A new haircut, new books flown in from overseas, a more than awesome conclusion to Nolan's Batman trilogy, candy-colored headphones, precious moments spent laughing with friends over pizza or coffee or while shopping, and most significantly, the courage to finally hand in that resignation letter --- these are the things that made my July amazing.

My orders from Book Depository have arrived just right on time! Aside from the thrill of finally(!!!) getting the screenplay of my ultimate favorite movie Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind plus a new addition to my growing Mythology books collection on my grubby paws, seeing that they came all the way from Gloucester, UK made it even more exciting. You see, the job I will be leaving in two weeks is for HSBC Direct servicing British customers, so it got me excited to receive something delivered by Royal Mail heehee.

Pretty hot pink matte nails are pretty. That is all.

I will be leaving my current apartment soon so I've started sorting out my stuff, and look what I found: a mustard-colored pair of pants I've only worn once more than two years ago! It used to be super loose on me, but now with the right belt it sits nicely on my hips. I love it.

What a pleasant surprise from Ana: a leather passport holder from Manels in partnership with Ana's blog The Fashionista Commuter! I love it so much that I put my passport on it soon after getting home the day she gave it to me. Doesn't it inspire you to travel more? You may get yours here.

I spent the last two nights holed up in my aunt's house in Valenzuela as I couldn't get home because of the flood here in Navotas. I didn't mind though, not when I had the chance to look after this little critter, my four month-old cousin Gab. So precious ♥

I've started trimming my closet as well for clothes I can wear for my new job. Thank you Ensembles for this eggplant-colored cap-sleeved turtleneck and ForMe for these two tops and leather obi-belt.

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Today, July 31, is the birthday of Harry Potter, Neville Longbottom, and J.K. Rowling. I spent a huge chunk of time going through Harry Potter trivia this afternoon, and I still get amazed at each and every tidbit. Thank you, J.K., for sharing with us The Boy Who Lived's story.

My planner is peppered with photos and stickers of beautiful quotes to serve as "encouragements".
Here is what is placed on today's date. 

July has been extra-special and I feel so blessed. All is well. Now August, August will be a different story because there'll be a lot of changes and adjustments to be dealt with. I hope I am mentally, physically, emotionally, and spiritually prepared for anything life will throw at me this coming month. Bring it on.

Courage does not always roar.

Sometimes courage is the quiet voice at

the end of the day saying,

"I will try again tomorrow."

- Mary Anne Radmacher

RAW power

Edgy is a word I can never use to describe my style. I've always been girly, and this shows on the clothes I wear and the way I carry myself. Now that I'm in my 20s and being constantly exposed to a lot of influences, I become inspired to be more open to exploring and experimenting with other sartorial choices.

In comes a store that redefines edgy: G-Star Raw has landed in Manila from Amsterdam, and I wish I have more shopping funds like it, like it.

G-Star is luxury street wear made by denim specialists. A preference for raw materials, deep passion for denim and architectural perspective on tailoring are one of the main characteristics of the brand. From its conception in 1989, G-Star has been known for its innovative and cutting edge style in the world of denim. Pushing the boundaries of the denim material, continuous experimentation and product development have led to a strong following worldwide.

I attended the launch held last Friday night at their first branch in High Street, and had a great time ogling at the models clothes with my blogger-friends!

During the launch party, G-Star also presented the five Filipino ambassadors who are some of the most recognizable faces in the fields of modeling, fashion, film and music in Manila, and who perfectly exemplify what the brand is about.

G-Star Raw's Philippine brand ambassadors Sanya Smith, Pauline Prieto, Sid Maderazo, Mike Concepcion, and Gian Romano

Here's a small peak at the store (I wasn't able to take more pictures because the place was PACKED!):

Want a closer look at some of the clothes?

G-Star Raw for ladies

G-Star Raw for men

Is that edgy or what?

In keeping with the night's theme, here's what I wore:

Black top - YRYS | Gray animal-print skirt - bazaar | Bag - Fabrics in Style

Booties - PILL Footwear | Necklace - Oxygen | Bangles - YRYS and Oxygen

Also got a new haircut ^_^

Sigh, a G-Star Raw jacket will be so perfect, but the one I like costs P16,500. Oh well, a girl can dream.

