Style Haven

10408596_725717904189593_7511295577418544548_nalso an establishment where you can buy “investment pieces”.

Fashion trends come and go but there are always a few staple, classic and timeless pieces that wouldn’t be so bad to splurge on- these are called investment pieces. Although the shopping scene at Parkmall is mostly known for its tiangge style, serious shoppers can now breathe a sigh of relief because now, there’s a place where you can now find pieces that will last you a lifetime!

I took a little trip there a couple of weeks ago and I was enthralled (oooh, big word Issa!) to find branded items such a BCBG, Little Monsters, Ralph Lauren and many more. Everything from their bags, shoes to garment pieces were uniquely hand picked by the owner, Maritoni Pereyra, herself from her recent travels to the States and certain parts of Asia.

Here are a few of my favorite items:

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10712857_725715960856454_6965371272613404335_nStyle Haven, which is located at the second floor of the Parkmall keeps true to its name- not only is it a safe haven for women who are keen on style but it is

I really need this striped black and white dress in my life right now. I am dead serious.

Be sure to check them out at the 2nd floor of Parkmall, Cebu.

Open during mall hours.

Worth every single penny! ❤

xx,

Issa

Girl Stuff, Forever

Lately I’ve been consumed by the craft bug. Although I’ve always been into sketching, painting and the like, a whole new world of arts and crafts have taken complete control of my life and it is so much fun!

I’ve recently opened an online store, Looms By Issa where I can give all my loom babies a better home and lately I’ve been fairly addicted to doing nail art.

Here are a few of my most recent work:

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I know I’m not the best at it but it’s really a learning process so I’ve used the past few week to learn and practice on myself and on my friends. It’s been really fun!

My personal favorite place to get all my manicure and manicure needs has been Girlstuff which is located at the Second Floor of Ayala Center, Cebu.

It’s a cute little stall which is filled with lots of beautifully colored manicure, brushes, tools and decals!

Girlstuff Nail Polish Bar is an affordable 5-free polish. 5 free meaning, free from 5 harmful chemicals that are usually found in nail polish such as: Toluene, Formaldehyde, DibutylPhtalate, Camphor and Formaldehdye-resins.

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Aside from it being safer for our gorgeous fingers and toes, they are also safe for the little ones, as well.

Girlstuff nail polish is imported from France and comes in a wide collection of colors and styles such as: The Sophisticate Collection (gel type polish), Textured polishes, glitter, cream jelly and more!

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They also have a lot of nail art instruments such as decals, stripping tape, stamps and more!

As a girl who loves having polish on her fingers, I am very impressed with the quality of this manicure for the price that it comes in.

From P100.00- P140.00, Girlstuff nail polish dries easily, doesn’t not have a very strong smell and the packaging it so cute! I have 9 nail polishes as of the moment and they all fit perfectly beside each other and don’t take up a lot of space either.

 

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Congratulations again for opening in Cebu, Girlstuff!

 Check them out at:

Paseo Ciudad, 2nd Level Ayala Center Cebu

Like them on Facebook

Follow them on Instagram: @girlstuffforever

xx,

Issa

The Best Gifts Don’t Come In Packages

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First of all, I want to say a big fat THANK YOU to everyone who greeted me on my birthday.

I tried my best to personally thank each and everyone of you but my internet has been bad lately so I might not have been able to deliver 100%.

Please know that I feel very blessed this year because of your thoughtfulness ❤

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Being 23 was such a wonderful time in my life. I wish I could stay 23 forever (or at least look it) but, I haven’t really figured out how to do that just yet!

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If you had to ask me, the best part about ending my 23rd year was getting to spend time with the College Editors Guild of the Philippines and sharing my knowledge about writing online and social media.

It was definitely “one for the books” and I’m really proud of myself for being asked to do it. lol. I’ve always enjoyed public speaking so every chance I get to do it, I grab it!

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Thanks again!

xoxo,

Issa

Simply Issa

Happy Saturday!

A month or so ago, I was invited by a friend of mine, Ryan Orcullo of Ryan Orcullo photography to do a fun shoot with him and another photographer friend of ours, both whom I had met during one of my Google events.

We wanted to try a shoot we haven’t done before and since I’ve done street fashion countless of times, high fashion was the way to go!

This shoot was done downtown, Cebu where most of our historical landmarks are located. We had to shoot fairly early in the morning to avoid the 12 o clock sun and since this was done downtown, I got a lot of weird and curious glances which was a pretty funny and equally great experience!

Here are my favorite shots from the set:

At the Magellan’s Shrine

Shoots like this take a lot of diversity in posing and I’ll admit, so far, I’ve only mastered the “hair-in-my-hair/ aray-ang-sakit-ng-ulo-ko” poses which you’ve probably gotten a handful of already. lol

Posing with a long dress was also a bit tricky because I really had to work with my body and try to create as many silhouettes as possible so I did a lot of bending and twisting of my body to add a bit of a form.

And since you can’t see my legs, I had to play with my arms a lot which… totally explains why I had to overuse my “signature” pose. HAHAHA

I find it very important to find your comfort zone when shooting because then your poses become much more fluid and your smiles also come out so much more naturally. And when you feel like you’re getting a bit rusty, feel free to let loose and be a bit goofy so you get your momentum back.

I’m a fairly awkward person so I do this A LOT!

What do you think about this set? 🙂

Special thanks to:

Ryan Urcullo (photography)

Hans Perez (photography)

Julie Ann Sollano (make up)

Have a happy weekend, everyone!

xx,

Issa

Better Than This Weather feat. Sanuk, Cebu

 

 

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It’s like I can never say it enough… Cebu’s weather is totally whack!

One minute I’m in a summery ensemble ready to hit an event and the next, I’m scurrying to find a cardigan to match! It’s like these rain clouds come out of nowhere so I’m always finding myself having to pack an extra layer of clothing just in case.

There really isn’t an “ideal” way to dress for this weather and I think we’re all aware of this since it’s the only thing us fashion bloggers can seem to talk about these days. But the problem is real… the solution however, may often be hazy.

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And although my #OOTD may not look as prepared to combat any weather, at least I know my shoes are. These babies from Sanuk’s Spring/ Summer 2015 collection are perfect whether it’s raining or shining outside.

Sanuk, which name is directly derived from the Thai word meaning happy, is known to attract people who love hitting the outdoors. They are constructed from innovative technology to ensure maximum comfort and durability and they are super stylish as well.

They can easily take anyone from the beach, to the mall and straight to the mountains for quick hike which is perfect for the Cebuano lifestyle!

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Floral crop top: SM Department store brand, Betty (gift from Chay Ramirez. Love you always, Chay!)| High waist shorts: Gaisano Car-car| Shoes: Sanuk| Shades:  Forever21 (similar here)

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For days like this when then the weather is off but I need some flower power to brighten the mood, I always pack a bright colored cardigan just in case it drizzles.

In addition to my cute and versatile shoes, keeping a cardi in my bag gives me the quick option to dress up or down as I please. It might add a little extra baggage but I like to carry big bags anyways so I don’t seem to mind.

 Congratulations to Sanuk for opening their new store at the 2nd level, new wing of Ayala! Thanks for having us and of course, for my new favorite pair of shoes :*

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With Doyzkie (www.iluvcebu.com), Toni (www.perfumedredshoes.com), Marco (www.lamikaayo.com) and Jean (www.jeancyu.com)

xx,

Issa

Frame Game (feat. Warby Parker)

There is an age old belief that eye glasses are anything BUT fashionable and that contact lens are the way to go when you don’t which which way you’re going (literally speaking, of course). But I’ve always kept a strong frame game on because I think that with the right pair, you can add soo much character to any outfit!

Warby Parker believes in the same thing. With their Fall collection recently released, it is specifically aimed for those who own their style, exercise their wit, and add life to the party! That’s something I can definitely relate to 😉

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With 9 new frame shapes added to the collection,  anyone will be bound to fall in love with the perfect frames perfect for you. I’ve been through the collection and I’ve already chosen a handful for myself!

For the bold, they’ve created three clever styles in crystal. For the polished professionals, they’ve updated three hardworking acetate frames with titanium temples. And for the folks who really mean business,a handful of angular silhouettes will be just right.

Here are my personal picks:

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Really gravitating towards the square and “animal” printed frames since it’s a great mix of sexiness and sophistication that any woman in her early 20’s should aim for. What are your choices?

Fall 2014 is available September 3 online at http://www.warbyparker.com/fall-2014 and in stores and showrooms; frames starting at $95

Visit the website here

Find out how every pair bought from Warby Parker can help someone see the world a little bit better here

Happy shopping!

xx,

Issa

A Little Piece of Me & A Little Piece of Sky

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Sharing the rest of the photos we took from A Little Piece of Sky Cafe with Jing Pascual x Jade Caballo a couple of weeks ago.

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ALPS Cafe, for short, is located in M. Veloso street, Guadalupe. Getting there takes a bit of enhanced navigational skills but the adventure is worth it!

 The establishment was kind enough to allow us to take photos there which resulted in these amazing photos. I love how their theme is up to par with their name and how being there makes me feel like packing my bags and traveling the world. Not a lot of places have that effect on you emotionally- I’ve been planning my eat, pray, love trip since!

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A lot of people ask me how for techniques when it comes to posing in front of a camera whether it be for photo shoots, ootd’s or just random photos with family and friends. Although I don’t think that there’s really an exact science to it, I’ll try my best to be as informative and helpful as possible. 🙂

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1. Know your angles.

I’m no professional model but I’ve heard it a million times on Amderica’s Next Top Model and when applied in real life, it really does wonders for your photographs. I noticed that I look better when my head is tilted to the side and when the right side of my face is more prominent because of my eyes.

Over time and after a million selfies, finding your angle will be extremely easy to identify. I think I chose my angle because it felt more comfortable to lean that way. lol

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2. Find your signature pose

When it doubt, go for your signature pose! I know a lot of bloggers who rely on their signature pose, not to be recognized for it, but because it’s our safety net when we have no idea what we’re doing. It helps a lot when calming those nerves and once we’ve reached a level of calmness, experimenting with other poses becomes easier and less awkward.

If you noticed, I like to play with my hair a lot or put my hand near my face. I’ve always liked the silhouette it gives off and how it gives people more things to look at rather than my uneven eyes and bad eyebrows.

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3. Be aware of your body.

When posing for pictures, I always like to imagine how it would actually come out. “What’s the use of smiling if my arm is in the way? Why do my legs look so weird in this picture? I’m looking the wrong way, my face looks too dark…” Are just a few of things that I’ve said to myself when reviewing sets so I’ve learned from that and applied it in shoots.

Also, I think it’s important to know what kinds of poses don’t work. I am completely mortified with poses wherein legs are wide open or it involves hands in weird places so I always think those are poses to reconsider.

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4. Emote.

I used to laugh when I would think of the word “smize” (smiling with your eyes) because I thought it was complete and udder nonsense but I’ve come to learn that the more emotion you put into a shot, the better it comes out.

I also think that outfit posts are gratified with the emotions we convey when wearing them. Edgier outfits will look no good with a good girl pose which is why we add a little hip and flair to it and the same goes for other outfits. Can you imagine how awkward it would look if I gave a pa cute face while in a cat suit? I rest my case.

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5. Be Silly.

Natural, candid laughs caught on camera. Priceless.

Those are just a few of my tips for taking better pictures. And of course, don’t forget to practice! I hope this works for you 🙂

Find out more about ALPS Cafe from their Facebook page

Instagram: @alpscafe

Jing Pascual Jade Caballo

xx,

Issa

Gibb’s Hot Wings: The Hottest Wings in Town

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I am such a sucker for hole in the wall restaurants that nothing excites me more than a new restaurant buried deep within the city I love (Cebu. Duh.)

And although I’m not a huge fan of spicy food, how could I turn down an invitation to dine at Gibb’s, the home of the hottest and arguably best hot wings in Cebu? I simply couldn’t! And for blogging purposes, I’m proud to tell everyone that I did in fact try them!

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Gibb’s, which is named after the family’s dog, is a small restaurant located within Holy Family Village II, Banilad. What used to be a storage area for the family catering business’ now lies a small and cozy area where hot wing lovers can come together and eat to their hea[r]ts content.

With cut out newspapers used as a place mat, diners can enjoy different kinds of wings like their famous Gibb’s Hot Wings wherein you can choose up to 5 hotness levels, Gibbs’ Angel Wings and the Gibbs’ Spicy Honey- Garlic Wings. And just in case chicken wings aren’t enough, you can also opt for their pasta and sidings.

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Jean, our boyfriends and I, together with owner Coy Oliva, were able to sit down and taste his and his wife’s works of art on a fine Saturday afternoon and although I came out sweatier than I came in (their wings are THAT spicy!), I’d recommend their hot wings to anyone!

I’ll be honest, I know absolutely nothing about wings- I don’t eat them, I never crave for them and quite frankly, I don’t really care for them at all but… Paolo does. A LOT! So on this very special occasion, I decided to drag him along and be the judge of this one. The verdict? I got a very lengthy explanation of the different types of chicken wings, what makes it good and how pleased he was that he FINALLY found a place in Cebu that he could go to to fulfill his wings cravings…

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On the flip side and on behalf of the all girls who like to play on the safe non-spicy side of things, I really enjoyed everything I had that day especially the cheese sticks and potato wedges! As a firm believer that cheese heals all wounds, Gibb’s mozzarella sticks are just the right mix of cheese and breading which is really hard to find!

I also indulged in their Angel Wings which are crunchy chicken wings glazed in cream, cheese and garlic sauce and topped in Parmesan cheese. (I said cheese twice in one sentence. I’m soo happy!)

