Honeysuckle and Inferi

Remember our series of Collage Week? Yeah, we neither. It's been such a long time since we published a Collage Week entry that we'd like to make bawi today.

Two months ago, the Pink Tarha ladies (still with M as the fourth tarha) decided to hold a photo shoot just because we couldn't find a recent photo where all Pink Tarha ladies were present.  Every complete photo we had was outdated. M canceled at the last minute to attend to more important matters that's why Shoegarfreeruby, Eyecandy and I were the only ones who made it to the photo shoot day. The three of us became super multi-taskers. We took the roles of stylist, make-up artist, set designer, and photographer. OMG, the chaos! Lol. But we did pull it off to produce some unexpected results. We chose three themes: black, pink, and red. We've already featured the red photos as a Valentine's greeting entry. Here are the photos from the pink and black sets.

The HONEYSUCKLE

Naturally, we picked a pink theme because we're the PINK tarha! Ingenious, right? Hahaha. Are you familiar with pegs? These are photos from fashion websites or magazines that serve as inspiration in a photo shoot. We researched for styles and looks and came up with the following description for what we should look like in the pink set which we named, "Honeysuckle," in honor of the color of the year and our planned color for the blog (which is now in effect).

Vibrant, fresh, and fun!

When you're wearing light-colored pieces, go for outerwear like cardigans, shawls, and jackets to hide whatever you want to hide. If you're feeling fearless like E here, go bare and bear it!

Eyecandy and Sundrenched: Solid and prints!

Eyecandy and Shoegarfreeruby: Solid states!

On Eyecandy: Pink satin dress COAST (on sale for 199SR from 499SR) | Nude pumps MILANO | Floral necklace ACCESSORIZE | Leopard scarf ALDO
On Sundrenched: Patterned silk handkerchief dress STRADIVARIUS (only SR29!) | Purple pointed shoes NEW LOOK | Shawl PARFOIS | Necklace NEW LOOK
On Shoegarfreeruby: Dress TOPSHOP | Coat H&M | Shoes MINNA PARIKKA | Stockings, belt, necklace NEW LOOK | Headband FOREVER 21 | Earrings SM |

The INFERI

The black ensemble is a peg we named "Inferi" just to bring out the other side of the Pink Tarha.  It's an "all-black, harsh winter." (Echos lang, haha!) During the shoot, it was still cold in Saudi Arabia so "winter" came to mind.

Mga kabowgera! :P

The number one tip for plus-size ladies? Go black! It's a fail-proof way to dress up or down. It's classic, elegant, and timeless. Sometimes it gets boring (especially for us who wear the black abaya everyday!) but what are your accessories for? Pile on the bling!

Black is back!

Layered dresses and sky-high shoes

On Shoegarfreeruby: Black dress MISS SELFRIDGE | Shoes JEFFREY CAMPBELL | Socks H&M | Headband FOREVER 21 | Cameo earrings SOUVENIR SHOP (Dumaguete) | Bracelet MISS SELFRIDGE
On Eyecandy: Black tulle-tiered dress MOONSOON (on sale for SR180 from SR520) | Gold stud gladiator heels NEW LOOK | Gray cheetah blazer RED HERRING | Feather headband UK (gift) | Chunky charm necklace NEW LOOK
On Sundrenched: Black dress NEW LOOK | Black cardigan H&M | Navy lacey wedge NEW LOOK | Necklace PARFOIS | Headband FOREVER 21

Remember ladies, have one beloved LBD in your closet!

As you can see, we come in big sizes (ranging from UK 12-18). Well, project na lang ng project! Haha. Confidence lang yan! Lol. When it comes to body issues and insecurities, we have a lot. (Sino ba ang wala?!) But you will not see us obsessing about these insecurities. Of course, we try our best (operative word: try!) to reduce weight for health reasons but for now, we work on what we have and hopefully, we show you ladies that outer beauty can only do so much. You don't really read us because we're sexy or we fit the mainstream idea of "beauty", right? So there you go. Love your bodies and work it! Go, go, go!

