Style and Soul

It's the last hurrah of the summer as SM Kids Fashion releases a new collection of vibrant and colorful apparels for children. Tagged as the Crazy for Colors collection, SM Kids Fashion encourages all parents to make their sons and daughters stand out from the crowd through a fun mix-and-match of its latest clothing selection. 

And to further promote the Crazy for Colors summer collection, SM Kids Fashion also launched a theme song and dance music video especially choreographed by renowned dancer/host/mom Ms. Regine Tolentino, a new dance craze that kids will surely love.

Moreover, SM Kids Fashion has an ongoing Crazy for Colors summer caravan happening (some already done) in SM Mall of Asia, SM Fairview, SM Baguio, SM Cebu, SM Southmall, SM Sta. Rosa, SM Pampanga, SM Marilao, SM Dasmarinas, SM Davao and SM Taytay. 

This is the part I'm most excited about... I'm one of those hosting the series of mall shows! 

I honestly felt like a celebrity for once in my life that day. The Parisian Bloggers Pictorial Party was the first-ever event that I've been where all the bloggers were given such a special treatment.

Picture agad, as soon as I got in with Belle and Alex!

Upon arrival, I was welcomed by a name tag and name plate on my table, along with two lovely pairs of shoes. The location, Elite Studios in Makati, had awesome party lights, a DJ playing dance beats, catered food (eat all you can!) from Bizu, cocktail tables and waiters serving us with our every need. I could sense how much effort was put into the event, everything was well prepared and personal. It was impressive.

Jill Roque

Impulse Co. Giveaway

Mary Anne Cueto

Freeway Manansala Giveaway

Will be sending you an e-mail on how to claim your prizes. Congratulations! I apologize for the long wait!

And now for my comeback giveaway, 4 people will have the chance to win P5,000 worth of gift certificates each from SM Department Store. However, there's a catch. You'll win if I get in the TOP 3 of Parisian Blogger Challenge. :)

When I confirmed my attendance for the shoot, it hasn't really sunk in yet that I'd be getting myself in some kind of mini "competition" with my blogger friends. All I know is that, I haven't been in a blogger event for the longest time and I missed attending one. I wanted to see a lot of familiar faces from the social media world plus I got to play dress up for a day.

I'd be totally lying if I say I don't want to win. Of course I do! But all of us deserve it and I know a lot of people will be rooting for my fellow bloggers as well. I'm not keeping my hopes that high but like what's on everyone's minds, I also think it's worth a try, haha. 

I'm counting that you'll vote! Not necessarily for me, but for the one you simply like. :) Voters will also get a chance to win P20,000 GCs from SM as well. Not bad right? Vote for Aie Corpuz, Alex Lapa, Ana Gonzales, Ava Te, Belle Fenix, Bestie Konisis, Cheyser Pedregosa, Ingrid Nieto, Jheng Santos, Joanna Ladrido, Krissy Cruz, Lissa Kahayon, Marj Sia, Melai Entuna (me!), Patricia Prieto, Raleene Cabrera, Reg Rodriguez, Sarah Tirona, Tara Cabullo, Tracy Ayson, Valerie Chua and  Danah & Stacy Guitierrez!

Voting is easy (as much as 3x a day), just go to Parisian's facebook page and click the Parisian Challenge application!

My good friend and blog sister Aisa declared last October 18, 2011 as the National Day of Events for bloggers. Of course, that pronouncement was one of her many benta jokes. However, we (her fellow bloggers) couldn’t agree more. 

I’m not sure what was so special about that particular date but for some reason, it was the same day when the following events were scheduled: MTV Exit Press Conference, Canon Pixma Launch, Freeway X Manansala Special Tribute, Multiply Shopping Party and MEGA’s Fashion Crew Grand Finale Event.

It’s pretty practical to just choose one event among the bunch but on the contrary, it is ideal to attend everything on the list. I can picture you guys reading this and asking in your heads the big WHY with me throwing back a “WHY NOT?” at you.

