Luminous Epiphany

For so long, I have been trying to figure out what I really want to do with my life - yeah, seven years long to be exact - and beat this "cluelessness" that has been hindering me to realize my full potential.

This year has been a career whirlwind for me... My mind has been clouded with a thought that since I'm good in what I do, maybe this is what I should just pursue, but there's a still a lot of what-ifs and why-nots hovering over my head. I have been longing for signs that will lead me to the right direction towards my true destiny. And this time, I don't want to rush it and really think things through.

My facts in life and random thoughts are these...

I cannot be too stressed anymore. My mind say yes but my body (my health) just can't take it anymore.

-#-

I want to be a person of influence and I know I cannot achieve that by hiding behind a desk from 8-5. (Nor could I still join Ms. Universe. *haha*)

-#-

I want to be in control of my life, manage my own time, get to express my creativity in unlimited ways possible, envision things and bring them to life. 
-#-
I want a stress-free life and part of it is to start distancing myself from the corporate world and prepare myself for hands-on motherhood. (Though that may seem stressful at times as well) 

-#- 
In contrare, I still want to have a sense of accomplishment. 
-#-

I'am just addicted to clothes and shopping. (If only it's really that simple to earn a living from doing just that)

So, what now?

While I flip through the pages of Preview Magazine's Dec'12-Jan'13 issue in search of inspiration, I caught myself stunned as I saw a familiar scene that brought me back to 2009 when I was still taking a short course in Basic Fashion Design at the Fashion Institute of the Philippines. My jaw dropped when it came to mind that it was the realization of what I envisioned for my first collection when I submitted my final assignment to my Fashion Design professor, John Herrera. An 8-piece collection I called "Luminous."

A letter from my past self told me so and this feature of Francis Libiran's Gala (above) in celebration of Manila Hotel's 100th year, finally made me realize what is... 

That I really, truly, desperately... want to be in everything that's got to do with Fashion. To be a Couture Designer is my main goal, but if not, I'd be glad just to be in any facets of fashion, may it be as a stylist, visual merchandiser, or back to marketing or maybe work for a magazine or whatever. As long as I can wrap myself up with all things pretty... *eyes glistening now*

This ain't gonna be easy, but here's a proof and my motivation of what I have the talent for...

For my first collection, I got inspiration from lamps, lights, chandeliers, and steel fabrication of my favorite- swirls! I just LOVE the craftsmanship that's put into the details of such things. I also like how light illuminates from specially-designed lamps and the shapes and shadows it make. Tule, Organza, Chiffon, Hull Dull, Nit, Two-tone Organdi, and Satin are my fabric of choice while I play with very light hues of pinks, champagnes, golds, and browns with a LOT of beadings and embellishments to capture the details of my inspiration.

Fashion Mood Board

I decided to go with an 8-piece collection of luxurious cocktail dresses and long gowns that reflects my design personality- feminine, luxe, with a lot of textures and details- because a 16-piece collection might be too much for me to start with. My favorite designers include Elie Saab, Cary Santiago, John Herrera and Francis Libiran whom I think I kind of share the same design esthetic with, that's why I think I can relate to them so much, in terms of design. Hope you like what you see =) 

Styling

About the Designer

Here's an inspiring message from John Herrera after he saw my sketches.

signed, John Herrera

I know it's a loooong shot and I will definitely have to start from the bottom again but it's a risk I am willing to take. I guess, it's better to take the risk now than forever wonder... What if? Why not? and Why (the hell) didn't I? 

So, what do you think of my designs?
Give LOVE and leave a comment...


xoxo,

The Clueless Mrs.

Shadow Play by the Voluptuous Vixen

First of all, I would like to greet everyone a very Merry Christmas! 

Excuse my silence for I have been trying to savor the momentary feel of the Christmas season. It has been a very busy December so I allowed myself to grab the opportunity - in this seemingly short vacay - to sink into the depth of my bed, my fluffy pillows, and cuddle under the arms of my husband while I try to shut my "brain-on-work" off and inject myself with some Christmas cheer and attempt to seek clarity for this long-year cluelessness (sort of). 

