On Love

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I first discovered Kent Nerburn's "Falling in Love" (also excerpted as "On Love;), a chapter from his book Letters to My Son: A Father's Wisdom on Manhood, Life and Love, way back in high school.  Back then, it seems that the worst thing that can happen in the realm of love was realizing a crush doesn't have a crush on me.  In 2012, I look back yet again to its simple but profound wisdom, as I know it can still teach me a thing or two about life and love. These are words that any one who has fallen in love should always remember and should never forget.

The Enduring Allure of the Little Black Dress

Hello there! I've been away for quite some time I know! Traveled to one of my favorite countries last month, celebrated my birthday, and basically just devoted time to catch up with work and family commitments and well, Life.

But I've definitely missed blogging and you my dear readers.  This time, I'm back with this post for all you classic (and classy) ladies out there. 

Champagne Room

Back in September, I was able to go to one of the restaurants I've wanted to try for the longest time: Champagne Room. This restaurant is located in Manila Hotel, the grand dame of hotels in Manila.

Manila Hotel had recently undergone some renovations and refurbishments, especially with its restaurants. Since Champagne Room has been on my restaurant list, that night  was the perfect occasion to find out what makes Champagne Room special.

Lookbook: Dress The Part

Hello there! Just a quick hello and hoping you're having a great weekend. Just want to share with you these looks which I've created in partnership with Van Mildert, an online shopping site which carries the latest looks as well as classic items, and with a wide range of brands.   

I think every closet must have dresses as a wardrobe staple, and great dresses are definitely a worthwhile investment.  These looks center on how you can use a great dress as the anchor of your outfit for any occasion, whether it's for work or for the weekend.

For the Office 

The Pretty Dress Company peplum dress/ Sam Edelman leopard print peep toes/ Marc by Marc Jacobs cross body bag/  Ray-ban aviators

Girls' Night Out

 McQ Alexander Mcqueen dress/  Muubaa leather jacket/ Michael Kors tote/ Sam Edelman leather & suede calf boots/ Vivienne Westwood earring

Sunday Brunch

Marc by Marc Jacobs dress/ Vivienne Westwood jacket/ Michael Kors flats/ Marc by Marc Jacobs clutch/ Juicy Couture charm bracelets/ Ray-Ban Wayfarers

What's your favorite look?  I hope this inspires you to choose a dress and to work it! :)  All these items are available on Van Mildert. Cheers! :)

Color & Hair Treatments at Studio Fix by Alex Carbonell

 

As most of my dear readers already know, my go-to hair stylist is Alex Carbonell of Studio Fix by Alex Carbonell salon. And it's simply just a bonus that among the top posts on this blog are my posts on my experiences with Alex, either from the first time I had my hair cut at his hands or the first time I had my hair colored with him.  In fact, readers who have left comments on my posts have also attested to how well he cuts hair and the superb service they themselves have received at Studio Fix.

And I was even happier when I went back again to Alex  in July when he told me that he had several customers who told him that they went to Studio Fix  after they read my blog. And so before I tell you about my latest Studio Fix experience, I'd like first to thank all those who have read my blog and were encouraged enough to take my word and try out Alex and Studio Fix. Alex even thanked me for sending those clients his way, and it was indeed truly heartwarming :) Here in Sunset Goddess Manila, I really feel happy and quite honored whenever I receive feedback about my posts and I'm glad I'm able to share such fab "finds" as Studio Fix with you :)

The Eco Bag Solution + Relief Ideas

 

The aftermath of the monsoon rains and floods which have poured on Metro Manila and neighboring provinces starting on August 6, 2012 until today is simply heartbreaking.    While I have been lucky not to suffer from the floods and was not even inconvenienced with a power outage (the only major change in our household was that the cable was out until this evening), I know a lot of people are still suffering, whether in big or small ways. I am simply thankful that all my loved ones and family members and myself are safe, dry, and comfortable in our own homes---and I am praying hard that the rains stop for those who are in unfortunate circumstances because of the torrential downpours.  

Relief efforts have already started but the pressing concern in my mind right now is what will be done after those relief efforts have subsided.  Of course, I know that these rescue and relief operations are essential to save priceless lives.  But there's also a part of me that thinks that giving relief bags is the equivalent of giving survivors fish that will feed them for a day, but will not teach them how to fish to feed them for a lifetime. It's a band-aid solution that's needed at the moment, but a band-aid solution nonetheless.

Celebrity Dresses

One thing I like about shopping online is that there's simply a great range of options available, especially when it comes to clothes.  Sure, there's nothing quite like shopping for clothes in a brick-and-mortar store.  But I say, shopping for clothes online has its own natural high and is a shopping experience quite unique to our generation ---something that our moms or any older generation of women may never be able to get.

Another fabulous aspect of online shopping is getting to see and buy celebrity dresses. Yes, celebrity dresses---as in, dresses that are copied from or inspired by the clothes celebrities wear.  These celebrities may be actresses, pop stars, fictional characters, or royalty. Celebrities can basically wear anything they or their stylists want and they can afford just about anything.  But for us mere mortals, the practical and smart solution are celebrity dresses.

These are just some of the celebrity dresses that I like and won't mind getting for myself: