Winter in South East Asia

How are you enjoying your winter?

The other Pink Tarha ladies have posted the photos of their winter essentials. Don't you just love their cute and gorgeous stuff? I wish I can wear 'em here in Manila! Haha! I doubt if I can fit in Maryhadalittlehump's knitted wear though. Hehe.

While I am not experiencing Riyadh's brrr days right now, I had the chance to experience winter in another country! And I wore my winter essentials. Mabuti na lang may practice na ako ng 'winter' sa Riyadh, kung hindi, I'll probably stuck with just long sleeved cotton blouses for this trip. Before Saudi Arabia, I can't imagine a dry winter sans snow. But I ♥ winter! Here's my winter ensemble:

Day 1: ALL BLACK
Beret PROMOD Black turtle neck blouse ZARA Black cotton coat and black pants CITYMAX Jelly shoes JESSICA in SM

Day 2: CHECKS AND STRIPES
Shades TERRANOVA Scarf ACCESSORIZE Military jacket NEW LOOK Checkered boyfriend shirt THE BF SHIRT from the World Trade Bazaar Black velvet pants CITYMAX Black knee-high socks ZARA Embroidered flats LADIES MARKET in Mongkok Messenger bag HUMAN

Day 3: SPLASH OF COLOR
Black cap H&M Shades FOREVER 21 Colorful scarf ACCESSORIZE Military jacket NEW LOOK Inner graphic tank top TOPSHOP Black pants MNG Embroidered flats LADIES MARKET in Mongkok

I miss winter in Riyadh! I'm sure everyone's freezing in there but I know, with your family and friends with you, I'm sure you'll just give winter the cold shoulder and will not let the chill ruin your celebration of welcoming the 2010.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

§undrenched, blogging in MNL

PS. I just have to say that it's such a good thing I was already unveiled because I do not have to photoshop my photos to blur my face. Wala din kasi akong Photoshop dito sa Pinas, lol. Yun nga lang, kailangan n'yong pagtyagaan ang hitsura ko. Hehehe. ;)

What's Inside R's Bag?

We have two "S" among the Pink Tarha ladies so we're calling Sundrenched "S" and Shoegarfreeruby "R." We know how to spell mmmkay! We're just avoiding confusion. Sige, kayo rin maguguluhan... :P Now that we've cleared that up, let's continue...

We're bringing you up close and personal with the Pink Tarha Ladies' pure-bred Pampaguenia by sneaking a peek in her bag. Hmn, which one among her array of colorful (and ehermn, designer) bags did Shoegarfreeruby brought today?

Shoegarfreeruby is this group's conservative chic-a and the manic shoe-holic. Her love for shoes is beyond words. Makes us wonder if there's a shoe in her bag! Hmn? Let's start rummaging...

The Bag Betseyville by Betsey Johnson

Have you wondered why Shoegarfreeruby's dog is named Betchay? Well, her dog was named after one of her favorite designers, Betsey Johnson. (We heard she'll be naming the next puppy "Minna" after shoe designer Minna Parikka. :P) It's not surprising to know that R's favorite bag is Betseyville by Betsey Johnson bought from Ebay. "My bag's a 'shoutout' of how much I love Betsey Johnson. It's a very roomy bag and it's easy to match with my clothes. It's also a combination of things I love like hearts, black and white, patent, gold studs and leopard print." Obviously, R likes this bag very very much! If you can recall, R also has a colorful ethnic bag from Betsey Johnson whose tassles remind us of Mexican hats. When it comes to bag, this conservative chic lady goes for huge, loud (sometimes bordering on psychedelic) totes.

Take a peek.

It's not as neat as Mary's but R sure knows how to keep most of her stuff organized in her bag. Though R brings huge bags for her numerous stuff almost every day, she also alternates to smaller bags once in a while. She can trim down all that to fit smaller yet cuter bags like this one.

Spill It!

L-R (take a deep breath before you go on): Documents (iqama and passport copies, etc.), journal, sunglass case, Liz Claiborne wallet, Topshop shades pouch, Vigan fan, nescafe 3in1, mini tin case containing extra earrings, pink earphones and hub, Betsey Johnson lotion, Alcogel hand sanitizer, London keychain for office keys and Shoe keychain (gift from Sundrenched) for house keys, Ipod, Bodyshop bronzer, Mary Kay lip gloss, wooden comb, mirror (gift from my friend Pam), Ralph Lauren perfume, eyeglass cloth, ID, Nokia phone, Olay moisturizer, Zara sunglasses. Whew!

