(But okay, I’m lying, I do know a thing or two about applying make-up, I kinda enjoy coloring my face with it, and I do know that Urban Decay has got the best eyeshadow palettes out there. As a matter of fact, I’ve been using UD’s Sustainable Shadow Box as my daily ’shadow for months now and it has not failed me EVER. And now I’m just happy to give that good ol’ thing a break, Alice saves the day.)

So I’ll just take photos instead. Because Alice is pretty. And these are the kinda stuff I’d like to adorn my blog with.

Also, I know that I’m one of the few lucky ones in Manila who get to have Alice ahead of everyone else, so yeah, this is just me making you girls die of envy. *insert evil grin here*

OAN, if you want real, credible, useful reviews and swatches, head over to Liz and Lauren’s blogs, they’re actually the ones responsible for my ongoing love affair with Alice in Wonderland. (Thank you, ladies, for inviting me and Mara to order with you.)

• Review & Swatches: Urban Decay Alice in Wonderland Book of Shadows by Lauren
• Urban Decay Alice in Wonderland by Liz

Now please please please take me out to coffee so I get an excuse to leave the house and wear make-up.

Here are the items from my recent make-up sprees that I’m going to keep: (1) MAC Studio Fix Fluid SPF 15 in NC35 (edited: selling this now) (2) MAC Holiday Collection’s 6 Sorceress Eye Shadows (looove it!), (3) Smashbox Eyelights in Smokebox, (4) Smashbox Photo Finish Color Correcting Foundation Primer, (5) L’oreal Mattifying Minerals Finishing Loose Powder in Natural 01, (6) L’oreal Mineral Blusher, (7) L’oreal Telescopic Clean Mascara, and (8) In2it 2-Way Foundation SPF 25 in Warm Beige.

Just thought I’d share, so you’ll somehow understand why I need to do this blog sale. Lol. I mean, come on, do the Math. :D

Now.. I got this idea from Liz while I was browsing through her blog, Project Vanity, looking for make-up reviews and tips. (I was looking for suggested brands of foundation, and while I’m satisfied with In2it at the moment, I’m still actually in search for The Perfect Foundie.) Anyway, it just so happened that I came across one of Liz’s posts where she put on sale some of her make-up she didn’t need/want anymore.

And I thought perhaps I could do something like that too.

So yay. I’m putting these items up for sale.. Please. Take them off my hands. :P

Some of these items I’ve had for a while, loved them but I have to let go of some stuff to make room for more, heh. A few are from my recent splurges, but after trying them on, they just didn’t work for me.

1. SOLD! Victoria’s Secret Beauty Rush Luminous Shadow (click link to see product image). In 6 different shades: (1) Too Too Pink, (2) Copper Feel, (3) Miami Ice, (4) Blutopia, (5) Glow Nude, (6) Money Baby.

I was crazy about these before, I hoarded all colors when I was in New York last year. I’m still keeping a few colors with me, but I’ll have to let the others go. SALE PRICE: P50 each (or buy all 6 at P250).

2. VS Beauty Rush Lip Gloss in Passion Fruit Pop (click link to see product image). The print outside has faded already, but I barely used this (because I have a lot of lip gloss already). SALE PRICE: P50.

3. PAC Powder Eyeshadow in 3 different shades: (1) Green No. 05, (2) Blue Sky No. 13, and (3) Red Heat No. 16. SALE PRICE: P250 each, comes with the original box. (Bought at P499).

Photo credit: http://www.flickr.com/photos/vemakeupartist

Except for Red Heat (which I really love), the Green and Blue shades were hardly used. I only tried them on once or twice, but, well, Green and Blue are not exactly my color. :) They’re really nice and very pigmented, though. I’m keeping a few colors for myself. :)

4. MAC Select Moisture Cover (click link to see product image). This one’s from one of my recent make-up sprees. Impulsive buy. It was too late when I realized that I bought this with a bottle of Studio Fix Liquid Foundation, and well, it just doesn’t make sense for me to use them together.  SALE PRICE: P750, still with the original box. (Got it at P900).

5. MAC Studio Fix Fluid SPF 15 in NC35. Decided to sell this one too. :) It’s super nice, really — coverage and all. But I just have too many foundation already, and I’m usually just home anyway. :P So please, take it away. :) SALE PRICE: P1000, still with box, used once. (Originally bought at P1,600).

6. TheFaceShop Real Moisture Lipstick (click link to see product image). Barely used. Not my shade. SALE PRICE: P150.

7. SOLD! TheBodyShop Lip Colour 46 Bare (click link to see product image). Just tried on once or twice. Not my shade. SALE PRICE: P150.

