shoevagirl

Manila's collection

2011-04-10T17:45:00.000+08:00

Malls seem overrated when you discover a place such as The Collective. What I love most about it is its discreet location, along one of the side streets of Makati. It's housed in a rundown building but once you step inside you'll be swallowed in all things hip and indie.

First thing you'll see is Wingman, a small resto serving the most amazing buffalo wings in all kinds of flavors. Yum.

Blue lemonade in a San Mig beer mug

Further inside are unique, quirky shops

Check out this tattoo shop and the murals

Must come back when the shops are open!

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My other shoe collection (part 2)

2011-04-05T12:00:00.000+08:00

Unlike in my earlier post, these babies won't fit Barbie. In fact they're not for any doll. They're shoe erasers!

Despite not for use by tiny plastic feet, these were done with comfort in mind. Look at the platforms of these colorful pumps!

These boots are made for correcting mistakes. Lol!

Miniature shoe collection may be growing as fast as my real pairs!

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Golden discovery

2011-04-04T12:29:00.001+08:00

I couldn't resist. Had a trigger-happy-online-ordering moment as soon as I learned about this local shoe designer.

Ordered 2 pairs and a bag.

www.goldendot.multiply.com

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I am an IT girl!

2011-04-04T12:25:00.000+08:00

There are three things I would like to be known for:
1) my shoe obsession
2) my supermom role
3) my career

So the feature on me and four other women in this month's Sense & Style is pretty exciting!

I was asked to bring a cocktail dress and some nude shoes as backup but was told they would provide for everything including hair and makeup.

I loved my makeup! The hair, not so sure. The dress, totally not me but I was the last one to be shot and that was the only piece left. Couldn't wear my favorite grey lace dress anymore as they had to consider the color combination for the group shot.

It was indeed a very welcome break from all the brain-shattering day at work. Being expected to sit, be pretty and not think doesn't really happen a lot!

It was great to meet other ladies who share the same passion and challenges any working woman has. Very interesting too how similar technology companies can be quite different in how they do things.

Some points on the article wasn't as what I answered them but overall it was a good one!

Realized my passion for my family as well as for my work are so jelled into my life that I end up talking about my being a mom too.

So I guess #s 2 and 3 in my list above have been ticked. My shoepergirl story would have to wait.

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Blushing Geisha

2010-09-22T07:43:00.001+08:00

I love Nicholas Kirkwood.

And I love discovering new shoe sources.

Don't judge me. I just really love shoes.
shoes by Blushing Geisha

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out-takes

2010-08-28T23:15:00.007+08:00

Been planning this photo shoot with my two photographers (one "official", the other strictly for my twitter #wearorpurge) for months and finally got to sneak it in one of our offsite events.

I was to pick 18 pairs of shoes. It was indeed an excruciating experience! After hours of staring at the mess of strewn boxes all over the room, thinking of color and style combinations, I ended up with just 10 -- and this is only because my biggest luggage can only fit 10 boxes. I refuse to throw them in without protection!

Packed a few basic dresses for me and the other "model-slash-wearorpurge-photographer". While I had my extra large bag (for a one-night event, take note), G brought loads of camera equipment. They were humongous, but they managed to fit into the small hotel room.

Here are some of the fun out-takes taken from my iPhone. A and I extremely enjoyed it and are fervently hoping it is not the last (despite G's plans to leave us!).

look at all that setup! you'd think we were in a real studio

@financelyblonde strutting her stuff

Shoe-less shots

2010-08-23T23:10:00.002+08:00

more photos, this time without the shoes =)

Miss Shoeniverse

2010-08-20T19:16:00.002+08:00

I don't know what it is about shoes that make me happy. Instead of attempting with words, let me show you through these images.

Photos by my photographer G, post-work by my T

Worth the wait!

2010-07-25T16:52:00.000+08:00

Every shoe lover knows how opening a shoe box for the first time is almost as good as its first outing. The moment your palms touch that top of the box, then the anticipated rummaging through paper tissues, then a sneak peek of those tall heels. It's like seeing twin babies facing each other, waiting to be cared for.

Today was no exception. Imagine opening three! What a grand time I had, especially after waiting for them for two whole months! The agony!... and now the reward!

Michael Antonio snakeskin 5.5in heels

Forever21 Victorian shoes

Forever21 mesh sexy heels

The Michael Antonios were the first pair I wore. Verdict: it's one of the most uncomfortable pairs I own! Now don't get me wrong. I may not end up using them often, but I'm sure happy just staring at them!

The next ones were the brown side-buttoned booties. Amazing! Paired it with cropped trousers and soft Chinese silk vintage top. Fit was perfect!

Saved the best for last - the black mesh heels are absolute heaven! Looks so seductive, I wore it to a PR event with a tamed business suit.

Doing this online-shopping-through-relative-in-the-States is pure torture. But it was definitely worth the wait!

Parisian chic

2010-07-11T14:12:00.017+08:00

They say Paris is the ultimate fashion haven. I've never been there, but I think I may have had a taste of it with a shoe brand called Parisian.

The mall that started it all is aptly named ShoeMart, for short "SM", which is widely and wildly popular in this side of my world for great bargains and complete selection. It did start as a shoe shop and later on grew to the most successful retailer in the country, carrying all things you can think of. Their slogan "we've got it all for you" captures it perfectly.

I remember years back, this brand was merely associated with affordable, sensible shoes. In fact no fashionista in the past decade would have dreamed of wearing one. But look at how it has evolved! It boasts of fashion-forward designs, some "inspired" but a lot are original and I am constantly awed by their creativity and craftmanship. Most of all, how do they manage to do all that and price it at $15-40!

Their current showcase comes from the Philippine Fashion Week and I might have gone back for it about four times now as I find myself craving for a pair I left behind. I might end up buying everything here.

my favorite design from this collection, but not as comfortable as the rest

i'm still tempted to go back for these, though not very practical in this weather

trying them out, i'm obviously panicking

the shop literally turned off their lights as my friend and i finalized our selection

i was very torn: the white or the beige?...

...went for the beige and no regrets! i can wear it with virtually anything in my closet

trying on more styles...

Here are some other Parisian shoes in my closet:

Grey-blue victorian lace up cut out heels

studded black gladiators

back-studded grey suede booties

strappy heels in delicious blue

black booties with hot pink back detail

Vixen super strappy booties in blush color

Bangkal treasures

2010-06-06T23:06:00.001+08:00

The places I'm willing to go for thrift finds!
This one I've heard of in the past but really never bothered to check out. One "domestically busy" (i.e. motherly errands such as doctor checkups) Saturday, I chanced upon a feature on the newspaper on bargain hunts. One was in Makati, the commercial business district in the Phils, and the article said if you're lucky, you may even find designer's handbags and shoes! Obviously, the latter part made me drive all the way to Bangkal.

I should have expected it won't be a "stroll in the park". It was literally rows of residential streets selling all kinds of wares - from furnitures to trinkets, to used books. Think yard sale but this one's open forever.

Here are some interesting stuff I found, but didn't buy.

Japanese scary mask (ceramic)

antique brooches, earrings, necklaces, all in good condition

whatever you can think of is here!

my K had a grand time book-shopping

I did snag a few items - an orange velvet vintage thick belt, navy blue chain belt, antique clip on earrings, and this adorable mini doctor's bag. the zipper inside is just screaming at me to buy it!

Happy Mothers Day shoes

2010-05-09T09:38:00.001+08:00

I'm no artist but with the right inspiration I can create a decent sketch.

My last shoe shopping was super rushed and I had second thoughts with these black booties as they were not very easy to put on. The pink slingback is made of PVC/ hard type of garter so I thought maybe it's not such a practical purchase.

Several sleepless nights later, I found myself trying to rearrange my schedule so I'll have time go back for them. Even went to the same mall in Davao (southern part of the country) in between work engagements. After three failed attempts, I ended up in the same mall talking to the same saleslady. She already knew me (surprise surprise) and prepared 3 pairs of this same shoe to choose from (I check every stitching, leather scratches, etc).

Almost bought this brown lace up pair too --

-- and this

But obviously just very happy with this!

Black booties, SM department store, Php1,299.75

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Blush-worthy

2010-05-04T01:30:00.000+08:00

These were the sky high wedges I fell in love with in Zara. Somehow I knew the shoe-niverse had something grander in store for me. And I was totally right!

Perfectly called "Vixen" in "blush" color, I bought it in between school shoes shopping with the girls. Somehow (like almost every time), I got to sneak in a couple of minutes to run to the ladies' section. Lo and behold, the (current) love of my life, waiting for me on a corner shelf nobody usually notices.

I love how the garter stretches at the side to make room for the feet to slide in. The solid heel which gives good support, no balancing act needed. The strap-happy design. And did I mention the color? The color is to die for! Makes me blush.

The new pairs sure are piling up. But I'm definitely wearing these this week!

Vixen caged heels in blush, Parisian Jr for Php1,299 (about USD29)

Meet Charles & Keith

2010-04-24T23:04:00.000+08:00

As usual, my Singapore trip was another toxic, sleep-depriving, must-remain-intellectual-at-all-times kind of trip. And like in any of my travels, I always hope there's that 1hour break I can manage to shop for shoes.

For the first time ever, I packed very light (key is to pack dresses and one fierce shoes!) to give space for all the goodies I'm bringing to my colleagues from all over SouthEast Asia (they love the vegetarian pork rind "chicharon" and some mangorind candies - combination of Philippine mango and tamarind). In fact, I brought so much that I had an extra overnight bag. I never expected to go home with the same luggage weight.

I guess it was "meant to be" - on the first day, my Steve Maddens failed me for the 2nd time. It got ripped just as I was presenting in front of a boardroom of highly charged, mentally superior group of people (I was the first to present). So needless to say, I NEEDED to buy a replacement pair. And as always, Mr Charles and Mr Keith were ever reliable.

These light gold sandals were the perfect shade, the perfect cut! Bought it in 20min flat, while the shop was closing. It was not on sale, but still not bad at only S$53 (about USD35). I went home to my hotel very happy.