R can't live without her mirror, comb, and cellphone. A kikay gadgenista, why not! With all that beauty stuff in her bag, R claims she doesn't have a kikay kit. "I just tend to put all my stuff inside my bag, even things I don't really use on a daily basis," she says. Pack rat much?

Her favorite item in her bag is her Zara sunglasses. It's the perfect accessory to battle the sun rays everyday. It doesn't hurt too that sunglasses are always in style, especially in this desert.

What's Inside the Insides

Pouch L-R: Strepsils, gum, Body Shop and Oriflame lipsticks, Olay regenerist, Healthy Options lipgloss tubes and tweezers.

Hindi raw kikay?! But we're seeing lipsticks and glosses here! LOL. Even us, her co-PT Ladies, are stealing second looks at her now, curious if she's wearing any color on her lips because really, we've never seen her wear something like E's red smackers or S' pink lips! Hmn, maybe we're not as observant after all. :P

What we do know is that even if R doesn't have any makeup on, it's actually her radiant aura and kind smile that get our attention every time. No beauty product can ever beat that!

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!

____________
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

Sunny Days

Now that sandstorms have been invading our days in the city, there's no denying what's to come next... a seemingly perpetual summer! While Filipinos love the Philippines' summers, I'm not sure what to make of the desert's scorching hot months. But in anticipation of the sunshine-y days, here's an ensemble that's perfect for a stroll in the beach or a walk in the park:

Summer weekends and getaways

Most of the items here were on sale when bought:
Floral cloth bag and necklace MISS SELFRIDGE (90SR to 39SR)
Denim romper STRADIVARIUS (119SR to 20SR)
Green flipflops IPANEMA (40SR in Batha)
Shades TERRANOVA (50SR to 20SR)
Summer Kikay Kit Essentials: NEUTROGENA Cooling Body Mist Sunblock to keep the harmful UV rays away / ZARA Cosmetics Bronzer for the sun goddess glow / REVLON Lip Glide in Glistening Sand for a non-sticky shimmer on your lips / ROCKY MOUNTAIN Lip Butter in Summer Lemonade to keep your lips from drying

Hope y'all have a good place in the sun wherever you are! It will help if you keep your cool all the time. ;)

This is Inside the Closet 2. To take a peek at our closet, click here!

Remnants of the A/W Sale Season

So it is over... but I'm still not over it!

I'm sure the girls of Saudi are still left with unopened stuff that were accumulated from the frenzy and chaos known as the sale season. I, for one, haven't gone through my purchases one by one. They are still piled up on my reading couch: tried on once, labels still intact. Every time I open my wallet, it keeps reminding me that it committed suicide, not once but many times over in the first months of 2009. I'm such a cruel boss!

I started the sale season right but even if it's already finished, I just can't get over the euphoria of it all. I'm sorry, eh it only happens twice a year! And I'm in denial like that.

The chaos the sale season brought.

I took advantage of the last days of the sale season by buying stuff I do not normally get for my wardrobe. Like tattered jeans, colorful tops, pastel dresses, bling-y flats... these are the stuff my bleak closet is not made of. And I surprised myself by getting them out of their misery being dumped in piles of goods that say "Come and get us, we're freakin' 95% off!" Who's the idiot who'll not be compassionate enough?! I care! I really, really care!

Bottoms from Bershka, New Look, Peacocks, and Stradivarius

Tops from Stradivarius, New Look, and CityMax

Dress and shirts from New Look, CityMax, and Zara

Gladiator sandals and accessory from New Look

Handbag from Peacocks

Sequined flats from New Look.

I even made a friend jump with glee by taking her to stores that were still on sale. And she couldn't help but swipe that card! I'm a BI much?! Hey, she's from UAE so what are the odds that she'll be finding these items there? Okay, chances are, she will but... will she find them in those pretty cheap prices?! Yeah, I thought so too. Now, I'm tagged as her "ultimate shopping buddy in Riyadh" in our Facebook pictures. Hehe.

Once in a while, we have to do that... surprise ourselves by doing something unpredictable and owning something we could've ignored in the first place. And, finding people whom we can share our interests! It's been a wonderful season. I'm ready to let go now only because there'll be another that'll start mid-year.

Sigh. July's S/S Season Sale seems such a long wait noh? Double sigh.