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.