Castello di Amorosa- photo diary

Umm... I am obsessed with my GoPro! 

SNEAKERBOOTS

I caved and bought a pair of sneakerboots [after swearing off wedge sneakers for life] this week just because they were in my fave colour scheme. Really comfy but I can feel that they're too warm for Manila weather so I can't be walking around the neighborhood in these unless it's raining. I'm dying to get the men's version [Nike Air Max 90 Sneakerboot] but they ran out of my size at Niketown. Hoping to find a pair for myself before leaving SF! They run a bit small so I had to get a women's 8.5 instead of 8. Other than them being snug I love the WaterShield finish so I know they'll keep my feet dry for the rainy season.

Paired with department store jean leggings and a flannel shirt from Urban Outfitters. Wore this today (December 25) while looking for a place to eat with the fam. All the shops and major restaurants were closed plus the diners were packed so we had no choice but to eat at Carl's Jr. Being the only pescetarian meant I had to choose between fried zucchini, onion rings and french fries. As much as I hate the cleansing fad happening recently that's all that's on my mind at the moment- I have to detox and eat clean once I get home. No workout can save me from feeling like a deep fried ball of butter (frozen then re-fried) right now.

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San Francisco for the holidays- day 1

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accessories - Stockton Row, dress - NAVA, bracelets- Tiffany & Co., heels- Aldo

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Just last night I had this outfit on as I walked into the emergency room at St. Luke's Hospital after having my palm cut open thanks to some exposed steel on the cab's door. Had to get 2 tetanus shots plus I got my palm stitched up since I can't handle going through any infections before flying out of the country! I told them the pain was about 1/10, but seeing your insides through a clean cut is a bit alarming. Walking in the ER with my noisy heels and a fist full of blood wasn't exactly how I planned my Saturday night to be after watching my sister's gig, but it was extremely hilarious. Good thing I brought along a jacket, my height and skimpy dress was already a bit too loud for a sad, quiet place like a hospital. I don't know why I suffer from injuries out of the lamest situations- I once broke my ankle after standing up too quickly right when I woke up from a nap... Pain crept in once my feet "woke up" and I had to wear a cast for 2 months. Okay, maybe getting injured in the city is a lot better than getting into an accident somewhere far from civilisation so I'm going to stop complaining...  

Stockton Row recently gifted me with these accessories from their first collection, and I am absolutely in love with their line because it is of equal parts delicate and androgynous, drawing inspiration from travel and free-spiritedness... SO ME! They're the perfect addition to any simple outfit since they're not too overpowering. It's the little details that keep it interesting, especially for an achromatic dresser like me. 

Check out Stockton Row on Instagram, Facebook and their official website. If you'd like to see the items up close, they're available in Seek the Uniq and at Cura V in Rockwell. 

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Bloggers United 6 details + NAVA

BLOGGERS UNITED 6 is happening TOMORROW! Please drop by the World Trade Center from 10:00AM onwards- this is A ONE-DAY event and all your favorite Filipino bloggers plus some other brands will be selling items there. Come early to score the best deals, the crowd gets crazier each BU! 
The Bloggers United area will be at the 2nd floor of WTC and tickets will be sold on site for Php 50 each. This is for the benefit of ABS-CBN Foundation, Inc. I'll be selling my clothes for Php 20-500, shoes for Php 200-1000 and accessories for Php 10-150 only! Sharing a booth with my good friend Cheyser this time. 

You guys also have to keep an eye out for the cool promos tomorrow. One of my favorite stores, NAVA, is having a special promo- all who will purchase at least Php 1,000 (on regular priced items) from the NAVA Booth will immediately get a 10% discount! Be sure to drop by their booth for affordable yet chic clothes. They carry a lot of styles!

blazer from NAVA, shoes and accessories- ZARA, watch- Armani, bag-Michael Kors

I will be at the World Trade Center after my exam, so that's from 2:30 PM onwards. Cheyser and my mum will be at the booth before I arrive so don't forget to say hi! 
See you guys tomorrow!  
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Bloggers United 6- giving away 10 tickets!

