Fashion: Swimwear Features Tattoo Art! Freeway Summer Collection

Nothing translates summer like than Freeway’s chic and trendy summer collection. In this year’s edition, Freeway once again collaborated with designer Twinkle Ferraren for its hand-painted Tattoo Swimwear Summer 2011 Collection.



The most loved and everlasting form of art and expression is reinvented into something more wearable. Freeway’s Tattoo-Inspired Collection is striking and definitely hot!



Tattoo lovers can take their passion for the ink to the waves or just casually lounge pool side while looking stylish. The collection inspired by tribal and tropical tattoos includes mix of strong with vibrant colored statement, sporty, functional and active-wear inspired pieces and cover-ups.



Swimwears are mixed with mesh materials and tattoos printed on the suit, perfect for those who love to try new sports and activities in the beach. Twinkle describes the collection as “a modern and female version of the Pintados and tribes”.

Beauty: Forget Sunblock Lotion? | Beach Hut Sunblock Spray

I was searching for Beach Hut's website and can't believe my eyes when I saw their URL read: http://www.lotionsucks.com/ - brilliant! I remember when I took Ashton to swim for the first time, I was too excited and forget to bring sunblock.

Now I definitely won't and I've armed him and I with modern sun-blockers!



My picks from Beach Hut are the Beach and BEACH HUT MAX SPF 100. The first sun block in the country with 100 SPF protection. Now, you can go the beach and do hundreds of things under the sun without worrying about damaging your skin! Non-messy and non sticky! Both are sweatproof and waterproof and provides up to 99% UVA/UVB protection.



I am not sure if Beach Hut still gives out frisbees, but luckily I got one for Ashton and he's already feeling the summer fun indoors.



We are summer ready! :) Can't wait for the summer day-offs.

Fashion: Havaianas and the Matryoshka Design Principle

My sister Joni and I have always had a thing with Matryoshka dolls (also known as Babushka). When Gucci launched the Babushka laminated bag, older wicked sister had to have it. She did. I am more frugal but I appreciate Russian culture and the Matryoshka paradigm too.



Hence, these Havaianas Slim Matryoshka. oh-ha!

They are equally inspired by the mysterious dolls. But more than the inspiration, I always love Havaianas because I get away with them everytime. The brand is a license to wear tsinelas/ flipflops everywhere and anywhere, don't you think?



I remember in DLSU, we had a rule that you can wear tsinelas as long as they are worth P300 above. Okay don't get my diploma back, that could be one of those urban legends but I always hear it at Gate 2. I could wear these to school everywhere everyday, I have a two year old pair of Havaianas and it's boggling why it still looks brand new.



Lookie at the small Matryoshka doll embellishment, so lovely and cute :) Every girl deserves a pair!



With Russian inspired prints topped with a doll embellishment, the Matryoshka line will have everyone talking.

Mine also came with a real set of Matryoshka doll. FYI, the Matryoshka follows the principle of an onion. Notice how when you peel off the outer layer of an onion, a similar smaller onion is inside. Now you know.



Here is my 10 month old boy playing with the FREE doll <3



And my feet who have not tasted a pedicure for weeks look acceptable with Havaianas.

Get all dolled up this summer! ;)

Fashion: Ensembles Sultry Summer interview with Carmina Villaroel | Muñiz Shoe Designer

Here is the latest one on one interview with Ensembles celebrity endorser and ultra fashionista, Carmina Villaroel. I didn't know she was a shoe designer until that local TV commercial revealed. Carmina has and successfully, blossomed into a fashion icon that can give any model a run for their money.


Carmina models for her own shoe line

Personally, I love her sophisticated, high-fashion, and age-appropriate style. Admittedly, I was never a fan of Ensembles only until Carmina became their endorser.

What was the experience like for your photoshoot for Ensembles Summer 2011 Campaign? Are you enjoying your new tanned look? As always, I had fun during the shoot. I always look forward to our photo shoots. I love working with my dream team- Mark Nicdao, Robbie P. and Pam Quinones. I love what Pam did to me for the summer look. Fab tan!


Ensembles Sultry Summer Collection

Since you have very fair skin, has it been hard to maintain your skin and keep it healthy-looking during summer? Oh yes, I always take good care of my skin and try to have that sun-kissed look but with my skin tone, it can be difficult to maintain a tan. Back in high school, I attempted to get a tan when I went to Boracay but I failed. I just looked like a lobster. My skin turned red and got sun burned.



