So what exactly am I giving away? Let’s start with a few beauty loot bags which will contain the following:

Loot #1
AVON’s Jet Femme Eau de Toilette 50ml

Loot #2
AVON’s ANEW Rejuvenate Flash Facial Revitalizing Concentrate
OLAY Body Moisturizing Bar, Fresh Reviving

Loot #3
Pantene Pro-V 3 Minute Miracle Intensive Treatment (3 ampoules)
OLAY Body Moisturizing Bar, Fresh Reviving

Loot #4
AVON Ultra Moisture Rich Sheer Lipstick, Sheer Plum
AVON Uplifting Waterproof Mascara, Black
AVON Mousse Eye Shadow, Silken Sand
AVON True Color Eyeshadow Single, Turquoise

Now for some fashion loots:

Loot #5
One (1) winner of a MANGO Gift Voucher worth Php 1,000.00

Loot #6
One (1) winner of a Landmark Gift Certificate worth Php 500.00

Loot #7
One (1) winner of a Rustan’s Gift Cerificate worth Php 1,000.00

First eight folks who enter will automatically get discount vouchers from KStyled by Kaye Olfindo, which will subsequently be sent out as soon as I get your shipping address.

How to Win:

1. Follow
Simply follow Style Manila or me on Twitter then tweet or re-tweet the contest; make sure to include a link to the contest. If you’re already a follower proceed with the tweet or re-tweet then let me know (see #2)

2. Comment
Leave a comment below telling me what you like about Style Manila together with your Twitter ID so I can also verify the tweet (see #1). It’s also imperative you use your real name (first name will do) and a valid email address.

3. Subscribe
Though optional, it’s highly recommended. Since a lot of people lose their prizes by not paying attention to updates. So, folks, it really doesn’t hurt to subscribe to the Style Manila feed or get updates via email. It’s FREE.

This will run from the time of publish until 28 of February 2010, 11:59 pm and is open to Philippine residents only. Winners (we’re looking at roughly around 15 winners max) will be drawn via electronic raffle and will be announced soon after.

I’m looking forward to all you folks participating. Best of luck!

Anyway, I finally got to air out this adorable dress I nicked from my mum’s box of fashion goodies she brought home from her last trip to the US. Nicked it since, yes ladies, it’s one of the fashion items she’s currently selling.

I was immediately drawn to the beaded embellishments that are NOT sewn to the fabric and the silver chain strap PLUS the fact that it’s in my favourite colour. It’s my own little green dress that’s perfect for parties and in my case, I opted to wear it to the company Christmas party to spice things up. LOL.

Dress US (will update)
Shoes Zoe Wittner
Necklaces Chick Flick, Thea’s Black Box, Lee Hwa Jewelry
Earrings Diva
Watch Hand me down from my sis

Btw, for those interested, it’s also available in White (S and M sizes) and Green (M size) priced at Php 950.00 (exclusive of shipping). Leave a comment below or send me an email (sasha@stylemanila.com).

Photos © 2009 Peter Lopez for Style Manila

When my friend M found out that I was currently looking to buy, she suggested I try something from Mary Kay. I’ve known the brand since 1999 but I’ve never tried any of their products. This Mineral Powder Foundation in Ivory 2 is the first one.

I tried the one my friend was using and it’s surprisingly decent looking under fluorescent. I decided then and there to place an order, together with the custom-designed foundation (flat) brush.

Net Weight .28 fl. oz - Php 850.00
Foundation brush - Php 650.00

I’ve been using this foundation for the past month (December 2009) and I’ve got to say it has decent coverage which is easy to build. Its application often gets a tad bit messy which is a real hassle. But it does have a natural-looking finish. It’s a bit odd that it only comes in two (2) shades: Ivory 2 and Beige 1. That bit can pose as a turn off for mineral makeup aficionados.

I sometimes would use it together with my MAC Mineralize SatinFinish Foundation to control the latter’s dewy finish. As an example, I lifted a photo from a set taken during a Wine Party I hosted for my birthday last month which was held at Lusso in Greenbelt 5, Makati City.

Please excuse my skin’s evident response to humid atmosphere. But this shows you how the combination looks like a few hours after its application. However, in other photos my makeup still looked okay. You can see the photo collection for yourself (if we’re connected in Facebook, that is) and judge for yourself.

Anyway, I’m quite happy experimenting with this Mary Kay Mineral Foundation. I’m still uncertain if it as truly captured my loyalty. We’ll see after I tried a couple or so more Mineral Foundations I’m looking into trying.

