Outrageous! Outlandish! Orange!

I'm not exactly sure why but I've taken quite a liking to the color orange lately. But then, I'm not sure why I gravitated to this color as well when we were asked to pick a tube from the wide selection of lip colors available in Make Up Factory during our brand immersion with them. Maybe because it was put in a prime spot that time? Or maybe because the bright orange stood out among the sea of reds and pinks? Or maybe it's because I already have more than enough red and pink lipsticks at my disposal. Nevertheless, it is such a fun color and I'm glad I have it in my stash. Here's my review of Make Up Factory's Lip Color #273, Tropical Orange.

This moisturizing lipstick in an elegant metal case is pleasantly creamy and long-lasting. Its silky shine and subtle pearl pigment make lips look fuller. The wide selection of colors ranges from delicately transparent to richly colored, and from classic to super-trendy.

Can you see how bold the color looks on the tube? Those who are more conservative when it comes to make-up might be too scared to try this, but don't worry because there are other Make Up Factory Lip Color shades you might like.

One swipe, two swipes
Photo taken during daytime under natural lighting

As you can see, the color goes on opaque even with just one swipe. It also has gold micro-glitters that cannot be captured completely by my camera, but this color is even more gorgeous in person. Here are more photos:

I didn't use any other product on my face (even powder!) in these photos, but you can see how the color instantly brightened up my face. That's what I love most about bold lip colors. ♥ It looks red-orange in these photos, but in person it leans on the orange side more. Here is another photo of myself taken using an iPhone under artificial lighting, this time with a fully made-up face:

Not sure why, but I love pairing this lipstick with dark green eyeshadow.

I love that it applies like a dream, is creamy and opaque, and is really moisturizing. It looks frosty on the tube so I was worried about micro-glitters being drying and all, but it's really not! I didn't even prime my lips with lip balm before applying the lip color on for these photos hee. The color stays for about three to four hours before I would need to touch up, and even then a lovely hint of coral could still be seen on my lips. There is also no weird, waxy feel nor strong artificial scent. Plus points for the chrome metal packaging because it feels more expensive and glam. Much recommended!

It's also the perfect lip color to wear with this outfit ;)

Would I buy again? Probably not this color because I think this would last me a while, but it would be nice to try out other shades.

Known as a "masstige" brand, Make Up Factory rests in the comfortable middle ground between expensive prestige brands and mass-produced, less pricey make-up brands. Each Lip Color costs not more than P1,000.

Make Up Factory is now open in Bonifacio High Street and SM Beauty in SM Aura. It will also be available in more SM Beauty branches soon.

Disclaimer: Make Up Factory is one of our clients and this product was given to me for free but all opinions stated here are my own.

Girl-shoes, Boy-bag.

This has been a pretty good weekend despite the rain. Yesterday went well as planned: I got a haircut AND I got to shop!

Forgive my excitement, I haven't been in a mall for some good ol' spot of shopping in a while as my recent visits have been limited to attending events or meetings. It was nice to go and not mind anything except what to spend my money [and gift cards] on. (^_−)☆ 

I've always been big on instant gratification and I know this is something I need to learn to control so that I can save more, but it's so difficult when I think about how stressful work-weeks get and I just feel compelled to reward myself with something. Anything. Like six different lipsticks last Friday night.

After I got my hair cut yesterday, I wandered the aisles of SM Bags and Shoes and spotted what I wanted straightaway.

Battle of the chunky heels
Yoshi in black and Yori in fuchsia

I first saw them during the launch held a couple of weeks ago and was instantly attracted to their unique style. No kidding, my heart seemed to whisper MUST. HAVE. MUST. HAVE. at every beat ha ha. Now there's only one problem... I only had enough for one, so do I choose the one with the T-strap peeptoe style or the one with ankle straps? Can you guess which one I came home with?

PINK, flirty, modern, and sophisticated, I ended up choosing Yori. Isn't she pretty?

Really hoping it won't rain tomorrow so I can wear it to work!

And now, for a bag. I was pleasantly surprised by all the pieces showcased in the catalog they gave out after the launch so I figured I must pay Salvatore Mann a visit.

Long story short, I saw this bag –

– and fell in love.

Androgynous fashion at its finest! I love that it can be used by both men and women, and that it's spacious enough for me to be able to pack all my stuff in! Plus points for its gorgeous teal color!

Aside from the external zippered compartments where I can lug my coin purse, mini makeup kit, and earphones, this bag also has two bigger zippered compartments where I can stash the rest of my things in. No need to bring a separate laptop bag anymore because my netbook can easily fit in there together with my Kindle, digicam, personal and work mobile phones, umbrella, work notebook, pens, and all of my other can't-leave-the-house-withouts! Seriously, it's too inconvenient to drag two bags with me everywhere every time I need to bring my netbook to and from the office.

