ghd Girl

One of the cool things about having sisters and sisters-in-law is the fact that I  have an instant advisory team. I don't need to do a lot of research when it comes to cosmetics, beauty products, TV shows, and cute and cool stuff. Because they all do the studying and analyzing for me. So lucky, right?!

Well, I'm their go to when it comes to fashion and shopping, so we can all call it quits. Hahaha! But seriously, while watching my sister Dianne primping in front of the mirror, I had to ask her how she manages to make her bangs always look so perfect. Turns out she's been using a hair straightener to set it in place. Now why didn't I think of that?! My bangs are always so unruly, that I end up just growing them out so I can tuck all my hair behind my ears. Soooo boring. And mousy. And blah.

Guess that means I have to invest in a hair straightener then. Besides,  my SIL Lorr told me years ago that hair straighteners are also used to give straight hair those soft loose curls, so it's not like they're only meant to do one thing. I guess it's worth splurging on.

 

Lorr says ghd and CHI are the best hair straighteners ever. They're like the top of their class because they make use of ceramic so it's heats up faster, and heat is spread out evenly (this way hair doesn't get burned because with one pass, you get your desired effect) thing is, they're so expensive!

So before I take the plunge, I'm curious. Do any of you girls use hair straighteners regularly and what brand of hair iron do you use? Has anybody here tried out a ghd hair straightener? As much as my girls are a great team, they don't really splurge on hair straighteners, so I need more inputs, heehee.

Sad But True

If there are pieces from Theodore's that you've had your eye on for a while, here's your chance to get them at a good price, while they're still around.

Theodore's will be holding a closing down sale until December 18, 2010. And yes, this time, Theodore's is saying bye, for good.

Theodore's The Store
G/F 106 Carlos Palanca st., Legaspi Village,
Makati Philippines

T (632) 752-0692
M (63) 916-6274786

www.theodoresthestore.multiply.com

Ready for Tapered Jeans?

All I've been wearing these days are skinny jeans and boyfriend jeans. And I have to say, I'm kind of bored with these shapes. I mean, whether I walk the streets of New York and Singapore, they're just everywhere! Honestly, skinny jeans have been around since 2005, and aren't exactly humidity friendly. While boyfriend denims are loose and comfortable, I'm feeling the need to shake things up. So while researching for new denim shapes, I came across these tapered jeans from G-Star Raw's Women's Fall 2010 Collection:

(Photos from www.g-star.com and www.very.co.uk)

These are more drop crotch in style, and not the classic tapered ones we are all familiar with, so I'm definitely intrigued. I like how they look slouchy but still cool, as you can see from the photos.

While I've never owned anything from G-Star Raw, I'm familiar with the brand. It's a denim line that started in 1989 in The Netherlands, and their store in SoHo is often frequented by European tourists.  Strange how I never even entered the store once the whole time I was there, and now I discover they actually have great stuff! With a philosophy of "Just the Product", they've been known to start the Raw denim trend, and are famous for their different washes and treatments and distinctive denim silhouettes - all developed with architectural and 3-D concepts in mind.

If their tapered denims aren't distinctive enough for you, I don't know what else will! For your dose of well constructed, distinctive denims, G-Star Raw has stores all over the world - from Austria and Australia to China, Italy, Japan, Spain, the UK and the US.

G-Star Raw denims are also available online via their website and stores like Very UK.

The Borough Never Sleeps

If you tell a New Yorker you're having brunch at Borough, they'd probably go "Huh?" or, "Which borough?" Until you take them to Borough at the ground floor of Podium in Ortigas, and then they'd be transported back home after seeing the signage (the typeface used for NYC's subway system in case it wasn't that obvious to you!) and serving them Borough's NYC inspired staples. Listen up, Borough's menu was inspired by Cafeteria in Chelsea and the steak frites at Pastis! Isn't that enough to make you want to check the place out?

Not only that, the interiors are inspired by hip Brooklyn lofts:

While the chintz covered chairs would make Mario Buatta proud. Maybe a reference to the UES, circa 1980's?

Dear Hubby and I find ourselves often reminiscing about our days in The City (which reminds me - so sad The City's been canceled. MTV, how could you!), meeting friends for brunch, and maybe this could be our go to place when we're in Manila. I mean look at the place mat alone, that NY subway map already melts my heart!

