My grandmother was an Avon Lady for many years. Because of the brand, she helped my Lolo put my mother and her siblings through college during the 70's.

She got interested in makeup because of Avon, and she actually made a career out of it. My earliest memories were of her bringing me and my cousins to the Cultural Center of the Philippines, where she did the makeup of theater and concert artists in her heyday. We got to watch plays, of course! She has pictures with Lea Salonga and Pops Fernandez. 

She was a kind and cool Lola to have. She bought us clothes, made us up. I think it was from her that my mother and I got our love for all things related to fashion and beauty. My mother is actually an Avon Lady too, although she doesn't sell. She just likes the 20% discount, lol.

That being said, I grew up with Avon. The first makeup I ever got to play with was from Avon. My pre-teen bras were from Avon. It's a brand that my family's life is closely intertwined with, so I was glad when I got to attend one of their yearly launches.

Avon launched three categories: lingerie, jewelry, and accessories. The newest collections are inspired by themes: Kaleidoscope Summer (bright and bold), Tutti Frutti (flirty colors), One Love (hippie movement), Spring Fantasy (dainty and subdued), Ode To Leaves (the shades of a lush garden), Pool Party (blue and cool), Bouquet of Memories (nostalgic and timeless), Black Rose (the sophistication of the color black), and Men's Club (for the boys).

Guests were asked to shop in three rooms: the jewelry room featuring Avon's latest trinkets, accessories room holding the bags, belts, wallets, and shoes, and the lingerie room containing the brand's summer-worthy wear

Ruffa Gutierrez was the shining host of the night! Bianca Gonzales joined her as Avon's newest endorser

As you know, I work mostly from home. I only go out when there are events, meetings, and errands, which, come to think of it, means that I'm out three days a week anyway. Lol. Well. You get the drift. I'm not always out. So, to make much-needed space on my shoe rack, I'm letting these shoes go. Need to make way for new ones that I hope I'll get to use often. Right now I have two unused pairs, which reminds me, need to wear them out. (I'm in my fashion mode where I buy clothes and shoes more instead of makeup).

Note that these aren't perfect anymore, hence the prices. There are scuffs and damage. Still, they are in good, wearable condition.

RESERVED Worn once - in mint condition. Size 5. Heels approximately 3.5 inches high. P300

RESERVED Pomelo pink pleather is scuffed. Size 5. Heels 2.5 inches. P200

Hi guys. Hope you've subscribed to the Beauty and Fashion Channel of The Philippine Online Chronicles. Come on, it's free. That's the beauty of the whole online thing!

News

Sizzling Summer: The Avon Fashions Summer Launch You've got the cool clothes, Avon's got the hot underwear! Coverage by Kira.

Camp Nivea My coverage of the uber-cool camp for teenage stars!

Sean John launches newest fragrance "I Am King" The rapper's sophistication and lifestyle in a bottle

It was a bright Saturday that promised a lot of fun activities and a party that no one will forget. I was up early, puttering about the cabana, watching Shakespeare In Love. I was suffering from internet withdrawal! I totally regretted that I didn't bring my Mac. Still, with a view like this, it's hard to feel anxious.

It was a hot day. An extremely hot day, as in, when you go out you can literally feel the sun burning through your skin. And it was what, only 9am? Insane! However I had the chutzpah to stand in direct sunlight like this because I sprayed the Nivea sunblock on before I left the cabana. Take that, sun! Hah!

Here's Marbbie! FYI, we didn't coordinate our outfits. Ipanema gave me black strappy flipflops while they gave her the white version and somehow we just thought of wearing clothes to match them. It was so funny!

After breakfast we rode the coaster to the Upper Beach Club (around five minutes away from Club Punta Fuego). This is the view of the pool beside the Lower Beach Club.

Check out how unbelievably clear the waters are! I was two floors up from the ground when I took this photo.

This is what the word "azure" means

Had to turn away to get to work! These are the campers in a fashion workshop held by runway and events director Robby Carmona and designer Sassa Jimenez.

Here's a photo essay of everything that transpired on Day 2! (extremely photo heavy)

The other weekend, the mega skincare brand held Camp Nivea for rising teenage stars and press people. It was three days full of activities that improved the leadership skills, camaraderie, music skills, fashion sense, runway talent, and camera projection of the beautiful teens.

The location was, how do I say it mildly, paradise! Club Punta Fuego is located in an exclusive property located on the tip of the Batangas peninsula. The clubhouse of the huge and exclusive summering compound is carved out from a ridge overlooking the clear blue sea.

Camp Nivea was the most fun I've had in a long, long time. I went to the event not knowing a single soul but I came home with new acquaintances that I hope to meet again (shout-out to the Candy mag girls, Mars and Cre, Star columnist Jori, and Sense & Style writer slash Heart Evangelista look-alike Marbie).

