Manila's collection

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)

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

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!

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

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

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

more photos, this time without the shoes =)

Miss Shoeniverse

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!

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

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