So, any of you ladies tried this mineral foundation? How was it?

Photos © 2009 Sasha Manuel; last photo was taken by Penny Rosario-Umali

Boxing day (day after Christmas for those of you who aren’t familiar with it) marked the last shopping trip for the year 2009. One of my stops in Trinoma (took my mum — her first time — there after visiting relatives in QC) was the MANGO store to make full use of the gift vouchers I received over the holidays.

Yes, folks. It’s Ripped for 2010.

Retails for Php 2,250.00.

I also took advantage of the sale going on by grabbing me another pair of jeans, The Legging Jean. Boy, this pair is one super slim jean!

Originally priced at Php 1,850.00, reduced to Php 1,290.00.

I also bought a new shirt (no photo, sorry). I noticed that whenever I buy jeans at Mango, I’d buy me a shirt to go with it. LOL.

Anyway, the ripped jeans is my way of celebrating the 80s and adding more of rocker-style in my style repertoire for the new year.

How about you folks? Planning to add any new look for 2010? Share!

Photos © 2010 Sasha Manuel

If you’ve been keeping tabs via Style Manila’s twitter (plus the PILL post), you know that I’ve been to the Bazaar held at the St. James the Great in Ayala Alabang a few weeks ago. Naturally, I did a bit of shopping and one of the things on the agenda was a major accessory haulage. I needed to add more onto my personal inventory and I ended up with a few bangles and chains.

From Funduille are an assortment of thin bangles priced at Php 450.00 and a wide rounded cuff, Php 200.00.

I’d managed to snag a couple of chains from a seller whose name I’ve forgotten (sorry about that).

One on the left retailed at Php 350.00 and on the right, Php 150.00.

There you go. I reckon my wrists will be all bling’d out for the holidays. However, I’m now having a hard time choosing which ones I’ll be wearing for my party. If only I can wear them all! LOL.

I still can’t believe that Christmas is just around the corner, not to mention, my birthday’s coming up real soon!

How’s your December so far?

Photos © 2009 Sasha Manuel

PILL. Proudly Philippine-made.

When I asked the sales person regarding the designs. I was informed that the owners of Pill are behind it. Personal thoughts on the current selection (or the ones available at the bazaar), most are influenced by trends. Selling factor now boils down to quality of materials used and workmanship. Shoes are still pretty rough around the edges, clearly noticeable that they’re local, but over-all I’m pretty happy that the local shoe industry is still very much alive and active.

Sharing a couple of pairs that captured my attention.

One bears hardware as it’s studded embellishments creates a rough edge to this bootie in stilts.

The other offers a more glam take on a cross between a glad and a bootie (glootiator? I kid) But I believe this shoe design has become quite common in heeled shoes nowadays.

Store locations: Robinsons Place Manila, Theatremall - Greenhills, The Ramp - Glorietta, The Ramp - Trinoma, Crossings - Shangri-La, Robinsons Galleria

You can also check out their multiply site: http://pillfootwear.multiply.com

Have any of you bought pairs from Pill? Thoughts on the design and make?

Photos taken using my Nokia 6700 Classic; © 2009 Sasha Manuel

I’ve done so many shout outs for TBOS (ever since they first had one, I think) that I’m sure most of the regular Style Manila readers know how things go but for those of you who are pretty new to it, let us take a look at the mechanics now, shall we?

And here’s what’s in store (perhaps this ought to explain why TBOS, among all other bazaars, is so popular):

Big discounts and lots of brands. I know some folks have voiced out their displeasure with past TBOS events but there are a number who claim the opposite. I reckon it all depends on the shopper and how expectations are set prior heading out to the bazaar.

So wouldn’t it be fantastic if you’d get to experience it (if you haven’t) without having to shell out money for the entrance fee esp if you’re just going to check it out?

Once again, TBOS has graciously offered Style Manila readers to get in for free (thanks Jerico!). It’s a 50 person guest list so this will be on a first come, first serve basis.

Simply follow Style Manila on Twitter and/or become a fan of Style Manila on Facebook then leave a comment below stating that you’ve done the deed (leave your twitter ID and/or name on FB) and it’ll earn you a spot (and a plus 1!) on the guestlist. I’ll be updating this post (real-time) with the list so you’d automatically know if you’re on it.

