Make Your Own Havaianas 2013

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Hey everyone! I’ll be a part of this years Make Your Own Havaianas team and I am so super dee duper excited! (The perks of FUNemployment)

From July 18-21, we will be at the SM Northwing happy and fully equipped to serve you!

We’ve got a great bunch of choices to choose from for everyone this year including an exclusive design by Dan Matutina that you can customize with your choice of top straps and pins. Plus other pins that are “out of this world” 😉

 

 

Don’t miss out on the fun!

See you guys at the SM City North Atrium from July 18- 21 (mall hours)!

You can catch me at the Interactive area facing Forever21. 🙂

Don’t be a stranger!

xx,

Issa

Cross My Heart & Hope To Die

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I’m cam shy. And my teeth are totally going out of alignment on account of my wisdom teeth. This is really depressing. 😦

In all honesty I’m kind of wishing that I didn’t go all out crazy on leggings this year. In total, I bought around 6 leggings and I still haven’t come around to using some of them yet. Either that or my 3 month rule is still in full effect. hehe

… But not when it comes to these cross leggings. I absolutely adore them! I feel like I could do so much with them and well, they’re just the right amount of comfort and versatility that’s enough to make me wear them over and over again. [I’ve probably worn them 4 times already… or more!]

Top: Thirfted| Leggins: FashionDiaryCebu| Sneakers: Robertsons| Bag: Bally’s

When it comes to wearing printed leggings I always like to play it safe by wear white blouses or v-neck shirts. I think it’s always the safest thing to do. When I’m a bit more confident and when I’ve reclaimed my black heels from my mother, I’ll definitely put on a nice leather/denim jacket and deck them out in accessories and some bad ass shades.

How does THAT sound?

Watch: iWatchz (as usual)| Necklace: Mom’s from the States

Look at that bucktooth, it’s killing me!

A big thanks to Marielle for my pictures and for always keeping me updated about the world. I love you and your kilay forever! And to Kevin, we miss you!

Thank God for 0% milk tea. Not the way I used to have it but milk tea nonetheless.

Have a good one, guys!

xx,

Issa

Cebu Fashion Feature: Alex Eturma

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I’ve known Alexandra Eturma, who goes by Alex E. (emphasis on the E.) for a long time. But not as long as she’s been sketching, which started at a young age where she would adorn her grandmothers’ office walls with.

She was probably around this age:

Photo: Miga ta ayaw ko patya hahaha

Stylish even back then 🙂

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I first met her in grade school where I perceived her as the quiet skinny introvert with a knack for art- I had a rude awakening. Fast forward to present times, Alex E. describes herself as someone who is chatty and energized at times and dreams of being a mermaid. I was head on about the skinny part, though. She says she cannot NOT eat at least every two (2) hours and that she’s a coffee zombie. I wish I had her metabolism. -.-

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At 21 years old, she is currently taking up Fashion Design at the University of San Carlos and is gracing while at the same time, is being graced with the soon-to-be big fishes of the fashion industry of our motherland.

But I guess her love for fashion started at an even earlier age, having been influenced by Amber Heard, Rooney Mara, Kristen Stewart, Mary-Kate Olsen, Emma Watson and Pauline Prieto- all whom our generation has pretty much grown up with. So for her fourth year high school graduation ball, she did what every girl wished they could do and designed her own ball gown and she hasn’t stopped putting her creations to life since.

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During her academic years, Alex has been able to join Maribago Bluewaters Beach Resorts designing contest wherein they had to incorporate recycled materials into a design. With her love for mermaids in mind, she made use of used curtains, bottle caps, rope, nylon and a fishing net to create a beautiful mermaid-like dress which bagged the 2nd place. Recently, she also styled Sun Stars Back to School Special, showing off her amazing styling skills. I was definitely grinning with jealousy at that article. HAHA.

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Alex dreams of taking full advantage of her prowess in terms of fashion and art. She plans on owning her own boutique, retail in RTWs and even lingerie! Aside from that, she aspires to become a freelance photographer, stylist and even design and sell furniture at the same time. That’s definitely a well thought out of future, friend! If you thought that wasn’t enough, she also dreams of owning her own drive-in theater that shows old movies.

