Look: Not So Blue

What I am wearing:

dress: Ann Taylor LOFT
shoes: Banana Republic (seen here)
bag: Cole Haan
accessories: multiple gold and beaded bangles, gold earrings

munching on Chinese food, we were so hungry that we ate everything

For the past look book posts, I've been using my point and shoot digital camera (Nikon S60) which was really awful specially for indoors and low lights. I guess it was Ashton's commercial that sold it to me LOL (ok, he really is so dreamy and lucky, lucky Demi!). Besides, I was so inspired by how great all your pictures are looking that I was so inclined to take photography classes too.

So, I and my experienced elf decided to go and look for a new camera. Being a newbie in photography, we narrowed it down to 2 models - Canon Rebel XSi and the Nikon D5000. Both were great cameras except the Nikon has an added bonus - it has a swivel screen and video capability! After my elf's meticulous testing and scrutinizing - I went home with the Nikon D5000.

for more photos and a review of Nikon D5000 visit Digital Photography Review or click here

Loved it! I still have to learn all its bells and whistles and of course take photography 101 and I am sooo excited!

I hope you are all having a great week lovelies!

Look: Bohemian weekend

What I am wearing:

layered embellished white and pink tanks: J Crew
skirt: BCBG MaxAzria
ankle strap sandals: Banana Republic (seen here)
accessories: silver earrings and bangles from Express

I took advantage of the perfect weather and decided to go shopping and have coffee with a friend. And since maxi dresses are everywhere, I thought why not wear this maxi skirt that I got in my closet. It was in my donate bag at one point but realized I could not part with it since I really love the colors and the fabric. The sandals are so comfortable and were perfect for all the walking I did. I think I have a new "shopping shoe" fave. When I like a pair of shoes I almost always wear the same pair that I forget I have other shoes in my closet. =) Are you like that too?

Another friend and I had Japanese buffet after wards. I think I had too much sushi that I do not want to eat sushi again for a long time!

I hope you are all having a great weekend lovelies!

Look: Grey Overcast

First of all, I'd like to thank my sister Coco for doing the Enchanted City post while I was busy cramming for my finals =) . I am so lucky to have you and Lot as my sisters and best friends too! Thank you sweetie!

Second, YAY! My final exam is over! I have a week of breathing space before the intense Summer term begins. I have nothing planned except to to have a little R and R. ;-)

Third, I felt it is time to do a work outfit post and although the color does not reflect my current mood, I do like the simplicity of this dress:

what I am wearing:
dress: Banana Republic Monogram (seen here)
shoes: Christian Louboutin (also here)
bag: Badgley Mischka Platinum Collection (from Gilt also here)
accessories: red bangle and necklace from Dillard's, diamond stud earings

To compensate for its simplicity and color, I opted for bold accessories.

I missed you all! I have a lot of catching up to do with all your blogs and posts and I can't wait to get started!

Happy Thursday lovelies!

Enchanted City

New York is my enchanted city. I know that is awfully presumptuous and delusional, but permit me this transgression.From someone who has lived in the Philippines all her life, anywhere else is different. I crave the experience of weaning myself away from my parents; to live alone, of being scared but excited, hungry for food but visually nourished. The feeling of seeing the places I only dreamed of as a kid (Statue of Liberty, the NYC bridges, the free-spirited people who do not have a care in the world how you dress) everyday is what sustains me and probably everyone else who leaves the comfort of home to embark on a strange journey.

When you are living far apart from everything you have ever known, when you rely on your own wit and arrogance to survive, it’s easy to imagine yourself in an “enchanted city”, where everything is happening to you, to everyone, for the first time. I’m just glad it is happening to me…

And last Saturday, it happened to one of my bestest friend Maan. It was her first time to visit New York so I acted as her tourist guide. I had to make sure to show her all the tourist spots and make her feel the vibe of the city. First stop was the downtown area.

Of course I had to show her the NY Stock Exchange and the Wall Street Bull and the Statue of Liberty. And I had to bring her to the famous Pizza under the Brooklyn Bridge, Grimaldi Pizzeria. We had to fall in line for almost an hour just to get a seat in this place but the wait is worth it because the pizza is awesome!

Next stop from Brooklyn is Midtown Manhattan were you'll see the most tourist spots. You just have to walk along Fifth Avenue and you'll see a lot. Not just for tourists but for shoppers as well. LV, Barney's, Bulgari, DKNY..name it.



First stop was the Serendipity Cafe. Oh how wish I could meet my own John Cusack in this place..hehe. And then I had to show her The Apple Store, St. Patricks Cathedral, Rockefeller Center, NBC Studios, Empire State Building, Madison Square Garden and of course Time Square.

I'm pretty sure Maan had a great time. She personally enjoyed staying at Times Square and the vibe it exudes among it's visitors. She turned into a camera whore the moment we reached Times Square.




