Best Dressed at the Oscars 2011

It's the award season and everybody just can't resist checking the glamorous people of the red carpet. Here are the ladies fresh from the Oscars.

Let start with the Best Actress winner for Black Swan, the pregnant Natalie Portman, who showed off her baby bump in an off-the-shoulder, empire-waisted Rodarte dress in purple. She used Jimmy Choo heels, a Roger Vivier clutch, and Tiffany & Co. jewelry to match.


Now my favorite look for the Oscars, Camila Alves in a black Kaufman Franco dress. Classic cut and design but looking very glamorous and feminine. I super love this!




On the other hand, the presenter Reese Witherspoon, looked even beautiful in her retro style. She wore this black-and-white Giorgio Armani Privé gown with a voluminous updo. The $1 million worth of Neil Lane diamond and emerald jewelry finished her look. She's also my favorite.

The presenter Sandra Bullock came to the event wearing this strapless red Vera Wang gown matched by a crimson clutch and jewelry from Harry Winston. Her dress was.. nothing much to say.. just a OK.





Another presenter is Hilary Swank, who came wearing a strapless silver sequined Gucci gown with feathered train and a metallic clutch in her hand. I don't like feathers, so that's it.





Look here, Scarlett Johansson in this scarlet lace backless Dolce & Gabbana dress. A frock perfect for her silhouette and for her name, I guess.

Did you imagine Jennifer Hudson could be this sexy over 5 years ago? Her slimmer body complimented this Atelier Versace tangerine halter gown well. And, check those sparkling accessories with 165 carats of Neil Lane diamonds. Wow!

Mandy Moore looked liked a fairy in this sparkling nude Monique Lhuillier gown. She wore a gold and  diamond earrings and 13-carat ring of Chopard to match her dress. Problem was with her updo and make up. They made her look older. Ugh!

The Oscar host, Anne Hathaway, seemed like a modern bride in this vintage Valentino Haute Couture taffeta gown. The floral appliqué train is very lovely. The Tiffany & Co. diamond necklace made a perfect accessory for her dress too. Gowns like this reminds me of Regine Velasquez and her wedding.






Here is the Best Supporting Actress nominee, Amy Adams, who wore a glittery purple L'Wren Scott cap-sleeved gown. Plus more glitters with those $1,350,000 of Cartier diamond jewelry. Ohhh la la, expensive lady!





My favorite youthful look is from the Best Supporting Actress nominee Hailee Steinfeld. Her Marchesa tea-length princess gown with crystal embroidery matched with a pair of gold shoes, metallic clutch and headband is just gorgeous.

I Met Lady Gaga in Hong Kong!

I did not see Lady Gaga when she went to the Philippines for her concert in 2009, so I was very happy when I finally met her in Hong Kong. Yeah.. not in flesh though, but in wax! Hahaha.





After looking around at The Peak last Thursday, we also visited Madame Tussauds. There were lots of iconic people there including Lady Gaga herself. Look, I looked almost as tall as her after wearing the silver spiky hat.

Winner of My Valentine Giveaway

Hello ladies! I am sorry that I am a day late to announce the winner of my Valentine Giveaway. Blame it to my ambush trip to Hongkong which gave me headache for a couple of days. Thank you all so much who joined my last month's contest. Hope you all join again next month.






I used random.org in choosing the winner. I got 35 valid entries and without further ado, the winner is... Jared's Mum! Congratulations dear! I will email you soon.

Touched by Belo

In the recent Parentin.TV event, Crystal Henares, daughter of Dra. Vicki Belo, made a short introduction of the Belo Essentials. Being one of the key people behind the name Belo Medical Group, she did not just endorse their products, but she even shared some helpful beauty tips and tricks from her mom.

She announced that Belo Essentials are now available not only for women, but for men too. Since studies shows that men's skin is thicker and oilier, they were able to come up with products that will work well with them.


Here, together with Rosell Velasco-Taberna, wife of ABS-CBN's Athony Taberna, talking about the importance of wearing a sunscreen which her mom believes to be the best anti-aging product. Another tip she shared is not to wash the face too much. Washing only two times a day makes the face retain its natural oil that gives just enough moisture.

Miss Crystal Henares chatting with Madam Christine Bersola-Babao, creator and host of Parentin.TV, before her turn to take the stage. I love how she accessorized for that simple green dress. The gold belt and shoes made her outfit look very expensive.

Pink MagaLine and Crystal Henares. Look how dark I look beside her. Plus, I did not wear make up that day so my face was dead. Lesson learned, prepare early for events esp. if you have to go with your kid. Allow enough time for shower, dressing and make up. Hihi.

The New Lovi Poe

I saw these first two photos of Lovi Poe more than a couple of times for her Bench BODY campaign. I thought it's nice that she finally lost her baby fat and turned into a sexy young lady. Her pose for these ads made her look taller and leaner also.