But my pretty Thai friend was much happier, carrying 4 bags worth of 11 pairs of shoes. Look at that smile - no boyfriend can put that kind of smile on any woman's face!

And look at her loot. She actually had to request for 2 FedEx boxes and we spent our last night packing away (convinced her to keep the boxes so the shoes wont get damaged en route to Bangkok).

Two of our pairs were exactly alike. The black criss cross at the lower right of the photo above had a hot pink version which somehow didn't suit me as well, but I was so tempted to buy them. The pretty friend was very "mad" at me for constantly saying "super nice" with all the pairs she tried on (but they WERE super nice on her lovely white feet!).

Not to say, I didn't have my own share. Just 6 pairs (compared to her 11 - I'm obviously trying to lessen my guilt), though not counting the flat sandals I bought from Rubi.

All were from Charles&Keith except for the disco ball silver shoes from Rubi.

My fave pair from this splurge --

This brand has evolved so much in the past years. With fiercer designs, I look forward to more meet ups with these guys.

Friend says this shoe shopping will last her a year. I said "yeah right". Perhaps I was giving myself a reason not to abide by her rule?

all shoes ave price of S$29, 5 from C&K, 1 from Rubi

16 pairs down

2010-04-10T11:00:00.000+08:00

Spring cleaning more than 10 years worth of stuff (er, junk) has brought me to weed out 16 pairs of shoes. Wow. Not amazed by the number of pairs I've amassed (obviously gone past that already), but I'm awed by how much my taste and sense of adventure in shoes have changed!

Goodbye to chunky heels, adieu to squarish toes, farewell to 2inches and lower.

Rarely or over-used clothes also went in to the pile --

Kinda deadly if you ask me. I have this feeling I have every right to replace those sixteen pairs in one go.

The search for the perfect red dress

2010-03-09T20:55:00.000+08:00

For someone who does a lot of shopping, I still don't own a red dress. Whether I've been outbid on eBay for a Zara shift dress, or the length wasn't right I ended up giving it away.

I guess that's one of the reasons why i had this year's formal wear done in red (that, and the inspiration from Eva Longoria).

I think I could do with this for the moment.

(dress by Abbie A)

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Infatuation

2010-03-08T20:30:00.000+08:00

Delicious.

Topshop finally brought these babies to Manila --

The metallic pumps are to die for. The fit though was not good.

So much styles!

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Where art thou shoe?

2010-03-07T20:26:00.001+08:00

It's been a month and I have not yet received the text message i've been waiting for.

I hope Glad (that's the name of the mall saleslady) has not forgotten to reserve a size 37 for me.

Shoe gods, grant me this pair!

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Thrifting on a Saturday morning

2010-03-06T23:41:00.000+08:00

It's been a while since the last time I've gone to a garage sale. I forgot what this posh village can potentially offer a thrifter like me, with jetsetter homeowners or wives of expats who may have grown out of their designer clothes. Or that stay-at-home mom who is just as shopaholic as me but has much deeper pockets and regularly weeds out out-of-season clothes.

Yesterday I got dragged by my sister-in-law to this quaint Italian style house. From the outside it looked like any yard sale with old clothes strewn all over, I thought this would be a quick stop. But boy was I glad I let myself get dragged! Racks of designer clothes greeted my eager sifting hands. It was just a matter of grabbing the right one before somebody else did.

We were lucky because there weren't many people. The best items usually don't last until lunch time. There was a lady however, that almost sabotaged a fab find I had in my hands. She was insisting there was a burnt part on the dress despite I can't see a thing. Only to find out she was waiting for me to let it go. She was literally eyeing the clothes I tried on, then whispering to the girl selling to grab it as soon as I drop it. That actually enhanced my shopping experience, knowing there was somebody else desiring my finds and that they can never have it (insert evil laughter here).

Check out this ultra beaded denim Versace dress. Bought for £6,450, now selling for Php60,000 (um, still won't buy it). Worn once by a model for a shoot.

And the shoes! It's tragic her size was a 6, otherwise this Cole Haan patent pumps retailing for Php18,000 would have been mine for only Php3,000. The soles were clearly used but was in tip-top condition you'll never know it was second hand.

Aldo gladiator pair selling for Php800.

I hope to post my finds next time when I'm wearing them, but you won't know they came from this shopping spree. Most were used once, with one still brand new: off white boyfriend blazer, destructured black wide collar jacket, navy blue knit long cardigan, very form fitting jersey shirtdress, and turquoise shift dress.

Must do this again soon!

so much shoes, so little time (and money!)

2010-03-01T15:00:00.000+08:00

i don't remember having these many shoe styles to choose from back in the day. maybe i wasn't paying attention then but i'm quite sure the selection then was not as mouth-watering as they are now!

while i don't necessarily believe (direct) knock-offs should be tolerated, i'm amazed by the thought of having endless possibilities of finding that fabulous pair inspired by a much more expensive, unreachable designer brand.

whether online, your local department store, or that fashion student who just started her own line, i'm giddy with excitement for what's more to come!