But before I continue with what I have to say, (this is me having a disclaimer now, haha) you would probably judge that I’m such a hypocrite whenever I would go on and tell you about how tiring it is to be present to almost every event that I get invited to. Honestly, going to events (almost every day) really wears me out.

But being a freelancer, jumping from one project to another, my schedule is pretty much unpredictable because I don’t do an eight-hour routine job. My socially mobile nature subconsciously drives me to go whenever my planner tells me I can pretty much squeeze it in.

My income as a free agent depends on how many projects I book (some months doing so great, and some doing just okay) and gracing events gives me an advantage that helps me network, meet people and build contacts. Most importantly, I personally believe that attending (as long as I’m free) is a form of “courtesy” to the brands and PR agencies who have given my blog opportunities and exposure that I’m truly thankful for.

Taking into mind all these reasons, I knew that I couldn’t just choose one. And so, I went with the latter three. Realistically speaking, I’m not paid to go to any of these events and so, it was a practical move to keep myself busy with work during the day and have some fun later in the evening.

For this event-hoping night, I admit, I was pretty conscious of what my outfit would be. Being a “fashion blogger” there’s a certain pressure to keep up with what everyone would probably be wearing just so I would somehow “blend in” (to stand out is another option) in a sea of fasyon people.

Cardigan Vivienne Westwood | Bodycon dress Closet Chic | Boots Shoe Etiquette

But unlike a good number of fashion bloggers who can wear basically anything because they have their own cars, a fashionista commuter like me has always been in a constant struggle deciding on what I really want to wear without the fear of getting mugged in the (let’s be honest) not-so-safe streets of Manila.

It is indeed a tough act to juggle fashion, safety and comfort altogether. But I get by because I’ve been commuting all my life (mostly riding jeepneys, buses, trycicyles and trains) and it has opened my eyes to all the social realities out there.

1. Safety Always Comes FIRST. 

No matter where you’re going or what the occasion is, safety should always be your priority. You can’t always have someone else to accompany you and even riding a taxi doesn’t guarantee security.

When I pick out an item in my closet, I keep in mind my chances of attracting attention – good and bad. If possible, I prefer to remain unnoticed during my whole commuting period. My paranoia starts kicking in when people stare at me. There’s no way for me to know what each person is thinking. Who knows, I could be a target (yikes).

P.S. If it will be too dangerous for you to commute to an evening event, then don't go. I'm sure the person who invited you would understand. 

2. Never Forget Your Flats

No matter how comfortable you say your heels or wedges are, I strongly suggest you give your feet much love and wear flats first.

Commuting requires you to be quick on your feet. You need to be on the look out when you cross the streets and most of all, be alert for any danger. In my experience, heels can slow down your pace and can keep you distracted especially when you start to feel pain or when all you can think about is how to walk on them without slipping or falling flat on your face.

With a pair of comfy flats, you'll be able to walk so much faster and move with ease when you do long walks and climb the stairs (when crossing foot bridges or overpass). Just make sure these are the lightweight ones or the roll-in flats that come in a convenient packaging.

Thena killer boots courtesy of Shoe Etiqutte

3. Don't Get Your Bling On Yet

Fashion isn't worth any danger and so I try to maintain a really low profile bordering on wanting to be invisible when I commute. I pack all my accessories in a kit and wear them before I get to be seen in the event. 

Chunky necklaces, stack of bangles, statement rings - all these give your outfits that pow, umpf, whatever x-factor you call it. Wearing all these during travel will (let's face it) draw unnecessary attention. There will be a lot of avenues for you to express your creativity in your style. The jeepney, or the bus, the train, or the sidewalk is not the place for it though.

Printed bangle from Tomato, Tiger ring from SM Accessories, the rest from F-STOP

I would have to stop here for now and save a few other tips for another entry. After realizing how long this entry has been, I've convinced myself that some of you are either bored or tired by now reading this lengthy article. Anyway, the next set of tips and tricks, I can share some other time but these four are on the top of my list.

Don't forget the order: safety, comfort, fashion. Thinking of your safety is not an option; it's a mind-set. I couldn't stress that any further. Ever since my older brother (at the age of 22) who went to a party with his friends, unexpectedly passed away a few years ago, I've never ever stopped thinking about how precious (and short) life is. I would never risk it for anything, especially if it's just fashion. 