What are your thoughts on Ensembles Sultry Summer 2011 collection? I’m a big fan of vibrant, bold colors! I love the entire collection. My super fave is the one-shouldered coral dress I wore during our shoot.


What are your personal styles and favorite outfits during summer season? During summer I love wearing shorts, comfy shirts, tank top, sun dress, flowing skirts, sandals and flip flops.


What are your summer plans for this year? Hopefully, to go on vacation with my whole family either here to Cebu or Bohol or travel overseas.


We keep getting good feedbacks on the Muñiz Shoes! How is it working with Ensembles for your Muñiz shoe line? And what was the experience like for you to personally visit each store to arrange the shoe display? I was so thrilled when Ensembles agreed to put my shoes at their store. I was so excited to fix and arrange my shoes. It’s a dream come true for me to see my shoes finally at the mall. I'm thankful to those who bought my shoes already. My Ensembles family was so supportive of my business-Muñiz shoes. I appreciate all the help they have provided.


Do you plan to make your shoes available to more Ensembles stores? Yes. I will definitely make Muñiz shoes available to other Ensembles stores. Due to a lot of requests, we will also showcase them at Robinson’s Ermita and SM Megamall.

Fashion: Girly Flats for Summer | What to Wear them With

Summer is the best time to be girly with floral prints and bright sundress, but have you considered flats yet? Give your tootsies a break from wedges because summer means fun care-free fashion. I've took it upon me to give you the latest summer flats in stores now (perfect for summer flirting!):



Penshoppe P599

Pink pinstripe flats to make any feet look slim. Peep toes are sexy if your feet is neat, so make sure you go have a pedicure first :)

Best worn with: a subtle top and denim shorts.



Penshoppe P599

Floral peep toes add an instant romance to any outfit. Match this pair with bright red nail polish (try Revlon's Fire and Ice) and be the summer envy :)

Best worn with: your white sundress and a floral summer hat.



Check out this printed summer hat by  Ted Baker <3

Lastly, if you are on the practical side you can grab this pair of white flats with subtle floral prints. They are more flexible and can be worn easily with any of your summer outfits.



Penshoppe P599

These peep toe summer flats from Penshoppe instantly let you step into girly mode and that's what we love about fashion! :)

P.S. You may now find me (your wicked fashion blogger) on Facebook.

Fashion: Be Bikini Wise! Bikini Solutions for Summer Bikini Problems

This blog is full of summer and the only thing missing is an actual sun tan spot on my skin! I am sure we're all excited to hit the sand and inhale the ocean scenery. Though many of us dread the thought of wearing a swimsuit.

It could be that you are conservative or have forgotten to slim down, hence the tummy rolls and arm shingles. Skin problems also take the limelight every summer, like stretch marks, back acne, etc.

Before you get frustrated, inhale and know that there are several swimwear solutions to every problem I mentioned above!

Bikini solution #1 : Rashguard

Sassa, Php 599.75 available in S-XL sizes

Wear this if you are conservative or want to hide imperfections. Most common are body acne, rashes, and even dark armpits. Embarrassing but these are real life scenarios which must be addressed! A rash guard will make you carefree and comfy to enjoy summer without any concern.

Perfect for moms swimming with their children too, avoid bikini malfunctions and peek-a-boos with this piece.

Bikini Solution #2: One Piece Swimsuit

Sassa, P649.75 available in S-L sizes

The scenario: tummy stretchmarks and note that not only mothers get them! This design also gives you a sexier and slimmer silhouette.

Bikini Solution #3: Bright Colors

Sassa, Php 599.75 available in S-XL sizes

If you find yourself every summer wearing dark colors in an attempt to look small, you MUST try brights this year. Not only will you pop on the beach but for sure, your summer photos will be worthy to be posted on your FB wall.

Bright swimwear with the right patterns will help you look more radiant and distract attention from areas of concern (read: giant thighs). It also looks a lot more fun which gives you the license to bask on the beach carefree!

Bikini Solution #4 - Mix and Match


Penshoppe, P499 each

In terms of size, rarely do our torso/bust match the size of our bums. Like me, my top would usually be M or L, but my bum would always score an XL. Thanks to Penshoppe, you can mix and match bikinis of any color and any size, saving you from splurging on a bikin that won't fit you right.

