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  Every complete photo we had was outdated.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.

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. ;)

Winter Essentials

Winter time has definitely made it's presence felt in the city. It's now difficult to get up from bed in the morning, just because the cold keeps calling you back to bed. Coffee sales are up and laziness is in an all time high. Perhaps our bodies aren't just made to combat the cold weather and that is why bears hibernate (Ano daw? Paki-konek nga!) Haha. Well, the Pink Tarha ladies will definitely be combating this winter season....in style! Here are our favorite winter style essentials for the season.

From Shoegarfreeruby's (R) closet:

Violet, wool hat with a bow trim from Jasper Conrad

Black wool cap with bow from H&M

Black, knitted scarf from H&M

Wool hats are very 'haute' fashion forms this winter time. Kick your outfits up a notch with pretty hats that will keep your heads warm and pair it with a knitted scarf to complete the look, just like R does. Since our heads are the most visible parts of our body when we're out in public (because we are in our abayas), hats and scarves are the accessories we can do away with.

From Maryhadalittlehump's (M) closet:

Stripe sweaters from MNG and The XDye Knitwear

These three sweaters are M's favorites. Since she is a slim lady, stripe patterns do well for her. Colors this season are particularly dark and plum-ish. The green one is reserved for Christmas gatherings. Layer these sweaters over a crisp, white blouse and you got yourself a trendy top to go to work with.

From Eyecandy's (E) closet:

Cotton scarves (and one silk scarf) from Debenhams and Marks & Spencer.

E is big on scarves. It's her favorite accessory during winter (apart from boots and gloves). A good pop of color always go well with her abaya on..so with a scarf, you can't go wrong! It's simple and the color you choose shows a little personality. E's favorite scarf is the pink one (Pink Tarha represent, represent yo!). Boots are also big this season, though we're still waiting for the sale season to get ourselves new pairs of boots. We're still clacking away with our old ones...when we got them though, we'll sure feature it!

Other staple winter apparels are ponchos, socks, stockings, leg warmers and gloves. Be sure to have one handy or else you might freeze! A special someone to give you warm hugs are beneficial too. Paano na lang ang ilan sa amin na malamig ang pasko? I guess it's just layers and layers of clothing for us then! Haha.

Sundrenched (S) is in the Philippines at the moment so we weren't able to get her favorites photographed. It was E by the way who took these pictures at her family's living room adorned with Christmas decor. Can you feel the Christmas spirit yet or what?!

Keep warm! :)

Holiday Glam

With only 18 days to go before Christmas, I'm sure most of you have been pondering what to wear on the parties ahead for the Holiday season. Even if we celebrate here discreetly, there's no excuse not to look your best. Here's an ensemble that's easy to create; do away with the usual greens and reds and think glam Christmas with bright emerald greens and fuschia, golds studs and embellishment. Dress up kahit iilan lang ang nakakakita, iwasan lang magmukhang Christmas tree.

Here's a pic with the jacket on (that's Betchay posing on the side).

An LBD will never go wrong. Pair with opaque tights to warm up this winter.

Beaded headband Forever 21 Satin black dress Topshop
Floral jacket and satin shoes H&M Pearl necklace Ms. Selfridge
Studded bag MNG

Whenever and wherever you choose to spend your Holidays this year, let us not forget the Reason for the season!

♥R♥

Mid-Season SALE Alert!

This is why we prefer to read our news straight from the paper: we get to read stuff that the online version doesn't have... like a SALE sign for instance.

Look at what we saw in today's Arab News:

Shoegarfreeruby's fave store!

Eyecandy's comfort zone.

Where we find nice jeans.

For the mothers out there.

It's the mid-season sale people! As the stores get ready for the Winter season, the autumn/fall season (and spring/summer too) clothes are now on sale. Good thing, you can still get good clothes for the cold days on the autumn line so it doesn't hurt to scour the stores. Also, in the wake of the typhoons that hit the Philippines, we're sure you have a lot of clothes in your closet that you're ready to let go now to make way for new ones. So donate those that you've outgrown but still in good condition clothing items that you have and take advantage of the sale season. Or you can buy tank tops and tees (some going for as low as SR5 each) in bulk in some stores and donate them too. For those who are going home for the Christmas holiday, buy your pasalubong now (if you haven't done that during the past sale seasons already).

Hmn, the PT Ladies are currently bankrupt. Huhu. But oh well, at least we've given you the first dibs on what's in store for this week.

PS. Pssst! New Look and Topshop are on their sale period too, but don't tell others we're the ones who told you 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!

SALE Alerts and more

It's the end of the month, sahod na naman and I'm sure hindi lang coincidence na nagsusulputan ang mga red signs all over.