8. Mineraux Mineral Make-up (visit site to see product images). (1) Premium Foundation, Cool Fair in 20g sifter jar. SALE PRICE: P450, half sealed. (Bought at P500). (2) Premium Concealer, Green Corrector in 10g sifter jar. SALE PRICE: P320, brand new with seal. (3) Premium Concealer, Yellow Corrector in 10g sifter jar. SALE PRICE: P300, tried once. (4) Premium Bronzer, Beach Tan Bronzer in 10g sifter jar. SALE PRICE: P320, brand new with seal.

Nothing against Mineraux, but mineral make-up really doesn’t work on my dry skin. I had to try to know for sure (curiosity satisfied). These four items were delivered to me start of the week, tried 2 of them once, the rest remained sealed. So.. if you’re into minerals, can you please adopt these jars of make-up from me? :P

9. SOLD! Faux Leather Make-up Bag. Bought this a few months ago, impulsively if I may add, and unnecessarily — since I didn’t have a lot of make-up to put in there anyway. A few days after I got this, I found a metal make-up box that’s smaller and just the right size for my needs, hence, I never got to use this one. This bag’s really pretty and I hate to see it go, but it’s just eating up space in my room and I thought someone else might have a good use for it:

Height – 9 inches, Width – 11 inches, Thickness – 9 inches. Three layers of storage space. Handles are still covered with plastic. Comes with a shoulder strap.

SALE PRICE: P2,800. (Bought at P3,500).

That’s just about it. Do leave a comment or email me if you find anything interesting, then let’s discuss how I’ll get the items to you. :)

I’m sure I’ll still have a use for this mannequin in the future. But for now, I play dress up in my spare time, much like playing with a life-size doll. Hence the mannequin’s name, Barbie. (Yes, I name stuff, deal with it.)

Here’s my own live version of Polyvore. ;)

I abhorred purple my whole life (because it reminds me of Barney), until recently. I’d like to think of it as Xaris‘ crazy addiction with anything purple rubbing on me. Now, I’m crazy about the color too! Not all hues of purple though. I don’t like flashy neon purples. Instead I like the deep shade of plum. (And you know how much I like it with blue.)

Today I put on Barbie these girly colors of pink and plum, balanced out with some yellow gold, bronze and brown.

Knitted muffler from Zara; Brown leather belt from Petit Monde; Purple faux leather purse from Fold and Hung; Floral printed skirt from *ehem* TheDreamerie *ehem*, thrifted

I’m addicted to skirts that are worn as tube dresses.

Also, I’m addicted to skirts and dresses with pretty patterns and fabrics, that even though I don’t like the cut, or it’s too long for my liking, I’d still get it off the rack because I can’t stand turning my back on something so pretty. (Is there some cure to this form of obsession?)

Other than the lovely fabric, there are a lot of things you can do with this skirt so I thought it was worth stocking it up in the shop. It’s garterized and has draw strings, which makes it wearable as a tube dress, or a skirt that falls up to mid-calf, or a high-waisted skirt. And you can just imagine the many colors you can mix and match with this skirt’s pretty floral print!

It reminds me of Reese Witherspoon when she was Melanie Smooter in Sweet Home Alabama. She went back to her home town wearing a black-and-white floral printed mid-calf skirt, a plain black off-shoulder top, and black pointed knee high leather boots. Ahh, I totally digged the Southern look.

How about you? What’s your latest obsession? :)

Later on, I found an outtake in her tumblr account:

Isn’t she pretty? :)

Pay her a visit, you won’t regret it, she’s a brilliant artist: Site | Tumblr | Deviantart

It has been a blast since TheDreamerie was launched three weeks ago. I admit that venturing into something that would generate extra income was among the major reasons why the idea of putting up an online store came to fruition (not to mention finding an outlet for my unavoidable impulsive shopping sprees, but that goes without saying). However, I realized as I went about finding clothes and dresses to put up in the shop that the real profit in this business, more than the money, is meeting new people and finding items that would inspire others to express themselves through their clothing.

Is it so weird that I’ve developed a certain attachment to the clothes we put up in the shop? Ahhh, especially after naming them as if they’re our children! Conversations like, “Have you sent out Fiona to Liz already?” or “This dress looks like Seraphim to me.” or “Yay, someone is getting Janice!” are normal everyday YM exchange between me and Marian, as if we talk about real people and not clothes. I guess what I’m trying to say is, more than the thrill of shopping and being surrounded by pretty vintage clothes, I’ve grown to love the idea of finding these dresses someone to take care of them.

Such is how I felt when I saw Feanne’s self portraits. It made my heart swell with joy knowing that this rose-patterned long-sleeved top, which used to be hanging in some unnoticed rack in the corner of a thrift store in some old building in the city, which I later named “Old Rose”, is now in good hands.

I thought seeing these photos was the sweetest thing that happened that day.

