The Shady Chronicles

Vitress: Mane Matters

~ Posted by The Shady Chronicles of P and D at 6/18/2012 12:31:00 AM ~

Who doesn't love getting packages in the mail, especially pretty pink ones tied with a bow?

The Vitress team sent over this really lovely surprise and I'm pretty much set hair-wise for a very long time!

Low maintenance is not a word I'd usually use to describe me, but when it comes to hair care, I have a bare-bones routine. I use any shampoo/conditioner that's available, I don't own a hair brush, don't blow dry, and I don't like shelling out too much for salon treatments (crossing my fingers that it's not TOO obvious). However, my mom bought a bottle of Vitress cuticle coat that I'd pull out whenever I didn't feel too lazy to add a little extra something to my routine.

I'm not pretending to be a beauty blogger but these products are fool-proof that even I can't mess it up!

Here's my mane in all it's unkempt gory glory. Don't judge, this is straight out of bed pre-morning shower. :S

I love pump dispensers! They're so handy! You only need a small amount per application.

I only put on the bottom half of my strands because I didn't want my hair to hang too straight and flat.

I love how it adds some semblance of order to my hair without making it look rebonded (no offense to anyone with rebonded hair). I like how it adds shine without taking away all of my disheveled-ness. The pleasant smell that lasts all day is a great bonus too!

My resolution? Time to start using this product more regularly! I don't really have an excuse now, do I?

Check out this video of Vitress' endorser, Solenn Heusaff to get a better demonstration of how the product works!

Ichigo: A Shoe Giveaway

~ Posted by The Shady Chronicles of P and D at 6/08/2012 10:52:00 PM ~

During a pretty rough work week (last week of the school year), I came home tired to the bone and instantly perked up at the sight of this on my bed. How cute is the logo of Ichigo Shoes?!

I've been a fan of Ichigo for years now. Back in Ateneo, I used and abused several pairs from the brand as I schlepped from building to building. They withstood treks all over the large campus! I remember my brown suede sandals with tassels that I paired with EVERYTHING.

Then, when I started my first job (teaching Language Arts at my alma mater), I remember buying a few closed toe flats to go with my new "working girl" wardrobe. P would even go to the Ichigo stall for me in Greenhills because I would always worry that my size would run out. My cap-toe oxfords took me back and forth from classroom to faculty room with ease.

Now that I'm teaching preschoolers, I have no problem catching up with the little rugrats since my trusty flats allow me to run all over the place without missing a beat.

So what's the point of the summary of the last 6-7 years of my life? Ichigo has transitioned with me from short denim cut-offs and mini-dresses to more modest trousers and button-downs and back. They seem to operate with the fashion equation of current and eye-catching styles + price points that won't drain your wallets.

Here's the pair that I got, the Tanya Tux Slippers!

I love the print, the tassels, and the overall shape of it! I'm such a fan of the slipper style. They're a nice deviation from the classic ballet flat as they add a bit of dandy masculinity to your look.

Primark top and sunglasses, Kids of Bayo shorts, vintage bangles and Bubbles chain bracelet

I paired the shoes with really easy pieces since the heat hasn't let up. This prim old rose top hasn't seen the light of day since the first time I used it last year so I thought it deserved some air time. I'm such a fan of how it drapes.

Found these fun Kids of Bayo shorts awhile back and couldn't resist how quirky they looked. Non-denim shorts are always a nice alternative to have.

A really cool pair of easy-to-walk-in flats are a big must-have for me! I'll definitely be bringing this on our upcoming trip!

And if I don't make a good enough blogger for Ichigo, then maybe my fashion fiend of a niece is a better example! Meet Ally, the nine-year-old daughter of my cousin, Ate Mara and her husband, Kuya Vince.

This intelligent young lady is a big shoe addict like myself and Ichigo is one of her top brands!

How chic is she?! I love that everything is still age-appropriate though!

Rocking the top knot, Breton stripe, and wingtip Mary-Janes from Ichigo!

What she has to say about the brand: Despite the fact that I love in Singapore, when in Manila, I always make it a point to go to Ichigo or I ask my relatives to send a pair over. Ichigo shoes are comfortable and stylish and

they are very affordable so I don't even have to ask my parents to buy me one. I can afford them on my own!

I often wear them for they match perfectly with lots of my outfits.

*If it's not too much trouble for you guys, please vote for Ally. She joined a songwriting competition at her school and needs your support! Just go to this link and click on the green VOTE button on the upper right corner. Thanks in advance, guys!

Do you want to win your own pair of Tanya Tux Slippers? Well, it's your lucky day because Ichigo is giving away one pair to a Shady Chronicles reader! As usual, the mechanics could not be any easier:

1. Follow The Shady Chronicles either on Google Friend Connect or Bloglovin'.

2. Follow Ichigo's blog, Facebook, and Twitter.

3. Fill out the blanks found at this link!

Entries will be accepted until Sunday, June 17. Winner will be selected randomly. Good luck, everyone!

Knots

~ Posted by The Shady Chronicles of P and D at 6/07/2012 02:13:00 PM ~

FASHION

Despite the random rain showers, my mindset dictates that summer is still in full swing.

Cheap Monday denim jacket, vintage dress from Rosanna, Topshop boots, vintage sunglasses from my grandma

I have no idea why Rosanna decided to junk this dress but hey, works for me! I had it altered since its length was super awkward (mid-shin) and the smocking at the back was all wonky. I love most things yellow and bright so this dress is definitely a keeper!

Threw on the denim jacket to add some interest to the outfit and also because it gets pretty cold in the mall, obviously. :)

Pardon the wrinkled sloppiness, it was a long day!

How great is the embroidery? I love that all the colors are so vibrant and clash in a way that works! It's just a fun summer dress that's so easy to throw on.

Super in love with my new ankle boots! I've been wanting a rugged brown pair for the longest time and of course, Topshop knew exactly what I had in mind. I can't wait to get the leather scuffed up and gritty!

SUMMER D.I.Y.

For the past few weeks, I've rediscovered one of my elementary-school obsessions, thanks to this book which I found at Fully Booked.

Friendship bracelets, who hasn't done 'em?! Back in school, we would all have one taped to the little cubby under our tables and you would see so many hands furiously knotting away as the math teacher lectured. I think I missed many key topics because of this addictive past time. The most skilled girls in the class would always get requests for the more complicated patterns and I'm sure the craft store in Galleria drummed up a lot of business at the time.

Oh man, I'm kind of embarrassed to show this but what the heck. I even went as far as hording 11 of these crochet cotton thread balls (or whatever they're called)! Now, I'm completely hooked. I've actually safety-pinned one I was working on to my jacket and knotted while waiting for dinner at Bellini's. My family looked at me like I was crazy. I can't tell you how obsessed I am when it comes to coming up with color combinations and matching them with the different patterns!

Here's a nautical one I made for P! This is what he gets in exchange for the engagement ring he gave me haha!

Just finished this fish bone pattern in mint and salmon but here's what it looked like before.

It's a good thing that I'm getting into this hobby again because my current accessory fixation is bracelets! At least this way I don't have to spend so much on buying arm candies and there's always a certain sense of fulfillment when you made it with your own two hands.