually appreciate Erdem's delicate silk and chiffon dresses but the execution of needle-punching on the coats steals the show!

Leave it to Peter Pilotto to create such interesting and somewhat nostalgic designs--- the patterns and colors remind me of old board games (I spy some Snakes and Ladders and Pipe Dream references).

all photos via style.com

Up next, Milan!

Toodles! :)

VS Swim Special 2015

2015-02-27T18:55:00.000-08:00

Okay... so the geniuses in Victoria's Secret decided to give us the MAJOR ego torment not once, but TWICE a year, now that they've come up with the very first Victoria's Secret Swim Special featuring all our favorite VS models and a look behind the scenes while they shoot for the 2015 swim catalog and more in Puerto Rico.

Oh hey, that's just great. Prance around with your perfect tan and your perfect hair and your long perfect legs, why don't ya? Speaking of perfect, I don't think anyone can bash these girls for looking great. They look fit and healthy and you can't throw the Photoshop excuse...so let's just admire them, shall we?

Image via vspressroom.com

Candice Swanepoel is an alien. Do not attempt to look like her, it's just impossible.

Click here to stream the show online! You're welcome, boys and girls.

And now I shall contemplate about this cream cheese danish. Should I have just one? Or go all the way and give in to two? Times like these, I need a dose of WWCD--- What Would Candice Do.

Toodles!

Fruit Fashion Files: New York Fashion Week Fall/Winter 2015

2015-02-24T16:39:00.000-08:00

February is always a ~~chicken dance~~ delightful month for me. Why? Fashion Week, that's why.

New York Fashion Week, also known as the Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week, just wrapped up with its final show for the Fall/Winter 2015 collections. The most prominent trend among them are fringes and feathers. These details may seem over the top if not executed properly but we all know that everything is always good in moderation.

Here are some of some of my favorites:

Tadashi Shoji ventures into sleek and modern silhouettes and he doesn't disappoint.

Rebecca Minkoff rocks out with leather pants, over-the-knee boots and lots of attitude.

Reem Acra This collection is probably my fave among all the NY shows...maybe because Reem Acra hits the nail on the head when it comes to using multimedia materials (e.g. lace, leather, feathers in one piece). Or it could be because the collection is dripping in Victorian-inspired fashion (my ultra fave)---oh, and check out that black gown with the crystal encrusted sleeves! *Drool, wipe, drool*

Ralph Lauren gets chic and cozy with wide-brimmed hats, comfy cashmere dresses, suede panels, and fringed handbags and cardigans.

Nicole Miller teaches us a thing or two (or three or four) on mixing prints. Prints after prints after prints!

Anna Sui is definitely not afraid of color. Ever wonder what a sassy little Bohemian girl would wear during winter? This is it.

Hervé Léger by Max Azria (and wife) are at it again. It's amazing how this dynamic duo can whip up something different but never strays away from the essence of the iconic bandage dress.

Donna Karan has gone to the dark side and I want her to stay there. This is like my ultimate dream wardrobe--- filled with black, midnight blue and the darkest grey ever...and maybe a wee bit hint of color, here and there.

all photos via style.com

Next up, London! Sashay, Shante.

Toodles!

Ash Wednesday

2015-02-18T21:53:00.002-08:00

As I was sashay shantey-ing my way around town, I was getting a lot of comments from people who were kind enough to point out that I had "dirt" on my forehead. After explaining to the nth person that I wasn't rolling around mud but in fact, I am Catholic and it is ash from Ash Wednesday, I realized that not everyone knows what this tradition is about.

I'll spare you the holier than thou babble but for the sake of educating those who do not practice it, Ash Wednesday marks the start of Lent, and the purpose of Lent is to take the time for atonement, prayer and penance before the celebration of Jesus' resurrection on Easter Sunday. Putting the ash in the shape of the cross on the forehead signifies repentance of sin, and the general abstinence of meat every Friday is observed. Nowadays people abstain from something that they like to indulge in, aside from meat...like breaking a hard habit (smoking, etc.), or giving up other indulgences like ice cream or Facebook (yes, people really do it.) for Lent.