This is Maan with my favorite shot of her at the square...

I asked her to stand in the middle of the road while the traffic sign says "stop".

I woke up with sore legs from walking the whole day. But it was all good especially because I spent the day with them. I have seen NYC almost everyday for the past year but I must say that this trip was one of the best. I have never appreciated the city as much as I did with this trip.

I guess New York really brings this certain magic that everyday is a totally different experience. And no matter how much I see, breath and live the place, sometimes it's the company you're with that makes all the difference.


I hope your having the best week lovelies (borrowing from my sisters famous phrase!)... don't worry, she'll be back after her finals.

Look: Black and White

what I am wearing:
double breasted swing jacket: Anthropologie
black.white striped tank: Banana Republic
jeans: Paige (seen here)
patent flats: Bally (Styleflex)
plaid bag: Ralph Lauren
accessories: silver mini hoop earrings, multiple silver bangles, black bangles and cuff (also here)

The following picture is my failed attempt not to smile =)

I am not a big fan of the swing jacket but I love the girlie silhouette and the rolled puff sleeves of this one. It is made of cotton too which made it perfect for spring.

These Bally flats are one of the most comfortable patents I own. They are so soft and so flexible. You can never go wrong with their shoes in terms of comfort. The styles are a little more conservative but they are coming up with really good designs now. Just look at this one that I am drooling over. I remember back when I got my first salary from my very first job, I spent most of it buying gifts for my parents. The gift I got my dad was a pair of Bally shoes =) .

I also toyed with the idea of combining the stripes with plaid thus the bag. This is probably considered vintage now since I do not see RL making this old signature pattern of his. Plus I like its boxy shape so I kept it all these years.

Finals is next week and I have a lot of studying to do. So, I volunteered (ha ha) my sister Coco to do the post for me. She's more than just a fashionista she's also an amazing writer! ( She reads my blog so I'm hoping that was enough to convince her to do it ;-) ). As my 3 year old nephew puts it when he wants something - "Love you Coco!"

I am also dreaming of Cabo right now (blogged about it here) and the Bahamas Cruise. Unfortunately, it will have to wait until after summer. I also feel guilty spending in this economy specially with no clear picture of when it will recover. Knowing that a lot of people out there are penny-pinching does not help me get in the mood either. As the old saying goes, save up for the rainy day.

What about you lovelies? What are you doing this weekend? Have you started planning your summer vacation? Would you rather save up or go?

I hope you're having a great week lovelies!

Look: Red Blooms

After the Easter Vigil mass (yes, went tonight in anticipation of the huge crowd coming for tomorrow's mass/service) , we went to dinner at Maggiano's

what i am wearing:
dress: BCBG MaxAzria (bought last year)
shoes: Marc Jacobs Runway (also here)
metallic bag: Cole Haan
accessories: diamond stud earrings, red bangle

T looks so pretty in her cinched waist dress and metallic strappy wedges while R.A. is looking fab in his Guess velvet dinner jacket, black T and black jeans.

You all probably know by now how much I love to eat so here's a sampling of the food we had...

Chicken and White Truffle Tortellini, Bruschetta, Parmesan Crusted Scallops, Crispy Zucchini, Chopped Salad with Shrimp, Lobster Fettuccine...


Then today, Easter lunch at a friend's house. Yup - more eating.

How do you celebrate Easter? Which traditions do you follow?

I hope you all have a blessed and happy Easter lovelies!

Gen Art Film Festival

UPDATE 4/8/2009:

"My Suicide" won the Jury award: Best Picture, Audience Award: Best Picture, and Stargazer award for Gabriel Sunday!

Yay!!! Congratulations to all the Cast and crew and specially to Arvin!!!

@@@

"Gen Art is the leading arts and entertainment organization dedicated to showcasing emerging fashion designers, filmmakers, musicians and visual artists. With offices in New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Miami and Chicago Gen Art produces over 100 events annually ranging from media generating high profile programs including a week-long film festival to star-studded fashion shows to the Vanguard Art Fair during Miami Art Basel, to more intimate programs such as art receptions and tours, film screenings and live music showcases." (http://www.genart.org/about)


So I did miss the premiere of "My Suicide" at the Gen Art Film Festival in New York. I was so jealous cause everyone else had a blast. Coco - my youngest sister - went and raved about it. I am not saying it is good because the film's animator - Arvin - is my cousin. Okay, okay, so maybe I am a little biased. But he really is very talented and the movie is really good.

Everyone who watched the movie came out with a deep understanding of a serious issue that's facing today's teens.

For more info on GenArt and all the other movies showcased in this year's festival click here or type http://www.genart.org/filmfestival on your browser.

Here are some pictures Coco took from the premiere and the after party.

"My Suicide" cast and crew

"Maddening, disarming, undisciplined, incisive, solipsistic: adjectives to describe teen behavior in general and "My Suicide" in particular…its guerrilla style should catapult the pic to major cult status.” – Variety

At the after party held at HOME (532 W 27th St NYC) from left: Aunt, Coco, Laya, Arvin and Lynn.

Foodie: Outrageous Brownies ala Ina Garten

I'm a Food Network fan and, whenever I can on weekends, I make it a point to watch Ina Garten's Barefoot Contessa.

photo from here

I just love how she makes entertaining look so easy. Her dishes look so yummy and presentation so simple yet elegant. I enjoy throwing parties and as I have mentioned in my profile - experimenting on dishes with my friends and family as my tasters (a.k.a guinea pigs).

So this weekend, I tried her Outrageous Brownies recipe. It was easy - not as easy as the boxed brownies of course - but still easy as long as you have all the required ingredients. The coffee in her recipe made a huge difference in bringing out more of that chocolate flavor. I used the silicon pans lined with wax paper and Pam's oil free baking spray with flour which made taking them out of the pans even easier. The result was pretty good! ;-)

Will I bake it again from scratch? Probably since I can control the amount of sugar I put in it =)

Here's the recipe taken from Food Network:

Outrageous Brownies
The Barefoot Contessa Cookbook

Ingredients:

• 1 pound unsalted butter
• 1 pound plus 2 cups semisweet chocolate chips, divided
• 6 ounces unsweetened chocolate
• 6 extra-large eggs
• 3 tablespoons instant coffee powder
• 2 tablespoons real vanilla extract
• 2 1/4 cups sugar
• 1 ¼ cups flour, divided
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 3 cups diced walnut pieces

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Grease and flour a 13 by 18 by 1 1/2-inch sheet pan.

Melt together the butter, chocolate chips, and unsweetened chocolate on top of a double boiler. Cool slightly. Stir together the eggs, instant coffee, vanilla and sugar. Stir in the warm chocolate mixture and cool to room temperature.

Stir together the flour, baking powder and salt. Add to cooled chocolate mixture. Toss the walnuts and chocolate chips with flour to coat. Then add to the chocolate batter. Pour into prepared pan.

Bake for about 30 minutes, or until tester just comes out clean.

Halfway through the baking, rap the pan against the oven shelf to allow air to escape from between the pan and the brownie dough. Do not over bake! Cool thoroughly, refrigerate well and cut into squares.

Brownies anyone? Would you try something from scratch knowing you can buy them as ready to bake?

Happy Monday lovelies!

Look: Pasadena Roses and Mango Mojitos

It's Friday which means I can wear jeans in the office. And since we are having a casual dinner after work, I decided to go with an easy outfit that I can wear to both places.

Day...

What I am wearing:
dress: Ruche (seen here)
jeans: Antik (also here)
cardigan: Anthropologie
shoes: Bakers ( also here and here)
accessories: pink and white fresh water pearl earrings, necklace and multiple bracelets (bought from my last vacation a couple of years ago in Manila)
sun glasses: Marc Jacobs

Night...

shoes: Vince Camuto

For a quick dinner look, I kept the same outfit without the jeans and the cardigan and switched shoes.

The Dinner...

Brie Salmon with Couscous
Need I say more... yum-0!

Mango Mojito

I hardly drink when we go out so I told our waiter to take it easy on the rum. The result - this light and very refreshing new fave!

For dessert, I had Creme Brulee...

Have a great weekend lovelies!

Il Postino (The Postman)

poster from Amazon.com

I was going through my ipod and found the soundtrack of Il Postino. I love this movie. It was nominated in the 1995 Academy as the Best Picture of the Year. The characters, the story of friendship, love and life. Pablo Neruda is such a brilliant poet. Check out one of his poems that I adore. The narration below was by Andie Garcia and Julia Roberts. A few of his other poems are also in the soundtrack. Among the other narrators are Pablo Neruda himself, Madonna, Ethan Hawke, Wesley Snipes, Glenn Close, Ralph Fiennes, Willem Dafoe among others.

photo by mcHaiku"nmi"

If you haven't seen it try to borrow and watch the dvd or listen to its soundtrack, and let me know what you think.

Happy Thursday lovelies!

from Isugari

Sonnet LXXXI
by Pablo Neruda

And now you're mine. Rest with your dream in my dream.
Love and pain and work should all sleep, now.
The night turns on its invisible wheels,
and you are pure beside me as a sleeping amber.

No one else, Love, will sleep in my dreams. You will go,
we will go together, over the waters of time.
No one else will travel through the shadows with me,
only you, evergreen, ever sun, ever moon.

Your hands have already opened their delicate fists
and let their soft drifting signs drop away; your eyes closed like two gray
wings, and I move

after, following the folding water you carry, that carries
me away. The night, the world, the wind spin out their destiny.
Without you, I am your dream, only that, and that is all.

photo from here

*** updated: added movie poster and pictures ***