Stylista: ANNA DELLO RUSSO

"From a very young age, I understood fashion was my passion. I was obsessed. I wanted to grow up to own as many clothes as possible."

Anna Dello Russo is not like any other 49 year old. Stylist, fashion icon, editor-at-large and creative consultant for Vogue Japan, she is never seen wearing anything ordinary.
Every fashionista looks up to her...

"I take risks with my clothes, I don't have a problem with people looking at me. For me, its all about the arrival and the impact."

"I have to say dressing down is not my favourite thing. Clothes are my fantasy, my escape to reality."

"FASHION without a Look is only half the message. It's like cutting the legs off a beautiful woman."

"There was no other way for me than to work in fashion. I actually had to change careers to end up working in fashion.. It was just mean to be.."

"I'm a collector but I collect incredible pieces only, no daywear! I really love garments with lots of imagination, lots of history; I try to imagine that if I died, my clothing could go on to be shown in a museum.. Who wants to see a plain white shirt? So I think.. 'Is that something people would want to see in the future?'.. Something with a bit of flair.."

"I like clothes not for their prices or other such aspects but for their evocative power, how much dream they carry with them."

"Never lose spontaneity."

Resource: Swide.com

Product Review: Benefit's Dr. Feel Good

"Benefit's Dr. Feel good is an invisible, weightless, mattifying balm that you can put on alone or on top of your makeup to reduce the appearance of fine lines and pores (use sponge for application)."

I've been using this product since 2009 and personally, I don't think it minimizes the appearance of pores that much.. But fine lines, yes it does! But the real reason why I love this product is because it keeps the shine/oiliness of your face in check. I don't reapply any face powder anymore whenever I have this and I definitely recommend this over blotting paper. It is blended with Vitamin C and has a lime scent to it and it does leave your skin smooth and velvety after application. I love how it seems to make my makeup last longer and how patting a small amount onto your face can already go a long way.

A little pricey but definitely worth it! :)

Cobain-Love(child)

Frances Bean Cobain together with her legendary Rockstar parents..

This is what she looks like now....

Her tattoo means "Art is the solution to chaos" 

She gives justice to being the daughter of Rock & Roll superstars. :)

I love her hair, her lips, and how she doesn't look "styled" (if she was at all) in this photoshoot.

Photo Source: MTV.com

Living in Q8

I would always make kwento to my friends about how Kuwaitis live such a luxurious life.. 

Do you know that some of them even get an "encouragement bonus"? It's literally a bonus that your company gives you so that you'll be encouraged to work harder.

Last January, the Amir of Kuwait, Sheikh Sabah Al Ahmad Al Sabah, granted EVERY Kuwaiti citizen KWD 1,000 (USD 3,599/ Php 155,000) as well as FREE food rations for 14 months. 

Can you imagine that? EVERY Kuwaiti citizen? Not just every adult.. Lahat damay.. Pati mga anak!

Here is a clip of the Kuwaiti princess being interviewed on the Oprah Show a few years ago. 

I would watch these women go on a shopping spree and not even look at the tag price. Its amusing to watch them grab everything they want, without a care in the world if its anything beyond KWD 10.000. I must say, it makes me a little jealous sometimes but not to the point where I wouldn't feel any sense of contentment with all the blessings that God has been showering me and my family with.

But it does make me wonder.. what it would be like if we had this kind of lavish lifestyle in the Philippines as well.. Hmm... If we had that kind of privilege, I wouldn't be where I am right now.. I'd be blogging in the comforts of my Queen size bed at home in Antipolo.. Sigh... I miss Pinas!

Q&A about LDR's

A friend of mine sent me a few questions for an article she's going to write about long distance relationships.. Thought I'd share my answers on here for my LDR "classmates" to read. :)

What are your thoughts and experiences on LDR's?
A lot of people don't believe in it, but a lot of people have survived it as well. I think that as long as both parties are consistent in making an effort to make it work, then you should be fine. Keeping an open line of communication is one of the most important factors, as well as TRUSTING and HAVING FAITH in each other. Just believe that you'll make it through and pray, pray, pray....