When the ashes are placed, the priest says, "Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return." It's a lot to take in but it also makes you reflect and be contemplative of how precious life is, how everything has a beginning and an end. I think about what I have done so far, the good and the bad---which of them will I be remembered by when I am gone? Have I apologized for the bad things that I've done? I know it's hard to say sorry, what more to ask forgiveness for our sins---but we gotta do it to better ourselves. You don't have to be a Catholic or a Christian to understand this feeling because I know we all seek for the same answers to the same questions.

Say hello to my fat fingers.

I say not eating bacon in exchange for Jesus dying for us is the least that I could do. Oh crispy bacon, do not tempt me.

Toodles!

Jamie Brewer Makes History In New York Fashion Week 2015

2015-02-15T20:12:00.003-08:00

Jamie Brewer. She's a talented girl from American Horror Story and now she makes fashion history as the first model with Down Syndrome to sashay her way down on N.Y. Fashion Week's runway. I personally think it's a big step for an industry that revolves on the realm of physical beauty and pretty much calls the shots of the definition itself. Jamie was one of the many women that participated on the show entitled, "Role Models Not Runway Models", which was carried under designer, Carrie Hammer's fashion line. Hammer selected women who are beyond the traditional classification of a fashion model to help promote self-confidence instead of self-loathing.

You go, Jamie. You go!

image via usmagazine.com

Sashay, Shante!

Toodles! :)

It's a Butt Day

2015-02-12T17:43:00.001-08:00

So today, I managed to rip my pants while at work. It didn't rip at the seams, I didn't even hear nor feel anything weird 'til my happy undies waved back at me while I was checking myself out in the restroom (I check my own butt, so sue me). Naturally, when I got home, I told my siblings about it in our group chat. I was hoping to gain some sympathy but I think I might have just opened Pandora's box. Berry, Peachy and Orange are my older sisters--- one is a lawyer, one is a no-fuss kinda mom and the other helps manage my Dad's law firm, so I was expecting something more in line with a nurturing, caring reaction.
Pshhh. Yeah. Right.

This is sibling love, Exhibit A

Some words are in Filipino but you get the idea. To those who don't know, Shangi is my nickname only used by my family. Don't ask me how it evolved from Pears, it just did.

Exhibit B

I'm just thinking out loud... Is it right to say walked into that one instead of walked RIGHT into that one?

I got 99 problems and a pair of ripped pants is definitely one!

Toodles! :)

A Single's Survival Guide to Valentine's Day

2015-02-11T18:04:00.000-08:00

Are the red cut-out hearts giving you migraines? Do you cringe when you get a glimpse of the greeting card aisle around this time at the grocery store? Do you just feel the urge to shoot down every cherub in sight? Well my friend, it's called Valentine's Day and we singles need to stick together to get this day over and done with, with our sanity fully intact.

Technically, I'm not single. But the boyfriend is thousands of miles away and we usually don't get together during Valentine's Day due to our uncompromising schedule and lest you forget, this is my blog and I can write about being single even if I'm not technically single. Now let me just write this thing before I start beating my chest like a gorilla.

Here are some fool-proof tips to survive the apocalypse:

1. Avoid every restaurant like the plague. Not only would getting a table be a pain in the butt, you will be surrounded by a heavy mixture of cologne, gushing sounds and grave sexual tension...GRAVE. Being there would be akin to being trapped in a lion's den with a bunch of ~~raging hormones~~ googly-eyed 16-year old kids---only this time with better hair, better cars and a lot more credit cards.

2. If you're gonna have a DVD night with your co-single friends, no matter what you do, do not pick out LOVE ACTUALLY. Ignore it. Skip it. Kick it to the curb. It's one of the best movies ever but it will make you feel sadder than a spinster, a cat lady and a hoarder rolled into one. Instead, pick out movies and shows like Hostel, American Horror Story, Nightmare on Elm Street ...basically stuff that will make you feel grateful for just being alive. Who cares about your crush when you're busy trying to figure out if there's a shadow staring back at you in your closet? Good luck with the nightmares but hey, at least you forgot about your Valentine woes! Problem solved.

3. Give in to junk food. Nobody looks good wallowing in a bunch of carrot sticks, celery and a smoothie. Get the good stuff, you deserve it. Kettle chips? Yes. Belgian chocolate? Yes, please. In-N-Out animal-style fries? Si. Ben and Jerry's Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough? Uhuh.

