Pinay Curvies Swag Challenge: Boots Up!

Even before Mitch and I finally agreed on the Pinay Curvies Swag challenge this month, I was already developing an obsession on boots, particularly this kind of rain boots. With the bipolar weather lately, it was just right to invest in such pair. Besides, the last time I wore boots was back in high school. [Aside from Citizen Army Training (CAT) boots, of course!] This recollection prompted me to ask my mother two weeks ago if my brown mid-calf and black ankle boots were still alive. To my surprise, she confirmed they're gathering dust in our shoe cabinet. Unbelievable, I have instant footwear for the boots-up challenge!

Coincidentally, I will meet the Puff Mafia again that coming weekend for some archery adventure. What an excellent opportunity to channel my inner Yellow 4 Katniss Everdeen. Chos! 

Outfit Of The Day

T-shirt from Penshoppe (my brother's. Now loose in the chest area hahaha)

Leggings (my mum's)

Recycled leather band from Clinton Aniversario

My old mid-calf boots (Papa's pasalubong eons ago)

***

Among the members of the Fellowship of the Ring, I can easily say that Legolas had me at hello. He's a charmer and his flying arrows had a lot to do with it. I've always wanted to give archery a try back in college. So when the girls told me they'll go for it, they didn't have to ask me again if I'm interested. It's a big YES!

Katniss Everdeen is in the house!

They call me "the neighbor" and "the long ranger"

It wasn't easy as it looks. We had to get our stance right and aim for the target. In an hour, I had my share of going beyond 18 meters (Naks, pang-long range ako!), unintentionally vandalizing somebody else's target (It's your friendly neighbor asking for your wi-fi password!) and, worse, making the arrow turn to me! Scary, right?

Bull's eye...NOT!

If you're also interested to give it a try, visit Gandiva Archery for more details. The great news is, their cafe serves vegetarian food! 

Photos from DJ San Jose & Sheila del Mundo.

Polyvore Set: Ready for Diamond Snow!

Having lived in a tropical country all my life, I'd kill to play in the snow for at least thrice in my life. Watching today's episode of the Koreanovela "Love Rain" intensified my desire to experience winter.
 
Jun and Hannah were somewhere in Hokkaido, Japan, waiting to capture the diamond snow. Jun mocked Hannah's poor taste in clothes and bragged how he's garbed in designer clothes. Hannah expressed that function comes first. During their trek, Jun displayed intolerance to the blistering cold. Tiis ganda, huh?
 
This little debate actually inspired me to look for my winter clothes (as if I have an upcoming trip soon) on Polyvore. I'm glad they have plus size stuff! As a first-timer, I admit I just dragged items I liked, not checking on the brand and price tags. It's liberating! 

So...tell me what you think about my imagined splash of color against the blinding white snow. Am I more of a Jun or Hannah? 

Ready for Diamond Snow! by lornadahl featuring plus size coats

ASOS plus size coat
asos.com

Faux leather legging
amazon.com

UGG Australia ankle boots
$260 - jades24.com

White glove
$135 - black.co.uk

Bright shawl
etsy.com

Pinay Curvies Swag Challenge: All White! / WORLD PREMIERE: That White Fringe Top, White Denim Miniskirt and White Lace Flats

Once upon a time, my best friend Djoanna suddenly blurted out, "Para kang si Carrie Bradshaw!" I was completely stunned; it was enough to make me cease eating. I'm the only living female who didn't follow the series Sex and The City (I only got to watch about 3 episodes, AFTER the show was canceled) but I've heard how her character was praised for being a fashion chameleon. Towering shoes, flower pins, big curls, everything! Where did that comment come from? To answer my questioning eyes, Djoanna pointed her finger to the huge stain on my white shirt and proceeded to explain how Carrie Bradshaw loathes white outfits. She's too clumsy to remain clean. And I responded with a huge "Ooooooh!"

When Mitch decided we'll go with All White for our first blog link-up challenge, I was immediately worried how I'll pull it off. Aside from being too malikot, my closet is mainly composed of colorful, summery stuff and my favorite neutrals are black and grey. That probably explains why I ended up making white purchases during the recently concluded Fierce+Flaunt Plus Size Shopping Event. When I got home, I realized how I've been neglecting this white micro miniskirt I got from ward88 during the swap meet. It's the perfect opportunity to take it out! Now where to look for white sandals to go with it? I've wanted something like this in white, but I was unable to find it. Then one fine Sunday, my shoes took me to a familiar territory for another success story. All set? Not yet! I was in the mood for accessories! I found a hippie headband in Landmark and bought matching moonstone bracelets and earrings from Crystal Empress (I heard moonstone crystals can help insomniacs like me. Plus, it can help regulate menstrual cycle, among others!). 