When a group of top fashion bloggers unite for the country’s grandest holiday bazaar, one can expect nothing but a shopping experience that is more fun, engaging, and personal, as evidenced by the recent successes of blogger bazaars in the country.

This year, the 13th World Bazaar Festival (WBF), running from December 6 to 22 at the World Trade Center and undoubtedly, the country’s biggest and most- awaited Christmas charity shopping event, proves this true as it once again partners with “Bloggers United 6,” a team that showcases the country’s top entrepreneur bloggers, on December 7 at the World Trade Center (WTC) in Pasay City.

The event, which will occupy the second floor of WTC, will serve as the 6th official installment of Bloggers United and will feature fashion royalties in the blogosphere, including the likes of Divine Lee, Camille Co, Laureen Uy, Kryz Uy, Maggie Wilson and Dani Barretto, among others.

Founded in 2011, Bloggers United has continuously influenced the online Filipino community through its efforts of promoting beauty, fashion, and style through a series of bloggers bazaar in Metro Manila.

With its recent collaboration with World Bazaar Festival, “Bloggers United” is expected to gain bigger audience and market share, while giving back to the community, as part of the proceeds of WBF will be donated to ABS-CBN Foundation, Inc.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wsifanpage

Twitter: @worldbex #worldbazaarph

Instagram: @worldbazaar

For more information and updates, follow Bloggers United:

Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

Official Hashtag: #BU6

In Partnership with:

World Bazaar Festival

CO-PRESENTERS

Paktor

Banana Peel

Contigo

Tomato

Instax

Kotex

NAVA

MAJOR SPONSORS

S&H

Giordano

MINOR SPONSORS

Fly Shades

YSA

Meister

Nice Day Coffee

Glutamax

MEDIA SPONSORS

ETC

Madhouse Manila

Stylebible.ph

Cosmo.ph

FemaleNetwork.com

ABS-CBN Publishing, Inc.

Chalk Magazine

MEG

MegaStyle.PH

Metro Magazine

Spot.PH

Status Magazine

TheMall.PH

WheninManila.com

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HOW TO WIN TICKETS:

1. Follow me on Twitter, Instagram & Facebook
2. Follow Bloggers United on Twitter, Instagram & Facebook
3. Follow WSI on Twitter, Instagram & Facebook
4. Tweet what you're excited to do/see this BU6, hashtag and tag #RaleeneBU6 @raleene 
(example: "So excited to see what my fave bloggers have in store for us this #BU6!!! #RaleeneBU6 @raleene)

Good luck and see you this Saturday!!!

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BLIMS window display by Empire Designs

These are photos of the actual display we set up last Monday at BLIMS Greenbelt 2. All furniture pieces are from BLIMS, except for the antlers and stainless steel trees which are from Empire Home.

This was the original perspective I came up with using Sketchup and rendered with Kerkythea.

Taking a cue from the recurring use of wood and stainless steel in the latest collection of BLIMS, Empire Designs takes inspiration from these elements to create an INDUSTRIAL WILDERNESS vignette, mirroring the play between soft and hard materials often used in contemporary interiors. This creates a display of whimsy and modernity that is a favorite look in today’s trends. 

[Add us up on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and Houzz] 

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Maybelline New York: The Search for the new 8 BB TOP MODELS

A couple of weeks ago Maybelline New York sent me a package containing three amazing new products. I was so excited to sample them and was surprised to find out that it also came with an awesome new contest for all you guys!

MAYBELLINE NEW YORK is on the lookout for 8 ladies who will be the 2014 Top Models of 8-in-1 Clear Smooth BB!!!

Because MAYBELLINE Clear Smooth 8-in-1 BB gives you perfect skin with its 8 healthy benefits, they are calling all aspiring models who believe they have what it takes to be one of 8 MAYBELLINE NEW YORK BB Top Models who will represent Clear Smooth 8-in-1 BB in a photoshoot and win a P100,000 modeling contract with Ideal People Models!

