AMW is Excited for: Forever 21 Philippines

I dress comfortably.  I want to look good at all times but I'm not a fan of spending much on clothing!  I go for quantity PLUS quality rather than just quality!  My aunt from the US visited us a couple of years ago and gave me a couple of gorgeous tops.  I thanked her profusely and told her not to spend so much on gifts, she went: "Oh no, I did not spend a lot!  I bought these at Forever 21!" 

After years of online shopping, I've finally figured out what the girls are going crazy about. and what Forever 21 is really about!  Check out their site, who wouldn't?  Forever 21 has quickly become the source of fashion for people on the budget and those who are not even budget conscious!  Their latest styles from casual to trendy, chic to glamorous from head to toe are always updated and always in style!  Whoever you are and whatever you do, you'll definitely find pieces that suit your taste and style!

The first Forever 21 store in the Philippines is 2,700 square meters of space with 34 fitting rooms, 60 sales assistants and 11 cashiers.  With one brow raised, I am a bit hesitant as no clothing line could go that far in opening up such a huge store with a massive number of staffs!  That's why I am so glad when Jane Kingsu-Cheng, Marketing Manager of Forever 21 (also a schoolmate of mind) invited me for a preview of the store.  It was right after a whole day of Dollface Personal Makeup Workshop.  Though my legs are tired, I couldn't pass up the chance!  I have to see it to believe.  

I walked from area to area, as I ooooh-ed and aaahh-ed over accessories, shoes, bags and of course, dresses, tops and bottoms!  Most of them are wrapped in a plastic and I can't help but want to try as many outfit as I can!  I can totally foresee stampede!  *knocks on wood*  Please girls, do not go insane on its opening day! 

As I walked from area to area, mentally took down notes on key pieces to purchase, I was ready to leave when Jane asked me to checkout the area for someone like me, a working girl! Love 21 is a classic, contemporary line for the working woman.  That definitely points to me!  I took a closer look inside this area and found a "pot of gold, silver and bronze"! 

 

Smart casual clothing with prices that fit the budget.  Most of the tops and bottoms do not exceed Php1,000 and dresses ranges from Php1,200 to Php2,000!  Not bad considering the designs are unique and the quality's good!  I checked!  Take a closer look at the details of some tops!  Very intricate and sewn really well, passed AMW's quality check!

 

 I love dresses that looks good anytime of the day!  I chose a couple that I would definitely go back and purchase! 

Comfortable Office Girl

Sexy after-office party dresses
So Nikki!

Tops that screams from "I am comfortable and casual today" 

to "I am so comfortable to show some skin"!

And I couldn't pass up the chance to mix and match some key pieces!!!  Oh, more outfits from Mondays to Fridays, or shall I add up Saturdays and Sundays!  That led me singing Black Eyed Peas' "I've got a feeling ooohhh.."

Smart Casual for office also for night out with the girls

Casual Sunday doing simple chores

or spending time with the boyfriend/hubby

Don't forget the gorgeous gray bag that fits the essentials! 

I love medium-sized bags with a lot of pockets!

More space to put my lip balm, keys, mobile phone, etc..!

And shall I add key pieces to vamp up the "casual" look?

Join Forever 21 on Facebook and Twitter (Forever21ph) to be in the know of the latest fashion and store information!  Ladies and gentlemen, be ready for the store's opening on July 2, 2010 at SM Megamall!  Please wear comfortable clothing and no pushing okay? 

Huge hugs to all of you from this gorgeous Panda t-shirt that the hubby found for me!  He's purchasing this for me! 

Aaaahh, So excited to shop!  And it's payday!!!
Keep smilin'
Stay Happy!

AMW Reviews: Loew Cornell 3/8 Maxine's Mop

Have you heard about Loew Cornell brushes?   If you're a makeup addict and loves to watch YouTube videos about beauty and loves to read blogs both locally and internationally, you definitely heard about this wonderful art brushes that has been causing a stir because of it's good quality brushes comparable to the famous MAC brushes!  Would you believe the brush whore in me just got this recently?  It's better late than never I tell you!

Loew Cornell 3/8 Maxine's Mop

Loew Cornell 3/8 Maxine's Mop says ---

Flat oval white hair mops with short purple handles. All natural hair brushes in timeless, popular shapes with incredibly soft bristles. Affordably priced. These brushes hold lots of color for artists and can also be easily used as substitutes for MAC makeup brushes! These brushes apply makeup evenly and are great for blending harsh lines.

