NARS Bangkok

 NARS pure matte lipstick in Bangkok

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I just had to have it because I live in Bangkok.  Heehee!  Ang babaw.  I wish they have Manila shade as well.  I'd buy that one too!  Also, the first time I asked about Bangkok at the NARS counter in Central Rama3, they told me it was sold out because it was one of their best sellers.  You know how I get gigil whenever I hear those two terms.  Haha!  I went back a week later and they had it in stock so yay!

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My "no make-up" look: Clinique Super City Block Oil-free Daily Face Protector SPF 40 -- it's a tinted sunblock so I just dabbed my MAC Studio Fix powder to get rid of the shine; Bobbi Brown brow pencil + gel, Benetint on the cheeks and NARS Bangkok on my lips.

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This lipstick looks great with clear gloss too!  I tried it with my Lancome juicy tubes and I felt like a movie star!  Haha!  But I don't really like wearing lip gloss because I can't kiss Aly if I have it on.  She hates it when I leave a mark on her.  So these MLBB (My Lips But Better -- this deserves another post) shades are really good because she thinks I'm not wearing lipstick so I can kiss her anytime.  Heehee! 

Brow Makeover

I started grooming my eyebrows when I was in 2nd year high school.  I think I was 14 or 15 back then.  That was legal kikay move, mind you.  It had my mom's consent.  Actually, she was the one who shaved them first so I owe my beautiful eyebrows to mom.  Yeah, mom's cool like that.  

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I thought I got it right since I've been doing it for so long, but like with everything else in life, there is always room for improvement.

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Do you notice the difference?  Yikes no?

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Here's a closer look. *cringe*

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They look more natural no?  Plus the color's much better.  My old eyebrow pencil was Revlon in dark brown.  The new one is Bobbi Brown in mahogany.  It's part of their bow kit:

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Bobbi Brown brow kit (Thb1,800/Php2,520).  It includes: pencil, brow gel, mascara and cleansing oil.

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I'm so glad I found my way to the Bobbi Brown make-up counter the other day.  And I have to thank my kumareng Dy for that.  This domestic goddess from Belgium told me all about Bobbi Brown so I gave it a try.  Thanks Dy!  You need to give me more tips, ok?

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I'm glad too that I took photos.  At least I have a peg to work on.  I doubt if I can do it exactly the way the make up artist did.  Heehee!  Need to practice!

These Sandals are Made for Walking

I like to go to the mall once a week just to walk and stretch my legs.  I find it relaxing and it's kinda like exercise na rin for me.  I'd like to do it more often, but much as I want to, I can only afford to do it once a week.  It's so hard to go to the mall with all the temptation!  You know me, I have very little discipline when it comes to shopping so I try to avoid the malls as much as I can or else, patay ang budget!

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For my weekly pasyal, I like to wear my Fitflops because they're the best when it comes to intense walking.  Richard gave them to me for Mother's day last year and I've been practically living in them ever since.  They're more expensive than regular sandals, but it's really worth the money.  My mom swears by them.   

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Shades: from MBK

Top: Every Perfect from Chatuchak

Shorts: Old Navy

Belt: Platinum Mall

Watch: Richard's Technomarine

Bag: Louis Vuitton Neverfull

Sandals: Fitflops  

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My Fitflops are starting to look worn out.  Richard has offered many times to buy me a new one and I had to decline because I thought I didn't need to -- yet.  But now I think I need a new pair.  Ayan, nagpapakipot pa kasi ako.  I hope he offers me again.  This time I won't say no.  Haha!

Valentine's Day Lunch

Richard took me out for lunch on Valentine's day.  We rarely have lunch on weekdays so I was really excited and kilig at the same time.  This is what I wore:

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Dress (same fat dress that I wore here, only in a different color): Platinum Mall

Necklace: birthday gift from Pat

Bag: Louis Vuitton Neverfull

Bangles: Diva

Watch: Baume & Mercier

Wedge sandals: Charles & Keith

Cuff Bracelet

I think I'm slowly graduating from my cocktail ring phase because I find myself favoring bangles and cuffs nowadays.  Last Sunday, we went to a friend's baby's baptism.  I didn't want to load up on accessories because we were going to church so I chose only one stariray piece.

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Shirt dress: Easy Pieces from Central Department Store

Rhinestone cuffs: Diva

Watch: Baume & Mercier

Flats: Platinum Mall

  

That Rosy Glow

Let's face it: I wasn't born with fabulous skin.  That's why I need a little help from my friends over at NARS and Benefit to get that rosy glow.

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THE NARS Orgasm blush.  

This pinky-peach shade has a cult-following and is used by celebs like J.Lo and Victoria Beckham. Image from Bella Sugar.

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Benetint Lip and cheek stain.  A cult fave too!  Image from Total Beauty.

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Before I buy my make-up, I do a little bit of research first.  I like to read about reviews and comments from actual users and I tend to lean towards those labeled as "cult favorite", "award-winning" and "must-have".  I'm a sucker for those terms but in the end, I still go with my gut.  I just cross my fingers and hope for the best -- more like hope I didn't waste my money because make-up is not exactly cheap!  

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Without blush, I look puyat and may sakit.  Just plain blah.  If I want to look human, I have to put on a little blush to make me look alive.  Haha!

