PRAYER TO MY GLADIATOR SANDALS

Two weeks ago, I have uploaded "Soaked in the Rain" talking about why I didn't have an outfit post instead, just photos of my gladiator shoes. I actually forgot I have taken pics just before that soaking wet moment.

These were in my memory card and found them while I was cleaning up. I was actually thinking not to put up any post today and just fail with my second month because I just can't find inspiration to do so.

I thought of styling with my gladiator shoes for the whole week but this morning, when I checked them out, they are already in the brink of saying goodbye to me. So I gave them a rest, perhaps I will bring them to Mr. Quickie to give a refresh.

I feel especially sad when the shoes that I fell in love with will have to retire from servicing my bulgy-gingery feet. And I try to save them a few more weeks or months before bidding goodbye. In fact, I still have some retired pairs that are sitting in one rack accumulating dusts. I just can't let them go just yet.

Peach sleeveless blouse - SM Department Store
Blue skirt - Genevieve Gozum
White gladiator sandals - gifted
Rings - Quiapo

Oh please, my gladiator sandals. Don't leave me yet. We still have a lot of miles to walk and a lot of places to go to. A lot of clients to meet so that they will greet you with "How adorable your shoes are!" No, not yet. Please?

This is my fashion. This is my statement.

Love,


BellaDonna

GOOD THINGS WILL COME ON LOVE MONTH

Two weeks to go and I'll finally be able to buy a new pair of shoes. I've been working on them since the year started. Meantime, I am having fun with my ever reliable gladiator shoes. If the styling is right, I hope to wear them until the end of the week.

Olive green dress (gifted) - Forever 21 (Thanks, Ces!)
Apple green blazer - Thrifted from Simone's Closet
Gladiator sandals - gifted from my sis (Thanks, sis!)
H & M earrings - gifted (Thanks, Kim!)
Ring - Quiapo

Yes, the work is just tough since the year started but I'm getting rewards appropriately. Today is another day of going out on field and I just can't stop myself from cursing inconsiderate commuters when I get on a public transport. Not only motorists have gone wild but also the commuters!

I have also made a career move today, finally! The good fortunes keep on coming and I just let them keep on flowing. Last Sunday, on my way to Manila, I caught Mel & Joey airing on the bus TV for its Chinese New Year episode. Readings said that this year will be a good one for my sign, the Year of the Sheep. Seems like it's living up to its reading because I'm getting as much luck as I can't imagine everyday!

And oh, it's already the "Love Month." What are you people have in mind to do for "that day?" Anyways, I think it would be just an ordinary day for me. As you know these days are one of the most saleable days of the year, so I guess, I'll be out working! Haha.

LBD - from 10 years ago, so I don't remember! :)
Black and white animal printed poncho-blazer - Thrifted from Quiapo

Going back to my gladiator shoes, I'm showing you an outfit picture yesterday. I failed to make a post (again) as I came home so tired and late. I was out for series of client meetings and I decided to get the above outfit on. As I've said earlier, I hope to fit in my shoes with the outfits that I have for the week. Let's just hope for the best. Anyway, the best things just keep on coming.

This is my fashion. This is my statement.

Love,

BellaDonna

SOAKED IN THE RAIN

It's a lack of outfit post. I thought I left my Canon IXY digital camera at home. Only to find out that it was actually in my other bag.

So I just decided to take photo of my ever reliable gladiator shoes.

I wore these to go to a seminar in Quezon City. Just as when I was near the site, suddenly, a gush of strong rain fell and I was so scared I would slip and the shoes won't hold on 'til I get to the venue. I was soaking wet and so were the shoes. I was even more worried that they would fall off because the rain rushed like waterfall. I think the sky was crying out loud!

But I was wrong. I arrived in one piece on these footwear (but, really really wet). Since I am always out in the field, I don't expect my shoes to have a long life. I drag them, wear them, tear them and only my shoes know what else what I do with them.

I really need a few extra pairs! I'm working on it.

This is my fashion. This is my statement.