Marbie, Jori, Mars, Cre

Here's a photo essay of everything that transpired on Day 1! (photo heavy)

My special someone is the type of guy who loves to be in control. He's extremely intelligent, focused, and passionate about his job, which is web design and development. He's always busy growing his start-up company and of course, I'm there with him every step of the way.

Around half a year ago he started dressing up to match his lifestyle. He likes great food, nice places, stylish clothes and smelling good. He's never actually ventured into designer perfumes before because he's not that vain (omg, you can't believe how much flack I get from him because of my vanity! But that's another story) so he's happy with department store deo sprays. 

Until I gave him this:

Guess where these awesome sandals came from! Take a good guess (without checking my Twitter account).

They're from a brand I didn't know made shoes like this: Avon! Avon is best-known for makeup, skincare, and underwear - not really for shoes. They tend to make ones in very safe, sensible designs that I just can't relate with. I love shoes that are quirky and fun and if possible, purple!

 I fancy that I am not a purist when it comes to blogging. The medium has evolved tremendously in the past couple of years so it's really hard to set and expect a certain standard for bloggers and their content. So yes, I'm not a purist in the sense that I don't expect anyone's blog to be so and so. I can always simply stop following a blog that ceases to have value to me. 

I do however have preferences. The blogs I read are always about real, personal experiences by the blogger. I stay away from the press release blogs because I don't see the point - I can always find that information in a proper website, magazine, or newspaper. In other words I prefer content that I can't find anywhere else but a specific blog. 

Here's a summary of what the channel's been up to!

News

Going nautical: Wynn Wynn Ong’s jewelry in WWD Another Filipina gets featured on the daily fashion bible!

Style and function: the Asus EEE PC Karim Rashid Edition The shiny, sleek, and pink reincarnation of the Eee PC

Mich Dulce wins Int'l Young Creative Entrepreneur award The quirky designer wows London!

Pinay wins first runner-up at Ford Supermodel of the World 2010 A Filipina supermodel walks the talk

Jay Nicolas Sario: Making history in Project Runway The first Pinoy in the contest ever!

Rajo Laurel’s dress webbed in WWD Insects and cobwebs lands Laurel on the international fashion scene

Like any self-respecting female does, I got new shoes to match the season. I wanted comfortable ones that weren't too hot on my feet, easy to walk in, and comes in bright, summery colors to match the clothes I'll be wearing. Here's what I came up with:

I'm loving these ultra-comy brogues I got from Tonic, at The Ramp. They're soft and the color speaks a lot for itself. I like wearing these during the day as it instantly livens up drab casual clothes. I got them for a nice price of P990 (I would have loved to pay less because I'm cheap like that) but they're totally worth it!

Here are the shoes in action. Wore them with acid washed shorts, Uniqlo polo, necklace and hat from SM Department Store. I have a feeling that this will be my summer uniform! It's slouchy but still smart, don't you think?

Last Tuesday Asus launched its latest netbook incarnation - the Eee PC™ Seashell Karim Rashid Collection (1008P). It's pink, it's small, it's stylish! After that one can't really say a lot. It's got the usual specs that an average netbook has except that the latest Eee PC packs a lot of spunk in terms of design. It promises six hours of battery life, too. (Read after the cut to see the complete specs)

Karim Rashid, a world-renowned industrial designer was tapped to create the newest look of the Eee PC. The design is the realization of his vision of computing—one that is more sensual, more human, more hip. The hot pink laptop is targeted towards the younger, more mobile market. If you're not the sort who wants to get caught in tacky hot pink, never fear! There's a coffee brown version for guys and older women.

Dreamy light show and ambiance courtesy of Icon in Hotel Intercontinental

The most interesting thing during the launch was the fashion show parading R.A.F. Plains & Prints's Summer 2010 Collection. I loved most of the oufits featured! The Karim Rashid Eee PC is such a great accessory to the clothes, don't you think? 

Me and my trusty Ipanemas at the beach

Summer is in full, heatstroke-inducing swing! If you're going to the beach, it's time to stock up on essentials like sunblock, swimsuits, and of course - flipflops. I am soo feeling this sentence because I went to the beach last weekend with no proper flipflops. Good thing Ipanema gave us all a pair! But that's another story for another day.

Speaking of Ipanema, you can also find the brand in a newly-opened footwear store called Bambu. They also have other brands like Ipanema Giselle Bundchen, Rider, Grendha, and OndadeMar. The new place has this classy samba vibe, well-lit interiors, and tons of fashionable (albeit expensive) footwear for kids, women, and men. They also have some resort wear and woven bags and hats available. Perfect for the beach!

What follows is a barrage of pictures of the launch.