TBHOS 09 Style Manila Guest List

1. Jenifer Albano
2. Jenifer Albano +1
3. Abigail Azul
4. Abigail Azul +1
5. Mary Joyce Co
6. Mary Joyce Co +1
7. Anna Tan
8. Anna Tan +1
9. Naomi Quimpo
10. Naomi Quimpo +1
11. Feonna Cabrera
12. Feonna Cabrera +1
13. Stonibert Lim
14. Stonibert Lim +1
15. Yasmin Rahman
16. Yasmin Rahman +1
17. Myles Tagle
18. Myles Tagle +1
19. Stephanie Michelle Tan
20. Stephanie Michelle Tan +1
21. Jobelle Lantin
22. Jobelle Lantin +1
23. Claire Perales
24. Claire Perales +1
25. Adelen Festin
26. Adelen Festin +1

— End of list —

NOTE: Please present valid IDs at the entrance. Thanks!

Of course, this open invite closes on 02 December 2009, which gives me time to forward the list to the organisers.

Happy shopping folks!

Images: Jerico of TBOS

But it’s been a long road of discovery after discovery. Though I have loved, I know the search is not over.

Now, I’m on day 1 with AVON’s own ANEW Rejuvenate Skincare line.

On the roster are:
Revitalizing 2-in-1 Gel Cleanser
Revitalizing Mineral Toner
Flash Facial Revitalizing Concentrate
Revitalizing Cream SPF 25 UVA/UVB (Day Cream)
Revitalizing Cream (Night Cream)
24 Hour Eye Cream

I’m sure most of you, well, at least you ladies who are into skincare products and Avon, are no stranger to this particular line since it was launched mid this year. However, a little birdie told me that the latest addition to the ANEW Rejuvenate family is the Flash Facial, which was just introduced this month, and it promises great things (and immediate results!) for the skin.

Brief backgrounder on the ANEW Rejuvenate line. It’s Avon’s anti-aging skincare line that claims to deliver results comparable to a professional facial. Its exclusive technologies replicate the steps of a professional facial spa.

Lifted from the product’s pr copy:

Step 1
EXFOLIATION: Deep cleans to smoothen tough texture, lessen appearance of deep lines

Exfo-Smoothing Complex stimulates the EXFOLIATION step to reveal smoother skin texture and lessen the appearance of deep lines.

Step 2
EXTRACTION: Brings out impurities from the pores, help shrink pores, refine complexion.

Mini-Extraction Technology Complex replicates the EXTRACTION step to deep clean and shrink pores.

Step 3
MOISTURIZATION: Evens out skintone for a seamless, smoother appearance.

Facial FX Technology Comple is MOISTURIZATION that strengthens cell bonds and makes skin look smooth and even-toned.

It’s interesting to note that with my experience with numerous skincare products, all the “promises” are the same; though granted that these promises are answers to most, if not all, skincare needs after all plus the fact that each and every skin care product on the “anti-aging” market ultimately strives to address these things. So, yea. I can’t really say that ANEW Rejuvenate is on to something new (pardon the pun).

Which brings me to an interesting bit on this skincare experiment — the BIODROGA Skincare System.

If you’ve been around Style Manila a while, you may have come across this bit about me mentioning that I’ve been using the BIODROGA Skincare System (PURAN Formula) since December 2008. Although, not faithfully since I did have to accommodate other skincare products that I needed to review but, yea, it’s my go-to skincare nowadays.

On its PURAN Formula roster:
Cleansing Fluid for Impure Skin (cleanser)
Clarifying Lotion for Impure Skin (toner)
24-hour Care for Impure Skin (moisturiser)

If you must know, BIODROGA is one of those “professional” skincare products, you know, the sort that ANEW Rejuvenate claims to be at par with, in terms of process and results. The Chi Spa actually uses BIODROGA for their professional services.

Do you notice the visible difference? Well, let me put it this way, ANEW has six (6) products whilst BIODROGA only has three (3). Off the bat, the latter’s strength is measured with maintenance and convenience plus the fact that I’ve seen the results and am delightfully satisfied. While the former still needs to prove itself, cheaper or not (I have to admit that it’ll win at price point). It still boils down to effectiveness then further judged by convenience and comfort. Should the process be deemed fussy and time-consuming, definitely my personal rating on the line will be grossly affected.

Anyway, before I say anything more, allow me a few weeks to try Avon’s ANEW Rejuvenate skincare line before I can actually fairly and accurately adjudicate. I’m actually curious to find out if there’s truth in their claims. It’s actually great because I do have my own set of products to compare it to plus experience to supply reference notes and argument support.

Meanwhile, feel free to share your thoughts esp if you’ve used the ANEW Rejuvenate Skincare line. Also, if you’ve got questions, feel free to ask. That way, I’d know what to watch out for so I can address your questions accordingly.

