Clozette, the new online fashion hub

Posted on March 29, 2012 by inmypinkglasses

There’s a new networking site that I discovered. It’s called Clozette, a spin-off of the word closet and rightfully called so since it literally is an online closet were one can browse listings and also create a Free Online Store. Users can upload photos of what can be found inside their closet to their Clozette account. There are individual items ranging from tops, trousers, skirts, shoes, bags and different accessories. There are also pages for looks….these are basically collages of a complete getup from head to toe or a photo of the user in a lovely pose showing off what she wore on certain days. If you are  more inclined to beauty products, the beauty closet is for you. Tips on applying make up and different products are available here and for sure, a colorful nail art and how to do it would make you stay much longer to browse.

So I was browsing the Bazaar Page and stumbled on one of my favorite satchels and look…a quick search showed 30 more, I’m in love once again.

I’m still familiarizing myself with the site’s features but I’ll definitely try this. I have an online store at another platform but it wouldn’t hurt having another one in a hub of the fashion-conscious.

 

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Gel Nails For The Butterfingers

Posted on February 7, 2012 by inmypinkglasses

And I plead, “Guilty!”

You see I am clumsy when it comes with my manicure. My polish could not even last for six hours without chipping them off. So what happens is that I had to buy the same polish applied on my nails so that I can retouch them later on.

Finally a Soak-Off UV Gel, also known as Gel Polish, solved the issues.

more than 20 Eco Soak Off UV Gel shades to choose from

What’s So Glorious About It?

Perfect for the butterfingers and busy bees, the gel polish could last for weeks, all shiny and looking new. It’s odorless and unlike the traditional acrylic polish, the gel won’t dry your nails. The best thing about it is that, it doesn’t chip off. It dries up in minutes, as you have to cure them under a UV lamp to dry.

The Downside

Removal is a bit tricky, as you cannot use an ordinary acetone. You’d rather go back to the salon and have it removed though with extra cost than follow a long how-to list.

_______________________________________________________________

I know I’m such a late bloomer at this. Some nail spas in Manila already offers this service since 2010 but being a loyal patron of Dashing Diva I am willing to wait until they offer this service. However, when I saw one of my cousins sporting a gel polish, I suddenly felt impatient on waiting for DD to have this. So, there you go. I finally gave in.

I found a salon named Nail Spa Lounge by Ellabell at Robinsons Place Ermita. Name it, they have it. From basic maniped to nail spa packages, nail art, nail extensions, to eyelash extension, waxing, threading, and even body scrubs and massage. And what made me pushed the door open was the Soak-Off UV Gel Polish.

Like a typical nail spa with a girly atmosphere, you will be welcomed with a luxe cushioned couch and a smiling receptionist. Really, if the first person to greet me looks snotty I won’t mind walking out even if my mind screams, “GEL!” LMAOTrue enough, she was nice and told me I could avail any of their services at 10% off (applicable to any of their services from 10AM until 3PM, Mon-Thurs). Teeeheee!

Reception area

Work Stations

I just wanted to try the gel manicure but how could you resist being pampered in full package when you are seated in a comfy cushioned seat?

:)

My footsies had Foot Spa with Pedicure. Soak, scrub, exfoliate, pedicure, and a 5-minute massage. You may choose any brand of traditional nail polish, and yes, they do not charge extra for Orly (some shops I know adds a few peso for this brand).

Foot Spa Pedicure

And now, for the much awaited Soak-Off UV Gel polish… :)

First and foremost, your nails must be clean, buffed, and cuticles pushed back, hence availing a basic manicure on top of this gel polish service.

The nail technician then applies a base coat then the color of your choice. For darker shade, you may ask the manicurist to apply few more coats before the application of the top coat. Each of the layers must be cured and dried up under the UV light.

UV light to cure the gel polish

I was a bit cautious after the procedure as it may damage or smudge the polish but to my surprise it was as if it has been dried up for hours.

The whole process lasted for almost an hour but what the heck, I love them.

Lacquered Up

Though I don’t intend to do this often, I think this solves my problem. Now I don’t have to worry about having a fab, smudge-free polish on long vacations.

Ratings:
Service: 5/5
Cleanliness: 4/5
Ambience: 4/5
Price: $$

Nail Spa Lounge by Ellabell
Robinsons Place Ermita
Tel. no: 567-5747

Other branches: SM Megamall and Northeast Square, Greenhills

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Céline: The “IT” Bag of 2011

Posted on August 5, 2011 by inmypinkglasses

Someone has been telling me for weeks to browse this particular bag from Céline. I swear and cross my heart I have no interest at all because I just had myself rehabilitated from buying anything that sounds like “bag” (seriously! plus my loyalty still goes to my fave brand)…pushed to check it out one last time—deal!

The next few moments turned out to be moments full of regret. Yes, I should not have clicked. The bag looked exactly like the one I saw from this Korea-based online shop, and I fell in love the first time I saw it. It’s good that I did not ask my friend to order for me or I committed a crime (My bad! It’s been a long time since I last browsed for updates) because now I am sure this Korean bag is a mock-up of those from Céline.

I went on with my browsing. Designed by Phoebe Philo, I learned that Céline’s Luggage Tote is one of the “it” bag for this year. Hohoho! Seeing this bag reminded me of Hermes HAC and Birkin—comes in different color and types of leather/ material. It’s quite huge, sizes vary (Luggage Tote mini, small-30cm, medium-38cm, large-45cm) but they say it’s not as heavy as Hermes.

