All the Vanity Blog :: Beauty, Fashion & Shopping

Now that spring’s fast approaching, be sure to have all your colorful patterns ready! Give yourself a fresh-looking vibe by donning an iridescent garb, and you’ll surely pop up from rest of the crowd whose fashion sense was left in winter not-so-wonderland anymore. Yet, you don’t hafta keep your multicolored abstract pattern dresses from fall in your closet, ‘coz they’re still as “hot” as new come this season.

Of course, when it comes to multicolored and/or multi-printed frocks, it’s best to keep the rest simple. Lay off piling too much accessories! Or, go pick something which hue is pretty much close to your garb, so that it won’t go overboard with the rest of your ensemble.

Here’s some of my favorite picks from the runway:

This hot skinny pants from Balenciaga is one of my favorites, as the figure-hugging canvass is abstractly painted with an effusion of lines and patterns making such piece a masterpiece. Paired with a simple, basic black  sleeveless top with linear yellow trimmings and slides, you got yourself an alluring spring break that’ll melt the ice away!

Dries van Noten shows an opulent mix of patterns, whilst keeping all things simple Monochromatic wraparound long sleeved top is paired with multi-printed blue ankle pants. Finish off with black and white pumps and shades to give spring a retro vibe.

This Marc by Marc Jacobs sunny yellow belted ensemble with blue and black linear patterns brightens and revivifies this lolita.

All things are matching with this Carolina Herrera multicolored printed ensemble. Best should you prefer something that’s structured and spic and span in a most likely neutral hue.

I haven’t had a nice pair of rubber shoes for ages. I had a couple or three before during my college years, but disposed them already (well, I actually handed down one to my younger cousin).

Ever since I vowed myself to exercise, I started shopping for sportswear. The first thing that came to my mind was getting a new pair of rubber shoes. Some of my friends love jogging, so I might as well join them on the fun run. And so, without further ado, I got this cutesy pair of Nike Training Shoes after months of pondering whether to get one or not!

Nike Training Shoes in Grey and Pink

I opted getting one with a neutral hue, since it’s easier to pair it with other colors. I’m not really much of a rubber shoe person to boot.

Right now, I’m also practicing Bikram Yoga. I love Nike dri-FIT ‘coz it’s really, really comfortable even if you sweat buckets. It lets your body breathe, and keeps it cool even under warm temperatures. And so, I recently got 2 pairs of Nike dri-FIT pants, in addition to a pair of pants and top stashed inside my closet.

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I am usually not in my stylish self during events. I don monochromatic dresses during parties. But this time around, I had a change of heart. I want something that’s really colorful and bohemian. So, I got this multi-printed dress, which surprisingly matches with my recently bought Burberry cosmetic case mainly because of the “plaid” prints. Ah yes, I used the latter as a clutch bag. To give myself some silhouette, I put a waist belt on lest my dress would look like a sleepwear. I also got a matching stilettos and bangle of the same color family (brown-beige hues) to finish the look.

What I wore:
Multi-Print Dress – Bayo
Stilettos – Vincci
Braided Belt – Thrift Shop in Divisoria
Bangle – Thrift Shop in Marikina River Park
Cosmetic Case (used as clutch) – Burberry

I always expect the raging heat for a beautiful tropical country where I currently stay. This country never fails to amuse me, as it belts quite a variety of precious waters and fine sands. And, to think that the summer heat is back again after a period of intermittent rain showers, it’s finally the right time to bring out those summery essentials, as I plan to escape to some beach paradise pretty soon! xx

So, what to bring then?

*(L-R) Goggles from Speedo, Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch SPF 50+ Sunblock, Two-piece Bikinis from Speedo and H&M*

Quite frankly, I do not see a point lugging a mammoth-size bag and pack in bulk, not unless you are coming along in a huge group or staying for a time. Clearly, the weather gives us an ease when it comes to packing, since clothes to don are definitely smaller and thinner.