But, when I saw this recent photo below of Lovi Poe, I couldn't help but wonder if she's still eating healthy. Or did she just turned anorexic? I mean, she got really thinner. It looks like she lost so much weight from (I'm guessing) size 6 to size 0.

I was able to find the following PEP article on Lovi Poe regarding her struggle to lose weight, published December 2010.

In showbiz, thin is in, and thin is beautiful. That's what Lovi Poe noticed when she went to 2006 anniversary party of YES! Magazine. "I saw all of the artistas, and they were skinny," she recalls. "Oh, my God! Pressure!"
She felt the need to fit in. "That's when I realized that I need to lose weight."
For a girl who loved to eat, losing weight was a difficult thing to do. "As in, I could eat two quarter-pounders with sundae chocolate, with large fries, with Coke, in one sitting lang. So I had to give up that."
But in giving up the weight-boosters, she found herself going overboard. The realization hit her when she woke up one early morning and found herself almost collapsing from hunger.
"I was walking towards my room. and then babagsak-bagsak ako. I thought, 'I can't do this anymore.' I had to go downstairs, and I had to eat. So I went downstairs, I ate this wheat bread—pagsubo ko, hindi ko ma-swallow. So nagpa-panic ako. When I drank water, hirap din ako mag-swallow."
It was a scary episode, but she couldn't help but giggle when she recalls: "A few steps before my bedroom, bumagsak ako. Pero na-save ko 'yong glass!"
When she recovered, she finally made it to her bedroom, where her younger sister was then hanging out. "She said, 'Ate, are you okay?' I said, 'Yeah, hug me.' That's when I realized I have to stop, it's too much na."

Now, do you think she really stopped? Who knows?

Compare her before and after looks and tell me what you think.

Alexandre's Chillout Nights

I saw this message in my inbox together with some ad offers today. This one is an invitation to ALEXANRE's promo called "Chillout Nights" where the store is offering free freshly baked pizza for those who will avail of their 5 featured drink for the night.




So, if you are a group of five and you all order the drink of the night, you get to enjoy a free pizza. Starting February 21, 2011 at 6 PM, from Mondays to Thursdays, all guests who will avail 5 of their featured drink for the night will get a complimentary Pizza Margherita (8 slices) freshly brick oven-baked from 6 PM onwards until closing time!


ALEXANDRE
31st St. cor. 1st Avenue, Ground Floor
The Grand Hamptons Tower 2
Crescent Park West, Bonifacio Global City

Sale Find of the Week: Twenty One Top

For the pink lovers and Forever 21 fans alike, I am posting this sale find for you. Check this mini dress with knitted detail on the front. This is also available in green and black. What do you think?







Sale Find: Twenty One pink dress
Surplus Price: P399.75
Sale From: SM Surplus store - Makati

Sale Alert: Penshoppe's Weekend Sale is HERE!

The weekend is here and what's best about the weekends is the SALE. So, I am here to pass the message of one of my favorite local stores, Penshoppe.



This is a nationwide sale. Visit any Penshoppe store in a mall near you and get 30% off on selected women's styles, 20% off on selected men's styles and 30% off on ALL body sprays. Sale period from February 18 to 20, 2011 only.

How to Wear a Floral Skirt

Hello ladies! I just came back from Newport Cinemas in Resort's World Manila for AXN's launching of Blue Bloods (will make a separate post for that). I know it is luxe place and lots of fab people go there that's why I did my best to prettify myself.







HERE'S WHAT I WORE TO THE EVENT:
-pink cardigan from Surplus SM Makati-black tank top, suede booties, owl necklace and earrings from Forever 21-bag from Robinsons-tights from SM Dept. store-Guess watch-DIY pink floral skirt

So, what do you think?

Sale Find of the Week: Hot Oil Cream

I have been using this product for a while now. In fact, this is my third bottle already. Remember that I also tried Hair Treats Hair Spa and even made a review on it the last year? I have to say that this one has a more impressive result, though. Planningt to share a review on this later.




Sale Find: Erth Origins Strawberry Hot Oil Cream
Regular Price: P139.75
Sale Price: P99
Sale From: Watsons

Keeping The Love Burning

My husband and I are married for almost two years now, though we've been together for almost 6 years already. As a couple, we have misunderstandings and shortcomings like others do. Yes, we are not perfect. We sometimes fight over stupid things, but we usually kiss and make up in the end.




Last Sunday, I attended Miss Christine Bersola-Babao's Parentin.TV event titled I Love My Family. One of the speakers, Maribel Dionisio of Love Institute Philippines, made me realize that there are things that I haven't done yet as a wife and partner. She talked about the emotional needs of men and women, based from Willard F. Harley, Jr's book His Needs and Her Needs.


