A Few Inches Taller

I have been lazy when it came to dressing up. I think this is also because I stopped blogging for a while. Although there are occasional work outfits posted in Instagram, it still feels different having photos taken once again. It felt awkward doing this after roughly 2 years (has it been that long?) . I'm not sure if this is even blog worthy for you.

So what have I been busy with while I wasn't blogging? Work is one. A big chunk of my time daily is spent in the office. Not that I hate it, I'm actually really enjoying it, and I'm happy with the people I work with. I'm learning a lot of different things from different people which is why I love what I do. In fact, I think I like what I do better than ever. Or maybe, just maybe, I've learned to really appreciate everything that I have.

During this nth hiatus, I realized that I'm the worst multitask-er ever. I'm not very good at dealing with so many things at once. I have to stop and deal. I think to make it simple, I've been really busy enjoying my "me-time". Time not spent worrying about anything. No one to please. I didn't care about too many things. I stopped putting too much pressure on myself (or at least I try everyday). I tried dreaming instead of planning. I've spent my money on things that will make me happy and not feel guilty about it. I've spent time with people that are happy to see me happy. People that are happy to see me successful. I chose to spend time with people with genuine friendship and love. Spent time not caring too much about what I'm wearing and not worrying to miss out on events or worry about how I can keep up with the world, no pressure. It was a good break. It felt like growing up a few inches taller. And now I'm back because I was reminded about why I blog in the first place. I blog because it makes me happy. Here are some photos of myself trying to look like a fashion blogger in lazy basic pieces.

I wore this yesterday before heading out to meet my sisters for mass and early dinner. The hat is there to hide them black roots!

Hat from SM Accessories // knitted top from Cotton On // Denim pants from Bench (I love this a lot!) // Shoes from Payless Shoe Store // Bag from Prada

I wore my everyday accessories. I'm into investing on accessories of value. I guess the older you get the more you want value for your hard earned money. Although I still can't stop drooling on some rare cool ones, I really can't remember the last time I bought a statement necklace or anything like it. The beaded bracelet was a gift from a friend last Christmas.

Mixed my name necklace with my turquoise glass beads.

Shoes from Payless. I got it for less than 1k. Score! ;)

And lastly, the bag that I will love forever.


Okay I'm off to head back home so I can make it on time for my favorite soap- SBPAK. So what? Don't judge. haha! Bye loves!

Forgot Password?

This is a photo taken a while back when I went to Palawan with my family. Forgive the quality, I used my phone for this shot.

I know it's been a while. My blog just had to rub it off my face when I realized I have forgotten my password. I  know I should not start this off by gushing about how time flies. I feel like I do that every time I come back from a long vacation.

I wanted to post a photo diary here just to show what kept me busy while I was inactive in the blogsphere. But I thought I'd just share my Instagram account. Thanks for making that easier!

It feels great to be typing using this old familiar keyboard. I browsed though my past blogs quickly and I can't help but be reminded of the leaps I have taken in the not so distant past. A lot happened. There were some wins and losses. A lot of tests to the character and lessons to keep. I'd like to believe that I have stepped out of my comfort zone in many ways and I let my guards and walls down more and more often. It's a welcome break to monotony and it feels really great to be truly happy.

I am planning to share more and celebrate more wins with you again from now on. Taking cue from this promise, Let me end this blog post for I need to drop by the laundromat for my Sunday duties and head off to my sister's house for dinner.

Happy to be back! Until the next blog post my loves. Happy Sunday!

BLOGGERS UNITED 5

Bigger and Better Bloggers United FIVE!

Your favorite fashion and beauty bloggers are all set for the 5^th installment of Bloggers United!

 Get ready for another round of intense shopping experience as 60+ of Manila’s top fashion bloggers open their closets once again in a big bazaar this June 1, from 10am to 8pm at our best venue yet, the SMX Convention Center (Function Room 3)! Bloggers United gets even BIGGER with our partner bazaar The Great Luxe Sale of Mall of Asia and SMX, happening from May 31 to June 2 at the SMX Hall 1.

 Celebrity bloggers Divine Lee, Victor Basa, Laureen Uy, Camille Co, Nicole Anderson, and Maggie Wilson will all grace the event, plus international blogger Maya Kibbel of Elle Girl Japan!

End summer with a bang at BU5! What to expect:

    1.) Great finds for less, perfect for revamping your look as another school year starts!

    2.) Meet and interact with style bloggers and online friends!

    3.) Contribute to Bloggers United 5’s partner charity Diksyunaryo Atbp(https://twitter.com/DiksyonaryoAtbp ). Bring old (or new) books as we will accept donations at the registration booth!

   4.) Lots of games, music, and other exciting surprises from our BU5 partners!

Don’t forget to charge your cameras, stash some extra cash, and dress your best as we celebrate another day of personal style and expression! Tickets will be sold for P100 available in all SM Cinemas nationwide. You could also buy at the event venue.  Use GCASH to purchase your tickets to get 50% discount, plus awesome freebies! See you there!

For more information and updates, follow Bloggers United:

Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

Official Hashtag: #BU5

In Partnership with:

Diskyonaryo ATBP.

SMX Convention Center

SM Tickets

CO-PRESENTERS

Benefits Style Salon

Crocs

Flipsters

Free Fish

Globe GCASH

Godiva Natural Skin Care

MadhouseMNL

Marie Claire

PAC The Professional Artist Cosmetics

Res | Toe | Run

S&H

SeaVees

Shulong

Sorci Age by Wacoal

Swims

The School of Satchel

Wacoal

MAJOR SPONSORS

Browhaus

Hospitality International, Inc.

I Love KOI Swimwear

Pazzo

Strip: Ministry of Waxing

The Picasso Boutique Services Residences

Zalora Philippines

MINOR SPONSORS

Beauty & Butter Salon

Giordano

Style Locale

ZenZest

Rockport

MEDIA SPONSORS

Stylebible.ph

Cosmo.ph

ABS-CBN Publishing, Inc.

Diva Universal

Chalk Magazine

MEG

MegaStyle.PH

Metro Magazine

Spot.PH

Status Magazine

TheMall.PH

WheninManila.com

DONORS

Arajera

May Fashion

Pink Fashion

Please send an email to aiecorpuz@gmail.com if you want to be in the guest list. Hope to see you there! :)

70% Off On Branded Accessories!

Let your style sizzle with these signature shades from SM Accessories!  

Hurry and grab a pair or two of these branded frames that are up to 70% off   
(on selected branches) until May 31, 2013!

I Want To Be Forever 21?

Here's what I wore to the store opening of Forever 21 in SM Aura 2 days ago. Yes loves, SM Aura is the home of Forever 21‘s 7th store in the Philippines. With more than 2,000 square meters of the latest fashion trends and must-haves, there’s definitely something for everyone!

Top and blazer from SM; Shorts: Bazaar find; Shoes from Urbanog; Statement Necklace from SM; Name Necklace: had it made especially for moi (Yes, my real name is Althea :))

Please forgive my battered feet!

The new Forever 21 Store is located at the 1st level of SM Aura Premier. Take your pick among Forever 21′s intimates, basics, and denim shop on the first floor of the store, then head on up to grab fashion favorites from Forever 21+, Forever 21 Girls, 21 Men, and the Shoes & Accessories line.

I couldn't leave empty handed so I got a few things for myself. You'll see them in my upcoming outfit posts. I got a pair of pants for only P300+ which is valued at P900. They said that some items are at permanent markdown in SM Aura branch. That means other stores still sell it for P900. I went home happy about my great finds and I was really very happy to see the girls too!

Head to SM Aura and bring your Forever 21 Mastercard! You may apply for the card from any Forever21 branch or download an application from www.bdo.com.ph.

Also on May 20-23, 2013 get a FREE tote for a minimum single receipt purchase of P3000 or regular priced items.


For more information, follow Forever 21 online:
https://www.facebook.com/Forever21
Twitter: @forever21ph
Instagram: @forever21ph
website: www.forever21ph.com


I know I'm supposed to close this here but let me just share one last thought. My title got me thinking if I really want to be Forever 21. Hmmm but I was broke back then! So I guess yes to everything about being 21 but that.

How about you? What would you tell your 21 year old self?

I actually have a lot to say but then I have Harvey Specter waiting for me. Suits marathon before another workweek! So good night for now loves. Don't hesitate to share your thoughts. :)

Be Brave And Be Bold!

