Tuesday, December 14, 2010 at 9:12AM I got these shoes more than two weeks ago but I only remembered to post them now. Anyway! I love these shoes because they're super comfortable. I've been wearing them quite often lately since I'm mostly running errands these days. They're perfect with jeans and shorts for that carefree, preppy look. I'd say they're a nice masculine finishing touch to any outfit.
Monday, December 13, 2010 at 2:29PM Everyone is rushing for Christmas by now, what with all the shopping, cooking, gift wrapping and parties. I know I'm stressed! So, I thought to have this little giveaway for all Project Vanity readers out there. I want you guys to relax and take a breather. I'm giving away three GCs from Qiwellness Spa that entitles the bearer to a 90-minute signature massage of his/her choice: Qitranquility, Qivitality, or Qireflexology.
You're getting not one, but THREE Qiwellness GCs. Since Christmas is a season for giving, I want you to give two other friends/family members a relaxing afternoon at the spa.
Here are the mechanics:
1. Like the Project Vanity Facebook page.
2. On your personal profile, paste this and tag the names of two friends: "I want to take @____ and @____ to Qiwellness spa for a free 90-minute massage. Visit this link for more details: http://www.projectvanity.com/projectvanity/2010/12/13/contest-alert-win-three-qiwellness-spa-gcs.html"
This is what your Facebook entry should look like:
Saturday, December 11, 2010 at 1:42PM I just saw Kookie Buhain blog about these boots. Want so bad! Major shoe lust here! Whoever is handling Gold Dot is doing a fantastic job. I remember seeing Bestie tote a Gold Dot envelope bag once that also got me drooling.
I see them with socks, pleated skirts, loose shirts, polos - all in autumn colors. Now I know that the clogs trend has been rehashed to death, but I like this particular combination of laced boots and gold studs over a leather lining. These shoes have a tough look about them, but not so tough as to lose that element of femininity.
Saturday, December 11, 2010 at 10:56AM Heading out Mercato Centrale. Excited to get another piece of Park Avenue's toffee chocolate with sea salt. Omg. I can't wait.
I got a tee from Topshop the other day - I liked the mauve color, the rolled up sleeves, and pocket. I've never owned this color before so I'm excited to match it. Right now I'm wearing it with a turquoise belt and light pink flats. Very dreamy. I want this t-shirt in red and lime green (which unfortunately Topshop doesn't have). Can anyone direct me to anywhere selling a faded lime green shirt?
Topshop roll sleeve burnout pocket tee (P1,195)
Ok got to go! Have a nice Saturday ok?
Friday, December 10, 2010 at 1:23PM I was browsing online a few days ago when I saw a link that led to the Avon Voices website. I was invited to the launch last December 1, but I wasn't able to make it so I just promptly forgot about it. I did have a vague idea that it was about empowering women, giving them a voice, something like that. It's Avon's advocacy after all. But when I saw the site, I was surprised that my impression was waaayyyy off the mark!
Avon Voices is actually the first-ever global online singing talent search. It's a contest for budding singers and songwriters all over the world! All they have to do is pick and/or write a song and upload it. There will be 200 finalists who will get to travel, receive professional coaching, Avon makeovers, and even record performance videos. The 200 will ultimately be whittled down to two winners - one an Avon Representative - who may get to record their own albums! So cool right?
Here are some photos during the Philippine launch at the Cultural Center of the Philippines. Of course, Ms. Lea Salonga headed the charge not only as an Avon endorser but also as a world-class musician and one of the international judges for the contest.
Lea Salonga is ageless
Mechanics and more photos after the jump!
Friday, December 10, 2010 at 7:43AM 
Eco bags are not a trend - they're here to stay! Using them helps reduce plastic waste, which we all know is not biodegradable. According to CNN, "What's wrong with plastic bags? Lots. They often wind up as litter, or in trees. They drift into oceans and rivers and kill fish. They can take 1,000 years to decompose. And every time we use a plastic bag, we drive up the demand for oil - which is used to make plastics."