Also, not sure exactly how, but you can also convert this bag into a backpack. Is that awesome or what? The best thing about this bag? It costs P999.75 only!

So there! Gotta go and prepare my stuff now. Ha ha I feel like my younger self when I was still a student and I would prepare my school bag days before classes actually start! Psh, what a nerd. o(^▽^)o 

By the way, have you joined my Palette Pursuit giveaway yet?

Later! More stories/ reviews/ what have you's in the next coming days ❤

Hello Saturday, where have you been all week?

Ahhh Saturday. A beautiful day to sleep in and lounge around the house all day, or probably go out and spoil yourself.

As for me, I chose the latter.

Majority of this week was spent for work, and even though I got a reprieve last Wednesday via a special screening of Man of Steel (I have yet to write a review by the way, because I didn't want to spoil the movie for anyone) care of Nestle Crunch, it was still very stressing because of the rain and floods. At first I figured I wanted to just stay in the house all day and read or watch DVDs, but then I was like, meh, I haven't had a nice me-time in a while, so why not have one today?

Especially since I woke up this morning looking like this:

First in today's agenda: get a haircut.

I scoured Pinterest for hair inspirations and narrowed down my choices to these:

I've already booked an appointment with my favorite stylist in FIX Lab TriNoma, Pabs, and I will just let him decide. I trust his judgments when it comes to my hair basically because he was the first one to chop off my long locks and gave me a haircut I really liked. 

I was also lemming for new lipsticks the whole week, but that itch was finally scratched when I shopped for new lip colors online last night. I'm so excited to receive them!

Hmm, thanks to Parisian, maybe I'll get a new pair of shoes or a bag later, I don't know. We'll see. :)

How about you, what are your plans for today? Any chance you'll be in TriNoma or SM North EDSA, too? Tweet me! :)

Gotta go get ready now. However you spend it, I hope you enjoy your weekend, too. Don't forget to join my Palette Pursuit giveaway and see you when I see you! (ღ˘⌣˘ღ) 

Newest faces of SM Shoes and Bags

SM Shoes and Bags launched its newest brand ambassadors at a posh event held in 7th High a couple of weeks ago, and truth be told they couldn't have chosen better people to represent what its three iconic brands – Parisian, Salvatore Mann, and Milanos – stand for.

Photo from Parisian's Facebook page

Parisian has always been known for its elegance, functionality, and affordability for generations of fashionable women. Who better to represent the brand than beautiful actress KC Concepcion? Not only did she spend some time studying in the city of lights, she also combines fun and fashion, wit and candor, and style and substance.

Like most young women, KC confesses that she’s become “a shoe-holic and bag-a-holic”. “Shoes and bags can transform one’s look,” she adds. “These can change the feel of an outfit and even how a woman feels about herself.” 

While her shopping adventures have brought her to the fashion capitals of the world, KC is amazed at Parisian shoes and bags. “Parisian shoes and bags are on-trend,” she says. “I love their architectural details and vibrant colors. “ 

“Every girl can find something from Parisian,” KC adds. “These are statement shoes not only because they are fashionable, but they allow one a lot of self expression. And the best part is that they are so affordable.”

On-trend statement shoes with architectural details and vibrant colors

Salvatore Mann’s quality leather shoes and bags are designed for the gentleman of style. These are perfect for corporate wear as well as formal occasions. Luis Manzano, one of today’s busiest celebrities with movies, television shows, hosting gigs, parties, and dinner invitations on his agenda, has been chosen to represent the brand.

Salvatore Mann’s elegant leather shoes and bags are known for their sleek designs and superior comfort. Its modern take on formal shoes highlights sophistication with ease. 

Luis’ many engagements frequently require him to be dressed to the nines, as they say. But these also require him to be standing for hours. “I really have to be as comfortable as possible with my shoes,” he says. “That’s quite a challenge since I have to be dressed in formal attire at times.” 

Salvatore Mann’s leather slip-ons and lace-up shoes top Luis’s list, as do its satchel and duffel bags. He is happy that Salvatore Mann’s style and comfort allows him to breeze through all these with ease. He adds that quality and affordability are important factors for him when choosing the pair of shoes.

Classy leather shoes and bags that go from day-to-night, weekday to weekend and work or play

If Salvatore Mann is for men who are on the go 24/7, Milanos’ youthful designs compliment a guy’s active lifestyle. Perfect for the weekend warrior, it is everything cool and casual. Its newest endorser is ultra-cool and charming Sam Milby.