I have a LOT of blog posts still pending and few vlog "Kitchen Diaries" episodes to edit but  till I get to that, here's an outfit post. My segue is disjointed, I know... *hahaha* but I can't seem to find the right connect with all the thoughts flooding my head right now. 

ANYWAY, I really didn't plan for an outfit shoot yesterday because I was in one of my very casual moments to greet Christmas but a quaint ray of light in our parking lot simply lured me into one artsy photography session. Thank God I did it because the outcome of the photos (with some creative editing) were breathtaking. I'm still kilig to the bones when I look at the photos. Take a look.

Finding the light

What was clear to me was that, I have turned into one voluptuous vixen with all the weight I have gained over a few months because of my thyroid problem. Nevertheless, although I prefer the skinny me, I love my body and I embrace my sexy voluptuousity, if there's even such a word. *lol* 

inhale... inhale... inhale...

Studded leatherette Bracelet: For Reselling Soon... (SRP P150)
Gold Watch: Timex (Sale @ est. P1,749)

Earrings: For Reselling Soon... (SRP P160)
Eyes: ELF "Eyes.Lips.Face" Make Up
Brows: Etude House
Skin: BB Cream from Etude House; 2-way Foundation from Maybelline
Lips: Maybelline

Muffin top: No where to Hide...

Shadow Play

Medusa 

Shots created after 10x hair flips. Photos edited using Camera 360 App for Iphone.

Dark Angel

Top: Penshoppe (Sale @ P299)

Jeans: Denim Spice from People Are People (Sale @ P799)

Nude Pumps: Charles & Keith (P1,999)

See more photos that didn't make this post

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

xoxo,

The Clueless Mrs.

SALE ALERT! MANGO End of Season Sale

The much-awaited MANGO SALE starts TODAY at 2:00 pm!

Rush to the nearest MANGO store today and get up to 50% off on ALL items in all MANGO, H.E. by MANGO and MANGO Touch stores in the Philippines.

WANT FIRST DIBS ON THE SALE? A special VIP preview sale will be held for MANGO VIP and RCBC Bankard cardholders from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm. If you don’t have your MANGO card yet, now would be the perfect time to sign up! Visit this link or head to your favorite MANGO store to fill out an application form and get a free MANGO mobile charm!

MANGO has 23 stores including recently opened stores at the Centrio Mall and Cagayan De Oro.

Visit MANGO Touch at Robinsons Magnolia and Power Plant Mall. Soon to open in Bonifacio High Street Central, Glorietta, SM Mall of Asia, and SM Megamall.

H.E. by MANGO is at the Power Plant Mall. Soon to open in Alabang Town Center, Bonifacio High Street Central. Glorietta, and SM Mall of Asia.

Per DTI-NCR Permit no. 9879 Series of 2012

xoxo,

The Clueless Mrs.

The Yishion Challenge

If you've read my blog post I published last night, you'll know that I enjoyed a shopping treat from Yishion to celebrate the opening of their second branch at the District Mall, Cavite city. Well, there's actually a caveat to that... A blogger styling challenge, which I am absolutely game for.

To give you a refresher, we were given a P3,000 budget (and time limit) to come up with an outfit that expresses our unique personal style. 

If you've been following me long enough, you'll know that when I started doing fashion posts, I made it my personal mission to help my readers learn about real fashion by knowing their own personal style based on one's specific size, shape, color and personality, and how to work it while doing it all within the budget. That's the reason why I also put price tags on what I wear because you really don't have to spend millions to look fab. It's all about personal style, being comfortable in your own skin and a spark of confidence to work any outfit you have on.

While I say all these, I don't proclaim myself as an expert in fashion already because I have not stopped myself from learning about transforming even my own personal style. One problem I face actually (although it is a goooood problem), people find me looking much younger than I really am. That's probably because I often borrow clothes from my younger sister or the fashion bloggers that I follow and influence me as well are on that age category. *haha* So, when this challenge was presented to us, I gave myself an extra challenge by coming up with a more mature number. 