AMW says ---
Pros

• non-scratchy, very soft bristles
• no flyaways
• no bleeding when washed even for the first time
• no shedding
• very inexpensive
• perfect dupe for MAC's 239, actually rephrase, this is the best dupe of MAC 239 I have ever seen and touched
• the bristles are not super soft and just right to pick up colors

• very dense
• can pick up eyeshadows really well
• available locally! 

Cons

• the only downside is the handle's color, purple which other professionals wouldn't want (in my case, with the price? I don't mind at all!)
• not all Loew Cornell brushes are sold locally

Overall 

With my watchful 5 senses, I've tested this and compared this to MAC 239 that I own for more than a year.  This is the exact dupe of MACs 239.  The bristles of Loew Cornell is just a tiny bit longer compared to MACs but it doesn't make a difference on application.  The performance of Loew Cornell brush is great!  No need to even compare this to MAC as it works!  It really does work in packing colors and it's a breeze in application!  No scratchy feel and best of all!  The inexpensive price!!!

 
Tips

• wash this before you start using
• put on sticker or paint it with a nail polish color so you'll know its yours
• share shipping with a friend

Will I repurchase?
Yes!!!

Where to purchase and how much?

Locally at Digital Traincase website for only Php300.00 (approx $6.50) + Shipping

For international readers, either ebay or ask your friends in the USA to help you purchase at Michaels Craft store.

A closer look at Loew Cornell 3/8 Maxine's Mop

Well printed brand and brush size on handle

Made of Natural hair

Sri Lanka (wow!)

A closer look on the bristles

Flat dome-shaped bristles

white in color

Side view, no flyaways

even after washing

Now, everyone would definitely want to see this brush compared to the famous MAC239.  Thank goodness I own MAC 239 to be able to show you how both looks like side by side.

Length

Loew Cornell brush is about half an inch longer and the handle is slimmer.  MAC's handle is in black while the LC one is in dark purple which obviously looks like a painter's brush!

Ferrule 

MACs ferrule is half an inch longer.  I've used both many times and it doesn't make a huge difference in application.  Both bristles are glued pretty well on the ferrules and I tried to pull the ferrule away from the wood but failed.  Both are glued pretty well!  (thank goodness)

Bristles

As seen on photo below, the shape of the bristles are almost the same!  The bristles of Loew Cornell is jut a tiny bit longer but the texture, the softness are exactly the same base on AMW touch test!

Side View of the bristles, MAC 239 bristles are a bit thicker, again, it doesn't make a huge difference during application!

A lot of readers would email me and ask for inexpensive brushes that does the job!  Well, I'm glad to share to you my good find!  Thanks to Sol for bringing in the Loew Cornell brush as I've been wanting to purchase this ever since I've seen them on reviews! 


Have a wonderful start of the week!  
Keep smilin'
Stay happy!

Weekend Food Tripping at: Metro Cuisine plus Mango Torte!

Good morning Sunday and good morning everyone!  By the time you're reading this, well, I'm still having my beauty sleep for sure!  I had a very tiring yet fulfilling Saturday!  My Dollface's 2nd Personal Makeup Workshop went well and I've gained extra students and friends!  Makeup is my passion, teaching is a calling I've fulfilled years ago...combined?  It's a perfect combination!  I will definitely report back about the workshop :)

For now, let's enjoy the relaxing weekend as it's food tripping once again!  I have to admit, I went for Pollo Loco Chicken as stated on Facebook with Keith and Shen, but I was so hungry and tired I literally sniffed the food down my throat so no photos!  I will then include my Friday food tripping on weekend food posts!  

A little bit of background on my way home, I usually visit my mom after office and Mr. AMW would pick me up from his work then we would pass by N.S. Amorante Sr. Ave. (Formerly Retira Street) most of the time.  *waves* Hi to the Beautynomist!  Restaurants that pop here and there will definitely not pass by my watchful eyes!  One restaurant I've always been intrigued to try... Metro Cuisine...

The restaurant is tiny but the ambiance is comfortable and very "homey".  The price range of the food are approximately Php150-Php300 (approx $3.00-6.50).

Pot Roast Beef

Php190.00 (approx $4.15)

Slowly roasted beef until tender with mushroom gravy sauce

The beef has been sliced with the right thickness and roasted perfectly that you can feel it literally melts in your mouth each bite!

