Thursday, December 13, 2012

Sports, Fashion and Inspiration



It is unquestionable that sports influence us at many different levels. The depth ranges from it creating an idolizing fan base, to promoting competitive spirit, to inspiring dreams of becoming great athletes, to name a few. It also rouses fashion trends.  

On court, I would say Tennis is most fashionable, shaped by Rene Lacoste, Fred Perry, Andre Agassi, Maria Sharapova and the Williams sisters. Off court, men’s Basketball stars can be seen gracing fashion magazine covers, walking many red carpets and influencing the latest sneakers craze. While most shoes are designed for court performance, others mainly for syle. These ones are definitely made for looks!


Gucci, Alexander McQueen and Guiseppe Zanotti

OK, what I really want to feature here are these two kind-hearted and true champs who tirelessly continue to fight Type1 Diabetes with fitness, one point at a time:

Former high school and college varsity tennis player, Ivan Vidamo, a juvenile diabetic, says, “Occupying my time with tennis and gym not only lets me have a positive outlet from the daily grind but it also helps keep my blood sugar in check.  I like looking good.  And I love shoes” (laughs). Ivan enjoys coaching high school tennis teams and one-on-one weight training.  He is motivated to stay active by his family, friends and followers on social networks.






Local sports enthusiast, Jeigh de Boda, also a juvenile diabetic, competes to fight his disease.  Playing ball helps maintain his blood glucose to normal limits as well as to motivate his co-athletes to continue their journey to good health.  Growing up in lower middle class and a sentimental story deeply rooted in his heart, fired up his passion for sneakers.





Sport is about camaraderie, it is a social gathering that strengthens friendship and promotes brotherhood.  To some of us, sports mean all of the above and more…

Shout out to the Fil-Am Basketball Association (FABA) of Arizona, organized by Bong Molina and Jessie Cabrera, for bringing the Filipino Community together.  FABA holds quarterly leagues in Metro-Phoenix area.  


Wednesday, December 12, 2012

121212 Concert



New York City / New Jersey spirit lives!

Heavy weight music icons the likes of Eric Clapton, Sir Paul McCartney, Bruce Springsteen, Billy Joel, The Rolling Stones, The Who get together at the sold out Madison Square Garden for a benefit concert for victims of Hurricane Sandy.

There is no way to miss this LIVE concert with almost 40 television stations airing, 30+ websites streaming and radio stations playing it.  Am enjoying this amazing classic rock!

And what’s a star studded show without some fashion statement…

Kirsten Stewart looked like she ran away fast from her hairbrush in her neon yellow, black & grey short track suit by Jonathan Simkhai Resort 2013 Collection.

Image credits JustJared.com

Alicia Keys looked fab as she rendered “Brand New Me” in her not so brand new red halter style jumpsuit.  She came back during the finale looking more stunning in a gold dress.



Kanye West made an entrance sporting what looks like a Givenchy leather skirt he wore in his London tour last year.




Blake Lively in Isabel Marant's red studded leather dress and beige wooven platform booties by Christian Louboutin. 





Monday, December 10, 2012

Health and Fashion



First day back to healthy life style after a few days of detox.  That means - more fruits and vegetables, organic as much as possible; regular vitamin intake; constant hydration; and early-to-bed-early-to rise routine with no less than 8 hours of sleep (this will be the toughest!).   Then beginning a daily 800-calorie burn workout tomorrow.  

Why this crazy plan before the holidays? …because today is "technically" my last day of work in 2012, well except for a few late meetings here and there.  That means – out of office auto-reply messages, last day for office fashion and casual days are ahead. Time to reward myself with 3 weeks of R&R…yeah!

It only takes 21 days to build a habit, just in time for a healthy 2013 start.  For the mean time, one last corporate look...







Narciso Rodriguez dress
Skaist-Taylor vest
Prada handbag
Enzo peep toes
Ralph Lauren eyewear
Ann Taylor Loft brooch $32

Makers from Cambodia, Italy, Brazil and China.


Tuesday, December 4, 2012

Will I Go Ombre Again?



After I grow my hair out…most likely not! Considering how much it costs, I could have bought a designer clutch on sale.

I was pretty leery about this trend to begin with.  I sported this back in 2004 when I skipped the salon and opted for an “8-month un-retouched roots” look. Unfortunately, it was not “in” then. 

Kudos to my hairstylist, Jessica of Dolce Salon and Spa who did a wonderful job in consulting and making me feel comfortable about this experiment.  It took almost 4 hours for roots retouch, foil lifting selected crown sections, hand-bleaching the lower half, full head toner application, shampoo/deep condition, cut and finally style.  I was tired afterwards and I didn’t even do anything but sit.  Ah…the sacrifices we make... LOL!

Before

Foil Lifting

Toner Application

After


For the mean time, I will enjoy my new hairstyle and all the compliments I am receiving!  And while “brown to blonde” is the more popular ombre, I opted for “dark brown to red” which seems appropriate for Autumn.  Style it straight or curly?