White on white!

This photo is inspired by too many when-are-you-getting-married inquiries lately!

My casual approach to all-white

Closer look

I can imagine wearing this ensemble when I'm on travel, say, in a beach resort. I admit I don't have the courage to wear that micro miniskirt on its own. As a commuter, I could use leggings to go with it. I'm sure most of you will agree with me. Haha!

Outfit of the Day:

Sando with fringe from Chubbly

Micro miniskirt from ward88

Lacey flats from SM Parisian

Hippie headband from Landmark Makati

Moonstone crystals from Crystal Empress

***

Now allow me to conclude this entry with proper acknowledgements. See, this is my first serious pictorial for a blog entry. With my best friend DJ and her college friends (they all took up Film), no less! Back in 2001, I used to tag along in their shoots even non-school-related gatherings that they eventually accepted me in their gang (right, guys?). I feel so honoured to be invited for their June get-together to celebrate DJ's birthday. 

I'm super grateful we were able to squeeze in time for a pictorial between burger party, videoke night and supposed World War Z date. And the least that I can do is to introduce my supportive crew. 

Meet the Puff Mafia!

BIG thank you!

Body Gossip's #BodyLove Flashmob

Why did I just learn about Body Gossip's #BodyLove Flashmob this week? Had I learned about this earlier, I would have helped organized the same thing here in Manila.  

This positive body image campaign will be held tomorrow, June 28th, at 13:00 in London. Attendees are expected to bring a heart-shaped paper which shows their favorite body part. This peaceful protest against oppressive messages we are constantly bombarded with will run for 3 minutes. Aside from the designated venue, teenagers/students all throughout the nation will be gathered in their respective schools to express their support. I'm already dabbing the corner of my tearful eyes just by imagining it. 

I explained this campaign to my boyfriend last night over dinner. I told him I'll write down "my legs" as an answer. I know they house a couple of battle scars and visible varicose veins but I love how smooth they look and feel. I may have weak knees, but I love how my legs allow me to do long walks - something that I love doing. I love 'em just the way it is. 

But he felt I should write down "my boobs" too. Of course! If there's any body part most people would remember me for, it would have to be my mammary glands! My twins even earned names - Suzy and Geno (probably because Suzy seems like more discreet for suso). I've shared how they felt more like a burden than assets here, but I'd have to agree. I love them! 

Since I can't fly to London tomorrow to physically participate in the flashmob, I decided to offer online support. Here's my tweet and my fanpage post. And I'm hoping this little post would encourage fellow Pinay curvies to do the same. Let's remind everyone that our bodies are beautiful, too! 

So if you're interested to show your body love, just send me an email to Lornadahl.Campilan@gmail.com so I can forward the heart file. 

I love my body!!!

EDIT: The following day, I'm grateful my friends Shiela and Cleo were willing to show their support, too. 

L-R: Shiela, birthday girl Cleo and myself

MOVIE MONDAY: Juana C The Movie

The moment I heard about Juana C The Movie, I was already convinced it was a must-see. I've heard of Mae Paner and her Juana Change Movement before and I imagine this film will be an excellent reminder to do something to alleviate our country's status. In fact, I was hoping it hit the theaters before the election. 

What attracted me to watch aside from the political satire that await us? As a dreamy plus size blogger, I feel it is ideal to support fellow full-bodied women. Especially if she aims social upliftment. Hence, I sent out this invitation to fellow curvy netizens so we can watch it all together and diss/cuss it after. More on that later.

The film is about an apathetic small town girl who went to Manila for college scholarship. Juana Change (Mae Paner) ended up being friends with self-entitled classmates like Eva (Annicka Dolonius) who tag her along to parties and other spending sprees, making her forget all about her studies. In one of these parties, she met Bayani (John James Uy) and it was evident that they're mutually attracted. This resulted to soulful sack sessions and, when Juana Change experiences bankruptcy, it evolved into a transactional relationship. What do I mean by that? Bayani urges Juana to "level up" and he gets a share of her earnings as a prostitute. Yani's mother (Angelina Kanapi) happens to be the best slut in town and proceeds to teach Juana the tricks of the trade. And who would have thought that members of the judicial branch, police force, religious group and lawmaking body get to meet one another in their extracurricular activities? When she discovers that the river from her hometown is at risk because of these powerful people's money-grabbing ways, Juana decided to expose all of it and found a helpful friend in Hero (Jelson Bay). And the rest is something that you should see for yourself in the silver screen. But I can't resist to give away the two-liner ending that reads: Kung gusto mo ng pagbabago, tara, 'dun tayo sa labas.

Yes, it's an invitation to take action, that all forms of anomaly presented in the film were no laughing matter. And I completely agree. 

As you would expect from Juana Change, it had maaany funny moments. I specifically like how fluent in English Juana's father was, how Juana and Hero exchanged post-coital messages with only campaign streamers that separate them, how Juana and her batchmates got high before their high school graduation, how Jek-jek became pekpek, how vroom-vroom is done, among others. 

But there's one joke that made me feel uncomfortable - that scene where she was dragged by her family and the entire community to a jeepney to take the scholarship in Manila that was intended to Jek-jek. Both of her hands were tied and her own father - yeah, the English-speaking one - placed an apple in her gaping mouth. It reminded me of how Vice Ganda made fun of Jessica Soho in his recent concert and every lechon joke that I have heard in this lifetime - directed at me or someone else. Now that I've thought about it, I'm open to the possibility that Juana Change thinks it's her time to deliver the fat joke. That's what happens when you're already immune to being the butt of the joke, right?

The joke is on...us, perhaps?

Photo obtained here.

What I like the most in this film? How a big woman gets depicted as someone sexually desirable. Everybody - men and women alike - wants to bed her and I get this impression that it wasn't just a fetish. She made us feel how her persona demands undivided attention.  Her confidence makes her truly sexy! I laud the film in its attempt to alter people's perceptions about standards of beauty. However, I must admit how nudity in this film shocked me - not because I find belly rolls, cellulite and big arms appalling because, as you can see, I face the beautiful giant in the mirror on a daily basis. It seemed that no amount of Banshee marathon prepared me for the skin exposure. I therefore conclude that I'm too conservative. Di halata, no? Haha!

Don't ask who Juana chose between Bayani and Hero. There's no way I can conclude that. In fact, the final scene reveals how both men joined Juana in her homecoming. And if you'll ask me, I don't like how Bayani pimped her and how Hero turned his back on her so he can keep his scholarship. Yeah, I need to forgive and forget.

I just found out here tonight that Juana C The Movie got pulled out in the theatres already. I'm actually not surprised, considering the low turnout of viewers when my friends and I watched it on a Saturday. We watched the last screening at - brace yourself - 04:25pm! I didn't know some films don't get evening slots. All together now - BIG SIGHS.

Wise words from Juana Change

Photo obtained here.

****

Like I mentioned earlier, Pinay Curvies sent out an invite to the sisterhood to watch this fearless film. I'm sad that 2 girls can't make it to the 04:25pm screening, but I'm grateful how effortlessly enjoyable the movie date was. I've met Timmy before during the swap meet and this fashion event, but it wasn't really enough to know her better. Keevee, on the other hand, was my former at-work-and-at-play friend-turned-neighbor, but we hardly see each other and travel together as often as we'd like. And then there's Jolly whom I accidentally found during one #UsapangCurvy session few weeks back. It will be my first time to meet the latter. And it'll be their first time to meet one another.  Exciting times!

Believe it or not, it turned out to be like a high school reunion. Except that we're not high school friends. The conversation flow was so natural! It was super easy to trade secrets even! And, to my delight, we made plans to see one another again. Isn't that wonderful when strangers become instant friends? It's moments like that that convinces me that our efforts to  make the world smaller for plus-sized Pinays is happening. Slowly but surely. Thank You, Lord!

It was a great evening!

Photo obtained here. See the rest of the photos here. 

SALE ALERT: Fierce + Flaunt Plus Size Shopping Event

I'm so excited for this payday weekend! Our very own plus size brands Erzullie and Chubbly actually joined forces for a fabulous shopping event! In my attendance in Erzullie's prior collection launches, I'm grateful for how fun-filled the presentation, shopping and socials turned out to be. And now that there'll  be 2 fashion lines to introduce their new designs in one night, I imagine it's gonna be doubly fab and fun!

Support our own!

Photo obtained from this blog entry

Fierce + Flaunt Plus Size Shopping Event

Photo obtained here.