Thank me later! :)

Fashion: Penshoppe's Summer Goddesses in Misibis Bay

Attention Charlie Sheen's "goddesses" meet the real goddesses from the Philippines this summer. I'm sure you'd be speechless!




Solenn Heussaf and her infinite legs



Elite fashion model Bea Soriano and her pristine pose

Penshoppe is also letting us in some pre-prod scenes. Feel free to share! :)



Everything was shot in the million dollar island called Misibis Bay.

Fashion: For Work and Play

In the new world I've created, most tasks are done online or via phone. Hence I seldom have to dress up unless I have to be physically present like last week. I can't hide how excited I am to let myself out of my home office (still work-related though), I even bought a new red dress - for luck.



What do you think? Salamat doc for giving me back my pre-pregnancy armpits, I've rediscovered no sleeves. Dress from Folded & Hung.

I visited Penshoppe in Megamall too, they've lots of new items for summer like this hat.



And these classic flats. I got a pink pair for just Php 500 +. They remind me of my Steve Madden shoes, only Penshoppe's are a lot more affordable! I got too excited though and after an hour walking, I realized the size I got were smaller than my feet.

Now if only the human body does not require sleep, I'd be the happiest person on earth! More time please :)

Fashion: Solenn Heusaff and Bea Soriano's Summer Video

Summer excites me and I am sure you're looking forward to your ultimate vacation. Add to that fashion possibilities of skin baring swimsuits and bikinis.



Solenn Heusaff and Bea Soriano are my summer goddesses to look up to! Love their make-up and I think blue is a perfect color this year to wear at the beach :)

Travel: Boracay Garden Resort | Pay as low as P1,900 per person!

Boracay Garden Resort is a subsidiary of Henann Management Group, owner and operator of the Boracay Regency and Regency Lagoon. Formerly Hotel Seraph, it rests on a two-hectare property located at the center of Station 2. The resort has 201 well-appointed deluxe and premiere rooms with charming and elegant interiors. It has premiere rooms with direct access to the pool and family rooms that can fit up to six persons.



The spacious rooms each has a private terrace, wi-fi access, bath tub with separate shower area, individually controlled air conditioning, cable television, direct dial phone, in-room safe, coffee and tea-making facilities and personal refrigerator.

The resort now features a newly renovated business center, swimming pools, fitness center and landscaped gardens.



Visit Boracay Garden Resort’s booth at the 18th Travel Tour Expo at the SMX Convention Center from February 18 to 20 and get up to 80% off on room rates. Based on quadruple sharing, pay for as low as P1,900.00 per person for a three-day stay in a deluxe room. Travel period is from February 19 to June 3, 2011.

For inquiries on room rates, packages and reservations, call Boracay Garden Resort’s Manila Booking Office at 353-1111 or email manilareservations@boracaygarden.com.ph.

What Guys Should Wear on Valentine's Day

Valentine's Day is 3 days away. It could be very romantic or baduy for you, but heavenly if your guy knows how to dress like this:



Why this is hot: simple, rugged, and confident. Leather man accessory says this guy knows how to look good without sacrificing masculinity.



Why this is hot: navigator shades! this guy looks like he has been out and about places. He'll take you there if you let him.



Why this is hot: For those who like a bulky looking guy, this outfit is purrfect and oozing with Parisian style. Sockless leather shoes, folded khaki pants, and rolled up sleeves. This man looks ready to sail away in a love boat.

Give your guy a clue on what you'd like to see him wear, take him to the nearest Penshoppe boutique now where they are having a Friday SALE! :) For more fashion ideas for you and your man, visit Penshoppe Official Facebook Page.

Fashion: Pre-Summer Look Book

Monica Belluci, is that you?

Seriously, this is from Penshoppe's Pre-Summer campaign. Whoever styled these models is a genius. If you look closely, the items used simple fabrics and cuts yet when combined, they look dramatically fashionable.



This is so Collin Ferell.

And finally, someone got what men should wear in warm weathers. His pants are the IT pants for men this 2011. That's my fearless forecast. My mom even pointed it out to me, how local celebs wore "prince charming pants" complete with boots. Loafers would do. Boots are for winter.