It also helped that we were so hands-on in this little shoot of ours. We know each other's style and because we're friends, wala na kaming hiya sa isa't isa! Haha. Sa sobrang hands-on namin, kami na lahat ang gumawa! :P If you want to stage your own photo shoot with your friends, make the Pink Tarha ladies your consultant. We can help you with your themes, wardrobe, make-up, and well, a little bit of photography. LOL. Jk.

Up next is the collage with our newest member, Sampaguita Pride!

Yes, we did a repeat performance of the chaos that is a Pink Tarha shoot! Lol.

Back To School

Haven't done a Collage Week for weeks now so here's one for you: it's college week in Collage Week at the Pink Tarha blog! :)

This school theme should have been published last June but we girls became so busy with other things. (This is so long ago that Eyecandy has already grown her hair longer and Sundrenched has already cut her hair shorter now!) However, we figured it still is in season because the second semester for most colleges and universities will start next month.

We visited one of the Philippine schools here in Riyadh last May to complete our photography workshop. After we finished shooting our models for our portraiture lessons, we decided to ham it up for the cameras. Seeing the classrooms, blackboards, hallways, and stairs of the Sovereignty International School (formerly known as Second Philippine International School), we realized we terribly miss school and wondered why we were thrown to the cruel outside world and can not stay in school forever. :P

Feeling like kolehiyalas all over again, we came up with suggestions of what to wear in school (provided you can wear civilian clothes):

Sundrenched: Jeans from Divisoria, Philippines
Eyecandy: Jeans from Next

Jeans are, of course, the staple in every college student's closet. They're very versatile but it's hard to wash and iron them... the secret is you don't. Hehe. We're sure you've reused your jeans a couple of times before throwing them to the laundry basket. Sundrenched, who went to the University of Santo Tomas for her degree, had to wear a uniform but says she wears jeans every time she goes out to meet friends and brainstorm on projects. Eyecandy, who went to college at the University of the Philippines-Los Banos which has the perpetual normal clothes day, says shorts are the means to go to school. (But she's wearing jeans here because she's in Riyadh, not in Laguna. Hehe.)

Tops from Citymax

In college, you can wear anything as long as it's decent and comfortable. Most college students now opt for tees and jackets. S feels like polo blouses are the safest bet on college dressing because they're not shabby and not too formal. E likes gypsy tunics in colorful threads and airy fabrics and shirts to evoke the free spirit of her alma mater.

Shoes from Peacocks.

Headbands from Forever 21.

Flats are your saving grace when your classrooms are in different buildings and you need to rush from one to another. But shoes with heels can give you the confidence boost that you need especially when you're giving your oral presentation or defense. S says she wore black shoes with one-inch heels or plain black flats in school. "It's part of the dress code. Bawi na lang sa style ng sapatos!" E can pick whatever she wanted but relied on slippers most of the time. (Again, for purposes of being in Saudi Arabia, she's in her red kitten heels on the photo. ;)

Accessories are optional but if you want to stand out, then go for eye-catching headbands and jewelries. Just make sure they match your clothes.

College is fun!

No matter what you decide to wear, enjoy your college life! You'll miss those days for sure when you're already out slaving in the work industry. E and S miss their allowances the most! ;) For those who are past the college life, look back and tell us something about it.

Background photos used were searched through google.com.

Skirt-ing the Issue

Eyecandy and Sundrenched were in Al-Akaria Mall three weeks ago. For Filipinos here in Riyadh, we're sure you know that Al-Akaria Mall is one of the first malls in Riyadh. Madalas ito ang tagpuan ng mga Pinoys noon... kaya naman madalas din i-raid ng mga religious police! Now, the old Al-Akaria is not as busy as it used to be but it still houses best-selling shops that we cannot get enough of: Nine West which has racks of on-sale shoes, Aldo Liquidation which is always on sale (and whose racks are arranged per shoe size, thank goodness!), and Al-Sawani which offers designer brands (UCB, Guess, Levi's, etc.) with huge discounts. After searching these stores, S and E came out empty-handed. So they moved further and found Feel Free, a clothing store. This time, they came out with something some things... skirts!

