WORLD PREMIERE: That Blue Ruffled Dress

We're lucky to discover that there's an ongoing sale for plus size clothes (if it were mall-wide, I wasn't sure) in SM SouthMall last week. The first maternity-dress-for-now-corporate-dress-later that caught my eye? It's the plain red dress with ruffled design at the lower half from Jus Ur Size. Upon seeing me giving it a I'm-not-sure-if-I-should get-you look, my mum was quick to give her nod of approval when she saw the price tag: P450 only (originally P800+). 

It's a lovely dress, all right, but I doubt it'll look good on me and my close-to-flat rear. When I tried it on, I could sense the agreement about the dearth of curves over THERE from my mum's and husband's eyes. Kebs na!

Knowing that my baby bump will get bigger in the next 1-2 months, I asked the staff for a bigger size. But 3L looked quite lengthy at below my knees, so I ended up asking for 2L. Good thing it's made of stretchable fabric so I'm sure my little warrior won't express her disapproval with karate chops when I'm wearing it. 

And the final concern before I gave in: the color. This dress is available in red, purple and blue and, if you notice, I've worn too many reds and purples in this lifetime. You guessed it right. I reached for the blue one and waited for my mum and ninang to finish their style hunt (more on that later).

 

Pang-cover girl ba ang peg? 

(Sa Working Mom ata dapat hihi)

With this dress, I found the courage the join Metro Magazine's #selfie challenge! Oha!

Outfit of the Day:

Blue dress from Jus My Size

Blue flats from Solemate, SM Department Store

Photos by Adrian Gonzales.

***

Going back to my cliffhanger earlier, I take pride on the fact that I was the one who found the best dress for Mama! Among the many dresses she tried on, this particular dress brought a sparkle in her eyes. For me, it felt like I've returned the favor for buying me this and that illusion dress. Such an awesome feeling!

Mama said she'll wear this to the ballroom dancing event she'll attend this month. Cool!

WORLD PREMIERE: That Pink-And-Yellow Illusion Dress

So you've seen the 1 of 2 maternity-dresses-for-now-corporate-dresses-later in my prior entry. The other one is equally chic and fun, but never did I imagine I'll wear it when I exchange I do's! Maybe it's the superstition about black dresses on wedding day that made me initially want to avoid it, but me and my baby bump can't fit in this peplum dress anymore.  So I gave in and opted for this pink-and-yellow illusion dress. I'll just make sure to wear something all-white for our Church wedding, yes?

Sneak peek!

This dress had me at that little cut in the chest area. It's seductive without even showing my cleavage at all! Can't wait to wear it to the office! 

Mama actually wanted me to wear my dark blue flats for this dress. But I argued it's better to wear something neutral instead. It felt too Technicolor kasi. How about you, what pair of shoes would you wear for this lovely dress?

Outfit of the Day:

Dress from Divisoria

Snakeskin clutch bag from Suiteblanco

Earrings and bracelet from Mama

White lacey flats from Solemate, SM Department Store

Photos by Waldo Pan.

Pole Dancing Gear For Plus Size Women

It's a not-so-secret dream of mine to unleash my inner siren on the pole. When I first met makeup artist Azaza Rodriguez, I got so inspired how she radiated passion for pole dancing and how she disproves the notion that fat women can't do it. Her energies are simply contagious!

Up to now, I haven't acted on this desire to take up pole dancing class. Well, there are realities like proximity to my residence and/or workplace, budget constraints and practice clothes. See, looking for pole dancing gear can be a real challenge for plus size women. Since this workout paves the way for strength, flexibility and grace, any aspiring pole dancer need practice clothes that fit well, feel comfortable and look chic at the same time. If it’s too tight, you can’t move freely and, worse, get conscious of your “muffin top”. If it’s too loose, you end up showing your underwear. But we all know that most outfit brands cater to smaller cup sizes and waistlines.

When she started pole dancing, Azaza showed up in class wearing the ever staple t-shirt and cycling shorts. As she progressed in pole dancing, she decided to let go of the sleeves and pant legs for the ideal skin-to-pole contact. She then opted for sports bra from Sassa, but her chest needed maximum support during the routines.

Emee Macabales is fortunate to fit in XL-sized sports bras from local brands like Sassa, Body Mix, So-En and foreign ones like Forever21 and Nike. However, finding pole shorts or booty shorts proved to be more challenging. Most of her purchases from Coco Cabana from SM Department Store and Eskina were found by luck. Sometimes, she had to resort to high-waisted or board shorts-looking bottoms.

Both Azaza and Emee were happy to discover tankini bottoms and side-string shorts. With its adjustable strings and breathable fabric, they can execute spins, inverts and other moves with ease.

                               Azaza in action! Stellar on Broadway photo by Shane Bellare.

Singer/songwriter/plus size model Kat Lopez Cansing was glad to find this pole shorts from online shop beamaz1ng. She raves how it fits her perfectly and how it prevents the unsightly “camel toe”.

For mother-of-two Nics, she had her share of alterations for sports bra from Everlast and 168 as well as pole shorts from Body Music and Sassa for a better fit. Eventually, she had her fitness gears custom-made since she prefers her pole shorts spandex and garter-free. This may sound like an expensive option, but she finds it more satisfactory as she gets to choose the color and design. Also, she wears stirrup leg warmers to relax her leg muscles during warm-ups and conditioning.

Photos from Nics

Here's hoping fitness brands and aspiring plus size brands alike would take notice of our consideration.

***

This entry appeared on ThePOC.net's Beauty & Fashion section. Check it out here. 

Share it! :)

WORLD PREMIERE: That Luigi Costume / PINAY CURVIES EVENT: Spooky-Oke Night!

If you were born in the 80's just like me, you probably never experienced dressing up and going trick-or-treat around this time of the year. Our idea of Halloween involved watching real-life spooky stories on Magandang Gabi Bayan and visiting our loved ones in the cemetery. So when Mitch asked me for theme/s on how to celebrate Pinay Curvies' first bloggiversary, I was quick to suggest a Halloween costume party. Yes, psychologists call this compensation. Ha!

Since I've showed up as a cheshire cat last year, I daydreamed to level up this time. I initially planned to be Ginger Spice (I want this British Union Jack dress!) but my hectic schedule made me change plans and, thanks to this random stranger wearing a Super Mario Bros. shirt, I got an idea who I'll portray in the party. Of course, I asked Mitch to show up as Mario since our names start with M and L. Sadly, she can't see herself in jumpsuit and mustache. 

Finding this get-up wasn't as easy as I imagined. I thought I'll go with this denim jumper then I realized my latest ukay ukay purchase looks more appealing. I was relieved to hear that my friend can customize this mustache necklace and my friend referred me to Chikara Hats. I luuuurve my friends! 

However, I was unable to find a mushroom to complete the look. There's none in Clipper outlets in Eastwood, Gateway and Farmer's Plaza and I was told there's no Comic Alley in Glorietta (anymore?). Dear Kate Torralba, how can I order? Still waiting for your reply here.

L is for Lorna...and Luigi!

Outfit of the Day:

Mum's green top

Jumpsuit from ukay ukay

White gloves from SM

Green flats from Solemate (SM)

Luigi hat from Chikara Hats

Mustache necklace from Pepper Manila

***

The local curvy community I helped co-build is now one-year-old! Can you believe it? My daydreaming days felt just like yesterday and now I'm reminiscing about our little party to thank everyone for supporting our efforts to make it a smaller world for plus size Pinays worldwide. And so we dubbed it as #SpookyokeNight. Because singing is our national pasttime and we ain't celebrating until the fat ladies sing!

Spooky-oke Night!

The grateful faces behind Pinay Curvies

 How we partied, in photos

I don't think these photos can give justice to the amount of merriment we had last Saturday night and I don't think I can even articulate all my favorite moments. I'm super thankful that everyone showed up in fab costumes and everyone's game to croon and dance away. Mitch and I had a hard time choosing the best in costume and best singer, even! After much deliberation, we opted to have 2 winners per category. 

 Best in costumes: Janice as Kung Fu Hustle landlady & Lyn of ward88 as SnowWhite

Best Singers: Chiara as she-devil # 2 and Jo-anne as Insiduos black lady

 You're so sweet, Erzullie!

We made it to the news! Thanks, Candy!

