18
Jul

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After eating breakfast at Real Coffee & Tea Cafe, we kicked off out first day at Boracay by walking through stations 1, ,2, and 3. That was one heck of a walk being under the sun wearing a black t-shirt and jeans and all -bad idea!   

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I was checking out all the stalls to see if there was anything of interest and basically I found alot of jewelry. If you’re looking for an anklet, necklace, bracelet, earring, or ring made from silver, semi precious stones, shells, animal bones, stalagmite stones, rope, twine… I mean whatever kind of jewelry you’re looking for I’m pretty sure they’ll have it, that is with the exception of gold.

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You have to be careful though because like my friend Karmina told me you could buy a Php200.00 necklace at one store and find the exact same thing at another being sold at only Php30.00.

There was  this one store that sold very intricately detailed  jewelries, hair ornaments, flasks, book marks and the likes all made from silver. I found a darling chunky ring that would have lifted loads from my wallet if I chose to buy it, Php3,700.00 to be exact but I preferred the burden of a heavy wallet so I walked out empty handed :( . They’re one of those stores that don’t like people taking picture of their merchandise so we’ll leave that to the imagination.

Aside from all the jewelry lots lots of shops sold beach wear clothing and flip flops. So no need to worry if you forget to pack you suit or in my case, slippers.

I didn’t really find anything to bring back home, I was going for something that you wouldn’t be able to find in Manila but being able to wine, dine, and shop just yards away from one of the most beautiful beach in the world entitles the visit to it’s own bragging rights.

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I hoped to end the day by watching a Boracay sunset but as you can see in the picture, a wall of clouds made that impossible so I settled for the cool evening breeze in my hair and a cold beer in my hand…

11
May

team-manila MOA branchMall of Asia Branch

My brother who lives in the states has a thing for Pinoyt-shirts. We started out by buying him t-shirts at Spoof  Limited  and chose the ones with a Pinoy oriented design. We’d then send it to him every time someone comes home and that went on for a couple years.

Conversation with kuya sitting in front of my computer:

US: “Hey can you go to this website, I found some really cool looking shirts.. it’s teammanilalifestyle dot com.”

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PH: “OK I’m here..”

US: “Go to the men’s section and then classic tees. A Lotof people are asking me where I get my t-shirts from specially here on campus..”

PH: interrupts “They probably wanna buy some too, I’m on the page. What am I looking for?”

US: “Yeah, I don’t see too many sold on eBay and a lotof people are looking so I want  a T-shirt in each of the designs on page 1-4 then get me some stickers and key chains and lanyards too.”

Ph: in utter shock and disbelief of the impending wreckage he was about to do to my savings “Uhh that’s a lot, don’t you think that too many? How much is it gonna cost me? Andame naman kuya!”

US: “I says Php500. They have an online store at teammanila.com forward slash shop but it costs more andyou have to pay for shipping”

PH: “Hmmmnn let me see if I can get some sort of discount and I’ll let you know…”

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                      Front                                     Logo on Left Back Shoulder

Days and weeks pass… several phone calls, PM’s, and SMS’ later I finally found time to research, email TeamManila’s management about my predicament, and visit their store at the Power Plant Mall to check out the goods. I was already impressed when I saw the designs on line but to see them in person was like tempting a child with candy. I went home with the t-shirt shown above for myself.

I checked my email when I got home and was very pleased to find a positive response from TeamManila’s Sales and MarketingManager, Pam. They were willing to give me 15% off on all the shirts I buy.

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So buy I did..

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 and buy..

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and buy…

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you get the point.

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Pretty soon I came out of the store with fifteen some t shirts for my brother and a couple others for myself. I wasn’t actually able to buy all of the t-shirts that were requested. Most of the the designs were out on XXL sizes -my brother’s a pretty big dude. The t-shirts are limited edition so when they’re out of stock, they won’t make ‘em again which is too bad ‘cuz these shirts are really happening.

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They had an ongoing promotion at the time which qualified me to get this bag for free. Wasn’t sure what how much you need to spend to get one but I got it…

I’d just like to thank TeamManila, specially Pam for responding to me and for givingme a great bargain on their goods. Kudos to you folks for coming up with such artistic and inspiringdesigns that show the world the heart of a true Filipino. With all the unending corruption and problems we have going on this kinda thing makes me proud to be a Filipino.

Graphic Designed Lifestyle Tees and TeamManila stores can be found at the following locations:

146-B Jupiter St. Makati

2nd Floor Archeology Section
Power Plant Mall, Rockwell

2nd Floor South Wing
SM, Mall Of Asia (Near Nike)

email: info(at)teammanila(dot)com

06
Apr

jumpsuits

Another trend making it big this season over at the west side is the jumpsuit trend. Were not talking about the denim jumpsuits with the tacky buckle things at the shoulder straps to hold them up.. We’re talking fun, flity, snazzy jumpsuits that shows off and flatters those vivacious curves. I haven’t seen any one sporting the look yet, so will you be one of the first to fashion the look>

03
Mar

double-denim

Talk about being a fashion victim. Even thought I was too young when this trend first became a hit I was already aware of it’s atrocity. So I was pretty surprised to find out that this horrid fashion faux pas was allowed to be released from the unforgiving confines of the fashion jail to play it lurid game. Remember.. there are no victims if no one allows themselves to be victimized.

Fashion jail? I admit that was taking it a bit overboard, but shouldn’t we have evolved? Evolution in theory is adaptation and change that is usually for the better so why is it then that the upward incline of sense and taste in fashion have been stained with this regression.

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As seen on William Rast Fall/Winter 09/10 Collection. No matter how fancy you make it seem, I’m still not down with it.

25
Feb

Ankle straps are a highlighted feature for 2009. I’m not talking about minuscule barely noticeable ankle straps that were made to secure the shoe to your foot, were talking featured straps that are the main attraction of the shoe.. The shoes were made for the straps, not the other way around.

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Steven - Bianna in Brown Leather

Boring flats.. not these fancy Bianna sandals by Steven. These flat sandals features cracked leather, multi ankle straps with very detailed ornate beading and flexible rubber soles. You’ll get the perfect boheme look this summer with Steven footwear, Bianna.

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            Guess -Digitally                                 Digital by Guess in Cranberry

Digitally by Guess stages this fierce design with pony hair over lay and black stripes on white. This has elasticized strap at the ankle and a single band at the vamp. The heels are 4 inch covered stiletto heel and are ultra sexy. If a solid color is preferred in the same design, Digital, also by Guess shoes come in Cranberry and Black. You get the same fabulously chic design in Patent colors.

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Windrider By Hale Bob in Gold Metallic Leather

Windrider by Hale Bob puts a spotlight on a stone embellished buckle. 4 inch heels and leather uppers spikes you outfit with a dose of feminine style. These Hale Bob t strap sandals are available in Gold Metallic Leather and Black Metallic Leather

lolla-by-steve-madden-in-black-patent

Steve Madden - Lollaa in Black Patent

All 5 inches of the heels and curvaceous cutouts all through out make these Steve Madden LOLLA sandals dangerously stylish. Available in Black Pantent and Blush, Steve Madden’s ankle straps are to die for.

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Jessica Simpson - Hesse  in Dark Chocolate Leather

Jessica Simpson’s double adjustable ankle strap sandals in Dark Chocolate leather is another shoe to talk about. 4 and 1/4 inch stiletto heels and gold ornamentation is what Hesse by Jessica Simpson is all about.

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Jenicca by Nine West

Nine West can’t be left out. Jenicca by Nine West shows off triangular cutouts at the sides and adjustable ankle straps. 3 and 1/2 stiletto heels lets you buckle up in these fun colored Nine West shoes. This style is available in Navy Multi Synthetic, Bronze Multi Synthetic, Dark Yellow Multi Leather, Light Pink Multi Synthetic, White Synthetic, Black Synthetic and Black Leather.