Raphael Young shoes (photo from shoewawa.com)

my egyptian loot

2010-02-28T15:06:00.000+08:00

perhaps as enthralled as i was with the great pyramid, the sphinx, the royal mummies and the enchanting egyptian culture, a peek at king tutankhamun's jewelry collection would have a "chapter" of its own in my travel journal. unfortunately, photos were not allowed inside the egyptian museum, and i had to rely on savoring that moment as i stared at the incredible pieces.

there were about 5 or 6 glass showcase tables displaying what they have found on the youngest and arguably one of the most controversial pharaohs in egypt. the intricate design, the stones used, the grandeur of each piece left me breathless. i was awed, i swear you could almost see me drool. from earrings to collar necklaces, even a mummy belt to hold the bandages together!

it wasn't just the gold or how priceless these items are. what i can't get over most is how they appeal to me as strongly now as it may had to their people during their time. how they appear so current, i can imagine reading them in a "must have list" on vogue today.

disappointing as it is, i can't seem to find images of the other extravagant pieces. i did find one, and an appropriate one at that. tut's collar --

i couldn't help it. i just had to have my own!

look at the detail!

when i wore this at work, people keep commenting about my "cleopatra" look. yet they're clueless it was king tut himself who inspired this piece!

my other fab finds (some given to friends, most kept for myself) --

necklaces, rings, cuff, all from Khan el-Khalili market

necklace, bangle, from Sheraton Luxor

shoe sketches

2010-02-27T22:51:00.010+08:00

lately i find myself getting that same 'ole feeling when i see beautifully drawn shoe sketches, the way i would feel when i see an actual pair of fierce footwear. i can't even bring myself to call them "the next best thing", they're so pretty i can stare at them the whole day.

i wish i could draw and come up with my own to-die-for-shoe-designs. for now, i'll wait for K and M to grow up and turn my shoe dreams to reality.

sketch by 6yo M, with curly-cue heels

I need therapy

2010-02-20T17:27:00.000+08:00

The year has just started, and already I have purchased X number of new pairs. I don't want to reveal it, as I feel too guilty over the splurge. BUT. I. JUST. CAN'T. HELP. IT.!

During one trip to a shoe haven (read: great designs at rock bottom prices), my heart was actually palpitating, after just one look at the "new arrivals" section.

I always get comments how they can't imagine how my room looks with all these shoe boxes. I tell them, it's not my room I'm worried about, it's the other rooms in the house that are threatened to share space with my "babies".

This video made me smile. I hope I don't end up looking for shoes in the kitchen drawers.

my other shoe collection

2009-11-29T09:14:00.000+08:00

i remember when i was a little girl, i wondered how come barbie's shoes looked all the same, only varying in color. for such a fashionista, she seemed not to pay attention to her shoes that much.

i guess that evolved and she ventured into more adventurous pairs.

i didn't get hooked then, and maybe for the same reason that the 1980s barbie had.

i started collecting these adorable mini pairs last year and i'm amazed at the details and how they come up with of-the-moment styles.

my current favorite and latest find are the pink gladiator heels. up close you'll see a bow on top that makes this pair ruggedly feminine. the blue t-strap pair is also stunning.

i wish i had pumps in these colors too.

i'm sure barbie is having the time of her life now, the way i am with my life-size collection.

mini shoe collection, now at 22 pairs
thanks to my T for the first 2 photos above

once-in-a-lifetime find

2009-11-25T20:17:00.001+08:00

Christian Louboutin Leopard-Print Ankle Boots, $1,095 – Saks Fifth Avenue

Shoe Garden leopard boots, $12 - Chinatown, Sydney

tried it on as soon as i got to my hotel room!

fierce-ness!

ain't life grand?

back in singapore's arms

2009-11-24T15:45:00.001+08:00

glad to be in the loving arms of orchard road once again!
after almost a year, i'm ecstatic to walk along its strip of gargantuan malls and pleased to see there's a very new one.

Ion Orchard mall is enormous!

came across this Levi's exhibit at the Wysma where you get to trade in your old jeans and get a new Levi's pair for half the price.

Look at their loot!

Jeans turned into denim butterfly

coming back next month. hope there's more time to shop this time.

through Gio's eyes

2009-11-23T15:06:00.001+08:00

women say finding your own hair stylist is close to a eureka moment: it just does not happen often and when it does, you know it's a discovery of a lifetime.

and what could be better than finding someone who can immortalize you, in the most graceful way and surprisingly in angles you've never thought you looked good in.

well i did. my photographer (he does not know but i'd like to think he's exclusively "mine") Gio will never fail to make you feel the most "fantastic", "gorgeous", "beautiful", "perfect" subject he has ever photographed.

my all time favorite; shot in Bohol island, sometime in 2006

i know this post will make my T jealous as he is a great photographer too =)

our paradise

2009-11-22T15:05:00.000+08:00

i always wonder why still very few people outside our country have heard of the island of Boracay. or at least compared to Bali, Phuket, or other neighboring beaches.

the 50minute (propeller) plane ride to Caticlan island + 20minute boat ride is all worth it.

this is Shangrila Resort, very pricey but perfect for honeymooning foreigners, it is pure heaven. your feet won't get wet at all, thanks to their private lounge that takes you direct to the island via their own speed boat.

but if you're a serious beach bum, you're better off at the more affordable resorts that give you beachfront access. maybe i haven't been to the other great beaches of the world, but i can tell you Boracay's sand is nothing you will ever touch. it is powder milk-soft. no exaggeration there.

