Vendo Machine

Because I didn't attend it last year, I was clueless that the Medicine Night is a grandiose event. This year's theme is Casino Royale and female med students are supposed to dress up like Bond girls or something like that. I honestly thought that no one's going to take the theme seriously anyway so I decided to wear a vendo machine-inspired outfit. When I told my boyfriend about it, he was like, "Are you serious?". But very truly, I was. Aside from playing cards and poker chips, vendo machines are the first that come to mind when I think of casinos even if I've never really been inside one. And what better way to portray it is a black outfit with colorful, flashy lights. 

Dressing up for events can be worrisome so what I usually do is I decide on a keypiece (something that I really want to wear) like this neon necklace from Bubbles and just mix and match the rest of the elements in my outfit with it. Hence, the pink tassel dress and orange wedges from Asian Vogue Shop. And since it was a formal affair, the black vest was perfect for a corporate yet playful vibe. 

necklace: Bubbles | sunglasses and arm candies: SM Accessories | shoes: Asian Vogue Shop | photos by: Ralph Delfin

Everyone seemed to have really prepared for the night. Some even wore long gowns. Quite surprising but at least I know now what to do next year. XD  The show was just heating up when I left because I'm a Cinderella with a 10pm curfew. Nevertheless, it was good times, good food and good laughs. 

From left: Melchor, Kaye, Melissa

 The thought of being friends with future doctors makes me giddy! :D

So I wasn't the only wild one in neon. Don't you find Wilkinson's preppy outfit cute?

Thank you Melissa for these photos!

Don't be afraid to wear tassel dresses! Contrary to popular belief, they are not exclusive for dance costumes. Check out this fabulous collection by H&M:

That's all for now! I am so excited to share my Philippine Fashion Week experience with you guys. Unfortunately, I'm still caught up with responsibilities. I hope I could sneak in a little of my time really soon! :)

Much love,

Mela

P.S. Do you want neon accessories for free? Click the link below and join the giveaway: 

WWW x Put It On

You could be one of the lucky winners! 

Giveaway Alert: WWW x Put It On! (CLOSED)

Hello everyone!

I'm back from zombieland and today's officially the 2nd day of the semestral break. :D I wish I could instantly go back to my hometown but I chose to isolate myself for a bit just to finish all my articles for the college paper because it has been eons since the deadline! Oh no no noesss. Inspiration please rain on me. 

Okay. So while I'm on a break from squeezing creative juices, let's have a mini-chitchat about this new Iloilo-based accessories store that I discovered. Social networking has made online shop junkies out of us because we're all too busy to visit the mall and boutique items can be so pretty yet expensive. Tell me, how can you handle regret and bitterness after seeing a similar item with a cheaper price on an online shop after you've made a boutique purchase? #thriftyshopaholicproblems, HAHA.

 But but, as online shops continue to grow in number, the dilemma of which one to choose comes in. Don't fuss girlies 'cause I am here for a little help! :D

If you are looking for simple, chic, sophisticated accessories with the right amount of edge, Put It On has them! They have a vast array of designs-- from rings and blings, to fancy necklaces and vintage bangles. And the thrill doesn't end there! All items are super affordable from P60-P220! I have seen some of their accessories in person and they're all so neat and quirky!

It's not too late to try the color-blocking trend! Take out that plain neon top (or anything colored for that matter) from your closet and pair it with this green fishnet collar necklace and you're good to go! 

Clueless on how to accessorize a printed top? A simple choker in a different hue is sure to make you stand out!

If you're not the adventurous type, a button-down paired with a pearl necklace will make a timeless, classic day-to-night combination!

Whoever said that an all-black outfit is boring and gloomy? Bring that black top to life with this vintage, metallic medallion that screams color and sophistication at the same time!

Heat and moist can make your rings rusty so it's best to store them in comfy containers. 

All purchased rings from Put It On come in small boxes such as these. Now that's a fab extra!

