ballerina'sclosetobsession

Summer Wardrobe by Audrey Stallington

2011-08-25T14:44:00.000-07:00

While the weather may not be that summery – your wardrobe can certainly be bright and summery.

This spring/summer there was one trend that stood out on the catwalks; color blocking. The stars have been championing the trend, with Michelle Obama, Cheryl Cole and Nicole Scherzinger all seen working the latest look.

The catwalks were full of bright zingy colors, from tangerine contrasted with cobalt at Prada, rainbow brights in an array of colors at Jill Sanders, jewel like tones (teamed with this season's must have accessory the Obi belt) at Gucci. Meanwhile Sonia Rykiel opted for zesty yellows, mixed with reds and purples and Christopher Kane went for fluorescent lace dresses.

The great thing about colour blocking is that you can really go to town and have fun with the look. When it comes to this trend anything goes, although tangerines, cobalt blues, purples and vivid pinks have been very popular. So you can really experiment and go wild with colour. It doesn't even matter if the two colours clash, that's the whole point of the look.

However, while you can go wild with color it is important to keep the rest of the outfit chic and simple, so avoid over the top frills and embellishment. Instead, go for clean lines so opt for simple shift dresses or skinny jeans and a plain top. If you add too many frills, the look will look cluttered and over the top.

If the thought of full on bright and clashing colour is too much for you then pair a bright piece with neutrals or black for a quick and easy way to update your current wardrobe. Or you could go for bright accessories, so stock up on bangles, bags and shoes in bright hues. You can visit sites like Very.co.uk to find some really cute shoes and boots. That way you can get the look without going for full on color and it also means that you don't have to completely replace your wardrobe.

At French Connection we have a range of clothes in rainbow bright colors from jumpsuits, tops and skirts to jewelry bags and shoes so you can really experiment with the look.

Back from the Grave, I Hope

2011-07-05T09:13:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone! I'm hopefully back from the grave. I went through this blog tonight and read a little of what I've written the past year. I'm uncertain whether I'm still that girl; but one thing is ironclad sure: I still have a shopping tick.

I'm going to take things easy as I navigate these waters again and post pics which have been randomly taken by well meaning friends. I was a little bit worried about choreographing the usual funny shoot of my things and the accompanying jibber jabber about them so I'm just going to look for photos that can best capture their essence for you. I've had quite an addition to ze wardrobe, some are long-lusted-for things while most are crazy impulse purchases. Yes, I'm still quite the victim.

Thanks to old and new friends from my college days, I've been having fun with monthly mini-reunions where the girls share beauty secrets and the boys explain the "Men Are from Mars" concept more lucidly to the girls.

I love how the 60s look has blipped back into the radar. I've acquired quite a number of crocheted numbers which I so adore. This oh-so-white crocheted dress was made for me by one of my students' yayas who made it without measuring me. Amazing really. More amazing was the fact that she refused payment for it! I promptly gave her the replacement spools of thread that she used to make it with and a gift which I know is really not enough to match her talent and patience. She explained to me that she likes crocheting while waiting for her ward during ballet, singing, and acting lessons. I wish my own yaya was as creative with her time when I was young!

Oh, there was a problem with this dress in the beginning ... I couldn't wear it right away because it had no lining. Duh. I solved that by wearing a white camisole and shorts underneath it, from MNG.That really does the trick of a decent cover up. I just have to endure the strange stares which I can only translate to mean "What was she thinking?!" Well, dressing up is a self-expression thing, baby!

I was stoked to discover that I also had a black crocheted cardigan bought from MNG from ages ago. I brought it with me in case it got chilly (which it didn't ... the air-conditioning unit at the resto was not being efficient either that evening).

I wanted to mention deets about my bracelets here; but they're really too small in this pic for you to appreciate. They're quite lovely in person ... trust me!

These are my college friends. They're so REAL. When one gets to my age, one should be able to rely on those people who will tell one the God's honest truth. Butch, who is seen standing behind me, and whom I refer to as my "Honorary Fave Bro," has taken to calling me "Animé." He claims that I dress like Japanese Animé girls. I laughed at this at first, not fully knowing what it meant until I went home, googled it, and text messaged him with a "Buuuutch! Noooooo!" We laugh about it all the time now. He didn't let it go though and still persists on saying that I dress up like a cartoon character. Hmmm. Okay. He's entitled to his opinion. "Buuuuutch! Noooo!"

Taken outside of the resto. I finally got myself a Balenciaga Motorcycle Bag in mauve, of all colors. I went on a shopping trip to Hongkong with my sister-in-law a few months back and decided that the hubby had to give me this bag. I've dreamed of it long enough so I figured ... swipe ze card. (Don't worry, I said thank you very much when I got home!) Do you know that feeling when you go to a boutique, not needing anything; but having a strange, unbearable urge to get something? Well, that was what happened to me when I got this because I would've never gotten anything in mauve on my saner days, believe me. I'm very much taken with it nowadays though. It gives my neutral palleted outfits the zing that they need, right?

I'm still working on the shoe line that my baby bro and I began last year. This one was our R and D sample for the HoneyClog platforms, "Amanda." It still lacks the cubist ribbon trim here but the baby bro demanded that I road test it for comfort and safety for as much as I could. It's sky-high at 5" but nevertheless passed both requirements with flying colors. It's under production right now and should be available at our HoneyClog stand at the Sofa Retail Outlet at the Power Plant Mall. I shall attempt to post better pics of it as I go along.

The HoneyClogs are doing quite well, by the way ... a validation of my craziness and penchant for all things fun and chic. Yeah!

Ssssh! My Secret.

2010-07-05T22:27:00.000-07:00

I’m so sorry for being MIA lately. Been busy with my secret project. I’ve been at it since May actually; and now I can finally reveal all.

The family owns a great shoe making legacy which I’ve never really involved myself with 'til now. My Dad started it in the 70s, then for a variety of reasons, economic climate notwithstanding, it went on a hiatus. My Mom revived it a few years back and involved my brothers in the business. It’s actually a thriving enterprise with the brothers at the helm now.

A month after my Mom passed away, two brothers proposed that I “design” a totally different shoe line for them. I would have complete artistic control over EVERYTHING. Could I say no to that? I was also going to have the opportunity to work with my youngest brother (I have 5 brothers, total. Yup, it was an absolute riot growing up with 5 tyrannical males!) who I felt was ready to do something so out–of–the–box with me. I mean, they always used to laugh at ALL my outfits … now they’re going to trust me with an actual shoe line?!

We’ve been meeting every Saturday since. And well, out of the 6 initial design prototypes, I’ve finally approved 1 shoe for production. The “Anna 101:”

Basically, we’ve done a successful knock off of my Zara platforms, which had a host of stability issues. We changed the shape of the foot bed to use the business’ know how on orthopedic comfort. My brother also revised the shape of the platform so the wearer won’t feel like she was wading in water all the time. It’s now as steady and secure as the Bank of England.

I originally wanted croc leather; but thought against killing crocodiles so my baby bro suggested embossed leather which looks almost like the real thing. We also used Mahogany (I wanted it sturdy, remember?) for the wooden foot bed and heel which come from sustainable Mahogany farms. I mean, you would be able to pass on this shoe to your daughter!

The leather uppers are also shaped differently, just to fit more snuggly along your instep.

I’ve been road testing the “Anna 101” all week … to a corporate function …

to the theater …

to a friend’s anniversary dinner …

and last night, to a girl’s night out …

I've gotten quite a bit of interested queries!

and I’m so pleased to say that they're suuuper comfy! None of the stress from the usual wearing of high heels. And these babies are 5” tall!

My baby bro has given me authority to introduce the “Anna 101” here; AND I’m also allowed to take pre–orders. They’re priced at PhP6,950.00 for the Philippines, excluding shipping. We will be opening orders for foreign clients soon as our Paypal Account is set and ready. The equivalent would be roughly US$155.00, excluding shipping.

We are going to do a full launch in March 2011 so well, yes, this is as of now, Manila’s best kept secret.

Our shoe clog line is called “Honey” after my Mom, of course!

The Effervescent Anna dello Russo

2010-06-25T21:41:00.000-07:00

I was supposed to do an outfit post; but got sidetracked by a quotation cum advise by Anna dello Russo, fashion director at large of Vogue Nippon.

Anna dello Russo may be a name few women recognize. But she is quickly becoming a fearless fashion icon across the world. She gained immense popularity when Scott Schuman of The Sartorialist began noticing her. I particularly love how she thinks jewelry make an outfit personal … my sentiments exactly!

(All photos of Anna are by Scott Schuman.)

And now for her quotation about what to wear and generally, how to behave during fashion week which had me howling in laughter (I haven’t howled in such a long time!) that I just had to do a re–post here:

"During the fashion week I have my rules to follow and I'm going to tell my top ten list for the FRONT–ROW:"

1) YOU MUST WEAR OUTFIT ONCE.

(This is a little bit difficult during the current recession but remember that she is a widely photographed personality. That is my defense for her!)

2) WEAR GOOD SHOES. DON'T BOTHER WITH A BAG CAUSE WHEN YOU PUT IT ON THE FLOOR IT COULD BE ANYONE.

(There’s a lot of standing around and chit chatting ala cocktail style. Hmm. But to not carry a bag will mean that one has to have gigantic pockets on one’s outfit!)

3) WEAR COAT AS A DRESS. ONE–SHOT IS BETTER.

(Someone explain this to me please?!)

4) DON'T WEAR SUNGLASSES, IF YOU NOT ARE VIP (VERY VERY IMPORTANT PERSON). IT'S IMPOLITE.

(I LOL–ed on this one! Spot on, as always, Anna!)

5) SOMEBODY WEARING YOUR SAME OUTFIT? WONDERFUL, YOU DID THE RIGHT CHOISE!

(Gosh, I am always so scared of this; but she takes it like a trooper. I’m never going to be afraid again.)

6) FLASHY JEWELS PERSONALIZE YOUR STYLE.

(Exactly … which reminds me … I reserved a really vivacious designer cuff for pick–up at the end of the month … Wish me luck! The goddess, Anna, beckons.)

7) NOTHING SUCCEEDS LIKE EXCESS!

(Yeah!)

8) DON'T PEEK INTO THE CLIPBOARD OF WHO IS SITTING NEXT.

(Feign disinterest even if you’re on pins and needles!)

9) DON'T SAY HELLO SHOWILY AND WARMLY AT WHO IS IN FRONT OF YOU.

(Gotcha!)

10) SHARE YOUR LOVE FOR THE SHOW ON TWITTER AS MUCH YOU CAN.

(Okiedokie, Anna!)

Anna, YOU are the absolute bomb!

Don’t you think so?!

Good Old Rock n' Roll

2010-06-18T21:29:00.000-07:00

Went to the theater. I was enthused by the works of the country’s leading contemporary dance choreographers. How they can translate weighty subject matters as breast cancer, racism, global warming, abuse, torture, domestic violence, and environmental pollution, to name a few; is truly inspiring.

I recently choreographed a piece about abortion and the millennial woman to music by Shivaree’s “Goodnight Moon” for a dance festival. Some were taken by it while others were frankly disturbed. Well, I thought, as long as the reaction is not indifference then I’m on the right track; and while social diseases plague our daily lives then there will always be choreographers like me to address them.

Soooo, my outfit to the theater was inspired by good old rock n’roll:

a black and white printed Tee by Topshop; (Yeeees, Topshop, again! I was drawn to this one in particular because it was a black and white vintage photo of music hall girls doing the "sinful" Cancan in the Montparnasse of the 1830s. I can imagine the sheer guts of those women wilst doing a dance that was then considered outrageous and devilish!);

(a close–up of the plucky can–can girls)

black sequinned leggings from Topshop, naturally (Would you believe that dozens upon dozens of these were placed on sale at 50% off? Had I known this, I would’ve simply waited as I had not worn them anyway ‘til much later on. Grr. This happens a lot to me!);

my Chanel–esque biker chic jacket from MNG (I love how it can dress up any outfit. Truly a great buy from ages ago!);

my black patent, Gucci platforms which I’m so loving right now (I was stoked to discover that both Jane Aldridge of Sea of Shoes and Karla Derass of Karla’s Closet own the exact pair in different colors.);

my black, embossed leather bag by Hugo Boss (Seriously, an old reliable.);

and the bling.

What would you wear to the theater? Gone are the days when one dresses to the hilt for it ... I miss those days.

LuShae Jewelry

2010-06-16T01:52:00.000-07:00

I would like to introduce all of you to my new friend, Sarah of LuShae Jewelry! You will probably spend countless hours, looking over her wonderful jewelry designs that are so now, yet so timeless.

LuShae Jewelry follows celebrity and fashion jewelry trends in authentic sterling silver with a wide array of precious and semi precious stones. There is a definite value for your money deal here!

It’s also such a shopper friendly website, complete with exacting descriptions, a sizing guide, and a quick jewelry handbook of sorts which takes you to jewelry basics, a history of jewelry, a gem stones and metals guide, a jewelry buying guide, as well as how to store and clean jewelry.

All items listed are in stock and currently shipping free of charge!

You know what a sucker I am for rings so off I went to the ring section. I found me some finger candy to lust over:

The ultra–modern and ultra–gorgeous Cobblestone Ring 2. It’s fabricated in White Gold Rhodium Bonding. (I learned something new today: Rhodium is a close cousin of platinum that costs three times as much. As I told you earlier … value for your money!)

I just love the art deco inspired design of the Matte Squares Ring. Super chic, ne c’est pas?!

The Believe Ring … What a strong message to wear on one’s finger! They also have rings that have “Faith,” “Hope, and “Love” engraved in rich, black enamel.

My absolute fave is the Dark Chocolate Decadence Ring. You know how I die for cocktail rings. The brown topaz looks perfect on the 14K Bonded Gold setting.

The The Pop Star 3 Ring reminds me of my Cartier Eternity engagement ring; only it's thrice more the fun. Anyone who gives you this is guaranteeing you a lifetime of romance!

The Bijoux Ring is THE trinket to have. Doesn’t it look like cathedral windows with the multi–colored and multi–shaped stones? Stunning, to say the least.

Who says you can’t be Lady Diana forever? The very whimsical Queen Royalty Eternity Ring makes you the queen of queens!

And wait ‘til you see Lushae Jewelry’s Promise Rings:

Nothing spells romance as perfectly as the Love Promise Ring in Black Enamel and White Gold Rhodium Bonding. What a flawless way to declare your feelings.

The elegant Heart Shaped Promise Ring is modern as much as it transcends the hands of time. Falling in love looks easy with this one.

I never thought a wreath could be worn as jewelry; yet here it is: the Wreath Pendant! Christmas all year long, the way we like it.

A touch of pink, anyone? Look and feel fabulous with the Popping Pink Emeralds Earrings!

The Amethyst Dew Drop Earrings will frame any face faultlessly, don’t you think?

And can you resist the Monrovia Bracelet at all?

There are lots and lots more!

Please hurry and visit LuShae Jewelry. Shipping is currently free to ALL destinations. They ship with registered U.S. post to all countries. U.S. customers can expect delivery of within 2–5 working days after placing the order, while international orders can take up to 14 working days depending on the country.

Happy shopping, everyone!

Seems Like a Lifetime

2010-06-13T01:04:00.000-07:00

My first blog after three months. Seems like a lifetime. I wasn’t sure about getting back but the pull of the blogosphere was emphatic AND strong. Whoever said that it was a “virtual world” was hugely mistaken. The friends I made here either posted inquiries or emailed me about when exactly I would be getting back. Thank you all sincerely from the bottom of my heart.

Losing a loved one brings about many strange behaviors. I found myself unable to go to events or if I did, people could be talking over my head and I was oblivious to the conversation. I would nod and say yes, not knowing what I had said yes to.

It took me a month to get back to teaching … my students were willing enough to give me more time off; but what kind of a role model would I be to them if I gave in to being crippled. I could not fathom the fact that the same thing could happen to them, and they would pull out that memory of me not being able to function. They could very well tell themselves that it was okay to wallow in misery because Teacher Nina did so once-upon-a-time. No, I could not let that happen.

I had TV serial marathons. Anything that kept me from thinking about my loss was welcome. Did I mention the compulsive eating? I’ve gained a whole 4 pounds just from all the neurotic snacking. Over processed food was a refuge from reality.

Oh, and the retail therapy. I think I broke the bank once or twice or God knows how many times. Not one item gave me that thrill of the find or the sense of acquisition that it usually did.

BUT … I woke up today feeling and catching a glimpse of who I was. I realized that this blog was already a part of my make-up and that my return was a journey to normalcy. I’ve been living each day one at a time for the past months. There are good days and bad days. I know the worse isn’t over; but at least, I’ve somehow become proactive about the healing process.

