UNIQLO Spring/Summer Collection 2014

Last Friday, 28 March 2014, I got invited to the launch event of UNIQLO's spring/summer 2014 collection and its latest global collaborations, held at the Mega Fashion Hall in SM Megamall.

I'm a UNIQLO fan so I got really excited to see what they have in store for me at the event. To my surprise, they're actually launching three new collections and collaborations all at the same time. *bells ringing, stomach turning, wallet shouting* Oh yes (oh no), I'll be going shopping tonight...

Mommy Mundo Clearance Clear Out SALE!

Shopping alert to all mommies and moms-to-be out there! 

Mommy Mundo is holding another Clearance Clear Out SALE happening this weekend at Fun Ranch in Pasig. Check out the banner below for more details and for the list of awesome brands who will be at this amazing sale. 

Summer Brights

I just LOVE Summer. April might have gone too fast (and I have only been to the beach once!!! *what a disappointment*) but hoooray that we still have 31 days of May (well, 29 days of May from today) to have all the beach trips, adventures and whatnot that we can still squeeze out of our short scorching bright summer.

Anyway, to my avid followers, remember my post about how people go all bright and colorful when it's summer?  Well, this post is exactly how I incorporate brights into my summer ensemble. And thanks to Yishion for giving us the opportunity and the challenge to do so. Check it out and let me know what you think. 

Sizzling Hot Major Sale

Oh yes, it is what my title say...

Yishion - one of the country's latest fashion imports, is having it's First Major Sale! *imagine my big eyes matching my biggest grin when I heard the news*

So, let's kick off summer in style with a complete new wardrobe as Yishion takes a big chunk half off of the price on stylish wardrobe staples and trendy pieces, rack after rack after rack. 

Scoring major discounts, with prices starting from P490 and up, starts NOW until April 15 only. So, what y'all waiting for? Head to your nearest Yishion NOW!!! *no pressure*

Shangri-La Mall, Mandaluyong

District Mall, Cavite 

xoxo

The Clueless Mrs.


*sponsored post*

Live Life in Full Color

Woke up this morning in the scorching heat of the sun. So it finally sinked in... Yes, it is undeniably and unescapingly (and I know there's no such word) - Summer. Okay, this realization might come too late given that it has been declared summer since the first week of March but I'm really the kind of person who can take the heat - literally. More often than not, heat really doesn't bother me and I really kinda prefer the right kind of heat versus the cold. 

Anyway, for most people, it is that time of the year once again when we indulge ourselves with layer after layer of sunscreen as the warm touch of the sun burns our skin and all things cold brings sheer joy to our being. Yet, summer is still my favorite season, not just because I get a reason to buy new sunnies, flip-flops and bikinis, but because of all the color it brings. 

I don't know if you agree but do you notice that everything seems to become brighter and more vibrant when it's summer? The street, the sky, the food we eat *Hello, halo-halo* and most of all, what we wear! There's really no excuse in sulking in pure black because black absorbs more heat, unless you really just dig the goth & emo-punk fashion.  I don't judge. But because summer brings sweet sunny happiness, I often see happy people go all bright as well when they step out of the house with bold colors, crazy shades and whatnot, and i just love it.

Speaking of summer, flip-flops, and bold colors, I just LoooOOoooVE the new summer collection of Havaianas that come in all the colors of the rainbow and then some. Havaianas truly understands that people live vividly hued lives and this is reflected in every design and color of their flip-flops. Because human nature is dynamic, not static, and no one can be boxed in just one color, Havaianas gives us another wide range of colorful comfy flip-flops that we can match with our every mood. Don't you agree? *Nod if you do* 

And this summer, Havaianas invites us to celebrate life by embracing our vibrant and colorful self with the latest collection of new shades from the world's most loved brand of flip-flops. This summer's releases of the now-ubiquitous Brazilian flip-flops features new colors for beloved Havaianas classics like Havaianas Top, Havaianas Top Mix, Havaianas Slim, Havaianas Brasil, Havaianas Brasil Logo, Havaianas Brasil Mix, and so much more the perfect companions to match every look, mood, or lifestyle as we continue to live summer every day of the year. 

Havaianas aims to celebrate different facets of individuality with its latest summer collection. Each color in the Summer 2013 collection encourages people to live life in full color both inside and out by embodying certain attributes that make each and every person unique. Aside from the classic White and Black, other stunning colors such as Amazonia, Marine Blue, Fushia and Lime Green are perfect for expressing your inner self through comfortable, and simple stylish flip-flops. 