G-Star Raw is located at Unit 201 Upper Ground Floor C1, BHS Central, Taguig City.

Special thanks to Primer Group of Companies and ARC PR for inviting me.

Intimate Talk

I have one confession to make. I love lingerie. I love collecting underwear in different styles: lacy, frilly lingerie or basic knickers. Nothing makes someone feel more like a lady than a good pair of undies. You know how other women say that wearing something nice underneath makes them feel like they have a secret no one else knows? Exactly.

I love Jockey® because they offer many different styles and types of underwear that makes it easier for women like me to move around. Secure, comfortable, and confident. Yes, I think those are the most important things.

During a press launch I attended a couple of weeks ago, we were presented the No Panty Line Promise and the new Shapewear collection.

The new Jockey® No Panty Line Promise® Next Generation range of underwear is designed to hug your curves and stay in place while leaving no trace of a panty line, no matter what you wear. The revolutionary design is based on years of research and extensive fit trials on real women. Made from cool microfiber fabric that glides over your skin, these panties provide all-day comfort—without riding up. Jockey’s No Panty Line Promise® Next Generation underwear melt seamlessly under all types of clothing. There are no seams or bumpy elastics on these miracle workers– instead, a thin ribbon of silicon is painted straight onto the leg edge, toensure the softest, most invisible fit and zero chance of ride-ups.

Feeling a tad fat and frumpy? Regretting the last couple of bites of that too-sweet, frosting-covered muffin? Worry not-- Jockey’s got the instant solution to your slimming concerns! Look and feel more slender in a matter of seconds with the Jockey® Women’s Shapewear Collection. These cost-effective, high-quality Shapewear styles are made with a soft, breathable fabric that ensures a comfortably slim fit. Smooth laser cut edges help eliminate panty lines while fused panels provide maximum support and unbeatable shaping power.

Here are my picks when I visited their branch in Centris Mall:

Plunging Moulded Cami in black, High-waist Brief in nude, and NPLP panty in nude.

And because they have an ongoing promotion when I went, I got a free underwear for buying three items!
I chose a hot pink Y-front, a perfect match to the mini pink briefs we were given as press gift :)

I have worn my Jockey® undies for several times now and I swear they really deliver! My favorite is the Plunging Moulded Cami because I can wear it under my sheer tops and even under jackets. You know who else loves Jockey®?

Xandra Rocha, model and owner of Pinkerton Ice Cream.

Here is a short video featuring her and Jockey® Shapewear:


  XANDRA ROCHA X JOCKEY from Ynigo Santos on Vimeo.

Special thanks to ARC PR.

Jockey® No Panty Line Promise® Next Generation underwear is available in all Jockey® boutiques located at Market!Market!, Eton Centris, Gateway Mall, Festival Supermall, Marquee Pampanga, SM Valenzuela, Ma-a Davao and Pavillion Laguna, as well as in the following department stores: SM Bacoor, SM Cebu, SM Cubao, SM Fairview, SM Las Pinas, SM Mall of Asia, SM Makati, SM Manila, SM Marikina, SM Megamall, SM North Edsa, SM San Lazaro, SM Sta. Mesa, SM Taytay, Landmark Trinoma, Landmark Makati, Robinsons Ermita, Robinsons Galleria and Robinsons Festival Supermall.

Charmed with ForMe's Charme Francais

Before anything else I'd like to thank everyone who left sweet comments on my previous post about [finally] leaving my comfort zone. I guess the desire to go after our dreams is something we can all identify with so thank you for cheering me on ♥

Out with the old, in with the new. Together with this career change comes the inevitable need for wardrobe change because I want to look more polished than I do in my current tee-and-jeans ensemble which has been my go-to outfit almost everyday. In less than two weeks, I will be leaving the familiar comforts of Quezon City to walk the busy, hip streets of Makati, and of course I want to do it in style.

In terms of shops offering chic and classy work garbs, ForMe easily leads the pack.

ForMe further celebrates the uniqueness of women by presenting its newest collection of clothes - Charme Francais - inspired by the sophistication and playfulness of French ladies. It consists of different looks to meet the active and vibrant lifestyle of contemporary women just like its newest endorser: model, TV host, and cupcake entrepreneur Patti Grandidge.

The Charme Francais collection is all about versatile and eye-catching styles that can be mixed and matched with other pieces. Carrying the charm and sophistication of Paris, the selection can be described as chic, playful and romantic.

I - together with other bloggers - was invited by ForMe at their TriNoma branch for a styling and shopping session with Patti held last Saturday, and it was more fun than I imagined.

Before the program, I got the chance to take a look around and see the different pieces on display.

From the get go, you can see that ForMe offers feminine clothes that don't resort to being too frilly or fussy.
These are definitely classic pieces that can outlast passing fads.

I spotted a lot of chic clothes that will be perfect for my new work-place.

There are also a lot of casuals (for dress down Fridays?)

Accessories to instantly enhance any outfit.
I LOVE the bejeweled collar necklace above.

A ahopping trip at ForMe can result to a complete head-to-toe outfit because they also offer undies and shapewear.

Add plus chic points with a spritz of ForMe Sheer Body Spray in Sweet Romance or Sheer Love.

A short program and challenge were prepared by the ForMe team.

Patti's mini Q and A with event host DJ Tracy.

I honestly think ForMe couldn't have chosen a better endorser than Patti as her natural beauty and personality clearly matches ForMe's aesthetics and style philosophy.

They asked us to style our own outfit using ForMe pieces and gave us 30 minutes to prepare, after which we modeled our chosen outfit so the judges can choose three winners. It was so hard to choose because everything is so pretty! In the end I decided to incorporate the shoes I was wearing with my outfit so here's what I came up with:

Long silver necklace - P290 | Blush pink jersey top with satin sleeves - P1,098 | Brown shorts - P898

With Ana and Sarah

Challenge winners! Sarah won first prize even though she arrived ten minutes before the challenge ended! Now that's what you call a Shopping Pro.

An event wouldn't be complete without delicious food. We were served fruit tarts, sandwiches, canapes, salad, and wine coolers by Cafe France.

Those of us who didn't win still got a special shopping treat! I spent a good deal of time combing through the items available as I wanted to make sure I choose clothes I can use while I go after my dreams. Here are my choices:

Sheer floral multi-way top, blue sheer sleeveless button-down, black leather obi belt

More than being pretty, dainty pieces, I love that the two tops are versatile enough that I can easily dress them up or down depending on how I wear them.

I only have one comment. I didn't get some of the pieces I wanted originally because only one or two pieces per size are made available... which is good because it ensures that the chance of meeting someone wearing the same clothes as you are is almost nil. I'm planning to visit other ForMe branches, maybe some of the clothes I want are still available there ♥


Follow ForMe on Facebook and  Twitter for updates and more fashion finds.

And so it is.

A year from now, you will wish you have started today.

- Karen Lamb

Yesterday, I handed in my letter of resignation from my post as Customer Service & Sales Associate for HSBC Direct, effective 10 August 2012. The past five years and three months I have spent with my department in this company has been a great rewarding and learning experience for me so I am deeply saddened that it has now come to its end. I meant to stay for only six months and never really thought of making a career out of it --- I just wanted to work while I figure things out. After all, it is common for people in the call center industry to spend less than three years with one company before transferring to another. For someone to stay in the same department in one company for more than five years is already a feat in itself, based on the reaction of my new officemates after learning I have stayed this long. What can I say, I have been fortunate enough to work with the best teammates and bosses a girl fresh out of college could ask for that it took me a while to realize that hey, life's passing me by and I should get my act together if I really want to pursue my passions.

Scribbled in my planner.

It's the oldest story in the world. One day you're seventeen and planning for someday, and then quietly, without you ever really noticing, someday is today, and that someday is yesterday and this is your life.

- One Tree Hill

I once jokingly told my friends that *real* problems start surfacing upon reaching 25. One moment we were carefree, happy-go-lucky individuals, and then the next moment we find ourselves being forced to be more mature and mind grown-up things like taxes and thoughts of starting our own families. There is no other time but now. I don't want to wake up one day and find myself 31 years old, still answering phone calls and stopping cards. (Note: I have nothing against those who do, but it is really not something I envision myself doing for the rest of my yuppie life.)

