Tuesday, November 1, 2011

AMW Reports: DC Opens 10th Store in SM Megamall

DC Philippines opened its 10th store at SM Megamall and your resident AMW was invited for the said event to share to readers my experience being part of such prestigious event! 

"DC as a global brand whose product line has expanded to include men's, women's and kid' skateboarding and lifestyle shoes, apparel, outerwear, and accessories such as bags, keychains, wallets and belts."  
It probably came as a surprise to you and even to me to be invited to such event, probably, someone saw the "adventurous", "punk" side of me amidst all the beauty talk I've been doing here.
I may not be labeled as a "daredevil" but given the chance to try anything that has an "adrenaline rush", I strive to be part of it and I usually ended up enjoying it!  I nearly went for my first bungee jump in Macau Tower if not only for my mom whom I traveled with.  She's definitely not ready for a heart pumping action at that time! 

Back to the event....



DC's latest branch in SM Megamall offers a complete line of street fashion!  I wasn't expecting much but "menswear" but imagine the surprise of my life when I got in the store!


The brand's line of graphic-print shirts to hoodies, pullovers that comes in variety of colors and unique color combination that fits the "street" look. 


A closer look on the limited edition shirts and other merchandise

In addition, they also have bags, and ladies' wear.  I was able to have a quick chat with the Asst Vice President of Kenrich International Distributor Corp. Paul Sy, and he excitedly shared to me that half of the store will be covered with ladies' merchandise soon!  That's great news for "fashionistas" out there!


Let's talk about the footwear.  Aside from them looking aesthetically good, the brand also incorporates some technological innovations such as "Lighter Shoes Weight Less" campaign.  The technology is called Unilite TM technology which feels super light on feet but can still provide a good support.  



They also have a "Life Collection" which is more for the none hardcore skaters like yours truly but still wants to experience the DC Footwear styles.  There are various sneakers, slip-on footwear that also have the DC Pill Pattern which has a trademark sticky rubber outsole that keeps one from slipping.


The store is an eye candy for sports enthusiasts plus fashion lovers!  The cutest part of the store are the kids' footwear!  Imagine those colorful, bulky shoes in small sizes?  They have everything in store!



We were told that the kids and toddlers footwear line was only launched a year ago and so far, the brand has received positive feedback from parents who can't help but go back to the store for more!


I went closer to the women's footwear area and can't help but appreciates the various color combinations so unique, just like the sport they support.


Some of my favorite styles!  I have this thing for dark colored rubber shoes and colorful laces!
So 80's!  But hey, I'm an 80's baby!

I have to take a solo photo of this! The color combination is just fabulous, reminded me of Katy Perry and my own wedding!  Pinks and blues are our color motif so imagine me wearing this together with my wedding dress?  --- PERFECTION! *lol*


One portion of the store is dedicated for Freedom Dolly.  Freedom Dolly is a popular brand for skateboards famous for its handmade and ecologically harvested bamboo longboards and cruiser skateboards!  Imagine how easy can we purchase quality skateboards inside a mall!

After chit-chatting with the guests and hosts, the event started with Lui Tortuya, a DJ from 99.5 RT.  He explained to us the problems each skateboarder has with their regular shoes.  For this sport, a regular shoes would probably go bonkers approximately on your 20th skateboarding.  So when DC arrived our shores, it's good news to all skateboarding enthusiasts out there to be able to use high quality shoes designed for skateboarding.


DC Brand Manager Mr. Dino Gilladoga also shared to everyone his excitement for the 10th store opening at SM Megamall and they are crossing their fingers for more stores opening!  I was able to chat with this guy and all I can say is, these people have the passion for sportswear and the brands they handle!
 

Locally, DC has always been active in teaming up with local action-sports enthusiasts so they flew in Mr. Eugene Neri from Cebu.  To those who aren't into skateboarding, Mr. Neri is considered as the father of skateboarding in Cebu and he is the owner of DC x VisioNeri Landskate.  He is surprisingly a dentist by profession but a skateboard rider by passion! 

Reminded me of how most bloggers are, a professional on something but passionate on blogging!  *hats off to multi-taskers*


I was also introduced to Atoy from A-toy Llave, the guy behind A-Toy Body Kits who is also the DC ambassador.  I've seen his FB page many times and most of his auto shows and drift events' car has a huge DC logo!  