4. Down that junk with a couple of drinks. Wine, vodka, tequila, Diet Coke, probiotic drinks---whatever it is you have in your fridge will do. Drink lots of it and hope it will drown out your pity party of one.

5. Now that you've got some swag juice a.k.a. alcohol in your system, don't even think about grabbing that phone. You want to drunk-text your ex or worse, you're tempted to post some weird quote about relationships, matched with a very awkward background photo that has NOTHING to do with the quote, on his or her Facebook wall. Stop it. Get a hold of yourself, dammit!

Oh snaps.

6. Don't cry yourself to sleep to your favorite Barry Manilow album. Instead, belt out to some karaoke-worthy music...crying is still optional, of course. You can try to sing Manilow's songs too but don't say I didn't warn you.

7. Go on a date with your folks, or with the rest of the family. You can do a simple get-together at home or maybe even do a little R&R like booking a relaxing massage at a luxury spa. Remember, boyfriends and girlfriends may come and go but family is forever.

Image via www.plunhof.it

When all else fails, think about this: Dates can get pretty expensive, especially for the dudes out there. You have to get all cute (easy on the cologne, Prince Charming), buy overpriced flowers, get chocolates, buy a gift---because obviously overkilling is the name of the game, have your car washed, spend an arm and a leg for a meal at a swanky restaurant, get some tickets to a show, book a helicopter tour around the city, give a 3 carat diamond encrusted bracelet ~~and file for bankruptcy.~~ Times like these, being single is great. You don't even have to worry about getting out of your pj's. No one's gonna judge you and you'll still have a fat piggy bank by the end of the day. You're a winner in my books, my friend.

image via mybookbuyer.com

It's just one day, my single minions. And like any cockroach after a nuclear disaster, YOU WILL SURVIVE! Relationships are complicated so take advantage of your single blessedness and remember that you have to love yourself first before you can understand its entire genuine premise.

And to the rest of you who are gloating right now for securing a date on Valentine's, I have only two things to say to you...One: I'm happy for you, I really am. Two: you look fat in that dress.

Happy Valentine's Day!

Toodles! :)

Elie Saab Haute Couture: Spring 2015

2015-02-09T19:27:00.003-08:00

Just when you think that the couture genius has done it all, Elie Saab pushes the envelope further in his Haute Couture Spring 2015 collection. I'm seeing feathers (which he pulled off fantastically), elegant petal-like embroidery , exceptional bead work (would you expect anything less from him?) and even a little bit of sultry lace and lingerie-inspired pieces.

As usual, I am very biased with his stuff so I'm just gonna put it out there and say that I LOVE this collection. Although it's still in line with the whole collection's aesthetics, the wedding gown surprised me the most. It's quite a departure of what he usually does but it's quite refreshing to see him step out of his comfort zone and create something so magical. (Hint: It's not a white or champagne color! Scroll all the way down to check the wedding gown!)

Who says a wedding gown has to be white? :) Can you imagine how they painstakingly placed the crystals and sewed in the embroidery by hand? Simply gorgeous and breathtaking!

Images via style.com

Sashay, Shante!

Toodles!

Valentino Haute Couture: Spring 2015

2015-02-08T19:05:00.001-08:00

Ukraine (Russia too?) is getting all the attention on Valentino's runway and I am absolutely crazy about it. I actually don't think there was anything in this collection that I didn't want ~~to sell my kidneys for~~ in my closet.

What I truly love the most is how designers Piccioli and Chiuri were able to maintain the classic details of Eastern European fashion such as needle-point embroideries and deep, rich-colored textiles while being able to integrate the light, romantic essence that Valentino's collections always exude. Speaking of embroidery, some of the gowns had words---French from what I could make out of it---sewn on them that kind of reminded me of Angelina Jolie's unique Atelier Versace wedding veil that had her children's drawings all over it. Scroll all the way down to check them out!

Here are some of my faves:

Photos via style.com

What are your favorites? Check out the whole collection and details here.

Sashay, Shante!

Toodles!

Super Bowl XLIX: The Deets

2015-02-02T17:37:00.000-08:00

I am far from being an American football lover. I know nothing about how the game works so I'm not gonna be rambling about technicalities of the game. If you guys didn't get to watch it, go and look for a replay because this game was actually freakin' awesome and left me at the edge of my seat!