Borough promises to dish out comfort food culled from the five boroughs of New York City. And brunch weekends include free flowing coffee and mimosas (hey hey!). Because New York City is the city that never sleeps, Borough is open 24/7. That means, yes, you can drop by any time.

Working Borough's kitchen is 32-year-old Chef Cuit Kaufman, a born and bred New Yorker who trained at the French Culinary Institute and under pastry master Chef Jacques Torres at The New School.

Borough is located at the ground floor, Unit 107A, The Podium Mall, 12 ADB Avenue, Ortigas Center, Mandaluyong.

The second level mezzanine is ideal for private functions and seats 60. For reservations, call: 5708906.

Borough is by the Il Ponticello group, run by Managing Director Patrick Santos.

New Arrivals! Jeffrey Campbells at SM Fashion Forum

Honeyz! Check out the new JCs hitting SM Fashion Forum end-October or early November! Take note, prices are between 10% to 40% below US retail. Nothing over Php 4975! So why buy from the US, or worse, spend on knock-offs, right?

Foxy Wood in Leopard

Rally, comes in Black and Nude (gorgeous too!)

Mary Roks in grey perforated suede

The Snicks! In Dark Tan

Tick NS in Black

Eeeeeeeep! I'm getting these Pixies!

If you're looking for something safe, there are pumps, oxfords, lace-up boots and loafers coming as well!

Snipped, comes in Khaki and Black

Loggins in Tan

There's more coming! I leave the rest for you to discover in store! SM Fashion Forum is at the 3/F of SM Department Store in Makati. Opening soon in SM Megamall and SM MOA.

And The Winner of a BDJ 2011 Planner Is...

April aka Who's the Sales Lady!

Here's her winning answer:

I celebrate being in the PINK of HEALTH.

I used to have a very stressful job that guarantees that I will get home when the sun is down and be at work before the sun goes up with about 2-3 hours in between for sleep and not much else. I endured that for 4 years.

As a result, my body went against me and my immune system went haywire and I suffered an autoimmune disorder.

It was a wake up call that ultimately made me take stock of my life and leave my job and transfer somewhere more conducive to my health.

My then company would not build me a monument even if I killed myself working for them so why kill myself by working too much and not living enough and missing out on life?

Several months after, I healed myself and I am happier and have a more balanced life compared before.

A renewed life and improved health is something to celebrate!

April, please email ilovebdj@belledejourpowerplanner.com to claim your prize! If you happen to make it to the BDJ fair at Venice Piazza in McKinley Hill, The Fort on October 24, 2010 (Sunday), from 2:00-9:00 pm, go to the registration booth - just bring a valid ID, and look for Diane Ty to claim your prize!

Congratulations!

Triad II: Reluxe

Paul Syjuco, Kristine Dee and Michelline Syjuco will unveil their latest jewelry collections at 6pm tonight, October 22 at Firma in Greenbelt 3, Makati.

The trio's second show entitled “TRIAD II: RELUXE”, is based on Renewable Luxury (hence the term RELUXE), where they recycled precious materials, giving a second, or even a third or fourth life, to existing jewelry and jewelry scraps.

In my interview with them for The Radar (watch out for it in your Sunday Philippine Star!), Paul explains why they went towards this direction for their latest exhibition, "When you're in jewelry, you're basically a direct driver of mining. Of gems and precious metals; be it large or small scale. It's a little bit disconcerting that you contribute to the damage. And this is to show that through whatever it is that you do, there are responsible choices that you can make to contribute for the common good."

Intriguing right? For a sneak peek of what's in store, scroll down:

Michelline, who created jewelry out of tin cans in her early design years has graduated to grown up, glamorous pieces which are partly fashioned from discarded bullet shells.

Kristine's multi-functional designs (for instance, her earrings convert to pendants, or can be worn as studs), are not just pieces to sell, but something with  more than just one purpose, has meaning and a compelling story behind it.

Paul believes that old doesn't have to mean shabby, and for that reason, recycled gold and stones can and should be be given a luxurious lease in life.

All three collections from Triad II: Reluxe may be viewed at Firma Greenbelt 3 after tonight's launch.

Another Peek: Lanvin x H&M

I'm not really a prints kind of girl, but Lanvin x H&M is seriously converting me. I want that dress on the right. Wow, I see three dresses I like already. This collaboration may be the best yet ever. So many pretty dresses!