To wrap up the event, DC Brand Associate Ms. Edilyn Yu shared to the guests how excited the brand is as they are expanding to around 13 stores and will have a handful of collaborations with DC Athlete Chris Cole, artist Bwana Spoons, Skull Candy earphones and Skateboard rider Steve Berra.  

As quoted, "the brand is growing fast, and our inspiration comes from the youth.  We won't stop innovating items for the sports we all love.  You can definitely expect the best stuff from DC."

Well said!

Food were also served during the event, thanks to Amici for the wonderful service and "never fail" food PLUS desserts!  Ohhh, I had Pistachio flavored gelato!


I want to thanks the wonderful people from Primer Group of Companies --- Laira, Edilyn, Paul, Dino and Macel.  Thank you so much for the warm welcome and I feel right at home inside the store.

To M2O Communications' Shyla, Cecille and Ian, you guys rock!  I haven't gotten the chance to take a photo of the whole group but in their hearts, they knew how much they're appreciated!  *cyber smooches* *laughs*

It was also a fun event because I've met and talked to some fashion bloggers!  You guys know who you are! :) Great to meet all of you in person.


Now, you wouldn't think I'll end this post without sharing what I picked?  Well, it was the day of our 4th year anniversary and Mr. AMW and I celebrated it a day early so I didn't get the chance to buy him something!  Tonight was the night, I was free to shop without him stopping me!  *evil laugh*  

DC Boost Shoes in Black
I never purchase shoes without Mr. AMW around as sizes are always different!  This time, I used the "gut feel" and guess what?  It's a perfect fit! He loves it so much he wore it the next day!

He advised me that his feet doesn't feel "hot" or "sweaty" like other shoes and it is indeed lightweight and very comfortable!  (1 Brownie Point for Nikki!)


And who says I'm stopping on shoes?  He has his backpack for 2 years and I think it's giving up on him!  It's time for a change!  And when I say change, it should be a COOL CHANGE! *starts humming the song Time for....cool change* (major fail and loser, I know!)

DC Men's Backpack
Mr. AMW is a bit iffy on printed backpacks but this one won his heart and he said it does look cool! 


What sold him even more?  Multiple pockets and sturdy straps.
(2 Brownie Points for Nikki!)


Before some of you starts patting me on the back...well, I am not done yet!  I, tried to stop myself from picking one but I'm actually looking for a super comfortable shoes for driving, and I found one!  And this hasn't left my car ever since!
DC Women's Chelsea Shoes
Okay, I'm eyeing for the colorful ones or there's one that's purple with plaids!  BUT, I opted for something that I could wear multiple times, wear with shorts, skirts or even dresses for that "toned down", very comfortable look!


It was a successful event and successful shopping trip on my part!
Mr. AMW is happy, my feet says thank you too!
Email me if you want to know the price of any of the above items that I bought because I don't want to put the price down here, Mr. AMW is peeking! :P  

 DC is available at SM Megamall, Trinoma, Eastwood Citywalk2, Gateway Mall, Robinsons Galleria, Festival Mall, Nuvali Solenad 2, Abreeza Mall Davao, SM Cebu and Ayala Cebu.  DC is also available at Res/Toe/Run, Bratpack, The Travel Club, R.O.X. Bonifacio Hight Street and Marquee Mall, Shoe Salon, Toby's Mall of Asia and Shangrila, Olympic Village Alabang Town Center, Urban Athletics Greenbelt 3, Duty Free Philippines, NAIA Terminal 3, and Rustan's Tower.
Thanks DC for the GCs, helped me saved a whole lot for "anniversary gift giving"! (oops, this line is invisible for Mr. AMW) *laughs*

Keep smilin'
Stay happy!

Monday, October 31, 2011

AMW Reviews: Revlon CustomEyes Shadow and Liner

Happy Monday! I hope everyone had a wonderful weekend and I hope you guys enjoyed the series of Giveaways happening at AMW!  I am wishing everyone good luck!  To the rest, you can still get the chance to win by scrolling down! :)

If you ask me, I had a great weekend as it was well spent with both families, a First Birthday party of our friend's daughter Chesca and another highlight?  I was able to have a nice dinner and desserts with Lisa Goh and her husband *waves Hi Alex!*, one of the girls from So Loverly.