So for this Collage Week, the Pink Tarha ladies welcome the fall season with feminine silhouettes with the help of SKIRTS. Yes, skirts. Even if we're really cowboys most of the time (i.e. kaladkarin sa ora-oradang lakwatsa, laging handa sa bakbakan [ulk!], etc.), we also wear skirts once in a while to remind ourselves that we're truly ladies (so we better act it!).

Here's what these two PT ladies got:

Skirting the issue. Yes, we're ladies.

Actually, excess lang yan ng kurtina, LOL!

On Eyecandy: Brown embroidered skirt FEEL FREE Sandals NEW LOOK On Sundrenched: Black embroidered skirt FEEL FREE White inner tanktop MNG Black blazer NEXXUS Thin belt DOROTHY PERKINS Silver sequined flats NEW LOOK Heart necklace CITYMAX

These are two almost identical long skirts but with E's and S' different fashion style, you can see two ways on how to wear 'em.

Eyecandy, Bohemian Chic

You can see E's free spirit in how she wore her brown skirt. She wore it as a dress! (Actually, nagmamadali lang yan kaya hindi na nakapagsuot ng blouse, hehe.) This la femme boheme knows how to show that earthy touch with neutral browns.

Sundrenched, Posh Chic

S seals her prim and proper fashion personality with this ensemble. (Pero sa totoong buhay, hindi yan prim and proper masyado, hehe.) The long skirt made her look taller and the black color and thin belt cinching her waist made her thinner. (In short, ilusyon lang ang lahat ng ito! LOL!)

Both girls love their skirts. S says that she can move freely with the cotton fabric used and E is so satisfied with the price (just SR50) that she got two more. It also helps that the skirts have dainty embroidery that is subtly eye-catching.

Now, we challenge you ladies to wear skirts and send us your photos! We're ladies after all. There's no issue there.

Berry Romantic

Ramadan Kareem!

Now that Ramadan has started, don't be surprised to see the malls decked with lanterns (not to be confused with the Christmas lanterns okay?) and lamps. Last year, the highlight of decorations was the royal color of violet. Is it the color of Ramadan? Anyway, speaking of colors...

A few weeks ago, the PT Ladies' (minus Eyecandy who had her much-needed day off) "dress up Monday" theme was "colorful," the opposite of the power dressing attire we had. We didn't know if it was ESP or cosmic timing or coincidence that we arrived in berry-colored blouses! Not really colorful enough because we lacked the other rainbow colors so we tweaked the theme to "Berry Romantic" instead. Hehe, girls can change their minds yes? Versatility ang tawag d'yan. :P Berry colors like purple, plum, blueberry, and lavender abound. If only we're wearing dresses, it could have been more romantic! Hehe. (Asa pa!)

Drama much?!

The berry colorful ladies now:

On Maryhadalittlehump: Purple polo shirt ZARA Pink pullover BERSHKA Gray slacks PAPERDOLLS Headband ACCESORIZE Bangles PARFOIS On Shoegarfreeruby: Short sleeve jacket PAPERDOLLS Floral top and eyeglass necklace TOPSHOP Pants CITYMAX Patent teal shoes OASIS Hair pin and button earrings H&M On Sundrenched: Plaid polo and black skinny jeans CITYMAX Maroon flats PARFOIS Headband ACCESORIZE

Fine, we couldn't wear dresses but there's always hope for lady-like and romantic themes in this side of the warm world. Berry colors helped in bringing out the ladies in us. It's probably safe to say that the Pink Tarha Girls are now Pink Tarha Ladies! Oh, how we've grown up... nah! :P

Now that we're done with a little bit of color... yathink we'll switch to something dark yet again on the next Collage Week?! Stay tuned!