                                                       

Monday, December 3, 2012

Work That Party



It’s party season once again!  

Time to be fashionably prepared not only for weekend festivities but also for work night office affairs.  A must in my wardrobe is a versatile LBD for effortless transformation from an office-friendly outfit to an elegant evening look.  Packed in my party kit are bright red lipsticks, pearl necklace, a sparkly clutch and a pair of pointy stilettos.  Oh, and a faux fur vest to cover up from the evening breeze.

From work...

To party...




Submitted in participation to the IFB Project #73: Show Off Your Holiday Party Style.


New York & Company faux wrap dress
Skaist-Taylor vest
Calvin Klein fish net stockings
Coach briefcase and stewardess bag
Vintage clutch $8
Nine West boots
BCBG pumps
Ralph Lauren eyewear
Tahitian pearls

Makers from China, Sri Lanka, Brazil and US


Sunday, December 2, 2012

Pre-holiday Family Cheers



A bright color-block dress paired with neutral handbag and shoes, a holiday scarf, and a splash of gold accessories is just right for a pre-Christmas weekend family luncheon.  Cheers!





Submitted in participation to the IFB #73: Show Off Your Holiday Party Style.

Narciso Rodriguez dress
Monsac handbag
Gianni Bini shoes
Holiday Scarf (hand me down) $0
Chanel earrings
Bebe bangles

Makers from China, Brazil, Italy, and US



Saturday, December 1, 2012

Autumn Blues in My Mind



The Urban dictionary defines Autumn as "a very exotic type of female. She has a mystery to her which people love. She tends to be flirty but never easy. She knows her boundaries and has a great intuition."

Autumn is also known as the period of maturity, hence harvest time, or of beginning decline. No doubt that summer end gives me the blues, and so here is Autumn Blues in My Mind <--click the link.

On second thoughts, there's no time for drab. 'Tis the moment of love and celebration with 3 Fs - FAMILY, FRIENDS and FOOD. Looking forward to glam up for festivities, holidays and parties of the season...FASHION is the 4th F =)






Chanel accessories, eci New York blouse, Express strapless LBD underneath ($20), Chloe handbag, Christian Louboutin pumps.



Friday, November 23, 2012

Local Shopping on Saturday


While I like Cyber Monday, I do enjoy the traditional Christmas shopping, bargain hunting from one store to another. It burns more calories with my legs walking than my fingers clicking.  Nope, not Black Friday, I prefer the Small Business Saturday shopping!

Why join the mad rush on Black Friday, when you can leisurely shop the following day and help boost the local economy by buying from small business owners in the neighborhood.  And if you are an American Express cardholder, you can get $25 back one time when you spend $25 or more in a qualifying small business on Nov 24th.



My Small Business Saturday Itinerary…
  • Grab a cup of joe from Press Coffee Roasters, a sleek, artsy and eco-friendly coffee shop that offers coffee tasting, pairings and barista classes!
  • Swing by Danny’s Family Car Wash for $5 off any early bird (pay before 9am) full service.
  • Drop off my laundry at Evergreen Dry Cleaner in Scottsdale Quarters.
  • Pre-book for Sunday showing of Skyfall at iPic Theatres, and purchase gift cards stocking stuffers.
  • On to Allie Ollie’s Boutique at Paradise Valley Mall for one-stop shop for me, mom, sisters, girlfriends… practically all the women in my life. Did you know that they have a party room, and they serve champagne? 
  • Grubs at Picazzo Organic Italian Kitchen, Butternut Squash Ravioli and Organic Homemade Lemonade are my faves or enjoy ½ price wine bottles on Saturdays! Join their rewards program and get ready for the freebies.
  • Browse through limited quantity of high-end items in South Beach ambiance at Republic of Couture, back in Scottsdale Quarters. I might find a good deal =) 
  • There’s always interesting pieces at Free People.
  • I’ve never been to 42 Saint but I heard that they carry over 70 designers, unique clothing and cool accessories. I am curious to see what they have!
  • Stop to hydrate at Narcisse Champagne and Tea Lounge =) 
  • Me time at Dolce Salon and Spa for Mio Dolce Chocolate Pedicure Spa and more gift cards to stuff the stockings. 
  • Dinner date at Eddie V’s Prime Seafood.
  • Wind down with some on-line shopping before retiring:  Shawl Dawls (click link for coupon codes) and Contemporary Vintage Fashion by Bri Seeley (use code BLKSEELEY to get 50% off all of your online purchases) have special deals thru Cyber Monday.
SHOP SMALL to grow the ECONOMY BIG again! 

Saturday, November 10, 2012

Phoenix Fashion Week '12 Men's Fashion




Élevée Custom Clothing and Lifestyle


What a perfect night for fashion and gorgeous men. Love it!  The looks at 3:35 and 4:05 are my faves. And I can totally see me (well, mostly my stems) in this video...on the right - Row 1, Seat 5, with hair up, strapless leather LBD, and red soles =)


Élevée is known for suiting up athletes, both veterans and rookies, especially during the most important event of their sports career, the Draft!







