tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-59044150546489801542024-03-05T00:20:25.673-08:00ROCKET QUEEN RIOTAna Mariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02090277264167680944noreply@blogger.comBlogger178125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5904415054648980154.post-31649521145780584382015-07-31T04:53:00.001-07:002015-07-31T04:53:34.203-07:00To somewhere beautifulFrom this day on, Rocket Queen will be inciting her riot to my next grand academic adventure. In less than twenty days, I'll be off to the <i>city so nice, they named it twice </i>to chase my Ivy League dreams *shudders*.<br />
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Thought I'd leave a nice cyber footprint along the way.Ana Mariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02090277264167680944noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5904415054648980154.post-33074112662409457652015-04-24T04:34:00.002-07:002015-04-24T04:34:59.958-07:00Walking on eggshellsNo one really understands what I'm going through.<br />
'Cause my inner voice is yelling..Ana Mariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02090277264167680944noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5904415054648980154.post-24072368091708499352014-06-07T18:22:00.000-07:002014-06-07T18:22:11.745-07:00I have been ducking under the radar to regain some sense of tranquility within. I have not been this happy since I laid my eyes on the real Brandon Boyd, and/or held the hand-stitched handles of my new Balenciaga bag.<br />
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I am too happy someone please call Pharrell!Ana Mariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02090277264167680944noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5904415054648980154.post-80226240169428983012014-05-01T03:02:00.003-07:002014-05-01T03:02:54.210-07:00A job that allows me to dress up and run in heels everyday without rendering my college education futile? POSSIBLE.Ana Mariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02090277264167680944noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5904415054648980154.post-57653615751581016732014-03-31T04:42:00.001-07:002014-03-31T05:04:27.710-07:00A certain shade of green<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/ana_reynoso/13511119123" title="securedownload-6 by Ana Maria Reynoso, on Flickr"><img alt="securedownload-6" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5463/13511119123_e7634f6c0e.jpg" /></a><br />
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The tunic is the undisputed hero in summer dressing with its versatility stretching as a stand-alone piece or as a beach cover up. It is also your saving grace in a highly bipolar weather -- with its light fabric apt for a warm weather, and its coverage that makes it equally fitting for cooler weather.<br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/ana_reynoso/13511009295" title="securedownload-4 by Ana Maria Reynoso, on Flickr"><img alt="securedownload-4" height="500" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7021/13511009295_3d585b355a.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/ana_reynoso/13511012925" title="securedownload-5 by Ana Maria Reynoso, on Flickr"><img alt="securedownload-5" height="500" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3807/13511012925_2a483a2e59.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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One of the best features of tunics, is they come in different levels of intricate detailing -- from jewel embellishments to elaborate details. A surprising element that contributed to the rise of tunics, is crochet. Crochet is not always synonymous to <i>frighteningly</i> tacky, especially when it complements a bare article of clothing. Quite frankly, it's the crochet detailing that drew me to this piece, or the fact that I mistook it for an intricately-crafted lace. Tunics come in awkward lengths which may not work in my favor. To work through this flaw, tunics are ideally worn over tights or short-shorts.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz6jipTsrojQTDnwLTsoT21v3Tm2Rl2qeTHRwghXRp5Cg9us-OT5HvAdOK-FQY8r5WYZIgGnm6AmaQPp8-LFKzYK9qfPuXYwBcgS006Sk6ZDfB8vjibA_nX9R9R4JXSi0mfPf_JVMJLQhA/s1600/securedownload-4+-+Version+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz6jipTsrojQTDnwLTsoT21v3Tm2Rl2qeTHRwghXRp5Cg9us-OT5HvAdOK-FQY8r5WYZIgGnm6AmaQPp8-LFKzYK9qfPuXYwBcgS006Sk6ZDfB8vjibA_nX9R9R4JXSi0mfPf_JVMJLQhA/s1600/securedownload-4+-+Version+2.jpg" /></a></div>
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I wore my old pair of crochet culottes with tulle overlay and made minor adjustments to turn it into the perfect crochet trim shorts to wear underneath. (and by minor adjustments, I meant 4 safety pins to tuck the tulle inside the lining). </div>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/ana_reynoso/13511139203" title="securedownload-8 by Ana Maria Reynoso, on Flickr"><img alt="securedownload-8" height="500" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7020/13511139203_4f33efb45a.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
I have to say, regardless of sucky lighting conditions, the tunic shines through. Let me take you a few months back for when I was lusting/dayrdreaming/obsessing over this piece. This tunic became an instant addition to my wishlist the moment I saw it on Sabo Skirt. I also came across this photo of my favorite K-dash doll Kourtney, rocking the white version which only intensified my desire to own this piece. </div>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/ana_reynoso/13343672545/" title="article-2198275-14D58741000005DC-418_634x489 by ana_reynoso, on Flickr"><img alt="article-2198275-14D58741000005DC-418_634x489" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3733/13343672545_41706a7b2e_o.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Photo from: <a href="http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-2198275/Kisses-baby-Kourtney-Kardashian-Scott-Disick-dote-Penelope-family-outing.html" target="_blank">Daily Mail UK</a></span></div>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/ana_reynoso/13344061124/" title="article-2198275-14D589D9000005DC-772_634x530 by ana_reynoso, on Flickr"><img alt="article-2198275-14D589D9000005DC-772_634x530" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3768/13344061124_30def0dd65_o.jpg" /></a></div>
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I was slated to purchase the mint version from Sabo Skirt because it looks more divine and this color is elusive in the local market. Due to the long priority list of items I want to order form Sabo Skirt, (and its steep price tag of AUD 58 certainly didn't help) they ran out of stocks before I can even save up for it. Frankly, it's a lot more than what I can dole out for a piece of top. </div>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/ana_reynoso/13343770885/" title="securedownload-1 by ana_reynoso, on Flickr"><img alt="securedownload-1" height="400" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7180/13343770885_9535c5d9a0_o.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Exhibit A. Runaway Tunic <b>AUD $58</b> from <a href="http://www.saboskirt.com/" target="_blank">Sabo Skirt</a></div>
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My obsession with Australian brands doesn't stop with Roxy and Sabo Skirt. Its resemblance with UK high street fashion, close proximity to the Philippines and chic summer vibe make it extra appealing. Shipments arrive relatively faster too and takes only half the time for goods from North America to arrive. <i>Hah! Beat that</i>!<br />
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After an intensive hunt, I pooled a list of all Australian online brands of the same style genre as Sabo Skirt. Doppelgängers of this highly-coveted tunic turned up in my search too. Apparently, this design is <u>not</u> a Sabo Skirt exclusive.<br />
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Exhibit B. <span style="text-align: center;">Crochet daisy top which retails for <b>AUD $58</b> from </span><a href="http://www.xenia.com.au/" style="text-align: center;" target="_blank">Xenia</a><span style="text-align: center;"> </span></div>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/ana_reynoso/13343769065/" title="securedownload-2 by ana_reynoso, on Flickr"><img alt="securedownload-2" height="400" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3702/13343769065_e41331e2a0_b.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="text-align: left;">Exhibit C. </span>Janine crochet top which retails for <b>AUD $59</b> from <a href="http://www.peppermayo.au/" target="_blank">PepperMayo</a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ1b7Gx0jC27z5n_hv9vS2X-nxQoMD6BbG_-ZOLOY_7H6aEQwPpQn6djvyUp3WtX94frIfgmK0faWNOrdaRE6GYGkPnP7Q2aIoO7qDZ3J_7QIjGgdzN45Be-f_e51U9KTrp1w1CHkR1o1U/s1600/1173893_657940010884622_629962400_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ1b7Gx0jC27z5n_hv9vS2X-nxQoMD6BbG_-ZOLOY_7H6aEQwPpQn6djvyUp3WtX94frIfgmK0faWNOrdaRE6GYGkPnP7Q2aIoO7qDZ3J_7QIjGgdzN45Be-f_e51U9KTrp1w1CHkR1o1U/s1600/1173893_657940010884622_629962400_n.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
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I discovered <b><a href="http://www.peppermayo.au/" target="_blank">PepperMayo</a></b> while I was browsing through Sabo Skirt tweets. Their website has an ongoing, massive sale and on the very first page lies THIS perfect tunic. I was 48hrs late from purchasing this at a dirt-cheap price of AUD $20 after further reductions, but <b>AUD $25</b> isn't too bad at all if you ask me. Yes, Bergdorf Princess, I<i> think I'd like to have my 'bargain queen' tiara back thank you very much</i>! Just my luck, I didn't have to go through hell of choosing between the white or mint because the white isn't part of the sale selection. Happy to say I found yet another cheaper alternative for one highly-coveted item and saved a total of AUD 33 (Approx. Php 1,400).</div>
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So now let's talk about my latest discovery. Ready for another fashion obsessive post? Well, ready or not, here it is!</div>
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When I was browsing through PepperMayo's products, I couldn't quite comprehend if I was a) ecstatic with their familiar feminist designs, or b) utterly disappointed in Sabo Skirt because now they don't seem as original as they tout to be. About half the designs in PepperMayo can be seen in Sabo Skirt's collections, only they have slightly different prints for the designs in question. </div>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/ana_reynoso/13156089395/" title="image by ana_reynoso, on Flickr"><img alt="image" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3772/13156089395_3efea00726_z.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
