How I landed my dream job...

My incredible 2011 began when (My now boss) stylist Rex Atienza replied to me email. Yes... He replied, and fortunately for me he was currently looking for an associate stylist... And the rest they say is history. ♥

I now live with the quote by the uber fabulous John Galliano... "Be reckless enough to gamble all or nothing to follow your dreams!" I am very thankful God gave me this wonderful blessing, but of course, I just can't leave it all up to Him. I have to do something too right? I think my perseverance and my love for fashion that brought me to where I am today. I am 25 years old for crying out loud. I told myself that I will do whatever it takes to reach my dreams. I went to three interviews and never had a call back. I experienced those ups and downs... There are times when I felt like giving up because of those rejections. But I know God wouldn't let me down. I waited and gave it time... I know He has something better planned for me... And indeed I was right. God is very, very good! "God's delays does necessarily mean God's denials"

I've been working with my wonderful boss for two weeks now. And all I can say is that I have never been so happy with a job in my entire life. I don't even want to call it a job. I would refer to it as my dream come true! ♥

This blog post is dedicated to everyone who's still dreaming about their dream job. All I can say is that, if you really want something, you have to believe in yourself and all our capabilities... And of course, a huge faith in God wouldn't hurt. Never think that God's delays are God's denials!

"God gives His blessings in 3 ways: YES and gives you what you want; NO and gives you something better and WAIT and gives you the best in His good time!"

Birthday girl/Stylist Kat Cruz, Associate stylist Jeff Galang, Moi and my boss Stylist Rex Atienza

Blogger Love: Rumi Neely of fashiontoast.com

I adore fashion bloggers... But I have three favorites so far... Wait... I have around top 5 favorite fashion bloggers... And I swear, I seriously envy their posts and waaaah! They make me want to be thinner already! BTW, I lost like 6 pounds last week... Just by drinking lots and lots of water and by not eating too much. I am too busy to eat... So yeah, thank God for this awesome job! :)

As I was saying, I have my favorites, and I want to feature my top 1 gal... Rumi Neely! I love her! I love her style... She has this certain spunk to her appeal, which she brings to all her outfits. This girl can seriously pull anything off. Mixing and matching luxury labels, off the racks and vintage finds... Tadaaah... Rumi Neely spectacular outfit. She is the epitome of what every stylist should be or what every fashion blogger should be. Long bleached hair, skinny legs, skinny arms, tall, with a really deep coarse voice... Amazing and stylish in every way! I envy her because not only does she has great taste with clothes, but this girl sure knows how to pick a boyfriend. If you're wondering who took Rumi's gorgoues blog pictures, then wonder no more. The man behind the lens is no other than Rumi's boyfriend Colin Sokol. Together, these two lovebirds compose drool worthy images for Fashiontoast.com. To know more about Rumi Neely and her fierce street style, watch the three videos from last year's "Forever 21 Style Muses" featuring Rumi and other fab fashion bloggers.

Mulberry Pre-Fall 2011

Images from Vogue.tumblr.com

Regalong Pambahay Outlet (Pioneer)

Planning on changing the look of my condo... From Beachy to Vintage French Apartment Chic! So if you're interested in beach decors, let me know. I'm selling all my Tikki Candle Holder, Beach Signs, etc... Ohhhh! I'm selling my Surfboard too! (FYI!) Last July, I started buying vintage frames and decor from Russ and flea markets... They're actually for the wedding. But since I don't feel like being the Beachy girl forever, I've decided to use them as decors in my condo. I also bought damask pillowcases from Landmark. Unfortunately, since I bought them for 60php... They sort of shrunk... Thus, I was devastated. I am not forced to buy high quality pillowcases from Rustan's or have them made.

Then after my interview at an office in Pioneer street last week. I've decided to go to the Regalong Pambahay Outlet and see what I can find there... If you're like me who loves Damask and French decor then I'm pretty sure you'll feel like a little kid in a huge candy store. I wanted all of their stuff. It was indeed a bit of a torture for me since all their items are 15% off from their original price. I did decide to hold back but when you're there you just could not resist buying these decorative pieces as well...