How lucky I am to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard.

- Winnie the Pooh

I have been mulling on this big decision for quite a while now so I thought when the time comes I would be prepared for it, but when my officemates started saying they'll miss me my tear ducts just lost it and competed on who could produce the most tears. It will be really difficult to say goodbye to people who have become so dear to me but it's a tough choice I must make. The most important thing is that I will take nothing but great memories with me. After all, what is life but a series of hellos and goodbyes.

What I like most about change is that it's a synonym for 'hope'. If you are taking a risk, what you are really saying is, "I believe in tomorrow and I will be part of it."

- Linda Ellerbee

While writing my resignation letter, I suddenly felt nauseous. My heart started beating rapidly and didn't stop and kept on beating like that the rest of the day. I figured it wasn't ordinary palpitation brought by caffeine as I only had a cup of coffee in the morning, this was an anxiety attack. I would be lying if I told you I am not feeling batsh*t scared that things won't work out, but upon hearing encouraging (and even congratulatory) words from my friends after I shared with them the news, I felt much, much better. As they say, if you are not being challenged then you're not growing. I have been in this enormous comfort zone pool for as long as I can remember, and I guess it's time to rock the boat and live a little more.

What a wonderful thought it is that some of the best days of our lives haven't happened yet.

In the beginning of the year, Neil Gaiman said:

I hope that in this year to come, you make mistakes. Because if you are making mistakes, then you are making new things, trying new things, learning, living, pushing yourself, changing yourself, changing your world. You're doing things you've never done before, and more importantly, you're Doing Something. So that's my wish for you, and all of us, and my wish for myself. Make New Mistakes. Make glorious, amazing mistakes. Make mistakes nobody's ever made before. Don't freeze, don't stop, don't worry that it isn't good enough, or it isn't perfect, whatever it is: art, or love, or work or family or life. Whatever it is you're scared of doing, Do it. Make your mistakes, next year and forever.

I hope this is one of the best mistakes I will ever make.

Eye (and Ear) Candy: Urbanears Plattan Headphones

"Music is a moral law. It gives soul to the universe, wings to the mind,

flight to the imagination, and charm and gaiety to life and to everything."

- Plato

Every menial task I am too lazy for, I have managed to do by putting on earphones and pressing Play; cleaning my apartment and room at my parents' house or washing the dishes become more fun to do so long as my favorite playlist's providing me some background tunes while I'm having the best {imaginary} concert ever. Britney Spears, The Script, Parokya ni Edgar, and Natasha Bedingfield have saved me from many hours of boredom when commuting or travelling alone and since I will be spending more than two hours commuting every day *very soon*, a good, functional pair of headphones will be very important for me and my sanity.

Plus points if the headphones come in yummy colors ^_^

Oh hai, doesn't this look yummy to you?

Urbanears Plattan headphone in Mustard

The Plattan is designed to be the perfect classic headphone with all the additional features that make it above and beyond what a static headphone would offer. What are these features? Read on.

It is a full size on-ear model with a rich secluded sound in a compact body. This is important if you're the type who wants to cancel out the noise and concentrate on your music, movie, or TV show. Ideal also for long travels when you're alone or for avoiding awkward conversations if you're with someone you don't really want to talk to heh.

It folds down to the size of your fist. Perfect if you're a throw everything in a bag-and-go kind of girl [or guy]. You don't have to worry about it being destroyed that easily because it is quite sturdy. Unless you like throwing your bag around, of course. (Please don't do that ;p) I think it's great that despite looking bulky, I can adjust and fold it so that it can fit most of my everyday bags. Day-to-day durable companion? A very big checkmark.

120 cm/ 47 inch-long tangle-resistant fabric cord. For someone like me who have destroyed many sets of earphones already because of persistent tugging on tangled-up cheap plastic cords, this is godsend. Thank you, music gods, for bidding my pleas. 3.5mm stereo plug compatible with any music players. I love that it's flexible and can be used on my phone, my iPod Shuffle, my netbook, and my computer. Microphone and remote compatible with the iPhone, Blackberry, HTC and more. This is helpful for those who use their iPhones as their iPods or their phones as their music players because it's easier to switch between rocking to your favorite tunes and acting all sweety-sweety when your significant other (does anyone still use that phrase??) calls, or all professional when it's your boss on the other line.