And how could I forget their choices of pasta? We were also able to try out their equally famous Gibbs’ Spaghetti and Meatballs and their Bacon and Mushroom Carbonara.I really loved both, favoring the carbonara more but that’s due to personal preference. 😉

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I think it’s important for me to share my #hotwingschallenge experience so I’m going to do just that! Again, I’m a really not a fan of anything remotely spicy. I once won P 500.00 from eating an entire glunk of bbq powder from Potato Corner and that’s the last time I ever had it! Knowing my low tolerance to spice, Coy was kind enough to prepare my something I could handle. I was able to try the mildest hot wings and the 5th level (the spiciest) and although I was able the stomach the mildest level… god bless the people crazy enough to eat the 5th!

Of course, Paolo will tell you that I’m exaggerating like the true drama queen I was born to be but I’ll let you guys be the judge of this one..

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Find their menu here

Like them on Facebook

Credits to Jean for the photos :*

xx,

Issa

City Girls and Their City Dreams Featuring The Padgett Place Cebu

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There’s something about condominiums that are so enthralling. These towering buildings always scream of luxury and sophistication- like I could wake up every day in white silk sheets, a great view of the city and only have to worry about what shade of lipstick to put on.

But what good is a condominium if it’s not in the heart of the city, if it’s not a few feet away from the hustling bustling metropolis that you love?

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Padgett’s Place is perfect for those who want to keep a piece of their hearts in the city. With it’s key location being a only a few minutes away from Cebu’s prime scenes like the mall, schools and parks (by car or even on foot)- it is obviously a top choice for those who are searching for a new place to call home.

From location to interior, filling it up with great pieces would be the least of your problems. Units at The Padgett’s Place are pre-furnished as compared to other bare units which makes filling it in much easier.

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I can imagine myself living here, definitely with more closet space, that is. Coffee by my window to the view of the city while I glimpse at people running towards work (I wonder why I won’t be rushing to work. lol), lunch in my pantry, lounging in my big fluffy extra comfortable bed, afternoon snacks with friends by the coffee shop and then a quick work out inside the building. At night, I’d probably be outside having good conversations with Paolo while we star gaze or even go night swimming.

Oh, a girl can dream.

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the padgett place, the padgett place cebu, cebu condimiums, cebu, duros land, duros land cebu, padgett place cebu, padgett place, anything goes by jean yu, jean yu, cebu bloggers, cebu lifestyle blog, lifestyle

the padgett place, the padgett place cebu, cebu condimiums, cebu, duros land, duros land cebu, padgett place cebu, padgett place, anything goes by jean yu, jean yu, cebu bloggers, cebu lifestyle blog, lifestyle

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the padgett place, the padgett place cebu, cebu condimiums, cebu, duros land, duros land cebu, padgett place cebu, padgett place, anything goes by jean yu, jean yu, cebu bloggers, cebu lifestyle blog, lifestyle

Padgett’s Place is located at Molave Street, Lahug, Cebu City.

It is developed and marketed by subsidiaries of the Duros Group of Companies. It’s subsidiary developers are Cebu Green Peaks Development Properties, Inc.

For more information about The Padgett Place feel free to contact them at  (6332) 317-0779 or (6332) 243-6054 or check out their website

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A big thank you to Ms. Irish. It was a wonderful experience!

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And of course to Jean of Anything Goes by Jean C Yu for my pictures!

What I’m wearing:

Sports jacket: Nike

Running Shorts: Nike

Watch: Tomato Time

Sandals: Car-car

xx,

Issa

Soak Up @ The Nail Island

10491208_675593249202059_5746619484489761993_n Cabana – /kəˈban(y)ə/

a cabin, hut, or shelter, especially one at a beach or swimming pool. Otherwise known as the epitome of relaxation, if you’re a beach bum like most Cebuanos are, of course.

Located at the ground floor of the Banilad Town Center, Cabana proudly houses everything beach-y from swim suits by Soak Swimwear to cover ups, sunnies and other merchandise perfect for your sun loving needs!

And if in case you can’t get your beach bum on, you can always give your nails the pampering they need at the Nail Island which is located inside the store.

Take a quick break from the hustle and bustle of the Metro and just sit back and relax inside the beach inspired nail salon while you enjoy their many services perfect for your tired hands and feet!

I dropped by Cabana this weekend and the interior, services and the over all feel of the place blew me away!

I indulged in a foot indulgence pedicure and a seaside rush manicure that afternoon and left with an intense longing to dip my feet in the water. But despite my lack for salt water, I now have pretty hands and feet and with my extremely hectic schedule is actually better. 😀

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10410623_675591472535570_4896692760387694484_nCheck out Soak

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Swimwear’s collection of swim wear on

Facebook

Instagram

And Nail Island on

Instagram

xx,

Issa