Shangrila infinity pool

there are 16 treehouse villas (yes you can take it literally) complete with kitchen, living area, private pool, and even an outdoor shower area (um, why would you?). there i am in yellow, welcoming you to my house (i wish!)

Boracay sunset

with Bea and Pau, enjoying late night dinner at D'Mall; all very oily from our Chi Spa sessions

our dessert splurge

come out and check out our paradise

RP in National Geographic’s 25 Best New Travel Destinations in the World for 2010

most photos above c/o Jed and Gio

shoe discovery

2009-11-16T22:03:00.000+08:00

wow! check out this site for drool-worthy shoes!

http://www.alejandroingelmo.com/

photo above from my favorite ultimate shoe blogger http://www.imelda.com.au/

zoe captures it best

2009-11-04T15:30:00.001+08:00

lavett!

2009-11-03T11:52:00.000+08:00

how thrilling is it to find yourself in your fave blog?

a confession. and my blue suede shoes.

2009-11-02T10:47:00.000+08:00

i have a confession to make. i wasn't really being truthful with how many pairs i already own. let me rephrase that... i think i've been in denial... erase, erase.. i guess i've always been afraid of "the wrath of T" when he founds out how much i actually have.

so if you look at my ticker factory above and wonder how it's suddenly where it's at, this is why.

here's my 87th pair, bought from my now favorite shoe splurge shop in singapore, Rubi for only S$49 (an identical Steve Madden pair sells for S$240)

shoe nursery

2009-10-21T22:57:00.000+08:00

the anticipation and seemingly endless waiting.

the restlessness as the days get nearer.

day finally comes and it's exactly how you pictured it!

i love the smell of a newly opened shoe box especially after waiting for it for more than 2 months! the slow unfolding of the paper tissue covering that lovely heeled pair. mmmm and the smell of leather (or faux for that matter). it's heavenly!

my shoes finally arrived from chicago in a small balikbayan box! it practically hoarded more than a third of the space.

look at my babies!

this sky high pewter pair is my favorite. wore them the next day to a press event (statement heels but tamed by the color, so found it to be the perfect thing to wear). i kinda teetered with it, a bit worried i might trip in front of the local news (haha! imagine) but i loved the height, i loved how everyone had to say something about it.

the second pair i wore were these camel cord cork wedges with black slim jeans, black velvet blazer and graphic tee, so it added just the right glamour. surprisingly it's quite comfortable.

this last pair i'm wearing tomorrow, with my plum pencil zippered skirt and white mock turtleneck top. i hope it doesn't rain (typhoon ramil go away). look is too summery, and style is too open to step on little puddles on the street!

so quite obviously, it was worth all the wait! now these little babies are in my (non-existent) shoe closet where they belong.

the evolution

2009-10-20T23:57:00.000+08:00

on the contrary, i wasn't "born in heels". in my earlier working years, i would wear sensible shoes with only an inch. the styles would be safe, squarish toes. a pair in solid black, another in chocolate brown. needless to say i owned perhaps 3 pairs at most.

like in most things, i'm a late bloomer, my shoe addiction evolving slowly but surely (and oh the emphasis on SURELY). later on i graduated to pointy shoes, bolder colors, and taller pairs.

i continue to surprise myself, with shoe choices not going lower than 4inches, opting for the wilder gladiator styles, or the one with the most striking color.

and if i would come up with my own mantra, i would say "show me your shoes, and ill tell you who you have become".

sign seen in a shoe shop at HarbourSide mall, Sydney

there i've said it

2009-10-20T22:52:00.000+08:00

shoe shop in HarbourSide Mall, Sydney Australia

architecture on my mind

2009-10-10T00:25:00.001+08:00

about the same time i scout for how our dream home will look like, i also fell in love with these architectural-looking dresses, with interesting lines and curves that are surprisingly flattering.

you like?

Wish Lust (part six)

2009-10-08T00:20:00.003+08:00

CUT OUT detailed pieces, when are you finding your way to my closet?

jumpsuit crazy

2009-10-07T23:48:00.002+08:00

the jumpsuit trend has been around for quite some time, but we've never seen this many versions until now! check out the printed silky piece, and the green-suit-turned-into-romper!

i am officially jumpsuit-crazy! here are my own thrifted versions:

wearing blue metallic romper Php400, gray cotton jumpsuit Php649, black cowlneck harem jumpsuit Php549, all from the Landmark

Wish Lust (part five)

2009-10-06T23:02:00.001+08:00

I know I have a similar jacket tucked away somewhere, in a bag labelled "clothes for keeps, might trend in the near future". and true enough these sharp-shouldered jackets and tops are so trending right now! we've seen rihanna strut this recently, along with the very posh victoria beckham. i love love the tuxedo type, or the padded biker jacket. the dress aint bad either!

tragically, i cant seem to find this jacket i've oh-so-successfully hidden.

latest loot

2009-10-05T21:42:00.001+08:00

I have 3 favorite thrift therapy destinations: SM department store, Landmark ladies' section, and ukay-ukay shops.