I cannot thank you enough for all the support that you have sent my way. I do not wish the same thing to happen to anyone; but I hope to do the same for you when life comes crashing down.

A white, cotton Tee by Hanes (I really like wearing them big nowadays. Hides the flaws!);

studded brown belt by Topshop (My sister calls Topshop my church. How spot on can she get!);

light grey, cuffed linen shorts from Topshop (the place of worship!);

the Heschung shoes by Commes des Garcons (I lusted over this pair for two years perhaps, only to find it at some remote shop on an unplanned shopping trip. I think it was my Mom, trying to cheer me up somehow?!);

the Louis Vuitton that almost spelled bankruptcy for me (I was ordering an LV Doctor's Bag; but this was the only one available that I liked so home it went with me.);

the necklaces: a scapular medal in white gold (an old gift from the hubby); a gold scapular medal (This was my Mom's. I was so happy that my sister decided to let me have it as my Mom was such a devotee of the Sacred Heart of Jesus and wore this everyday of her life. It feels like having her around still.); Tiffany key and padlock (a gift from the hubby. Too many necklaces all at once, you think? I guess I felt like Madonna in her "Papa Don't Preach" days.);

and the rest of the bling.

I will get back to all of you, I promise.

Kisses!

My Mom, "Honey," 1937-2010

2010-04-07T18:35:00.000-07:00

There are no words.

My Mom, "Honey," passed away just last Saturday. She joined my Dad who went to the great divide 13 years before her. They are at last happy at their long awaited reunion; but I grieve the loss.

She suffered in the hospital, all the while assuring me that she would make it through this "trial" and that she still had so many things left undone. She did so like a typical mother to a petrified child who was afraid of the dark.

How does one articulate such an event in one's life? It seemed untenable in the past and yet, here it is. I am faced with a future without parents. Losing my Dad years back is still very fresh in my mind and then this blow. It is nothing but utterly, utterly crippling.

Please embrace your Mom the very next time you see her? Think of me when you do this and perhaps, by some chance, my own mother will get that hug as well from me. My Mom was so old school and had only just learned to say "I love you" and to embrace us without any of the self-consciousness that belonged to those borne of the wartime era. I miss her hugs which truly made me feel loved and safe.

Pray that I survive this?

Costumes

2010-03-30T16:59:00.000-07:00

So sorry for being MIA lately. My big school show was the main concern and everything else about it. All the effort paid off though and things could not have gone smoother ...

Finally, I birthed my new baby. This is Pointe to Point, the magazine that accompanies all my theater based shows. It features the students of École de Ballet Manille and their thoughts on all dance-related issues. This kept me up many nights.

Costumes for a show are also a big preoccupation. I find myself turning into a wannabe designer. The highlight of the recital was a narrated ballet d'action or a story ballet entitled "The Search for a Real Princess," the storyline of which follows an abridged version of the classic fairy tale, "The Princess and the Pea," writen by moi. I had to design costumes for the characters therein. Here are some of them which I thought turned out quite well:

my "Spiders Parisienne" ...

the "Lumpy Peas" ...

the "Counting Sheep" ...

the "Golden Nuggets" ...

the "Teacups" ...

"Castle-Wall-Covered-with-Slime" ...

the "Spinster Ladies-in-Waiting" ...

the "Nightingales of Lalaland" ...

the "Red Fire Engine Ants" ...

the "Tumbling Mattreses" ...

and the lead characters, Queen Cruella, Princess Charmaine, Prince Smarty-Pants and his Two Sidekicks.

Designing costumes has never been an easy task for me but one which I have to do aside from wearing the many hats of artistic director, faculty advisor, teacher, and choreographer. It's either that or get stuck with costumes designed by someone else whose aesthetic does not match mine or the choreography at hand.

As you can see, although I don't have too much color in my own closet, I do love to use a rainbow of them for costumes made for any of my school endeavors. I guess, that's where I find the release?! I shall upload the costumes for the other sections of the show in my next post just to prove to you how crazy busy I've been the past weeks.

Unlike designing costumes, blogging is high up on my fave to-do list. I shall get back to you all tonight! 'Til then, my dear gorgeous blogger friends!

A Wobbly Walk and the Sunshine Award

2010-03-18T19:41:00.000-07:00

I've been wanting to try my new platform clogs from Zara.

I was just browsing through the new Zara deliveries, not intending to get anything; but when I saw these ... you know the drill?! The funny thing is, although I was told that these platforms were not manufactured in my size (Discrimination?!); I hardly grappled with my shopping conscience and still made a beeline for the cashier's desk. They're a full size larger which did not bother me ... I was going to do the Tim Gunn thing and "make it work!" They were just too Balenciaga-esque and Chanel-esque for me to just leave them behind!

Hmmm. There is a valuable lesson in all of this. All that space inside the shoes threw me off! I was wobbly going down the steps of my home and into the car. Wobbly again getting off and into the foyer of the building. I was a horrid, unstable mess! But ... I made it work. I tightened it a notch so they could wrap around my ankles more securely (Truthfully, it was more like I suffocated ze poor ankles ... ouch!) and used my abdominal muscles to carry me through from my center ... a skill I only use for dancing and well now, it's de rigueur whenever I wear this pair of shoes!

Wore my trusty, cotton voile, long sleeved marvel from MNG (I've worn this a million times here. They're just so reliable.);

an A-line denim skirt from Topshop (I've had this for ages. It's one of those items that I wear with comfort when I'm feeling bloated after too much sushi and soy sauce the night before! We all have those crucial items in our closets, right? And ... I'm a sucker for A-line skirts. I think they just adorn the hips wonderfully!);

the logo embossed, leather bag by Hugo Boss (the current flavor of the month);

my Tiger's Eye cocktail ring (I never used to like that stone. I used to think it was too out there; but one changes one's mind when one gets older, I guess ... Nothing remains static ... thank goodness!);

and paired with the everyday bling!

I was given the Sunshine Award by the lovely Vera of Jewel In The Sand and stunning Vinda of Fashion Atelier. I highly recommend visits to their blogsites! You will probably make them your daily stopover, the way I do!

Vera of Jewel In The Sand lives for fashion, adores kids, and is optimistic about life ... a perfect combo for a fantastic blogger and all around fashion maven like all of you!

I've been a follower of Vinda's Fashion Atelier from when she first started it and let me just say that it has transformed into a source of editorialized fashion images worthy of magazine spreads! Vinda is also quite an accomplished illustrator and poet. You may spend many days just sifting through her wonderful blog ...

Merci beaucoup Vera and Vinda for this Sunshine Award! And now for the fun part, I would like to pass this on to the following bloggers who are rays of sunshine themselves:

1. Mia of Pink Pecan

2. Kookie B. of Death by Platforms

3. Sarah of Pandora's Box

4. Jodes of Seamstress for the Band

5. Rachel of Attempting Style

6. Castor Pollux

7. Style Changes

8. Jade of Jade Purple Brown

9. Jen of A Little Bird Told Me

10. Sher of Beneath the Crystal Stars

Please pass on the award to 10 other great bloggers as yourselves?!

Kisses!

It's My Time Global Casting Competition and Frolic Bikinis

2010-03-15T02:44:00.000-07:00

Eva of It's: My: Time asked me to share with you a very worthwhile casting competition organized by Benetton!

IT’S MY TIME is a Global Casting Competition:

It's not about catwalk cliches and model attitude. We’re looking for natural beauty and fresh faces. Build your profile and vote for the finalists. The 100 highest voted entries get featured in our new book on global style and win 200 euro to spend in Benetton. From these, 20 will be selected and flown to New York to be in the Benetton 2010 Fall/Winter campaign. We don't care where you're from, only where you can go.

Now IT'S MY TIME.

For more information, please click here.

No outfit post today.

Instead, I'm very proud to introduce to you "Frolic," a new swimwear line by three aspiring swimwear designers, Ashley, Grace, and Myr (who happen to be three amazing ballet students of mine!).

Yup, this one they named after me! Thank you, girls!

"Frolic" Bikinis retail from PhP1,000.00 to PhP1,200.00 (roughly US$20.00 to US$25.00) and are currently available only in the Philippines. Sizes are Small / Medium / Large. Interested parties may call Ashley at 0917-5380186 or Grace at 0917-5200123.

Hello Summer, indeed!

Work Outfit and the Beautiful Blogger Award

2010-03-10T18:21:00.000-08:00

Had a mall show last Sunday. I staged all the numbers that I thought my girls should shake the old nerves away with. Naturally, this meant I was again ze old stage hand and could wear nothing but comfy, easy-to-move clothes in:

Wearing a grey, graphic Tee from MNG;

studded, black belt from Salsa;

cuffed, light grey, cotton shorts from Chocolate & Company (Have you ever bought something that you knew was not your size and yet, you bought it anyway because it simply called out your name? Well, this is one of those items for me! I just had it adjusted by the seamstress who by the way asked me why I never buy things that are just right for me! I laughed so hard because she had "crazy eyes" when she spoke to me about it. Chocolate & Company is a garment brand from Australia that makes so many lovely, summery items that are hard to resist!);

matte gold ballerina flats from Topshop (I've been looking for this matte gold hue for years! I finally found them in Topshop but not without trouble ... the kind sales clerk, Karen, had them transferred to the branch of my choice and I had to wait a week before finally getting them. I remember skipping back to the car when they were safely in my possession!);

the oversized aviator shades from Rayban (which I'm so loving right now!);

the logo embossed bag from Hugo Boss (which I'm currently abusing!);

and the bling.

Joei of Definitely, Maybe passed on the Beautiful Blogger Award to me. Please do visit Joei! She covers the whole gamut of easy, no stress living: fashion and beauty, travel and leisure, homes and gardens, health and fitness, food and drinks, TV and movies, and science and technology. It's a one stop shop to anything you may be wondering about! Maraming, maraming salamat, mahal kong Joei!

I now have to state 7 facts about myself. If you are so inclined, you may read them here.

I wish I can pass this award to more than 7 people but for now, I'm passing this Beautiful Blogger Award to:

1. Panda of Stud Muffin
2. Vera of Jewel in the Sand
3. Nathalie of Accessory Pirate
4. CL of Chai, Cinnamon, and Couture
5. A Daisy Chain Dream
6. Deep in Vogue
7. Brianne Lee

I know I've been MIA lately; but I'm really swamped nowadays. I need more than the 24 hours given us in a day. I'm hoping to get more things done so I can get back to blogging properly. Boo!

I miss you all!

Virgin Mary or Mary Magdalene ... and the Fashion Blogger Award

2010-03-07T04:25:00.000-08:00

One of the most difficult occasions for me to dress up for is Sunday Mass. You all know why ... the devil inside of me won't let me follow dress codes to the letter. BUT I've been quite the docile girl lately:

I wore a maxi-dress from MNG (I was inspired by a dance colleague who wore a maxi-dress to the theater a few months ago. She just seemed to walk like a goddess amidst Philistines ... I was one of those Philistines, of course.);

a white bandeau from MNG underneath (Well, the neckline plunged right to there so before the hubby could say halt, I already did what I should.);

oversized aviator shades by Rayban (Got this during a christmas shopping trip with the hubby. He didn't want to get them for me at first. He thought they were too large for my face, making me look like a demented bumble bee. I assured him that I was going to work it so he forked the money over. I so love the hubby!);

metallic gold sandals from Charles & Keith (This is such a fashion forward footwear brand from Singapore. They do very good copies of Bally, Gucci, and Prada. This one is a Gucci knock-off without the faux diamond stones on the front lapel. I had to snap them up, right?);

the green alligator skinned bag by Fino;

and the bling, of course.

The church ladies smiled at me for the first time too ... and why not, I was covered like the Virgin Mary (Forgive me?!) or well, Mary Magdalene ... the things that run into my head during service. I must convert and become a good girl ... seriously!

The lovely Djhanq of Tattoo and Tees gave me the Fashion Blogger Award! Thanks so much, Djhanq! Please do visit her blogsite. She is quite the REAL Gossip Girl protagonist with her sense of style and Tim Burton movie genre proclivities! She's probably the next Taylor Momsen as we know it!

I would like to pass on this wonderful award to:

1. Leah

2. The Owl's Closet

3. Gleen of Creative Fashion

4. El_Martina

5. I Am Khatu

6. Noble Beeyotch of Not Fashionista ... Call Me Stylista

Please pass the Fashion Blogger Award to 6 other fashion dolls as yourselves!

Hugs!

The Winner of My First Giveaway and My First eBay Purchase

2010-03-01T21:42:00.000-08:00

Yey! There is a winner for my first giveaway ... it's No. 06 entry: Vinda Sonata of Fashion Atelier! I will send it to you, dear Vinda, as soon as I get your mailing details!

I'm planning another giveaway soon. So please stay tuned?! I've had so much fun doing this one that I wanted to do a repeat. There's nothing like spreading the joy all around!

Had a wonderful dinner with the in-laws hosted by a former ambassador to the Vatican (Hmm. Friends in high places; but connections one must never use!?).

Wore this dress by Topshop (I know, AGAIN, right? I bought it thinking it was an easy-to-wear thingy; but when I got home, I didn't have a clue on how to wing it as it was way too sheer to just use the old underpants underneath. I tried it on with my other chemise like shirts but they were just bulking the already bulky outline of the dress ... it's structured with generous folds from the neckline going down. It had to sit awhile in ze closet before I found a solution that I could live with ...);

finally wore skimpy, black, linen shorts from MNG under the dress (I've had these shorts for a whole year, I think. I came home only to realize that it was way too short for the hubby to ever allow me out with it. Voila, it has now found its calling! It still gets to be an armor for the privates after all.);

my oh-so lovely Mary Janes by Balenciaga (My first eBay puchase EVER! They just arrived last Sunday via my sister-in-law's luggage from California. Yey! They are quite exquisite in person and can you believe it, are also comfy to boot? No wonder the Olsen twins are so enamoured with Balenciaga footwear?! I am stalking Balenciaga from now on ... I swear it!);

the bling (I wore two large cocktail rings for the very first time. I didn't feel overdone and just decided to commit to piling-on-the-bling!);

and the lemon colored, super tiny, purse by Kate Spade.

This has been my longest hiatus between posts. Been so busy doing a million and one things. You are all forever in my head, though. I will get back to all you, my fab blogger friends, during my owl time ...

Kisses!

The Grotesque but Hilarious Tee Plus the Happy 101 Award

2010-02-25T20:29:00.000-08:00

Remember my current obsession with printed Tees? Well, I wore a really fun one last weekend for a lunch date with the famille:

a tee I got from Topman which features a vampire ...

and the rest of the kooky message, "Save water ... drink blood," which I found hilarious and grotesque at the same time. I had to get it, right?

Denim jeggings from Topshop (Oh, Topshop, I'm your slave, don'tcha know? My hard earned income goes straight to you. Boo!);

black, Croc loafers from Ferragamo (Got these from a long time ago, back when I was wearing endless loafers and flats and nursing a nasty knee injury. I never thought I'd ever get my bum knee strong enough to ever wear heels again. But sheer willpower was the driving force behind my physical therapy laden itinerary in the past ... the opportunity to wear heels and walking properly, of course! Sadly though, these loafers are not easy to wear ... I now have unsightly blisters because of them?! How could I have forgotten that problem! It's probably why I had relegated them to the topmost, unreachable shoe shelf. Ouch!);

the logo embossed leather bag from Hugo Boss (which I'm loving very much nowadays, by the way);

the cocktail ring (This one is really one of my faves.);

and the rest of the bling.

I feel so blessed to have gotten the Happy 101 Award from Lorena of In Vogue 1 Day. Please do visit her blog! Lorena is a talented fashion illustrator whose work is amazing as well as it is unique. I do wish she continues illustrating. She really has a strong point of view when it comes to fashion. Merci beaucoup, dear Lorena!

To officially receive the abovementioned, I'll have to list 10 things that make me happy. If you are so inclined, you can read my 10 things here.

I now pass on the Happy 101 Award to 10 bloggers, who make the blogosphere a very happy place to be in:

1. Lexi Colby of Chicsheek

2. Lilee of Zebra and Meerkat

3. Tara of Pink Positive

4. Sharon of Eli Sharon

5. Heart Charlie

6. Fleur of Fashion Nutty

7. Erica of Girl from the North Country

8. From Donuts to Delirium

9. Kristin of Bon Bon Rose Girls

10. Lue of The F Word Online

What a great way to start the weekend!