Havaianas believes that summer is not just a season - it is a state of mind, that allows us to live freely and expressively, by embracing the many millions of colors that create the canvas of our lives. With all the many styles and colors we can choose from, we can make a strong or subtle fashion statement whether we're simply stepping out to do groceries or digging our feet into the sand on a sunny beach. There is simply a perfect pair of Havaianas for everybody, every day and every occasion. Whatever our mood, we can always count on Havaianas to be our constant style companion this summer, because we deserve to live a colorful and exuberant life. 

Kudos to Havaianas for coming up with yet another fabulous collection that I just LoooOOoooVE (there goes my long LOVE again. Sorry, I just had to emphasize again and again *lol*) Oh, and my favorite? This pair below. Its bold mix of colors with a touch of the exuberant lifestyle of Brasil is absolutely perfect for my audacious personality. Don't you think?

So this summer, join me as I live life in full Havaianas colors and express your colorful self both inside and out by grabbing a new pair of Havaianas in any of its exciting new colors!

Experience the summer vibe that never goes out of style with the world's favorite rubber flip-flops brand, Havaianas. Take part in the Havaianas story and grab a pair now, available in Metro Manila at All Flip-Flops, Celio, Complex, Duty Free Philippines Fiesta Mall, J&S Surf Shop, KidSports, Manila Polo Club, Nail Spa, Ocean Front, Plana Forma, ROX, Rustan's, Stoked, Tick Tock Flip Flop NAIA Terminal 3, and Urban Athlethis. For provincial outlets, visit www.havaianas.com.

xoxo

The Clueless Mrs

*sponsored post*

Femme Ala Mod

It's been a looooong time since I made an outfit post. It's probably because my daily get up now involves a heavy Jansport and the most comfortable flats I can find. I don't know how many times I've shared that already but the sight of my haggardness is really that depressing most of the time. My continuous weight gain may have caused my confidence level to dip as well but I'm working on that. 

For the particular reason that I want to win an iPad mini, I entered this contest of Solemate by SM Bags and Shoes and made an effort to dazzle myself up again and courageously face the camera. 

Make Up trick:
Contouring for some instant cheekbones

It took me a while to get comfortable in front of the camera again but I told myself to just have fun and everything was a breeze from then on. It was just like riding the bike.

For my comeback outfit post, I decided to go Classy Casual Chic, and there's nothing more classy than a black and white ensemble. What do you think?

This is one of those days that I really miss home and have a wide variety of clothes and accessories that I can mix and match. And with "wide variety" I meant having three closets I can dig from- mine, my sister's and my mom's. Would you believe that from this whole outfit, I only own the necklace, the watch and the Solemate flats? Here's the breakdown and the budget-friendly price tags.

Necklace: Gift from my former boss (est. P600 - P800)

Bag: Parfois (Sale @ P899) *borrowed from mom*

Watch: DKNY (Est. P5,000+), birthday gift from in-laws
Cocktail Ring: Bazaar find (est. P100-P150) *borrowed from sister*
Bracelet: The Landmark (P120) *borrowed from sister*

The key piece to this ensemble is my Solemate flats. It's very rare for me to find THE perfect pair of black flats so I was really happy, as in up to my ears happy, when I found this pair. They're the most comfortable set I've ever had that I just had to have more than one so, I swiped to have a total of four pairs of Solemate shoes in different colors and designs. Not to worry about spending a lot though coz two pairs of Solemate is only priced at P399. Talk about budget shopping. 

Solemate Flats (Two for P399)

White tank: *borrowed from mom*
Sleeveless Blazer: Studio, SM Sucat Outlet (Sale @ P250),
*borrowed and arbored from sister*
Lace Shorts: SM GTW (Sale @ P150, same here)

I love how the texture on my white tank (my mom's I meant) perfectly matches the texture on my (my mom's) white bag. It made the simple black and white outfit totally not boring. Don't you agree?

What do you think?

Please give me some *Love* and VOTE for ME

xoxo

The Clueless Mrs.

30 before 30

This blog post is actually inspired by the 30 before 30 List of We Are Sole Sisters whose story is very inspiring specially to those who dreams of traveling the world or simply wants to live a life of adventure. (To We Are Sole Sisters, hope you don't mind me borrowing the title)

Since I have 364 days left before I actually do reach 30, I think doing this list is just very timely and will (hopefully) help me achieve some of the goals I have while I'm still in my 20 something. 