Wow, a thousand years! Think about it. Something we used for two hours carrying a box of shoes can continue polluting the environment for a millennium. This is why I prefer shopping in stores that use re-usable paper bags instead of plastic ones! Also, when I buy something that can fit into my bag, I always tell the attendant to skip the plastic kasi kalat lang talaga. If I have to use plastic, I stuff as many things inside as humanly possible, then re-use the bag for the trash cans at home.
Now, I'm sure you've seen SM Eco Bags being sold at SM Supermalls nationwide. I'd like to invite you to use them because aside from the environmental angle, SM Eco Bags are total must-have because they're:
Thursday, December 9, 2010 at 1:27PM So yesterday one of the maintenance personnel in our condo knocked on the door and said that the power will be out from 11pm to 6am. As we had things to finish, Marco and I thought to stay in a hotel overnight. After calling up at least four hotels, we decided to settle on Marriott Manila since it's the nearest one (albeit not as affordable as I might like).
from the Marriott Manila website
I guess we just wanted to relax and break the routine for even just one day. Anyway, for those who are looking for a place to stay (especially Balikbayans, it's just right in front of NAIA 3) Mariott is a good choice. I wouldn't say the best since I expected a bigger room and at least a free breakfast because the rate is not cheap, but I am very happy with the service. I also loved the gorgeous pool area, which I sadly forgot to take a picture of before my 7am swim.
Food from the restaurant is just so-so for the price. We ordered spaghetti bolognese and kare-kare, which tasted rather bland. I think it cost P1,700 for the dinner, including drinks.
Wednesday, December 8, 2010 at 11:04AM I have already mentioned a recent awesome discovery called Liberté. It's an in-house brand that can be found in Robinsons Department Stores. It sells modern, trendy basics as well as pieces with an unexpected, beautiful twist. The clothes are meant for yuppie corporate wear but I do believe that everyone who likes elegant clothes without breaking the bank will love this brand! Nothing is above P600!
Now I know that "trendy basics" sounds a bit like an oxymoron, so let me explain. Liberte takes basics, mashes them with the trending cut and fabric, and comes up with something infinitely wearable yet far from boring.
I guess I better just show you.
This is my favorite find from the brand. It's a dirty-white dress that's done in a sort of cotton-chiffon blend. It has this sexy triangle cut-out back that I sadly forgot to take a picture of! This dress is only P600 if I remember right.
Wednesday, December 8, 2010 at 10:10AM So, are you done with your Christmas shopping? If you're part of the majority who's rushing like a headless chicken in the middle of bazaars and mall sales, but don't know what to get exactly, allow me to share a couple of articles which can give you some ideas!
Top 20 gift ideas for Christmas Mara Ruiz
From accessories, clothes, shoes to makeup, this article will help you pick your gifts according to preference, and features some great brands to check out.
Holiday skincare sets for your loved ones by Lyn Cacha
If you're looking for affordable but totally practical gifts for your friends, sister, aunts, etc. - any female loved one - then you can't go wrong with skincare. Make your gift more attractive by picking a pre-packaged set!
Hope this helps. ;)
Tuesday, December 7, 2010 at 4:35PM Dear girls, here are a couple of press releases I thought you may be interested in. Love, Liz
To mark its one-year presence in the Philippines, Vita Fede, the luxury accessories line that is frequently seen on high profile celebrities is teaming up with StyleBible.ph for a three-day exclusive online sale from December 8 to 10.
A staple in the wardrobe of Hollywood A-listers such as Kate Hudson, Jessica Alba, Cameron Diaz, Katherine Heigl, Lindsay Lohan, Emmy Rossum, Olivia Palermo, Fergie and Jessica Biel, Vita Fede is also a favorite among Manila’s fashionable celebrities including Ruffa Gutierrez, Georgina Wilson, Anne Curtis and Kris Aquino.
Known for attention to detail, Vita Fede is committed to using only the finest materials and techniques.