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With all these things under her belt, Alex still believes that “you shouldn’t try too hard.” In her opinion, if you’ve got, you’ve got it and that you shouldn’t worry about getting it right every single time. Spoken like a true blue trooper!

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So what does this wide eyed dreamer do on the side? You know, when she’s not making plans and dreaming of Europe, living in tiny villages there, taking lots of pretty pictures, buying local fabrics and making great friends? Easy. She enjoys listening to music, watching old movies, chilling at Cafes, thrift shopping, sketching and/ or cozying to a good book! When she’s feeling adventurous, she enjoys going on long drives while playing loud music with her friends and loved ones. But of course, there always has to be food. We can never forget that!

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Alex E. is definitely living my dream life. She’s got the talent and she’s making her way to the top with her evident talent. With practice, hard work and dedication- it won’t be long ‘til she’ll be walking the ramps of fashion shows and getting everything she wants in life.

By the way, she also wants a tiger 😉

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To contact Alex Eturma, you may contact her through:

Cell phone: 0923 180 0313

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/alex.eturma.1?fref=ts

Pink Aztec

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In more ways than one, I really am proud of myself- you know, lifewise.

Aside from quitting my job, I’ve begun to really push myself out there and find that one thing that I love the most. I applied and got an interview for that Visual Merchandiser position at What A Girl Wants, declined it to take over the family business (hopefully for real this time), got hired at the Make Your Own Havaianas event (I’ll be going to training in a bit) and most of all, I FINALLY FOUND IT IN ME TO BUY A PINK SHIRT!

Baby pink, but it’s pink nonetheless. bite me.

This really is the only pink top I’ve ever owned in probably 10 years.

PINK top: Forever21| White Cardigan: Thrifted| Flats: SM Department Store

Necklace: From CANADA!

Watch: iWatchz| Bag: Hong Kong| Shorts: Stylish Chique

I never really thought I’d be that girl who bought Aztec shorts and wore pink on a Saturday afternoon but they seem to work.

I guess my advice for anyone who’s trying to transition from being a tomboy to being girly is to do everything one step at a time. First the pink and then, the shorts which isn’t completely girly except maybe for it’s color template.

Next thing you know I’ll be in heels and a dress.

Have a happy Sunday!

xx,

Issa

Off Duty

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Imitation Rayban shades: Mactan| Pearl necklace: Gift from Mom| Mint off shoulder top: Styletogo Cebu| White pants: Ayala Department Store| Sandals: Ipanema (I think)| Bag: Lacoste

Shorts: BNY Jeans

Here’s a quick post of what I wore a couple Saturdays ago to watch a movie with friends and attend a birthday party after.

I had to change from pants to shorts after realizing that the zipper on my pants was broken and in no way salvageable…for that day, at least. (QUICK TIP: If your zipper if broken, place a ring hoop in the zipper hole and hang it around your pants buttons. Works like a charm!)

I’m really glad I dove into the off shoulder/ tube trend. I really think it’s one of those classy and timeless pieces along with Peplum tops. I’ve been thinking about getting another top in black but  seeing as that I am currently unemployed and dying to buy an origami skirt, this craving will have to wait.

Stick on bra: Tickled Pink

I was very lucky to have this stick on bra at hand when I got this top. It totally eliminated the stress of choosing what bra to wear and having to pull up a strapless bra every god-knows-when. Plus, I like the texture this stick on bra has as compared to the silicone type ones. I don’t even have to worry about it falling off when I sweat 🙂

To a happy (hopefully alcohol-free) weekend!

Cuz I miss you, fools. And also because I look like a buck toothed man without make up. SHAMELESS!

Throwback Fashion Thursday: Denim

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Denim, denim, denim- we just can’t seem to get a break from you can we?