HOW TO JOIN: 

Interested ladies ages 15 and above* can join via the 2014 BB TOP MODELS Application on the MAYBELLINE Philippines Facebook Page from November 4 to November 30, 2013. Candidates should provide the following for participation to be valid:

(1)  Headshot

(2)  Body Shot

(3)  One-sentence statement on why they believe they should be a MAYBELLINE BB Cream Top Model.

*Ages 15-17 are required to submit parental permission to participate.

Here are some samples of photos you may want to submit: 

A clear HEADSHOT with little or no makeup- the Maybelline Clear Smooth BB Cream is perfect for this! It provides just enough coverage and still allows your natural skin to be seen. Enhance your best features, don't hide them! 

Make sure your BODY SHOT is clear from head to toe. 

Don't forget to include a sentence on WHY YOU SHOULD BE PICKED as one of the top 8 BB models! 

THE COVETED PRIZES:

8 winners will be named MAYBELLINE 2014 BB Top Models and be ambassadors for Clear Smooth 8-in-1 BB for a year.

The highest scoring model will receive an exclusive 1-year modeling contract worth P100,000 with Ideal People Models, one of the country’s most reputable modeling agencies, while the runner up will receive a P50,000 contract.

HOW TO WIN:

Collect as many votes as possible for a chance to be part of the finals. Each voter is allowed to vote a candidate only once, and can vote for up to 10 candidates.

The top 30 candidates who get the most number of votes will be invited to a casting on December 6, 2013. The jury composed of representatives from MAYBELLINE NEW YORK and Ideal People Models will select the Top 8 winners.

WISHING YOU ALL THE BEST!!! Tweet me your entries so I can retweet them! 

GOOD LUCK! :) 

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SUNDAY WORK-IN

cross-training shoes from World Balance [World Balance on Twitter & Instagram]
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Surprise! Even my workout clothes are in greyscale. I just feel like I can wear pieces more often (and in different situations) if they're not in crazy colours. For site visits I usually wear leggings and sneakers since I sweat easily so loose/thin clothing is always the way to go. I also walk everywhere around my neighbourhood everyday so I avoid wearing anything fussy anymore. I can walk in my comfiest heeled booties but flats are obviously more comfortable. I was never a ballet flats kind of girl- it's either sneakers or TOMS for me. These World Balance cross-trainers are my first white pair and I'm glad they made me choose among their newest styles. There are a lot of nice, colourful ones but this is something I can definitely wear everyday. It has great support and they're really easy to prance around in!  Second month of T25 starts tomorrow. Ugh. I love/hate it.  ❤

MUST...SUCCEED.

cropped shirt - Trilogy, necklace- Mia Arcenas, shoes- Adidas Primeknits

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Super casual 'fit on a Sunday for brunch and church with my dad & sister... Still trying to wrap my head around what's about to happen in the weeks to come. I might have to take a hiatus on social media & blogging for a while (it's not like I update regularly anyways, haha). Please pray for me, guys!!! 

And while you're at it, please add my sister's new Facebook page for her music. Don't forget about Walkie Talkies, too... We're back! 

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YOLANDA/HAIYAN

As soon as everyone from my hometown and the other parts of the country prepared for this super typhoon, I was already getting nervous about its effects and I knew I had to prepare myself for the photos and videos that would be posted online... I don't have cable (I choose not to watch TV) at home so I rely on social media for updates about everything around the world. This video just really made me so emotional and angry at the same time -angry because people in these cities were obviously not expecting something like this. They kept repeating that it was going to be a "storm surge" but nobody knew exactly what that meant! 

As of this moment I'm just glad that we were able to get word from our relatives in Abuyog [after 2 days of not being able to reach them] that they're fine and there are no casualties in their town which is just an hour away from Tacloban, the city in Leyte with the most number of reported deaths. Although their house doesn't have a roof anymore, I'm super glad that my grandparents are still okay! Can't say the same for the other cities though and I've stopped myself from watching any more videos of the aftermaths. The bridge to their area is completely wrecked so I have no idea how my uncle is going to get there since he's braving the terrible conditions to bring my grandparents' medication and some food for the rest of the family. 