I got this title from the very first issue of What's Up Manila free magazine. It's impossible not to get inspired by it especially because it talked about being brave and bold and trying out new things as well as adding boost to life.

The editor said, "The worst thing that can happen is that you come away with some experiences, great stories to tell and some friends." -- how can anyone say no to that? Check them out here. If you're lucky, you might catch them in one of your favorite restaurants or cafes around the metro.

In the mean time, here's an outfit shot taken by a friend when she came over my place a few days back. Snap snap before heading out for lunch.

 I wanted to wear something bright to help kind of brighten my day too. I was a little sad that day, slightly mad at myself and superbly imaginative.

Top from Gap; Shorts from SM; Necklace c/o SM Accessories; Shoes from Urbanog.com

So yes a little sad because I wasn't very happy about how fast time flies and I'm not very excited to end March too. Slightly mad at myself, because you know when you realize that you don't get everything that you want, you start seeing the pointlessness of it all. Like one of life's cruel tricks, impossible to solve until it played itself out and revealed its true meaning. And so you're left with no choice but to handle it with grace otherwise you let yourself drown in sorrow in hell. But then again, I always like to believe that everything that happens and doesn't happen has a purpose. And I started to accept that not making a mistake is a mistake in itself. Someone taught me how to zoom out once in a while for a clearer view. That translates to not necessarily having to disregard the details that I adore, but just remember to appreciate it even from afar.

I must be boring or confusing you with my thoughts. I am too sleepy my eyes are dropping! I'll leave you with a quote I got from "The Lucky One" by Nicholas Sparks...

“Friends come and go, clothing is packed and unpacked, households are continually purged of unnecessary items, and as a result, not much sticks. it's hard at times but it makes a kid strong in ways that most people can't understand. Teaches them that even though people are left behind, new ones will inevitably take their place; that every place has something good and bad to offer. It makes a kid grow up fast.”

I know I said I felt superbly imaginative too because yes ladies, even if it sucks right now, I will always be curious and I am always looking forward to what happens next. And I once read that everyone's happy ending has been written so be excited! WU Manila said, be inspired. Be brave and be bold!

Good night for now bellas! I'm being too dramatic so you can forgive my awkward face in the photos above. I hope it worked! =p Ciao!

SM 3 Day SALE!!!

Fulfill your February with all the great fashion finds in SM City Sta. Mesa’s 3 Day Sale happening this February 15, 16, and 17, 2013!

Enjoy up to 70% off on selected items. You also get a chance to win 1 of 3 Devant 50” Smart 3D TV for every Php500.00 single or accumulated purchase within the promo period from SM Department Store, SM Supermarket or from any participating mall establishments. 

Go Social with SM City Sta. Mesa by joining some of their online contests exclusively during the 3 Day Sale and win yourself some shopping GCs thru the following:

SM City Sta. Mesa – Raffle Copter

All you have to do is share the 3 Day Sale Poster on Facebook and Twitter

SM City Sta. Mesa Instagram "in-style" contest

Share your style favorites and fashion buys from SM City Sta. Mesa and get rewarded!

THE BATTLE OF THE BEST BARGAIN BUY CONTEST"

Be the best bargain hunter in SM City Sta. Mesa and win some prizes!

SM City Sta Mesa Twitter Dine-in-Dash Contest

Share the most wonderful dining moments with your friends and family. Share it online tag SM City Sta. Mesa to win food GC’s!

It’s a bucket full of reasons to come visit SM City Sta. Mesa this coming 3 Day Sale!

So don’t forget, February 15, 16, and 17 for SM City Sta. Mesa 3 Day Sale!

See you there! 

Twitter: smcity_stamesa

Facebook: www.facebook.com/SMCityStaMesa

Like a Tigress

Here's what I wore to Sonic Boom in Cebu. Niche, one of our good friends, invited us to this event (Thanks and congrats babe!). Sonic boom has a more hispster kind of feel. I felt kind of daring and fierce like a tigress so I went ahead and wore my lion printed dress and ever dependable boots.

Printed dress from Nava; Jacket from SM (Teens section heeh!); Casio Illuminator; Anagon Yolo Bracelet

These overused boots are from Preview

The night was filled with music from different bands and to be honest I'm not really much of a band girl but I enjoyed the night like I'm a fan!

