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Showing posts from January, 2012

[Lookbook 01.31.2012] French cuffs for the non-French

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New Year's seemed not too long ago yet here we are, down with the first month of the year already. And I'm in a rather formal mood for a sendoff to January. It's the french cuffs. I don't see a lot of shirts with such cuffs, at least among those that I can easily afford ( Thankfully, I found this Rajo Laurel for Wharton piece! ). It can get really frustrating because almost everything has buttons.

Hong Kong cable car stalls

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Woah, what's this? I've read that Hong Kong's cable car service last Thursday stalled, leaving around 800 passengers stranded at different points from Tung Chung to Ngong Ping 360º. They were left suspended in midair for about 30 minutes in freezing temperatures nearing 0º Celsius. That was scary especially since there was reportedly no announcement whatsoever, leaving passengers practically clueless as to what was wrong. Refunds were reportedly made and the whole service was suspended for 10 days since Thursday to get everything fixed. But I have faith in them and I know it'll once more provide tourists an enjoyable experience like I had the last time. Story from Yahoo! News; read here .

[Lookbook 01.25.2012] Playing with some excess fabric

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I wasn't really feeling "corporate" last Wednesday so I went for a casual, dressed-down look. It's the top that's too casual actually. It's practically a t-shirt except that it has a cowl neckline and "lots of extra fabric." I don't really know what to make of it because it's sewn into the shirt and all you need to do is play with it as if it were a scarf. To dress it up, I wore normal office pants and a pair of leather lace-ups. I picked brown to lend the outfit a more formal look.

Restoring the Batad rice terraces through volunTOURISM

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A friend shared this on Facebook earlier and it definitely caught my attention. It's about a volunteer-oriented initiative called Batad Weekend Warrior (BWW) to support the Bachang , a revival of the Ifugao bayanihan spirit basically meant to restore the Batad rice terraces in Banaue, Ifugao to its former glory. Bachang , or Baddang , according to BWW's Facebook page, means bayanihan (that Filipino value of cooperative undertaking) in the Ifugao dialect, and so that "volunTOURISM" concept is a perfect fit. The activity will primarily entail stonewalling to rehabilitate portions of the terraces damaged by past typhoons. It's set to kick off on February 3 and is expected to run through the rest of the year until December. This definitely is something worthwhile especially considering that rice farming in these terraces are faced with succession problems. Younger generations, of course, choose to forego farming in search of better and less back-breaking oppo

The shoes on the runways of Milan and Paris: Lace-ups

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This is the last of my three posts about all the wonderful shoes seen recently in Milan and Paris during FW. This one's about the ones with shoe laces. Louis Vuitton Shiny, shimmery metal accents characterized the shoes here -- and in a very nice way. Talk about spicing up your corporate getup; these are the shoes!

The shoes on the runways of Milan and Paris: Slip-ons and strap-ons

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More shoes from Milan and Paris, and here are a couple of those gorgeous loafers, slip-ons and shoes with straps. Etro The patterned fabrics are really great although you really wouldn't want to wear them when it's raining.

The shoes on the runways of Milan and Paris: Boots and high-cuts

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Of course the clothes were the stars of Milan and Paris FW but there's obviously more that deserve attention, one of which are the shoes. Mind you, there were a lot that I really liked, so I'm breaking this post into three parts. First off are the boots and other high-cut footwear. John Varvatos I'm loving the rugged look here. And the first pair here are some really high boots. Awesome!

[Lookbook 01.20.2012] Stripes can make a statement

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It's Friday and it's jeans day. But even in the simplest of outfits, stripes can make an impact. Take for instance this polo shirt, it's very basic but somehow the medley of grays, white and red tend to catch the eye ( I think it's the red ). But of course it should fit you well. I also toned everything down with black jeans and some gray shoes, allowing my striped piece to stand out even more.

Milan FW: The ever-wonderful patterns of Missoni F/W 2012-13

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Let's all forget about that Missoni for Target disaster because Missoni has yet again wowed us with its gorgeous patterns for Fall/Winter 2012-2013 in Milan recently. I also loved how they mixed patterns together to form an outfit. It's a tricky business but Missoni, of course, was spot on. There were the brand's trademark patterns mixed with plaid, knits and some texture. Really beautiful!