Congratulations to the Super Bowl Champs, the New England Patriots! They haven't won the Super Bowl since a decade ago so I think this was an awesome moment for them as a team. You gotta hand it to the Seattle Seahawks, they really gave the Patriots a run for their money. Well played, boys!

Being an Advertising and PR graduate, dissecting and appreciating ads has become second nature to me. The Super Bowl is the most watched American TV program so companies always clamor for ad spots that cost them millions (yes, millions!) of dollars just for 30 seconds (or less) of airtime. So yeah...your least favorite, unmemorable ads? They just flushed millions of dollars down the drain. Just. Like. That.

The ad agencies can whip up some great stuff that can pull the heart strings, make you laugh out loud or even stir up some controversy. I seem to notice that the strong trend this year is all about being socially conscious as opposed to the usual quirky and sometimes just plain weird (I'm talking to you, Skittles) ads.

Here's some of the ones that I like from this year's collection:

Budweiser usually has the best commercials for the Super Bowl, so I'm not surprised that everyone's gushing over this one. This is actually like the Part 2 from the their ad last year. The Clydesdale horses are so magnificent, aren't they?

Bud Light pretty much made our wildest Nintendo dreams come true!

Clash of Clans got Liam Neeson. Enough said.

Always tackles on the image of women in today's society. I personally don't feel insulted about the term "like a girl" because I think women just have that innate finesse, which doesn't necessarily translate to being a bunch of wimps. Still, the idea and the message is great to create awareness about the struggles of a lot, if not most, of women in society.

Esurance Walter White is...back?

Their food ain't healthy but McDonald's keeps you comin' back with the best marketing ideas. Feelin' the love in my heart and in my tummy!

Okay so let's talk about the Halftime show. Katy Perry did her stuff and I was like okay...meh. Poor beach balls, they look so melancholic.

View image | gettyimages.com

And then someone came out and I suddenly wanted to either get my freak on or put my thing down, flip it and reverse it. What the...it's MISSY ELLIOT!!! Needless to say, she stole the show. For a moment there, I actually forgot that Katy Perry was headlining this thing. Oh Missy, you got some sick beats, even it's more than a decade old!

I can't find a better video so this'll do for now.

Oh and if you're wondering which team I was rooting for? It's a no brainer. Who's got the cuter Team Captain?

Hi, Tom Brady. *batting eyelashes*

via people.com

via vmagazine.com

...and with his wife, the uber sexy supermodel of the world, Gisele. Dammit.

Photo by WENN

Does this mean I'll be watching more of American football? I don't think so. I'm really just here for the chips and salsa (not a big guacamole fan)!

Toodles!

Chanel Haute Couture: Spring 2015

2015-01-29T18:26:00.001-08:00

Chanel is definitely bringing the haute in Haute Couture as Karl Lagerfeld updates some classic looks with fringed tweed, cropped tops and jackets, floral appliques and sheer gloves in Chanel's Spring/Summer Haute Couture 2015 show. At the Grand Palais (Paris), where the show was held at, Lagerfeld explains that he wanted something light and graceful, thus the playful use with chiffon. The pieces are made seamless (Wow.) and the details are so intricate, which makes it even a more coveted collection!

Here are my favorite picks:

Photo credits: chanel.com

Check out the whole collection here. Which ones are your favorites?

Sashay, Shante!

Dad.

2015-01-27T10:05:00.002-08:00

If I was even half a decent writer, I would write an epic novel about my Dad and his real-life adventures. I mean, we're talking about spies, barons, dictators, castles---yes, castles!--- let's throw in the seven dwarfs for good measure and call it a party.

During the prime of his career, he missed out on some recitals and school presentations, but I never felt a tinge of neglect. He could be flying from two different cities in a day but still manage to get home just in time for dinner and be excited about the most mundane things like a new pair of socks that I just purchased in the mall. He never told me what to do but he always led by example---He showed me to be compassionate to those who needed it the most, to choose my battles (and weapons!) wisely, to never dignify pompous questions with an answer, to be passionate about doing the right thing even if it can be the most difficult thing to do, to be able to find humor amid grave predicaments, to turn to God for guidance and thanksgiving... and randomly, how to survive winter in Cambridge, Massachusetts (he went to Harvard Law right after I was born).