Here are some bloopers when taking the outfit shots! Never a dull moment taking photos with Ana!

That's all for today. I'm off to watch a movie! Yay! Finally found a movie buddy! The part that I hate most about being single is that I miss out on movies because its the one thing that I cannot do alone!

Oh and I also went wakeboarding in Nuvali last night! It was super fun! Riding at night is so much more worth it because not many people are in line. The only catch is that you have to put up with the coldness! I froze to death! --Ok not to death! I'm sure someone out there is shaking his head saying I'm oa! *eyes rolling :)

Ciao for now! Have a good Sunday everyone! 

WEAR MY DESIGN Grand Winners for Ensembles Spring 2013

Last year, Ensembles has given a wonderful opportunity to 5 lucky ladies as they won the Wear My Design Contest for Spring 2013. They were chosen out of almost a hundred entries submitted by designer hopefuls nationwide. Ensembles is proud to present the 5 young designers and their winning creations as part of the Spring 2013 Collection and is scheduled to hit the stores nationwide this February 2013!

Let's take a look at the dresses and their corresponding designers!

My personal favorite is the Boss of Paradise and the Peplum. Know that these comes in different colors too!

What made these ladies win was because they captured the essence of what an Ensembles woman embodies. “One who is confident, knows the trend and can carry it well. She can stand on her own and can stand out at the same time”, as described by Mymy.

I personally feel like I don't look good in red and I'm glad they have this peplum dress in teal.

This was designed by Pamela. She's the only one who didn’t take up a design course. When she was asked if she had a hard time coming up with a concept, She answered "Not quite. I just thought of a concept that would fit a stylish woman in a corporate world and something that is understated yet elegant and would add a stylish twist to a normal office outfit.”

Surely, all the hard work and effort these designers have put into their creations were all born from an inspiration. For Regina, it took a sentimental purpose for her to get that creative spark. What was her inspiration? “My daughter who passed away. Her name is Iona, which is why Iolana is the name of my entry”, she said.

When it comes to the obstacles they encountered, meeting the deadline was a common problem. “It just so happened that I had other commitments to do at that time, that’s why I ended up submitting the garments on the very last day of submission”, answered April.

Also, they got to play out one of the key aspects of Ensembles, which is versatility. “The dress can be worn from day to night. Just put on a blazer for work matched with stunning stilettos then take the blazer off for night outs”, Michelle said, pertaining to her dress.

 

The winning creations are to be released as part of the Spring 2013 Collection of Ensembles and is scheduled to hit the stores nationwide this February 2013.

 

If you think you have what it takes to become a designer? Then join the next Wear My Design contest which will be held from May 1- June 30, 2013! Watch out for it! It could be your creation that will be featured in our next spring  2014 collection!

             For more information, visit www.ensembles.com.ph.  Or visit their facebook page facebook.com/EnsemblesOnline and follow them on Twitter and Instagram @EnsemblesOnline.

 

 

 

 

 

Denim On Denim

It may be hard to believe that at this age, I have never really experienced riding a plane by myself. It has always been with family and the boyfriend and so I'm always used to having people do everything for me and I just follow them around like a poor dog. My Sinulog trip gave me the chance to experience being on my own and believe it or not, I found it very liberating. Makes me want to go plan a vacation for one!

Here's what I wore to lunch with Ana, Aisa, Nich and Mich.











Top: Paul Harris; Cut out denims: DIY; Belt: SM Dept Store; Necklace: Miss Sartorial; Sunnies: Rayban Aviators



Watch; Casio Illuminator; Yolo Bracelet from Anagon



Sneakers: Cole Haan  (please forgive my battered feet!)

Blooper shot: You can tell how much I'm enjoying the walking shot!



Some photos from Casa Verde





I had fish for lunch but I murdered it the moment it got served so no decent photo was taken. Here's what Nich and Pax ordered. It looks really really good. But I felt no love for meat for seeing and smelling lechon the whole time. Don't get me wrong, Cebu Lechon specifically Zubu Chon was really so so good! You should try it!





That's it for tanayt! Let me go daydream about my vacation for one. The only other thing about travelling alone is that no one would take your photo! Ahhh shit i just burst my own bubble!

I have quite a lot of DVDs in line c/o a very very good friend/special kid. That should keep me busy for the weekend. Happy Friday loves!