Last Christmas, I encountered this viral photo encouraging shoppers to support small businesses over multi-national companies. After all, such purchase will help a family pay their rent versus helping a tycoon own their fourth rest house. You get the idea? So I encourage you to go out on Saturday and meet fellow kikay curvies in Eastwood. Here are the details that you need to know:

What: FIERCE + FLAUNT PLUS SIZE SHOPPING EVENT
When: June 15, 2013, Saturday, 5:00pm-9:30pm
Where: Eastwood City, Quezon City 

Schedule of Events

5:00pm-9:30pm: Registration* and Shopping

6:00pm-6:30pm: Presentation

NOTE: *Registration will stop during presentation and will resume after. Registration ends at 8:30 pm sharp.

However, based on the latest posts of the mentioned brands, there are no more slots left. I'll try to post about the follow-up event sooner. Sorry!

***

Like I've mentioned earlier, I've been to Erzullie's First Look: Resort 2012 Collection, First Look: Holiday 2012 Collection and First Look: Resort 2013 Collection. And so I'm thrilled to be one of the selected few to see their fresh pre-holiday designs. With teasers like this and that, what girl won't be able to contain her kilegs? 

I'm also psyched for this event as I expect to become familiar with Chubbly. I first encountered their designs when they offered to give away their stuff during our swap meet in January. And I'm so intrigued since they will reveal their scents and shoes on Saturday! Isn't that great or what?

I wonder which one will fit my personality!

Chubbly Shoes!

Both photos obtained from Chubbly's fanpage

And finally, I'm also excited to bring 3 of my friends who will get to meet one another for the first time (yep, 2 of them are my former colleagues while the other one is my current teammate) and ... meet other heavenly bodies in the event! And I have a feeling the evening will end with gabfest over dinner. Love it!

SuiteBlanco Arrives in Manila!

It's been a week now since Mitch and I witnessed the SuiteBlanco launch in SM Aura Premier in The Fort. For a first-timer who attended a huge fashion line launch like this, it seemed like all the fashionable people in Manila graced the event to personally welcome the arrival of this well-known Spanish brand. I must admit I was not aware of this brand until my friend Miki invited me to the launch. And one look at their flagship store convinced me how they managed to conquer 23 countries since its launch in 2009.

 Love the vibrant colors!

Chic here, there and everywhere!

My favorite spot! I remember rushing to this section and being mesmerized to the designs. 

They have my cup size!

Fierce pairs! They have flats, too!

Neck candies! Ahlaveet!

And they're yelling, "GRAB ME!" *

 I'm a huge fan of mint + coral, remember?

And I've been obsessing about colar blazer, remember?

They have stuff for men! Hurrah! I imagine wearing the tees myself!

After Mitch and I scanned the lovely items, we proceeded to the event venue to see popular bloggers and fashion models for some runway action. Miki mentioned some of the invited bloggers and models so I was very much excited to see them in the flesh!

Let's get this par-tey started!

DJ Callum David is in the house!!!

 DJ Callum David spotted how I name-dropped him on my tweet!

And they flashed our other tweet, too! Nice!

Reuniting with Miki...

...who happens to be the Marketing Manager! So proud of you, mare!

Even the Spanish ambassador to the Philippines Jorge Domecq graced the launch. Wow!

Here comes the lovely designs!

See what I'm talking about? They have very cool designs, especially the shorts, dresses and shoes! Although some pieces are quite revealing that I don't have the balls to wear as a commuter. Now I'd also like to note that they have sizes up to XL only (that's size 14 UK). It's a relief to see the coral blazer fit my shoulder perfectly, but it's sad that my twins prevent me from buttoning it up. I feel concerned that our bigger sisters might find it hard to find something that would fit. But, hey, I think the stretchable long skirts would!

And the tag price says...

Aside from the size availability, I find the price tag a consideration at the moment. It actually ranges from P199 to P2,000+. The coral blazer I was crushing on amounted to P2,319 and the long skirts I mentioned earlier cost P1,199. Yeah, I'm THAT kuripot. But I can imagine splurging hard-earned bucks for them during holidays. Wake me up when November ends!!!

I'm crushing on this B&W dress but it proved to be too skimpy for work

Maggie Wilson's photo obtained from Nicole Dress Up Doll's blog

And we got this snakeskin clutch bag as a freebie! Can't wait to world premiere!

 Thanks, SuiteBlanco! *

***

Outfit of The Day:

Black top from Nine West (overrun)

Peplum skirt from ward88

Nude flats from Quiapo

Printed shoulder bag from Divisoria

NOTE: Almost all photos were by Mitch Leus

* - Yours truly