SM Dept Store: the most popular and crowded malls in the Philippines, this is all over the country now with 32 branches. Its tagline "we've got it all for you" never failed to disappoint. Literally, they've got everything under one roof. I usually go here when the girls need to do their own shopping either for school or to update their wardrobe staples. A "side trip" to the ladies' department actually becomes the main event =) Discovered that the best shoe selection is at Megamall, while the newest dresses and tops are in Makati.

Landmark: if I were given a forced choice among the three, I would have picked this. Not only do their items are all priced so deliciously, they actually have the latest styles! When the menswear vest came back in fashion some years back, I found mine here. When high-waisted skirts were all the rage, I bought mine in 3 colors, at Php500 each! My black ten-way dress was purchased for merely Php400+, and my batwing nautical blouses were also among my fantastic finds from this mall. Of course they do have the basics (it's my go-to when I need to update my knitwear and cardigans -- they have such a great selection! Imagine very soft-knit pullovers that can be had for less than Php1,000) but I am constantly amazed by how of-the-moment their items are. Once a month visits is a must as they replenish their stocks quite quickly - local magazines that feature shopped items from the Landmark are never available anymore by the time you read it!

ukay-ukay: a rummage pile, this is thrifting at its ultimate. you can find these shops all over the metro, but the best ones are in baguio city, at the northern part of the country (for a self-proclaimed thrifter, I have actually never been to baguio ukay!). my biker jacket for Php100, my ultimate favorite metallic pink oversized shirt for Php65, are just some of the best finds. will post more of these soon.

Latest loot from the Landmark: black halter harem jumpsuit for Php549, 2 striped shirt dresses for Php419 each, grey cotton jumpsuit for Php649, bright yellow beach dress for Php419, and basic long leggings for Php149

a moment

2009-10-04T21:36:00.000+08:00

The past week was unbearable and heartbreaking. My loved ones were among the thousands badly affected by the flash floods and I just wanted to take a moment and offer the photo above as it represents not just material possessions, but of priceless memories that now have floated away along with Ondoy's wrath.

My parents and brother are now safe and fully recharged and soon going back to our home (now clean but almost emptied). Let this be a reminder for us to respect our Earth, and thank God for all our blessings.

Wish Lust (part four)

2009-09-21T14:57:00.000+08:00

BIKER JACKET

No not the leather one, but warm enough for the cool office weather. Would love to have it in black, but the silky sheen fabric in champagne color is absolutely heavenly!

Great for pairing with strapless summer dresses to toughen up the look, or with plain tees and jeans, this one I need before the holidays!

from shoevagirl's closet: melon colored biker jacket, thrifted for Php100

the ultimate 80s remake

2009-09-21T11:17:00.000+08:00

acid wash is back!

i wouldn't mind wearing this updated 80s look if the dress is right

Break Up

2009-09-21T10:17:00.000+08:00

in other news...
this song is just amazing!

Wish Lust (part three)

2009-09-21T09:45:00.000+08:00

STATEMENT HEELS

And any of these please!

Wish Lust (part two)

2009-09-21T09:23:00.000+08:00

OVERSIZED BOYFRIEND BLAZER

The key word is oversized. I've been searching for the perfect piece (perfect = cheap), something that fits well on the shoulder but totally drowns the rest of your body (such as the black one below - upper left corner); a great unexpected color would be a bonus too (magenta colored double-breasted - lower right corner); or a very masculine one (such as the plaid piece at the bottom).

COBALT BLUE SHOES

Must I explain further?

Wish Lust (part one)

2009-09-20T21:17:00.000+08:00

I'm coming up with this wish list in time for my birthday and Christmas and (fervently) hope someone from my family (friends welcome too!) gifts me with one of these....

For more than a month now I've been lusting for animal prints, and is surprised they are suddenly all over the place, most recently at the new york fashion week.

i'm on the hunt (pun intended) for unexpected pieces, like these fabulous finds --

> my ultimate fave is the oversized cardigan in not too in-your-face-leopard-print. genius!
> the zebra tube dress is just so delicious! the splash of color gives it a great twist.
> the silky slinky tank top is perfect for under a more subdued work outfit, or hide it under a bomber jacket and pair with skinny jeans - voila! you've got yourself a "subtle seductress" look.
> georgia jagger's sharp shoulder coat is to die for!
> the black&gray zebra coat is so understated-ly glam
> and the shoes... the shoes are simply a luxury to have (especially those christian louboutin booties)

from shoevagirl's closet: zebra print bag, Php199 from ebay

favorite item#3

2009-09-13T20:38:00.000+08:00

this pair is almost heaven sent. well, "online heaven" that is - ebay. there were no bidders and despite the description warned me of a few scratches here and there, i was deeply in love for it to have mattered. i was always like that with shoes. nothing can convince me otherwise.

the tragedy always lies on not having it in your size. and in this case, the size read 7. but when i received it, they turned out to be size8 (didn't actually read the in-sole measurement which would have told me it was big for me). but with some scholl padding and additional reinforcement at the heel, my feet almost never left this pair.

loving the deep purple color, the 5" heels, and the almost costume-y look to it.

wearing very chunky purple platform heels from ebay, bid won for Php150

closet staple #2

2009-08-24T00:27:00.000+08:00

a new favorite item! this week i was almost never without my long black unbranded-slash-korean cardigan. another one from ebay, this one's a real keeper!

black cardigan, about Php400

i made it!

2009-08-24T00:06:00.000+08:00

ooh so thrilled! made it to chicismo today!

ebay zippered black dress

jones new york dress

my fashion muses

2009-08-23T18:59:00.000+08:00

i'm such a late bloomer. only discovered these great girls recently, and now i cant go a day without checking out their style.

these are just some of them, and im seeing so much more every time i surf through chicismo, chictopia and lookbook, my bookmarks cant take anymore!

karlas closet

sally jane vintage

chic heroin

why aren't you in my life?

2009-08-21T01:02:00.000+08:00

Brian Atwood, Court Shoes "Mania Strass", $9,519

instant pick-me-up

2009-08-09T23:31:00.000+08:00

last week was proof that looking good = feeling good.

i knew that day would be tough, so i geared up for it the only way i knew how: wore my good old sequined black ankle strap heels, and my of-the-moment zippered dress.

had 2nd thoughts of wearing it to the office as it's a bit too short, which actually was because i had to pull it down everytime i get up from my chair. but it's very slinky and hugged all the right curves (i have a lot of them). a plus with this piece: the zipper can go all the way up to the collar, so it kinda looks like a motorcycle jacket, not to mention shields me from the cold.

the studded belt that comes with the dress is so 80s, it's one of those love-it-or-hate-it. for me, it completed the look. but good to know i can also switch it with another statement belt.

learned afterwards that zippered dresses and long-sleeved mini dresses are all the rage right now. here's one retailing for USD595:

alexander wang jersey dress

getting dressed up for an "execution" turned out to be the best thing i could have done that day (well at least instead of moping, over-analyzing, and being unproductive).

wearing zippered black long sleeves mini dress with studded belt (ebay) Php400, Heatwave black sequined ankle strap heels S$18, baby blue rosary bracelet (Bohol)

my online wardrobe

2009-08-03T01:36:00.000+08:00

my most prized iPhone app discovery is the touchcloset. the moment i used it, i was hooked! i cannot live without it anymore.

for someone with very limited closet space, yet overflowing with clothes, shoes and all the in-between accessories, this was literally heaven sent. i saved photos of all the items i own (you can even add your wish list, or things borrowed), organized them the way i would if i had that walk in closet, sorted by colors and various categories.

imagine being able to come up with an outfit for tomorrow without literally having to open your cabinet! especially when like me, you have too much you already forget what you own.

another great use for me: when shopping for new shoes, i simply browse touchcloset to check whether i have a very similar pair (so the guilt wouldn't be too much!). i search through wedges, platforms, peep toes, flats, boots. you can even create your own category, add your own colors. and for an easy find, you can tag items and outfits as favorites so those "i-don't-have-anything-to-wear" moments are solved instantly!

ok, here's the catch. it's only available on iPhone. so if you have one, create your own online wardrobe now!

today's look

2009-08-03T01:27:00.000+08:00

so, this is how i wore my first ebay purchase. definitely tagged this as a favorite outfit. laid back, fun, corporate-y, all rolled into one!

wearing h&m beige blazer (ebay), thrifted black swingy dress, folded&hung cream woven garter belt, schu gold pointy low wedges; all for about Php2,000

these are a few of my favorite things

2009-08-03T00:36:00.000+08:00

there are some things in my closet i can't let go of. no matter how worn they are, visibly damaged, even outdated at that time. they are a mixture of tops, pants, dresses and jackets, and yes shoes.

let me start with this dainty top. i got it from a friend who used to own a vintage shop filled with delicious finds, chiffon blouses, italian scarves, unique belts.

i must have worn this a thousand times. paired it with pencil skirts, slim jeans, or under a crisp suit. it never fails to lift my mood. by now, there's a slight rip where one of the drawstrings is, but i love it even more, knowing it's more fragile than it looks.

white chiffon lacey top, about Php300

i wanna be a flappers girl

2009-07-25T20:54:00.001+08:00

i nursed my fever, cough and cold last week with chick lit power. "twenties girl" is the much awaited new book from sophie kinsella. and, for us chicks who just want an entertaining un-thinking book, she definitely does not disappoint.

im not a vintage kind of girl, but i must admit i got intrigued by those drop waist dresses with fringe and tassles, beads and sequins, and intricate embroidery described in the book. i think i would have looked good as a vaudeville girl, complete with feathers on my head.