Happy Birthday to my first love ~~and sometimes, my favorite frenemy.~~

Check out all that sass!

Photo by Jon Tolentino Photography

Toodles!

Shoe Hero: Vince Camuto

2015-01-22T20:45:00.000-08:00

In memory of a talented and business-savvy designer, who is nothing less of a godsend to women's shoe dreams.

VINCE CAMUTO

;

Photo credit: via wwd.com

His legacy will live on through the many brands that he has breathed life into.

My hats off to you, sir.

Toodles!

Everybody's Free To Wear Sunscreen

2015-01-20T17:28:00.000-08:00

God knows I need a little pick-me-up today. Who knew it would be from an essay that was turned into a song by Baz Luhrmann? Who knew Baz Luhrmann (guy from Moulin Rouge, The Great Gatsby) had a song? ~~Why am I asking a gazillion questions today?~~

I remember I heard this song back when I was in high school and I was like, what is this guy babbling about sunscreen for? I was too busy thinking about pertinent things that a high school girl had to deal with, like should I or shouldn't I be shaving my legs since all the other girls were starting to do it---thankfully I discovered that my legs, in fact, had no hair to shave off so that worked out pretty darn well for me.

Even though this essay was made over a decade ago, the values still ring true today.

The author, Mary Schmich, was unequivocally right about wearing sunscreen. Do not leave home without it or you will get more wrinkles faster than a prune.

Toodles!

Current Obsession: Capes

2015-01-12T18:29:00.001-08:00

It's a bird, it's a plane...it's a dude flying around with a cape and wearing his underwear OVER his tights. ~~Only Christopher Reeve can pull off that kinda shiz, seriously.~~ Ever since I saw Lupita Nyong'o with that immaculate Ralph Lauren cape dress, I've been kinda obsessing about everything cape.

From comfy, laid back cashmere... (I'm just drooling thinkin' about Loro Piana!)

Burberry

via neimanmarcus.com

Loro Piana

The Row

To fabulous detailed pieces...

Junya Watanabe

via svmoscow.com

Balmain

via luisaviaroma.com

Giambattista Valli

via luisaviaroma.com

Valentino

via net-a-porter.com

Saint Laurent

via neimanmarcus.com

BCBG

via bcbg.com

Dolce and Gabbana

The back view.

via net-a-porter.com

I wouldn't mind saving the world with that Dolce and Gabbana number. I promise not to wear granny panties OVER it.

Toodles!

New Year's Resolution: Money Matters

2015-01-08T17:59:00.002-08:00

So you've got your New Year's resolution. We've all heard it before...be more charitable, exercise more, eat healthier food, take more vacations and so on. But when it comes to saving money for a rainy day, our piggy banks resemble more of a skinny coyote rummaging for scraps. I am no financial expert of sorts but I'd like to share with you some tips that I've been following through to help manage my own finances better.

1. Eat out less. This is a difficult one, even for me. I love trying out new places to eat and I get lazy during weekdays that I end up eating out for lunch, plus it's nice to enjoy the camaraderie with co-workers while eating out during lunch breaks but sometimes that takes a silent but deadly beating to your savings. Instead, bring packed meals like salads (I get mine at Trader Joe's) to work and pick out one day of the week to eat out, aside from special occasions.

via groceryheadquarters.com

2. Wait for shops to go on sale. Unless you're eyeing on items that never go on sale like a Louis Vuitton, Hermes or Chanel purse, that thing that you're itching to buy at full price will DEFINITELY go on sale, so be patient. Stores usually need to push items off the shelves by the end of each season (or each month!) so keep a close watch during those times. Better yet, befriend a sales associate/manager to get the latest scoop on markdowns and sales or simply sign-up for their mailing list!

Image by Stuart Miles; freedigitalphotos.net

3. Choose Quality OVER Quantity. This is pretty much a supplement to #2. Just because it's ON SALE, it doesn't mean that you should buy it. I know it's cheap, it's 70% off, it's buy one get one free---but are you really going to use it or is it going to end up into the deepest darkest crevices of your closet? One time, I came across such great steals from Prada but the prints were so hideous and the fit wasn't right...but it's still a Prada so I should just buy it, right? Wrong. Remember, there will always be something better every season. If you're having second thoughts, skip it and your wallet will thank you for it.

via storesigns.com

4. Credit cards can be your friend or your worst nemesis. Pay your balance in full every month--- if you can't do that, it only means that you cannot afford to make these purchases. Your credit card should be something to fall back on in case of emergencies like hospitalizations, travel emergencies, etc. Get a card that fits your lifestyle and rewards you for it. For example, if you're a frequent flier, it's best to opt for a card that offers great rewards on travel purchases such as airline tickets, hotel accommodations, etc.

via telegraph.co.uk

5. Upgrade your electronics only when you really have to. You don't need to buy the newest iPhone or Samsung Galaxy or MacBook Air if you just bought one a year ago. How different can the latest one be from the previous model? Does the latest one have an app to (discretely!) scratch your butt for you? If the answer is yes, then I want to know where you got it 'coz I want one, pronto!

via store.apple.com

I know these tips seem rather simple but the key to successfully save money is having self-control. You can always say you'll save and never dip your hands into your savings account but something will always come up because, well...that's life. God forbid something catastrophic happens, you better have some financial cushion to break the fall. So before making that purchase, ask yourself: Can I really afford it? And even if I can, will it be a good investment?

If managing your finances is too much for you, scrap this whole article and put your hoochie heels on, 'coz you're about to dig some gold, gold diggah! Just keeeding.

Toodles!

The New Year

2015-01-01T21:33:00.000-08:00

Happy 2015, minions!

While I'm trying to figure out ways to enhance my blog, here's a Chill Pill to help you nurse your New Year's Eve hangover!

New Year 2015 by P F on Grooveshark

Hang tight for improvements on the blog! Now, put down the beer bottle and work on your New Year's resolution ~~which you will totally ditch in a week or two.~~

Toodles! :)

Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas

2014-12-23T17:53:00.000-08:00

The stockings are stuffed, the Christmas tree is filled with lights and ornaments, the gifts are waiting to be unwrapped. In the midst of the holiday chaos, may we never forget the reason for the season---The birth of Jesus Christ.

As we celebrate Christmas, there is nothing in any store shelf that I want. The gifts that I wish and long for are good health, happiness, forgiveness and peace, and I wish the same thing for you and your family, my dear minions.

For those who are celebrating alone or far away from family and friends, fret not for love knows no boundary nor distance. We celebrate in our hearts.

Damn you, Sam Smith, for making me chop some onions!

A Merry Christmas To You and Yours! Cheers!

Toodles!

Out With The Old, In With The New

2014-12-23T01:34:00.000-08:00

After walking Skyler in the morning, I somehow found myself Skype-ing with the boyfriend while I was inside a textile jungle that seemingly resembles my walk-in closet. I was initially looking for a pair of boyfriend jeans a.k.a. i-think-i-overdid-it-with-the-fries jeans to wear while I do some errands for the day, but somehow, I ended up exhuming a pile of old clothes. One by one, I started picking up a piece of clothing and told the boyfriend what memories I have of it, whether they be good or bad.

The boyfriend and I have such a great relationship going on but we definitely hit a couple of rough patches along the way. Okay---more like black hole, lost into the abyss patches. So all the clothes that were from any black hole era have remained in the deepest, darkest corner of the closet until now. I realize that holding on to these clothes seemed like I was letting bad experiences linger in my life. So what's a girl to do?

Out with the old, in with the new! Three bags full of black hole memories (can you believe this was just from one morning of rummaging through stuff? I still have a mountain of them to let go of!)...off to Goodwill you go!

My sister once told me that if I did some cleaning, good things would come my way. I think she just told me that to convince me to clean my pig sty of an apartment but hey, I'll buy the whole Feng Shui thing too. This year has been rather interesting, albeit antagonizing so I want to have a great head start for the incoming new year.

I got my pedicure done, I dropped off the black hole memories at Goodwill and I even managed to drop by the vet's office to get Skyler's shots updated! I was happy, Sky was not.

You can't change the past. It's history. No matter how much you try to rehash the whole thing in your mind, it ain't gonna change...not one bit. Most of us lose so much time thinking about the past that we fail to see and appreciate the magical things that are happening right here, right now. Sometimes we just need to let it go, my friend. ~~Don't you dare sing that Frozen song.~~

You know what this means for me, right?

It's time to go shopping for some new clothes. Oh yeah, you saw that coming.

Toodles! :)