Well people, this is just to let you all know that MNG has put on the '50% off' signs on their windows since last weekend, as tipped by Sundrenched and Eyecandy who 'saw the signs' in Al-Rashid Mall, Al-Khobar. We have this common knowledge that when Mango starts their sale, everyone else follows. So what's to expect after this? More stores in red of course, until August! Warm-up pa lang 'to.

Oh btw, Debenhams is 50% off too. Just a tip here, Riyadh Gallery just recently opened a huge Debenhams outlet. You may want to check out that first. LOL.

And the best news is for the guys out there. A huge H&M store will open in Granada Mall on August 8 and will be stocking their men's line. Sa wakas, hindi lang kami ang maswerte.

Well, the cycle continues...

Happy weekend everyone!

♥shoegarfreeruby♥

I Bought a Skirt and a... Sando!

"What the heck is H&M?"

I'm sure you guys (aka men) are as bewildered (with raised eyebrows and crumpled foreheads) as my dad who have to ask that question thrice after I told him I was going to the H&M opening in Sahara Mall with the other Pink Tarha girls. I could have told a countless more familiar reasons like I have to grab a book, have dinner, or meet a friend but I just have to tell the truth! Bummer! Anyway, even though my father was clueless about H&M, he decided it was one of my fancy shmanzy likes that he'll not hear the end of if he insisted I stay put. (May bratinella factor?! Hahah! Joke.)

I share the same feelings with the girls about shopping in H&M but a little more subdued than Shoegarfreeruby's heartpounding "roam-grab-do not think about it-buy" scenario. (But I do understand her feeling. Hehe!) Shoegarfreeruby showed you how she hoarded (adik! hehe!) items on her entry while Eyecandy will surely post her fun H&M entry next so I'm changing directions a little bit to give you what the experience was like for me. In two pictures. (Two lang?! Hehe!)

H&M items in my virtual world. (click photo to read)

We really prepped for the H&M experience by envisioning ourselves through H&M's online dressing room thus the avatars. To tell you the truth, I'm also like my dad, clueless on wth H&M is, before I went here in Saudi and met the PT Girls. I thought it was a rootbeer like A&W, wtf! Hahaha!

I did not bring home lots of stuff from the opening day because I am not a shopaholic. I AM NOT A SHOPAHOLIC. Yes, I just typed that and you read that right. But wait, there's more! I am not a shopaholic... if it's not the sale season! So, I only brought home two clothing items and a few accessories from H&M's opening day!

H&M items in my real world (aka closet and dresser).
(click photo to read)

A skirt and a sando for the Drama Queen?! Haha. I don't know what look I'm going for in this. I just thought 'I don't want to be girly-girly in a skirt so why don't I pair it with a rugged sando so I end up looking like I'm just chillin' out or lounging around'?! Haha!

So what the heck is H&M? You know what, I really don't care. If it perks me up and make me feel pretty about myself and glad that I'm living in this place, then I don't even want to know what the letters H&M stand for.

PS. Guys please, the mere fact that you are from Mars and women are from Venus, says that we're poles apart in almost all aspects of life, and that includes shopping. So don't raise your eyebrows on us and don't go "what the...?!" just because we find happiness in our purchases while you go all macho in purchasing just the "basic" stuff. By the way, an LCD tv or Nokia N96 is not considered as "basic." :P And yes, we really take time in deciding kaya pwedeng mag-sorry naman?! :P Besides, women admire men who know how to wait. Keep up with us, please?! Hehehe.

The H&M-Riyadh Experience

Isa ito sa mga kina-reer ng PT girls…

Opening sign outside Sahara Mall luring all H&M lovers

The Pink Tarha Girls (minus Mary who’s now in Pinas) met after work for our most awaited day, the H&M opening. We decided to check out the Sahara Branch and arrived around 5:30PM. A little bit late for excited shoppers I know, but we had to wait after office hours (mga working girls naman). We still did our best to be there the earliest we can. The ride to the mall was the most dreaded part, since the roads to Sahara Mall are under renovation. Perfect timing.

Our elevated pulse rates was the result of running towards the store after getting out of the car, plus the excitement of finally making it on the opening of course. We were welcomed by Mickey Mouse (Can you believe? See post below) at the red carpet entrance. A handful of shoppers were already there. Wala pa masyado kaagaw. We got our baskets quick and we were just so ready to explore the store and find the items in our list. This however, was cut short due to prayer time and we had to wait for half an hour before proceeding to our shopping again. After prayer, floods of people came. The store was as we expected it to be. Loads of springy-summery basic tops, shoes and accessories adorned the shelves and racks. We literally wanted to pass out, confused by all the pretty stuff surrounding us. What should we check out first?! If there’s one thing that would stress us really, this was it. Who would have imagined shopping would be this difficult? Haaay.