BUT i would be frustrated in these low, one-style mary-jane type of shoes.

so no, i think ill stay right in this millennium.

love at first sight

2009-07-25T20:31:00.000+08:00

the moment i saw these, my heart beat faster, i couldn't sleep, i daydreamed about it. i just knew i needed them in my life!

after some failed attempts to ship it direct to my home, i had the nerve to ask my bride-to-be friend to lug it all the way from san francisco on her way home to manila for her wedding. mind you, i even had the gall to request that she does not throw the box away. if i were somebody else watching this unfold, i would have already raised my eyebrows. but, this is why i tell you it was true love! i had to tell myself it's not so bad, as soon as my size 7-feet are happily wearing them.

people ask, "where do you find these statement shoes"? i say, like an award-winning actress cradling the shoe in my arms, "i have supportive friends". (thanks to my sis anna!)

wearing gabriel cage gladiators by abaete for payless, USD33

welcome to my dream closet

2009-07-18T22:15:00.000+08:00

i've been dreaming up my walk-in closet for sometime now, but nothing came as close as the one shown here. i love how it's disguised as regular cabinets with side shelves to house books, knick knacks, and (that exaggeratedly small) tv.

but lo and behold, it opens to a whole new world! shining, shimmering, splendid!

it can even have some kind of partition between his and hers (don't worry, ill leave at least 30% closet space to T). im thinking that divider thing can even house my accessories -- belts, scarves, jewelry, and more!

not sure though if i should make everything wooden. must still fit the overall look of the master's bedroom, which we still don't have any plans for now.

and my shoes collection must have room to grow!

i hope it will fit the space that we have. however which way, i like this cabinet system and i really wish i can pull off something like this.

2009-07-18T09:18:00.000+08:00

i didnt expect i would actually win. but i guess this "bnwt" (read: brand new with tag; it took some time for me to figure it out!) piece is now mine. or soon to be, as soon as i pay the seller via gcash.

but no, i dont plan to wear it with shorts (i wish i could). but i know it would look great with skinny jeans or some girly short dresses.

i have 2 active bids and hope i win them too -- kenneth cole electric blue topper/ long cardigan and marni oversized paint shirt. ill post them if i win.

when i told T i bidded and won in ebay, i was expecting a terrified look from him, as this for sure he knows will trigger a series of shopping sprees. on the contrary, he said "very good". which gives me license to shop some more right?

and now i wonder, why haven't i done this ebay thing earlier?

h&m beige blazer, bid won for Php1,265

shipping shopping

2009-07-18T07:56:00.000+08:00

shoes and online shopping make for an explosive combination. this week, while nursing a fever, cough and now bad cold, ive rediscovered the wonderful worldwide web of shopping. i wasnt into it before because it always felt such a hassle but now there's a lot more local options and cheaper items (more of that in my next posts).

one recent purchase were 3 pairs from amazon.com, all ordered by my very accomodating sister-in-law from the states. after about 3days of ordering them, they arrived in her home and she took this photo for me to drool over. when i made the order she made me promise "not to stumble" with the 5inch heels.

(l-r) GoJane Camel Strappy Shield Cork Heels, Michael Antonio Women's Belen Strappy White Sandal, Sassy Pewter Double Platform Peep Toe Stacked 5" Heel Shoe; all @ average price of $30

shoes and all my addictions

2009-07-17T17:58:00.000+08:00

here's an attempt to document my fab finds. shoes in particular, which i have only seriously started collecting maybe for the last 3 years. not sure when the fascination started. unlike other women who would typically say they've walked in their mother's heels and watched her strut her new pair when they were little girls, i had no such memory. im sure i did at some point.

but here i am. and almost done with my self-imposed quarter shoe challenge (read: must not repeat a pair for one quarter, at least in the office; so technically that's 60 pairs give or take). its a ridiculous impractical idea esp when it affects my overall outfit for the day. but im simply curious up to when i can take this, and up to what count. on monday will be my 50th pair. in the shoe addiction world, that is simply nothing. but in the "regular world", i am considered a shoeholic.

what particularly piques my interest --

1) it has to look different.when gladiators were not yet the trend, i was already drooling for those high sandals look, in fact almost buying an authentic pair in an island in greece (i still regret that). before studded and silk shoes were taken from formal events to everyday use, i have already worn mine.

2) it has to be high. i never really measure how many inches, but very recently when i started wearing my older pairs (because of that challenge), i realized i dont feel the same way with 2inches. i learned i actually only wear at least 4. there's something to it that gives you that katherine hepburn all-female-power feeling. i read in one of my favorite irish chick lit authors (not verbatim), "i wear such high heels that when i step off it, people ask 'where'd she go?'". you could say that about me. in the very rare (as in world war occurence rareness) times i wore flats or sneakers in the office, it becomes a "mini newsfeed"

3) it has to be cheap. i love shoes, but i dont believe it should be a painful buy. ive never purchased a designer pair yet and i dont intend to start (i think im also scared it will trigger something!). but somehow the thrill lies in that discovery. finding those very delicious heels and knowing you wont feel guilty about it.

friends who know i love shoes often say im a carrie bradshaw with all her blahniks. i dont feel like carrie at all. im just shoevagirl with her parisians.

wearing matthews silk tan heels with big faux crystal, Php799 for 2 pairs