Apparently, that's not only what's in store. Apart from clothing, there's jewelry, hats, sunglasses, handbags, footwear and even lipstick.

Here's a timeline, Lanvin x H&M watchers:

November 2: H&M will poss a short film of the collection on its website.

November 18: Fashion show at The Pierre Hotel in New York, including customized pieces that will be auctioned off to benefit UNICEF

November 23: It's a LAUNCH date!

Happy Lemon & Celine Day

Tuesday was a happy lemon day! Berry and I went to Tanglin Mall for her trial class at Gymboree. We tried out Play & Learn, which is totally different from her music class back in the US. I don't think she liked it as much, or maybe because it was just something different from what she was used to. We might just go for a Music Class next, we're doing a trial class with Kindermusik too.

Anyhoo, we just walked all the way from Tanglin Mall to ION Orchard, because I was craving for something cool to drink, and I was thinking, Happy Lemon!

I got the Tea Latte with Black Pearl Sago, in JUMBO!

Then we passed through Wisma Atria, and I saw a mirror inside Isetan. Uy! Pang-outfit shot:

shirt: +J Uniqlo, trousers: Topshop, flats: Lanvin

Incidentally, I got these pants on sale at Topshop the day before. I've always wanted those skinny J Brand Houlihan cargos, but they were too expensive for something so trendy. My friend Kat found $25 skinny cargos at Strawberry in Manhattan, but it just never occurred to me to check the place out when I was there. So, when I found these pants in my size on the sale rack, I was like, Wootwoo! But I was still not ready to buy. At the counter, the SA told me Citibank cardholders get an additional 10% off the sale price! Aha! A sign! Ok, sold!

By the way, here's Lucky Plaza. This is where all the Filipino groceries, remittance centers and cargo forwarders are. The place has a Greenhills Shopping Center kind of feel, prior to the renovation. Saw a lot of salons here too! Has anyone ever tried having their nails done here?

Oh, Berry and I went to Ngee Ann City of course, to check on my wish list items. My birthday is coming up, and a girl can dream right?

Oh weird, funny story. Today was really just a peek from the outside, looking at the totes longingly. But yesterday, oh my, Berry & I happened to pass by and like a helpless paper clip, I was drawn into the store by a magnetic field of force, called Classic Box Bag and Luggage Tote. I mean, just look at that wall over there, see if that won't make you want to go inside and burn a hole in your pocket, even if that pocket has been burnt many times over.

The mini luggage totes are priced at SGD 2250 to 2500, and the small one is SGD 3500 thereabouts. I've touched and felt the mini luggage tote up close at the Celine store inside Isetan at Shaw House two weeks ago, and my goodness, they are heavy, but gorgeous! You can actually tuck in the sides so that the bag is closed totally, but it just looks cooler when it's open.

I asked an SA if they had a black Classic Box Bag in medium (small is SGD 3800 and medium is SGD 5500 approx, they had the medium bags in caramel & red and a small black ion display. Ok, confession, I really want the caramel, but knowing that I was going to walk out of the store empty handed, and I didn't have the heart to disappoint my accommodating SA, I asked for the one not there, eeee! Am I the only one who does this?).

When she said it was sold out, but she could ask stores overseas for stocks and handed me a pen so I could jot down my details, I had an out of body experience and found myself writing down my name and number on their book, when I could have just said, "No thanks, I'm just looking!" Because hello, I had no business going inside the store in the first place. Most importantly, where am I supposed to get the money to pay for a box bag? I strongly recall promising myself I was only going to admire this bag and not buying it ever. But it felt like there was this spirit inside me doing the thinking and moving for me. Deep down in my psyche, we were having a conversation,  it was telling me, "You will get this bag, trust me! Plus, the luggage tote too! Really!" Talaga ha!

Well, libre mangarap, so with that thought, Berry and I went home. Here's Berry feeling grown up and pushing her stroller by herself. She enjoys doing this, she's the only toddler I've ever seen on Orchard Road doing this.

Oh by the way, Joni! I've been using this Rootote JFK tote bag as a diaper bag for months now! It's only now that I got a picture to show you! Super thanks for this! I love it! And it's become a reminder of the many adventures Berry and I had on the streets of NYC. Sigh...

And now, I leave you with a shot of my shoes (aka Happy Feet?). Till our next walking tour! Let's hope that one comes with happy shopping news!