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To make the most of the cost of shipping and to hush the pain of having to wait for a package, I usually order no less than 2 items. I ordered a bandage crop top in pink and the mint tunic. Read all about my verdict below:<br />
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<b>Design</b>: The originality of their designs raises few questions on my part. There's no denying the strong resemblance with Sabo Skirt from playsuits, to bottoms, to dresses. The prints seem generic too but of course, I only have Sabo Skirt to compare with because they have always been transparent with their hand-painted prints.<br />
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The tunic is obviously outsourced as backed by the ubiquity of the item (as seen on at least 3 Australian online stores). Unfortunately for me, I found the crop top I bought from another Australian brand, which partly concludes that they do not have a lot of exclusive, original designs to offer.<br />
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BUT make no mistake about it, they have a wide selection of not just garments and shoes, but also accessories and cosmetics. Needless to say, they offer the convenience of a one-stop-shop without compromising style. They carry menswear too!<br />
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<b>Quality</b>: The tunic is made from quality cotton fabric and the crochet detail is also made of thick crochet threads. The crop top is made of thick elastic fabric (Think Herve!) with hidden zip at the back - looks good if you ask me.<br />
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<b>Price</b>: Their price premium is more expensive, with an average of AUD 50 per regular-priced item. Their sale selection is also relatively expensive, with discounts of only 20-40% off. Prepare to splurge (on an average--) AUD 35 per sale item, which is more expensive than a Sabo Skirt sale item.<br />
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<b>Packaging</b>: If like me you get giddy at the sight of cute packaging, then Peppermayo will not disappoint. The clothes are packed in a recyclable drawstring bag and the best part is- the clothes are not creased and neatly folded! Brownie points! Okay I have to say, Sabo Skirt failed me in this criterion.<br />
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<b>Shipping</b>: Shipping is, well yes, <strike><span style="font-size: x-small;">more</span></strike> expensive <span style="font-size: x-small;"><strike>than Sabo Skirt</strike> </span>at AUD $14 per package. What I really dislike about their shipping method is, at AUD $14, the customer is unable to track the item. This I will never understand because most Australian online stores use AUS Post which ships in conjunction with the local postage system, in our case PhilPost. Sabo Skirt charges AUD $10 per international package and the customer can track the item AS soon as it has been cleared by customs.<br />
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<b>Customer service</b>: Impeccable!<br />
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<b>Verdict</b>: 3.5 out of 5 stars<br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/ana_reynoso/13511141863" title="securedownload-7 by Ana Maria Reynoso, on Flickr"><img alt="securedownload-7" height="500" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3755/13511141863_22e50e8ee9.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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Ta-ta bitches!</div>
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A</div>
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Ana Mariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02090277264167680944noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5904415054648980154.post-21919326732129652092014-03-28T23:33:00.002-07:002014-03-29T02:22:11.016-07:00Tees'n things I love about you Tees'n things I <strike>hate</strike> <i>LOVE</i> about you.<br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/ana_reynoso/13483037874" title="image by Ana Maria Reynoso, on Flickr"><img alt="image" height="400" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7205/13483037874_6f4ee903c5_z.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
Pun intended.<br />
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I am all for supporting the local fashion industry, having been an active online shopper since 2006. If anything, I am not a fan of the waiting period since provincial deliveries would take a few days to complete. From where I am from, boutiques are few and far in between - at least those that meet my sartorial standards; so a boutique that carries fashionable pieces and is in close proximity to my house is a definite go-to!<br />
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I first came across <i>Tees and Things</i> a few years back when I saw their store in Paseo de Sta. Rosa. I remember dragging my mom and sisters inside to try out their moccasins. Few years after, they opened a branch in Calamba which is along the alternate route when going to Los Banos from Manila. Their window display will leave you smitten and trust me when I say it's only a preview of what they have in store. (and a good representation at that!)<br />
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Check out my finds: (All photos from <a href="http://www.instagram.com/teesandthings" target="_blank">Tees and Things instagram</a> page)<br />
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Sheer white floral button down which instantly reminded me of the <a href="https://svpply.com/item/2451423/JW_Anderson_Mens_White_Placement" target="_blank">JW Anderson men's shirt</a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikV-rDksnTJaMl-uCAJCvhgdj-Re1-p3ZFfJpYBdf4bgC8PWaOqNSHbv1Vxnm0m8UX2Mk7zCVgWbce2Ug-BlNEQlNxKtegt7Y0kxzhCN6n47_GkYyIxBXbXxuMzUWA3tDT3vzH-toTgA5z/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-03-29+at+2.28.53+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikV-rDksnTJaMl-uCAJCvhgdj-Re1-p3ZFfJpYBdf4bgC8PWaOqNSHbv1Vxnm0m8UX2Mk7zCVgWbce2Ug-BlNEQlNxKtegt7Y0kxzhCN6n47_GkYyIxBXbXxuMzUWA3tDT3vzH-toTgA5z/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-03-29+at+2.28.53+PM.png" height="397" width="400" /></a></div>
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Chartreuse full skirt which I have been on a massive hunt for!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5RNB770jmSLCSfG43RJcMdXKCKJEackQ-VesLQPxHf-S8Wn_NKBZgMgmeuRYrn33f6Y7BL0oi84b-uDIuUaw1ndws9_GL0Cio9joe2ChuTYPIELH9kGtUfVGR_-CXcfledosUQXnIvbmK/s1600/1524837_547360112029397_2085478048_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5RNB770jmSLCSfG43RJcMdXKCKJEackQ-VesLQPxHf-S8Wn_NKBZgMgmeuRYrn33f6Y7BL0oi84b-uDIuUaw1ndws9_GL0Cio9joe2ChuTYPIELH9kGtUfVGR_-CXcfledosUQXnIvbmK/s1600/1524837_547360112029397_2085478048_n.jpg" height="392" width="400" /></a></div>
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Without seeing the two pieces together, I knew they were tailored for each other. The ensemble looks divine and has a little Carolina Herrera vibe going on, don't you think? It was another serendipitous finding because sometimes, your best compass is your gut feel.<br />
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So if you are around the UPLB area and you need to get your fashion fix, make sure to include Tees and Things in your must-shop list. They carry an assortment of affordable accessories, casual wear, formal dresses, footwear, bags and more!<br />
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Check out Tees and Things on <a href="http://www.instagram.com/teesandthings" target="_blank">Instagram</a>.<br />
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PS. If you still did not get it the second time around, today's pop culture reference goes to one of the best chick flicks in history, <i>10 Things I Hate About You</i>.<br />
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I tried, I tried. At least unlike SOME, <span style="font-size: x-small;">I don't blatantly copy another brand name and adopt it as my own. <strike>OOPS</strike>. Not to mention recycling phrases/expressions without tracing the origin. Let me guess, you're going to use <i>surf the crimson wave</i> next. You're welcome. </span>Ana Mariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02090277264167680944noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5904415054648980154.post-41565407812808150632014-03-11T04:52:00.000-07:002014-03-11T04:52:09.628-07:00International Women's Day<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheCTVZgDQ-ENDVaxFDTlSJh1x0WldqVN4isUXySeZnJ7kFw9dHwupGiz18OO0O__OyrsN-Dlz7uqh1DcjVxi3tF4Hc9SlEknq9gpANR3HUefoTmS5tU8jsFDSeSOFRXiOBJhZx1rUJ9ZJm/s1600/securedownload.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheCTVZgDQ-ENDVaxFDTlSJh1x0WldqVN4isUXySeZnJ7kFw9dHwupGiz18OO0O__OyrsN-Dlz7uqh1DcjVxi3tF4Hc9SlEknq9gpANR3HUefoTmS5tU8jsFDSeSOFRXiOBJhZx1rUJ9ZJm/s1600/securedownload.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />Ana Mariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02090277264167680944noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5904415054648980154.post-51507064900059825272014-03-09T00:48:00.003-08:002014-03-09T08:01:21.953-07:00The back up bridesmaid<div style="text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC6bUA2smCoFWZQvZvL2INuA5a2JuWoyJwHEyFLrYQ8tPYv6RsqsAr46ZtkFjj0WOQoyad9IQx8kxMjJCRu1gQ8KGuhnZNypmOQNUzyOkEJA1PfA2SU4jFDvE4x6F4TF4A6mT1yzaxtHYX/s1600/13021041505_c222c2cbb3_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC6bUA2smCoFWZQvZvL2INuA5a2JuWoyJwHEyFLrYQ8tPYv6RsqsAr46ZtkFjj0WOQoyad9IQx8kxMjJCRu1gQ8KGuhnZNypmOQNUzyOkEJA1PfA2SU4jFDvE4x6F4TF4A6mT1yzaxtHYX/s1600/13021041505_c222c2cbb3_b.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
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There is no such thing as witnessing too many milestones, all in less than 12 hours. I had a wonderful opportunity to witness a wedding, a 50th birthday <i>*surprise*</i> party, a sweet sixteen and still push for a '<i>girls night out</i>' in its most literal sense. I obviously hyperextended my energy.</div>