Pasta Ale Vongole

Php185.00 (approx $4.00)

Noodles with Olive Oil saute with clams

Serving is good for one or to share for small time eater.  I like the fact that they showered the noodles with clams and mussels!  The olive oil blends in perfectly with the noodles!  I will definitely order this dish again!

Metro Ice Tea

Php85.00 (approx $2.00)

Tastes like regular iced tea you can find in any restaurant

Restaurant accepts cash and credit card payment, no service charge!  Has parking space right in front of the restaurant, not a lot of parking space!  The good thing about this restaurant is that they deliver for free within the area!  Just give them a call and ask!

Metro Cuisine

Unit 1-C RVR Paseo Lorenzo Building

410 N.S. Amoranto Sr. Ave. Sta. Mesa Heights, Quezon City

Tel. no: (632) 731-10-62

And before I end this post, I have to add that I'm not a dessert person.  If I do crave for one though, I have to give in because it's time I spoil myself!  I love mangoes and there's one Mango Dessert I'm crazy about recently!  Dulcelin Gourmet Mango Torte. 

Seriously, I literally get lost in space when I take a bite on this....crispy, chewy nougatine with mangoes and cream....

9" for Php600.00 (approx $13.00)

12" for Php900.00 (approx $20.00)

Worth the calories?  OF COURSE!  Check out their website for list of store addresses!

Go on, eat well and forget about diet.  After a long week of hard work and stress?  We all deserve it!  What's your weekend food tripping?

Keep smilin'
Stay happy!

AMW Reviews: By Nature Handmade Soaps

Last month, I featured 3 wonderful handmade soaps called The Island Berry!  The name itself brought me back to "Aruba,  Jamaica, Oooohh I want to take to you to Bermuda, Bahamas, Come on Pretty Mama!" --- Kokomo mood!

After more than a month of usage!  I am ready to share to you my thoughts and experiences on these! 

By Nature Handmade Soap says ---

Most of these handmade soaps contain fragrance oils* that give them their yummy and lovely scents. They all keep your skin moisturized after every shower. Your skin will feel softer and look healthier with regular use.

Main Ingredients: Coconut Oil, Palm Oil, Olive Oil
Other Ingredients: Fragrance Oils*, Ground Oatmeal, Herbs, Spices, Honey, Beeswax, Cocoa Butter, Milk, Cocoa Powder, Dried Leaves, Ground Pumice, Ground Coffee

*These are scent imitations of foods, fruits, flowers, leaves, and spices. They make up the small percentage of what is not natural in my handmade soaps. The reason I still use them is because I want all my users to have a choice. Those who have normal skin or who do not mind such ingredients can still enjoy the goodness of my handmade soaps with their favorite scents. But those with sensitive or problem skin are best to stick with my 100% NATURAL variants. BY NATURE Handmade Soaps uses only high-quality and premium fragrance oils.
AMW says ---

Pros

• individually packed with sticker written the functions of each soap variant
• unscented ones don't have scents AT ALL
• scented ones like the Tangy Orange I've tried smells wonderful!
• very moisturizing, skin feels soft and moisturized
• bar's texture is like butter, but does not melt like butter
• the bar does not melt quickly as compared to other hand made soaps
• no allergies or skin irritations
• inexpensive

Cons

• not for people who hates online shopping!
• choosing is difficult as there are so many variants online!

Overall

Testing these handmade soaps does not feel like "testing" at all as I grew to love them! On days, I don't like using scented soaps as I'd rather smell the scent of my lotion rather than the mixture of lotion and soap!  So using an unscented version works really well for me.  On days I needed the "wake up call" or the "perk up", I use the Tangy Orange and it can make me smile!  Not the strong orangey scent but a hint of nice, natural fruit flavor!

I have to say the moisture is great too!  My skin does not flake even without lotion!  Wonderful addition inside my bathroom!

Tips

• use a soap dish to keep them dry after usage
• gently lather thee soap then massage them all over your body
• you can use a loofah for gentle scrubbing
• I don't wash the soap right away, I prefer leaving it a bit longer.  You can choose to massage your hair with conditioner to save time!
• order together with a friend to save up on shipping!
• perfect as gifts!

Will I repurchase?

Yes!

Where to purchase and how much?

At Island Berry Website

Price for Regular bars:

For full bars: Php95.00 ($2.00)

For half sized bar: Php55.00 ($1.20)

Price for Special bars:
For full bars: Php125.00 ($2.70)
For half sized bar: Php75.00 ($1.63)

By the time you're reading this, I am on my 2nd Dollface Personal Makeup Workshop!  I love teaching make-up and I'm sure it'll be a wonderful day!

Before I end this post, please let me know if you are into regular soaps or handmade soaps?
I personally prefer handmade soaps as I have lesser allergies and dryness!

Keep smilin'
Stay happy!

AMW Reports: INOA Revelation

Last month, I got an invite from L'Oreal Professional for an event called "Evening of Indulgence with Pureology".  I got myself a Pureology hair serum to protect my color-treated hair.  As I had a quick chat with the L'Oreal professional people and Mr. Alex Carbonell of Studio Fix by Alex Carbonell, I got intrigued with the new hair coloring system they are very excited about.  Two words that lingered in my mind --- NO AMMONIA! 

I've been coloring my hair for quite some time since I graduated from school.  I chose mostly "at-home hair coloring treatment" and no matter how mild the hair coloring is, I hate the scent of chemical and I hate waiting for at least 3 days for the scent to be completely gone!  That's why I am very excited with INOA, as the people from L'Oreal Professional would say --- The Hair Color of the Future!

The name INOA derived from INNOVATION, NO AMMONIA.  INOA is the new professional permanent hair color to darken, lighten, or cover white hair.  Again, No Odor, No Ammonia!

The event was hosted by the lovely Ms. Bianca Valero who wore a lovely dress that hugs her lovely figure!  Trust me, very sexy!  A great host with a sense of humor!  She proudly showed off her new hair color, courtesy of INOA.

Ms. Charisse Hernandez, the General Manager of Professional Products Division, welcomed the guests with an obvious excitement on her face!  Inviting all women to enjoy a new color experience that gives optimal comfort for the hair, respects the hair's natural essential amino acid and lipid balance with infinite color power.  We were told that since the beginning of hair coloration, technology has never come this far.  Is it just me but everybody's hair color seems to look really good?

The wonderful and super friendly Mr. Robbie Lizares, Sr. Product Manager for L'Oreal Professional, explains to us the the secret to INOA, and it's no secret anymore as they exposed to us that the secret is in its revolutionary oil-based formula.  This is a new permanent hair color that does not have ammonia which salon clients, owners and stylist will love!  Stinging eyes, noses and even scalp are definitely a thing in the past!  Because there's no ammonia, coloring is very safe for the hair thus leaving your hair soft and smooth like you never colored your hair!

Mixing  of INOA products shown to us right on spot!

For ease of measurement, part of the system comes with a measuring tube in which the whole mixing process will take only 5 minutes, or even less (minus the dancing *lol*)

I was able to get closer to the INOA hair coloring, took one sniff, two, three...I sniffed like a dog..NOTHING!  Definitely no scent at all!!! I am SOLD!  My next color treatment will definitely be INOA!!!

The INOA with ODS (Oil Delivery System)

Models showing off their gorgeous hair color which ranges from shades Red, Brown, Gold and Violet!   I'd love to give Copper or Gold a try!

 

Photo together with the salon people who has done magic to their hair! 

All of them came from different salons and yet all of them agree on using INOA

After all the excitement, Mr. Luc Marquet, L'Oreal Philippines President and Managing Director gave the closing remarks.  This man is very down-to-earth and friendly.  I love how he proudly stated: "INOA is very safe and can be used even if you're pregnant" (gist)  Now pregnant women do not have any reason not to color their hair!  I like! 

 

The attendees.  I felt so bad, after looking at the photos I took, I realized I don't have a shot of Frances from Topaz Horizon and Tara from Chronicles of Vanity!  Sorry girls!!!! My bad! I was a bit in a hurry rushing to the next event (in which I will report soon!  Hint: Showeroke!)

Lovely...lovely event!  I just had my hair colored about a month ago!  So I have to wait a couple more months to be able to give this system a try!  

Thanks the the people from L'Oreal professional for inviting me and put me in-the-know for such hi-tech hair coloring system! It's comforting to learn that prettifying oneself doesn't have to be bad for your health!  We can always choose to go on the safer side!  And thanks to companies who continuously research to make us beautiful at the same time comfortable!

Have a wonderful Friday!
Keep smilin'
Stay happy!