I would also like to invite everyone again to join my giveaway contest which runs 'til this Sunday, February 28. I currently counted 102 official entries. Yey! I will wait 'til the very last minute before picking a winner. Last minute joiners may hop on the bandwagon here.

For the non-winners, please do not worry ... I will be holding another giveaway soon after!

Kisses!

Grocery Shopping and a Giveaway Win!

2010-02-22T19:14:00.000-08:00

Grocery shopping is the kind of shopping I do not enjoy doing at all. The hubby used to do it for the household; but since he's gotten über busy, the task fell on my lap, au naturellement. I try to do it as quickly as possible as the temperature inside the supermarket is uncomfortable. Brr! So here is the grocery shopping outfit from yesterday:

A cotton voile top by Zara (I've used this blouse before. What I failed to omit the last time was that it had to undergo several adjustments by the seamstress before it fit me just right. I've hit a snag buying items at Zara in that sense. None of their tops fit me perfectly. I've pegged it down to having a weird body, so there.);

denim shorts by XOXO (These are one of my go-to items when I don't really want to spend time thinking about what to wear. I've worn them everywhere including to a funeral wake once! I just donned a more formal top and voila, I'm ready to bereave. Do you have trouble thinking about what to wear for those sad occasions? I do! It's such a depressing scenario to dress up for; but one where there is still no escaping from.);

grey Mary Janes by Kate Spade (I don't know about you; but I just love Mary Janes. They're just so girly. I think, Kate Spade has managed to cross them over from school girl charm to glamazonic. But I just discovered other brands that have done this to perfection as well. I've recently made my first eBay purchase a week ago and yes, they're Mary Janes! My dear sister-in-law from SF is bringing my babies back to me by next week. I'm beyond excited to see them in person. If everything goes according to plan, then eBay will probably become a shopping mecca to me. Thank you to stunning Ally of Fancy Kazoo for encouraging me to do this!)

the logo embossed, leather bag by Hugo Boss (You guessed it, I haven't moved my stuff from this bag to another yet ...);

and the bling.

Speaking of bling ... I won the valentine's giveaway of Denise of Denise Katipunera.

I could not believe my luck as I've never won a raffle prize in my life! It was so nice to receive the surprise in my mailbox. Thank you so much again, Denise! I'm still thinking of how to style it as it's got to be the focal point of the outfit. My fourteen year old son remarked, "You've got some nice blogger friends, Mama." Indeed, I do! Please do visit her blogsite?! You won't regret it!

I would also like to invite everyone again to join my giveaway contest which runs 'til February 28. Details on how to join here.

The Fun of a Printed Tee and the You're A Doll Award

2010-02-19T06:53:00.000-08:00

We hosted a lunch for the in-laws last Sunday. The hubby's brother from Philly is back for a visit as well, and so it was quite a good Valentine's, Kung Hei Fat Choi, and Welcome Back celebration rolled into one.

I'm unsure whether I told any of you that I've only just started to wear printed Tees. I guess I just didn't know how to treat them, clothing ensemble wise. But since I decided to just let go and follow my instincts, I've been having some fun wearing them:

Wearing a printed Tee from Topshop (Yeeees, Topshop, again! I was drawn to this one in particular because it was a black and white vintage photo of music hall girls doing the "sinful" Cancan in the Montparnasse of the 1830s. I can imagine the sheer guts of those women wilst doing a dance that was then considered outrageous and devilish!);

black studded leggings from Topshop as well (too bad the black studs are hardly visible in the picture?!);

black, satin Louboutin wannabes by Aldo;

a logo embossed, leather bag by Hugo Boss (My answer to everyone's obsession to have the LV Speedy. It's the perfect size too! Ooooh, this is one of those purchases that I had to close my eyes as the poor credit card was swiped. You know, I couldn't afford it; but went ahead and just got it. Why do we do that? Insane.);

agate and green jade cocktail ring (a closer view. I don't have too many greens in my closet. This is one of the few.);

and the rest of the bling (I love Coco Chanel's addiction to piling the sparkly things up. I had a business meeting today and was told that I was one of those naughty girls who get away with piling on the bling. I laughed and replied that accessorizing was a purely intuitive thing. You either FEEL it or you don't. I know you all so get me!).

And Yey! The You're A Doll award to pass on!

I was given the You're A Doll Award by 3 of the most bonafide, certified, rarified dolls in the blogosphere:

the beautiful Diane of Diane, who dreams of becoming famous and fabulous; but IS already! Thank you so much, Diane!

gorgeous Rachel of Inspiration in Italy, who shares her daily inspirations as she is surrounded by the bountiful art scenery that is Rome. Mille grazie, Rachel!

Imogen of Tia Cherie, a beautiful 20 year old law student who has a knack for creating amazing outfits for her multifaceted life in Sydney, Australia. Merci beaucoup, dear Imogen!

Please take time to visit their blogs? You won't regret it!

I must now pass this award along to 7 dolls:

1. Couture Carrie

2. Tabitha of Fashion Therapist

3. Fabulocity in Amish Country

4. Welcome to Fashion Court ... The Verdict Is In

5. RiaTii of Zipper - Pepper

6. Meraldia of Meraldia

7. Diana of Smiles Go With Everything

Please pass the You're A Doll Award to 7 other dolls!

My goddaughter is turning 1 tomorrow. What does one wear to a baby birthday party?!

Valentine's Day and the Happy 101 Award

2010-02-15T06:46:00.000-08:00

Valentine's Day is always a day I look forward to as I've got the most romantic hubby ever! (We celebrated it on Saturday though, February 13th. We always reserve Sundays for family things and so we didn't think it that it was very amorous to celebrate the day of the hearts on a practical Sunday!)

Although it was quite a hectic day for us (we had separate appointments during the day), we still went ahead and had a continental dinner at the Tower Club, an exclusive business club in the heart of Manila's financial district.

Except for the faux fur jacket, all closet items are from many years ago: a sheer, ruffled blouse from MNG (I've had this for ages. I just couldn't figure out how to wear it 'til that morning, before I left the house. The A-line structure was putting a crimp on the slim line of the stirrup leggings. It just made more sense when I tucked it partially, right?);

black stirrup leggings from Topshop which I've had since forever (I got them originally for my traveling wardrobe; but I figured that it can be a mainstream, everyday, go-to item. Don't we all live and breathe in leggings nowadays?);

a faux fur jacket from Zara (one of the hubby's anniversary gifts to moi);

studded, leather platforms by Aldo (a christmas gift to myself. The Valentine's dinner was the stage for their debut. Although they look super amazing, I'm afraid they almost killed my feet. I have to figure out how to add cushioning somewhere!);

a super small purse by Kate Spade (Hmmm. This isn't the smallest purse yet from my small-purse-collection. Looking back, "What was I thinking?" It only housed my cellular phone and a handkerchief; nothing else could fit!);

the bling ... I say pile it on!

I am beyond fortunate to have received the Happy 101 Award from three dynamic bloggers:

One was from the effervescent Novita Ristiana. She is such a darling girl who has a fabulous penchant for colors. Please visit her blogsite; you will be amazed at her joie de vivre. It's so palpable in her pictures! Thanks again, Novita Ristiana!

Another was from the stunning Pixie Dust, whose blog is a virtual fashion journal of all of her outfit ensembles and artistic impulses. She recently egged me to do a DIY nail polishing project! Maraming, maraming salamat (meaning thank you very, very much in Filipino), Pixie Dust!

And yet another was from my new friend, Raisa aka Cameraholic of Style Fool, who gives us wizened fashion tips as well as her uncommon insights on life and anything else under the sun! Merci beaucoup, dear Raisa!

To officially receive the abovementioned, I'll have to list 10 things that make me happy. If you are so inclined, you can read my 10 things here.

I now pass on the Happy 101 Award to 10 bloggers, who make the blogosphere a very happy place to be in:

1. Jennifer Fabulous of I Know, Right?

2. Anna Jane of Pixelated Blonde

3. Style, Substance, & Sutton

4. Vintage Vixen

5. Noomie Doodles Fashion

6. Fade to Black

7. Marz of Insights

8. A Diary of a Mom and Son

9. Ces of Mom - Daughter Style

10. Viva La Fashion

I love receiving awards because it means I get to pass them along. In memory of the fashion industry's l'enfant terrible, Alexander McQueen, this is such a great way to channel positive, fashionable energy around the world!

XOXO

Acid Wash and Patent Shoes and the Princess Award

2010-02-12T06:56:00.000-08:00

We had Roey's cousins and grandmother over for a small lunch at Roey's fave Japanese resto last Sunday. It was such a happy affair ... I must say, the scrumptious Japanese food buffet put everyone in a very good mood!

What I wore: an aquamarine colored Tee from Topshop;

black-ish, acid wash leggings from Zara (I got this from "Lefties," the Zara outlet shop in Barcelona. I totally went crazy there. Don't you just find the name "Lefties," so perfect? They're selling all the items that were "leftover" from past collections. I love how we can all wear leggings cum jeggings as honest-to-goodness trousers. They're slimming and so easy on the body in terms of fit and comfort.);

black Tuxedo shoes by Cole Haan (I got these like gadzillion years ago and used them perhaps a total of 5 times only. They're so elegant. Their patent sheen somehow softened the harsh acid wash on the leggings.);

the bling;

the studded leather bag from Juicy Couture (Truthfully, I've been using this all the time because I was just too lazy to move my stuff over to another bag. Does that happen to you? Do you do that too? So I simply built my outfit around the bag itself. Loonytunes, I know...)

Yey, the Princess Award!

This lovely award was passed on to me by the stunning Mary Jane of Mary Jane Girl. Please visit her blogsite!? You won't regret it! Mary Jane lives and breathes fashion in Athens; and thinks she doesn't have gorgeous hair when she totally does!

To officially receive this award, I've got to do the following:

Give thanks to the one who has passed it on to you: Merci beaucoup, dear Mary Jane!

Name an author whom you love: Hands down, it's Gabriel Garcia Marquez.

If applicable, name an author who highlights: I have no idea what this means. If you do, please enlighten me?!

Books you love: Top of my head, "100 Years of Solitude" and "Love in the Time of Cholera" both by Gabriel Garcia Marquez, "Like Water for Chocolate" by Laura Esquivel, and "The Little Black Book of Style" by Nina Garcia.

Something that always excites you: Definitely, a great bargain from a signature shop (Hellooooo, Prada and Balenciaga!), a fantastic rehearsal, a new choreography, and brilliant classical ballet music.

Something that you hate: Insincerity, lies, and global climate change. Boo!

I now pass on this award to 7 Princesses:

1. Erika of Cafe Fashionista, who lives for New York City, cafes, cocktail rings, coffee, ballerina flats, and Gossip Girl. She also loves anything with sequins and has contributed to my many closet wishlists thus far.

2. Dream Sequins, who covers independent fashion designers and beauty brands, with the occasional foray into street style, personal style, and travel photography.

3. Denise of Denise Katipunera, who, despite living in tropical Manila, loves layering, jackets, boots, tights, and scarves. Her blogsite is a virtual mini travel channel of all of the Philippines' best tourist spots! I recently won a beautiful "heart" trinket from her in celebration of Valentine's Day ... Can't wait to get it, Denise!

4. kpeach of On the Fringe of Fashion, who, like many of us, has been fixated on fashion since forever. She says that we all discover our style through intrinsic creativity and self-exploration. How spot on is she!

5. Rachel of Inspiration in Italy. Rachel shares her daily fashion inspirations against a background of Italy's high art and captivating scenery.

6. Jen of A Little Bird Told Me, who claims to have a serious shopping habit (don't we all?!). She creates fiendish outfits with very amazing details!

7. The Style Crusader, who scrutinizes the world around her with her very meticulous and sophisticated eyes.

I'm so happy about passing on awards because there are so many here in the blogosphere who deserve more recognition for their fashion sensibilities than I.

You are all infinitely inspiring!

I would also like to invite everyone again to join my giveaway contest which runs 'til February 28. Details on how to join here.

Birthday Fun and the Kreativ Blogger Award

2010-02-09T20:58:00.000-08:00

So sorry for the long overdue post; but I've been pouring through hundreds of photos and editing articles that I'm convinced my eyes have grown more myopic by a 100 degrees! I've missed blogging and catching up with all of you. Aside from the magazine, I've been attempting to finish choreographies for my big school show next month as well as preparing for my son's 14th birthday party celebration last Saturday.

Every year since he turned 8, Roey's had a birthday tradition of sorts. He invites a small group of friends over for a whole afternoon of fun at the club; swimming, bowling, wall climbing, and whatever else they may want to do together. He's had virtually the same boys over every year.

And so every year, I am the designated coordinator (overall events facilitator, invitations designer, and loot bag organizer) for the occasion; which translates to the task being that of a glorified yaya (governess) who watches over their every whim and movement of the day! Naturally, I had to wear something über comfy:

No planning, so did the unfailing black and white combo.

A flower accessory from H&M pinned on the freebie Tee from KLM;

a mini skirt from the money pit, Topshop (I think I've had this for 8 months without having an occasion to wear it for. A-line skirts always make any movement possible!);

super cute mary janes from Topshop as well (They're a whole size larger; but did I care about that? I had to have them, as I remember correctly!);

the studded leather bag by Juicy Couture;

my Tiger's Eye cocktail ring;

and the general bling.

The other kind ladies (Mom Chelo on the left and Aunt Annie on the right) who spent the afternoon with me, watching our rowdy boys. Of course, they got loot bags too!

All in all, what a great day to turn 14!

I received the Kreativ Blogger Award from the very lovely Imogen of Tia Cherie. Please visit her blogsite; I highly recommend it! Imogen is a beautiful 20 year old law student who has a knack for creating amazing outfits for her multifaceted life in Sydney, Australia.

Thank you sooooo much, Imogen! Please keep on being my inspiration for always looking red carpet ready without breaking the bank!

I'm then asked to list seven interesting things about myself (Hmm. I'm unsure I'm even interesting?!) and pass on the Kreativ Blogger Award to seven "Kreativ" bloggers.

Here goes:

1. All my ballet lesson plans and their accompanying class music tracks are listed down on penmanship notebooks. Naturally, I have soft copies saved in two other disk drives. Due to my PC crashing on several occasions, I've learned to have a back-up for the back-up!

2. I still plan my son's outfits to somehow match my own. I wonder if he gets that?

3. My giftwrapping supply is arranged by color and material in my home office.

4. I do my son's special school projects. I can't help it. He's not a crafty sort of guy.

5. I'm addicted to the TV series, "Grey's Anatomy," "Desperate Housewives," and "Dirt." There are others; but generally, I watch them late at night to lull myself to sleep.

6. I've been using Oil of Olay and Ponds cream interchangeably since forever.

7. I named our pet Cockatiel, "Louise," after the hubby's long time girlfriend. There was just a week when I heard her being referred to for some inane reason or the other, by various unrelated people. I then thought, "Well, you're a bird now!" I thought I would hate it; but I love "Louise," and take her to her veterinarian for her monthly check up.

Boring!

I now pass on the award to 7 ultra-creative bloggers:

1. Vinda Sonata of Fashion Atelier

2. Betz of Her Armoire

3. My Strawberry Cocktail

4. F of The Very Subjective

5. Jaime of La Vie ... Jaime

6. Diane

7. Lenka of Chronique de Mode

These bloggers are all sooooo inspirational!

I would also like to invite everyone again to join my giveaway contest which runs 'til February 28. Details on how to join here.

Here's to (hopefully) no more breaks to blogging!

An Unsuccessful Shopping Ban (Boo!) and The One Lovely Blog Award

2010-02-05T08:23:00.000-08:00

So sorry for being MIA! My nose has been submerged into getting my school magazine done. It's really a tedious process; but one that gives me immense satisfaction afterwards especially when my students read it from cover to cover and discuss its contents!

Anyway, I'm posting another outfit. I used it to go visit my Mom at the hospital. I do so pray for her perfect healing. We have somehow reached that point in our relationship where she gets me and I her. At least, I think we do. I wish for all your mothers to be in perfect health and that they continue to love and nurture you the way only mothers can.