Best of all, I was able to spend a full day with Mr. AMW as his work schedule has been a crazy and I haven't been seeing him much lately!  So yeah, if you ask...I had a WONDERFUL Weekend!

Today, I will be reviewing the eyeshadow palette which got better reviews amongst the eyeshadow palettes made by Revlon.  

Revlon CustomEyes Shadow and Liner says ---
Easily create and customize the eye look you want with 4 shadows and 1 liner. For dramatic eye popping looks like never before! 
 
The dual ended applicator helps you to easily create the eye looks you want. Use the wider side to cover the eye area in shadow and the pointed end to apply the liner shade.
 
AMW says ---
Pros
  • Very nice, sleek packaging.  5 shadows in one palette.
  • Ingredients list are all listed on the "peel off" sticker at the back.
  • Helpful diagram at the back to help newbies.
  • 4 eye shadows coordinate each other no matter how you apply it.
  • The sponge applicator is made with quality.
  • The the product states 4 shadows and 1 liner, they are all in powder form so you can use all of them as eye shadows and all of them as eyeliner.  
Cons
  • Pigmentation is not consistent on all 5 shadows.
  • Need to use an eyeshadow base or primer for the shadows to show up better.
  • There is a small degree of fallout.
  • No mirror included on the palette.
Overall
I actually visited the Revlon counter recently to check out the other shades.  Metallic Chic I find is sheerer than the rest of the palettes.  I suggest to swatch on different palettes before you look for one.  I'll give Metallic Chic a skip and go for the other matte versions which are way pigmented than this!

Tips
from Revlon
  • Use the wider side to cover the eye area in shadow and the pointed end to apply the liner shade. 
  • Sweet Innocence: For a special effect, dust shade 1 or 4 under the bottom of the eyes to create a soft halo effect. 
  • Party Pops: When wearing bright shadows, keep face and lips understated. Opt for soft, sheer shades that let your eyes take center stage.
  • Naturally Glamorous: For a natural look in the evening just intensify your daytime look. Lips and cheeks can go darker and more shimmer can be added to the eyes.
  • Metallic Chic: Mixing metals is a chic trend giving eyes a fashion forward look. 
  • Rich Temptations: Mixing purples and green on eyes creates a contrast that makes eyes pop. 
  • Smoky Sexy: Create a smoky rim around eyes with the pointed end of applicator, concentrating at the lash line for a perfect smoky eye
from AMW
  • Use an eyeshadow primer to prevent fallout.
  • For the shades to come out really nice, use MAC Paint Pots or other cream based shadows underneath.
  • Wet your brush or sponge applicator a bit for the shadows to apply better.  
  • Keep in mind to wet only half of the eyeshadow so you can still use the other side for dry application.
  • It helps to ask for a tester for you to be able to swatch all the shades and see if its worth purchasing.
  • Go for the palette that would work for you, or purchase shades that you are comfortable wearing!
Will I repurchase?
Not this palette for sure but other palettes!

To whom do I recommend this to?
Anyone into eyeshadow compacts! 

Where to purchase and how much?
At Revlon Counters for Php625.00 (approx 14.50).

A closer look on Metallic Chic


L-R Liner,Metallic Copper shade, Golden Yellow, 
Metallic Forest Green and Metallic Copper


 Applied on my eye with a base

Have you tried any from the Revlon CutomEyes Shadow and Liner?
Care to share your experience?
Keep smilin'
Stay happy!





(Product sent for review.  Reviews 100% mine.  Please purchase at your own discretion.)

Sunday, October 30, 2011

Asian Secrets Gives: Bengkoang Indonesian Whitening Soap and Lulur Body Scrub --- CLOSED!

What's peeking inside this gorgeous purple bag?  Can you guess? 

Of course you can!  It has Asian Secrets written all over it!  I will be raffling off the whole purple bag including the goodies inside!  Do you want to take a peek?


Tadah!  One winner will get the chance to win the following:

Asian Secrets Lulur Indonesian Whitening Body Scrub 
(with Licorice and Mulberry Leaf Extract)
(with Seaweed Extract and Vitamin E)
A beauty treatment which originated from the royal palaces of Java, Indonesia and inspired by a ritual called lulur.  Lulur was originally intended for the bride-to-be in order to beautify, smoothen and whiten her skin before the wedding day.
Lulur beads gently exfoliate and remove dead skin cells to smoothen and give it a radiant glow.  At the same time, frequent usage will reduce skin pigmentation and events out skin tone by getting rid of dark patches.