Check out more inspiring looks at Penshoppe's Official Facebook Page.

Summer: Everything Cropped

Ironically, it's raining now as I am writing this. But yes, it's getting warmer each day and it's just January. Have we lost holiday weight yet? I don't think so.


Cropped cape?

One trend I am spotting is CROPPED. They've appeared late 2010 but I am making a brave forecast that they'd be everywhere come 2011. Though only a few brands have mastered the art of crop.



During fashion week, I made a mental note to visit Oxygen for their Altered Trend collection. This collection of soft, sheer, loose, and cropped fabric will help anyone look pounds lighter - very wearable too. I also reckon it's perfect for summer. From the lookbook, these tops can easily be worn with shorts.


I badly need to shop. Last time I bought a cropped shirt, it was perfect until after one wash - the fabric came loose and it became a normal oversized tee.

The Right Way to Put Sunblock - Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry Touch and Ultra Light

A trip to the resort or beach is not complete without your trusted sunblock, unless you want your R&R to turn into a skin disaster. But did you know most of us are not putting on sunblock the right way? Hence, we still come back with sunburned, peeling, and stingy skin. Without the proper protection, the UV rays will ultimately cause skin damage like wrinkles and other skin impurities.


Jaime putting on the right amount of sunblock by using the teaspoon rule

It was only after Neutrogena invited me to their "skin summer camp" at Anvaya Cove that I learned how to put on sunblock properly - with the use of a teaspoon! Here are the proper amount of sunblock to put on your body:

Half a teaspoon for the face, and for arms, neck, chest, back put one teaspoon per body section. For the entire legs, use two teaspoons and don't forget your ears, toes, hands, and fingers. Try this and you will see for yourself how much sunblock we should all be using.



If you don't want to end up looking like an iced cupcake but want complete sun protection, then I recommend the Neutrogena UltraSheer Dry Touch sunblock for the body. With other beauty bloggers, we've put it on an instant test. We used the teaspoon rule and it was easily absorbed by our skin and there was no sticky feeling afterwards. I personally went under the sun and on to the beach at 3PM and did not end up toasted :) hurray!


Ready to go under the sun with Neutrogena's UltraSheer Sunblock

For the face, I tried the Neutrogena UltraSheer WaterLight sunblock which is even lighter on the skin than the Dry Touch variant. It felt almost like water and is absorbed fast. If you like putting on some powder after your facial sunscreen, then this one is very nice.



Neutrogena which is made by Johnson & Johnson's has also found a way to protect us from the sun even better with their new technology called Helioplex which stops Avobenzone (the main UV protector) from breaking down.


Anvaya Cove enjoyed best with your favorite sunblock!

So next time you hit the sun and sand, don't forget your sunblock and teaspoon to go with it :)

Pregnant Summer

Thank heavens and whoever invented maternity swimwear! Now preggers don't have to look like tadpoles during summer and nothing (even a bulging 7 month tummy) can stop us from taking a nice relaxing dip!



This piece is from Cococabana that I just discovered inside SM Megamall's department store. They have more designs but of course I still love black. Php 899.75

Thank you to Ipanema for my flipflops :)

Discovering Get Laud's Summer Glam Fashion

Yesterday I got hold of Get Laud's (pronounced as get lod) summer catalogue and browsed through their summer collection over a tall Java Chip. I am surprised at how equally exciting their pieces are compared to other local fashion retailers that I adore and what's even more exciting are the price range of their items which do not exceed Php 600.



Here are the pieces I like most, mostly short dresses with puffed sleeves and pointy shoulders. Cool because of their short length which is perfect for the scorching weather and hot because of their it girl style.



Balmain inspired dresses that can pass your employer's dress code and give you license to party after work



Get Laud's floral prints are very refreshing to the eyes. The fabric used are also light and stylishly sewn that makes you fabolously worry-free.

Honestly I couldn't help but check out their store in Glorietta right after. I got myself two pieces and an accessory which I will reveal soon, although they are for the pregnant me. Lucky those who can fit today inside the clothes that I picked!



Some of the clothes and accessories they have on the rack. See bib necklaces and chain necklaces for only Php 200 ++.



I asked around and discovered that Get Laud accepts reservations and even ships clothes directly to their customer. Visit www.getlaud.com.ph to view their entire collection and see their list of Get Laud branches in the metro.