--- okay, 10 minutes staring at a blank page is just sad --- 

--- I thought this is going to be easy ---

Let me start with the things I want to prioritize and hopefully, the list of dreams I have been keeping in my head will just flow out in writing...

1. Get pregnant - Well, to be fair to the super wannabe lolos and lolas (both sides) it has been a year and I really do want to start a family already. I just hope "in God's time" comes quicker.

2. Get my Weddings & Events Coordination business (really) off the ground - I'm there. Almost. Just need to keep my focus and really work hard.

3. Get back into Fashion School - Done with my first day in taking a refresher course in Basic Pattern Making and hopefully I can really finish it till the end so I can advance to other courses.

4. Enroll for Advance Pattern Making and Haute Couture and be part of Fashion Institute of the Philippines' 2013 Graduation Show 

5. Experience surfing. Any surfing spots will do. 

6. Join a Volunteer program - I'm eyeing on something. I just hope it pushes through.

7. Lose 15 lbs. by May - Been trying since January and I have given up rice since Ash Wednesday. I cheated a bit yesterday at my Pre-Birthday dinner but I.CAN.DO.THIS.

8. Work on the interior design of our condo - Budget is all I need. I'll say one corner at a time.

9. Drive - Not just within the village but actually be able to drive going as far as Quezon City (North) and Batangas (South).

10. Get myself an iPad - To justify, I need this for my job. At least one client says so... many times already *wink*

11. Go or at least book a trip to Hong Kong - It's has been more than 10 years since my first trip to HK with my family and my husband hasn't been there so this is very important.

12. Fix up my blog and make Clueless Mrs. a dot com.

13. Own a car - long shot but who knows? I might be lucky enough to win the lottery or a raffle promo.

14. Start selling samples of my designs by December

15. Explore Mt. Pinatubo

16. Get featured in a magazine

17. Be recognized as a Fashion/ Prenup Stylist

18. Learn basic Make-Up

19. Learn how to bake

20. Get a bad-*** camera

21. Get another big break in modeling - last year has been a good one for me. Hopefully, this year would be better.

22. Go to Coron

23. Explore Cebu - I've been to Cebu twice already but both are business trips so it doesn't count.

24. Join at least three (3) Bridal Fairs this year - I've already joined one. Two more to go :)

25. Be more experimental when it comes to clothes and dress up beyond my "classic" comfort zone.

26. Apprentice with a Couture Designer - Really get hands-on experience in couture designing, sewing, etc. I believe this will help me master my craft. 

27. Eat at an authentic Indian restaurant - I'm talking about the ones where you have seat on big colorful pillows and belly dancers entertain you, with shisha and all. Sadly, I haven't tried this and I don't know where to actually experience this.

28. Learn basic photography

29. Start planning for our dream home - Also a loooong shot but only God knows...

30. Earn enough without finding a need to get a full-time job. - this would definitely be sweeeeeeeet.

So there, that's my 30 before 30 List! I know I still have 364 days but life is too short so I've got to start NOW. Let's see what happens and good luck to me.

Do you have yours too? Share it with me by leaving a comment below.

xoxo,

The Clueless Mrs.

Budget Shopping 101

It has been a while since I last posted an outfit shoot. Well, there's a reason for that... I- for a heartbreakingly brief moment- have let go of shopping and kept my "debt" cards in tight security to make do with my own very little funds I have left to see me through for a month or so. 

I sometimes forget that I'm already married, that I actually have someone to share the monetary burden with (and ask an allowance from *hihi*) but truth of the matter is, I'm simply not that kind of girl. I'll let my husband shoulder all our home expenses, if it really comes to the point that I cannot cover my half anymore, but NOT my personal allowance. No siree. For me, that's a blow below the gut I cannot muster as a "trying to be" independent woman. 

Soooooooo... because I am on a veerrrrryy tight shopping budget now. I am back to bazaars, clearances, offline & online ukay and bargain hunting like it's 1990! *haha* Just exaggerating, I'm only in 1st Grade that time so I don't really shop yet. Not ashamed of it, I'm good when it comes to thrift finds and I have this spread to prove it. 

When it comes to extreme budget shopping, I have two default places I go to:

1. Outlets in SM Sucat, specifically Clearance on 3F.

2. Landmark Bazaar, Makati

If I have more "budget" funds to spare, I'd go to People R People Outlet in Glorietta or the bigger and better branch in Robinson's Galleria, called "The Platform."