However, just mind the few basics:

1. Bring a sunblock. Your spf buddy in a bottle is this season’s mush-have BFF. You may love the sun, but I don’t think you’re gonna enjoy loving your stinging, sunburnt skin later on. Moreover, it helps your skin fight against premature aging. You’ll know what I mean by reading this post.
2. Keep in mind: Goggles and gadgetry. For sure, you’re gonna need this in order to make your beach escape more fun and hassle-free. Goggles, for instance, protect your eyes from getting reddish and irritated by the pool’s chlorine or by the beach’s high-sodium waters. I, for instance, also bring earplugs in addition to combat pressure sickness underwater. Gadgets, such as an underwater camera, watch or inflatable lifesavers help you capture those moments impeccably, whilst keeping you safe and secure.
3. Wear a Swimsuit! Of course, never go swimming sans wearing your swimming gear. Your swimwear surely has a lot to offer, aside from flaunting your curves or flashing your washboard abs. May it be a two-piece bikini, a one-piece boyleg swimsuit, trunks or boardshorts, these fashionable garments help you move along the water and swim better.
4. Pack Enough Clothes & Addons. I know you’re gonna wear your swimwear all day and night long, but of course, you still need some clothes on! Remember to pack enough clothes, depending on the duration of your trip. Keep two-piece clothing (aka tops and bottom) in pairs, so does your lingerie! You may have an option to pack some coverup, should you fret exposing your skin too much and need to take some cover.
5. Lastly, one pair of flipfops could do wonders. Of course, exploring the rest of the beachside is something you ought to do once there. A pair of flipflops can take you afar without actually hurting your footsies. Not to mention, wearing them always feel refreshing. Once in the beach, ditch your shoes and grab your nifty flipflops.

And oh, I just forgot to mention. If you’re not staying in the hotel, make sure to bring most of your toiletries. At the end of the day, you must always head for the real shower! Another, it does not hurt to bring an extra, waterproof case to stash your wet garments inside.

All in all, enjoy Summer by smiling for thing in the morning. It’ll surely give your day a blast!

Hallo from Belgium! I had a blast staying in Ghent for a week of work-slash-travel-slash-shopping. It’s my first time out of the tropical zone, so I made it a point to bring racks of clothes, particularly coats &  jackets to adapt to Belgium’s cold temperature.

Instead of buying heaps of clothes made especially for uber-cool weather, I just indulged myself layering my existing clothes. Of course, I also shop for some stuff in addition. Weather’s such a blessing there, since I have more reasons to pull off a stylish garb.

Last April 4th, we visited Antwerp–one of the largest cities in Belgium. I decided to be tinged mainly in blue, as I donned  a blue flowery scarf, blue-green tights and a flowery bluish tiered skirt! I got in touch with the animal life as we barged in Antwerp Zoo beside the  Antwerpen Centraal station. Then, we decided strolling on the busy bricked streets of Antwerp, where we found lots of picturesque landmarks,  monuments and shopping districts (hence, stressed the last part). We decided to go inside Bozzy, one of the many gift shops we passed by that sells Belgian bric-a-bracs and other stuff. I got myself some keychain and makeup!

Next, we visited H&M, one of the few fashion havens where you can hoard loads of clothes and accessories without actually burning a hole in your pocket! Here, I got myself a basic newsboy cap for only €4.50 (will blog about it soon!). And for some sweeter indulgence, I got myself a box filled with pralines at Devinas and a specialty chocolate brownie ice cream at Ben & Jerry’s!

What I Wore?

Ha-ha. This is not my most flattering fashion pic, but I guess this shot highlights all the stuff I wore during that day.

Blue scarf with black and silver flowery prints – Thrift shop

Green-Grey anorak – Zara

Baby blue tank – Mango

White short-sleeved collared shirt – Guess

3/4’s button-down Grey cardigan – H&M

Blue flowery tiered skirt – Kamiseta

Blue-Green tights – Lucky Doll Store at Mutiply

Black boots – Matthews at CMG

Sling bag – Lacoste

My old folks believe that one should wear Polka Dots on New Year’s Eve as we welcome the New Year, because it symbolizes prosperity. Fashion-wise, I simply have one thing in my mind: Polka Dots are HAWT this Spring season.

Thanks to my feverish browsing of Style.com, I am in the verge of getting a few new additions to my sketches, as I embrace 2009 with a bang! Starting off with some polka-dotted pieces.

Here’s a few inspiration for this season’s trend:

Going Sophisticated?

Valentino never fails to give some sensuality and sophistication to every outfit, no matter what cut, print or fabric it may be. I so love this flowy tube polka dot dress. Not only that it possesses the basic colors that characterize the minimalist in me, but also it gives a sexy, ladylike feel that donning it makes me look instantly gorgeous! This is so perfect for posh candlelit dates.

Dressy, Casual, Chic

This maroon and gray mini-dress with a huge waist belt (resembling that of an obi) from Iceberg is nothing but LOVE. This is a perfect dress to wear for chic, dressy corporate nights. It also imbibes a sexy, womanly feel without going overboard–hence, showing too much skin. Plus, a tinge of berry polka dots makes this piece pop out from its boring “gray” state.

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