Asian Secrets Bengkoang Indonesian Whitening Soap
(with Moisturizing Olive Oil)
(with Natural Antiseptic Betel Extract)
Asian Secrets Bengkoang Indonesian Whitening soap contains Bengkoang (Yam Bean Extract), a widely popular whitening ingredient in Indonesia that can be found in the islands of Sumatra and Java. 
Moisturizing Olive Oil variant contains Olive Oil to moisturize skin and protect it from dryness while Betel Extract gives extra protection from germs that can cause body odor.


How to win?
(Sorry but only Metro Manila readers can join this giveaway as I have to personally hand this item for the protection of products.  I will also throw in something from myself because...I just want to! hahaha)
  • Comment together with your name and email address.
  • Answer this question: "What do you think is your best feature?" (you can freely expound)
  • Only 1 comment per person.
  • Contest starts today until November 12, 2011.
  • 1 winner will be picked via Fruit Machine.
  • Winner will be notified in this blog and email and I'll coordinate with the winner directly for the meet up.  
I want to thank UNILAB Philippines for the support and for the gorgeous flowers we got on the day of our anniversary!

Goodluck!
Keep smilin'
Stay happy!



Weekend Food Tripping at: Marciano's

Happy Sunday!  Weekend food tripping is back I was at Greenbelt that time for a meetup and Mr. AMW was on leave that day so we went for an advance Anniversary celebration at Marciano's.  Marciano's is from the same makers of John and Yoko so I'm expecting to have the familiar taste I get from their line of restaurants.



The interior is very comfortable to look at, the ambiance is perfect for a date, family gatherings and bonding with friends!  I'll share to you what we had...


Spinach Artichokes and Mushroom Dip
Php249.00 (approx $5.80)
It was a good decision for me to choose this as our appetizer!  Love the super crunchy bread and the spinach and mushrooms blended with mozzarella cheese tastes wonderful!  MUST TRY!
Robert De Niro Bacon and Asparagus Creme
Php128.00 (approx $2.98)
I can't get over the wonderful Clam Chowder soup I had at Flapjacks a month ago so I'm hoping to try another soup that would make me go "gaga" over again!  The Bacon and Asparagus Creme soup from Marciano's did not fail!  I am amazed on how the tiny hint of bacon and asparagus blended well together with the right creaminess!  I will definitely come back for more!

Astoria Pork Medallions
Php308.00 (approx $7.16)
4 medallion-sized pork wrapped on a bacon drizzled on a sweet sauce. It looks a bit dry at one glance but it was unwrapping of Christmas present when I took a bite!  For a dish that isn't as "sauce-y" as I want it to be, the flavor gets trapped inside the pork and its very tender and flavorful!  We had the rest for take out and it still tastes consistently good at home!


Corleone Italian Sausage
Php288.00 (approx $6.70)
Mr. AMW likes sausage and this one is no exception.  He always talks about the wonderful sausage dish from a restaurant at Wilson Street which was closed down and we gave this a try to see if it passed his expectation!

It actually did, the serving is quite small though but the Italian sausage were drizzled with a good amount of Olive Oil which blended well with the "smokiness" of the sausage.  Green and red peppers with onions are companions with the dish.


Grilled Salmon in Caper Sauce
Php378.00 (approx $8.79)
Out of all the wonderful dishes I've tried.  This is my least favorite because of the strong "fishy" taste of salmon.  I actually enjoyed eating this after I dipped the salmon on my Bacon and Asparagus Creme soup.  Personally opinion!

Harlem BBQ Chicken Pizza
Php358.00 (approx $8.30)
I actually asked the waitress for their best selling pizzas and I was given the choice of Harlem BBQ Chicken Pizza and All-Meat Pizza.  We've decided to go for a "unique" pizza.

The Harlem BBQ Chicken Pizza is thin-crusted pizza obviously freshly made upon order!  I like the tiny hint of BBQ chicken underneath the cheese, I get surprised bites every now and then because judging by the way it looks, it looks bland and lacks ingredients but its actually very flavorful.