You may think tiangges like Greenhills or Divisoria should be my default places for budget shopping but you might be surprised to know you can get better deals in Landmark Bazaar. Same stuff but at a cheaper price. Promise! I once bought a dress in St. Francis Square at P550 and the next day, my mom saw the exact same dress in Landmark for only P250. Talk about profiteering! Obviously, we returned the dress to the bazaar vendor and showed the same dress we bought from Landmark at a cheaper price. Yes,  you can do that! 

Here are some budget shopping tips I can share to make the most out of your scarce shopping money:

1. Since we're talking about "BUDGET" no. 1 tip is to give yourself a budget first before ransacking every store in the mall. Do you have a 100, 500, 1,000? more? or none at all?

2. (P0 budget) If you have NO money to spare for shopping AT ALL, look at the item again and again and again or stare at it for 10 loooong seconds, until you get tired of it. Then tell yourself "I don't need it" OR "I can still live with what I currently have."

3. (P100- P500 a.k.a "one top budget") If you actually have some shopping money to spare, THINK BEFORE YOU BUY. Don't rush and buy the first top you've set your eyes on. Make sure that what you're going to buy is absolutely worth it. The perfect question is, "can you wear this in 10 different ways?" If the answer is yes, then by all means, burn that Ninoy! 

4. (P500- P1500 a.k.a "one - two outfit budget") If you have a somehow enjoyable budget to spare. Mind you, P1,500 for some people are a "one top budget." Get one or two matching or complementary outfits so you know exactly how to wear it and what to match it with to wear for countless times. Not only do you get to have a fuss-free fashionable day coz you already know what that top goes with best, it's sure-ball you'll get to wear it again and again and again. ROI accomplished!

5. Most importantly, check your goods! You don't want to regret buying a top with different shoulder length, I tell you. Do what seamstresses do, make sure the shoulders are aligned, the edging was done in an acceptable quality, no holes in weird places, no discoloration, and no stains.  

When I luckily fell under "one-two outfit budget", these are the matchy-matchy stuff I bought from Landmark Bazaar. I exceeded a bit but ALL accounts to under P2,000. And because I'm always on the run nowadays, my essential wardrobe includes comfy skinnies, breathable tops and flats so, I went for three (3) skinnies + three (3) chiffon tops as follows:

For variety and different moods, I got one purple shade.

Neutral - gray shade

Playful Pastel tones

Can't wait to wear them all and finally do outfit shoots again that I truly miss.

A sweet reminder before I end this post. Budget shopping varies from person to person in different walks of life. And this is mine. Feel free to adopt or go with what your own cashflow can handle. The choice (and budget) is yours.

xoxo,

The Clueless Mrs.

One Hat Day

[01.14.2013] Woke up in the warm embrace of my husband in the cold Tagaytay weather where we spent out first year anniversary for a quick relaxing escape from the city. I couldn't believe how fast time really flies when you're really having fun. It feels just like yesterday when we said our I DOs and when everything was at slow-mo because we were trying the revel in every second of our wedding day.

Tagaytay wasn't really our first choice to celebrate our first anniversary at, but it's the best second, I have to say. It's sort of going back to where year one started when we were still boyfriend-girlfriend. A secret garden a lot of people go to for a green feast that's out of the ordinary- Sonya's Garden. 

#instagram

Like our plans that always seem to change, this wasn't my first outfit choice for the occasion but when my sis handed me her partial and late Christmas gift, a dress from Tomato, I fell in love with it so much that I had to wear it for the special affair. The hat I also borrowed from her was also perfect for a complete simple garden-theme number. Everything just looks relaxed, young and fresh, don't you agree?

To add to the freshness of this outfit is this pretty gift I got from my hubby - a charm watch bracelet from Anne Klein, which stands as my temporary substitute for Pandora till we can actually afford one. *haha* Kudos to my sweet hubby for getting me this. Isn't it sOooo me? *lol* And what did he get in return, you ask? I hate to admit that I settled for a very very very practical gift because I couldn't afford all the things I originally wanted to give him at the moment - a grooming kit! *lol* I know, MAJOR FAIL for a first year anniversary gift but at least it's something that he will really use... right?!?!? *haha*major fail*sigh*

Well, anyway, I owe him. Good thing there will be other more occasions I can make bawi. 

Price Tags?