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Xchange by Maz Studio

Xchange by Max Studio features crisscross strap at vamp and crisscross adjustable ankle strap with functional bucles. This shoe comes in Black Nappa and Tobacco Baby Calf in a 3 1/2 inch stacked heel

You might also enjoy:
Fringe Adorned Shoes
Exotic Detail On Your Footwear
Studded Shoes and Chains Galore
Slither Into the Reptile Patterned Shoe Trend
Lace-Up/Wrap Up Shoes

22
Feb

Ballerina ties and crisscross laces that add interesting derails to your ordinary flats and heels are this spring and summer’s most wear-able.

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Ugg Amelie -Laced Up Sandals

Get nice lightweight like these Amelie sandals by Ugg wing wrap-around ankle strap and you’ll be set to spring and summer. These Ugg sandals have a 2 and 3/4 inch wedge heel wrapped in suede with rope trimmings.

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Nine West Sorcerer Lace Up Sandals in Medium Brown

The gladiator-inspired lace up Nine West flats, Sorcerer are also a great choice for the warm weather seasons. This utilizes leather material in thong construction and 1 inch stacked wedge heel.

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daniblack  Topper - Lace-Ups Cut Outs

For a more formal approach the daniblack pumps, Topper, show off very appealing cut out detailing, lace up decor and 3 1/2 inch heel. The daniblack shoes are available in suede or black lizard print, so with the lizard print you actually get two trends in one.

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Franco Sarto  Deer -LaceUps in Chestnut Petrol

If your a minimalist or are a fan of the androgynous fashion, this stylish oxford Franco Sarto shoe, Deer, might just be your cup of tea. The Franco Sarto lace up shoe is available in Black, cafe, and Grey patent and in Black and Chestnut Petrol. The sleek silhouette of this Franco Sarto footwear also feature wing tip and perforated accents in a 3 inch heel.

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Pour La Victoire Eden In Nude Nubuck

Very intricate laser cut detail impresses this Pour La Victoire creation. Eden is a very feminine lace up shoe in nubuck leather available in black and nude. The 4 inch heel Pour La Victoire pump are very eye catching and  dainty.

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BCBG Max Azria  Gianni Lace ups

This BCBG Max Azria shoe is also a looker with it’s almost glazed unique color. With a towering 5 inch heel and 1/2 inch cork platform, Gianni by BCBG Max Azria certainly makes an impression. The sexy lace up front ins complimented by the weaving strap design that this BCBG Max Azria footwear stages.

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Jenn

Another trend right shoe by BCBG Max Azria is Jenn, a 3 inch chuncky stacked heel shoe. BCBG Max Azria foot wear is uses leather material with lace-up front derail and elastic panels of easy slip on. I live the creative use of color in this shoe, very hip.

You might also enjoy:
Fringe Adorned Shoes
Exotic Detail On Your Footwear
Studded Shoes and Chains Galore
Slither Into the Reptile Patterned Shoe Trend
Ankle Straps -Featured Features In Shoes

19
Feb

Quality reptile leathers are also becoming big when speaking of shoe trend for the coming season.

BCBG Max Azria - Nate 2 (Roccia/Grey) - Footwear
BCBG Max Azria Nate 2 in Roccia/Grey

Nate 2 by BCBG Max Azria shows off a very curvaceous and attractive collar, the peep toe design flatters the feature even more. These reptilian patterned leather come in a 3 1/2 inch stacked heel

Nine West - Barb (Black/Pewter) - Footwear
Barb By Nine West


The Nine West variation of reptile patterned leather, Barb, is a simple pump in 3 1/4 inch heel. The sleek lines and artful use of color just makes it that much more desirable. This specific pattern is available in Blue synthetic, Brown Synthetic, Dark Natural Synthetic, Light Pink Synthetic, Medium Pink Synthetic,and Turquoise Synthetic

Nine West - Nuncio (Dark Green Croco) - Footwear
Nine West Nuncio in Green


Also by Nine West is the modest 2 1/2 inch heeled chic pointed to Nuncio pumps. These pumps are as comfortable as any pump can get. The subtlety of the design suits it for office and out and about wear. Nuncio by Nine West is available in Brown Croco, Brown Synthetic, Dark Blue Croco,Natural Synthetic, Pink Synthetic and Red Synthetic.