Fall 2011 collection

Winter 2011 Collection

Winter 2011 Collection

So far the reviews are good. The style is elegant, unique. It screams functionality, and minimalism. They said that the curves and classic spin on the design makes it the bag wanted by almost everyone. I guess it’s true because in some shops you have to be on the waiting list to get the style/color of your preference.

Spotted:

Leighton Meester

Nicole Richie

Claudia Schiffer

Nicole Richie

And guess what? I think I am in love again. Oh well, I have a spare ticket to dreamland and I’m going to use it now.?

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The Burch Review: The Reva That Broke My Heart

Posted on July 26, 2011 by inmypinkglasses

When a highfaluting price tag is attached to a simple pair of shoes it is explicable if one would expect for a costly worth of style, well-heeled fashion statement, and above all exceptional comfy-ness.

I was hesitant at first to post a review about this, but I’ve heard from few people that they, too, are walking in my shoes. (So glad to know I am not alone)

You see, the only shop here in the Philippines stores very limited stock. And guess what, I waited for almost two weeks to reserve and get a pair that I’ve been eyeing for years. The waiting alone cost me agonizing anticipation, excitement, and sleepless nights. So, imagine my distress upon seeing a big red folded skin on my foot sole then eventually turned into a pocket of fluids that ballooned to be one huge blister, which took almost a month to dry up. Probably because the feet are still adjusting, I thought.  It happened yet again and the only thing I did was appease myself with thoughts that maybe I have to get used to wearing leather flats. The fifth time was the last blow. My heart truly cried with disappointment for I cannot really wear them even for at least three hours of walking.  My bubble burst thinking that I have no choice but to use it anyway. It’s only six months old, it’s hardly used, it’s pricey, and I cannot just throw away the hard-earned moolah.

Seriously though, I am not closing my door for this 45-year old American fashion designer. I may buy another Tory Burch someday—perhaps one of those classic tote bags, or fashionable accessories, or the trendy tunics, or those simple yet stylish, comfy sandals they have. In fact the rubber flip flop I got is even more comfortable than Havaianas. It’s only the ballet flat that really turned me off. :(

I am sharing this for friends who plan to get a Reva ballet flat. A lesson is learned. Consider the fact that while expensive shoes give a statement like hollering neon signs the price does not always guarantee the value and comfort you deserve.?

Posted in Retail Therapy, Shopping | Tagged | 8 Comments

Buh-Bye, Slim!

Posted on March 15, 2011 by inmypinkglasses

I have shared a very special and intimate relationship with my Havaianas Slim flip flops. I have to admit that there are times when I wished it would just break so I could have all the right reasons to buy a new one. But hell no, it served me well for almost 3 years.

It’s my all-day, all-occasion flip flops (and I mean this literally speaking):  pambahay, pang-ligo, pang-grocery, I use them when going to church, for coffee/shopping/ casual lunch or dinner, pang-Bulacan, my favorite footwear when going around Bangkok, and my reliable driving slippers.

Mami-miss ko ang comfy-ness!

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Summer Must-Have

Posted on January 6, 2011 by inmypinkglasses

I know we still feel the breeze of winter from the Himalayas, but I am already on a summer mood. Wouldn’t it be nice to pair jelly shoes with an eco bag—but in style? Honestly, I am not sure if I would be able to get these all together in time for the hot season so maybe the apt title for this post would be “Summer Must-Have Wishlist”. :)

I have been dying to buy a pair of Tory Burch Classic Reva ballerina flats in gold metal for Christmas but there were more important things (and gifts) to buy for the holidays than get myself a gift. But if ever (and I wish) I’d get the chance to get one this summer, I think jelly is more appropriate. Woohoo! Just thinking about…ang sakit sakit sa bangs!

I am trying to remember if I said I’m done with bags. Oh yes, I did. Until I saw this very cute Banana Taipei (or Banane Taipei—but I checked and the brand name is Banana.Taipei) Birkin-printed Eco friendly canvass bag from Chuvaness’ blog. Waaah! It’s cute, isn’t it??? I honestly find Hermes Birkin toooo old for me aside from the fact that I know I might not be able to have one (maybe not in this lifetime. LOL!), but print it on a canvass would tone down the “it’s-too-old-for-me” look.  This hot stuff will invade the Philippine market this February and may be bought at Bagahollic.

And so this summer I am going to try my luck and challenge myself to save up, and it means throwing away these lazy bones and work harder to finish the project I am currently working on.

 

I could really use a wish right now…wish right now…wish right now…

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Happy Loot

Posted on August 27, 2010 by inmypinkglasses

I went to Mall of Asia yesterday to have my usual Dashing Diva day (it was actually my first time at MOA branch…my heart still belongs to Midtown branch) to have my nails done. No plans on buying anything but I arrived there earlier than my scheduled appointment, I had the chance to window shop inside Beauty Bar.

I saw some interesting stuff there that is worth ogling for. One is this eye pencil with a tip like a broad point pentel pen marker. It is supposed to make it easy for you to draw a line in your eyelid. I liked it, quite pricey though, smudge-free and only make-up remover can remove it so it will be hard to use if ever I decided to have another eyelash extension (which I plan to do next month). That was a nice excuse, polite way to say “bucks won’t leave my wallet.”

So on to the next shelf I hopped. I was never a believer, well as I put it, of make-up miracles. 2 years ago I bought O-Glow from Smashbox but didn’t work out well with my skin, so I guess even its O-Plump won’t do wonders with my lips. In my thoughts, these are just marketing strategies, and they can always say “sorry, it’s not compatible with your skin”. Just the same, I gave the shop girl a chance. I tried this lip plump gloss from another brand named “Bloom”. OMG! I fell in love with it. Without even realizing it, my wallet has its own mind to decide.

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