MEN'S EMOTIONAL NEEDS

1. Attractive Spouse. Know what makes him turned on about your hair, clothes, make-up and even night wear. Keep the sweet fragrance and attractive look all day and at nighttime too.

2. Recreational Companionship. Be pleasant and available companion during his office parties, social events or recreational interests whether basketball or mere jogging. Have a weekly couple date an an annual couple vacation.

3. Admiration. This includes letting him know how you admire hims as your spouse and appreciation for his efforts to support the family financially and emotionally. He needs you to be proud of him.

4. Domestic Support. Men want to go home to a loving home with peace and quiet. Reading the day's newspaper or watching TV may help him, then serving him a tasty dinner.

5. Sexual Fulfillment. Physical intimacies include kissing and caressing. It is not just the twice a week suggested sexual intimacies as studies show.


WOMEN'S EMOTIONAL NEEDS

1. Family Commitment. Scheduling sufficient time and energy for the moral and educational development of your children, reading to them, playing with them, taking them on frequent outings; educating self in appropriate child training methods and having a mutually agreed parenting style.

2. Financial Stability. Provision of the financial resources to house, feed, and clothe your family at a standard of living acceptable to you, but avoiding travel and working hours that are unacceptable to you and will reduce family time.

3. Affection. Showing love through words, cards, gifts, hugs, kisses and courtesies; creating an environment that clearly and repeatedly expresses love.

4. Conversation. Talking about events of the day, feeling and plans; avoiding angry or judgmental statements or dwelling on past mistakes; showing interests in your favorite topic of conversation.

5. Honesty and Openness. Revealing positive and negative feelings, narrating events of the past, daily events and schedules, plans for the future; not leaving with a false impression , answering your questions truthfully.



Lesson Learned from Miss Maribel Dionisio's Talk:

-For a happier relationship, couples should able to support each other's emotional needs as to keep the love burning.

-Men and women have different emotional needs and none of these needs are identical.

Well, at least I know what are the things to prioritize in response to my husband's need. I just have to first focus on the areas that I need more improvement. Happy Valentine's Day everyone!

A Valentine Necklace

It is the Valentine's Day!. Aside from wearing red, I guess the best thing to do is wear any accessory with the symbol of love on it. This heart necklace is one of my latest finds from Forever 21. What can I do? Even I swore to limit my Forever 21 shopping, I just can't resist it because they have lots of fab items.

Maybelline's Stiletto Run

Are you fond of wearing stilettoes? How about mascara? If you love both, then practice running in your killer shoes now because this race is designed for ladies like you. Long and Extreme Stiletto Ultimate Length Mascara, the #1 lengthening mascara in the US is strutting its way to the Philippines. Join the Maybelline Stiletto Run and get a chance to win up to P20,000 worth of products, plus other fabulous prizes.

A Valentine Wish?

If I will be shopping for a bag with enough budget to pay, I think I will definitely go for that basic looking tote or purse. One can never go wrong in choosing a classic design, right? Trends come and go, but great design never goes out of style, they say.

Sale Find of the Week: Basic Tees

I love wearing plain tees under a fashionable jacket or cardigan. They are great to pair with printed bottoms or chunky necklaces. I was very happy to find these perfect basic tees from Forever 21 the other week. I saw basic tees at the same store a number of times, but didn't like the fabric and the fit.

A Valentine Giveaway

It is already February. Time to post my Valentine Giveaway. This month, I am giving away a Beautilicious LOVE gift pack. The packaging says, "It's time to love yourselves ladies..." which is very much the same to the message that I want to give you in line with this giveaway.

Pinay in Pink February 2011: Emalyn Tabilisima

I finally get the chance to feature a friend from my old job. She used to be my team leader while I was working as an online English teacher for a Korean company. TL Hannah as I call her, is one of the most courageous and hard working woman I know. Not to mention, she is kind-hearted and beautiful on the outside too!

I Want this Car from Ayos Dito

Just as the year started, I also began to surf the net for buy & sell products. There is an endless list of things to choose from, but cars caught my attention the most. Hubby just told me that I better learn driving this year, so I got very excited. I suppose he is thinking of purchasing a car for me.


Well, he does not need to get a brand new car, though. I tried typing the keyword buy and sell used cars in my search engine and viola! I was led to AyosDito.Ph where so many good-looking and affordable cars are available like this one.

Look, a Honda City 2009 model which is good as new. It is red with tinted windows, CD player, airbag driver, airbag passenger, ABS brakes, mag wheels, alarm, central lock, adjustable steering and automatic transmission. This car is available for only P255, 000. Sounds like an ideal car for soon to be a student driver like me, right?

Good thing that AyosDito.Ph provides information on how to do online transactions safely. They have really helpful tips on sending or transferring money, meeting with buyer or seller, etc. Now, I need to know how to purchase cheap laptops, so I am checking this website for some info.