Hat: The Landmark (P199)

Dress: Tomato- gift from sis- (Sale @ 50% off P350)

Slippers: Havaianas (P1,250)

Bag: Forever 21 (Sale @ 70% off P661)

Cocktail Ring: Forever 21- gift from sis-in-law

Necklace: Forever 21-gift from sis-in-law

What do you think of my look? LIKE it on #clozettte

xoxo,

The Clueless Mrs.

After the Rain

I just love the weather this month, don't you? The cool breeze, the short rain showers,  even the gloomy skies that makes me just want to snuggle up in bed the whole day... *dozing off* 

What I love more is having an excuse to wear light winter clothes I can't normally wear in our tropical weather like what I'm wearing here. And, would you believe, everything I have on I got on Sale? Oh yesiree, I am such a sucker for sale items, it's in my DNA. Thanks to my mom who taught me and my sister how to hunt clothes for less. I'll share with you more budget shopping tips and where to shop soon Or you can also follow Clueless Mrs. on Facebook for instant Sale Alerts ;)

Anyway, on to my look... Because it was about to rain when we left home last Saturday, I decided to wear my new booties to match my now fave burgundy skinnies. Two items off my shopping checklist before I said goodbye to my 2012 shopping craze (which was extended until January 2013). *lol* To cover myself up from the cold, I simply snatched this *almost forgotten item* from my closet, a cover up from Memo I bought ages ago.

It was one of my lazy weekends so I just put on simple accessories, but a black crocheted beanie and half-palm gloves would have made my look edgier. Now, if only I had those... *hmmm....* waahhh....*killing the "tempted to shop" thought bubble because i badly need to save*

Price Tags?
Aztec Top: Cotton On same here(Sale @ SGD10 or approx. P330)

Cover Up: Memo (Sale @ P300)

Burgundy Skinnies: Cotton On (Sale @ P800)

Watch: Casio (Sale @ P495)

Black Booties: Payless Shoesource (Sale @ P1,115)

What do you think of my look? 
LIKE IT on #clozette.

xoxo,

The Clueless Mrs.

Caution: Hectic Week Ahead

As I say a momentary goodbye to the corporate world again for some health rest, I am greeted with a surge of... *drum roll please* blooooooooog backlogs! *woohoo* I have a whole lot to share with you, from my first holiday with the Mister, trips, food, probably a [v]log or two, few looks and whatnots over the holidays and beyond. I am ecstatic to write all about 'em so, sit tight *doing some fingers and wrist stretching now* coz it's gonna be a hectic blogging week ahead of me. And, I am not just talking about this week... 

Wanna connect with me? 

Follow @AizaSoller on Twitter or on Instagram.

xoxo,

The Clueless Mrs.

Going Places

As I now officially bid 2012 a sweet goodbye, here's an inspiring lookback at one of the sunniest outfit shoots I had a few weekends ago.

So, what's sO special about this outfit post, you ask? Well, just my uuuber comfy travel-inspired skimmers that I won (Yep, I WON!) from Punchdrunk Panda. I rarely win in Facebook promo giveaways so when I got an email notification from Punchdrunk Panda that I was one of the winners of their 12 for 12 Giveaway Promo when they reached their awesome 12,000 fans, I totally screamed to the top of my lungs *WOOOHOOO*

This travel-inspired cool design for Punchdrunk Panda is by Kasey Albano and Arriane Serafico. Here's an inspirational note from the designers...

For every traveler whose wanderlust can never be satiated: let this pair be your lucky charm to attract magical travel experiences, your compass to lead you to discoveries off the beaten path, and your courage serum to start conversations with strangers.

So click your heels three times and get ready for the magic - with these shoes, you're definitely going places.

- The biggest adventure you can ever take is to live the life of your dreams - 

I feel so inspired just by wearing these shoes because I am Going Places this 2013. Thank you Punchdrunk Panda!

Denim Dress: True Love, SM GTW (Sale @ P200) - borrowed from my lil sis.
Floral Denim Shorts: True Love, SM GTW (P399)
Earrings: For Reselling Soon (est. SRP P180)
Ring: For Reselling Soon (est. SRP. P100)
Women's Skimmers: Punchdrunk Panda (NOW ON SALE! @ P647.50, originally P1,295)

More photos that didn't make this post

Shop Punchdrunk Panda

LIKE Punchdrunk Panda on Facebook

xoxo,

The Clueless Mrs.

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.