Get your iPhone case personalized! 

Tell them how you'd want it to look like and they'll gladly do it for you!

What's inside is just as important as what is outside.

For every purchase of necklaces worth P200, you will get a cute neon envelope that's perfect for storing neck accessories and printed files; And since we're now an eco-friendly generation, it can even be used as a purse! You'll also get a cute paperbag with every purchase of bracelets/bangles worth P100 and up. What a fancy steal!

Each precious bling will arrive at your doorstep safe and pretty as if the Put It On Team just handed it to you!

Are you now starting to fall in love with  Put It On? Guess what, the feeling is mutual!  Put It On loves their newest friends (that's you!) as well and they've teamed up with me for a giveaway! Two (2) lucky readers will win each of these necklaces from  Put It On!

(giveaway banner photos by April Rose Garcia | catalog photos from Put It On)

Joining is just as easy as one, two, three:

1.) Like Put It On on Facebook. Click here!

2.) Follow @meladelfin, @wesayputiton on Twitter and tweet: 

"I want to win pretty tangerine necklaces from #WWW and Put It On @wesayputiton! http://wearismela.blogspot.com/2012/10/giveaway-alert-www-x-put-it-on.html"

3.) Download and post the giveaway banner photo above on your Facebook wall with this shoutout: 

"Let's get chic and quirky with tangerine necklaces from @Put It On! Win these over at What, When and Wearabouts blog! http://wearismela.blogspot.com/2012/10/giveaway-alert-www-x-put-it-on.html"

(Plus +1 entry for every friend you tag on your post!)

That's it! But if you want additional entries:

1.) Follow What, When and Wearabouts via Google Friend Connect.

Click this to go directly to the follow page--Follow WWW

(If you don't have an account yet, it's fast and easy, go make one!)

2.) Follow camillae on Chictopia: camillae (+1 entry)

2.) Re-blog this post if you have a blog. Don't forget to link back to this post! (+2 entries)

3.)  Share Put It On's Facebook page on your wall. (+1 entry)

Just copy and paste this on your status bar:

"Say hello to the newest accessories shop in town, Put It On! https://www.facebook.com/putitoniloilo?fref=ts"

Leave the steps that you have accomplished using the following format on the COMMENT BOX below:

Name:

Email address:

Twitter username and link to your tweet:

GFC username:

Facebook username, link to your wall post, and no. of friends tagged:

Chictopia username (optional):

Link to your blogpost (optional):

Indicate if you shared Put It On's Facebook page on your wall:

All entries are subject to verification. Winners will be chosen via random.org. This contest is open to Philippine residents only.

This giveaway will run until November 29, 2012 and announcement of winners will be on December 1, 2012.

Have a fun sembreak everyone! :D 

Much love,

Mela

Le Chic by Mizar Clothing

Sharing with you some of the photos from the shoot I had for Mizar Clothing's newest collection, Le Chic! This is actually the second part of my collaboration with Mizar. The first three collections were Galaxy, Spikes 'n Stripes and Floral. Now, it's all about studs and tweed and glitters and cutouts! 

I opted to post this first because the first three collections are almost sold out. :( Oh noesss! A highly-coveted shop this is! But don't you fret girlies because Le Chic was just launched last night. You can still catch up with the havoc and get your favorite items reserved! 

Check out the details and prices on Mizar Clothing's Facebook Page. GO!

Okay. So I'm completely aware that I'm scowling at most of the photos.

Please ignore. :| I'm actually a semi-nice person. Haha

The faces behind Mizar Clothing.

(2nd from left: Mimi Tsai, Zarah Bayani, Chrishelle, Arch. Christian Tsai)

Mimi is the "Christine" in Christine's Salon! Apart from styling these outfits with Zarah, she was also the genius who dolled and prettified me up! 