I have a secret. These two next items are the reason why I was unsuccessful at my shopping ban:

A super cute Tee (the cocky Brittish flag got me at "Hello!") and velvet grey leggings, both from Topshop (The girls at topshop kept both in my stash and since the buy-one-take-one sale would end way before my shopping ban lifted ... I had to get them ... Yes, shopping is truly my weakness ... I wish I could apply the discipline I employ in other areas of my life onto my shopping binges ... I really think that I'm out of control sometimes ... please don't ask me what else I got?! I should really be a major stockholder at Topshop. Seriously.);

the neck pieces;

a band jacket from Zara (I was a little peeved that this went up on the recent Zara sale when I got it at full retail price a few months back. I hate it when that happens. I always think, "I better get it. It's too nice not to be snatched up by everyone immediately." And voila, loads are on display at the sale rack. I don't get it. I swear, it's soooo amazing and don't let me get started at the fit ... it's perfect!);

my (when in doubt) go-to shoes: the Gucci loafers (It refuses to go out of style! They remind me so much of Jude Law's footwear in the remake of the movie, "Alfie.");

a studded leather bag by Juicy Couture;

all the everyday bling plus my very blue cocktail ring from Barcelona, citrine beads from the hubby, and my I.D. bracelet, the close-up of which comes on next.

Remember when "Sex in the City" was all the rage and our fave IT girl, SJP, brought her I.D. necklace to the forefront of all things chic? Well, I was enamoured by that trend but I couldn't find an I.D. anything that I really, really loved. So of course (ouch to the bank account again) I had my own I.D. bracelet commissioned in white gold and tiny diamonds which not only spelled my name, but the hubby's,

and the son's name too!

So, I now call this my family bracelet! Sorry about all the scratches though, it's been years. Come to think of it, scratches and dents are like memories, they just lend our things the oomph that they need. What do you think?

Aha ... for some fun. I've been holding on to this 'til I had time to post it properly. Colin of Sexy Legs and Body passed on the "One Lovely Blog" Award to me. Thank you so much, dear Colin. Please visit his blog!

Naughty but nice Colin's blogging pursuit is to prove that just about every lady can look stunning if she puts her mind to it. Naturellement, Colin! Please keep on blogging!

I now pass on this award to:

1. The Style Crusader

2. Alexi Prieto of Steam Punk Dolls

3. Kirafashion

4. Barry of Life in Quotations

5. On The Fringe Of Fashion

6. Liya of My Glittering Creation

7. Fika of Sweet Escape

8. Spoiled Rotten

9. Confessions of a Drama Queen

10. and Toni of Perfumed Red Shoes

Please pass on this award to 10 dynamic bloggers as yourselves!

I would also like to invite everyone to join my giveaway contest which runs 'til February 28. Details on how to join here.

I didn't expect that holding giveaways would be so much fun. In fact, I'm already planning my next one for all of you!

Hugs!

The Animal Print and the International Bloggers Community Tag

2010-02-01T07:03:00.000-08:00

Last Saturday was a hectic day for me ... it was my whole day pictorial for my school's upcoming ballet recital in March. I produce a magazine called "Pointe to Point" which accompanies this show instead of the usual souvenir program. The last "Pointe to Point" Mag:

I know, shooting, laying it out, and writing the articles for a magazine endeavor are a tall order and one that I have to take a deep breath for before I actually get into the groove of it; but one thing I'll have to confess to you all is that I like doing things that challenge me. Yup, I'm a nut case.

Anyway, the pictorial took almost the whole day and my whole soul, as a matter of fact. So at the end, I was quite relieved that it was all done.

Several firsts too ... I finally wore an honest to goodness animal print and in a larger per square inch area too!

Surprise, surprise! The animal print leggings were custom made for me by my school's costume maker! She really did a good job, ne ces't pas?

The white Tee was a freebie from KLM when we got stranded in Amsterdam last October. The airline provided us with the de rigueur toiletries and this Tee which I used as a nightgown. I remember not feeling disappointed about the lay-over; but instantly making a beeline for the Red Light District?! Our first time there ever!

Another first is my wearing the rubber shoes by Adidas. You may have well noticed by now that I'm not a rubber shoe kinda gal. But I did have to put them on for this occasion. I did a lot of kneeling, jumping, running around, and yikes, sweating!

The neck pieces. I must say, I'm falling in love with the Tiffany and Company key pendants more and more. Both are gifts from the hubby on our last trip to Hongkong in August 2009.

My first cocktail ring. The hubby bought it for me during our trip to Istanbul in October of 2008. I instantly fell in love with it moreso when the jeweler explained that it was a repro from a certain 17th century Maharajah. The stone is citrine and is supposed to bring the wearer much wealth. I have yet to witness this as all I've been doing since is shopping to death?!

And now, in the spirit of the recent Grammy's:

I was tagged for membership into the "International Bloggers Community" by the very original Putri Estiani of Quirk It Out, who wears a lovely bob to perfection and dreams of becoming a fashion journalist and going to Paris. I see her doing these things in no time. Please visit her blogsite, you won't regret it!

Thank you soooo much, Putri Estiani. I am beyond thrilled!

Here are the rules to joining the International Bloggers Community:

1. Link the person who tagged you.

2. Copy the image above, the rules, and questionnaire in this post.

3. Post this in one or all of your blogs.

4. Answer the four questions following these rules.

5. Recruit at least seven (7) friends on your Blog Roll by sharing this with them.

6. Go back to Bloggist Info Corner (PLEASE DO NOT CHANGE THIS LINK) at http://bloggistame.blogspot.com/ and leave your name and URL in order for your Blog to be added to the Master List.

7. Have Fun!

Questionnaire:

1. The person who tagged me : Putri Estiani

2. His/her site's title and url: http://quirkitout.blogspot.com/

3. Date when I was tagged: 24 January 2010

4. Tag 7 persons:

1. Michelle of Glisters and Blisters

2. Fhen of Little Miss Fhenny

3. Susu Paris Chic

4. Sharon of My Passport to Style

5. Tabitha

6. Julia of The Thank You Project

7. and last but certainly not the least, Elaine of Clothed Much

Please tag 7 other equally wonderful bloggers and expand our bloggers' community!

I would also like to invite everyone to join my giveaway contest which runs 'til February 28. Details on how to join here.

XOXO

My First Giveaway and The You're A Doll Award!

2010-01-28T18:53:00.000-08:00

To celebrate having reached a hundred followers, I'm hosting a giveaway. Yey!

As you know, I'm a weak-in-the-knees kinda girl when it comes to cocktail rings. I think they just give any outfit, a definitive in-your-face sort of vibe. Soooo yes, the giveaway is a cocktail ring!

A lovely turquoise stone (I think the proper term is cabochon, a convex cut for gemstones.) is set on a filigreed design made of silver. The workmanship hails from Vietnam and it is assuredly much better looking in person than it is in these photos. (Sorry about that. My lighting is off, as usual.) It covers over the first digit of your index finger which should give you an idea of it's actual size. It also has an adjustable band at the back; but I will also include a ring guard in case the winner happens to have teeny, tiny fingers.

What to do to win this beauty:

1. Please become a follower of ballerina'sclosetobsession for one entry and indicate that you have done so in your comment.

2. If you are already a follower, please let me know why you would like to have this ring. This will entitle you to one entry.

3. Please link this giveaway in a blog post for another entry and send me a message that you have done so.

4. Please include your email addy in your comment/s.

Good luck to everyone!

(A reminder: this ring is really gorgeous. My pics sadly do not do it any justice.)

I will be sending this to the winner by registered mail as soon as I get his/her mailing address.

Entries to this particular giveaway will be accepted until 28 February 2010.

And for those who do not win this sparkle, I say, don't worry, I've already got another idea for my next giveaway. I'm just currently configuring the logistics of it.

And now for some fun!

I've been given the "You're A Doll award" by Dena of Pretty Little Things, who has such a fashionable aesthetic; it's crazy that it's all jammed into one lovely person! Please visit her blogsite ... You won't regret it!

Merci beaucoup a million times, Dena!

I now pass on this award to 6 certifiable dolls of the blogosphere:

1. The Style Artisan, a savvy thrifter who creates drool worthy outfits that cost a tenth of their original price!

2. Kirstyb of Fashion Champagne. She is truly THE hautest girl in town!

3. Wonderfelle of A Wonderfelle World, who takes you to the most wonderful vacay destinations and gives you advise on which fantastic outfits to take with you as well.

4. Ibyang of A Wife's Charmed Life, a recent immigrant to Australia, who does a terrific balancing act of being a wife, homemaker, and all around fashionable girl!

5. Treacle of Confessions of a Lingerie Addict, who is my guru on all things lingerie! Those of you who are illiterate about this area of the closet, like me, will find her blogsite both educational and fun!

6. and Marissa of Chaos Kontrolowany, a teenaged fashion prodigy who is rockin' outfits for the snow!

Please pass on the "You're A Doll Award" to 6 other dolls you know?!

Slave Attire and The Over The Top Award (Hurrah!)

2010-01-25T23:20:00.000-08:00

I thankfully had an unproblematic (all things considered) performance last Sunday. It was a fundraising event to keep a public school up and running. It was quite successful. The proceeds ensured that the children would still have a school to speak of in the next few months. I was also glad that my own students (who come from more fortunate backgrounds), were able to see that their efforts could sustain relevant causes other than just the odd class or show.

There was no budget for a technical director so I had to step in as Stage Manager and overall slave of the endeavor. This meant another non fuss work outfit:

the graphic skeleton Tee from Topman (This is fast becoming a fave.);

black opaque tights underneath grey colored lace ones by Kate Torralba for City Lady, to effect leggings (The layers bring about a lovely texture to my otherwise fake or nonexistent leggings.);

my stalwart ankle boots from Gucci;

neck pieces piled one on top of the other, including my rosary from Lourdes (We Catholics are not taught to wear our rosaries around the neck. I have no idea why. This is the first time I've tried it, as a matter of fact; and well, what can be more iconic than Jesus?! He totally rocked n' rolled the outfit, don't you think?);

the bling;

and the ubiquitous alligator green bag from Fino (I love how the green pops against a monochromatic background.).

I am deliriously happy to say that I've been given the "Over The Top" Award by both Style Artisan and Jennifer of I know, Right? Please do visit both their blogsites?!

The fact that Style Artisan espouses that "personal style has no age and that self-expression through fashion should be a life long adventure," makes going to her site a worthwhile stopover. She is also such a savvy thrifter and creates drool worthy outfits that cost a tenth of their original price!

Jennifer of I Know, Right? is a talented writer who began her blog as another outlet for her creative writing propensities. She not only writes about fashion's newest escapades but also shares with us her insights on life and the working woman's many challenges.

A million thanks to the both of you for passing on this award to me. There are truly more deserving bloggers than I but the beauty of these awards is that they are in essence, passed on, and so will reach the people that they are meant to be given to, eventually.

This award comes with the following questionnaire which must be answered using (hopefully) one word replies. Here goes:

1. Where is your cell phone? Table.

2. Your hair? Black.

3. Your mother? Home.

4. Your father? Cary-Grant-Incarnate.

5. Your favorite food? Sushi.

6. Your dream last night? I forget.

7. Your favorite drink? Water.

8. Your dream/goal? Reach my potential as a teacher and artistic director.

9. What room are you in? Home office.

10. Your hobby? Blogging and designing dance costumes.

11. Your fear? An early death. (My son is too young to lose a mother.)

12. What do you want to be in 6 years? Successfully running my two schools by remote control.

13. Where were you last night? Home.

14. Something you aren't? Selfish.

15. Muffins? I don't eat them.

16. Wish list item? Balenciaga platforms.

17. Where did you grow up? Manila

18. Last thing you did? Got costume supplies.

19. What are you wearing? Topshop Tee and XOXO shorts.

20. Your TV? Upstairs.

21. Your pets? Louise, the Cockatiel.

22. Your friends? Perfect.

23. Your life? Busy.

24. Your mood? Anxious about another show.

25. Missing someone? Dad.

26. Vehicle? Van.

27. Something you're not wearing? Make-up.

28. Your favorite store? Topshop.

29. Your favorite color? Navy blue.

30. When was the last time you laughed? Sunday.

31. Last time you cried? New Year's Day 2008.

32. Your best friend? Indispensible.

33. One place where I go over and over again? Ballet studio.

34. One person who emails me regularly? Friends.

35. Favorite place to eat? Nishijin.

Phew. That was long. I would like to pass on this award to 10 of my fave bloggers:

1. the effervescent Novita Ristiana. She is such a darling girl with a fabulous penchant for colors.

2. naughty Colin of Sexy Legs and Body whose blogging pursuit is to prove that just about every lady can look stunning if she puts her mind to it. Yes, to Colin!

3. the lovely Pixie Dust whose blog is a virtual fashion journal of all of her outfit ensembles and artistic impulses. She recently egged me to do a DIY nail polishing project!

4. unique Putri Estiani of Quirk It Out who dreams of becoming a fashion journalist and going to Paris. I can see her doing both in no time!

5. stylish Dena of Pretty Little Things who has such a fashionable aesthetic; it's crazy that it's all jammed into one lovely person!

6. Diana of Color Dye Mode who loves vintage clothing with a passion and mixes it up with her 90s punk rock inclinations.

7. Graham of Suck My Savvy, who is I believe, one of the best dressed men in the blogosphere. He also has a spot on feel for proportions which I think all males should refer to when stuck with the what-to-buy-and-what-not-to buy clothing mode.

8. the very creative Style Bird who composes the winning-est teenage outfits ever!

9. Corie of My Taste Indeed, a super Mom who lives life the way she thinks is right and the outfits to go with it.

10. Simply Chic, a shoe buyer who happens to be way more into clothes than shoes. And yes, she is simply chic!

Kindly accept this award, answer the questionnaire, and pass it on to 10 other amazing bloggers like yourselves?!

Kisses, everyone!

Anniversary Blast and the Princess Award

2010-01-22T22:56:00.000-08:00

We had such a blast with our closest friends at our 15th anniversary party last night.

This was before everyone else arrived at the appointed middle Eastern cuisine resto in Makati (Manila's business district) ...

People quickly trickling in ...

Trying to make the night last longer ...

I cannot describe to you what a heartwarming affair it was. We were surrounded by people whom we loved and genuinely loved us back. What greater gift can we have for our anniversary? (Ooooh ... the hubby surprised me with yet a second gift ... a gorgeous ring set in black and white diamonds ... can't wait to show you! Hmmm. The first gift was one that I had bought earlier for myself and he had paid for ... 2 faux fur jackets from Zara!)

Wore the trustworthy long sleeved, cotton voile shirt from MNG (I know I've worn this like a million times. They're just so versatile. Truth be told, I love this so much that I got replicas of it from MNG's subsequent collections ... you know, in case this one gives up on me for some reason?!);

a distressed, denim mini-skirt from Topshop (I've had this since forever; the A-line structure of it falls so perfectly on the hips!);

thigh high stockings from Japan;

platforms from Michael Kors (I've always wanted to do animal print; but each time I attempted to, it always seemed to engulf me. And so I thought, the only solution to the mind and gut blockage is to do it in baby steps. Voila ... animal print in my platforms. I felt totally myself ... neither over or underwhelmed! Perhaps next time, I can try doing a larger area of animal print? My fingers AND toes are crossed. Roar!);

a logo bag from Gucci (I remember getting this as a prize to myself after I had successfully organized the first ballet ensemble competition in the country in 2008. Of course, I didn't do it singlehandedly. I had some help; but chairing the affair was so stressful that I decided some form of motivation was in order ... hence the bag purchase above!);

and the "Hope Diamond" on my finger! (NOT! Just a fun cocktail ring the hubby got for me on a business trip to Singapore last year.)

And now for the best part! I was given the "Princess" Award by Jasna of Fashion Jazz. Please visit her blogsite; you won't regret it! Jasna lives the life we dream about! She maintains a column in Style Scoop and has regular invis to all the best fashion events in Cape Town. She is in the hub, mon amis!

To officially receive this award, I've got to do the following:

Give thanks to the one who has passed it on to you: Merci beaucoup, dear Jasna!

Name an author whom you love: Hands down, it's Gabriel Garcia Marquez.

If applicable, name an author who highlights: I have no idea what this means. If you do, please enlighten me?!

Something that always excites you: Definitely, a great bargain from a signature shop, a fantastic rehearsal, a new choreography, and brilliant classical ballet music.

Something that you hate: Insincerity, lies, and global climate change. Boo!

I now pass on this award to 7 lovely bloggers:
1. Erika of Cafe Fashionista, who lives for New York City, cafes, cocktail rings, coffee, ballerina flats, and Gossip Girl. She also loves anything with sequins and has contributed to my many closet wishlists thus far.
2. Fleur of Fashion Nutty, who regales us with her wizened insights on fashion, magic, Harry Potter, music, chocolate, and lots of H&M! Like you and I, she loves the incomparable Gabrielle Chanel.
3. Patty Ann of Alphabetachic, my inspiration for the animal print, although I've done mine in a teeny weeny dosage.
4. B a la Moda, a ferocious fashion fiend from Spain.
5. Sher of Beneath the Crystal Stars, who creates some of the most stunning street looks ever.
6. Dream Sequins, who covers independent fashion designers and beauty brands, with the occasional foray into street style, personal style, and travel photography.
7. Leia of Hi Fashion, who has got to be one of the best dressed girls London has ever seen.

