Friday, February 01, 2013

Topaz Fashion: What I wore some days of this busy week

I keep forgetting to take photos of my clothes! After all this time, I still feel so awkward posing in front of the camera. I keep hearing Tyra Banks's voice in my head: "Are you showcasing the dress best? Is your neck elongated? Is your face fierce?" Top Model has ruined me forever.

My ISO settings aren't correct this week so I have all these fuzzy, grainy pics. Will fix that next week! Meanwhile, here's what I wore...

Meeting. Topshop T-shirt, Zara pencil skirt, Zara ballet flats, Kate Spade tote.

Shopping. K & Company dress, Charles & Keith sandals, Amina Aranaz Rags to Riches woven bag. I'll write about this fun shopping trip next week!

Event. Zara dress, The Ramp flats, fascinator courtesy of SM Babies. The event was for the launch of SM Babies. I'll write about it on Topaz Mommy next week (meanwhile, check out its new look!). 

I must improve my pose! I must improve where I take these photos. I must always do it in light!!!

Anyway, I miss accessories. I haven't been able to use my earrings, bracelets and necklaces. Bracelets dig into my bony wrist when I'm carrying the kids. Necklaces get chewed on. Earrings are pulled at. So I've been left with just dresses. I guess this means I must start using fabulous bags! But let me edit my current collection first. Then we'll see!

Happy Friday, folks!

Wednesday, January 30, 2013

Curious experience: Sto. Niño exhibit

Yesterday, Vince and I went to the city hall to pay our annual real estate tax. Mandaluyong has a very efficient city hall so, even though we brought reading materials, we didn't get to do any reading because our papers were processed rather quick.

Plus, there was this to distract all the dutiful citizens: an exhibit of Sto. Niños. It was so fascinating. And that's saying a lot considering I'm not a Catholic. I think it's worth seeing. The exhibit starts with this baby Jesus on a horse. This is owned by the mayor.

Lots of different kinds of Sto. Niños, old and new, big and small.

A collection of sleeping baby Jesus.

The only two Sto. Niños that showed His purpose on earth.

Jesus was a carpenter but this Sto. Niño showed he could make shoes as well.

He's also a cute soldier.

Sto. Niños in various garb: soft robes, barong, tin and none at all.

We wish we had brought our cameras! Instead, I had to use my Blackberry to shoot these. Fascinating exhibit, even for us who aren't Catholics. If you have the time, go and see it at the Mandaluyong City Hall. I don't know when it will end, though, so drop by soonest.


Sunday, January 27, 2013

Last few days to grab Circuit's January issue!

My first cover story of the year is on Circuit magazine. It's a stunning cover of Iza Calzado. My story on her was pretty easy to do—I just asked what she's planning this year (amass a fortune!) and what she's always wanted to do but haven't (tons, one of which is to be a journalist like me!).

Anyway, here are a few behind-the-scenes shots from the shoot and interview last December:
That's Iza in beauty-prep mode. Beside her is my baby's yaya. We're at Raymund Isaac's photo studio near Kamagong, Makati.

Sooo many shoes and clothes! Of course, the finished product, you only see one outfit (the other photo inside is just her face) and no shoes at all. So to those of you who think stars and stylists have so much fun at shoots, think again. Stylist scours malls and designers to borrow stuff. Star tries on many outfits and poses in them so editors have a lot of options and then editors choose two or three looks only!

Also having a photo shoot was Giselle Toengi. She is tiny! I'm only 5'3" and I'm in flats here. I think Giselle was wearing heels here, but not very high heels. She's like this doll! She loved Iñigo bear!

So did her daughter! That's Sakura. She and Iñigo adored each other!

I talk a bit about this article on my professional website. Grabe your copy of Circuit! Mwah!