Regalong Pambahay - Outlet Store (Mandaluyong City) FMF Business Center, 126 Pioneer St., Mandaluyong City Tel. No. (632) 632.0778 to 79 / 638.8580

Sujean Rim

I think I mentioned Sujean in one of my past entries... Sujean Rim is an illustrator whom I admire very much. I love all her illustrations. They're so chic and so amusing. I seriously wish I could draw like her. I mean, it's really hard for me to manipulate my hand into creating a recognizable person. That's why I never took up fashion illustration, as much as I want to... It's just going to be disappointing. Anyway, she's from New York, and as you can see, she's an Asian. So in a way, even though she's not Filipino. I'm very proud with the fact that an Asian was able to score projects from Tiffany & Co. and Target... Way to go Sujean! I super miss seeing her illustrations at the DailyCandy... I think she writes books now. She has one children's book out... "Birdie's Big Girl Shoes" Ohhhh! I want two! So I can frame the other one! I just super looove Sujean!

Do drop by her site and check out her creations/illustrations... I'm pretty sure after you see her drawings, you'll become a fan too!

Sujean Rim

Daily Candy

Tiffany & Co.

Target

Birdie's Big Girl Shoes ♥

My favorite!

Know thy body type!

If there's one thing girls should remember when shopping for an outfit... It should be... "KNOW THY BODY TYPE!"

Let's put it this way... If you have a nice figure (Or an Hour glass shape according to Trinnie & Susannah's "The Body Shape Bible") Go ahead and flaunt it. A Jersey dress is perfect for showing off your curves. Because we all know how this fabric follows the curves of our bodies. But if your think you have big arms, then look for a 3/4 sleeves Jersey dress (In black or navy - Dark colors will make you extra slimmer!) Then wear a pair of nude round toe Wedges! (Why NUDE-tones heels? - Because nude also means skin tone... So never ending legs is what you'll get by wearing these kind of shoes. To look more chic, add some layers long pearl necklaces and an oversized clutch or bag.

Jersey wrap dresses in Black & Navy... Classic workwear.

Nude/Skin-Tonned Wedges are the way to go!

Look extra chick by wearing layers of long pearl necklaces!

OVERSIZED Clutches!(Image from whowhatwear.com)

Before you think I'm some sort of a know it all... I just want to share my experiences when I dress up and when I dress up my mommy dearest. It's up to you if you're going to take my advice or not... But yeah, just want to give you tips to cover our unwanted flaws... Just remember, our flaws shouldn't prevent us from looking and feeling pretty when we go to work or whenever we go out. We're all beautiful girls... So let's show them what we've got! We all have to embrace our assets. Doesn't matter if other people love them or not. Who gives a damn about what they think? It's our body! We should love it, and if we believe we have nice legs, then let's show it off... My point is... If you're scared of dressing up just because you think that you're too big, or fat or whatever... YOU SHOULDN'T BE.

I dress up my mother all the time... I've been her personal stylist since I was in High School. And every time she goes out she gets compliments because she always looks put together. She is actually the one who inspired me to become a stylist. And I've never regretted becoming one because of her. Anyway, I would buy all her clothes from Landmark, ShopWise (YES, the big grocery! FYI they have a really nice selection of clothes there... All you have to do is look and try them on! Go! DON'T BE SCARED OF TRYING ON CLOTHES! You'll never know if it'll look good on you or what) and our local Ukay in Pque (OMG, you'll never guess how many boyfriend blazers I found in our ukay... As well as loose cut pants - Perfect for the ladies with big legs... Cover them up and look sophisticated as well. Don't forget to wear really nice round toed wedges - Why Wedges? Us girls who are on the big built side should refrain from wearing stilettos... Think of a tiny thin boyfriend carrying us... That's how it'll look like if you wear kitten heels and super thin heeled shoes!) Anyway, I know you wouldn't believe me when I say I buy from those stores. But I do. But I'm not that thrift. I also buy my mom clothes from Zara and Dorothy Perkins (Perfect store for girls who are on the heavy side because they have variety of sizes!) I would combine all my Zara and Dorothy Perkins finds with all my ukay and Landmark finds... And tadaaaa! Mommy looks like a first lady.

