In The Now: Head Pieces & Fascinators

Thanks to shows like Gossip Girl and the local showbiz industry, a new take on headbands and hairclips have come to emergence. When these were still new I sort of resisted it due to the big flowers I have to contend with on my head, but with the new designs I have seen coming out, I am now a convert. It makes a great fashion statement and with my imminent move to the capital city of the Philippines, for now, these are the only accessory I need. :)

First and foremost, is Matthew & Melka. Stars like Bea Alonzo, Sarah Geronimo, Camille Prats, Nikki Valdez, Maui Taylorand especially Mariel Rodriguez (who I assume absolutely loves their creations - she's their muse) have been wearing their uniquely designed pieces. Everytime they come out with a collection, it gets sold out in no time. And you are assured that what you are getting is not mass produced and pretty unique.

Here are a few pictures of Mariel:

For their current Summer '09 collection, here are a few which caught my fancy:

This is my number one. Great use with zippers. :)

Prices range from P850 - P950 per piece. Check them out : Click

Next is Gargantilla. As her site says, "Where Fantasy Meets Reality". She not only makes headpieces, but also necklaces and other accessories like wrist cuffs for the Japanese lolita in us:

Price range is lesser than Matthew & Melka's. To shop at Gargantilla: Click

Next comes Mich Dulce. For me she is one of the Philippines' new set of designers, along with Kate Torralba, who actually create art rather than conform to the world reknowned designers creations. Mich, for me, is known for her gorgeous hats. She owns the store, Store For All Seasons which is located at 605 Shaw Boulevard in Mandaluyong City. Im not sure if its still open though...

Cross Stitched bow hat P4950

Neon Pink Abaca Hat P2500

Red Feather Fascinator P3000

You can order these and other hats through her Multiply site: Click

Check out the pictures of her MAC Aids Awareness Hat Exhibit, they're worth a look: Click

Theodore’s the Store is welcoming her Spring Summer 2009 collection.

From Chuvaness:

"As a house warming offering, 10% discount will be given from April 17-19 on all Mich Dulce items.

Theodore's is at G/F Quadrant 4, Bonifacio High Street 7th AvenueBonifacio
Global City Taguig City, Philippines

Store Hours:

Monday to Thursday 2pm - 10pm

Friday to Saturday 2pm - 11pm

Sunday 12pm-9pm
T (+632) 856-3571/856-1635 M (+63) 916 627-4786"

And last, but not the least, the ever popular Forever21.

I was pleasantly surprised they also had these fashions, and so cheap too, so there I went shopping again.

Metallic Spot Bow Headband $5.80 (also in black)


Satin Mesh Flower Headband $7.80 (also in fuschia, purple & black)


Feather & Petals Headband $8.80


Thin Floral Headband $4.80 (also in cream)


Rhinestone Feather Headband $6.80

Feather Glam Headband $5.80 (also available in fuschia)

And then I couldnt afford to leave this behind:

Fab Tie Dye Dress (also available in other color combinations)

At $11.50, it is such a steal!

Whats great about shopping through them this month is that they have the flat rate shipping of only $35 anywhere around the world, including our beautiful country, no matter how heavy and how many items you get from them (as long as total is $100 above). So gather up all your friends and shop till you guys drop!

What Not To Buy: The Face Shop's Phytogenic Powder Foundation SPF 20

"This functional powder foundation may be applied wet or dry and
protects skin against UV rays. It creates a medium to full coverage for a
flawless complexion while keeping skin hydrated with the aid of botanical
hydrants. "

I was looking for a new powder foundation a few months ago and after realizing that L'Oreal's mineral make up foundation was a dud on me (will be in another post ;)). I decided to try out The Face Shop since Koreans always have nice and clear smooth skin (they must be doing something right!). Out of all the types of powder foundations they had, the Phytogenic stood out because of the name.

Photogenic = Phytogenic hehe

And what was best about it? The color matched my skin tone perfectly, as well as covering up my acne scars. Also, I have oily skin, and by mid afternoon it did not cake on my face much and leave some sort of mark.

I thought I had the perfect powder but alas, it wasnt to be so. A week after using this powder I noticed that I always had whiteheads on my forehead and at the bridge of my nose. I hadnt done or put anything different / new on my face so I knew the culprit was the powder.