                                                             

Sunday, October 28, 2012

Posh... Not Scary



The kids are still counting down to October 31st for disguising as ghosts, Disney princesses, or super heroes to go trick-and-treating around the neighborhood and collect goodies.

On the other hand, the adults may have already displayed their costumes in this past weekend’s festivities most probably competing in a Halloween Costume Challenge / Contest, much like the IFB #70 project. Several of my friends go all out to celebrate All Hallows’ Eve, as it is their Christmas Eve.

I may not have dressed up in spooky attires during fright parties but I wouldn’t want to mess with these women… can you recognize who?

Image inserts from Wikipedia

Image insert from movieposter.com

What can I say, I like playing English characters.  And for my next costume - a bob wig, an oversized sunglasses, a birkin and a DIY life-size cut out for my date. It would definitely be POSH... not scary!



Happy safe halloween to all!!!



Sunday, October 21, 2012

Style Fashion Week L.A. S/S 2013



What a refreshing style! I want everything in this contemporary vintage fashion, high quality, 100% American-made designer pieces.

Bri Seeley Spring/Summer 2013




Saturday, October 20, 2012

Be "Covered in Style"



My friends and family know that I am pretty useless when I am hungry or cold. As long as I have "merienda" (a snack) and a cover-up nearby, I am good to go.

I am easy... I eat anything, well except liver and okra.  And when it comes to sweaters/wraps, I always pick black so it is unnoticeable that I wear the same staple pieces.

Until I DISCOVERED Shawl Dawls, a unique line of versatile shawls, of various colors and prints, that can be styled, not 1… not 2… not 3, but 15+ convertible ways!  That’s like Buy 1 Get 14 FREE, what a great DEAL.   It is light enough for day wear and great for layering in the evening.   It is the absolute accessory for any season of the year.

I caught up with the Shawl Dawls designers, Roshena Chadha and Julie Cruz, during their trunk show at Allie Ollie’s Boutique grand opening in Paradise Valley Mall and learned how this wonderful idea came to fruition and how quickly they built their company from the ground up. Watch...



What I like most is that the Shawl Dawls clothing line is a one-size-fits-all, and we do not have to worry about looking at that number on the tag. Remember vanity sizing? That said, it also makes it a perfect gift for practically anyone – mom, sister, girlfriend, aunt grandma, etc. (Tip: Christmas Shopping)


These shawls can be worn casual or styled elegantly.  It is simple, yet so chic.  Multiple ways to wear it allows a different look for every occasion.  The transformation literally takes seconds, it's amah-zing! You have to see it to believe it!

See the complete How-to-Style video that incorporates a belt, a brooch and other accessories for additional ways to wear.  Hmm, I forgot to ask about Man-Dawls styling, hopefully Roshena or Julie would leave a comment and give us the scoop =)

As for me, a black canvas underneath "Covered in Style" with a pretty-in-pink Shawl Dawls shawl. I love it!



Shawl Dawls cinch style long shawl
Gap top $2.99
Gap Leggings
Big Buddha belt
Chloe handbag
Nine West boots
Chanel earrings and ring
Monet necklace
Hermes bracelet


Sunday, October 7, 2012

Haute in the Desert



Many may not recognize, Cebu native Furne One (pronounced fern oh-nay) in his motherland, the Philippines, however he is a household name for the very rich and famous in Dubai where he hails for more than 13 years now.

World-renowned, Furne (short for his real name Fernando) and his well-established Amato Haute Couture have solid clientele followings from Arabic cities.  In the last few years, Furne has also made a major breakthrough in the western arena. Furne is a rising Hollywood designer catering to celebrities the likes of Kate Perry, Nicki Minaj, Shakira, Jennifer Lopez and many more.

Gracing the Fashionably Pink Runway Show at the Musical Instrument Museum (MIM), Furne kicked off the 2012 Phoenix Fashion Week on October 3, where he dressed America’s Next Top Model Rana Hein in this “Breast Cancer Awareness” inspired pink gown that was auctioned off to raise money for Susan G. Komen For the Cure.

Image via Phoenix Fashion Week on Facebook

Phoenix Fashion Week focuses on "Bridging Designers and Buyers" and works from 3 pillars namely Fashion, Education and Humanity to push Arizona fashion forward.  It has always been a community effort worth being a part of.

For the last night of Phoenix Fashion Week, I had an awesome front row seat to witness the most-anticipated finale, Furne One’s 31-piece “best of” collection...



Some still shots from the same collection...









And if you missed Furne One, he is back in the valley on Friday, October 26th 2012 in a private hanger runway show at the Scottsdale Air Center to unveil his Spring 2013 collection titled Confession of Mata Hari: A Tribute to McQueen.  This is event benefits The Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation.