Topshop Reopening: best dressed

After a long debate on one Wednesday afternoon (May 25, 2011), my sister and I finally decided to attend the Topshop flagship store reopening in Robinsons Galleria.  We were hoping to be one of the top 50 customers to get a 50% discount coupon.  50% discount on Topshop regular items is a LOT and extremely worth lining up for.

When we got in front of the Topshop store in Robinsons Galleria at around 4:00 pm, many people were already lined up.  Seeing the line made me feel a bit hopeless to get a 50% discount coupon.  But as the sign up sheet was passed on to us, nuumbers 49 and 50  were still blank!  What a pleasant surprise!  We immediately signed up for the last two slots.

We waited for two hours before the official 6 pm opening of the store.  The wait didn't feel that long due to the entertainment and good service we received.  There were games and prizes from various sponsors like Shu Uemura (wow!).  Each of us were also given something to drink while in line (bottled water and Figaro iced coffee). 

The most exciting part of the show was during the announcement of the three best dressed girls to be picked from the audience.  Each will receive 10,000 pesos worth of gift certificate from Topshop!!!  What can be better than that?  I was excited to learn who the lucky ladies will be.  During that time, I hoped that I had given more thought to what I wore.  I came from the office and didn't think I will be atending this event.  I just wore what I felt like wearing that morning...a lace dress; just as my blog title suggests.  I do have a little obsession with lace and sheer fabrics.  I also decided to wear a pait of sandals to feel more comfortable during work.

This was what I wore...

lace dress: Zara, sandals: Charles and Keith, bag: Cambridge Satchel inspired, scarf on bag: Mango (I left it in the office the other day and had to bring it home), floral bracelet: Forever 21

Also, this was the first time that a stranger took a photo of me.  I felt really awkward, which is very apparent in this photo from Style Bible. haha!  I felt underdressed for such an event.  I didn't know that there would be this much hype!

But who would have thought...that I would be picked as one of the three best dressed ladies from the audience?  I didn't believe it at first.  I guess my obsession for lace did something good for me that day, EXTREMELY GOOD!  I just wish I wore a different pair of shoes. =)

 A lady from Topshop's management group (I think) awarded me with this paper medal =)

and the most coveted 10,000 pesos worth of gift certificates 

I was so glad that my sister and I decided to attend the Topshop event.  Everything fell right into place by getting the last two spots for the 50% discount and winning best dressed.  I didn't think I would have so much blessing in one afternoon.  =)  Thank you Topshop!

Lessons learned:

1. Follow your instincts.

2. Always try to dress up.  You'll never know where it can take you. =)

Birthday Presents- May 2011

This year's birthday was full of presents and surprises, which was very unusual but exciting for me.  I must have done some good deeds to receive many presents this year.  More than that, I was sooo happy because all the gifts I received were items that I REALLY wanted.=)

So here they are!

Cambridge Satchel-inspired bag, pink retractable blush brush with cover, Revlon lipstick in Smoked Peach (a super lovely matte color) : from my sister Pauline and cousin Tiffany/Sansan

Stile genuine leather heels: from my sister Michelle 

I had this reserved for more than a month already...

Aldo flower earrings in gold, silver and gun metal: from my cousin Sharlene 

NARS lip pencil in Bolero (a matte soft coral): from PJ and his mom

Aren't all of these great? Ever since I've gotten these gifts, I've been using them nonstop!
  For accessories, I love almost anything with flowers.  For cosmetics, I am currently in the matte-stage.  I love matte colors from eye shadow, blush, and especially lip products.  I didn't notice this fondness for matte colors until I sorted out my recent cosmetic purchases.

 Thank you for all these gifts, but most especially, thank you to everybody who remembered my birthday! =) 

Maroon 5 Live in Manila

precious ticket =)

Adam's back!

more Adam!

The concert opened with screams as Maroon 5 stepped out on stage.  There was no front act, which was perfectly okay because we got immediate gratification.  haha!  I also admired at how good and consistent Adam's voice was live.  He also has an incredible sense of humor and a lot of energy.  I love him as a singer on record, as a judge in the reality show The Voice (I looooove this show!), and love love love him as a live performer. 

The concert was also a bit short; lasted for around an hour and a half.  But looking back, there was only one t-shirt change by Adam, and no other breaks or intermission.  It was like an hour and a half of pure non-stop Maroon 5 performance.  More than that, Adam gave equal attention to the crowd on every side of the stage.  I was on the right side so I really appreciated that.  To sum ir all up, it was really worth it!

can't get enough of Adam!

taking a photo with the stage where Adam performed! =)

Natural Elements

Dress: Topshop

This was what I wore in attending the Philippine Fashion Week a couple of weeks ago.  Just wanted to be comfy in a loose dress and medium wedges.  Also, I didn't realize that my colors were so earthy.  I feel like I'm one with nature, haha. =)

Camouflaged

top: vintage, tulip skirt: Zara, belt: vintage from Italy, wedges: thrifted

New Purchase: Smashbox Cream Cheek Duo

Smashbox In Bloom Cream Cheek Duo

I've been wanting a cream blush for a long time now.  It just slipped my mind until I saw it in the store.  I have combination skin, making my cheeks a bit dry.  I thought that having a cream blush can actuslly help to make my cheeks look less flaky.  But I remembered thsat cream blush + a dry skin is a major error.  Cream blush can emphasize dry and flaky skin even more.  So what I did is to make sure that my cheeks are completely moisturized before putting any make-up, including this blush.

The effect of this cream blush on a moisturized face is exceptional.  I love how natural and fresh it looks when blended correctly.  More than that, you get two beautiful colors in one container.  Both colors are matte, which I love in a blush (maybe because I used to only have shimmer types of blush).  Both colors are very wearable (peach and meium pink) and complements almost any skin tone. 

I have been using this everyday for a week now, and am loving it.  A ilittle goes a long way.  What I usually do is, I dip a finger on the color of my choice; then dab it on my cheeks.  I first lightly blend it our using my fingers, then completely blend it with a blush brush.  It gives an instant natural flush.

I just didn't like the packaging because it was very plastic-y.  The cover is just a clear plastic thsat you can easily remove with a slight turn.  I prefer cosmetics packaging that has the look that it was really given a lot of thought into.  I sometimes , or most of the time, get swayed because of the packaging!  But I didn't regret buying theis Smashbox cream blush.  Even with its very simple packaging, the color, and quality is just superb!

Basic Colors

I think black, white and red are the most basic colors especially when it comes to clothing...a clean yet strong look.

leather jacket: H&M, red top: vintage, white trousers and belt: Zara (an advanced birthday gift =D), cage shoes: Steve Madden

I took advantage of the slightly cooler weather a few days ago so I could wear a leather jacket during summer time. =) 

Feminine tux

A girly tuxedo-inspired look... =)

blazer: H&M, sleeveless top: Esprit, skort: from Bangkok, shoes: from Bangkok

fish-tail braid

necklace: Forever 21

bracelets: Mythos

April favorites: Foundation

MAC Studio Fix liquid foundation, NARS Sheer Glow foundation, MAC Studio Fix powder foundation

The MAC Studio Fix liquid foundation has full coverage, whereas NARS Sheer Glow foundation has medium coverage.  What I do is, I mix these two together to create an almost full coverage (if there is such a term).  Mixing these two together gives just the right coverage and texture that I want.  I usually combine 3/4 NARS and 1/4 MAC especially this summer for a lighter feel.  To finish off, a light dust of MAC Studio Fix powder foundation does the trick!

On lazy days and extremely humid weather, MAC Studio Fix powder foundation is good enough. =)  It can give a medium coverage that is good enough for an everyday look. 

But before all these, moisturizer and sun block is a must!    And at the end of the day, make sure to remove all make-up with a gentle make-up remover or make-up wipes. After all, a clean face is the best base to work with in applying make-up. =)

Casual Good Girl

Even on casual days, I love a touch of lace and sheer fabric for a relaxed yet classy look. =)

top: Warehouse, jeans: Zara, sandals: Zara

nail polish: Tony Molly

headband: from Bangkok