I also visited the Riyadh Gallery Branch about 3 days after the opening. There you’ll be welcomed by Superman (Filipino version) with mattress foam-like abs. I thought I’ve seen everything, but then there’s always something to lure you at H&M. Reason why we love the shop. Di nauubos ang maganda, LOL.

As promised, here are my H&M loot from both branches:

Cardigans and cool basics

Gingham print shirt

Tunic tops in light grey stripes and dark grey

Red-orange smock

Skirt in blue-black-cream palette

Accessories in black and white

My faves, black gladiator sandals

Bagged all the goodies here

One thing's for sure, we can't get enough of H&M.

Open Sesame!

Wish granted.

Finally, the H&M branches in Riyadh are open!

H&M Sahara Mall branch.

Remember when the PT Girls became excited, agitated, and near delusional (OA, hehe!) when they learned that this famous Swedish clothing store is opening in the city? Well, you haven't heard the end of it as Shoegarfreeruby, Eyecandy, and Sundrenched bathed in the chaos of H&M's opening day. Yep, opening day! Like crazy! (Coverage itoh?!) They'll tell you what's it like to be passionate about a brand (and be trumpled upon by hoards of fanatics) in their upcoming entries. Hehe.

Ladies line display window.

Kids line display window.

Sorry guys, no H&M men's line here.

For Pinays living in countries with H&M branches, share us your fab finds from this fashionista's haven! You'll win our prizes praises. :P

H&M is Coming to Town!

Our most awaited store has finally arrived and the excitement for its grand opening is building up amongst The Pink Tarha Team. H&M, now in Riyadh! Their first two stores in Riyadh Gallery and Sahara Mall will open on the same day Saturday, 04 April 2009 (a great way to divide the crowd).

The Pink Tarha Girls have been saving up *ahem* for this ‘historical’ event in Riyadh’s shopping history. We’ve been drooling over their pretty shoes and clothes for some time now in their Spring-Summer 09 offerings on their website. See the huge banners posted outside Sahara Mall. Sorry guys, they probably won’t be having men’s stuff since all banners specify ladies and kids only. Unfair noh? Swerte lang talaga kami!

Bakit ngayon ka lang? Napapakanta na 'ko sa kaaantay...

Also, enjoy our picks from their website’s ‘dressing room’, where you can choose outfits and be tried on a model. The models and outfits we chose for ourselves quite tell how we look like in real person. LOL.

Mary's outfit is a lovely casual look depicting her relaxed and comfy style: white ruffle top, wide-leg jeans, big blue bucket bag, white bangle and denim wedges

Sundrenched's pick is the perfect outfit for a summer getaway (in Al-Khobar beach?): printed halter maxi dress, strappy tan sandals, tan bag, gold bangle

Eyecandy's sexy pick is one hot summer outfit flaunting her toned legs: Floral print kimono-like dress, white frame bag, gold fringed necklace, gold layered bangle and white wedge shoes.

My pick is a clean, fresh, casual look : white cotton top, cream linen pants, black and white tote, white bangle, black and white printed scarf and purple heels

We will definitely be posting our H&M loot after the big day. Say hi if we see you there!

50’s Doll

If you can’t keep the old stuff and yet adore vintage style like me, this is the best time to produce this look. With the ‘vintage feel’ flooding almost every store, it’s easy to start your own collection. Black and white is one combination I find hard to resist. Enjoy this classic outfit for that elegant 50’s doll look!

Gothic Romance.

Gothic top H&M
Skirt NEW LOOK
Heart sunnies TOPSHOP
Pearl Necklace MS. SELFRIDGE
Silver clutch CALLIOPE
Red peep toe wedge shoes NINE WEST
Bow headband NEW LOOK

Finally, hairdo and make-up to complete the look:

Now you're ready to go!

This is Inside Our Closet 3. Check out other clothing mixes here.

Inside Our Closet 1: Sweet Valentine

:::This is the first entry in our INSIDE OUR CLOSET series.:::

An outfit perfect for a post-Valentine date? Prom outfit?

Dress, Necklace and Bangles: New Look

Shoes: Topshop

Earrings: H&M

Bag: Minna Parikka Maxine

In Saudi Arabia?!

As much as we would love to wear dresses for parties or occasions here, there is scarcity of events in Saudi Arabia for outfits such as this. I have absolutely no idea where to wear it here.

Pang-Batha? Di bale, takip naman ng abaya eh. LOL

Ideas, anyone?