Stuart Weitzman - Archie (Black/white Baby Serpent) - Footwear
 Stuart Weitzman - Archie in Black/White Baby Serpet


Archie, the pretty sling back sandal by Stuart Weitzmanis made ultra comfortable with soft leather irboa print with a 1 inch heel. It has an adjustable buckle closure that make them the perfect alternative to wearing high heels.

Calvin Klein - Mella (White/Black Snake) - Footwear
 Calvin Klein - Mella in White/Black Snake Print


Calvin Klein won’t be left behind in this season’s latest. Get an update on you warm weather gears with Mella. The snake print thongs have an elasticized strap and a very workable 2 inch stacked wedge heel, this is also available in Aluminum Snake.

Be cool this spring and summer by fashioning your ensembles with  the reptile print footwear trend.

You might also enjoy:
Fringe Adorned Shoes
Exotic Detail On Your Footwear
Studded Shoes and Chains Galore
Lace-Up/Wrap Up Shoes
Ankle Straps -Featured Features In Shoes

17
Feb

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These day the line between fetish shoes and every day fashion footwear have become very thin if not non existent all together. We have since found chains and studs incorporated into flats and heels alike creating edgy,sexy, and the most tempting look in it’s line.

Pour La Victoire - Sacha (Black) - Footwear
Sacha by Poir La Victoire’s


These Poir La Victoire’s Sacha leather rebel looking boots are detailed with perforations and stud, double ankle strap closure, 3/4 inch platforms and a rockin’ 4 inch heel. Get bound with Sacha.

Steven - Lexxa (Black Suede) - Footwear
Lexxa Slip-On Peep Toes By Steve


Lexxa by Steven are suede peep-toe pumps with flirtatious silver studded straps. It’s Fifth Ave with a downtown chic appeal. Strut your stuff in these 4 1/2 inch heel with 1/2 inch hidden platform. These are also available is Grey Suede.

Sigerson Morrison - Sm9364 (Nero) - Footwear

Sigerson Morrison - Sm9364 in Nero


Made in Italy, these 3 1/2 inch wedge heel Sigerson Morrison Sm9364 are wickedly provocative. These wedges feature racy studded strap that crisscross throughout the shoe and zippers at the heel. You’re sure to look exceedingly risque every come-hither step of the way. The shoes also come in the color Fango.

MAYANA BLACK PATENT

MAYANA BLACK PATENT
 by Steve Madden

The sassy MAYANA patent pumps by Steve Madden will make sure that you stand out. Who wouldn’t with a 4.5 inch heel and stud detailing on a sleek finish

MELLISA BLACK PATENT

MELLISA BLACK PATENT
 by Steve Madden


Also by Steve Madden is the MELLISA  sandals displays slinky studs in 1 inch platforms and 4.5 inch heels. Pair it up with a nice fitting black dress and no one will be able to help but think of the naughty girl. These are on a clearance sale at Steve Madden.com!

Report - Masonic2 (Coral) - Footwear
 Report Masonic2 - Studded Detailing


Masonic2 by Report is as seductive as any and more libidinous at that (lol)! These aren’t “naughty” sandals, these are bad ass ones. In a gladiator structure and studded details these ankle strap sandals feature 4 1/2 inch heels and 3/4 inch platforms. Also available in Black and White.

You might also enjoy:
Fringe Adorned Shoes
Exotic Detail On Your Footwear
Slither Into the Reptile Patterned Shoe Trend
Lace-Up/Wrap Up Shoes
Ankle Straps -Featured Features In Shoes

15
Feb

Exotic jewelry aren’t just for you hands and neck, they apparently go on your feet too. Flats are usually boring but with a little embellishment they can transform to captivating works of art.

Pelle Moda - Mahala (Tan/Brown) - Footwear

Pelle Moda Mahala (Tan/Brown)


Mahala by Pelle Moda is ornamented with jewels and uses snake print leather material. The band on the heel strap is elastic for a secure fit and very low stacked heel. This is available n Tan/Brown and Black/White.