Until now the whiteheads hasnt stopped coming and I just wish I'd finish the powder already! I cant wait. I've been hearing good things about Neutrogena (which my co-workers swear by) and MAC, so Im switching when its all used up.

Kenneth Cobonpue : Furniture To Love

I first read about Kenneth Cobonpue and his amazing talent when he was featured in a magazine because he designed the spa of an expensive resort here in the Philippines (Eskaya in Bohol, I think?). Also when his Chiquita stool was featured on Chuvaness.

Gorgeous isnt it? A piece of art you can actually use. I think he is an exemplary designer and I would actually love it if he would design my house in the future. :)

I checked out his site and here are some more pieces that caught my eye:

Dogbed

Babybed

Check out his site for more on him, his collections, and dealers: Click

Wonder Product: Neutrogena Advanced Solutions Acne Mark Fading Peel

Via Dermadoctor:

Neutrogena Advanced Solutions Acne Mark Fading Peel is a
proven, effective treatment that improves the condition of your skin by visibly
reducing the appearance of post-acne marks. Use regularly and experience
clearer, smoother, more even-toned skin.
Inspired by dermatologist facial
peels, this breakthrough formula is the first at-home peel of its kind
containing a unique combination Neutrogena-exclusive CelluZyme technology and
Salicylic Acid. It treats acne and reduces the appearance of post-acne marks
while working to help prevent new breakouts from forming and discouraging future
marks. Use 1-3 times per week regularly for clearer, fresher, more even-toned
skin.

Help make the look of acne marks a thing of the past.

I have used this product for the last few years and as with the thousands of women who are using this, I have to say that this definitely works!

Aside from the stinky smell it has which Neutrogena needs to improve, everything about it is perfect. As I dont have pimples on my face anymore thanks to a pill my friend recommended to me (will be in future post), Im using this on my arms, which, coincidentally, have been breeding acne lately (I suspect due to my uniform at work), and it has worked wonders. The icky scars have lightened, and there have been less growths. The area actually looks better than it did a month ago! Plus, as with peels, it makes your skin glow. :)

But dont take my word for it, you can research more reviews about it on the web: Click

Its not available in the Philippines yet, but you can purchase it here for around P500: Drugstore.com

Whacked Out: Anal Bleaching

I never thought there would actually be a time when humans started being cosmetically conscious of their private parts.

I first heard about anal bleaching when I was watching 'Free Radio' the other day and they were interviewing the famous Perez Hilton. He mentioned that all the porn stars were having it done (so thats why! :D) and he even mentioned the name of the place to have it done in LA (how I wish I could check it out ;)).

I know there's bleaching over at Ruiz Derma for your tight spaces like your 'singkit' and stuff, but I never thought anal bleaching would be possible. It was one of those funny & weird ideas you didnt think would actually happen.

As per Crapper's Quarterly,

"Featured on E! Network's program Dr. 90210 which highlights interesting and unusual cosmetic procedures, a recent episode showcased customer and porn star Tabitha Stevens having the treatment done. Originally, anal and vaginal lightening was discovered by adult film stars, dancers, models, beauty-concious celebrities and others on the forefront of the
waxing trend who were "exposed" and wanted to enhance the appearance of the anal, vaginal and other areas. However, they had to go to special salons and use harsh chemicals that could have potentially harmful side effects. As the popularity of bikini waxing grew, more waxing customers began noticing that their genital areas were darker than normal. It became a genuine concern from regular housewives and people in general. And the requests were coming in more and more.

Discoloration of the anal and vaginal areas can be caused by aging, hormonal changes from pregnancy and more. As more people discover bikini waxing (especially the ultra-revealing Brazilian), the more they need to pay attention to how they look once the hair is removed. Anal and vaginal lightening (also known as anal bleaching) is becoming increasingly popular because it can diminish dark, unsightly discoloration or pigmentation."

Here's a youtube video on its feature on Dr. 90210: Click

Apparently you can have this procedure done in Pink Cheeks Salon in LA. They are even taking orders for their exclusive Anal Bleaching cream! Click

Now when will this service be available in the Philipines? Calling Belo?

Smile

If all my flights were like this, I probably wouldnt fall asleep in my seat as fast as you can say "Hong Kong". :)

Click <--