First it was my mom’s old denim jacket from the 80’s…

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that we turned into vests…

That we eventually tie dyed, metallized and customized…

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Then came the birth of the Chambray shirt, the Chambray dress, the Chambray hoodies, the Chambray skater skirts, the Chambray caps, the Chambray underwear- literally the Chambray EVERYTHING … (ok maybe not underwear :P)

 

 

And how could I forget the denim high waist shorts? The denim shorts that started the epidemic of studs and spikes and tie dye…

 

[It’s sad to be 22 and not be able to wear these anymore. I’m too “uncool”]

And you know, just when I started abiding by the rules of fashion, DENIM on DENIM was suddenly HOT instead of a mortal NOT. Although I never really understood why it was frowned upon to begin with.. It’s so beautiful.

I would say more actually but it would all just be in spite.

As much as I love denim, I live in the freakin’ Philippines where it’s too damn hot to wear ANYTHING.

Check out my first throwback

BYE!

Manic Issa will be back tomorrow.

Ready for Combat

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I’m totally overusing these boots now, aren’t I?

I realized that I wore them on my previous fashion post and now I’m at it again. Oh well.

[Top: Mango| Bandeau: Bench| Military Jacket: Thrifted| Boots: KICKS (SM Department Stores)| Bag: From Spain (gift from Paolo’s mom)]

As you can see these shots are still in my old building. We took these shots on my last Friday as an office employee and although there’s nothing really special about this look, it was mandatory that I did it anyways… for old times sake.

I’m not quite sure if I’m a boots over pants kind of girl since it’s really hot in Cebu and this outfit just makes everything so much hotter. But  I was feeling curious about what it would look like to wear boots with pants since I normally would never do that so I did it anyways (talk about being adventurous). It was ok- just OK. Although I’m not so sure I would try this look again. The temperature in Cebu is just TOO DAMN HIGH.

What do you think about this look?

xx,

Issa

La Vie Parisienne Saturdates

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Hi everyone! Here’s what I wore on a Saturday afternoon to attend business meetings and have mid-afternoon snacks with the boyfriend:

Dress: Fab (Gift from @ohissaplease)| Flats: SM Department Store| Watch: iWatchz| Bag: Hong Kong| Necklace: Forever21

After my meetings, Paolo and I had snacks at La Vie Parisienne which is just in Lahug, right beside La Mason Rose and the Mormon Church. (Can anyone tell me if the gold statue on top of that thing moves? I swear to (whoever’s God), I think it does!)

I literally cannot eat there because it’s all bread and sweets but Paolo wanted coffee and croissants so I decided to indulge a bit myself. It was a bit hot when we got there though and all the shaded areas were taken so we had to sun bathe for a while.  No biggie.

I honestly don’t like bread or dough for that matter. Unless it’s use to hold a pizza, burgers or a sandwich together. I don’t know a lot about bread or their types and characteristics either but I’m guessing Paolo does and I’ve never seen him crave for croissants since he tried the ones from here. It was… soft. lol. Totally not the person you wanna be talking to about food.

Paolo ate it with some jam I couldn’t have so didn’t bother to check out either. But I loved the tiny bottles, though and they only cost P35.00 a pop. Not bad.

La Vie Parsienne is also known as a wine shop. The second time I went there, we ordered wine for around P200.00/bottle. And of course, what better goes with wine than cold cuts of ham and cheese, right? There they’ve got a wide selection of both ham and cheese that you can buy at 100 grams and have them plattered for you and your friends.

And if you’re not into wine you can always have…

“Sham.pag.ney”

That is totally how I say it.

This container van turned into a French themed bakery/ deli and wine library has a wide selection of things to choose from. They’ve got vinaigrette, icing decorators, biscuits and what not. Aside from that they’ve got sandwiches, coffee, bear, juice and my personal weakness, Macarons.

Here’s what we ended up with:

Coffee, 3 Croissants, 1 Fig Macaron, 1 Pistachio Macaron, Jam (not in the picture)

Here’s the garden. It’s even prettier at night.

La Maison Rose (where I hear they serve CAVIAR!)

And here’s us:

Have a happy Sunday everyone!

xx,

Issa

You’re Fine, Soo Fine

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Totally stressing myself out right now cuz I don’t know how to link a video on wordpress. Whateve.