Blowfish - Latin (Mahogany Fauz Buff) - Footwear

Blowfish Latin -Beaded Ankle Straps


Blowfish also has an exotic piece of their own, Latin is a flat sandal with very intricate beading details throughout. The sandals are fastened with adjustable ankle straps and buckles. Available in Mahogany Fauz Buff and Black Fauz Buffalo.

Cole Haan - Aurelia Sandal Extc (Dark Lilac Crocodile) - Footwear

Cole Haan Aurelia Sandal Extc in Dark Lilac Crocodile

Here’s one to break the bank, Aurelia Sandal Extc fro the Cole Haan collection. Genuine crocodile and leather material and handcrafted in Italy.. sounds like quality to me. This is also available in Dusty Mint Crocodile and Natural Crocodile.

sam-edelman-womens-gisela-wooden-beaded-sandal

Sam Edelman’s Gisela Wooden Beaded Sandal

Gisela by Sam Edelman has incorporated  wood and bead into gladiator like structure. The reptile like leather material and wooden button like decor reeks of exotic slash ethnic.

                   PERSONA BLUE

Steve Madden PERSONA BLUE

 PERSONA PEWTERPERSONA GOLDSteve Madden PERSONA PEWTER                  Steve Madden  PERSONA GOLD

 

Ofcourse Steve Madden has his own interpretation of the said trend. The elaborately beaded Persona sandals can carry any spring/summer outfit on it’s own.

You might also enjoy:
Fringe Adorned Shoes
Studded Shoes and Chains Galore
Slither Into the Reptile Patterned Shoe Trend
Lace-Up/Wrap Up Shoes
Ankle Straps -Featured Features In Shoes

13
Feb

Anything from flats to heels with a Western feel and are more open will be great for spring and summer. Fringe shoes in brown, tan, camel and black are this season’s lookers but your can always go the other way a go go for vibrant colors.   

Nine West - Lustre (Dark Green Suede) - Footwear

Nine West Lustre Ballerinas

The Lustre vintage inspire flats in Dark Green Suede by Nine West are very comfortable slip-ons with fringing at the vamp. The very attractive stitching detail at the heel adds to it’s appeal. These casual flats are available in Light Brown Suede, Turquoise Suede, Yellow Suede, and Black Suede.

     Steve Madden - Hippster (Mustard Suede) - Footwear                        DV by Dolce Vita - Maraco (Natural Suede) - Footwear


HIPPSTER by Steve Madden                     DV by Dolce Vita -  Maraco
                      


HIPPSTER by Steve Madden in Mustard Suede has a great zing to it. These flats are gladiators with fringing detail incorporated into it and double adjustable buckles.These are also available in Black and Dark Brown Suede.  Maraco DV by Dolce Vita feature a taller gladiator structure with fringing detail. The adjustable ankle straps are fastened with buckles and are available in Natural Suede and Black suede

Report - Willa (Rust) - Footwear  
Report Willa, Perforate Booties


Willa by Report in Rust are playful flat booties with perforated detailing and fringing at the cuff. A zipper entry at the heel makes in easy pull on and take off. This is also available in Dark Brown

  Sergio Rossi - Yvette-AV6796 (Cargo) - Footwear                   Max Studio - Forest (Black) - Footwear
Sergio Rossi Yvette in Cargo                Max Studio  Forest in Black Suede




The very attractive ankle cuff fringed detail on Yvette by Sergio Rossi will set you back several hundreds of dollars but these heels are truely georgeous. These sandals were made in Italy with luxe leather material with back zipper closure 3 1/4 inch heel…. lust. If these are too pricey , Forest by Max Studio features a similar design. Fringing detail is also at the ankles. The stacked tapered heels measure 4 inches.

You can visit zappos.com to view more fringe adorned footwear

You might also enjoy:
Exotic Detail On Your Footwear
Studded Shoes and Chains Galore
Slither Into the Reptile Patterned Shoe Trend
Lace-Up/Wrap Up Shoes
Ankle Straps -Featured Features In Shoes