It comes with a ZoundPlug, allowing for a friend to plug in and share your music. I think this is the cheesiest feature of this nifty headphone, but it works for me because I am the type of music-lover who's not selfish with her music. Whenever I am with a friend with my earphones on and a great song comes up, I force my friend to listen to it and love it as much as I do awkwardly sing along even when I cannot hear anything anymore (because my earphones would've already been jammed on my friend's ears LOL). Having the ZoundPlug is awesome because my friend and I can marvel at the song's greatness at the same time.

It comes in yummy, bright colors. I cannot stress this enough. I love all of the other chic colors that I had a hard time choosing! My other choices include Tomato, Grape and Denim (which looks so lush). I love my Mustard Plattan because it's such a happy, cheerful, sunshiny shade ♥

Plattan headphones cost P2,950. Quite pricey I know, but if you like music *that much* and really care for sound quality or find yourself in front of your computer more often to watch movies and TV shows and you have the budget, then I don't see any harm on splurging on something you will be using almost everyday. Besides, if you do intend to use it everyday, then the cost-per-wear will be almost negligible in the long run.

Urbanears headphones and earphones (Plattan, Plattan Plus, Medis, Medis Plus, Tanto, and Bagis) are available at these reseller stores. Meanwhile, the first UrbanEars concept store in the Philippines will open on August 14 at The Podium, where three new colors will also be launched together with the new Fall/ Winter collection! This is so exciting, I wonder what the three new colors will be.

Beeteedubs, Urbanears has a new contest that will run from July 26 to August 18! The contest will involve Instagram (follow me there!) so better register if you haven't yet ^_~ Here are the complete mechanics:

1. Take a photo of yourself with your favorite pair of Urbanears Zinken, Plattan, Plattan Plus, Medis, Medis Plus, Tanto or Bagis headphones.
2. Theme of the photo: Express your freedom and individuality in colors.
3. Upload your photo on Instagram and email links to: DT.contests@gmail.com (include your name, address and contact number).
4. One user may upload a maximum of 3 entries only.
5. Caption your photo: "ColorMe + headphone color" and use the hashtag #Urbanears (for example: ColorMeIndigo #Urbanears).
6. Successful entries will also be uploaded on Digits Trading's Facebook page.
7. You may invite your friends to Like your photo (both on Facebook and on Instagram).
8. Contest will run from July 26 to August 18, 2012.
9. Three (3) winners will be announced on August 24, 2012 (Most Fashionable, Most Creative, Most Popular).

Three winners of special lootbags from UrbanEars and Digits Trading Corporation will be chosen so get on listening and clicking ^_~

I might have to come up with a better entry than this though...

Ta na na na na na na na...... BATFAN!!

It's been almost a week since I saw The Dark Knight Rises but I still can't stop gushing about it! ^_^ You can't fault me on having this much love for Batman as I already explained to you why I'm a fan ;) I'm sure this Batman high will stay until the end of the year. It should, as the next movie I am looking forward to won't be shown until next year.

This is what I wore to the SM KIDS Toon Fest event I blogged about yesterday. Since the event was for the launch of the K-Pop Rising Star contest, I decided to wear something K-Popish (at least to me hehe). Also, I told you I'd be wearing my Batman beanie every chance I get.

As shared on Instagram

Batman beanie - made to order: Blue Luvs Pink | Inner black tank - Jockey

Striped top - Cotton On | Jeans - Candie's

Bag - Fabrics in Style | Boots - Chick Flick (given by Aisa)

Thanks Paul for the clearer photos! These boots are the comfiest things ever. I love how the past couple of days have brought perfect boots weather (I wore my leopard-print wellies to work last Saturday and Sunday!), but to be frank I'm a getting a teeny bit sick of the rain. I read there'll be another thunderstorm, so everyone please be careful and be safe!

I'll see the movie again with Ana this week or early next week. I can't wait! Joseph Gordon-Levitt, please marry me now ♥