Milan FW: Fun with Bottega Veneta F/W 2012-13

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When browsing through runway photos, I usually skip Bottega Veneta. For Milan, however, that gallery cover photo certainly caught my eye. Bottega's Fall/Winter 2012-13 looked like a lot of fun. I don't know what to make of it but those painted-over suits, in my opinion, were brilliant. I just call them paint-overs but I really don't know what they did with the suits. Definitely fun, though.

[Lookbook 01.19.2012] Working the "runway" with warm tones

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I realized I haven't had any lookbook post so far this week. It's been mostly about Milan FW recently so let's take a breather. But I guess I really have been viewing too much runway photos because I worked up my own runway for today's lookbook post. Please indulge me and my frustration...

Milan FW: Glam up with Gucci F/W 2012-13

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Gucci has always been one of the brands I look forward to on the runways, especially ever since Frida Giannini came on board. For Fall/Winter 2012-2013, Gucci went for glam, as how I would sum up the collection. First off are the patterned suits, which I really love. Giannini kept it really trim with the fit, and the colors really dark for that touch of elegance. I also love the idea of breaking up the pieces, mixing them all up, pairing plains with patterns. I can't help but gush over them!

Milan FW: The theatricality of Versace F/W 2012-13

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Don't get me wrong; I like theatricality in some aspects. But it doesn't mean I loved everything from Versace's F/W 2012-2013 collection, which definitely wasn't for the fainthearted. In hindsight the pieces were loud and in-your-face. I did love a couple of pieces, though, like this embellished denim number below. There also was a pants version but I'll be happy with just the jacket. Although I wouldn't go for some of the suits, there were others that were tame enough for my taste.

Michelle Williams sizzles on GQ's February 2012 cover

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Who knew Michelle Williams was this hot? Of course she played Marilyn Monroe, so I guess she is after all. But common, who knew? I still very well remember her on Dawson's Creek and since then she's zoomed past her co-stars ( Was there a Katie Holmes there? ) to become the respected and award-winning actress ( Congrats on the Golden Globe! ) that she is today. But I never realized how much of a bombshell she actually is. Sure she looked hot decked as Ms Monroe in Vogue's October 2011 issue...

Milan FW: Power dressing with Prada F/W 2012-13

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We all probably know that Prada made a splash in Milan this week with a couple of celebrities walking down the runway including Willem Dafoe, Jamie Bell, Garrett Hedlund, Adrian Brody, and the venerable Gary Oldman who closed the show. Sure the presence of celebrities caused quite a stir but Miuccia Prada gave a fantastic collection, regardless of any celebrity working the catwalk. Prada's Fall/Winter 2012-2103 collection spoke of power in elegant suits and a lot of really strong coats. As always, I am in love with the fabrics and all that color. The tailoring was impeccable. I also love the strong accents like this oversized collar over here: The coats were an array of classic and statement pieces. And of course, I love the statement pieces!

Milan FW: The Victorian grandeur of Dolce & Gabbana F/W 2012-13

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I'm not really much of a fashion watcher but aimless browsing led me to the runways of Milan, Italy, where designers are currently presenting their collections for Fall/Winter 2012-2013. Now I'm going crazy with what I've been seeing. First off is Dolce & Gabbana's Victorian era-inspired collection. Although I really can't see myself wearing some of the pieces here (assuming I can afford them), I am loving the grandeur and opulence of all the velvets and the brocades. Having said that, here are a few of the pieces I really like: Common, how could I not fall in love with that? If those were a little over-the-top for you, there are also some toned-down stuff like this ( Seriously, it is toned down! ):

Free Sinulog and Cebu e-guidebooks

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Pit Señor! If you happen to be in Cebu right now for the Sinulog festivities, or if you're simply interested in this city and its always grand celebration of the feast of the Sto. Niño (the Child Jesus), there's a perfect companion for you. Cebu-based website MyCebu.ph , in partnership with Smart Communications, is offering a Sinulog electronic guidebook for free. (Update: A 2013 edition is now available just in time for the Sinulog.) Source The e-books are compatible with Kindle, iPad, iPhone, and Android devices, as well as with most smartphones and e-readers. The guidebook contains helpful articles and tips, a complete list of religious and cultural activities, a list of establishments near the grand parade route, and maps of the procession and grand parade. In addition -- and just recently -- a Cebu electronic guidebook was made available through the same website. This one's quite the heavyweight, though, as it goes beyond the Sinulog and into the Queen City

The Great Lifestyle Sale: Extended!

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I thought The Great Lifestyle Sale by the Bench group will only be until Sunday but yes, they've extended it until January 29, 2012 (according to Bench's official Facebook page)! Up to 70% off is promised on brands like Bench, Human, Aldo, Pedro, Celio, and more. The ladies can also nab discounted pieces from Kashieca, Lyn, Charles & Keith, La Senza, and more. You can drop by the Dimensione Building at Bonifacio High Street to check out the sale, 12 hours everyday from 11am to 11pm.

Beckham undies for H&M

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February 2 will see pieces from David Beckham's Bodywear collaboration with H&M finally hit stores. It's already long been announced last year and the wait is almost over. Beckham, of course, is modeling his own creations. It's a given. After all, he did model for Armani underwear with wife Victoria for a time.

Ed Westwick for Penshoppe: new items

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As we all know, Gossip Girl actor Ed Westwick is but one of Penshoppe 's increasing number of foreign celebrity endorsers. He was here in the Philippines last year for a campaign shoot and we've already seen several finished products of that effort. After a brief intermission when the brand flew in Thai celebrity Mario Mauer, Westwick is back for Penshoppe's Pre-Summer 2012 collection. I'm loving that white blazer and paisley shirt underneath it. I'm gonna have to check their stores soon. There's also this cute shirt below with a boldly contrasting placket. The shoes look cute, too.

[Lookbook 01.13.2012] Spotted on Friday the 13th

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It's the first of three Fridays the 13th this year! What are the odds, huh? To me it's just another number, though, and in fact, my day went on as usual; no spooky or unlucky stuff whatsoever. Except for an airport taxi that arrived 30 minutes late this morning, I was very much in a good mood, sunny as my polo shirt. Maybe that huge timepiece you see in the photo is one reason. It had been laying dormant for more than a year until I finally had its battery replaced right after New Year's, so I was glad to use it again. I'm pretty sure I won't miss the time given its size.

Giveaway winner: Starbucks 2012 planner

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And the winner of my humble Starbucks 2012 planner giveaway  is... Elizabeth Talesio FYI, the winner was picked through random sampling in  ACL , an auditing software. Congrats again, Elizabeth; you've just won this: Thank you to everyone who participated. I hope I could do more giveaways in the future that would no longer be limited to Philippine-based readers. DISCLAIMER: This giveaway is not in any way sponsored by Starbucks. I just drank a lot of coffee.

[Lookbook 01.10.2012] Having fun with a DB jacket

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***Don't forget to join my Starbucks 2012 planner giveaway! See mechanics here .*** Wow, do I look so composed and formal having decided on wearing a double-breasted jacket today! But if the absence of a tie is any indication, then things aren't always as they seem.

David Archuleta doing a series for TV5?

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I don't know how true this is but hey, it's in the TV station's official website (unless it was hacked). Anyway, American Idol alum David Archuleta is scheduled to arrive in Manila on Friday, January 13 to do a prime time series for local network TV5. According to the website, he'll be working with TV5 talents Jasmin Curtis Smith and Eula Caballero. [Update: It is true. Apparently, it was announced yesterday on TV5's showbiz talk show Paparazzi.] TV5 surely is upping the ante in its persistent bid to get past its no. 3 spot in the ratings game. And might I say, it's doing so in an expensive fashion. Archie's signing up may be huge for a local production but in the U.S., he hardly has a career anymore, especially after he was dropped by his label for poor sales of his last album. Another question is, I thought he was taking a two-year sabbatical from showbiz to serve as a Mormon missionary? Oh well, let's see. At any rate, welcome to the Philipp

Giveaway: Starbucks 2012 planner

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I know I'm quite late with this already but while we're still a few days into the new year, I'm giving away a Starbucks 2012 planner. Let's just say it's a thank you of sorts to y'all for supporting this little blog of mine. Because I'm not quite familiar -- and confident -- with our local postal service as far as overseas shipments go, I'm limiting this giveaway to my readers based in the Philippines only ( Sorry, guys; maybe next time ). Here's what you need to do: 1. Give me the names of my pet cats. I won't tell you how many they are, though. 2. Email your answer to admadsen@gmail.com with the subject Halfwhiteboy Giveaway . Please include your full name and any alias you prefer to be used. 3. Only one entry per email address will be entertained. In case of multiple entries, only the first entry received shall be deemed valid. 4. Deadline of submission is at 11:59 PM of Thursday, January 12, 2012 (Manila time). 5. The winner will b

[Lookbook 01.06.2012] Tough in pink

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Wearing pink here. As far as I can remember, pink has always been for girls. Even from infancy, baby girls were always given pink, from clothes, to toys, to just about everything, while it was blue was for boys. So I suppose this early introduction in a person's life of pink's association with femininity has shaped most men's aversion to pink. But that notion has greatly died down throughout time, with people thinking about pink as just another color. But my wearing pink today really had something to do with my new boots. Got them on the first day of Zara's new sale season. Although they aren't really pink, the faded effect on the material somehow makes them look pinkish. I just had to go with an item that would complement the boots's color.

Instant controversy for new tourism slogan

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Oops! Just hours after the Department of Tourism's new slogan was unveiled, controversy already hounded It's more fun in the Philippines . A poster of another tourism campaign from another country 60 years back in time quickly surfaced on the web: It's more fun in Switzerland! Source Just as news of the new slogan spread like wildfire across the web, so did the controversy. The DOT immediately dismissed the similarity, however, as a coincidence. And I believe them. It's not like "It's more fun" is highly original and unique; chances are it's been used somewhere else by someone else at some point in time. Just last the year the same government agency (under a different leadership) was lampooned for allegedly copying Poland's tourism campaign for its now-scrapped Pilipinas Kay Ganda slogan. The DOT Secretary quickly resigned right after. Not that I'm head over heels over the new slogan but can we just give it a try and just all mo

It's more fun in the Philippines

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It's more fun in the Philippines. That's the new slogan that will underscore the country's revitalized tourism campaign, as unveiled by the Department of Tourism just this morning. As he had already been stressing before, Tourism Secretary Ramon Jimenez Jr. said the slogan answers the fundamental question, "Why the Philippines?"  After that controversial slogan, Pilipinas Kay Ganda , which, thankfully, was scrapped, I have mixed feelings about this one. I like it but at the same time I'm not sure. Or maybe it needs a little getting used to, I guess. Jimenez himself said that it's "so deceptively simple" but after reading through his other statements, I kinda see where they're going.

[Lookbook 01.04.2012] Stripes and... spots?

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It's been really cold at the office since I went back to work last Monday, and I think my colleagues would agree. So today I decided on a striped cardigan although I just wore a v-neck tee underneath. It's just a very basic can't-go-wrong black and white combination but I find the stripes really striking. Or maybe it's just me. But, but, but... there's something lurking underneath my pants:

Never too late for Tyler's Holiday 2011 collection

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Yesterday I came across some photos of Tyler's Holiday 2011 collection again and realized that I haven't been to any of their stores for quite some time now. I've seen photos of their collection on their Facebook page  late last year but I've never really bothered, probably because the holiday season was just chaotic and I dreaded going to malls. Tyler has been around for quite some time now but it still hasn't become that huge of a brand. With only four stores (three in Makati and one in Mandaluyong), it has more of a cult following than mass appeal. And I prefer it that way if you ask me. So here I am now thinking of paying them a visit soon because the items shown in their collection are looking really good. Shot by ace photographer Xander Angeles, the campaign is just stunning: plain background, lots of light, minimalist and elegant. I know it's from "2011" but I bet most of them are still available in stores. If not, I know I can always tak

[Lookbook 01.02.2012] Lucky color green

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It's back to work today, the very first workday of the new year! I actually felt kinda weird last night preparing what I wore today. It's like I wasn't used to it anymore or something, and yeah, to think it's been only a week. So this morning a colleague commented that, like her, I was wearing the new year's lucky color. I don't know where she got that but all the green in my outfit today was purely coincidental. I was supposed to wear something else but I noticed a rip in the pants; so there. But about the green being lucky, I'll take lucky anytime.