What is/was the hardest part of your LDR?
The hardest part was-- the beginning. I would cry my eyes out every night. I cry when I hear a song that reminds me of us, I cry when I pass by a place we used to go to, I cry when I see his stuff lying around my room, I cry whenever I see our pictures together.. I cried all the time!! But I tried my best to stay strong for him because I know it hurts him too when I cry.. Kailangan tulungan kayo eh.. Because wala sya paghuhugutan ng lakas ng loob kapag pati ikaw sobrang depressed na. You're supposed to be each other's pillar of strength. :) The hardest part nowadays? Its when our internet connection is being retarded. HAHA! Kidding aside.. Its when we have those fights that start out small and then biglang lalaki. Its frustrating because you're not physically there to make lambing. :(

What advice can you give people who are experiencing or will experience LDR's?
Besides the ones that I mentioned on the first question... What I can say is, before you get into a long distance relationship, be 101% sure na kaya mo panindigan yun papasukan mo. It's not going to be easy so be sure that you can promise yourself and your partner that you won't ever do anything to make him/her worry about you. Never put yourself in vulnerable situations like getting drunk with friends of the opposite sex, or doing something out of impulse when you get into an LQ. ALWAYS think of ways to make the other person feel that they're always on your mind no matter how far you are from each other. Bawal ang hindi ma-effort sa LDR.. :)

That's all! :) What are your thoughts about LDR's?

What's inside my bag

I've been asked several times to do a "What's inside my bag" blog post so here you go...

Sorry if you don't find anything interesting in there. HAHA! But this is what's in my bag on most days... 

All this plus a whole bunch of receipts and gum wrappers. Hahaha!

1. My phone
2. I call it my "Roaming Phone". Haha! This is my Smart number from the Philippines.. Its for my family and friends in the Phil. who want to text me without spending 15 pesos per text. :)
3. Ipod
4. Coin purse
5. Pen and Planner
6. Its a small wallet I got the other day from H&M. I bought it as a replacement for #7, on days when I'm carrying a smaller bag.
7. My wallet
8. My makeup kit. I only bring the "essentials"-- BodyShop Liquid blush, Max Factor mascara, MAC in Plumful, Maybelline lip balm, Revlon PhotoReady powder.
_____________

THANK YOU to everyone who replied to my previous blog post, especially to the ones who sent me emails!!! Dont worry, my Dad is doing fine now (currently watching FEU vs AdMU game live on TFC.. Sumisigaw sigaw pa! Lol) and as for me, I feel much better today.. :)

Zee read my blog post yesterday and he was worried about me.. He said that its not like me to blog about my personal life and give away too much information about the things that's been bothering me. I realized that he was right.. I'm sorry if I freaked anyone out yesterday with my blog post. I promise not to do that again! Its just that I feel like I have a special connection with the people who really takes the time to read what I post on here.. I feel at home with you guys that I'm not ashamed to say what I feel.. But I guess there are some things that I should just keep to myself. Haha! :P

Hope everyone's having a great weekend!!! :)

Product Review: VEET Wax Strips/ Hair Removal Cream

I never thought I'd say this, but I'm a wax convert. Haha! This is gonna sound weird but ever since I visited The Strip for my very first brazilian wax (kahit na maiyak iyak ako sa experience na yon), and after comparing waxing vs. shaving, I promised myself that I would never ever go back to shaving again.

Waxing may be a little painful (depending on the area) but the hair that grows out is a lot more finer (thinner?) as compared to when you shave. It doesn't itch or dry out your skin, and it takes a little longer for the hair to grow back. And for waxing "down under", all I can say is, it may be painful...... but... it sets you free (Cue music: I'm like a bird... I'll only fly away).. HAHA! Sarap lang ng feeling afterwards. :) Okay, am I sharing too much information? Hahaha! As compared to shaving, it can get really itchy especially when the hair starts to grow back.. 

Anyway, just thought I'd recommend this product to you guys..