Photos taken using my Nokia 6700 Classic; © 2009 Sasha Manuel

I love having clothes esp made for me. I probably got this from my mum who, as I was growing up, would have most of her clothes made by a local modista or seamstress/dressmaker. Of course, I got a taste of it early on as I had a number of dresses custom-made for myself (from my highschool graduation dress plus the grad ball to dresses I’d wear to debut parties) I reckon I mentioned that I had a maxi-dress made a couple of years ago (see that dress here: The Modern Filipina). And, sadly, because I had found it difficult to find a decent modista, that dress was the last one I had custom-made, er, until I realised that I actually can go to Kaye. Silly me. So, I did just that and I asked her to make my birthday dress. It’s something I do whenever my birthday comes around. LOL.

It all started when Kaye sent me an email containing images of her Holiday 2009 Collection where I saw a couple of dresses that I really liked. I had set up an appointment to have my measurements taken.

I’m quite glad that Kaye spent time talking to me about design and fabric ideas. It allowed me to tell her what I thought would work and what won’t; what I’d be comfortable with and such. And it’s the first time that I didn’t have a photo of a dress that I want with me to serve as reference, save for that one dress that’s part of her collection, that is.

Then come Saturday (my second stop that event-full day, pardon the pun), between a sandwich and a soy latte, I had come back to her studio in Rockwell to try the dress on. You ladies know what happens during dress fittings yes?

Getting a feel of the fabrics chosen — she worked with two different fabrics for one dress — gave me an idea of how comfortable it’ll be to wear the dress. It still needs a nip here and there (Kaye making sure I get the perfect hem, hehe) before I could bring the beauty home. But with all the pins holding the material in certain places (plus with Manang holding it as well!) made it easier to imagine how it will look like when finished. It made my heart skip a beat.

I was actually scheduled to come in yesterday (Saturday) for another fitting but due to previous appointments, I couldn’t squeeze it in. Though you can bet on it that I’ll be dropping by next week cuz I really can’t wait to see how the dress looks like esp after Kaye’s added her signature embellishments!

If you’re interested to work with Kaye Olfindo, visit kstyled.multiply.com.

We all have different reasons for having clothes esp made. Either because we want uniqueness, the perfect fit or control over what sort of clothes you’d keep in your wardrobe. Personally, though I’d prefer every piece customised, I have to admit that it’s not entirely practical to do so. Also, I’ve been a bit choosy since most of the folks I’ve worked with have produced mediocre results which made me think that I’ll get my money’s worth with what RTW that’s available.

I do have to note that one of the reasons why I would go have clothes made is the blandness of selection in stores, sometimes, and if you choose to go for the fancier pieces, it would mean a heftier price tag. And the latter can’t even offer you the security of the item being unique. So, I reckon if I find a designer with creations that show great workmanship coupled with a reasonable price then I’m sold.

Anyway, any of you ladies have your clothes custom-made on a regular basis? Where do you have yours made? Are you interested in starting to get more into it? What’s stopping you from getting your clothes esp made for you? Sorry if I’m asking too many questions. LOL. I’d really love to hear your thoughts, you see.

Photos © 2009 taken by Thea Perez for Style Manila

This launch event was my first stop of three scheduled thingamajigs for the day. It was a great way to start my day — makes up for the fact that I’m actually working on a weekend, gah — since I got to see my friend Thea again (sorry you couldn’t join us Hannah!) plus one of the highlights of my day and that’s getting meet (finally!) Kate Torralba! I did mention that one of her dresses is part of Nestle Fitnesse’ ultimate wardrobe, yes?

Thea and our traditional photo op at the photo wall, my token “photographer” for the day

Twas also fantastic seeing Annalyn again. We’ve been talking about getting together for the past few months but our schedules won’t let us so bumping into each other at the event was a real treat esp since she’s got FABULOUS news!

Congratulations again, Ajay! We will have that dinner or coffee soon!

Feeling a bit peak-y and after sleeping a wee bit more than usual, I ended up looking like this for the day. I have to admit that this won’t make it to my favourite outfit photos list (Sorry Thea).

Top Topshop
Pant Promod
Shoes VNC
Belt Promod
Bag Trove
Sunnies Mango
Earrings Diva
Necklaces Chick Flick, Thea’s Black Box, Lee Hwa Jewelry
Bracelet Diva
Watch Hand me down from my sis

Photos © 2009 Sasha Manuel except the last photo which was taken by Thea for Style Manila.