Thanks, Feanne. If I knew you before, I would’ve named that vintage top after you. :)

* * *

Meanwhile, we recently launched our Third Collection over at TheDreamerie.Com. Do drop by, you might find something you like. :)

Guess what’s in the box?

I mean, sure, one can always disagree that it’s a challenge finding men the perfect gifts. There are a lot of items you can wrap to give to the men in your life depending on budget — from as simple as necktie, socks, baseball cap, mug, t-shirt, fountain pen, to as lavish as an expensive watch or an iPod or a gadget he happens to be googling or checking out in gadget stores whenever he gets a chance — I can name a few. But I wanted to deviate from the normal gift-giving and find something special that Rico will both need and want (and no, he doesn’t need more gadgets.)

Having gone through all the clothes boutiques in the mall still unsatisfied with the shirts I got, I found myself in probably the only store left that I haven’t looked in: the hardware store. And there, in some quiet corner where people don’t often go to, I found the perfect gift.

A shiny new Black & Decker handheld vacuum cleaner, which I thought he can use to clean his car interior, among many things.

I’ve never seen him happier. (And I’ve never been more proud, because now he promises to clean his car and room more, heh.)

And there you have it folks. If you want something unique to get your boyfriend OR boy-friends for their birthday, and have not much of a budget to spend in a gadget store, then the hardware store (not the department store) is something to look in. I remember getting R rechargeable batteries with a recharger pack before, and he was all smiles.

Men!

So maybe it’s easy to find gifts for men too, you just have to know where to look. ;)

What’s the last gift you bought your boyfriend/guy-friend/brother? Was it a challenge too?

And no, don’t let me start on Etsy, I’d go crazy listing down online shops I’ve come across that made it to my bookmarks. Etsy and Bigcartel (among others) are popular venues to buy and sell pretty stuff among Americans, Canadians, and Europeans. Here in the Philippines however, Multiply is where most independent sellers find their market.

Today, my featured online shop is Aurus‘ Purple Beet, who is currently having a site-wide sale (up to 50% off) to celebrate the shop’s first year anniversary. Each item is unique and handcrafted by Aurus herself. She’s got the cutest charms and beads — rare finds indeed!

Here are some of her products that caught my fancy. (More after the jump!)

By the way, I love Multiply shops that have, not only awesome products, but neat and user-friendly design/layout too. I don’t care if you’re selling unique and branded products, if your online shop is overflowing with blinkies and background music (oh please!), I tell you, you’re losing a lot of sales! And don’t waste your time adding me as your contact. I would have rejected you even before I start browsing your items.

But okaaaayyyy. That’s for a separate blog post altogether. Heh. Composure.

What I’m just trying to say is, Aurus is not only selling pretty items, her classy taste in design and colors is also evident in the overall look and feel of her online shop — which also adds credibility points to her as an artist selling her craft. You get what I’m saying? :)

Here’s more of Aurus’ stuff that I like.

+ I have a thing for pandas. (Teddy bears are soooo 1990s.)

+ Fishies! And Starfishies!! :)

+ “Made for an Angel,” ahhh. I think my friend Ivy’s going to love this one. Angels are her thing. Err, at least this one particular Angel. Ahem.

+ And this.

+ Now this one looks familiar. Oh, yeah. I have one of these! :) It’s one of my favorite every-where-accessory, goes well with rugged, casual, or semi-formal attires. :)

+ Lastly, here’s a pretty blue beadwork. I think I’m going to order this. :)

So yeah. Hoard while they’re on sale! Go go go!

*Apparently, some of these items I posted here may not be available anymore. But she has more pretty stuff in her store that are still available.

OAN, my giveaway challenge is still on! Come join the fun! :D

30 Days of Awesome, 24/30.

For one, it’s easy to make wimmen smile with pretty accessories, whether as grand as a Tiffany jewelry, or as fancy as simple charms and key chains. Last week, these are some of the little things that made me smile:

1. Bead Letter Charm by Elaine of Arte Crafts. Elaine is a good friend, and this was not the first time I ordered a bead letter charm from her, the first one I ordered has been dangling from my Fuji Instax Mini. Last week, I ordered a letter “M” to give to Mae, a friend who was on a vacation here in the Philippines from Singapore. Elaine is so kind to give me an additional letter “R” as a gift — and in my recent-favorite color combination too, purple and blue. I love it! She’s such a sweetheart! :)

2. Handcrafted Earrings/Jewelries by Sheila of Inthefishbowl. Before Sheila started selling vintage clothes, she was handcrafting unique jewelries like these. She stopped doing it for a while, but just recently, has started releasing some pieces again. I love how they’re made of real Swarovski crystals, and how no two pairs are the same. :)

3. Camera Charm. Now this camera charm necklace has always been around my neck since I laid eyes on it. Isn’t it the loveliest thing? I found it at some store in Galleria, and because of my obsession with anything photography, fell in love with it at first sight. :)