I know we all have our own ways of helping our countrymen and I'm glad that people are showing that no good deed is too small- it's okay to share that you're doing your part. I don't want to rant about the government officials in my blog anymore... I'm encouraging everyone to make even a small donation or help out in packing relief goods. The Bangon Philippines site isn't so updated but you can find other links to different organisations whom you can donate to on the same page. Unicef also has a simple and secure form you can fill up- just donate any amount you can! 

Christmas is just a few weeks away and I hope you guys have the heart to help out instead of buying excessive gifts. Our country is obviously unprepared for these kinds of disasters. Don't you think we can all sacrifice this year to just helping others out? Imagine all the families with no home to come home to and nothing left in their possession. A day or two of meals, water, medicine and toiletries would surely lift their spirits up for the holidays as we celebrate the season of true self-forgetfulness. 

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TRAGEDY OF THE YEAR

I lost one earring and was so careless last night! I also lost my favorite ear cuff + chain earring along with it, so someone must have hit my ear without me noticing. It's just horrible. I spent one whole morning looking for it but N A D A. I'm quite depressed right now and it's annoying how a small thing can cause this. Dear self, it's your fault and you are not supposed to be materialistic!

Now if any of you can point me to a place where I can find the exact same earring, please tell me!!! This was a grad gift from mum. So much for only wearing these on special occasions... I've worn these in the most sketchy places and they just had to disappear in Prive, on that ONE night I decided to go clubbing again! 

:(

*end of whining*

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Maddy platforms from Gold Dot, printed cover-up from Zara

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711's BYO CUP DAY PHILIPPINES

I'm so excited to share with you a really crazy event happening around the Philippines on November 7 (this Thursday)- it involves one of my favourite college cheap thrills- the 7-Eleven Slurpee!!! It's the first thing that comes to mind when anyone says the phrase brain freeze and this event is totally going to create so much buzz since 7-Eleven is giving you a chance to fill ANYTHING with as much Slurpee as you want for only Php 29!

The Philippines' first ever Slurpee Bring Your Own Cup day will be happening on November 7, 2013. For only Php 29, you can use the craziest “cup” that you can get their hands on.

How does it work? Customers are encouraged to bring the craziest cups they can think of. Anything that can be filled is fair game provided that it follows the rules. As long as the “cup” in question is hygienic, watertight, fixed in size and shape and able to fit in the MaCUPangyarihang Bilog, customers can fill it to the brim with Slurpee. Be warned, however: Brainfreeze may occur. 

  

The famous movement that started in Australia has made its way to Malaysia and now, the Philippines. 

Slurpee BYO Cup Day kicks off the celebration of a landmark partnership between Slurpee and Coca-Cola. 

On Slurpee BYO Cup Day customers who participate can upload their photos with their craziest cups in the online contest. Post your photos on 7-Eleven's social media pages on Facebook and Instagram and you can win Php 5,000!!! 

Not sure about what I'm bringing on #BYOCupDay to hold all my Slurpee in, tweet me your suggestions! 

Again, be sure to use the hashtag #BYOCupDay to keep tabs of the Slurpee madness this coming November 7.

For more information on BYOC, visit 711 Philippines on Facebook, follow their Instagram and Twitter and tag them when you post your photos! 

Check out this video to see what happened in Australia during their BYO Cup Day.

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KNITTY-GRITTY

Sneaker designs for women that stores carry around here are quite disappointing so I usually get the smallest men's sneakers in size 8 (I'm a women's 7.5). I was surprised to see that the Adidas store at High Street carried the new Primeknits for women! Quite similar to Nike Flyknits but apparently Adidas won the copyright battle against Nike for this kind of technology last year. STILL, these are just perfect for my achromatic-lovin self. 

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