See more #SpookyokeNight photos here. Photos by Cleopatra Mitch Leus.
Watch our own crazy rendition of Dynamite and Titanium on our YouTube channel. Mind you, we're not even drunk yet!

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!

WORLD PREMIERE: That Puta Red Pumps

What to do after a fab find like this? Break in right away! Join me in another busy Sunday and let's all see if my newest puta red pumps were cheap, comfy AND made for walking! I know pumps are supposed to be high-heeled and deadly, but that's how its own brand calls 'em so...

Taking a short walk from Paseo to Greenbelt 1.


Taking the escalator that would lead me to my destination. Church time!

Right after worship, I headed down north to search for my new nest. Remember the job application I mentioned here? Well, I was "drafted" to be one of the new team members in our Eastwood office and, inasmuch as I grab any travel opportunities, I can't just imagine myself commuting from Bacoor to Quezon City on a daily basis. Especially if I will finally be on a day shift! No to violence inside MRT, no to sweaty underarms, no to 6 hours of travel time every lovely day. And no means no!

I only had less than 2 weeks to find a place. Foolish as it may seem, but I crossed out Eastwood condo units in my list. Sure, it is a living dream to be in close proximity to your office, to malls, grocery stores, restaurants and all that, but I choose to veer away from anything that will make my wallet disgorge more bills. As recommended by my best friend Atong, I went for a long walk along the streets of Project 4. I would like to be somewhere peaceful and homey. That way, I would be inspired to explore more recipes than find comfort in ready-made yet pricey treats in restaurants, among others.

Waiting for the caretaker to give me a tour of the vacant loft


The view from the second floor


It's not my car but, hey, looks like a great photo opp, you know.


Are you looking for me? Or am I looking for you?

And then darkness came and I had to temporarily conclude my hunt. Atong and I went to the nearby mall to meet my boyfriend for dinner and, thanks to my prior entry, appease her curiosity if there were an ongoing 2-pair sale there as well, in any order. But, we know us girls don't usually go STRAIGHT to our main destination. Right?

Sole searching for rasta flip flops in Saizen!


Looks familiar! Nope, they're not on sale!


Shoe shopping again?!


Looking for another red pair too soon?


Atong looks for discounted items

It wasn't Atong's lucky day. There were no 2-pair sale on Solemate items in SM Cubao and she can't find her desired designs in her shoe size. So we just went window shopping for her basketball and/or running shoes. That somehow brought the smile back in her eyes.

When we finally called it a day, I felt grateful that my red pumps still felt soft and comfortable. I could see the evidence of my feet's sweat and its messy encounters with unknown objects in the fabric, but I know it's something that can be remedied by a good wash. Definitely a good buy!

SALE ALERT! Solemate Offers 2 Pairs for P399.75!

Dog-tired and slightly depressed. That's how I felt upon realizing the amount of workload at 08:00AM (I typically log out by 07:00AM). Most of my officemates had left the building and officially begun their weekend. It's another OT for the 8th business day in a row and an uneventful weekend in between. I've been swamped as if it were already the quarter-end!

Things started to light up when my teammate Heart approached me and helped me out in my contract preparation task. Remembering how it took her the entire shift to complete it the first time it was assigned to her, she easily empathized and gave me some tips. I somehow felt guilty for taking her time and asked for her weekend plans.

She was headed to South Mall for another shopping episode this week. She was wearing a pair of hot pink flats that she bought for only P299.75 and she wanted to get the same thing in dark blue. She even allowed me to try her shoes on, as if reading my mind that I'd like to know if they were comfortable enough. Ok, it's cheap and comfy. But do they have my size? Heart doesn't have the answers. There's only one way to find out.

The sinful place begins...here!


The sweetest news this weekend!

Not for Heart, though. She missed to read this sweet news earlier; she ended up buying one pair while this sale is ongoing! Imagine how much she could have saved if she purchased both the hot pink and blue flats the first time she went there. I hate math, remember?

Flats in rasta colors on sale!


Heart really wants the blue pair for today. I want the hot pink!


Gaya-gaya ako kay Heart!


Check this out! Not on sale, but it's not bad for P299.75!


Heart looks decided on getting a blue variant for her prior purchase.