How about you? What’s that one girl-thing that makes you smile? :) Or, if you’re a guy reading this, what’s that one thing you’ve recently given to your girl-friend or girlfriend that made her smile? :)

30 Days of Awesome, 18/30.

DAY NINE. See? I’m making some progress. I’m little by little getting out of my cave, letting go of things I’ve gotten used to (yes, I meant Moleskine), and trying out something new. *This is the part where you shower me with congratulations and pats on the back.*

So yeah, I’m taking a break from Moleskine but that’s only because I found a prettier (and yes, cheaper even) alternative. Behold, the Paper Patisserie Mini Journal Set (sounds prettier too, eh?) by Peculiar Pair Press.

By the way, I’m taking a break from being wordy also. So tonight, I shall try visual.

*Got the notebook set from Full Booked at PhP 700+. Just now I found out that it’s available online too at $14.95. Awesomecakes.

Good night, one and all.

30 Days of Awesome, 9/30.

What I failed to do, however, was to resist looking around and buying a few more things that I don’t really need.

And it all started with this wall clock. (Isn’t it the prettiest thing?)

I don’t know how it started, but this crazy obsession with typewriters and anything vintage (-looking) came to me with this sudden fondness of wall clocks. (Not too long, I also took home an old Coca Cola Wall Clock from Vintage Pop’s clearance sale.) So yep, this vintage-inspired clock found its way to my shopping cart in no time, as if I needed more reminders that time is ticking away.

This was shortly followed by the floral printed curtains, which were on sale. The huge floral pattern look like something my grandmother will appreciate, which is exactly what I love about it. And I like how I didn’t have to take down my old red curtains because as it seems, the printed pattern looks perfect against the two-toned red anyway. Surely, red and olive green look lovely together, Christmas or no Christmas.

And then there were just a few more things: fake flowers on a porcelain pot, scented candle contained in a jadeite metal pail, and a cheapo table cloth with orange and red stitches. Voila, instant living room overhaul.

I got home from the mall yesterday feeling a bit guilty for splurging (again) on things that were not in my budget to begin with. Tonight, however, as I spend time in that little corner of this place I’ve come to know as “home”, I knew that I could justify my impulse buying again and win in court.

I needed this change.

For freelancers like me, who spend most of our days confined in such a small space, little changes like this spell a lot of difference. Work places affect productivity, after all.

Old items: (1) Love seat/two-seater couch from SM Departmen Store; (2) Red throw pillows from Our Home; (3) Red two-toned curtains from some supermarket, I can’t remember which one; (4) Lamp from Ikea; (5) Red adjustable round table from Dimensione; (6) Vintage make-up kit and coffeeholics mug from Vintage Pop; (7) Accounstic guitar from Rico.

Recent additions, all from SM Department Store: (1) Floral printed curtains (P375 each x2); (2) Vintage-inspired wall clock (P299); (3) Red table cloth (P35); (4) Scented candle on a pail (P239); (5) Fake flowers in a porcelain pot (P149).

P.S. Daily doses of Decor8, plus the habitual bloghopping through her blogroll, did this to me. Thanks, Holly. :)

I don’t want to sound as if I’m justifying my *unnecessary* shopping sprees, but you see, sometimes, even my impulse buying leads me to stuff that are worth every dime.

So there we were, R and I, off to Cubao-X because we felt like it’s time. I’ve always wanted to go, but never got around to scheduling it. And you know how the best way to deal with being obsessed with having plans laid out first is to just go on a whim — that’s what we did.

Apparently, Vintage Pop is closing, and last night was their last — how fortunate of us to be there. Bong Salaviera, the owner of that awesome store that embodied what Cubao-X is all about in every way, gave us discounts on whatever’s left there.

If it isn’t destiny that lead me to this lovely vintage make-up kit, I don’t know what is. (I haven’t stopped smiling since last night.) Also, the Coffeeholics mug and the miniature videoman doll are just the perfect Vintage Pop souvenirs.

I’m pretty ashamed to admit that I’ve only been in Cubao-X once my whole life, prior to last night’s trip. I remember falling in love with the place (and burning a good amount of money over the street bazaars, and the fashion and furniture boutiques and shoe stores that are just to-die-for), but Cubao-X is really just out of my way. (Lame excuse, I know.) That, however, will change soon. Cubao-X, that place that someone once called our  ”local version of Soho”, will now be part of my map.

Xai and I invite you to visit our little project, a result of some late-night brainstorming sessions on stuff that we both love and can do together. It’s a soft opening, and a lot of things are still being conceptualized.

Meanwhile, if you’re interested to be a part of this project, drop me a note and we’ll see. :)

VISIT CUBAO-X.COM

Enjoy your weekend, everyone!