Love,

BellaDonna

WHILE I WAS BLOG HOPPIN'

I stumbled onto this blog of Gabriel H. Mercado (from Cecile van Straten's tweet) and was appalled from what I've read. I'm relatively new in blogosphere and it's just embarrasing that some people (or entity) would have such a nerve to treat a blogger like that - especially this guy who, I think from reading his site, has been influential and credible in what he does. Anyway, this reminds me of a job interview wherein I was asked a hypothetical question by the panel: "What if the client requested you to ask a blogger to take down a post, can you do that? How will you answer it?" Well, a blog is a personal property and I don't think it would be respectful to anyone to be asked to take down or even edit a post just to please an advertiser. A common norm (redundant!) dictates most Filipinos not to say something bad about someone (or something) face-to-face, but things are changing and so does the behavior of the consumers. I personally think (as an account planner in advertising) that if brands want to improve their product, they should be open with criticisms. I think most brands know that, they are not stupid. But I'm surprised to hear that there maybe some which maybe sensitive to get negative comments or reviews. And if you air such negativity as a blogger, you might as well be charged! Goodness gracious! In sales, we believe that every NO is a YES, thus everywhere else, every negative comment is reasonable and a perfect room for improvement. Personally, I think these guys are just crazy.

Pink blouse- bargain find

Black skirt- thrifted

Gladiator shoes - gifted

Earrings-my sister's

As for my outfit post, I had this on during the day. I had a very busy one. Been out on a client call in the morning, came back to office to send dozens of emails, dialed thousands of numbers I can't remember, and ended up beating a deadline for an ad placement. The day slipped just like that and I don't even remember me taking a break. At home, while taking a shower, I was wondering how can I ever have the time to read more novels and write a couple more of blogs. I have this one most active but I've been meaning to put my food blog into action too. I also have one idea in mind that I meant to execute but only if time permits me. I just wish I have time so I won't have to be in hurry. That's it for now. Yay! Such a long post.

This is my fashion. This is my statement.

Love,

BellaDonna

GLADIATOR SANDALS: A Legacy of the Romans

I went to a get-together with my college friends last Friday and it was something special because it only happens very seldom for all of us. Though short of attendees, the event was still a blast because we took the night away by reminiscing funny college memories and stomach-aching laughs.

The venue is at a cozy and romantic restaurant, Bellini's. Owned and operated by good friend of mine, Mr. Roberto Bellini and his lovely wife, Ma. Luisa. The place is very welcoming to people from all walks of life.

While waiting for my classmates to arrive, I strolled around the area of Araneta Center Cubao and decided to get a hair trim at Gandang Ricky Reyes Salon. It's been a long time since I had a visit to a salon and it's a refreshing feeling to have one. At Gandang Ricky Reyes, the stylist examined my scalp with a camera device and explained that I need to have a treatment for thinning hair. I always complain about my thin hair but never really checked any product to address it. Until the stylist offered me a specially-formulated shampoo and conditioner by no less than Mader Ricky: Malunggay Shampoo and Malunggay Conditioner. Hey, there's no harm in trying, right? I thought to try and come back again to the salon after two months. So, we'll see.

So my classmates were arriving one by one. I met them at Shopwise because not all of them are familiar with the place. When we arrived at Bellini's, there are already a few of them seated at a long dining table. It was Mr. Bellini who personally assisted us with our orders.

My college friends while waiting for our big platter pasta and Bellini's special pizza orders!

Gutom na! (One and a half decades ago, we'll dine at a fastfood and laugh! Ngayon, lume-level up na!)

We were taking pictures while waiting on our orders (pasta platter - a must-try!) and only then that I realized that I was wearing this pair of white gladiator sandals that my sister gave me. In my mind, I said: "How wonderful how mind works. I must have unconsciously matched my outfit with the venue." A simple pair of gladiator sandals with a long-standing world history, walking its way to a modern-day romantic Italian restaurant. I've read from online fashion articles that it's only been two years that the fashion world is going crazy with these pairs of footwear and if you're also into it, perhaps you'd like to know the best pair that will fit you.

I completed my blue fringed dress outfit with these amazing accessories; porcelain bangles that my friend gave me (Thanks, Kim!) and a blue vintage-inspired ring that I am selling at Php99!

By the way, the dress is also from my online shop and it's a one of those dresses that I was selling at the bazaar. I actually have another personal choice when I was buying the dresses from my supplier but then, it's been sold a week ago.

So, there. I'm kind'a sentimental and a sort of photo spammer here, but I really enjoyed last Friday even though the traffic that night was really really terrible. Have fun everyone!

Wear your fashion. Make it your statement.

Love,

BellaDonna