Jewelry Boost

Doing paperwork and studying can be taunting downers during this bed weather.

So have a break with me, yah? And let's explore the amazing world of ÉVOCATEUR.

ÉVOCATEUR is a collection of one-of-a-kind jewelry and accessories. It reminisces the past with exquisite images and hand set vintage treasures, while celebrating the present in 22K gold leaf brilliance. Each piece conjures a story---tales of ancient times and memories of favorite places, the magic of new love, the glimmer of dreams that have just begun, and many more. ÉVOCATEUR is a collection for women who know that the very best stories start with a few unforgettable details.

This jewelry line, that includes cuffs, bangles, pendants, earrings and belts can be found in premier boutiques and retail stores throughout the United States and the rest of the world. I was greatly dazed by their enormous selection of vintage and funky trinkets with designs that I honestly have never seen before. Here are some of my favorite pieces: 

The Bolt Necklace | French Tulips Cuff | Rusty Amaryllis Cuff 

B + W Cuff | Brooklyn Bridge Cuff | Skull Duggery Cuff | B + W Teardrop Earrings

Rain Forest Set by Mari G.

Matchy-matchy with these bangles and earrings from the On Trend Collection

Gromets Cuff and Teardrop Earrings by Mari G. | Many Moons Link Bracelet

Aren't they lovely?

You might an energy boost, too. 

Now's the perfect time to feel and look like a princess. 

Get your own dose of premier-class jewels and eyecandies from ÉVOCATEUR!

Much love,

Mela

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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

Against the Light.

Stole a few minutes before Dad took us to the airport last Friday.

I have long planned what to wear on my four-day stay in the big city but when Dad saw my shoes, he instantly shoved me to wear flats instead. :/

As always, I didn't regret following his advice. 

Thank God for the virtue of obedience!

This was supposedly the debut of my Asian Vogue wedges and leather pants, but since we were on a rush, I looked a bit unkempt plus the inappropriate lighting.

 I'll give justice to these pieces ASAP, swear!

All the accessories above cost less than a hundred each! 

Message me for queries. :)

I bet this year's Holy Week would be a very unique one since Lola's spending it in the U.S. and family gatherings will never the the same without her. :/

Nevertheless, we'll really try to make it as meaningful as the previous years.

I'll mark off each day with a cross and laugh about all that we've lost...

How do you guys plan to spend the Holy Week?

Much <3,

Mela 

Sweat Like A Teenager

Summer break is finally here! 

And that means guiltless indulgence (outfit-posting and  fan-girling and healthy eating and catching up with readings all-day, everyday) for me. 

Happiness. :D

After a hibernation that seemed endless, I'm bringing this blog back into the open again. Yayyy!

WWW will be turning ONE on Sunday, April First! 

I'm thinking of giving my post the title 'Second on April First' since I named my  first blog post <----  First on April First. 

That's cheeseballs but yah, I have a few more days to think. 

As if that's really important. Anyway.  

I went out to sell 'stuff' and meet with SADE friends last Friday, and here's what I wore. :)

The kind of 'stuff' that I sell. HAHA 

These ones too. :) 

 Bag borrowed from Mom.

 Kara Shoes - Philippines.

 I still feel a bit shy walking around in heels/platforms on an ordinary day so I brought flat shoes with me. 

Cropped velvet topped from my grandma, tucked it in. :)

And no, no, I'm sorry, there's no photo of me with wet underarms here. :D

It's just that Ottoman has been on repeat in my playlist since last week.

I love how Vampire Weekend reminds me of indie music and Neon Indian.

I love every bit of this song. 

And I love the people in the photos below this song + Jel.

Hottie, where were you after the exam?

Last day of school!!!

(Photos grabbed from Melissa)

I'll surely miss goofing around with these guys. :/

Groupings may change, but family will ALWAYS be family.

Much <3,

Mela