Heart: I heart this blue flats! And the red ones I'm wearing now! And...

While my friend seems decisive, I was weighing my options. I'd want the hot pink flats. And the plain puta red. But, waaaaaait. There's more to choose from! Something worth P499.75 came into the picture!

Decisions, decisions! Puta red or hot pink?


Heart rummages for more mind-boggling options!


Moooore decisions! Should I get this design in puta red or in teal?


Well? Which one looks better?


HELP!

So I reached the point that both Heart and the saleslady convinced me to buy the teal flats. That's already P499.75 and I should stop there. But my desire for the hot pink flats won't shut up. So Heart persevered to contact Fem again to probe if she wants us to get her a pair. Knowing Fem, she'll go for pinks and reds. I was right. She asked for the pink and red pairs, leaving me with nobody to split with for P399.75. Decisions, decisions!

That's it! One last look!


More pairs, more fun!

So I've come to the conclusion that I should get all three pairs. Shelling out P899.50 for 3 comfortable pairs that I can't use for the upcoming rainy summer ain't a bad idea. I've been using the same bronze flats for ages and it could use some eternal repose, right? Lesson learned: buy many pairs that I can wear in rotation instead of being loyal (read: abusing) to only one. Aye?

The rewards after a haggard work week! Yehey!

P.S. I forgot to ask until when this sale will be valid. Sorry!

WORLD PREMIERE: That Red Tank Top

As mentioned in the prior entry, being garbed in red and/or ethnic accessories is a great demonstration of partaking in the Talaandig festivities. Inasmuch as I would like to cram every red clothing I possess into my luggage, particularly the ones that hardly made it past our main gate, I had to select wisely. I'm NEVER known as a light traveler but, considering our 6-day travel that would require us to lug our belongings around Cagayan de Oro, Bukidnon and Camiguin (NOT in that order), it's about time to get in touch with one of my father's best talents.

For this big day, I already knew that I must wear the Bontoc skirt I once bought from Kultura in SM Department Store and my Mangyan headband and bracelets. But what to wear in between? Heard a tiny voice urging me to leave my casual red t-shirts and red tube top behind. I'm sure you will agree.

Remember this entry? I saved that red tank top with a flashy bib design for a team building that never happened. Imagine my high-pitched shrieks of excitement when I unearthed this forgotten favorite. Problem solved!

We were truly blessed to have witnessed a tribal wedding. Aaaaand I must admit a part of me started fantasizing of my own. I'm blushing here in recollection.


Have I told you that, for the Mangyans of Mindoro, that headband symbolizes a person's search for his/her mate?


Outside Hall of Peace


With a soil painting. Photo by Lakapati


Love the skirt you're in!

Later that evening, I expressed that I can no longer stand the blistering cold. Datu Alimuwan, standing next to me, was not surprised since I was wearing a skirt. What really impressed me was how he specified it was a Bontoc skirt. In the metro, it was easy to dismiss someone who makes such comment as metrosexual or gay, right? In Bukidnon, it was all about cultural awareness. In fact, this trip proved that indigenous groups hardly confine themselves within their own tribe. They have this strong bond with others.

That being said, do not be surprised that I had to cover myself with an equally red jacket on top of my tank top. Bukidnon boasts of this centralized air conditioner that just won't turn off. No amount of tiis ganda will let a poor vata like myself get away with it.

***


Handa...awit! Photo by Gerald Rago.


Out hosts Datu Muilaw-ilaw (aka Datu Anilaw) and Senyora Magawgaw Bai Manduhin-e (aka Lorie). Happy 1st wedding anniversary!


L-R: Moi, Kat, Lorie, Datu Anilaw, Mikey Bustos este Alvin and Lakapati Basa. Photo by Gerald Rago.


Lorie while getting her headdress done. Photo by Gerald Rago.


The entourage. Photo by Lakapati.


While the negotiation for dowry is ongoing, the bride is hidden from public view.


The wedding ceremony. Photo by Gerald Rago.


The newlyweds get media attention


The tribal wedding cake!


Fifth wheel? With the newlyweds Sagyawan and Charlyn Saway and recently married Mikey Bustos este Alvin and Lakapati Basa