I'm so happy about passing on other awards because there are so many here in the blogosphere who deserve more recognition for their fashion sensibilities than I.

Thank you to everyone for your anniversary greetings! It can't get any better than receiving warm wishes from wonderful bloggers from all over the world!

The Happy 101 Award and Positive Energy

2010-01-19T20:01:00.000-08:00

I got these white, thigh high stockings from the grocery (of all places. It was so cheap too!) a month ago and was wondering what I could pair it with:

A black, cotton tube top worn as an undergarment and (another) sheer (I love sheer tops!) blouse worn as a mini-dress, both items from MNG from many, many seasons ago (I hardly do floral prints but I thought this one was more sophisticated, color wise, than most. It's predominantly midnight blue.);

dark blue Mary Janes by Marni (I remember having closed my eyes when my credit card was swiped for this one. I couldn't afford them really but I couldn't leave them in the store either. The concept of shopping bans was anathema to me a year ago. Reckless abandon was my game. But I've never regretted buying these. They're one of my faves!);

a Dior handbag from their saddlebag collection many seasons back (Got this thinking I would pair it with my denims; but when push came to shove, the combo seemed redundant. This bag is lonely. It's a sad wall flower. It hardly gets out of the closet.);

and the accessories du jour.

The outfit turned out a little Lolita-ish; but the thigh exposure is not as much as I thought it would be. I'm thinking of wearing this to my anniversary party on Friday. (Yes, the hubby and I are turning 15 years together!) Hmmm. The mood will have to dictate that.

Dressing up in conservative Manila requires being courageous amidst disapproving, uninitiated stares. I am fortunate to have hooked up with the hubby who is as adventurous with outfits as I am. (His friends always ask him if his wife does not complain about his long hair, his beard, his funky office jackets, or his beaded bracelets. Naturally, I never do! How could I protest when he is often the most stylish man in the room?!)

AND THEN ... meeting like-minded individuals like all of you has validated my efforts of self expression ... to quote Madame Chanel: "In order to be irreplaceable one must always be different." I know you sooo get this.

I was just thinking how happy I was having met all of you when I was given the "Happy 101" Award by the lovely Fleur of Fashion Nutty. Please do visit her blogsite. She regales her wizened insights on fashion, magic, Harry Potter, music, chocolate, and lots of H&M! Like you and I, she loves the incomparable Gabrielle Chanel.

As part of receiving the abovementioned, I will now have to name 10 things that make me happy:

1. The hubby and the son.

2. Blogging and meeting all of you!

3. A sunny day.

4. Real friends.

5. Untroubled theater performances under my direction. (I have a big show coming up this Sunday. Wish me luck?! We are raising funds to keep a public school from shutting down. My heart bleeds for all those children!)

6. A good hair day. (Aren't we all super happy when we have that?)

7. A seriously good bargain in a signature shop. (Hello, Prada!)

8. Clear skin. (I have an awful zit on my left cheek right now. Grr!)

9. Good conversation on the dinner table.

10. Vietnamese Spring Rolls. (Totally yummy!)

I now pass on the "Happy 101" Award to 10 fashionable comrades. Please tell us about your 10 happy things and pass on the award to 10 other fantastic bloogers as yourselves?! We need positive energy all the time!

1. Melinda of Shop To Live; who rocks black lace like no other.

2. Jen of Jennifhsieh, a veritable fashion maven in her college at New Jersey.

3. Mary Jane of Mary Jane Girl, who lives and breathes fashion in Athens; and thinks she doesn't have gorgeous hair when she totally does!

4. Jasna of Fashion Jazz, who lives the life we dream about! She maintains a column in Style Scoop and has regular invis to all the best fashion events in Cape Town. She is in the hub, mon amis!

5. Cherie of Tia Cherie, who, despite her current shopping ban, remains chic and unruffled; and now shops in her own vast closet. Genius, right?

6. sweet Gizelle of Vanilla Ice Cream, who lives the beach life in beautiful Cebu. She has the most striking prints ever!

7. multi-talented Vinda of Fashion Atelier, who conceptualizes all her outfits and photos with a mind to editorialize them. She's a great illustrator as well!

8. Mads of Pop Your Fashion Pill, a young, stylish doctor who thinks fashion is still the best medicine. She's right, of course!

9. The Style Mansion, who champions the cause of up-and-coming designers. Aren't they lucky!?

10. stunning Ally of Fancy Kazoo, who is currently amassing quite a collection of denims and heels!

Hugs to everyone!

The One Lovely Blog Award ... Yey!

2010-01-17T02:36:00.000-08:00

We visited my mother-in-law today. Unlike a lot of my married friends, I am quite fond of the hubby's Mom. She is genuinely sweet and has made me feel like I was one of her own from the day I was first introduced to her. I wish you all to have the same luck as I have in having such a great relationship with one's mother-in-law.

I came straight from Sunday mass so I had to wear something acceptable for the service. (Translated to mean nothing sheer or too short.)

I am again a poster child for the Topshop group of companies:

a graphic Tee from Topman (I really like their Tees. The funny thing about shopping in a men's boutique is that the men get embarassed seeing a female in the dressing rooms. I find it rather sweet although unecessary as the rooms are all separate and quite private?!);

my ballerina tutu skirt from Topshop to soften up the printed skeleton Tee (To my surprise, this skirt is now part of the year-end Topshop sale. How incredulous. While as I literally snatched it up the first time it was displayed on the racks, others it seems, have failed to discover its charm. Now rows and rows of it adorn the sale rack. I guess my aesthetic is somehow dubious in that sense; although I've found quite a few bloggers with the very same skirt in some of their posts including the inimitable Karla of Karla's Closet!);

super dainty, peach colored ballerina flats from Topshop (Yes, again! You know it's my fave one stop shopping haunt.);

a black handbag by Fendi (Another purchase from my small-bag-fetish period.);

and the everyday bling except that I'm now wearing the onyx cocktail ring which the hubby got for me in Barcelona.

And now for some good news:

Thank you to the very kind and generous The Owl's Closet for passing on this "One Lovely Blog" Award to me! Please do visit and follow her wonderful blogsite. She will make you re-think about current outfit trends with her words of fashion wisdom. And to prove to you what a great gal she is, she shares announcements for bargain hunts and highly discounted merchandise! You can stay looking marvelous at a fraction of the price with no one knowing the better ... how great can that be?

Merci beaucoup a million times to The Owl's Closet!

I am now tasked to pass this award on to 10 amazing bloggers which is really a terrible job as there are so many of you out there:

1. Jen of A Little Bird Told Me who is presently doing outfit challenges. She is inspiring me to try on more looks!

2. Betz of Her Armoire who chronicles her beautiful outfits in her busy and exciting life in New York. She also has many great insights on family, friendships, work, and the woman of the milennium.

3. Annachiara of I Love My Blog who I swear, has the most gorgeous eyes! She has one of the best closets around as well.

4. Miss Neira who features anything and everything new that has to deal with fashion, art, and beauty. She also hosts a lot of giveaways ... Yey!

5. Janet of Janetteria. Visiting her blogsite makes you want to get out pronto and buy the items she features! Hmmm. Dangerous to the wallet but FUN!

6. Leah, the best wedding photographer in town. She's very faithful to her elegant, black outfit ensembles and always manages to put the most surprising, chicest detail that will make you think, "Why didn't I think of that before?"

7. Caroline of CosmicCaroline, who I believe is one of the most creative dressers in the blogosphere.

8. Haute World, who writes about ALL the shopping stops in ALL the corners of the world. I've discovered really amazing fashion brands that I would've never heard about if not for her!

9. Kookie of Kookie Kulasa who is a new member of the work force and is presently building an enviable closet for the office and other nonesuch occasions.

10. English Rose who recently made me re-deliberate the idea of plus sized models.

Please accept this "One Lovely Blog" Award and pass it on to 10 other like minded bloggers?

Thank you to all of you who inquired after my son, Roey. He is thankfully now up and about and is back to his old, chattery self! God bless you all!

XOXO

The Not So Chill Mommy

2010-01-14T07:04:00.000-08:00

My son is still a bit under the weather. Boo! Germs, please, just go away!

But since I promised to meet my college buddies this week and since I'm a stickler for pinky swears; I ordered the hubby to be home early to watch my little one while I go and touch base with my dear friends.

Wearing an oldie but goodie: a faux fur vest jacket from Zara (In case you're wondering why on earth I'm using one, restos here in Manila keep their airconditioning temps way down low. Brr!);

a tube from MNG worn under a sheer blouse from Topshop (This is such an old top. I love the beige and black combo of it, paired with a little vertical lace detailing. You would think that those deets are enough but notice the embroidered patchwork flowerettes AND pleats and well, the genius of it is that it's still not overworked! Topshop is just perfect in that sense!);

my trusty boyfriend jeans from Topshop (Again!);

studded platforms from Aldo (a christmas purchase from Saigon ... You won't believe it, they're super comfy!);

a logo bag by Fendi (a purchase from my small bag fetish period ... It can only hold my cellular phone, cash, and credit cards ... nothing else ... pretty much useless in that sense; but still pretty!);

and the accessories du jour.

Well, I was the kill joy who left the party the earliest ... I was distracted the whole time and kept calling home to check on whether my son had taken his meds. Bummer ... but what else is a Mom to do? My friends now think me the not-so-chill Mommy ... Hmmm. The hubby had everything in control but I guess my anxiety got the better of me.

It is so not fun to have a dear one suffering from any illness. I hope all of you are safe and warm in your own homes!

A Homecoming

2010-01-12T00:43:00.000-08:00

Went to my high school's homecoming last weekend. I wasn't feeling too well but I mustered the strength to make it as I had already promised I would. (There is a really hard-to-shake-off epidemic of influenza running wild it seems in the city. My thirteen year old son is now down with it as we speak!)

My ode to the 80s.

Wearing an 80s inspired Tee from MNG (It has a very interesting cut out pattern at the back which I so forgot to take a pic of. Boo!);

black lace tights by Kate Toralba for City Lady (a locally based hosiery label that is very reasonably priced. In the light of the current recession ... a definite "Yey!") worn over aquamarine tights by Kai (I know the rage nowadays is lace; but I didn't have the courage to do it with just the lace on my bare legs so I added the solid colored tights underneath so I can pass the censors meter at home ... the hubby is a little strict about see-through garments. Truthfully, I couldn't do it either. I'm thinking of taking baby steps first?);

ankle boots by Gucci (a dear fave, you already know that!);

a cocktail ring made of green agate and white jade against the everyday bling (Yes, you guessed it, I love pearls ... who doesn't?;

and of course, the green alligator bag from Fino (I never tire of it ... It gives even the simplest of outfits the touch of elegance I always aspire to. I just realized, since I've had this bag, I've added quite a number of green colored items into my closet as well. You naughty little thing!)

Hope you have fun homecomings like I did. It's always good to go home to one's roots and re-connect with those whom one has grown up with ... I find that they are just more accepting of my faults and quirkiness ... I guess because there is that unspoken bond of sisterhood that grows stronger with age?!

Have a great week, everyone!

A Work Outfit

2010-01-08T00:50:00.000-08:00

My students were featured guest artists at my high school's homecoming awards show last Wednesday. Since it was a working night for me, I had to wear something comfy and easy to run in (Yes, no heels for moi, this time around.):

a cotton print Tee from Topshop (Got this for our "Year of the Tiger" party at home.);

sequinned leggings from everyone's fave high street store, Topshop, of course (Usually, sequins to me, are synonymous to costumes and tutus; but since their advent into the mainstream, I have somehow changed my mind about them. I guess, for as long I can use them at night? Erika of Cafe Fashionista has been egging me to do the sequinned leggings route what with her fab posts on all things sequinned. She also happens to be a fan of sequins! Please visit her blogsite ... you'll get so many inspirations for your 2010 wardrobe!);

my new Tiger's Eye cocktail ring (a shopping purchase from the hubby during our Christmas vacay in Saigon. Everything is priced sooooo incredibly low there ... even jewelry!);

ankle length boots by Gucci (a better picture ... which only means that I had them wiped clean!);

and my alligator skinned bag from Fino (I know ... again! But I haven't grown tired of it yet!).

What are your work outfits like?

A Family of Friends

2010-01-05T01:14:00.000-08:00

I don't know about you; but I've luckily surrounded myself with friends that can rival the bonds of any family ties. One such friendship that I am blessed with is that with a former teacher and dance partner. They're there for me in whatever dance related issues that I sometimes find myself enmeshed in (There are quite a few.) and offer me the advise that I need sorely in those moments.

Immediately after I got back from my Saigon Christmas, we met up at our fave haunt in the heart of Manila.

I sooo love small gatherings. you just have more time to chat and get into the heart of things. Pictured here are Eddie Elejar (my teacher and I'm proud to say, the country's first ever premiere danseur) and Luther Perez (my danseur noble and the best partner I ever had onstage. He now directs the Quezon City Performing Arts Services Foundation Inc. and the Manila Dance Center, both institutions inculcating performing arts skills onto street children. He has single handedly trained marginalized children into more than competent dancers who now grace the Philippine stage and beyond it ... many now dance for Hong Kong Disneyland!).

The darlings gave me an agate studded belt from Afghanistan which I can't wait to wrap around the waist. I shall have to feature it here somehow as it's just too beautiful not to share it with like minded folk like you!

Wore my reliable long sleeved cotton voile dress shirt by MNG (I've probably worn this a hundred times!);

black, woolen shorts from Zara (I was meeting up with my teacher ... I thought a certain degree of modicum was in order?! So yeah ... official looking wool, right?);

argyle socks (Never thought I'd wear these again!);

black platform heels from MNG (Got these the year I promised myself that I would wear heels all the time ... that must've been a veeeery long time ago! They make me feel Marilyn Monroe-ish ... I don't know why because I could never ever be a femme fatale!);

an amber stoned cocktail ring (Got this the week before Christmas. The green jade around it was the piece of resistance for moi!);

and of course, my alligator skinned bag from Fino (That does it, I'm paying Fino another visit right after I complete my self-imposed shopping ban. Boo! Can't wait!).

Hope you had your own fab holiday reunions with your family of friends! What would we do without them?

A Shopping Ban

2010-01-02T22:39:00.000-08:00

We had the traditional new year's lunch at my Mom's house last January 1st.

Mom and I. I know, I pale in comparison to her; but what is a flawed daughter to do?! One can only make do with what one is born with! This woman hardly goes to the parlor ever (not even when she was younger) and yet she looks timeless. I can only hope to have her genes to help me out in my old age.

Before my sojourn into the world of colors, I used to live in the neutrals ... denims, whites, creams, and loads of black; but a well meaning college girlfriend remarked one time that she could already predict my shopping choices so I experimented a bit last year. Well, black has always been a staple of mine and I gladly went back to it on this occasion. Good thing too as my Mom and I were color coordinated for the very first time. Seriously!

Wearing a black, crepe georgette, cami top from MNG (I've had this for years. It comes with an equally lovely bubble skirt. I love anything made of crepe georgette ... it doesn't require ironing ... very low maintenance in that sense!);

black leather belt from Salsa (a definite fave);

boyfriend jeans by Topshop (super comfy);

studded platforms from Aldo (A gift to myself. Got them this Christmas while on holiday in Saigon. This one was not aged ... I was too excited not to use them immediately! Hmm. I guess the straps got twisted from my amateur packing.);

a brownish pink bag from Prada (I vowed to get myself a bag made from ostrich leather years back; and there it is. Notice the brown stitching all over ... I thought it downplayed the luxurious leather perfectly. This was a purchase from my small-sized-bag fetish period. Inside are a cellular phone, a digicam, a handkerchief, and some mints. The all important wallet is in another purse in the nearby parked vehicle. How strange is that?!);

and my newest buy: another leather bracelet, this time from the men's section of Salsa (I got this last December 31st ... I'm on a shopping ban from January 15 to February 15, 2010 ... so this is practically my last purchase until February 16 comes along ... Ooooh ... wish me luck! I shall try to amass a little fortune into the depleted bank account?! Kindhearted Leah is joining me in this challenge. I'm so glad she is; at least, there's someone to hold my hand when my going gets rough!).

What have you gotten from the crazy after new year's sales all over?!