Mens top: ISIS| Shorts: DIY| Bag: Thrifted| Boots: Kicks (SM Department Store)| Beanie: H&M

 

Aizilym Enterprises

 

On gloomy days, I’m always looking forward to being able to wear boots & beanies and whatever strays away from the normal weather clothes that are deemed as “socially acceptable” to wear in public.

I wanted to go for an “edgy” but put together look. Luckily enough I had a top that brought the whole look together without making me look like a giant mess of colors.

And hey! I’m wearing pink. This look is girly, right?

DuZ Grill & A Girl Who Loves Her Ribs

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Duz Grill. Cebu’s newest place for Burgers ‘n Ribs

Ok, first and foremost… I am NOT a food blogger. That job belongs to my good friend, Justinne Go. And if you’ve seen the first two episodes of The Cooking Fashionistas you would know for a fact that I CANNOT COOK TO SAVE MY LIFE. Ok, maybe I’m exaggerating a wee bit but anyways, I don’t cook but I can eat. I’m not well versed with food and flavors but this restaurant is too good to not blog about.

The Basics:

The Person: Alduz

Contact number: 0939 936 9103 (Reservations are highly recommended to avoid shortages of supplies)

Address: 33A Fourth Street, San Antonio Village, Apas, Lahug, 6000, Cebu City (It’s the big blue gate at the end of the street. 3rd street, straight- at the end of the gate)

Price Range : P80.00 – P180.00

Best Sellers: Ribs & Burgers

The Interior

The outside. Perfect for those romantic dates or for big crowds. (Hi kitty!!)

The “Private” Room

DuZ Grill, which is named after the chef/ owner Alduz, is a restaurant which is definitely worth the thrill of the chase. (The fun part is finding the place, since there isn’t any signage but actually, isn’t very hard to find) It is located in a small subdivision in Apas, Lahug where no one would really suspect that “the house at the end of the street” was actually a restaurant with lip smacking burgers and ribs.

The place is literally a house converted into a restaurant which started out with the “private” room (ok, I totally made that name up) and eventually expanded until tables had to placed outside.

What we loved about the place was definitely the homey feel that you can’t really find in other restaurants lately. It is so cozy and intimate… it makes you want to come in your sweats and eat ribs while watching TV on the sofa. We loved it!

The Food

My friend & I went for their best sellers- Grilled Ribs that came with a veggie stir-fry side dish and an original Meat Burger. They actually have veggie burgers available but then, it wouldn’t really be a burger now, would it? I will never get vegetarians. 😐

Meat Burger – P 80.00

I am definitely digging this burger being a burger girl myself. Aside from Kri’s Angus burgers (Dumaguette) this is definitely one burgers close to home that I love.

They use  homemade patties mixed with herbs (confirmed by Duz himself. HA! I am not a dimwit!) which is so soft that you can literally feel it with every bite.

Original Grilled Ribs – P 180.00

Where is Justinne when I need her? This picture is so ugly 😦

As for their ribs, they were sooo soft I’m not even kidding. The meat literally fell off the bones which is pretty cool since I’ve never really seen ribs do that before or maybe I am just THAT ignorant! But meat falling off aside, their serving was pretty generous that if we ordered separate orders, we’d be in big trouble. This dish is big enough to share, ladies. Men, you are excluded… WE KNOW HOW YOU EAT!

The Rest of the Menu

“All Natural and MSG- Free”

And look! We got a choco cherry cupcake, too! I had to give mine away though. I hate diabetes.

 You can check out Duz Grill’s Facebook page here:

https://www.facebook.com/DuzGrill?fref=ts

See you guys at DuZ Grill. They’re open at 12:00 noon – 12:00 midnight and accommodate take out orders. Remember to call ahead for reservations… and of course to thank me for your gastronomical experience! 😉

xx,

Issa

Your best friend when it comes to cheese, burgers, bacon and anything fattening. (HAHAHA. What do you think, love? Totally pulling your leg!)

Ok, that was probably the birth and death of my food blogging career. Now for some fashion:

Come back tomorrow for more on this look! 🙂