That's what I use for my underarms and bikini line. I love how the it leaves the skin super smooth afterwards. :) Parang ang sarap halikan ng kilikili mo pagkatapos. Hahahaha! Man, Veet should be paying me for this!! LOL, but seriously.. You girls should try it. :) 

As for the legs, this is what I use:

Just in case you're not familiar with that, its a hair removal CREAM- all you have to do is apply it onto your legs/ arms/ underarms/ bikini line and then wait 3 minutes... then scrub it off! Why do I use cream on my legs instead of wax? Well because it's not painful at all! Siempre, reserba ko na yun masakit para sa brazilian wax. Hahaha!

Alright, hope you liked this review and let me know if you've tried any of these products already! :)

LDR (Long Distance Relationship): Rule #7

As time evolves, so should your LDR.

Back in the day, there was long hand and messenger pigeons.. Today, that pigeon evolved into something we now call TWITTER.. and emails, live video chat, etc.. 

I know I have a lot of readers who are in a long distance relationship as well.. How are you all doing so far? :) Kaya pa ba? Kayang kaya yan!!!!! ;) Wag tayong sumuko!!! Isang MALUFET na MOMOL SESSION ang kapalit nyan balang araw.. Hahahaha!!!

P.S.

Its the last day to join my Ensembles x Religioso Giveaway!!!

Deadline is tonight at exactly 11:59 PM :)

Gow na!! Para ka-peg mo si Carmina. :))

Queen RANIA AL YASSIN of Jordan

She was born here in Kuwait to Palestinian parents and attended the New English School in Jabriyah. She earned a Business Administration degree at the American University in Cairo then returned to Jordan to work for Citibank, and later on for Apple Inc.

When she was crowned QUEEN last 1999, she was the youngest and shall I say, the most beautiful Queen in the world. :)

She has been pushing for education reform especially for women, fighting for better school facilities and mandatory English training.

Take the time to watch this clip.. You wont regret it. :)

She met her husband, King Abdullah, at a party and it was "love at first sight". :) She never expected to be Queen though but things changed when the late King Hussein unexpectedly named his son as successor.

She is also known to be a doting mother, always making sure she spends a lot of quality time with her kids. She's actually also an author of a children's book! Learn more about it on the next jump. :)

I LOVE watching and hearing her speak. There's just something about her that makes me feel so proud to be a woman. She's articulate, she's endearing, she's... lahat na!!!

She's also one of the favorite muse of Giorgio Armani, Dolce & Gabbana and other reputable fashion designers. 

O sige ano pa?? Lahat na 'te sayo na.. IKAW NA!! Lol!!

With all of these accomplishments and the kind of attitude that she has, I think she deserves to be Queen. Don't you think so too? ;)

[OTD] Queen of my Heart

Just because its my Mom's birthday, today's OTD will not be of me, but of my Mom.. The Queen of my heart. :)

Still one hour left before midnight so it's still her birthday over here.. My brother and I arranged a mini photoshoot for her earlier today as an excuse to get her out of her pambahay and dress up for her "surprise party". LOL.

Not going to sugarcoat this post because I always let her know how much I love her, even if its not her birthday. But just in case you're new to my blog.. Well, I'm letting you know that my Mom is the woman I cannot live without. 

I just realized that this blog wouldn't even exist if it weren't for her. She's my #1 sponsor!!!! HAHAHA!! Thanks Mom!!! LOL! Most of the makeup products that I use, are ones that she recommends to me!! I've been trying to convince her to start a blog of her own nga eh! Waley daw sya time.. Busy daw sya.. so ako nalang! Haha!

Dress: H&M

Necklace: Janna Katipunan / Bracelet: Chanel

Shoes: Nine West

These are "behind-the-scenes" shots of what took place earlier.. My Kuya was the photog and I was in charge of the lighting.
LOLLLL at my face!!! That's me in my pambahay, sans the makeup, and LOLing with my Mom. Bungisngis lang ako talaga lagi, sensya na!!! :P My Mom was taking a break, drinking ice cold water because it was really hot outside.

I couldn't stop laughing (as usual) when I saw the second photo. Didn't know my Kuya took that. Obvious naman, I was telling my Mom how to pose. Nag mamarunong lang. HAHA!!

Anyway... Happy Birthday again Mom.. Hope you had fun today. We love you so much!!! Thank you for everything and thanks to you and Dad for teaching us how to love, to be strong, and to trust in God always. :)