Our Tribute to a Great Woman

The Pink Tarha Ladies wore yellow last Wednesday, joining many Filipinos all over the world to give tribute to a great woman who inspired millions of Fillipinos to aspire for greatness with humility and goodness.

As the Philippines bid farewell to President Corazon Aquino, we Filipinos in Saudi Arabia had our own way of saying our adieu to the woman considered as "the most loved president in the entire history of the Philippines." While we were not part of the huge crowd swelling into the streets of Manila ignoring the torrential rains of tropical storm Kiko to get a glimpse of the former president's brown casket, we paid respect by doing what we do best:

Dress up and accessorize... in yellow.

How we said goodbye.

Many Filipinos in our workplace wore yellow ribbons. It brought smiles to our faces whenever we encounter them on the hallways wearing their silent tribute. On the day of Pres. Aquino's funeral, the PT girls wanted to absent from work just so we could glue our eyes on television and watch the coverage. Alas, we couldn't! We just wore the ribbon above. Nothing can stop us to continue what Tita Cory has started and wanted - for us to be free and empowered.

Eyecandy, Mary, Sundrenched... continuing the good fight.

We were born on years when Aquino was president. While we do not have distinct memories of experiencing the first EDSA Revolution, we know how important that event was in our lives and the lives of every Filipino. We will not have this present if not for that glorious piece of past. Cory Aquino is gone but her ideals and leadership will remain alive. We hope that the values she left be the torch that will light our path towards Election 2010, for us to choose leaders with the same honor, integrity, and dignity that she had.

TULOY ANG LABAN, mga KABAYAN!

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What We Wore
On Eyecandy: Yellow tunic HARAJ Sleeveless inner top RIVER ISLAND Black slacks HARAJ Slingbacks MILANO Yellow cocktail ring DOROTHY PERKINS
On Maryhadalittlehump: Yellow sleeveless blouse ZARA Gray slacks PAPERDOLLS Black sandals ZARA
On Sundrenched: Cardigan, gray slacks, necklace, cream shoes NEW LOOK Yellow bracelets JADED (Centrepoint) Scarf CITYMAX (Eyecandy's)

Corporate Appeal

How hard is it to pull off a corporate look? It takes a lot of effort especially if you're one of the Pink Tarha Ladies. We do not like wearing the executive look because they're way too much effort-ful to conjure. We're doubtful if we can last a day in it. Our Collage Week on neutrals was the most formal we can get ourselves to wear. Corporate dressing? Not for us. We only wear them once in a blue moon, or when a challenge to power dress comes. Like last Monday!

The challenge was to come to work in a power dressing aka corporate mode. We had visions of tight pencil skirts and sky-high pumps like those working girls you see in the Makati Central Business District but of course, we have to subdue everything here. Subtlety goes a long way anyway. Here's how powerful we can get:

The Pink Tarha Ladies Tigresses
(Mary is still absent due to sickness. But she's doing well now, folks!)

Shoegarfreeruby's eclectic mix of colors

Batwing cardigan H&M Blue and white smock dress CITYMAX Black slacks (old) Gladiator sandals H&M Bag BETSEYVILLE by Betsey Johnson Black headband BERSHKA Earrings MS. SELFRIDGE Watch CASIO BABY G

Even if black and white is the main theme of the day, R ventured off the world of usual power dressing by incorporating color to her wardrobe. Her bag is definitely not something you'll see in the corporate ladder but so what?! If you have a bag like that, don't you get the attention worthy enough to get you to the top?

Eyecandy's touch of 'rock it!'

White polo and black round vest MARKS&SPENCER Ash gray plaid slacks RED HERRING (Debenhams) Black patent mary jane PEACOCKS Red crocodile purse LIZ CLAIRBORNE Black lace headband FOREVER 21 Grey plastic bangle CITYMAX Dogtag necklace CENTREPOINT Crystal drop-earrings ACCESSORIZE

Black, white, and grey... learn the most basic in corporate attire but don't stop there. Take E's cue on making the look yours by infusing your own style. She's still the rockin' and rollin' girl with her go-getter, always upbeat attitude. The red clutch, the floral headband, and the dangling earrings make quite a statement don't cha think? They catch the eyes of the beholder... and those looks will probably linger for more than just a while.

Sundrenched's classic approach

Blazer MS (Centrepoint) White tee ZARA Black wide-leg slacks NEW LOOK Black pumps F&F Mode Layered bead necklace PROMOD Black hand bag Thrifted from HARAJ

She's the only one who wore the blazer but to minimize the formality of it all, S chose to scrunch her sleeves to 3/4 and wore a basic white tee under. With a layered necklace and high heels, who cares if her black and white ensemble is your ordinary take on corporate look?

It might take a while for us to wear the corporate attire again but it sure is hell fun to become "powerful" for a day. Where's our whips? Whapakkkk! ;P

Chill Out

Sorry for the lack of posts folks. The Pink Tarha Girls are currently busy traipsing all over the city to bring you the latest in Riyadh living. Don't worry, we'll bombard you with entries once we get back to the normalcy of life. That will be soon, promise.

Before we begin the weekend, we'll end the weekday for you with a very refreshing Collage Week! Burned out from the work week already? Hay, don't sweat it out! If you meet the hot weather with flaring tempers, you'll never get out of this sweltering heat alive... so, just keep your cool... CHILLAX!

Looks like spring instead of summer, yes? Or both. :)

It's not about the climate or the weather. It's about our frame of mind and outlook in life. Brighten them up!

Happy weekend!

Substance and Style

When it comes to clothes and colors, nothing beats the basics. The Pink Tarha girls found ourselves dressed in basic pieces in neutral colors on the same day so we just have to take a picture!

It's surprising that we're wearing whites, browns, grays, and blacks while it's summer (gettin' hot in here already, yes?) Oh well, you know summer in the Kingdom is different! While the beachcombers in the Philippines are mourning for this year's gone too soon summer, we, fabulous people of Riyadh, don't even have to wish for sunshine!

Anyway, here's our neutral office ensembles for Collage Week!

Dressed to work it!

The whole corporate look for work doesn't really suit our tastes that much. You'll rarely see us wearing corporate jackets or black suits even though it is required. That is too serious for us sassy girls. What we do is play up with our basic pieces to create smart casual looks that are not too intimidatingly dressed to kill.

C'mon, we can be conservative with our basics and neutrals without sacrificing substance and style.

Work it, girls!

The Pink Tarha STYLES

Fashion... it's such a complicated word but we'll make it simple and wearable for you!

We couldn't even begin to explain it to you but you know it because each and everyone of us has our own definition of fashion. The thing with the Pink Tarha, we do not pretend like we are supermodels who can walk the ramp any given time of the day. But one thing we have is the confidence to show off our real figures. We embrace who we are. We're of different sizes and we're not ashamed to admit that we're probably your ordinary girls when it comes to 'figure.' We see that as a good thing because seriously, who can pull of all those which are modelled in the catwalk... or even huge ad billboards?! Ours is reality (may ganon?! LOL).

Collage Week
1. Solids and Pastels
2. Bling Fest
3. Substance and Style
4. Chill Out
5. Corporate Appeal
6. Our Tribute to a Great Woman
7. Berry Romantic

Inside Our Closet
1. Sweet Valentine (Style Cocktails 1)
2. Sunny Days (Style Cocktails 2)
3. 50's Doll (Style Cocktails 3)
4. Topshop vs. Citymax Origami Blouses (Spend vs. Save 1)
5. MNG vs. Citymax Butterfly Tank Top (Spend vs. Save 2)
6. Holiday Glam

Others
1. The Abaya Special
2. Winter Essentials
3. Winter in South East Asia