I think it's all in the matter of perspective... PLEASE... WHEN SHOPPING... DON'T GET THE ONES DISPLAYED ON THE MANNEQUINS. If it does look good on them, there is no guarantee it'll look good on you. This is for us big girls and for petite girls as well. ALWAYS REMEMBER: KNOW THY BODY TYPE! Not all trends/looks will look good on you. Don't try to fit yourself into a dress that is two sizes smaller from your original size. I repeat... EMBRACE THE CURVES LADIES! Below are the 12 different body types according to European stylists Trinnie and Susannah (From their book, "The Body Shape Bible")

So here are some must haves when dressing up tips for us bootie-licious ladies out there!

1.) SPANX - Girls in Hollywood use them, why can't we? BUT before buying Spanx from Rustan's... Please know your size first! Check your size at: Spanx Size Chart PLEASE NOTE THAT IF YOUR SIZE FALLS ON THE SHADED AREA, YOU SHOULD GO ONE SIZE UP. You don't want to waste your 3k+++ on nothing right? I suggest you buy the skin tone one... And if you have extra money, buy a black one too. The best Spanx for hiding bulges is the HIGHER POWER SPANX... They cover the unwanted bulges area perfectly. With these, you can wear bodycon dresses with ease! :) Spanx is a good investment... I swear by it, my mother swears by it as well. We bought around 3 Spanx and been using them for years... I just love them... Crazy about them even!

(Image from Spanx.com)

But if you don't have enough budget to buy Spanx... Have you ladies ever heard of the brand "GIGI AMOUR" from the SM Department store? They have a body shaper (a la Spanx) as well. Only for 175php... I bought a nude one and a black one. I haven't used my black one yet, but I use the nude one all the time. I looove it. It feels just like my Spanx, and since it's still new... It hugs better. Say goodbye to bulges!!!

2.) Boyfriend Blazers... If you could invest on one... But one! Don't be ashamed of wearing them. I seriously think some girls are just shy or weary about wearing blazers in public. Ladies, get a black of BOYFRIEND Blazers... Or if you have a brother, borrow their old blazers. Then fold the sleeves and look your outfit more sophisticated and chic. I borrow long sleeved shirts from my brothers all the time. I just fold the sleeves and wear them with worn-out denim shorts and a ten belt plus nude slippers... Tadaaa! Chic outfit for a lunch out with friends! Borrow from your brothers or dads even. Just don't forget to bring them back after! ;)

3.) Straight cut pants/Loose tailored pants - Buy them in wool or pinstripe. And make sure they're tailored. Tailored pants always looks classy. They will make you look chic especially when you wear them with a dressy top and a pair of really pretty wedges.

4.) Wedges and Stacked heel shoes... Please look up what stacked heels are on Google... Then look around the mall and invest on a pair. Buy them in black, red and nude... Gray and Tan if you have extra money. I swear by them ladies... No need to worry about embarrassing yourselves when running on an errands. These shoes are divinely comfortable. AND when buying wedges... Buy the round toe pumps ones... I think the store Leaveland has them... Like super cheap. Also check out the multiply store Five by Five shoes. I looove their shoes! I am still waiting for my pair though... But yeah, avoid buying the Ratan ones... Especially if you're going to wear them to work.

5.) Large Elastic belts... Wear them when you think the dress is not giving justice to your curvy figure. Buy a super loose men's blouse and then use these babies and let them work their magic. Add up a long strand of lariat pearl necklace... And tadaaaa! :)

(Image from etsy.com)

6.) Accessories... Avoid buying chockers that will show off your double chins... Buy lariats or long necklaces, then wear them inside your button down long sleeved shirt. You will look like an executive in a second.

7.) Dark-colored dresses... Buy dresses that are an inch below the knee... Or an inch above the knees if your upper body is proportioned to your lower body... Meaning if you have skinny legs but you have a big tummy and big torso, don't buy above the knee skirts/dresses. The idea is making you look together and sophisticated. Not show off your freakishly thin legs... Believe me. This is if you don't want to be refereed to as Lollipop or Chicken Legs.

8.) Big bags/purses... Oversized clutches and purses are in season anyway... Why not get one? I looove my Marc Jacobs Nylon tote. It is my favorite bag when going out to meet up friends. I'm always being teased for always bringing all my things around. I mean just get one for work and one for going out. Don't you notice how small girls buy enormous bags? Because somehow it makes them a lot smaller... Then what if we big girls use 'em? :)

Keep your eyes open... ♥

"I never dreamt to be a model, never never dreamt to be a fashion editor but I just love the pages and the pictures. In my early years as a fashion editor, I worked with Norman Parkinson who was a really big photographer, and he taught me to always keep your eyes open, you know. Never go to sleep in the car or anything like that, keep watching because whatever you see out the window or wherever, it can inspire you."

Grace Coddington, (Fashion Editor) Vogue

Mac App Store | Mac fanatic since...

Buying software and Applications for your beloved Mac is now as easy as buying Apps for your iTouch/iPad. Just tried installing the new software for it... Bought 2 Apps already.

One is Fun Booth ($0.99) which is actually fun and amusing because of the variety of props you could add to your photos... PLUS, it adjusts to your size and position in real time, so no need to stand up still or whatever. You can be as goofy as you want!

My second download is the Yelling Robot (FREE!), I don't even know why I downloaded this Application... Maybe because it's free??? Who doesn't like freebies right? It's a nice application for those who needs to be reminded about their daily errands/things to do... Do get this App while it's still free!

I'm actually relieved that Apple has once again, made downloading easier for us Mac users. They must really be earning a lot from those people downloading Apps on their iTouch/iPads/iPhones to come up with this. I'm a huge Mac lover... I fell in love with their colored old Mac computers (See images below...) Who would ever forget those uber cute desktops? I sure won't... They haunted my dreams when I was in gradeschool. I've been asking for a MacBook since my dad asked me what laptop I would like to have... To my dismay, my father (Who is a old school fanatic) opted to buy me a Dell laptop. To be fair, the Dell laptop served me well for like 6 years. Until the screen broke. It's still alive and very much usable until today (Except you can't use it without plugging it, plus the broken screen). Anyway, my dad got me my first MacBook in 2008, when Smart gave him one as a promo for being their loyal paying customer. Things were doing well until I decided to sleep with a glass of tall water beside me. To my surprise, I woke up with a soaked up MacBook the next day. Stupid move... I know that now. That was the worst day of my life... Especially since the Mac repair center quoted all the repair expenses for about 49,000+++php. I almost fell out of my chair upon hearing that. I decided to retreat and not push through with the repair. My father (Who knows how much I love my MacBook) decided to get me a MacBook Pro for my 25th birthday and the rest is history. (Oh, if you're wondering about what happened to my old MacBook... The ever reliable Roy Macam had it repaired to a Mac expert... Now my brother is loving all his MacBook privileges in the comfort of his own room!) The family also shares the iMac we purchased from Roy... But since my mom claims my dad got it for her... You'd often see her by the desktop, playing Bejeweled on Facebook. I do think I can make a good Mac sales agent one day... This is because of how I got my father convinced that Apple is the way to go. No viruses, sleek design, super modern software and features... What more could a techie dad ask for?

The Mac of my dreams... Along with the green Beetle car, I've always wanted one of these babies when I was in gradeschool!