It's funny though because if there are two things I shy away from, that would be color red because I'm simply not a red person and harem pants because it makes my hips look bigger, and look what I picked for this particular challenge?! A combination of both! *lol* 

What I LOVE about this combo is #1 the shade of this red chiffon top is not that strong for my color preference and I love how it makes my skin look glowing, don't you think? It also had me at "last piece" which gives me an edge over other bloggers because I will be the only girl from the bunch who will have this top. *high five* #2 this harem pants just fits me perfectly. Pulling it up to my waist also creates an illusion of a slimmer waist. *clap*clap*

As a Mrs.' I am also very practical when I shop and this includes asking myself "how can I wear this in at least three different ways?" And for this challenge, I already came up with two... Check it out!

Look #1

Perfect for a meeting

Look #2

Something more fun and casual

Red Chiffon Top that comes with a white sleeveless undershirt: Yishion (P1,299)
Polkadot Harem Pants: Yishion (P1,299)
Necklace: Yishion (P499)
Look #1 Black Pumps (same here)
Look #2 Black Pumps (same here)


Special thanks to my sister, Mars Soller, for being my photographer for the day.

What do you think of my outfits? 
Show me some LOVE by leaving a comment and by sharing this post. 

xoxo, 

The Clueless Mrs. wears

LIKE Yishion on Facebook

Yishion Fashion Invasion

Last Friday, I was invited yet again to another fab event that tickled my fashion fancies. A huge international fashion brand from China, Yishion, is taking the Philippines by storm by opening its second branch at the District Mall in Cavite City, after the sweet success of its flagship store at the Shangri-La Plaza in Mandaluyong.

And to celebrate the launch of its second store, Yishion invited a select few of influential fashion bloggers *ehem* *represent!* *bow* for a road trip down Cavite city to experience Yishion for a trendy afternoon of style and fabulous finds (with some shopping involved). *wink* 

Take a look...

Yishion store at the District Mall, Cavite City

Established in 1997, Yishion started as a manufacturer in the fashion capital of Humen in Dongguan City, China, and has now taken over the globe with over 5,000 franchised stores worldwide, with stores in Hong Kong, Singapore, Vietnam, U.A.E., Qatar, and other countries in Asia. 

Yishion Brand Manager, Ms. Joan Chung, introduces Yishion

Apologies if the photo that I took is not that nice, I have to admit, my attention was a little off because I was super distracted with excitement to check out the fashionable clothes inside the store. 

And what do we have here... *big grin* 

Whether you want to rock the boat with a nautical number, knock-out college dudes with a preppy ensemble, slip into a sleek outfit for an important affair, go urban or go rocker chic, Yishion simply has all that every fashionista needs for every style and every budget.  

Aside from that, Yishion also offers a wide range of crisp tailored pieces that I can totally see my guy in, and I just can't wait to bring him to Yishion and get a him a shirt or two as additional Christmas presents. 

I did mention that there was some shopping involved, right? Well, it truly was a trendy afternoon because Yishion treated us with P3,000 worth of shopping that I was very eager to do because I already had my eye on several pieces, even when I was just peeking through the glass window during the intros. And I think I shared this enthusiasm with the rest of the girls because we were like hungry beasts as soon as we stepped inside the store. *galit-galit muna* #PG 

And after rummaging rack after rack of Yishion's fab clothes, look what I have on my rack!?! Special thanks to my Yishion styling assistant, Camille, for putting my hangers in order. I was a kinda embarrassed when she saw my crazy shopping strategy with lots of clothes flying over my elbows and shoulders, like there's no tomorrow. *haha* Yes, I was that excited... 

Filtered set of black & white tops and bottoms
with some pop of red hues to break the monochrome. 

Yishion (mission) accomplished!

The Clueless Mrs. together with other Fashion bloggers

Check out Yishion's full collection at the ff stores:

Shangri-La Plaza, Mandaluyong

District Mall, Cavite City

LIKE Yishion on Facebook

xoxo,

The Clueless Mrs.

SALE ALERT! It's going to be NOISE-y this 12.12.12

As a lot of you may probably know, I am one of those who got passionately addicted to online shopping as evidenced in my previous post on how to Spend to Save the Clueless Mrs.' way.

Well, it's time to make some NOISE this 12.12.12 because online shopping giants are joining forces this holiday season to shake things up with the National Online Internet Shopping Extravaganza, or NOISE, day.

We are talking about leading one-stop shopping sites like ZALORA and LAZADA together with one of the group buying sites I also frequent, GROUPON, with the most exclusive deals, biggest steals and a whole lot more of surprises (& prizes) to make up for the most exciting cyber shopping experience- EVER!

So, here's the DEAL... *serious tone now* 

On 12.12.12, Zalora, the country's online destination for fashion and lifestyle, will offer 12% off on ALL items- from trendy clothing and chic home decor to cool sports gear and stylish accessories- to everyone who purchases from 12AM to 1AM and 12PM to 1PM. NOISE day also kicks off the Special Zalora 12 days of Christmas sale- offering even more exciting discounts on a different category each day for the 12 days leading up to Christmas eve. 

Not to be outdone, Lazada, the Philippines’ Online Shopping Mall offers a HUGE 30% discount and up on 8 products each for their 12 categories, giving us the best deals on gadgets, books, baby essentials, beauty products and more every hour starting at 8AM until 8PM. To make this even more exciting, Lazada Philippines will be having an hourly raffle draw for their shoppers with the grand prize of PhP 121,212 worth of Lazada Gift Certificates!

To top that, Groupon Philippines will be having a 12-hour Flash Sale from 12NN to 12MN. Subscribers will be able to avail of an additional 12% discount on selected local deals, including restaurant vouchers, spa deals, and more. In addition, free credits will given to loyal Groupon subscribers. Experience your city for less with Groupon!

So, what are you waiting for? Set the alarms ready for some amazing online shopping this 12.12.12! Now, this is one thing I won't hit my snooze button on. Happy Shopping!

xoxo,

The Clueless Mrs.

KO Knuckle Sandwich

An important part of marriage is compromise, even in food.  That's why even though I personally prefer relaxing fancy dates, I don't really mind getting my hands greasy once in a while to feed my husband's craving for junk food. So for one of our weekly Fri-Dates, I brought my man to a "manly" date  and try out one of the newest burger joints in the South - The Knuckle Sandwich - and have a belly buster half pound burgers for dinner. And boy, was I knocked out.

The Knuckle Sandwich is really a place you can call "for the boys" because, I swear, you can already feel the testosterone five meters away from the place. Minimalist interiors, brick walls, basic tables and stools, Pacquiao and Muhammad Ali posters and even a striking bag matched with pound for pound burgers and sandwiches... Need I say more? 

The price range is quite hefty for a normal day, with an average price of P185 for burgers, P40 for sodas and P130 for desserts, but since it was Fri-Date, we didn't mind spending a lil for some heavy-weight dinner. 

Philly Cheese Burger (P185)
175gram well seasoned beef patty with caramelized onion 
and melted cheese whiz served in a burger bun with oats.

Oh, that juicy goodness.

The Philly Cheese Burger was HUGE and *burp* GOOD, though (in my opinion) it would have probably tasted better if the "caramelized onions" were more than just one peel of an onion and with more melted cheese plus, additional serving of chips won't hurt for the price that we paid (don't sue me, this is constructive criticism *smile*). But the beef patty?!? Ooooh... pure juicy goodness until the very last bite. 

Overall experience? Ok. Would I come back? High Probability.

The Knuckle Sandwich Station

308 Aguirre Street BF Homes, 1718 Paranaque

T: (+632) 425 2007

LIKE The Knuckle Sandwich Station on Facebook

xoxo,

The Clueless Mrs.