My Year End Surprises

2009-12-31T01:05:00.000-08:00

Met up with my best-est friend at the nearby mall. She is such a busy girl ... a hotshot eye surgeon ... as soon as she wriggled some downtime in her fully booked calendar (doctors are apparently busier on holidays as patients are inclined to schedule their surgeries then), she called to say dinner pronto. I hurriedly put together an outfit which looked decidely grungy:

A long-ish white, cotton Tee from H&M worn as a dress inside a long sleeved, plaid, flannel shirt from my über fave fashion source, Topshop (I wore the same flannel shirt in a christmas do a week ago. I know there's an unspoken rule about wearing some items too close together; but this shirt really feels like a blanket ... so soft and comfy ... I couldn't resist grabbing it from the closet again!);

matte silver, gladiator sandals from Topshop as well (I never thought I'd be the type of girl to wear gladiator sandals; but these didn't have that what-Jesus'-twelve-apostles-would-wear vibe to them, so I thought what the hey!);

and my studded wonder bag by Juicy Couture.

Hmmm. I got stared at a lot. Perhaps my outfit ensemble was too short?! As long as my underwear was no where in sight then I think I was kosher, right?

I got two veeeeery wonderful surprises this year end!

I was featured by the inimitable Retro-A-Porter of Fashion Heroines as one of the "Best Blogger Outfits in December 2009!" You can look it up at http://fashionheroines.blogspot.com/2009/12/best-blogger-outfits-december-2009.html. Merci beaucoup, Retro-A-Porter! Please check out her blogsite. You will not regret it. It's like a Fashion BBC channel, introducing the latest fast-breaking fashion news all over the globe.

Then gorgeous Betz of Her Armoire gave me a Paragon of Style Award!

Betz defines a paragon as a model of excellence or perfection (as lifted from Merriam-Webster Dictionary). I am far from that, Betz, and I am nothing but humbled by your admiration.

Betz writes, "I wanna give this award to these fabulous ladies. I intend to write about their style below their photos but words won't give them justice. If a picture paint a thousand words, theirs paint a million--they certainly are poetry in motion. Visit their blogs and I'm sure you'll agree with me. They are the women Venus envy. They define beauty and breathe style."

Please check out Her Armoire. If anything, Betz is the one who defines beauty and breathes style!

Truly, my cup runneth over ... A million thanks to all of you wonderfully outfitted members of the blogosphere ... You have made my life richer and more high heeled! Happy New Year, everyone!

A Date and My Second Haute Mess Award!

2009-12-29T00:08:00.000-08:00

On an afternoon date with my 13 year old son (My hair is in a pony tail so you know it's a bad hair day again!):

wearing a white, lycra based bandeau from MNG inside a sheer, silk georgette blouse by Sinequanone (I sooo love this brand; but I haven't gotten anything from that shop that didn't require alteration of some sort. I must have a weird body!);

a denim mini skirt from Zara TRF (Did you notice the heather grey sweat shirt material that make the ruffles on the hem? That was the selling point for me.);

green alligator skinned bag from Fino (one of the everyday bags that I currently abuse. I can store a million and one things in it!);

peach colored ballerina flats from Topshop (I sooo love that these ballerina flats look and feel exactly like ballet slippers. They came with a stick-on disclaimer that said they weren't meant to last as long as other shoes; I guess by virtue of their soles being as soft as dancers' shoes. What really got me excited was that the shade of peach is the hue that I look for in actual dancing shoes as well. They just photograph better onstage, that's why.);

and voila, my green agate cocktail ring which floats on a bedrock of white jade that I think completes the picture!

I really do have to wear something comfy when I'm out with the son, in case he wants to go ... well, everywhere.

Hurrah! I was given another Haute Mess Award! This time by the amazing Ally of Fancykazoo. I highly recommend that you visit her blogsite. She has such a unique way of putting fashion pieces together that work perfectly! Thanks again, Ally!

And now my list of 7 things that comes as a pre-condition with the award. As the year draws to a close, I thought of 7 things that I'm grateful for:

1. My family's continued good health. I have many close friends who are experiencing major health scares. As much as I pray for their complete and irrevocable healing, I pray that my loved ones be blessed with good health always.

2. My family's continued good fortune. So many were ravaged by the recent typhoons in the country. We were again spared from these calamities.

3. The close relationship I enjoy with the hubby. He reads my mind and I read his.

4. The unconditional trust given me by the parents of my students. They never question any of my decisions ever even when I call for additional rehearsal days and overtime.

5. The support and ra-ra-ra of my staff in school.

6. The support and ra-ra-ra of the staff in my second school.

7. This blog which allows me to survive beyond the normal pressures of my everyday life.

I now pass on The Haute Mess Award to 7 fantastic bloggers (Please post this award onto your page, enter your own list of 7 anythings, and pass it on to 7 other fab bloggers.):

1. Leah, my first friend here in blogspot who I think is such a genuine human being;

2. Shingo T of Cup of Ice, even if yours is not a fashion blogsite, you truly make everyone's day with your lovely (and humorous) insights about life;

3. Audrey Allure, one of my beloved first followers;

4. M of Couture Cookie, whom I share similar fashion ideas with;

5. Dotie of Eclectic Du Jour, who is always interested in what inane things I have to say;

6. Style Bird, who configures her genius DIYs for everyone;

7. and last but certainly never the least, G.lam, who shares her make-up how-tos for all and sundry!

Thank you for wanting to make the world more beautiful by being well dressed and mindfully dapper!

Birthday Dinner and Another Award (Yey!)

2009-12-23T00:41:00.000-08:00

Attended a birthday dinner last Monday. There was apparently a mix-up of some sort as there was a specified dress code. (Why do people insist on these constraints for small dinner parties? Seriously.) Anyway, we found out too late and got there in attires entirely incongruent with the black-with-touches-of-red theme. The funny thing is, only the host and the birthday celebrant's family stuck to the color scheme. I was, by far, the wildest:

I was channelling my inner farm-girl-cum-lumberjack essence, a far cry from the cocktail dresses, ruffled tops, and trousers combo that all the invited ladies came in.

Wearing a checkered flannel shirt and itsy bitsy denim shorts from Topshop;

raspberry pink tights by Kai;

Christian Louboutin knockoffs by Aldo (Yes, they've finally debuted as well. I received quite the review on them from the Danish host. He was of the opinion that Filipina women wore too many flats. I had to laugh at that. Who wouldn't choose comfort over bunion injuries from too much heel wearing?! Not crazy me, that's for sure, and especially not during evening dos! They're the best opportunities to air those 4 inch torture chambers out, right?);

and my most fave bag of all, my Gucci purse from Tom Ford's Panther Collection (His last collaboration with Gucci. Tears!).

A closer look. Isn't it absolutely lovely?!

I was surprised with The Haute Mess Award from the effervescent Novita Ristiana. She is such a darling girl and has a fabulous penchant for colors. Please visit her blogsite; you will be amazed at her joie de vivre. It's so palpable in her pictures! What I would give to have her infectious spirit. I can predict that she will invade the fashion world soon with great, great success ... Thanks again, Novita Ristiana!

Contingent to receiving this award is that I reveal 7 things about me. Oh no, you'll have to endure reading another 7 idiosyncracies from this manic ballerina ... bear with me? Here goes:

1. I have very funny relationships with sales clerks from MNG and Topshop. (I get most of my things from those shops.) We engage in long debates over what purchases to get and which ones to discard (since they already set aside items for me). They also tell me exactly who have bought the items I like so I can then decide if the 10 degrees of separation rule would apply to the purchase. (It's virtually 1 degree of separation in Manila. Everyone knows everyone else!) They are naturally part of my christmas list and I consider them part of Team Nina?! Loonytunes, right?

2. I go have my hair blow dried every Saturday morning as a routine since forever. It doesn't matter if I have nowhere to go to. It's a commitment to my hair?! Queenie, who does my hair is also a member of imaginary Team Nina!?

3. I only know what I'm going to wear when I wake up in the morning. It's a mood thing.

4. My eyes have become sooo myopic of late. I cannot enjoy reading fashion magazines without my eyeglasses and a magnifying device which my best girlfriend got me in Japan recently. Hmm. She knows me really well.

5. I like to categorize EVERYTHING. It's a compulsion. My CDs are all filed either according to genre, composer, ballet class music, full length ballets, classical ballet variations, etc. It makes me happy. I'm strange, I admit it!

6. I go shopping when I'm sad; don't we all?

7. I'm contemplating on going on a shopping ban for the whole of January 2010. I better not have any sad episodes (No. 6) or I'd be dying! I just realized that I have been obsenely excessive the past months and have got to consider saving money (for what, pray tell?!)

I now pass on this award to:

1. Louise of The F Word Online

2. Ann of Intangible

3. The Owl's Closet

4. Rachel of The Red Head Fashionista

5. Nerdic of Fashion Nerdic

6. The Divinitus

7. Mary Jane of Mary Jane Girl

I also got another award from the gorgeous Ally of Fancykazoo so I'm happy to say that I shall be passing on that award to 7 other fantastic bloggers on my next post.

A fashionable Christmas to everyone!

Reunion Marathons

2009-12-20T23:43:00.000-08:00

Went to a really fun reunion with my high school classmates last Saturday. I can't get over the fact how everyone looks the same ... TIME WARP ... really!

Lourdes and Cacay flank me on my right; they're both from my closest clique in high school. I was especially glad to see Cacay, who I'm not able to see as often as I would like to.

Fun, fun, fun!

I was wearing a sheer, black top from Chocolate & Company (I'm always drawn to anything made from georgette silk.);

a black bandeau from MNG;

boyfriend jeans and a studded belt from Topshop (This is the first time that I've tried a double belt. It will defintely not be the last time. J'adore!);

white knee socks from Oh Kosh Kids;

bondage platforms from Nine West (They're finally out of the aging closet and into the big, wide world! Did I tell you that they're suuuper comfy?!);

my suede bag by YSL (I am soooo lucky to have this! My sister-in-law's sister got her this bag but she ended up not liking it or had one very similar to it. I got it in pristine condition. She never used it! It's from a limited YSL line using authentic animal horn handles. I think this is like the 5th time only that I've used it as I'm a little finicky about suede accessories. The weather in Manila somewtimes gets unpredictable. I may destroy it if rain suddenly comes my way?!);

my new leather bracelet from Springfield (I just got it last Friday while shopping for gifts for the hubby and son. Springfield makes some of the best accessories in town!);

and my current, everyday bling (Ooooh ... I love being a girl!)

Have you been having raucous christmas reunions with your girlfriends too? Aren't they the stuff of which makes life wothwhile?

My Beautiful Blogger Award (Sigh!)

2009-12-20T22:30:00.000-08:00

I was given this BEAUTIFUL BLOGGER Award by the Fabulous Leah. Please visit her blogsite, you will not be disappointed! Thanks again, Leah!

Attached to this award is a condition that I enumerate 7 "interesting" things about myself:

1. I started this blog to de-stress from personal pressures that were overwhelming me at one point. ballerina'sclosetobsession is now a veritable joy as it gets me through the day. I've also met some of the kindest AND most fashionable girls on earth through it!

2. I've got closet OCD ... I like to count things; but only the trivial ones like how many plastic shopping bags I've refused this year. It's been 478 plastic shopping bags since January 15th of 2009! In case you're wondering why the number is ridiculously huge (I don't shop for clothes everyday?! Although I would really like to!) ... this includes my grocery shopping every week.

3. I "age" new shopping purchases in the closet. I've no idea how long an item should be aged. It varies depending on the item in question. It's largely a strange, gut feel.

4. I love my ballet students. They are the daughters I always wished to have. The hubby claims that I'm cloning little Ninas all over the place; but the truth is, my little ballerina girls each have a distinct fashion style of their own!

5. I have 3 containers filled with unused clothes. I look through them each time I can't seem to find anything in the closet that I feel like wearing.

6. My secretary washes all my clothes. She volunteered to do this ever since the household laundry woman destroyed a number of outfits. I wish you all had someone like her! My whites are really white and most of my clothes look new because of her tender, laundry care.

7. If I'm wearing something remotely revealing, I say goodbye to the hubby with a very quick kiss and run out before he can censor the outfit!

I wish I can pass this award to more than 7 people but for now, I'm passing this Beautiful Blogger award to:

1. Jennifer Fabulous of I Know, Right?

2. Fabulousiseverywhere of Fabulocity in Amish Country

3. Dejana of Shopsterium

4. Carrie of Couture Carrie

5. Jade of Jade Purple Brown

6. Retro-A-Porter of Fashion Heroines

7. Vinda Sonata of Fashion Atelier

Stay chic always, ladies!

Alligator and Snake Skinned Accesories

2009-12-17T01:09:00.000-08:00

I was having a bad hair day today, so if I had a choice, I would rather have stayed home until my class and rehearsals at 6:30 PM tonight. BUT I sadly did not have that pleasure. There were just too many errands that required doing including that very important trip to the supermarket. Sooo, like the good girl that I am, I tied my limp hair into a pony tail and off I went into the world of christmas trafic jams. This is what the holidays mean to me right now; revving vehicles in a gridlock and warm bodies in a state of panic.

Wore oldies but goodies: a cotton tube top from Topshop (a very old purchase. Did you notice that clothing houses have suddenly introduced green into their collections? I never owned anything in green but for a few years ago. I adore this floral print as well.);

cuffed denim shorts by XOXO (I really like cuffed shorts, they somehow flatter the shape of one's thighs. I'm now glad I bought them. I remember hesitating because I found them pricey for a pair of shorts. The gold buttons are oh so eye catching!);

my new onyx cocktail ring (an advanced birthday present from the fab sister-in-law. J'adore how sparkly it is!);

my trusty, green, alligator skinned, tote bag du jour from Fino (a locally produced brand of luxury leather bags and accessories. A friend of the hubby's once remarked at how gorgeous it was and on that same note, wondered how many alligators were skinned to make me happy. He laughed as I thumped him hard; but he's really making me think deep and hard about the implications of anything alligator. They're just so irresistible!);

and my suede slingbacks from Kate Spade (the color has me confused. I used to think it was Tiffany blue but I'm not too sure now. They sort of mesh with the green of my clothing ensemble ... soooo Tiffany green? Uh, oh, another environmentally disastrous choice ... it's made from snake skin! I really didn't think about it when I got it, it just looked good on my feet and I was stoked by the boxed toe ... it channelled the ballerina's nemesis ... the pointe shoes or toe shoes to the general public ... I just had to have it! I was sooo feverishly weak to go home without it!).

Hmm. What is your stand on alligator or snake skinned accessories? Are they to be repudiated completely or prized unequivocally?

A Klutzy Affair to Remember

2009-12-15T06:43:00.000-08:00

My carefully maneuvered attire for last Sunday's mass. Rather than fight city hall, I caved in to the required coverage from head to toe. The only quirky concession to myself was the sheerness of the top. (There is an existing Sunday Mass dress code. For my explanation, please go to: http://ninaballerinaclosetobsession.blogspot.com/2009/11/sunday-mass.html.) I had to wear something light as the temperature suddenly turned up, plus we were going to scour a nearby christmas bazaar for some missing presents on our list:

a sheer, ruffled blouse from Zara made of the lightest cotton voile ever (I'm convinced Zara makes the best cotton voile tops in town. I've gotten a couple from that lovely, lovely, lovely shop and they're all so easy to wear. Thing is, the material is so delicate that when someone with incredible hulk-ish laundry paws handle them, they disintegrate into a melted mess! You guessed it, I've already had an unfortunate incident and loss concerning such a blouse.);

grey acid wash skinnies from MNG (Acid wash anything came into the limelight a couple of years ago though I think it only panned out in certain circles. With the advent of the distressed and vintage old look, acid wash has come back with a vengeance. And well, this time around, I've embraced it like a long lost relative. It simply calls out to me now.);

patent black Gucci loafers (naturally from Tom Ford's era. I love the square toe shape of it. I just realized that I have a definite affectation for patent black shoes. I'm thinking it comes from my wearing so many patent black shoes as a toddler?);

and another logo bag from Tom Ford's Gucci period (I got this bag on a trip to Hong Kong several years back. I was enamoured by it's shape. It sort of reminded me of a Coca Cola bottle. I have no idea why. Perhaps because of the slight curves at the side? I remember that after I paid for it at the swanky Gucci boutique, I managed to topple down a heavily outfitted mannequin on my way out the door. My charm bracelet naughtily latched on to a sleeve and the whole caboodle fell including tah dah ... Moi on my knees! It was so embarrassing. I caused such a big clink clank raucus with the noise and well, I lost my poise! I was soooo glad to leave the store and the stares of unbelief behind!).

Do you have a similar shameful incident to share that occurred in some posh boutique? I swear, I brought chaos and calamity to a sea of black clad Japanese tourists in the shop. I'm usually not so klutzy but that day was a nightmare. I remember though, being consoled about having this bag after!