I would appreciate it if they can make this even crunchier!


Blueberry Cheesecake
Php158.00 (approx $3.67)
I am very picky with my cheesecakes, not all cheesecakes can give me the goosebumps and the last good cheesecake I had was from Bistro Miyake RestoBar.

Plating/Presentation = CHECK!  


Taste?  Uhm, unfortunately, it didn't impress me at all!  The blueberry cheesecake at Marciano's is a bit too "chewy" for my taste, I like my cheesecake a bit soft and creamy.

Overall, I had a lovely time dining at Marciano's and thank goodness the dishes doesn't taste similar to Sumo Sam, John and Yoko or other restaurants that was owned by the same group of people.

The service is really good!  The restaurant accepts cash and credit card payments and an additional service charge will be added to your total bill.

Marciano's Greenbelt 3
2nd Floor Greenbelt 3, 
Ayala Center, Makati
Tel no: (632) 729-0467

Have you tried dining in at Marciano's ?
How was your experience? What's the best meal to try?


Keep smilin'
Stay happy!


Saturday, October 29, 2011

AMW Reports: Shu Uemura's Wong Kar Wai

Wong Kar Wai for Shu Uemura.  A collection a lot of us the makeup addicts are excited for! The makeup collection was launched last week October 21 at Opus Restaurant.

Your make-up lover blogger AMW was lucky enough to be invited to such prestigious event so I braved the traffic (as always) and came back with a report!

Wong Kar Wai is an internationally renowned film director.  He is an award-winning writer/director who is also known as a "master of colors" just like Mr. Shu Uemura.  I am not surprised 2011 Holiday Collection was inspired by him.

(Note to Philippine readers: This will be out in the market mid-November, limited stocks only.)


There are 2 programs happening at Opus Restaurant.  6:30pm event was the exclusive make-up show for Press while 8:30pm event starts Art infusion of poetic proportions.  I attended both event.

Ms. Nina Solano, Business Development Manager of Shu Uemura, welcomed the Press with a gorgeous makeup and long flowy dress!

 

Next, Ms. Lyra Importante, Retail Manager of Shu Uemura, led the rest of the program by introducing 2 of our favorite Shu Uemura's makeup artists.

John Pagaduan and Patrick Alcober were interviewed on the looks they will do on stage


On with the live makeup demo using 
Shu Uemura's Wong Kar Wai Makeup collection

On the latter part of the night, the part 2 of the event started with the super lovely and sexy Joey Mead!  She lively hosted the event and I get to feel the excitement all over again (even though I've been there at the first part of the show).


A lot more Shu Uemura Makeup artists were there to grace the event and do live makeup demonstration on gorgeous models!  Different interpretations of WKW Collection were done and most of them gives out an artistic feel!


On to the collection, as inspired by Wong Kar Wai's exclusive films.  Each package of the series is decorated with a scene from the short film and images will change before your eyes when you view it from different angles!  The said images can be seen on 2 of their eye palettes.

Burning in Water Palette


Drowning in Flame Palette


False Eyelash Jeweled Love

False Eyelash Dance in Glitter
Glorious Masquerade
 Glittery Mascara
 Lustrous Glow Powder 
in Pleasure Rose

Rouge Unlimited available in 3 shades
Red = rouge luster (tender red shade with gold shimmer)
Pink = pink flush (warm pink tone with a fresh, glossy finish)
Beige = Glitter Fuse (beige shade with splash of golden dust)

 Mini Nail Duo
in Bleu Splendor

 Mini Nail Duo
in Festive Rouge
 
 Flashing Gold Mini Brush Set

 White Recovery EX+
Brightening Cleansing Oil Advanced Formula
I currently own 2 products from the gorgeous WKW collection.  I'm a blush person so this is a perfect "glow" for me! I actually like patting this on top of a regular matte blush for that nice....oomph.  The shade is actually very light and it just gives a super light shimmer for a healthy glow.
 

I also got the Rouge Unlimited in Pink Flush.  The shade looks super bright, matte and pigmented on tube but it goes on a bit sheer and shimmery on my lips.  Very light and subtle.

Which product/s in this collection caught your complete attention?
I'd like to know!

Keep smilin'
Stay happy!