I am beyond happy and thankful for these kinds of opportunities. It's true, I always say that I'm a shy, silent girl. But feats like these make me realize that I am also capable of doing the things that I wish I've done before but stepped back nonetheless because yeah, shy, silent girls aren't supposed/couldn't do such things. But here I am! Hehe. 

Thank you Mimi and Zarah for this collaboration! 

And thank You, Good Heavens, for granting me time to attend the photoshoots. (1st shoot happened on a Saturday before the Medicine Week, 2nd shoot on a Saturday before a dreaded hell week which I thankfully survived!) 

I shall post photos from the first three collections soon, so keep posted. :)

Sending everyone off this weekend with this badge:

Well, this isn't just a badge. 

Put It On is the newest accessories hub in town and it will be hosting a surprise treat for you girls!

Click the link below and like the page for more updates:

https://www.facebook.com/putitoniloilo?fref=ts

Much love, 

Mela

WWW Thank You Treat WINNERS!

Congratulations Marla and Mary! :D

I have sent you emails and direct messages on Twitter on how to claim your prizes.

To everyone who joined, thank you so much for participating! If you didn't win now, don't worry! Another giveaway's coming up in a few days! :D

I have a week full of exams and SGDs. Pray for my survival, please?

Much love,

Mela

Tribal Pride

How do you define 'beauty'?

For the Ata community in Guimaras, Maruyog doesn't just mean beautiful. It signifies creativity and intricate, hard work. It is a representation of an age-old heritage, of sacred traditions and beliefs. It is an attempt to resurrect a culture that has long been forgotten by the urban society. It is innovation. It is hope for better tomorrows. All these are boxed in a tiny coconut shell container called Maruyog Charms.

Maruyog Charms are no ordinary bracelets or bangles. They are traditional amulets designed to blend in the sophistication of the modern world. Who would have thought that I'm wearing anting-antings in the photos below? These charms are so intricately handmade by the women and youth of the Ata community that it takes one person roughly an hour to finish one charm, and three(3) hours for one set (3 bracelets and a pair of earrings) to be done.

At close-up view, Maruyog Charms are consist of dried roots from special plants like Salindugok and Amigos which are believed to bring abundance, health and love to the person who wears it; special stones crushed into tiny pieces called Diamante Negra, provide protection from psychic attacks and can strengthen the aura; and a special coconut oil known as Lana that is believed to drain negative energy, provide serenity, and heal certain health conditions. The colored streaks represent colors of energy psychic centers, also known as Chakras.

These may all sound very superstitious but these are more than just amulets/accessories. Wearing these charms celebrate not only the stories of the women who handmade such spectacles, but also our own country's rich culture. Remembering our roots, the Philippines was first inhabited by our first ancestors, the Atas themselves. Perhaps it's just time to give back the recognition that they deserve. :)

Currently, the Team Maruyog, a non-government organization that facilitates the production of Maruyog Charms, is on its way to improving the quality and aesthetic value of the charms; with plans of incorporating them into bag and clothing design to further provide livelihood opportunities for the Ata community.

These charms are sold at the Team's online store, partner boutiques, trade fares or expos, and specialty stores.

Let us help the Ata community build better lives. Let us empower them to restore the cultural pride that has slowly vanished through the years. 

Get your own Maruyog Charms now! :)

For orders, refer to Maruyog Charms' Facebook page:

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Maruyog-Charms/422990001071109?fref=ts

These accessories aren't limited to bohemian-inspired outfits! Click this link for another styling idea: http://wearismela.blogspot.com/2012/09/conspiracy-theory.html

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top: Mizar Clothing | skirt and purse: vintage from Mom | shoes:  AsianVogue Shop | Accessories: Maruyog Charms | photos by Jo Andrew Torlao

Did you join this giveaway: WWW Thank You Treat? Well, good luck! The two (2) winners will be drawn tomorrow. If you haven't, don't worry! Since it's my birthday month, I am cooking another surprise treat for you. :D

Much love,
Mela