My Ballerina Look Book

2009-12-12T22:46:00.000-08:00

Visited my Mom today. I was sort of dreading the traffic that I was about to submerge myself into; but there was no getting round it. Christmas has become such a commercial holiday here in Manila. All major thoroughfares are clogged with vehicles either going to parties or shopping destinations.

I embraced my dancer genes and channeled the ballerina look, which you all know I've quite an affection for. It was windy as well so I sort of did the Marilyn Monroe thing. (I had my hands holding my skirt down most of the time. That frilly skirt hardly covered my bum!)

Hmm. Attempted to copy Degas' "Little Ballerina" bronze sculpture. I remembered she was standing a la quatrieme (balletic talk for fourth position) at the Louvre when I saw her last.

Gosh. I could be a poster child for Topshop. Everything is from that divine, high street fashion store. (Yes, Topshop is one of my guilty pleasures!) I'm wearing a sheer, sleeveless, cotton Tee;

a delicate, peach colored, tutu skirt;

and peach colored ballerina flats (how perfect that the skirt and shoes match even if they did not come from the same season!).

This is a Gucci logo bag. Though it's as gorgeous as it looks, it's like a really tiny studio apartment for my cellular phone, a very thin wallet, and a gloss stick. If I attempt to stash more than that, I think it will become terribly misshapen. That would be tragic, ne c'est pas? I carry another leather bag in the car for my other things. How loony is that?

The bag is from my pre-tote-bag sized days. (I talked about this in: http://ninaballerinaclosetobsession.blogspot.com/2009/12/my-school-girl-look-book.html.)

I remember getting it as a prize to myself when my students won the overall trophy awards at the Asia Pacific Ballet Competition in Singapore, way back in 1999. (Does this make it "vintage?") It was my very first foray into competitive performing and since I had worked literally as a horse to get my girls those trophies, I thought a reward was in order. Aha. I've been giving myself a bag each time I accomplished a huge arts endeavor! It's my personal incentive for working dog gone nights and days.

Although I've featured it before (http://ninaballerinaclosetobsession.blogspot.com/2009/11/majorica-cocktail-ring.html), I'd like to show you the lateral side of my Majorica cocktail ring; just to give you a glimpse of how it protrudes majestically from its setting. My in-laws tease me that that ring should have powers like Green Lantern's. Me, a super hero? That totally made me laugh!

Do you channel your ballerina side too?

Boots and Wishlist No. 04

2009-12-09T21:50:00.000-08:00

I only had boots long ago when I lived in Frankfurt as a dancer. I never thought much about them, come to think of it; they were merely warm vessels my feet could cuddle in, to and from ballet classes and rehearsals. A necessity, so to speak. The need for them was eliminated when I moved back permanently to Manila. There was just no reason to have them, living in a tropical weathered paradise.

Around 3 years ago, and much to my dismay, the hubby made a quiet but distinct pronouncement about our October to November sabbaticals: he wanted us to have our vacations in countries with autumn or semi-winter seasons. We used to spend our precious family vacays in beach zones the past years so this change resulted in another shopping frenzy this time involving boots. I'm frankly a spaghetti-strapped-top-and-short-skirt kinda gal so this was quite a challenge.

Since then, my closet has amassed 4 pairs of walking boots in all (for the purpose of trekking mountainous tourist spots and tricky terrains):

from left to right Kenneth Cole, and Zara boots.

They sit in my closet, 'til it's time to hop on the plane ...

These are my ankle length boots from Gucci which I got eons ago (around 12 years ago, no kidding?!) when I was in a mens' wear crazy trend. Well, I sort of still am, so they always come in handy. They're not as photogenic but believe me, they look sooo GOOD!

Naturally, I would like to build on this initial boot collection. I'd like to have those that I can wear strictly for fashion's sake alone. No practicality, whatsoever; just for the pure unadulterated joy of it! There are so many such types in the market nowadays that I totally drool over ... hence, "Wishlist No. 04!"

Dear Santa: I would like the following pairs of boots for christmas. You may send them to me one by one or whenever you can get a hold of them as they have gone out to the world to sow their wild oats. I hope you can locate them for me?!

Oooh ... booties by Acne! So sculptural! (I sooooo wish there was an Acne store in this part of the world!)

The god of booties, Cesare Paciotti, fabricated these darlings ... absolutely to-die-for!

Who doesn't need blings on their booties ... well, Versace thought so! I'm lusting over these ...

Musketeer boots by the genius of leather, Rick Owens ... my beating heart ...

Equestrienne boots by Ann Demeulemeester ... all I will need after are deep khaki colored jodphurs (Check, have those already!) and a thoroughbred horse (NOT!).

Of course, not so basic but totally must-have Fendi Mary Jane slash boots! You can remove the topmost leather covering and have a field day with just the Mary Janes or put everything on to channel Julia Roberts in "Pretty Woman!" I feel the love ...

I think I'd die happily if these were safely ensconced in ze closet.

What type of boots are you desiring these days?

My School Girl Look Book

2009-12-07T04:12:00.000-08:00

Attended the ballet association's last general assembly for 2009 today, which also doubled up as the group's christmas party. Although going to these functions entail effort and to a certain degree, work, it's always good to touch base with dance colleagues.

It wasn't a dress up event and thankfully, we were given nary a dress code. I woke up this morning feeling like I wanted to do a school girl look, so:

a sheer, light grey, cotton spaghetti blouse from Zara (I almost forgot about this! Got it last March, I think. I guess I was "aging" it along with other items. You'll see a small close up of the lace detail in the center of the bodice later.);

wide legged denims from Topshop used as boyfriend jeans (I sooo love the relaxed fit of these denims. I can practically do anything in them, including grand jetés - balletic split jumps in the air).;

studded leather belt from Salsa (I always get items from their men's section. They're just trés interessant more than their items for women.);

my band jacket form in black and grey wool checks from Zara (They fit sooo well!);

charcoal grey platform heels from Nine West (I have the exact same ones in chestnut brown which I talked about in: http://ninaballerinaclosetobsession.blogspot.com/2009/12/fashion-foible.html. These are super comfy. I was in them the whole day and experienced no discomfort whatsoever! Miracle heels!);

white cotton knee high socks from Osh Kosh Kids (Wish you could see the sweet, heart design forming a line from both sides of the socks!);

a black logo bag from Tom Ford's reign at the Gucci house (I got this many years back. I was such a fan of Tom Ford's design concepts for Gucci. Notice that the stud details are soooo today. The gold hardware is unique as well as solid. I preferred very small to medium sized bags before. I don't get into trends easily unless they have staying power. When oversized bags came into the scene, I sort of did a watch-and-see stance with it, observing whether the wave was going anywhere. Since they're now part of the landscape and done in such fab versions nowadays, I've adopted them into my closet. This specific bag was from my pre-tote sized bag period. Got miniature loads sitting and waiting for me to pick them up. Some can only hold my credit cards for a night in the town?! Oh, when oh when are we going out together again?!);

and my pièce de résistance: an agate and black jade cocktail ring (Got this beauty yesterday from my sister-in-law, who sells jewelry. I couldn't take my eyes off it so the adorable hubby prompty paid for it! I shall try to get a better picture of it. It is frankly more lovely in person! Cocktail rings are just so fun!).

I think the school girl look will be here to stay forever (judging from the proliferation of Gossip Girl fashion type of TV shows) and with justification: it's too cute to give up for good! Seriously! Are you for the school girl look too?

A Gentlemen's Club Dress Code ... Can I Follow It to the Letter?

2009-12-04T07:37:00.000-08:00

Made a command appearance today. The hubby organized a small gathering of his family to welcome a fave nephew from Sacramento. It was at the Tower Club, a swanky gentlemen's club in the heart of the financial district with a strict dress code of NOs: No rubber soles, no denims of any kind, no collarless tees, and no sports shirts. Strictly dinner jackets and slacks for the men and cocktail attire for the ladies.

I don't know about you but I automatically rebel when given dress codes especially those with a lot of the negatives. My fascist antenna just emerges. It makes me want to challenge the boundaries and prove that those prohibited items of clothing can be chic and well ... chi-chi! But ... whereas I am only a member of the club by affiliation, the hubby is the actual member of the posh facility; so toe the line I did, or at least tried to do.

I was sitting willy nilly wanting to shake all the politicians and business bigwigs from their serious, conferencing stupor; but my duties as a dear wife called on my better instincts.

My interpretation of the Tower Club's dress code, thus far:

a printed blouse worn as a mini dress from Topshop (I hardly wear prints ever; but once in a while, a special print will call out to me and I reply promptly. They would have to be small prints though; big ones overpower me somehow. This top also had a very naughty detail. It has a devilish slit at the back from the collarbone all the way down to the butt crack zone. How about that, Tower Club gentlemen? Notice too that the right shoulder is bared? My ode to the 80s. The hubby said, "Why did you have to wear that today?" I just ... giggled.);

my fave South Sea pearl opera length necklace, knotted for the occasion;

midnight blue, opaque stockings from Topshop;

Mary Janes from Marni;

and my Ferragamo alligator skinned handbag (I related the provenance of this bag in http://ninaballerinaclosetobsession.blogspot.com/2009/11/sunday-mass.html.)

Tah dah ... I present my dinner jacket, my faux fur vest jacket from Zara.

Another fun cocktail ring that I got in Barcelona last October 2009. Doesn't the color pop?!

My black alligator skinned handbag from Ferragamo, my inheritance from Mother Dearest. Its Grace Kelly-ish charm made me connect to the sober looking bankers seated at the table on the left (or so I thought?). They were talking endless numbers which made my head spin a little. Numbers make my tummy growl especially during meal time?!

My midnight blue goody-two-shoes Mary Janes from Marni. I love that the blue is casually broken by the brown leather strap strewn across the ankles. They make me feel girly!

Hmmm. I thought I pretty much kept to the dress code albeit with a little tongue-in-cheek served for dessert. What would you wear to your version of the Tower Club?

My Color Story ... Fashion in the Home and Me in Orange

2009-12-04T00:19:00.000-08:00

A girlfriend once asked me why I never veered away from the black, grey, midnight blue, and white color palettes, in as far as my clothes are concerned. Hmmm. I laughed and just said that I was a boring dresser compared to her. She's one of those who can wear chartreuse from top to bottom including hair accessories all in one go. Sure, she can easily be spotted in a crowd; but what you would probably notice about her is the way she can pull off the chartreuse act as if it was an everyday occurence and not a color that one would normally see in a re-run of The Simpsons. Her confidence is just that solid. Whereas I'm more inclined to staid, industrial color hues, my shot of color can only come in small dosages; perhaps via a small bag, or the odd tights. Proportion is key. I'm not very tall so tertiary colors in big doses tend to drown me out somewhat. Sounds like a plan, right?

Anyway, my big secret is although I never can pull off those crazy colors in one clothing ensemble, I love them to pieces in other things. Coco Chanel once said that "... Fashion is everywhere." How right she was. Sooo where do I inject colors in my world?

Our christmas tree! We have never had traditional looking holiday decor because well, I espouse the non-traditional. I just find it trés interessant! Our main christmas tree has a pink motif this year. Would Madame Chanel approve?

Pretty, pretty, pretty! Pink is the new red and green!

A small christmas tree in our little foyer. I can never imagine wearing orange so up it goes in there. "It's getting to feel a lot like christmas ..."

Another small christmas tree with a chartreuse and white motif on the second floor landing. Yes, we have 3 christmas trees inside our home, and all are dressed in colors that I would otherwise shun on my clothes!

My story is not yet done. Truthfully, I like the red and orange family color hues. I think they just spell a special kind of earthiness and warmth that a home should possess. Our walls are all white but everything else is in shades of reds and oranges.

The holidays aren't complete without a christmas creche! I love our Mexican inspired one. The colors are blinding in person but you understand why I got it, right? I love it so much that I keep it up the whole year round!

I often wondered how I would look in an orange outfit:

I had this Triptych commissioned a few years ago, from a talented Filipino artist, William Gaudinez. I just told him to make me a family portrait based on Spanish Colonial times in Manila of the 1800s. My color preferences of course were reds and oranges. I think he did quite a marvelous job. This is one of my fave art pieces in our home. There I am dressed in the orange that I would never wear in real life.

Do you also keep away from some colors?

A Fashion Foible

2009-12-01T18:43:00.000-08:00

I have a definite quirk. (I mentioned this in http://ninaballerinaclosetobsession.blogspot.com/2009/11/stress-dressing.html.) I have a strange ritual of keeping new purchases in the closet. I sort of "age" them, like you know ... wine. I've thought about this idiosincrasy which I've been practicing since ... goodness, my teens! It's to keep from wearing items on my body that are as yet paraded currently in the shops I bought them from. Well, I also like looking at their brand new, virgin state before I wage war in them?!

Anyway, here are a few pairs of shoes I'm presently "aging" in my cellar ... oops ... closet:

My black suede Prada T-straps with gold leather detailing. I sooo have a thing for T-straps. I just find them ever so romantic. I know these go well with shorts (I was wearing shorts when I got them.) and those vintage biased cut dresses with mid-calf hemlines. I was frankly more in love with another pair but they didn't have those in my size. I wasn't even going to try these on because they had no display appeal to me whatsoever. I'm glad now that the sales person was a little pushy. I was surprised. These really look fab on my feet! When oh when shall I bring you out, my dears?!

Oh, and these beauties were featured in Mega Magazine (a locally leading fashion magazine publication), in their October 2009 issue, I think. Hmmm. That means, the "aging" process will have to be prolonged. Don't ask me why?! I have no exact formula on the time aging period; just a gut feel. It's a real peculiarity of mine, I tell ya!

I usually don't take home shoe boxes with me. I have no need for them, you see, as my shoes are arranged neatly on shelves sans their original vessels. But Prada makes the absolute best packaging. I've never gotten a Prada item without admiring and loving the container they came in. What can I say, Prada totally rules the fashion world!

I just got these black satin pumps from Aldo the other day. They look super, on. Don't you notice too that they're perfect Christian Louboutin knock-offs? If the soles were red, anyone would be fooled. I can wear these babies with sooo many things that my head is spinning. A totally versatile buy!

I remember channelling "dominatrix," on a trip to the mall many months back. These chestnut brown platforms from Nine West don't scream as bondage as the rest of the footwear crowding the market nowadays. I like especially their automatic buttons which come in studs from the exterior straps. Hmm. I'll have to confess that I got the charcoal grey ones as well; but those have been out the cellar already. The charcoal grey color is so deceptive. It can go a very matte black if your clothes are predominantly black and they can go blue as well, paired with denims. The grey jive goes without explanation, au naturellement. I have a chameleon in my hands!

I only just started buying from Nine West again. Some shoe purchases I've gotten in the past have disintegrated (yes, like they were lasered or something) into messes of melted leather. I think these platforms could be safe from this liquefying ordeal as they're hopefully made of higher grade kid leather. (Their sales manager assured me repeatedly that Nine West upgraded their leather supplier of late.) I'm warning you, though, please don't get anything in patent leather from Nine West if you don't want a science-experiment-gone-awry in your hands a few months after you bought them?!

What are your crazy fashion idiosyncracies?

Printed Tights and Studded Bag: La Pièce de Résistance

2009-11-30T08:47:00.000-08:00

Been wanting to blog but I had to finish a big task today. I've had to revise guidelines to a nationwide classical and contemporary ballet ensemble competition held every two years. It's been my commitment to chair this humongous responsibility even if it splits my head in two. Well, 2009 is almost done and the organizational work for the competition in 2010 begins. Wish I left things well enough alone but the local dance industry needs the push in the form of The ABAP Dance Cup. The one in 2008 was a huge success. I hope I can replicate, if not surpass that. Wish me luck?

Anyway, after I had done that (and given myself a migraine, no less!), I had to rush to meet my high school friends for dinner. A classmate had arrived from the U.S. and so a get together was planned to see her.

My gorgeous classmates from high school! We were possibly the noisiest table at the resto. It's always good to see people one has grown up with. There is never any need at pretense or at putting one's best foot forward. One can be REAL without any fear of censure or judgment.

Soooo, what did I decide to wear?