First Look: Lanvin x H&M

- Marta Casadei, from Vogue Italia

A little taste for the fans of the French fashion house Lanvin, a symbol of elegance for 120 years, and the fast fashion Swedish chain H&M, who will be presenting the much-awaited Lanvin for H&M collection is just a few weeks. Sophisticated pieces at affordable prices that are already on everyone's wish list, despite the fact that nobody has seen the collection.

The advertising campaign that Vogue.it is revealing in a preview glimpse, was shot by the photographer David Sims. The featured women are three models and an actress: Natasha Poly, Tatiana Cotliar, Hannelore Knuts and Jane Schmitt, who appears in the online video that precedes the launch of the capsule collection and has already piqued the curiosity of fashion followers around the world.

The campaign was shot in Paris in late July and will be distributed around mid-November to the media, while the collection designed by Alber Elbaz will be in H&M stores on the 23rd.

That being said, I want all the LBDs here! Now, the big question is, how much will these go for? 

Oxfords This October

Only at ZARA!

UPDATE: According to Shobe Jean at Zara, the one on the leftmost has been marked down, the brown one next to it is all out (I am not surprised, that's my fave!), the dark blue ones after that are also marked down (I'm actually liking these blue suede shoes too!). The one on the rightmost has limited stocks left! My oh my, it's only mid-month and stocks are flying off the shelves!

Manila, We'll Have to Wait Patiently

So, H&M tweeted about new H&M stores in Austria, Canada, China, Germany, the Netherlands, Slovakia and the US of course.

Naturally, H&M fan that I am, I had to ask about Manila and Singapore! Sadly, according to H&M, there's nothing to report yet on Manila! Does this mean a Singapore store is in the works? Silence means consent? Heehee!

I guess for now H&M Hong Kong and China will do!

For fast breaking fashion news, follow me on Twitter! =)

GlamBox Mink Lash

Hey, now you can wear fur in Manila - and by that, I mean fake lashes made of luxurious mink!

Val and Andrea, the girls behind GlamBox airbrush kits have brought in this fab fab fabulous product called GlamBox Mink Lash. As the name suggests,  GlamBox Mink Lashes are made from 100% real mink fur and are 100% handmade. These are of course sterilized and are hypo-allergenic.

Once exclusively custom-made for  celebrities like Oprah and Madonna, us regular girls can have a go at these super soft, lightweight, velvety, flexible and natural-looking lashes. Retail price is Php 1,500 per pair.

But wait! Before PETA gets all riled up about this, read on!

GlamBox Mink Lashes are Animal Friendly

GlamBox Mink Lashes are made from individually selected mink furs that have been harvested by gently brushing live farm animals. They are not chemically treated or dyed to ensure the velvet appearance that can only be found in minkfur.

Now, for some FAQs:

Can it be re-used?

Yes! GlamBox Mink Lashes can be used for up to 15-20 times with proper care.

How to Use?

1. Curl your lashes with an eyelash curler.
2. Cut lashes at the ends to suit your eye lash line size.
3. Gently shape the band of the lashes with your fingers to give it a curve.
4. Dab on a thin line of lash adhesive to the lash band (Tip: you can use a toothpick)
5. Position the lash bands from the inner to the outer corners of your eyes. Place them as close to your natural lash line as possible. Hold them firmly in place until they’re set.

How to Remove?

Apply some eye makeup remover to the eye lash area. Wait a few seconds to allow adhesive to loosen up. Take a corner of the lash band and carefully pull the lashes off.

How to Store?

Wash lashes using a gentle eye makeup remover to take out dirt. Soak lashes in water for about 5 minutes to soften adhesive. Use a pair of tweezers to remove excess glue. Store lashes in the original packaging to retain its shape.

To order of for more details, visit:
www.glamboxairbrush.com / glamboxcosmetics.multiply.com
Call: 0922-8200172
Email: glamboxcosmetics@yahoo.com

Tory Burch Key Fob Promo

Have you started on your Christmas shopping yet? Now's the time, especially when there's a "free gift with purchase" thing going on at shops. Because who doesn't get a kick out of freebies! Take for instance Tory Burch's key fob promo:

As a pre-holiday treat, Tory Burch Greenbelt 5 will be giving away this free Tory Burch Reva key fob for every single receipt purchase of P15,000 on regular price handbags and small leather goods.

Promo runs from October 16 to November 19 only.