Milanos casual shoes are fashionable yet versatile. The Milanos guy is your buddy who surprises you with his love of extreme sports, the boy next door with an edge who loves the cool comfort of the shoes. 

As an actor, TV host, and singer, Sam needs different kinds of shoes for his work. “That’s what I love about Milanos shoes,” he says. “It has a wide range of options.” 

Likewise, “it’s not only for a certain age group – these can be worn by high school students and professionals alike. I love Milanos’ classy yet youthful style in its loafers, driving shoes, and lace up boots.”

Rev your weekend style with cool casual footwear in exciting styles and colors

I am very much aware of Parisian and it is definitely one of my most preferred local brands (I did a shoot with them last year and it is one of the biggest highlights of this blogging stint) and some of my most favorite pairs like these floral wedges and this "Batman" shoe from the Rajo! collection came from them but I am a bit embarrassed to admit I have little knowledge of how stylish the mens' shoes from Salvatore Mann and Milanos are until now. If I were a boy, I would definitely have a field day choosing from these different styles. I don't know about you but I think it's great that guys are being given more fashion options these days.

Huge thanks to Parisian for inviting me, I had a great time at the event! Congratulations for another successful launch, and I know things would only get much better for SM Shoes and Bags.

Now I can't wait to come to the store and reward myself with a pair or two!

Parisian, Salvatore Mann, and Milanos are exclusively available at SM Stores nationwide. Click the links to visit their respective Facebook pages.

Freeway presents: Lucio San Pedro

Happy 115th Philippine Independence Day! I think this post is very fitting for what we are commemorating today. :)

A couple of weeks ago, Freeway launched an addition to the National Artist Collector’s Series. As a tribute to Lucio San Pedro's 100th Birth Centennial, the brand released a new collection of awe-inspiring pieces beaming with Filipino pride.

Lucio San Pedro, National Artist for Music, is a great Filipino composer and teacher. Known for his composition of the widely popular lullaby “Sa Ugoy ng Duyan” (in collaboration with another National Artist, Levi Celerio) and the symphonic poem “Lahing Kayumanggi”, Lucio San Pedro has paved the Pinoy world of music with plenty of his beautiful compositions bearing national soul.

The event was hosted by Rachel Alejandro and promised a night of fashion, music, and art. I'm bummed I wasn't able to finish the program because I had to go home early, but I'm grateful I got to listen to a beautiful medley of songs prepared by high school students straight from Lucio’s hometown, the ARS Noveau Chorale from Angono Rizal Lead School for the Arts.

They awed the audience with hits such as Sa Mahal Kong Bayan, Piliin Mo ang Pilipinas, Kayumangging Malaya and Sa Ugoy ng Duyan. 

I had a great time catching up with these ladies:

Jen and Keigh and me

Elisha, Honey, Celine, Ava

Arnie and Nicole

The collection is composed of a wide array of casual to work tops and dresses using fabrics such as satinized twills, matte charmeuse, poplins and knits. The unique cuts and styles made out of different fabric combinations are carefully crafted to flatter the woman's figure without sacrificing comfort by using mostly stretch fabrications. As for its visual prowess, the collection combines floral inspirations with hand drawn lines and curves fused with lyrics and titles of San Pedro’s famous orchestra pieces. Colors range from the basic black and white to subtle tones such as beige and teal. Certainly, these pieces are made to capture the essence and mark of the Filipina's modern beauty.

Here are just some of my favorites:

Longsleeved button-down workshirt (P1,499.75)
Available in white and navy blue

Longsleeved trench button-down dress with double collar detail with Sa Ugoy ng Duyan lyrics (P1,899.75)
Available in teal and black

Sleeve extended printed tee with elastic hemline detail with title of orchestra piece Dance of the Fairies (P1,199.75)
Available in black

Sleeve extended twofer dress with title of orchestra piece Dance of the Fairies (P1,899.75)
Available in black and beige

Sleeveless dress with pleated detail on the collar and Sa Ugoy ng Duyan lyrics (P1,899.75)
Available in black and white 

Sleeveless overlap skirt and peek-a-boo neckline detail dress with title of orchestra piece Dance of the Fairies (P1,899.75)
Available in white and beige 

I really love the last two dresses!

In line with the nationalistic theme of the event, the night was capped off with the presentation of the winners of the recently held Art Bag Design Contest.

Their winning designs, Fiestas in the Philippines by Kevin Roque and Ang Huling Babaylan by Christine Sioco, are now available in Freeway stores nationwide.

For more information and to shop online, please visit Freeway's official website. You can also follow them on Twitter and Instagram and like them on Facebook.