A sheer long sleeved button down from MNG (I've had this for ages. It never lets me down! I left it untucked at the bum. I thought it was just more interesting that way.);

washed out denim shorts from Topshop (A whole bunch of these shorts sat on the sale rack many seasons ago and I wondered why no one was snatching them up but moi?! I think people found them a tad too short. Yes, people are quite traditional with lengths in my side of the world. Hmm. I don't think I'll be able to pull them off either with the hubby watching but a good compromise is to pair them with tights, right? Anyway, that's what I thought when I got them at drumrolls please ... 50% off. Bliss!);

printed tights from Kats (I discovered this cool hosiery label on a trip to Hongkong. They have sooo many crazy designs. I got the most staid print already.);

loafer type pumps from Tods (They were excruciating to walk in. My classmates were giggling at my discomfort all the time. Too funny really. Why do we have to suffer for beauty? Because we must!);

studded leather bag from Juicy Couture (I have a heartwarming story behind this particular bag at http://ninaballerinaclosetobsession.blogspot.com/2009/11/finally-dog-tags.html.).

My amber stone cocktail ring. I know, it's obsenely gigantic; but I love it nevertheless. This one doesn't make me feel like Cate Blanchett in "Elizabeth: The Golden Age;" but like Pope Benedict XVI, head of the Catholic Church and Sovereign of Vatican City! Woooah. I may start beatifying fashionable people with it. I'll start with Anna Wintour! Or Kate Lanphear?! So many come to mind! (The stone was a gift from a dear girlfriend who had come from Egypt. Like the Lapis Lazuli stone in my earlier blog, I had a few trinkets melted and used the gold to set this ring. It's now one of my many faves!)

Detailing from my Tods loafers. It has driving shoe rubber skid thingies at the back of the heels. I thought that was genius!

My Juicy Couture bag. Don't you think the studs are quite subtle even for a brand like Juicy Couture? This, along with my printed tights were my statement pieces for this outfit.

How about you? Do you have any la pièce de résistance items in your closet?

Leggings as the Uniform Du Jour!

2009-11-28T07:55:00.000-08:00

Another busy day ... this time running errands. I wear sooo many hats: wife, mother, pseudo mother, artistic director, teacher, faculty head, choreographer, household supervisor, daughter, sister, and general all around slave. Since I was of late, gearing up towards the mall show yesterday, today was my day of catching up with everything: going to the supermarket to get pantry supplies, planning the lunch and dinner menus for tomorrow, discussing electrical calibration plans with an engineer, to top it all, my car had to go back to the shop! Seriously!

After all that was done, took a much needed nap and off I went to take the son to a play and meet a girlfriend for dinner afterwards.

I was feeling a black and white vibe. (You can never go wrong with black and white!) Wore a sheer sleeveless white Tee from Topshop;

layered over a white cami from MNG (The Topshop Tee was quite transparent. I would not be given a go signal from the Board of Censors, meaning the hubby.);

my vintage black vest from Byblos (one of my great finds from years ago. The thing about getting pricey items is that they eventually pay for their keep. The structure and quality of this particular item has remained unchanged from the day I got it. A girlfriend from college and I were then obsessed about wearing vests back in the day. I think I have a camel colored one and a white one as well, both from Max Mara. I shall promptly unearth them after I finish writing this blog. I'm now so glad I bought them. Vests are just the rage nowadays. Yey!);

black cotton lycra stirrup leggings from Topshop (I'm in leggings day in and day out. I sooo love how tall and lean they make me look! Everyone should have "magic" leggings!);

my oldie but goody black patent Gucci loafers (from Tom Ford's first collection at the Gucci house);

a beige and brown Gucci logo bag (which set off the black and white combo pretty well, I think.).

I gave it a turn to show you the detail that clinched the Topshop Tee sale for me. It has a subtle line of shearing vertically through the back which flattered the derriere. I had to have it!

Hmmm. I hope I get to make a blog entry tomorrow. I have loads still to do. Hope your weekend is fun and stress-free!

Stress Dressing

2009-11-27T07:49:00.000-08:00

Today was a veeeery busy day for me! Stress! My car had to be brought to the shop all of a sudden (Don't you hate days like that?) for some funky mechanical reason that I could not understand. (Hmmm. I really didn't want to get it. It was just really bad timing today, of all days.) I had a luncheon to attend at the hubby's law firm and I was undecided what to wear. I wanted serious but still fun. I wasn't as old as the other name partners' wives (there are two others aside from moi) and although compared to them, I may have lacked in the looks department, I thought the age thing would just be my ace-in-the-hole. I hardly ever go to these functions so I decided to better look spiffy. Memories of me thereat are few and far between.

Soooo, did I look like the fun wife of the serious Managing Partner? (Do you see the hubby's antique toy car collection in the background? He's sooo into cars!)

Wearing a haltered medium blue blouse from Topshop (Got this last season without knowing what to pair it with. I have to confess a little quirk of mine. I let new purchases sit in the closet for a while, somehow to age them like good wine. I have no idea why I do that. I guess to not be wearing what is currently in stores?);

faux leather leggings from Topshop as well (It took the Topshop sales staff two weeks of convincing before I finally caved. I was unsure, you see, if I could handle the biker chick look. Well, clearly, I'm now having fun with it!);

faux fur vest from Zara (which I'm presently abusing with multiple usage);

black leather Kenneth Cole platform pumps (They look soooo good but they really kill the bunions. We all suffer for fashion, right?);

and my current flavor of the month, a noir bag from Hugo Boss (my reply to the LV Speedy!).

A picture of the beloved hubby. He was sort of annoyed at a junior associate who had written a substandard legal mumbo jumbo brief. I know, I should've left the scene of the crime but I already had my point-and-shoot out, so click.

The hubby is wearing a striped long sleeved top from Springfield (I started buying things for him there about two years ago. Now, I'm glad to say, it's one of his fave shops. Springfield is so cool!);

faded denims from Zara (another fave brand);

and an ultra cute watch from Technomarine (I can't wait to snatch this one! The yellow face just pops!).

Anyway, I then headed home, changed in 10 minutes flat, then flew off to the mall nearby for my school's guesting. (École de Ballet Manille is a regular featured school at their Performing Arts Season.) There was no time to think so I came up with this:

Totally casual. The job entailed running around and being the onstage and backstage jack-of-all-trades. I'm sandwiched between Chelo on the left and Cherish on the right, whose schools I invited for this particular performance. I proposed the mall's so called Performing Arts Season and was inevitably annointed as the program's artistic director. The thrust is to mainstream classical ballet to the masses.

Wearing a Sweet & Sour Tee and a skirt by Petite, both inhouse brands at Topshop from eons ago;

a silk and feather flower pin accessory from H&M (just for my own amusement);

and my reliable Converse Chucks (I know you all have at least a pair in your closet. I love the James Dean feel about them!).

I piled on the requisite jewelry: (You know the rest so I'm mentioning the ones that you're as yet unacquainted with.)

my 5 tiered seed pearl cuffed bracelet (I haven't worn these in like forever. One of those extravagant purchases I made while I was single. I remember getting it when I had just broken up with one of my boyfriends. Please don't ask me how many I've strung on my belt and how many major jewelry acquisitions I've made since puberty. It's embarassing!? Anyway, I never regretted buying it and consequently starving for a few months in the process. It's such a great investment piece. Now ... if only I had a daughter?!);

and a Lapis Lazuli cocktail ring (my best friend came from her Mount Everest climbing adventure and got me this huge Lapis Lazuli stone. I promptly had a few inconsequential trinkets melted and used the gold for the setting. Trés jolie, ne c'est pas?).

I shall sign off now. Can hardly keep my eyes open. I'm sooooo unbelievably pooped! Do you also have crazy days like the day I had today?

Wishlist No. 03: Shoes, Shoes, and More Shoes!

2009-11-25T18:48:00.000-08:00

Wishlist No. 03. I've got a huuuuuge Christmas stocking which I hope Santa will fill to the brim with high heeled shoes. I know, you hardly see me in heels in my photos except perhaps in blog entry:

http://ninaballerinaclosetobsession.blogspot.com/2009/11/girls-lunch-out-part-two.html.

Just realized that all the photos I've posted are mostly work related so I required the comfort of flats to quickly run around and get things done; oh, and if I wore heels to Sunday mass, I would be stared at indiscriminately again so I avoid too much glamour when the occasion calls for prayer. Please see:

http://ninaballerinaclosetobsession.blogspot.com/2009/11/sunday-mass.html

Do you now feel my pain?! Grr!

I assure you, my fellow fashion junkies, I looove heels. I wear them to all dressy occasions especially those that require walking prowess only from the car to the cocktail table and back to the waiting car again. Can't help it; some of the beauties pinch like giant bee stings!

Anyway, here goes, by order of desire. Santa, aside from the occasional shopping binge which hurt no one else but myself and the poor, unsuspecting husband, I've been a really, really good girl!

Lanvin black satin pumps with gold ankle chain. I need pumps like I need a hole in the head; but these are just trés, trés jolie! Did you detect the shape of the heel? Truly one-of-a-kind!

Another pair of noir pumps. I can always do with yet another. They go with anything, that's why?! I promise, I do do the Math! Black patent stiletto pumps by Versace. I love that their devant is platformed. Should be easy then to walk in them! J'adore!

Absolute eye candy! Radical Mary Jeans with über ruffle detailing by Christian Louboutin. I know, the color isn't really as practical as the first two pairs; but who cares?! I want them!

I was actually surprised that Louis Vuitton made these. They usually fabricate really conventional looking shoes; but these are just so luxuriously edgy. Brown and black suede mixing together usually don't work but here, they just make so much sense. I'm in love!

Mary Janes by Prada. Need I say anything? There simply are no words.

Peep Toes by Moschino. Look at the yellow heel wedges! Genius. I've similar pairs by Kate Spade but these are just glamazonic!

Noticed that my three wishlists have been all about shoes. I have this formula about bag shopping that I've proudly (and surprisingly) kept: I don't get bags that cost as much as my son's yearly school tuition; so the limit is one bag a year (almost!?). See, I'm really a very, very good girl!

What's in your wishlist this christmas?

Anyone Interested in Fashion Can Also Be Serious AND Kickass!

2009-11-24T21:49:00.000-08:00

Here are pictures from a backstage photo shoot during the Association of Ballet Academies Philippines' Danseries XIV performance last 22 November 2009 at the Meralco Theater. (This is an annual dance festival featuring dance schools strewn all over the country.)

This is Jellie, one of my fave students. Sadly, she had to quit her ballet training temporarily due to health and some other personal problems. Believe me, this beautiful 16 year old girl has gone through the ringer and back. Some of her issues are way too mature for her but would you know it?! Jellie, my super trooper. Oh and, she only wears vintage! Lucky girl. Her Mom has such exquisite taste that all Jellie needs to do is raid her Mom's closet. I'm soooo jealous! Green with envy. Seriously!

I, on the other hand, am relegated to shopping for myself as you all know. I have no relatives (dead or otherwise) from whom to cull interesting, vintage choices from. I don't think anyone within my bloodline pays much attention to clothing but me. Yes, sadly, I stand alone in that matter and am often given quizzical looks during reunions. That's alright. I'm used to it.

Wearing a silk georgette Topshop minidress;

black faux fur vest from Zara (I looked like an oversized stuff toy, right? But I didn't really care. I loved the texture contrast between the smooth and upscale against the fuzzy.);

South Sea pearl opera length necklace, Tiffany and Company necklaces, and dog tags from Salsa (my take on the "more is less" trend);

and Mary Janes from Topshop.

I just changed into super high Gucci platforms for the curtain call. I shall upload a pic as soon as I get a hold of one!

Now you know my secret ... I need reading glasses already! I was inconsolable when I finally admitted this. Aren't eyeglasses only for NASA scientists?! Thankfully, got some cool ones from Burberry. They're regularly worn by the elegant Lily van der Woodsen, Serena's Mom from Gossip Girl Season 3. Truthfully, I've got like 15 pairs of eyeglasses to match anything my heart desires but it seems that I use the 15-20% closet usage rule here as well. Grr!

Talked about the 15-20% closet usage in: http://ninaballerinaclosetobsession.blogspot.com/2009/11/do-you-use-all-things-in-your-closet.html.

This is one of my good friends, Liza. She is the Association's current Vice President and head honcho for the aforementioned performance. Like moi, she runs her own ballet school, Ridgepoint Ballet. We often bounce artistic and administrative ideas off of each other. Good thing too; we always end up making sound decisions after our long discussions!

Do you have that one person in your life without whom you can't possibly function properly? Well, that's Yolly for me. Her family has been connected with mine for decades (most of her relatives were or are employed with the family household or business at one point in their lives). I think, Yolly has been with me for close to 18 years already! Yup, loyalty, thy name is Yolly. She is the sweetest, kindest soul there is. She's seen me at my best as well as at my worst. Talk about unconditional love. She does all the operating nitty gritties at my ballet school, École de Ballet Manille. Love you forever, Yolly!

Saved the best for last ... 6 of the 10 girls who represented École de Ballet Manille at the dance festival. They were amazing. They performed with so much depth and technical clarity that simply left me tongue tied for a few moments. I choreographed pieces which held concepts that were anathema to their lives; (These are veeeeery sheltered girls. They don't do public commute ever and they're accompanied by their yayas everywhere they go. Seriously.) but they delivered succinctly. The first piece, entitled "Goodnight, Moon," with music by Shivaree, was my polemic on abortion as the working woman's option in the milennium. The second piece, "As The Deer," with music by Nystom, was about death being part of life. Now aren't those very difficult, existential concepts for the performing arts stage?

These girls too are very much part of who I am. The trust that they have in me is overwhelming, I sometimes worry if they should get a better, less inane teacher who seems frivolous what with her fashion aspirations.

But anyone who is interested in fashion can also be serious AND kickass! What do you think?

Ooh, La, La, Wrist and Finger Blings

2009-11-23T22:32:00.000-08:00

Ooh, la, la, wrist and finger candies: the Omega Schumacher chrono watch and the eternity ring are my everyday fare (I don't leave home without them. I mentioned these items in an earlier blog entry: http://ninaballerinaclosetobsession.blogspot.com/2009/11/new-cocktail-ring.html);

leather, hazelnut colored bracelet from MNG Men's (I think men's fashion is the bomb. I often lust over my hubby's closet; but his stuff is just entirely too huge for me to pull anything off successfully. Boo!);

and a faux onyx cocktail ring that I got from Barcelona last month (really a great buy because it goes with just about anything!).

My everyday bracelets. I'm absolutely in love with them: a gold bracelet with pearl insertions is a relatively recent purchase (Hmmm. Exactly 7 months ago. I'm still paying for them ... OUCH! Thank God for installments; otherwise, how on earth do we all get to wear real jewelry?!);

and a Tennis bracelet of sorts set in white gold (a birthday gift from the beloved hubby from years ago. Reminds me of the typical style of jewelry during the 1920s. You know it, I have an affinity for the flapper dress era.).

What everyday bling do you wear?

Do you use ALL the things in your closet?

2009-11-22T18:11:00.000-08:00

Brought my students to the Meralco Theater last Saturday for their designated blocking slot. (My school, École de Ballet Manille, was scheduled to perform for the Association of Ballet Academies Philippines' Danseries XIV, a festival of dance featuring the association's member performing arts institutions. This is sort of an annual big deal opportunity to be seen for school artistic directors and teachers.)

As you can see, the pictures came out waaaaaay too blurry. Grr! Sooooo, I had to hold another point-and-shoot when I got home with my faithful creative director, Roey, calling all the shots:

Hmm. Still a little blurred but I promise, it gets better. (A new digicam is in my christmas wish list too!)

Wearing a leather jacket from Zara (I was soooo stoked when I got this. It was on sale at the children's section so the price was much, much lower than those at the ladies' wear section! In case you're wondering why I'm using a leather jacket in oven hot Manila ... It was 10C at the Meralco Theater! Brrr! Their centralized airconditioning can freeze a panna cota in 10 minutes flat, I think. You can imagine what that was doing to our butts!);

a Tee from Topshop worn as a minidress;

aquamarine colored tights from Zokki (I think this hosiery label is Korea's best kept secret! They are sturdily made and come in a variety of colors ... even the crazy colors which you don't normally see around.);

my Gucci ankle length boots (You've seen them before. After not using them for like 12 years, I've strangely been out with them at full force for the past two weeks! We all do that, right?);

and last but certainly not the least, my trusty alligator skin bag from Fino.

Just realized that I only use 15 to 20% of the wardrobe options in my closet. Sometimes, I love certain things so much that I practically live in them; then when the mood shifts, I discard or retire them to anonymity and overuse (or abuse?) other items, until I see them again in a whole different light. This is now the case with those Gucci ankle boots and the Fino bag. They're like my staples du jour. I wonder how long the love affair is going to last?!

I guess that's why I only decide what to wear the very next minute I wake up in the morning. The mood dictates it. T'es malade, Nina?" Are you the same or I'm the only crazy woman in the universe doing this absurd thing?!