Stay safe everyone!

P.S. I used to hate writing tips about any topic because I feel like people might judge me, thinking I'm pretending to know better than any one else. I don't, really. But if there's anything you appreciate or dissent about my blog entries, feel free to comment or send me an e-mail (melanie_entuna@yahoo.com).

It's sale everywhere you go to these days. There are so many things to buy with so little money (at least on my end, haha). This mid-year or end of season, brands and stores have given out the best deals that they can so that more people can truly afford stylish pieces at steal prices for a well-maximized budget.

If you're a budget fashionista like me, let's all toast for these 50% - 70% price cuts and let's all make the most out of it while it lasts. I just have one suggestion when you spend your hard-earned moolah: try to purchase almost everything that you can while it's still cheap and ban yourself from shopping till December. That way, you'd feel like rewarding yourself by indulging in all the clothes, bags, shoes and accessories that you want. But after that, you can then go back to saving up and buying wisely.

With all the brands saying "Hey we're on sale!" here and there, where would you actually go to? Well here are a few SALES that you should definitely check out especially when you go shopping this weekend.


Manels Anniversary Sale

Last Monday, I had the opportunity to be a part of Manels private sale in SM Mega Mall as part of their celebration for their 47th year. I didn't know Manels is that old! But more than shock, I really admire the brand for its staying power despite tough competition both from local and foreign shoe brands.


Hep, hep! Before you scroll over to the next one, let me tell you, Manels has really changed from what most of you remember. It's not just the store you go to if you want to buy school or office shoes anymore. They've upgraded their designs to chicer and edgier footwear pieces that keep up with today's latest trends while maintaining a classic collection for everyday casual wear. This goes the same for their bags!

Aside from contemporary shoes and bags, the new store interior looks really modern and engaging as well. It was the first time I've ever stepped foot on a Manels branch again for the longest time that I've been skipping the store and I'm happy to discover that they have changed for a better and stronger branding. My mom also dropped by the store and she fancied some of their flats as well. So you see, it's not just a young lady's point of view. I'm very sure there would be something for almost everyone in that store.

Of course, I got something from the sale. And it was something that screams Melai. It was supposed to be a secret till I get to wear it for an outfit post but Lauren ended up spilling it in her post anyway, haha.

All of their products, including new arrivals (whoa!) will be at 50% off starting July 13 (yesterday) till July 17 (Sunday). If you buy five (5) items or more, you'll get a 55% discount instead. Now that's a deal so don't miss it!

(c) Style and Soul
Special thanks to Manels and Mr. Mark Siggaoat, VP-Operations


SuperSale Bazaar
One of the biggest and most popular bazaar is here once again to give you a run for your money on as much as 90% off on summer items and all the upcoming trends of Fall 2011 that you can definitely stock in your closet. Scour The Rockwell Tent on July 15 - 17, from 10am - 9pm for great transitional wear finds, all things 70s, gender play styles, sartorial one-of-a-kind pieces and a slew of wonderful outfit ideas from favorite local designers and upcoming online labels.

When you do drop by, some of the brands to look forward to are Olivia and Fifth, Glitterati, Moonshine, Celline, Kitty and Bee, Fancy Flats, Sole Service, Soak Swimwear, Tonic, Androgyny, Suelas, Posh Pocket Shoes, I Love Koi, Vida Jewelries, Eight One and lots more. Plus, I'm pretty sure that familiar online faces will be around too!

Sadly though, because I was too late to post this beforehand, my privilege of submitting a guest list is forfeited so I hope you've signed up at other bloggers' list! I'm sure there are many of them. Next time nalang okay! :)


The Great Northern Sale
The much awaited SALE at the SM North Edsa will happen starting tomorrow July 15 till July 17. Get as much as 70% off on almost everything inside the department store and other brands in the mall. It's a shopping mayhem for the whole family! And because SM is predicting a downpour of shoppers, be smart enough to assure yourself a parking slot! Call (632) 832-8888 for parking reservations.