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<span style="text-align: left;">I was a mere spectator at my boss' wedding, and a tad overdress at that! But I must say I blended in pretty well with the motif and was jokingly referred to as a back-up bridesmaid. You can't expect anything less from someone notoriously overdressed on a regular basis so I took it to the <i>max</i> with this sleek number.</span></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/ana_reynoso/13021479824/" title="image by ana_reynoso, on Flickr"><img alt="image" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3311/13021479824_4dd3895b60_c.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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Miss Selfridge maxi dress | Stradivarius t-strap sandals | YSL <i>Le Sixieme</i> chain purse</div>
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Very-<i>millenium </i>prom is how I like to call dresses of such silhouette. It's flowy yet snug in all the right places. The very simple design makes the sweeping back cut out detail all the more interesting. And this is my attempt to try new things:</div>
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1. I opted for a simple up-do (thanks to my sister and her donut bun maker)</div>
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2. I wore a plain and simple dress</div>
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Both of which I rarely do/practice since I'm always going for the kill. Just like how I always say it: go for the kill, go for the jugular! </div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/ana_reynoso/13021438194/" title="image by ana_reynoso, on Flickr"><img alt="image" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7337/13021438194_f6fe7cf642_c.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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I can't apologize for boring you with my blog entries, which appear to be the extended versions of <i>oh-I-love-this-dress-read-all-about-it-in-3-paragraphs-full </i>and while I have not steered my blog in a completely new direction, I think I'm lowering my anchor here for a while. </div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/ana_reynoso/13021253913/" title="image by ana_reynoso, on Flickr"><img alt="image" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2168/13021253913_fe8367b075_c.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
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Don't mind if I do. </div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/ana_reynoso/13021456864/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="image by ana_reynoso, on Flickr"><img alt="image" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7429/13021456864_c0608f35a1_c.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Golden. Cupcakes fit for a 50th birthday party.</td></tr>
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I had 5 cupcakes too many.</div>
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Ana Mariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02090277264167680944noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5904415054648980154.post-35421120463360406102014-03-05T04:49:00.001-08:002014-03-09T08:00:56.335-07:00Big OThis is my talk about the big O -- and no, you dirty <i>dirrrty</i> person, not that <i>O</i>! This is probably Aunt Rose doing the talking while I'm reduced as the mouthpiece to PMS. I am suddenly finding reason in lashing out over the simplest, pettiest things you can think of.<br />
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Let's get on it, originality, <i>right</i>! I hope Ben&Jerry's sues <i>your</i> ass. You were never your own person -- you steal elements from others and make them your own. Shame on you.Ana Mariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02090277264167680944noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5904415054648980154.post-9124430326311972732014-03-02T03:10:00.000-08:002014-03-28T11:16:56.566-07:00Read and be damned<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">All there is.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Currently addicted to <i>Backbite</i>, <i>Peppermayo</i> and belly button rings. </span>Ana Mariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02090277264167680944noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5904415054648980154.post-38475271937075281242014-02-01T03:44:00.001-08:002014-02-03T20:40:26.724-08:00Crop it like it's haute!<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/ana_reynoso/12243385434/" title="image by ana_reynoso, on Flickr"><img alt="image" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7305/12243385434_5df95f3bae_c.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
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Exploiting the season while midriffs are still basking in its <i>skin-is-in </i>moment. Crop tops sure came a long way since the Spice Girls glory days circa 1990 and now they come in all form of shapes and sizes - ruffled, bandeaus, bustier cut, etc. - to suit any body type.<br />
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I've had my eyes on the cross over bustier style since Balenciaga gave birth to it and as far as "inspired pieces" go, I think Sabo Skirt was the first to commercially mass produce this design. It's one of those pieces tucked in the priority section of my closet for half a year now but couldn't muster the courage to wear them out since it is particularly tricky to find the perfect undergarment for this. </div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/ana_reynoso/12243517216/" title="image by ana_reynoso, on Flickr"><img alt="image" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7291/12243517216_4f42141a21_c.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
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Blazers are not strictly for 9-5 dressing and soon you'll be rocking them from 5-9, too! The short suit trend (co-ordinates) came sweeping the runways faster before you can say '<i>Androgynous</i>'. The key to sartorial perfection is choosing the right silhouette for your body. My wide<strike>, manly</strike> shoulders turned out to be an excuse to wear oversized blazers <strike><span style="font-size: x-small;">(okay, I'm down to size 4, straddling between Small and Medium and Medium is obviously big on me <i>boohoo</i>)</span></strike>. The bottom is the tricky part because they ran out of sizes and I had to settle for a size 4 (small) but turns out, it falls perfectly on my '<i>true</i>' waist and it doesn't pose a serious risk to my <i>recently-yanked-out-and-still-recovering</i> belly button piercing. </div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/ana_reynoso/12243354304/" title="image by ana_reynoso, on Flickr"><img alt="image" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3790/12243354304_78924b8e97_c.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
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Neo Mex shorts, blazer, Link Top, waterfalls necklace all from <b><a href="http://www.saboskirt.com/" target="_blank">Sabo Skirt</a></b> | <b><i>Yves Saint Laurent</i></b> Le Sixieme chain bag | <b>Stradivarius</b> studded t-strap sandals</div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/ana_reynoso/12243994806/" title="image by ana_reynoso, on Flickr"><img alt="image" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3673/12243994806_31d82220cd_z.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/ana_reynoso/12243517935/" title="image by ana_reynoso, on Flickr"><img alt="image" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5493/12243517935_4179bf390b_z.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
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<i>Ta-da! </i>Don't be intimidated. While a short suit looks effortlessly formal (read: Power Dressing) by default, how you style it will ultimately set you apart from the next girl.</div>
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<li style="text-align: left;"><i>Printed Matter</i> - Plain blazers are timeless but printed ones can be recycled just as much. Printed coordinates can be worn together or recycled with other articles of clothing when worn as separates! Printed shorts can be worn with chiffon blouses and the printed blazer can go with dresses or plain bottoms. </li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><i>Inner wear as outer wear</i> - What you wear inside your blazer makes a world of difference. High waist bottoms and cropped-anything are match made in sartorial heaven. If you've been itching to wear crop tops but you're a little uncomfortable showing too much skin, this is the perfect outfit to wear it with! Besides, I don't think this trend was made for a real, serious, 9-5 business setting anyway (it is office inspired--at the very least). It's about crossing over some pieces of your office wardrobe to your <i>Socials</i> wardrobe. </li>
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<li style="text-align: left;"><i>And this is the part where I interrupt to reiterate the importance of </i><b>balance</b><i> in dressing</i>. It is okay to show some skin. The blazer balances everything out. </li>
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<li style="text-align: left;"><i>The perfect shoes</i> - Strappy sandals are the perfect choice for casual power dressing. It makes the short suit a little less formal and more relaxed. I went with a teal-colored footwear to complement the prints of my outfit.</li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><i>Ana on chains</i> - If eyebrows can make or break your make-up, accessories are equally powerful to do the same. I went with a silver tone waterfall necklace as the statement piece (which doubles as a cover up to my chest area). Brilliant, huh?</li>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/ana_reynoso/12243361674/" title="image by ana_reynoso, on Flickr"><img alt="image" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2881/12243361674_2438fa5736_z.jpg" /></a><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/ana_reynoso/12243497116/" title="image by ana_reynoso, on Flickr"><img alt="image" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5509/12243497116_0bd9335bcc_z.jpg" /></a><br />
Kisses,<br />
A<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.twitter.com/AnaReynoso_" target="_blank">Twitter</a></span><br />
<a href="http://www.instagram.com/ana_reynoso" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: x-small;">instagram</span></a></div>
Ana Mariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02090277264167680944noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5904415054648980154.post-22121680461796302592014-01-24T01:01:00.000-08:002014-02-01T03:50:09.801-08:00There's no greater high than being on air<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/ana_reynoso/12148593016/" title="image by ana_reynoso, on Flickr"><img alt="image" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7405/12148593016_90d4f6ca9e_z.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
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I spent nearly 3 years in college as a volunteer student broadcaster for the premiere college radio in the country, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/DZLB-FM" target="_blank">DZLB-FM 97.4</a>. I thought I'd retire the '<i>jock thing</i>' by age 20, but an opportunity unexpectedly came knocking in and I knew right then and there it was worth the risks of answering.</div>
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My college friend <a href="http://www.twitter.com/NikkoRMS" target="_blank">Nikko</a> invited me (along with my best friend <a href="http://www.twitter.com/kamsvillamor" target="_blank">Kams</a>) to be on his morning show in <i style="font-weight: bold;">99.5 PlayFM</i>. Nikko and I broadcasted in college together for a 2-hour music countdown program, which is the closing program every week. </div>
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Rusty as I was, I found myself sitting comfortably in the booth after more than 3 years of non-radio activity. It was like rekindling an old romance; recalling my infatuation with broadcasting is bittersweet. For one, I know it is something I want but I have other commitments that cannot be undone at this stage. </div>
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For now my little stint on national radio will continue to be a part of this year's highlights, among a few others :) I can't thank Nikko enough for giving me a chance to live my dream even if it was just for 3 hours. It made the stressful commute, missed class and everything in between so fucking worth it!<br />
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<i>So nope</i>, video did not kill the radio star. Priority did. <i>Kidding</i></div>
Ana Mariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02090277264167680944noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5904415054648980154.post-55661731969933682782014-01-22T21:03:00.000-08:002014-03-09T01:19:22.103-08:00Sweepstake 'Ana'<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoc_HMBCJc7aZchiBGHHmmyhIi5C6DMCdkJaGSG2rL1y5VV7dsCvkW9s1bi36j6TAYGSEV9_3fQF6Pf8CbzcoqWoOlsxox6VntQmlZe_N33L56_R63b5SfF9M4TPRullA5hwuUCGJ-JABi/s1600/475226_MissSelfridge-FBMicro-Winners.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoc_HMBCJc7aZchiBGHHmmyhIi5C6DMCdkJaGSG2rL1y5VV7dsCvkW9s1bi36j6TAYGSEV9_3fQF6Pf8CbzcoqWoOlsxox6VntQmlZe_N33L56_R63b5SfF9M4TPRullA5hwuUCGJ-JABi/s1600/475226_MissSelfridge-FBMicro-Winners.png" height="640" width="586" /></a></div>
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Nine days into 2014, I was rendering overtime work, totally minding my own business when I mindlessly checked my personal email out of habit. Just like my initial reaction to when I read the <i>Topshop Unlock Your Wardrobe</i> email last year, I thought it was just one of those spam messages:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp_bwI8m4XnLbMUVll8m8PxM9bT_fuiLcaOytZaTBz6H02-4vy-BlOawYBpR9xHt9QrO0eLqq_L_cBPTLRtbQsQ2oP-S8nF_Lf1_R52DbHCnn5ZQsnfZ3u-WUUDNn0HTyg2_Q6fE5Xbs4y/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-01-26+at+12.54.36+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp_bwI8m4XnLbMUVll8m8PxM9bT_fuiLcaOytZaTBz6H02-4vy-BlOawYBpR9xHt9QrO0eLqq_L_cBPTLRtbQsQ2oP-S8nF_Lf1_R52DbHCnn5ZQsnfZ3u-WUUDNn0HTyg2_Q6fE5Xbs4y/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-01-26+at+12.54.36+PM.png" height="258" width="640" /></a></div>
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It was one gruesome Thursday (which by the way is the longest day of my week with a 3-hour class sandwiched between working hours) so I initially blanked out and had to take a moment to absorb what was happening. <i>I FUCKING WON THE WISHLIST SWEEPSTAKES! MISS SELFRIDGE</i> -- That's Topshop's fancier, dressier and flashier sister. Anything Topshop or Topshop/Arcadia group-affiliate, I'm an instant convert. The email lost me in the product name overload so I had to recall my picks from a selection of 12 items from the lot. </div>
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<i>Contest Mechanics</i>: From a selection of 12 items, the participant must create her own wishlist with 4 items and submit the wishlist online. It was that easy.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5aAwsBbxdiOjKrIv1mcQ7Eelc4LIlV9AkSgcLS9IWaJto4OVX2Vo1BL-rkxgqv7H6Vz5jfVS0HczsrnVyiTN94wNzk-14jqW9hA0_sFhJ-P-TKgu8bmYPuDIPfWpqwrO7B29md1b1GtQ2/s1600/1455977_252309948261319_1448605567_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5aAwsBbxdiOjKrIv1mcQ7Eelc4LIlV9AkSgcLS9IWaJto4OVX2Vo1BL-rkxgqv7H6Vz5jfVS0HczsrnVyiTN94wNzk-14jqW9hA0_sFhJ-P-TKgu8bmYPuDIPfWpqwrO7B29md1b1GtQ2/s1600/1455977_252309948261319_1448605567_n.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ_I-sDNEJbMyXS1n4jUsghPRyWlDQdrgzNN0uYlZIEjk-adhW_Ju3Yv3LlFZk03LZNV9x2PrKy4RxY6c1_JI7I8SS8eUXR_8riU5tLCAjoDLDOphosDeU1NnVXT3oebf536e-L47F8rmu/s1600/1522064_256410244517956_2013087206_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ_I-sDNEJbMyXS1n4jUsghPRyWlDQdrgzNN0uYlZIEjk-adhW_Ju3Yv3LlFZk03LZNV9x2PrKy4RxY6c1_JI7I8SS8eUXR_8riU5tLCAjoDLDOphosDeU1NnVXT3oebf536e-L47F8rmu/s1600/1522064_256410244517956_2013087206_n.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkIEK1VmW-5BlQ10ng69WFGns_b7gdvCvGIz340zEgVXe84P3qzf9A1seBgBFdK21Vqa1Jw3tPM2PaCGuRcAg9SAm5LkajG1V-w7LiRjN0SyCL-r9-ElvLQjIVPME5nSBsx9oWi1igiqCd/s1600/1520697_255801347912179_2122866894_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkIEK1VmW-5BlQ10ng69WFGns_b7gdvCvGIz340zEgVXe84P3qzf9A1seBgBFdK21Vqa1Jw3tPM2PaCGuRcAg9SAm5LkajG1V-w7LiRjN0SyCL-r9-ElvLQjIVPME5nSBsx9oWi1igiqCd/s1600/1520697_255801347912179_2122866894_n.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWbAYLcaveKtDx1Kj8xPKyqWwEoFWySvYEn4O97AjI7FA4e9kf7I6GFMSqmSz64KXGqt_1YM7CK8TSWPxpdKSN9CqMT6ZUBjxeekb44KNNbMK3_RIy7ukp2QdzmlffZf1SXOGmodan2uov/s1600/0782482e84708c4e57ef5c2ab6898284-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWbAYLcaveKtDx1Kj8xPKyqWwEoFWySvYEn4O97AjI7FA4e9kf7I6GFMSqmSz64KXGqt_1YM7CK8TSWPxpdKSN9CqMT6ZUBjxeekb44KNNbMK3_RIy7ukp2QdzmlffZf1SXOGmodan2uov/s1600/0782482e84708c4e57ef5c2ab6898284-1.jpg" height="425" width="640" /></a></div>
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I'm easily blinded by stylish and fancy pieces so I was drawn to the Snow Fairy dress with beaded bodice. The jewel neck skater dress came in close second because of the classic silhouette and neck embellishment. I selected the shoes to pair each dress because I have serious issues with pairing. If I get stand out piece, I'm gonna have to get something to match it with. To be honest, it NEVER crossed my mind that my wishlist would be chosen because I already won the Topshop contest last year. :) </div>
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See my honest lack of thought? Had I know, I would have chosen a more casual selection I can wear at work or school on most days. But no regrets, I am absolutely obsessed with these pieces.</div>
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Last Wednesday, I had to leave for Manila straight after work to meet my best friend (entry to follow). I had to take a quick detour to Greenbelt to claim my winnings. I was reeling with anxiety considering the complaints raised by the other two winners (one received the wrong sizes for 3 out of 4 items; the other had to bring home a substitute to one item; the other winner,I am not so sure of because only the three of us were looped in the email communication). In my head I knew I was doomed for something bad.<br />
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I would say lady luck was on my side that day. Seeing the items individually wrapped in white Japanese papers and neatly tucked into separate bags made me so giddy. This may have been a far cry from the other branch, which I heard stowed all prizes in one bag. The supervisor warmly welcomed and congratulated me while my IDs were being verified <i>et voila</i>! Three <i>shoppingbagsfull</i>:<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/ana_reynoso/12126376563/" title="image by ana_reynoso, on Flickr"><img alt="image" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2865/12126376563_ae541c7ed2_c.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
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Look # 1. <i>Edgy Kate Middleton</i></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/ana_reynoso/12126764436/" title="image by ana_reynoso, on Flickr"><img alt="image" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5491/12126764436_d01ec186e2_c.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
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Look # 2. <i>Winter Fairy</i><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/ana_reynoso/12100533585/" title="image by ana_reynoso, on Flickr"><img alt="image" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7303/12100533585_8fdcb674e3_c.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
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This was just the start of a string of good news this month. Isn't it absolutely amazing how good news can easily turn a bad day upside down?</div>
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I would like to thank <i>RSSI</i>, <i>Miss Selfridge</i> and <i>Schmuzter</i> for this loot :) <i>And Thank you God for always walking with me. </i><!--3--><!--3--><br />
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<i>PS. 'Sweepstake Annie' is a movie. Yup, you're welcome. </i></div>
Ana Mariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02090277264167680944noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5904415054648980154.post-31805289266881508832014-01-18T23:45:00.000-08:002014-03-09T01:22:20.565-08:00(Sabo) Skirting the IssueNobody does summer dressing better than <b><i><a href="http://www.saboskirt.com/" target="_blank">Sabo Skirt </a></i></b>- that I can assure you. While their pieces are mostly not for the faint of heart, there will always be something for every taste. 10 articles of clothing, 4 parcels and 1 magic <i>plastic</i> a-blazing, I am not done professing my unwavering obsession for this brand.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/ana_reynoso/12149186656/" title="image by ana_reynoso, on Flickr"><img alt="image" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5545/12149186656_1880f54bfa_c.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
<div>
Despite the voluminous delivery backlogs at my local customs, my package miraculously turned up in my doorstep within the 10 business-day delivery period. <span style="font-size: x-small;">(Per Sabo Skirt policy, international delivery takes 5-15 business days) </span><br />
<br />
Nothing says therapy like retail therapy :)</div>
Ana Mariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02090277264167680944noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5904415054648980154.post-20543443481423232342014-01-17T19:05:00.001-08:002014-01-25T23:36:12.408-08:00If you liked it then you should have put a ring on it<div style="text-align: center;">
Belly button piercing and life lessons</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsx5IZmCzQJrReeQ0-nv-qUqGTDBD51V3TWdvtvU8aFJRgs0koqSchnefysqpC68CzbAIfvgZbaJxu38_WxdiXDdrzsHzLoWF77IM0XwzRpwZ8xl3JX9uBFUZKE507Yus4cpexyRnOSXtE/s1600/securedownload-8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsx5IZmCzQJrReeQ0-nv-qUqGTDBD51V3TWdvtvU8aFJRgs0koqSchnefysqpC68CzbAIfvgZbaJxu38_WxdiXDdrzsHzLoWF77IM0XwzRpwZ8xl3JX9uBFUZKE507Yus4cpexyRnOSXtE/s1600/securedownload-8.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
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I've hurdled through countless body issues with my cutesy belly button piercing for the last 7 weeks and picked up some lessons along the way.<br />
<br />
1. This <i>IS</i> the true test of <b>patience</b>, I'm telling you. Granted a belly button piercing takes forever to heal, it's sure to keep you on the edge for a while! And while you think you are immune to any form of infection because you are highly sanitary, trust me, you wouldn't know infection til it slaps you on the face.<br />
<br />
Reasons why you need patience, and I mean lots of it:<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>You have to let your body heal the piercing naturally, you can't have it any other way. You have to completely eliminate, if not minimize, contact with any substance -- from sweat to soap, etc., except for clean water (with a pinch of sea salt).</li>
<li>You can't give up on the after-care <i>triple-S</i>. Yes, you will be sea salt-soaking for a few months. Sea salt is the ONLY recommended solution for cleaning. This should be coarse/fine and non-iodized. (and now, we're <b>not</b> talking about a regular, table salt here).</li>
<li>Those dangly cute belly button rings are a long way to go. Think 3 to 4 months before you can safely have them changed. Considering it doesn't get infected, you should be fine. </li>
<li>The healing process is a tug-o-war. One day it looks fine and the next, it's <i>lymphing</i>. (and this is how it's going to be for the next few months)</li>
</ul>
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2. Embrace <b>change</b>. Getting your navel pierced calls for a slight change in routine. </div>
<div>
<ul>
<li>For the last 20 plus years I've been sleeping on my stomach. On the first night after getting pierced, I only slept for two hours. Took me a while before I got used to sleeping on my back because practically, I don't have much choice. </li>
<li>Having a new belly button piercing limits your choice of clothing. </li>
<ul>
<li>You can't wear anything tight-fitting, </li>
<li>Button-downs can snag on the jewellery, </li>
<li>Jeans can give you frontal muffin while seating which tends to push the jewellery upwards</li>
<li>High-waist anything can kill you (seriously, just imagine the pain of having a waist band tightly wrapped around your navel area) </li>
</ul>
</ul>
</div>
<br />
3. <b>Live a little</b>. This is trial and error. Just because it worked for someone else, doesn't mean it's going to be the same for you. Let me walk you through the hazards and normal reactions:<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>Initial stages - the piercing is prone to infection which can cause severe lymphing, bleeding and then scabbing</li>
<li>Interim - allergic reaction to temporary jewellery, migration (movement from original pierced area -- totes normal)</li>
<li>Final healing - <strike>REJECTION</strike>. <i>DUN DUN DUNNNNN</i></li>
</ul>
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It's a long way to go and sometimes it keeps you from enjoying/appreciating :) LIVE IN THE <strike>FUCKEN</strike> MOMENT.</div>
Ana Mariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02090277264167680944noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5904415054648980154.post-23488802439155597772013-12-31T01:58:00.000-08:002014-01-26T04:52:28.023-08:00The 2013 Round up<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 3.0pt;">
Without a doubt and with utmost
confidence, I can genuinely claim 2013 as THE BEST YEAR so far. Not ever,
because the best is yet to come :)<o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><b>January</b></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia4VlvUiqgVaq8cZhbre_JH-UwqfvZB-AiR5erw1q2zSSUUuMy5UysB0S_auCG-tcYt6u4Ae1W-X4sDpuserkwUoEzNHlAekF1qaC2StQpCIpN9Mn2sIoze0XXxIQOoKSbdywtBz-hzcDS/s1600/BB5rxv7CAAAlsxK.png-large.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia4VlvUiqgVaq8cZhbre_JH-UwqfvZB-AiR5erw1q2zSSUUuMy5UysB0S_auCG-tcYt6u4Ae1W-X4sDpuserkwUoEzNHlAekF1qaC2StQpCIpN9Mn2sIoze0XXxIQOoKSbdywtBz-hzcDS/s1600/BB5rxv7CAAAlsxK.png-large.png" /></a></div>
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I miraculously unlocked the THE Topshop Wardrobe. No explanation needed</div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><b>February</b></span> </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcfsXyS-EdehswUq8si132CVhl7cMpqzoWZCu0saEZM9oxKCGUfRaXuYsrIBpmJ9Ba4lfoLybYx-RpY8Gxl2MT_tjqMfM8sCvRMF4TDDaNRZpDI_yhyLZT0q0nV4RJUctAGc5jnSUuBVwp/s1600/BCQpTWgCIAArv0y.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcfsXyS-EdehswUq8si132CVhl7cMpqzoWZCu0saEZM9oxKCGUfRaXuYsrIBpmJ9Ba4lfoLybYx-RpY8Gxl2MT_tjqMfM8sCvRMF4TDDaNRZpDI_yhyLZT0q0nV4RJUctAGc5jnSUuBVwp/s1600/BCQpTWgCIAArv0y.jpg" /></a></div>
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This is probably the
only time I will talk about my extra personal life, so listen up, <i>glisten up closely</i>. Looking back at the
bad slash not-so-good years I’ve spent, I realized the common factor: I was
single. Yup, all 2 or 3 bad years spent being single were the worst. This time
I vowed to actually enjoy and capture the essence of singlehood and it’s
probably why I cannot just jump back into the dating wagon. There’s just so
much to learn. 2012 was my tipping point/spring board so I’ll be fabulous on my
own come 2013 <span style="font-family: Wingdings;">J</span> I
was once the girl who feared singlehood like death. It’s not half as bad as
people think! So stop bugging me and cut me some slack. I would rather <b>WAIT
THAN SETTLE</b>! :) </div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><b>March</b></span></div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh94WUvNFdXtruKqHs0oBwrUArbK22LrD-57bgcjDgWu3TiIdoelhFcFg_xjTOnkLFVvaVS_VWKaK_Lq8jzQoJvHXcfSFGMzIcBqzRyGkKtvx1xfdHpOwQaPTTOixeOj39AwbE3dFOQb4I6/s1600/securedownload-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh94WUvNFdXtruKqHs0oBwrUArbK22LrD-57bgcjDgWu3TiIdoelhFcFg_xjTOnkLFVvaVS_VWKaK_Lq8jzQoJvHXcfSFGMzIcBqzRyGkKtvx1xfdHpOwQaPTTOixeOj39AwbE3dFOQb4I6/s640/securedownload-2.jpg" height="622" width="640" /></a></div>
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<o:p>Too school for cool. </o:p></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><b>April</b></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRkaawIzlnr-L64F6BxtIWwRpuoIdCIqtwNYi61Bj-Gp_uPbSNgMPV-YntZzr3I2rVLU3Hz_fXme7HL_cwfuL6d20uGc0Jn3Rki1AMFCJLG62fXBnJvFdU0aggSJu3BeUKoFdKYu8YL3U3/s1600/securedownload-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRkaawIzlnr-L64F6BxtIWwRpuoIdCIqtwNYi61Bj-Gp_uPbSNgMPV-YntZzr3I2rVLU3Hz_fXme7HL_cwfuL6d20uGc0Jn3Rki1AMFCJLG62fXBnJvFdU0aggSJu3BeUKoFdKYu8YL3U3/s640/securedownload-3.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
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Spring breaker gone
bonker; I bitch slapped Project Weight Loss.</div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><b>May</b></span> </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5xqm15FQaOneAT2vJPJP2oe3bsI0Abs1UHV9PgZEnD0O-x0Ib2biwcjkXd2h1mK4aS9VMdL1WQZc-gP7eYtwHm4FGN5GdEyX1SQxQBeUIp0iPh76Kll55oMKRw21p2AJkHA9xznEWuiBs/s1600/securedownload-6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5xqm15FQaOneAT2vJPJP2oe3bsI0Abs1UHV9PgZEnD0O-x0Ib2biwcjkXd2h1mK4aS9VMdL1WQZc-gP7eYtwHm4FGN5GdEyX1SQxQBeUIp0iPh76Kll55oMKRw21p2AJkHA9xznEWuiBs/s640/securedownload-6.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="text-align: start;">Life is indeed full of surprises. I unexpectedly landed a great job and I can’t be any more thankful. Still feels surreal sometimes. Celebratory goods anyone? <strike>The Prada Paradox</strike>. </span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><b>July</b></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxijQV7UjTz6bS3ZP85NMRRKnXxO7ye8_2214imcbuhZrZBtc_7w8UeHe-UgNFBTGsGEvGGsj6nTnjlhVd8L-HyqXWiYdMu3-8vOpgDVZ2JtoZiNR0qjm6tUN6eLrtPKrZbE_qy1-gQV6S/s1600/photo-5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxijQV7UjTz6bS3ZP85NMRRKnXxO7ye8_2214imcbuhZrZBtc_7w8UeHe-UgNFBTGsGEvGGsj6nTnjlhVd8L-HyqXWiYdMu3-8vOpgDVZ2JtoZiNR0qjm6tUN6eLrtPKrZbE_qy1-gQV6S/s640/photo-5.JPG" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
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My 1<sup>st</sup> semester
as a full-blown working-student unexpectedly yielded my first UNO in graduate school. </div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><b>August</b></span> </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaMF08oTuEVanK0Y2OHJdSk0_BgqZdPTbiVJW25daA0uplkbb-uo7q7xCa7tc9s3IhGo4yW4e8zgE2yr5dpQ1yriNTmIM8xo00DLwbu0d0uHVw2ERrzC4hPS7Cw1_TdW_PM7TFdhRthBv1/s1600/securedownload-5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaMF08oTuEVanK0Y2OHJdSk0_BgqZdPTbiVJW25daA0uplkbb-uo7q7xCa7tc9s3IhGo4yW4e8zgE2yr5dpQ1yriNTmIM8xo00DLwbu0d0uHVw2ERrzC4hPS7Cw1_TdW_PM7TFdhRthBv1/s640/securedownload-5.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></a>Welcome to my closet,
Sabo Skirt!</div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><b>September </b></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimjt0-6XI1SAh0Xp-IK3gLfSc5Wow4oxw1NhPrBXQMUQM3P339YgcZO74NbpF7C86g8Ob0P9hXESVuJnT_pHmF4kf_eCvUQlZQo8ciBbsn-8NU4YeF9wXvWiHdplDAK_KeBA3KS21_zu4m/s1600/IMG_9792+-+Version+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimjt0-6XI1SAh0Xp-IK3gLfSc5Wow4oxw1NhPrBXQMUQM3P339YgcZO74NbpF7C86g8Ob0P9hXESVuJnT_pHmF4kf_eCvUQlZQo8ciBbsn-8NU4YeF9wXvWiHdplDAK_KeBA3KS21_zu4m/s640/IMG_9792+-+Version+2.JPG" height="568" width="640" /></a></div>
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I finally dialed B. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><b>October</b></span> </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCzt8mQfVz20Bo8O_DbtQlqBZ4byqOnKhSaviR6ARn6oSKFz15Gya1zqah0fzzqbIvRWynU8In1xO6QeYTSez6SPrB3f4HzLWdH4g1jWsFk_4gKWPiJKyizHWKxX4ojaYjsum5BX2zDqCR/s1600/IMG_9967+-+Version+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCzt8mQfVz20Bo8O_DbtQlqBZ4byqOnKhSaviR6ARn6oSKFz15Gya1zqah0fzzqbIvRWynU8In1xO6QeYTSez6SPrB3f4HzLWdH4g1jWsFk_4gKWPiJKyizHWKxX4ojaYjsum5BX2zDqCR/s640/IMG_9967+-+Version+2.JPG" height="588" width="640" /></a></div>
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Family trip to Bangkok! (Entries to follow) </div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><b>November </b></span></div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKMnAbXbXnyacuk00K27jJKD3lO1i2iZLOtrKc8VuW991SfT07hxZrGLYZTHOpxYrFZbm_V6-L7ZlX_GaJ1pNfrdRh8bUiMxBjXpUpRYiWlcEBao1rw7SyDp-jtjg_VB2eilvjlXZMJib_/s1600/securedownload.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKMnAbXbXnyacuk00K27jJKD3lO1i2iZLOtrKc8VuW991SfT07hxZrGLYZTHOpxYrFZbm_V6-L7ZlX_GaJ1pNfrdRh8bUiMxBjXpUpRYiWlcEBao1rw7SyDp-jtjg_VB2eilvjlXZMJib_/s640/securedownload.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
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I liked it, so I put a ring on it.</div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><b>December</b></span> </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsetGUXMyWaao0vkb6Zi4n7dMMT17EGMzm2rYzIc5ZjcdaV7UxM0oG7eNLSNoe0ImkqIufRsLZ01puj2lhRR9GanBanfk-HjcXhafz0N3APdxNXBl0GKZwOx-9YyIL7Ky3xF12FpFkTvV6/s1600/IMG_9851+-+Version+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsetGUXMyWaao0vkb6Zi4n7dMMT17EGMzm2rYzIc5ZjcdaV7UxM0oG7eNLSNoe0ImkqIufRsLZ01puj2lhRR9GanBanfk-HjcXhafz0N3APdxNXBl0GKZwOx-9YyIL7Ky3xF12FpFkTvV6/s640/IMG_9851+-+Version+2.JPG" height="529" width="640" /></a></div>
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A very merry Saint
Laurent Christmas</div>
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But then again, the greatest lessons cannot be captured on photographs so aside from what I've posted above, I've also raked in quite a lot of lessons. So how do you bid farewell to an amazing year? Answer: You don't. It's about starting strong and not let anything (--not even those silly trivial predictions) blur your vision. </div>
Ana Mariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02090277264167680944noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5904415054648980154.post-85999001020313359142013-12-30T02:14:00.002-08:002013-12-30T04:33:25.089-08:00Velvet Crush<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHSxhnZISf-u5dlvQhvCTgmGEGpdTlnegmtje1blP498bQwDg9x4r5VaW75NMQBwJiXlEEsLuYjCEj4m-iq-_E1YOeLBr1DoFTTyQtq18Qs3IFTnC-z1GR3z7QQ4wI9phyqhdn4c0FqUwK/s1600/securedownload-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHSxhnZISf-u5dlvQhvCTgmGEGpdTlnegmtje1blP498bQwDg9x4r5VaW75NMQBwJiXlEEsLuYjCEj4m-iq-_E1YOeLBr1DoFTTyQtq18Qs3IFTnC-z1GR3z7QQ4wI9phyqhdn4c0FqUwK/s400/securedownload-1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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I'll let you in on a little diet secret. What you can put off after-dinner can guiltlessly wind up in your breakfast plate! I never thought I'd ever see the day when I can wholeheartedly say NO to dessert. When I accepted the self-inflicted Boracay or Bust challenge, I knew the sugar group would be the only thing standing between me and a nicer, slimmer tummy and boy was I right! The urgent decision to cut back on sugar yielded results fast -- a decision 2 months too late! So if you have a sweet tooth like me, you'll be needing extra heaps of self control. Instead of indulging on that extra bite of cake, why not stow it away overnight and guiltlessly enjoy it for breakfast? Yup, you're welcome.</div>
<br />Ana Mariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02090277264167680944noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5904415054648980154.post-58732322773662851302013-12-08T04:59:00.002-08:002013-12-08T04:59:19.723-08:00Ain't Laurent <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqkcaRGsIqGtjU8PrdAMKzzOacVc34u-wxF0AA0KE07zp33BuGTgiMebyGbDI_EDdkJO2YAqKr50WjRYvfNokwLDyzsYiE4fUHETYNlp9tqzw3B7nHsLRfqNrnQbRfgHf_ZSw0NRjteCLu/s1600/IMG_9851+-+Version+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqkcaRGsIqGtjU8PrdAMKzzOacVc34u-wxF0AA0KE07zp33BuGTgiMebyGbDI_EDdkJO2YAqKr50WjRYvfNokwLDyzsYiE4fUHETYNlp9tqzw3B7nHsLRfqNrnQbRfgHf_ZSw0NRjteCLu/s640/IMG_9851+-+Version+2.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">AIN'T LAURENT</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">(without <i><b>Yves</b></i>)</span></div>
Ana Mariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02090277264167680944noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5904415054648980154.post-4831477594086827872013-11-30T00:18:00.000-08:002013-12-15T02:03:59.735-08:00Pins and needles, nice to know you<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjm2cZJSYAxid_hKxG0W-3ggBf3VL5j6MV_gV-PabYVCUoJ1ou_2a50g61ITeNuMRdvGVHP4LFfgrkwLeMX4xw9C_ZP1x2s0cIImZEXeBxX4DQ-pUGIUrrlgY3suJPp8tbIFDGhiFUxspZ/s1600/photo+(16).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjm2cZJSYAxid_hKxG0W-3ggBf3VL5j6MV_gV-PabYVCUoJ1ou_2a50g61ITeNuMRdvGVHP4LFfgrkwLeMX4xw9C_ZP1x2s0cIImZEXeBxX4DQ-pUGIUrrlgY3suJPp8tbIFDGhiFUxspZ/s400/photo+(16).JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
A plan 10 years in the making finally materialized this day. Instead of ink, it's a <i>purdy</i> little sparkly gem implanted right smack dab in the middle of my midsection. I'm in love.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><b>#NovemberPAIN #ShitJustGotReal </b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><b><br /></b></span>
I reckoned an observation period would make perfect sense before publishing an entry about my belly button piercing. Trust me honey, I've turned the worldwideweb inside out, upside down for any information I could extract about <i>getting a belly button piercing in Manila</i>. Statistic turnout isn't exactly helpful -- whether it's about where to get it done, or the type of jewellery you can wear immediately after. Consider this an honest, unadulterated opinion on this subject matter and I won't give you a statement I have not personally experienced.<br />
<br />
<b>Pre piercing points to ponder. </b><br />
<br />
1. Listen to yourself. Don't go about asking your friends if you should get a belly button piercing, it's your body, not theirs. Chances are, you can never solicit a collective, favorable advice. It took me roughly 10 years to make up my mind and quite frankly you can't grow balls over night! Having overly conservative parents is another issue I don't want to touch.<br />
<br />
2. Are you in in a good state both mentally and physically? If it took you more than 5 seconds to answer that, then maybe you shouldn't. If you just hit a rough patch or simply preparing for one-time beach getaway, maybe it's too sudden a decision to be making. You may want to reconsider, it's not your head doing the talking, it's spontaneity. Remember, the jewellery you can take out but not for the first 6 MONTHS at least and risk of scar formation is relatively high even after the piercing closes.<br />
<br />
3. Piercing prejudice. So what's it gonna be, slut or saint? They say everything comes with a price, I say piercing comes with bad prejudice, and so do tattoos! I know <i>I know</i>, we couldn't care less, but expect to hear some side comments about your piercing (should you decide to have one). You should be mentally and emotionally ready to deflect such nonsense. (i.e. bellybutton piercing is the tramp stamp of tattoos. <i>I know, right?</i>)<br />
<br />
4. It's a long term commitment with petty sacrifices here and there-- and I'm not talkin' about your boyfriend since high school. The belly button area is sensitive (and I mean life and death-kinda sensitive) and the piercing takes forever to heal. If you have the patience follow the precise aftercare procedure, then by all means! I'm warning you, it ain't for the <i>lazy daisy</i>!<br />
<br />
Still convinced you should get one? Read along then!<br />
<br />
<b>Piercing Pandemonium </b><br />
<br />
This is my first real piercing experience (<i>Thanks mom, for getting my ears pierced at age 0!</i>) so there is no other way than to have it professionally done. I went to P&P in Makati, which is a well-know establishment for tattoo and body art; and is allegedly the go-to place for celebrities. My first concern was the design of the jewellery because I don't want to get the typical silver stud and was aiming for one with a gem stone. P&P has a really good selection and I was able to get a gem encrusted one!<br />
<br />
<b>The piercing process</b><br />
<br />
Stop saying you want it and set a damn date! Setting a deadline or appointment is the first step.<br />
<br />
1. It is normal for your stomach to meet more butterflies once you get to <i>THE</i> place. Your palms will get sweaty.. <i>knees weak arms are heavy there's v</i>--- okay I'm getting ahead of myself. My anxiety momentarily faded when I finally had to choose the jewellery. So many cute jewels to choose from BUT your piercer will only allow you to get a simple curved barbell type with stud because it is the safest to put on while the piercing heals. (Those dangly bellybutton rings can wait.)<br />
<br />
2. 60% of your conscience will tell you to walk away, but the remaining 40% should overpower. I'm telling you, I was standing outside P&P for about 10mins, demanding my best friend for a pep talk. I just did it anyway. (not so save face, mind you)<br />
<br />
3. You will be in an uncomfortable spot for a good 10 minutes. I was expecting a contraption similar to that of an electronic dental chair which should recline me to a sleeping position, instead, there was only a black office chair and a makeshift divider separating me from the other clients. Lying on your back would have been the ideal for the client -- but definitely not for the piercer. I felt uneasy seated down and was advised to just stand up to hasten the piercing process, which I gladly obliged to. The piercer started disinfecting the disposable needle, clamp and the jewellery. Ready for what's coming? Okay!<br />
<br />
4. I finally lifted the hem of my top and the piercer started marking my midsection. A clamp was used to gather the skin and hold it in place which felt like a tight pinch. I finally felt the needle puncturing the entry point then I felt the needle going out the same direction. My skin did not break the first puncture so it went in again then <i>BAM</i>! It was over.<br />
<br />
Pain meter? It felt a lot less painful than my overall pain expectation and it was over before I even knew it!<br />
<br />
<b>Post-piercing </b><br />
<br />
The piercer told me it will be more painful after. True to his words, my piercing started feeling tingly shortly after. Expect sporadic surges of sharp pains every time the piercing rubs against the shirt. I wore a pair of denim shorts which made sitting down really painful even if my shorts fall below my hips.<br />
<br />
First 6 hours - I felt sharp pains (in and around my piercing) with movement and felt most comfortable standing up.<br />
<br />
First night - I tend to sleep on my stomach a lot so I barely slept the first night because I was very conscious of my sleeping position. The weight of the duvet/comforter caused pain so I had to use a light blanket instead. There is no other sleeping position but sleeping on your back.<br />
<br />
The next day - Nothing. It felt perfectly normal as if I never had one (piercing).<br />
<br />
First 48 hours - On the 2nd night I accidentally rubbed my duvet against my stomach so it stung for a few seconds.<br />
<br />
The next day - My entire midsection felt sore -- as in post ab-workout sore which lasted for the entire day.<br />
<br />
First week - The piercing only hurt whenever it would rub against clothing or my company ID, in my case.<br />
<br />
First 2 weeks - Expect the formation of "crusts" around the upper barbel. This is perfectly normal and indicates that the piercing is healing.<br />
<br />
<b>Aftercare</b><br />
<br />
I cannot further emphasise how critical after care procedure is for bellybutton piercings (or for any other piercing). I immediately showered after I got home but refrained from using soap because the piercing is still fresh. The next day I started cleaning my piercing with <u>warm salt solution</u> every 12 hours by inverting the cup of salt solution on to my piercing (done by lying on your back, of course). Also, avoid any contact by all means - and this includes touching! <u>NEVER touch your piercing</u>, especially near the entry/exit hole.<br />
<br />
<i>And if you like it then you shoulda put a riiing on it!</i><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Ana Mariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02090277264167680944noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5904415054648980154.post-33196073659870225552013-11-10T03:48:00.003-08:002013-12-30T01:59:00.854-08:0024 candles and them some <div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/ana_reynoso/10775358003/" title="Thats why my hair is so big it's full of secrets by ana_reynoso, on Flickr"><img alt="Thats why my hair is so big it's full of secrets" height="400" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7415/10775358003_1c1a3be6ed_o.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm70nt0fuerSPczU8d0-ynYS9KDT-IImZ8B3LlK-0Kc4Q7PjiLUlaIpjGeeIu5cH8Jrf1oktYy1PvTy2xgOWRXeabA5eP28QzHDKTnEsWYU5tss6ezkOMHrS4LTb4RW3xIZALyI20WFjaR/s1600/photo+%252815%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm70nt0fuerSPczU8d0-ynYS9KDT-IImZ8B3LlK-0Kc4Q7PjiLUlaIpjGeeIu5cH8Jrf1oktYy1PvTy2xgOWRXeabA5eP28QzHDKTnEsWYU5tss6ezkOMHrS4LTb4RW3xIZALyI20WFjaR/s320/photo+%252815%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Topshop <i>sleeveless flower flippy dress</i> | Michael Kors Gwen cage booties | Overused Balenciaga City</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicHFvara3ikErP91xJ1_hw3afsOw4EVMlfTs5rk-L92HYHjtxjfd9ovAi1lG0urrtsBU4WQCW9qeQJcdvFjSBjx7NZmlVIX6WnvTuvynAiXAbKw5hRXtnZwSlndWFqv-z4dbftXi2It0A_/s1600/photo+(14).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicHFvara3ikErP91xJ1_hw3afsOw4EVMlfTs5rk-L92HYHjtxjfd9ovAi1lG0urrtsBU4WQCW9qeQJcdvFjSBjx7NZmlVIX6WnvTuvynAiXAbKw5hRXtnZwSlndWFqv-z4dbftXi2It0A_/s400/photo+(14).JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="text-align: left;">The year of the snake has been far too kind. Spent my 24th exactly how it should be: one major <i>recoup</i> weekend. Bracing myself with the opening of school this week!</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><i>24 shots</i></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<ul>
<li style="text-align: left;">I have a tendency to blank out when asked about celebrity crushes. I will most likely answer Brandon Boyd by impulse. Still true. </li>
<li style="text-align: left;">My advocacy? Social graces. Bring them, know them by heart. What's yours?</li>
<li style="text-align: left;">Classic (as in black and white) movies have a calming effect on me. You can find me holed in my room, with pin lights on and Grace Kelly on the screen.</li>
<li style="text-align: left;">I watch beauty pageants for the slip ups. <strike><i>Oops</i></strike>. </li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><i>The Kardashians</i> is my ultimate guilty pleasure, hence the never ending references.</li>
<li style="text-align: left;">One of these days I'm getting a belly button ring. </li>
<li style="text-align: left;">One of these days I'll probably get kicked out of the house for getting a belly button ring.</li>
<li style="text-align: left;">I am madly obsessed with <a href="http://www.topshop.com/" target="_blank">Topshop</a> and <a href="http://www.saboskirt.com/" target="_blank">Sabo Skirt</a>. Once you shop, you can't stop! <i>And yes I made that one up. </i></li>
<li style="text-align: left;">I easily feel socially-saturated so I unplug myself from the internet every so often..for a couple of days..save for work/school related matters.</li>
<li style="text-align: left;">I cannot sleep at night without my trusty airline eye mask. I have to constantly remind my dad to spare me the eye masks when he goes on trips. See, business class eye masks are <i>the works</i>! </li>
<li style="text-align: left;">It's 2013 and I still cannot get over Brooke and Lucas. <i>That chemistry</i>! Fuel and fire. *Sighs* </li>
<li style="text-align: left;">I easily get carried away with on-screen lovers and would fervently wish their romance would extend off-screen. <i>Hello Leighton Meester and Chace Crawford! WAKE. UP. </i></li>
<li style="text-align: left;">Living life vicariously through Carrie Bradshaw..in SATC not in the <i>Diaries</i>. </li>
<li style="text-align: left;">When stuck in a rut, I run a few episodes of <i>16 and Pregnant </i>as a constant reminder of how blessed I am no matter the circumstances. <i>And no, I don't mean to berate these kids. In fact I admire the strength.</i></li>
<li style="text-align: left;">I shop like how an anaconda eats. </li>
<li style="text-align: left;">I have a mental list of outfits planned.</li>
<li style="text-align: left;">Ask me a question and I will answer back with a question. <i>Read: Don't we all? Aren't we all?</i> -- somehow I manage to make it coherent. </li>
<li style="text-align: left;">Any top or dress with a cut-out design will end up in my closet. Within reason of course. There's just something so exciting about cut outs. </li>
<li style="text-align: left;">Im a sartorial extremist - either I'm all dolled up or totally <i>dulled-out</i>. There are nice outfits that deserve to be complemented with make up, then there are out<i>shits</i> to go with bare-face days. </li>
<li style="text-align: left;">Kamille Villamor is my bestfriend and I'd like to keep her forever. <i>Girl knows me too well</i>! </li>
<li style="text-align: left;">I'm so boring I can't make this reach 24! <i>Adios</i>!</li>
</ul>
</div>
Ana Mariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02090277264167680944noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5904415054648980154.post-7441686958021158062013-11-08T06:15:00.003-08:002013-11-08T06:17:07.028-08:00I'm Ana and I'm a shopaholic<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>Yes Bangkok, can I please have my sanity back</i>? For a moment,
I lost it. There I was cinched between fellow shoppers, running like a chicken
with its head cut off in the densely populated aisles of THE Platinum Fashion
Mall. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Let me show you a year’s
difference:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Last year:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Me: <i>How much</i>?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Seller: <i>150 baht</i><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Me: I’LL TAKE ITTT!! <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This time:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Me: <i>How much</i>?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Seller: <i>150 baht</i><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Me: <i>Thank you.</i><o:p></o:p></div>
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</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg48ZCifxor5uZeGgSjyH7QlM9szYQWC-Q_VusRKs7capK94zRnsMYQ2h7wgOfRPkqtwBzUmVlg18BYYxtTxV3C_MC5e72zAIKIHH5d8ES4UoEJxFu9JRcWmdDZGiG5f6ZEXjt74VJrCawd/s1600/DSC08809.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg48ZCifxor5uZeGgSjyH7QlM9szYQWC-Q_VusRKs7capK94zRnsMYQ2h7wgOfRPkqtwBzUmVlg18BYYxtTxV3C_MC5e72zAIKIHH5d8ES4UoEJxFu9JRcWmdDZGiG5f6ZEXjt74VJrCawd/s640/DSC08809.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<br />
You might want to spit that <i>hate-o-rade</i>, my sisters don’t call me ‘bargain queen’ for nothing. Last
year’s list is all about understated tackiness when viewed vis-à-vis with the one I
came up with this time. I have to say though; I think I did a pretty good job last year with all the deals I snagged under 200 baht. Overall, 3 items from last year’s
loot are about to be tossed into the <i>what-was-I-thinking</i>
pile.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This time, my ultimate goal is to run a tight shopping ship
and a strict mental shopping list was thrown into the broilers to keep it
smooth sailing. Last time felt as if I was blindly shopping for rock bottom priced
garments, without due consideration of the overall construction and
functionality. It all boils down to one important thing: <b>quality trumps</b>
quantity any day! A trait I have imbibed from home. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
If last year was all about hoarding cheap items acquire more
stuff, this time was about making smarter choices to make sure the items will
last me longer than the actual trend. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">Bangkok shopping myths debunked:</span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin-left: 21.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
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</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><i>You need<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>at least 10,000 to 20,000 Php (or 400-500 USD) to fully enjoy the
Bangkok shopping trip experience.</i><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 3.0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 3.0pt;">
This is <b><u>ABSOLUTELY RIDICULOUS</u></b>. No
offense to person who said this, she probably doesn’t remember this anyway.
Have you ever had too much to drink that a single sight of a glass triggers your gag reflex? Trust me when I say this is also applicable to clothes, or shopping
per se. Yup, there is such a feeling as shopping saturation. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 3.0pt;">
<br /></div>
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Considering other expenses that await (i.e. Graduate School tuition fee, Christmas season and incidentals) I had limited cash to dispense for this trip. Clothes in Bangkok are relatively dirt cheap. Nice dresses can go up to 350 Baht and structured, nicely-tailored blazers can run up to 500 Baht (price premium). Above and beyond are considered expensive in wholesale and night markets, in my opinion. As for branded retail groups, price premium is a tad more expensive compared to prices in Manila, but do ransack the SALE rack for one-of-a-kind pieces. (I recently bought a pantsuit from Topshop in Greenbelt and found the exact item in Bangkok which is more expensive by about 300 Php!) </div>
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2. <i>If you find something you like, buy it. Don't even think of letting it go otherwise, you won't find it again!</i><br />
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If it's Chatuchak we're talking about, then this can be partly true - <i>partly,</i> because if you have an impeccable sense of direction, I guess we don't have a problem after all. This shopping myth is rather subjective; if say, you and I fall under the category of extreme bargain hunters, then you and I well know a complete environmental scan is a must before dole-out. I would like to see the entire offering before I make a choice. I like the guarantee of an authentic bargain piece and I like to validate the rarity of a particular design. Platinum Fashion mall is a minefield, with duplicates detonating here and there. It's no shock that even the design of a mass-produced piece is pirated. </div>
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The layout of Platinum is very easy to navigate and the stalls/kiosks are quite small so it's possible to scan the entire place just by walking along the aisles. Unless you struck gold (design and price taken into account) with a <i>can't-get-out-of-my-head</i> piece , then it's okay to walk away. You will never run out of things to buy, trust me! </div>
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3. <i>Bangkok clothes are tailored for petite ladies.</i></div>
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Sadly, this has some inkling of truth to it. Most markets carry <i>free-size</i> (or "one size") clothes that typically range between small-medium in standard sizing. But before you start pouting, I observed more stalls carrying bigger sizes for full-figured women in Platinum. Also, clothes are not marked free-size for nothing, most garments are garterized to fit up to large frames! I'm telling you, Platinum has something for everyone. You just gotta ransack those stalls for awesome finds! </div>
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4. <i>Bangkok clothes are poorly made and can easily fall apart.</i></div>
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Not if you know how to take good care of your clothes they're not! See, <b>you get what you pay for</b>. Manage your expectations for clothes scored at bargain prices. Make sure you triple check the fabric, stitches and the overall garment for defects and stains even if you ask for a new stock. Ask your helper to hand-wash the clothes to save them from the churns of the washing machine. I have no experience with clothes falling apart, at least not yet. I'd like to think my clothes are well-rested. If you know what I mean. </div>
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I am in no way a professional bargain hunter but I would like to acknowledge all those years of training. <i>HAH</i>! </div>
Ana Mariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02090277264167680944noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5904415054648980154.post-61046017527192870022013-10-24T04:38:00.003-07:002013-11-16T04:00:43.562-08:00Smoke and Mirrors<div style="text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAleTI1mNeEzx25u-oHP9tazE8GfZ7N-XpnVQ5T5mii2lLCHgDzd5tZQQqnzDibAV9opJkBS2VrEccE8OhBSFFHa6XjnnIXmfu3qCAoLCBSgMWcsBSnYT_Rbq0hgozq33pjG8Q21wHgrAY/s1600/photo+(10).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAleTI1mNeEzx25u-oHP9tazE8GfZ7N-XpnVQ5T5mii2lLCHgDzd5tZQQqnzDibAV9opJkBS2VrEccE8OhBSFFHa6XjnnIXmfu3qCAoLCBSgMWcsBSnYT_Rbq0hgozq33pjG8Q21wHgrAY/s640/photo+(10).JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/ana_reynoso/10448489254/" title="Romper mania by ana_reynoso, on Flickr"><img alt="Romper mania" height="640" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7306/10448489254_06ca0b94ce_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>and pet peeve nombre deux.</i><br />
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I have been outright vocal at how I <b><span style="font-size: large;">cringe</span></b> at the term blogger whenever anyone asks if I <i>blog</i>. If being a pseudo-amateur-writer-about-clothes-style-and-personal-business could be summarized into another word, I would gladly embrace it. I find the term <i>blogger</i> too mainstream and has made itself into an actual industry. Take no offense, if this entry pops out of your feed it can be at least one of three things: we have a mutual respect for 1) <u>blogging as a hobby</u>, 2) <u>fashion is just a serious business as music, food or art</u> 3) <i><span style="font-size: x-small;">or if you simply stumbled upon my site:</span></i> you're just another blog <u>lurker</u> like me. Go ahead, try it, call me a <i><strike>fashion blogger</strike></i> and i'd be livid in a split second.<br />
<i style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 36pt;"><br /></i>
<i style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 36pt;">Welcome to the Blogging Monopoly</i><span style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 36pt;">, b*tch. Ever challenged yourself to question the sole purpose of putting out a blog? Whether it's for showcasing personal style or creativity, or simply for reconnecting, what do you think sets you apart from the 736482947 girls who author a blog then? There is the local fashion blogging scene and then there is a</span><span style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 36pt;"> </span><i style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 36pt;">bloggatory</i><span style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 36pt;"> </span><span style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 36pt;">(</span><b style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 36pt;">blog+purgatory</b><span style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 36pt;">). When someone mentions the term blogger in a contemporary context, why does it exude a mainstream, capitalist vibe when really, the rest of us just want to have a virtual space to scribble on? Not everyone intends to make a name, yet people look upon (/down on) you (yes me, a "</span><i style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 36pt;">blogger</i><span style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 36pt;">" enjoying the limbo aka bloggatory) as a struggler, trying to push their own blog up in the fashion blogging scene. It's almost an unprecedented joke how the term blogger became synonymous to, excuse the profanity, <i>fame-whore, label-whore, what have you</i>. </span><br />
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<span style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 36pt;">People </span><span style="background-color: white; text-align: justify; text-indent: 48px;">look at blogs as a personal, superficial, quasi-narcissistic online space headed to the direction of commercialization (if they can make it that far).</span><span style="background-color: white; text-align: justify; text-indent: 48px;"> But really, some of us just want to live a life; a well-documented life at that. Excuse me while I throw in some more excuses <b>:)</b> </span>I author a blog; kind of like how Professor Dumbledore dumps his thoughts for the day in a pensieve or how Carrie Bradshaw spews her frustrations in <i>Sex and the City</i>. Same difference. Besides, I love fashion so might as well put a stake on my style by documenting it. But <i>THIS</i> cannot solely raise me to the ranks of fashion bloggers, because I am not one. I just blog. I author a <i>whatever</i> blog. My introversion coerced the need to channel my energy into something creative -- whether it's ranting, lusting or lashing out on life's cruelties.<br />
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So much for an introduction. This outfit will start a series of my romper rampage. Who ever invented onesies must be having some serious mixing and matching problems. A playsuit is a hit-or-miss article of clothing; it can either look put-together, or it can be tacky roadkill waiting to be <i>obliviated</i> by the next big trend. I am particularly picky when it comes to playsuits and they have to meet 2 criteria before they can join my growing family of playsuits: 1) it should be <i>stylishly</i> uncommon and 2) it must, <i>MUST</i> be comfortable because <u>crotch rape is a serious crime</u>!<br />
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This playsuit obviously met both criteria. I have never encountered a dressy cape playsuit with overlapping lapels. It was a sure-purchase from the moment I saw its entire <i>Topshop</i>-goodness. I am in love with the brand-always have, always will. I went for the overkill with layered chain neckpiece and I couldn't care less if it weighed a ton. The works.<br />
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Topshop leopard cape playsuit | Prada ballerinas | Balenciaga City</div>
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All Killer. No Filter. <i>Okay this is lame</i>. </div>
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Ana Mariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02090277264167680944noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5904415054648980154.post-17628424308346103342013-10-22T21:39:00.000-07:002013-11-19T04:22:03.613-08:00They struck gold!<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/ana_reynoso/6529761925/" title="Title by ana_reynoso, on Flickr"><img alt="Title" height="378" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7167/6529761925_551663454d_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
Would you rather stay safe on a paved road or dare brave a bridge to get to your destination? As I quietly sat on my chair, waiting for my turn to take the podium, I started to realize how '<i>safe</i>' isn't always sound. Today, marked the very first time I delivered a presentation before the heads of the Country Offices, two Deputy Director Generals and <b><i>THE</i></b> Director General himself. In IRRI (International Rice Research Institute where I work) parlance, they are the big bosses.<br />
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40 minutes and a momentary period of dead silence later, I reached my last slide. It was the heaviest expression of relief I have ever exhausted. I received '<i>thumbs ups</i>' and expressions of approval from my audience. But what really cracked my guard was a comment made by one of the heads who came up to me shortly after I finished, "<i>From the moment we interviewed you. I knew you are a gold mine</i>".<br />
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And they struck gold; with a twenty-something graduate student who still has a bleak picture of a career path in front of her. Turns out this girl was able to fight through adversities and grab opportunities she never imagined existed. Hopefully, she is doing the right things.<br />
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<b>-<span style="font-size: x-small;">note to self</span></b><br />
<br />Ana Mariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02090277264167680944noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5904415054648980154.post-69047279108837529702013-10-12T19:43:00.006-07:002013-10-12T19:43:56.158-07:00What's so civil about war anyway?All those verbal altercations and passive aggressive gestures from months back look shelved when in fact they have been parasitically burrowing off the very foundation of whatever it is we have shared over the course of a decade. A relations built on malicious lying that have caused us to blindly stab each other on the back has no place in my reformed lifestyle. I am indifferent to this affair. I acknowledge the fact that we don't operate on the same wavelength. Heck that is an insult; as you have deliberately insulted and questioned my morale without reading through my intent.<br />
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We are a ticking time bomb about to blow any second now; allow me to detonate. Be in cahoots for all I care.<br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">PS. Saying this once and for all. This is <b><u>NOT</u></b> written for a male subject. <i>HA HA HA</i>. </span>Ana Mariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02090277264167680944noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5904415054648980154.post-29773539997569500492013-10-05T06:06:00.002-07:002013-10-12T04:59:55.659-07:00People will wonder. Make them. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<i>How do you do it</i>? People ask. How do <i><b>I</b></i> do it?<br />
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We are no island, but I'd say I'm on the precipice of a peninsula, a panhandle even. Reclusion has stretched out into a lifestyle with all other connections at bay. I have amputated linkages that have caused more harm than good, much like those gangrene-infected limbs. Pruning my canopy so I can give my core a room to breathe. Everything I need right now, I have within reach -- both tangible and otherwise. I am happy. I am content - bar none. Whatever I find therapeutic is nobody else's <i>beeswax</i>. I need <b>not</b> seek validation from others thank you very much. Do achievements per se make us happy? Or is it the delayed gratification - the pronouncement of such achievements? Is it an absolute necessity to make everything known? People will wonder. Make them. Keeping this air of mystery as a safety net because one day, my daddy told me, <i>I </i>will <i>make history</i>.<br />
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I have made a profit from explaining too much (figuratively of course). Why not play reverse psychology this time: less talk = less chance of misinterpretation. Life's innate cruelty has given me resiliency much too strong for other's passive aggressive judgements to penetrate.<br />
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Some would sit together to gossip and exchange notes. I prefer to stay in my room and read. Focus is what keeps me in this game; work-school-family life balance keeping me afloat. Sounds like a fair life plan if you ask me. From here on, sightings of Ana Reynoso (excuse me while I refer to myself in 3rd person, I don't usually do this. <i><span style="color: red;"><strike>Pet peeve alert</strike></span></i>!) will be few and far between. Kind of like those Big Foot sightings, or Axl Rose from 1994 to 2002 or Nessy from Loch Ness.<br />
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In any case a kind soul is wondering, I am good. Over and beyond. I am busy working in a reputable international research organisation by day and hustling to get good grades in graduate school by (late) afternoon. Although I am not sure if I can say the same thing about the latter after this semester. <i>HA HA</i>! Just kidding. Ana Mariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02090277264167680944noreply@blogger.com0