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With my NARS Orgasm blush during Richard's cousin's wedding in La Union in 2009. 

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Several hours later with the newlyweds at the reception, with the glow still on.

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AC Christmas Party in 2009.  I was nursing a cold during that day but thanks to my Body Shop lip and cheek tint layered with NARS Orgasm, I managed to look decent.

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Hong Kong, March 2010.  Hindi halata ang pagod at puyat, thanks to NARS.

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A more natural glow using Benetint lip and cheek tint.

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I've been using my NARS Orgasm blush for more than a year now and parang hindi sya nababawasan so super sulit.  Plus, what I also love about it is you can go from a subtle parang-nahihiya-lang blush, to a more intense just-got-off-the-treadmill blush, depending on how much you put on.  My Benetint lip and cheek stain, on the other hand, has been with me for only a few months.

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I depend on my blush to get that rosy glow because it's that or 30 minutes the treadmill.  Y'all know I don't like doing things the hard way.  Haha!

Wide Leg Pants

Wide leg pants daw are in for 2011 so I searched my closet for my widest pair.  It wasn't much of a search really because I only have one pair.  Heehee!  That's because wide leg pants are kinda hard to wear for me.  With the wrong top, you can look lousy.  But maybe that's just me.  Buti na lang uso sya so I was able to get some style inspirations online.  My style inspiration is none other than my favorite Olsen twin:

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Mary Kate Olsen.  Image from People Magazine 

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Hmmm...my "wide leg" pants were not too wide after all.  Haha!  But what the hey!  It made me feel like a million bucks.  Plus, two mommies from school told me that I look nice that day.  Two mommies!  I felt great!

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Aviator shades: from MBK

Top: Old Navy

Pants: export overruns from the Lunch Market

Watch: Richard's Vintage Rolex (a gift from my dad)

Bag: My French Honey Camel Banane 

Sandals: Charles & Keith

  

My Michael Jackson Shirt

After we saw This Is It last year, I immediately went on a quest for an MJ-inspired piece of clothing.  I fell in love with his Balmain but I certainly can't afford it.  Zara wasn't giving me any love that time; none from CPS either.  Kahit nga sa Platinum wala rin.  I probably saw some here in Bangkok but most likely hindi kasya sa kin that's why I didn't get it.  Only H&M in Hongkong gave me some MJ love so when I saw this shirt, I bought it right away.

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Shades: Mango

Shirt: H&M

Tank top (worn under the shirt): export overruns from the Lunch Market

Leggings: from Pat's suking Korean shop in BF

Shoes: Zara

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The shirt is a bit short for leggings so I had to wear a longer tank top under to hide my saddlebags and other flabs.  Heehee!  I also wore red lipstick for a little bit of color.

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I'm going to share with you my secret for long-lasting red lips one day.  Well, it's not really a secret but it's a technique that's worth sharing because I get asked a lot about how my lip color stays on even after eating.

Super Nail Polish

Nail salons here in Bangkok use mostly OPI nail polish and that's probably why a mani/pedi here doesn't come cheap.  But I have to say, this nail polish is super tibay!  Remember when I got my mani/pedi last week?

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My nails last Friday: freshly polished.

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Six days later, my nails look like this:

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My nails are growing out but the nail polish is still hanging on.

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Zero chipped nails!  

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And that's after six days of regular housework like cooking, dishwashing, ironing...napabilib ako ng OPI nail polish na to!  Super nail polish indeed!  Housewife tested, domestic goddess approved!  Heehee!  Sulit ang binayad ko.

How Do They Do It?

On my way back to the apartment this morning, I saw my neighbor at the lobby.  We don't really know each other personally, but we went to the candle making class together a few weeks back.  She's old enough to be my grandmother but she looks great for her age.  I think that's what they call "aging gracefully".  Anyway, she's always dressed in a donya kind of way -- a colorful caftan paired with a couple of bangles, sandals...very resort chic...you get the picture. Her hair, although a short blond bob, was very neat and the make up!  She had full make-up on at 7:30 in the morning!

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How does she do it?

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In Aly's school, there are two moms that I also admire: a Caucasian mom who always looks so pulled together everytime she brings her son to school -- wrap dresses paired with Hermes Birkins and Kellys (she wears a different one everytime I see her!).  She looks so perfectly polished even in her gym clothes!  I've never seen anyone look so chic in a shirt, leggings and rubber shoes.  Parang nakaka-gana tuloy mag-gym because of her -- NOT!  And her gym bag: a Louis Vuitton Damier Geant canvas.  Pang-gym lang ang LV nya.  Sushal talaga!

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The other mommy is more trendy.  The Japanese mom who looks fabulous even in a Hello Kitty tshirt, boyfriend jeans, sandals, oversized shades and the occasional Hermes Kelly.  But I like her Louis Vuitton Vernis Roxbury more.  She wears it with anything and she still looks fab.  She would sometimes pair her denim shorts with a simple shirt, sandals and a stunning silk wrap -- so very Japanese meets Hollywood celebrity.  

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Mind you, she has two girls so I really wonder how she finds time to prepare in the morning.  I only have one and I barely have time to wash my face and brush my teeth.  And I just grab the first thing I see in my closet.  I don't really have time to choose or else Aly will be late.  She doesn't want to be late (mana sa daddy). If I had to put make-up on and choose my outfit for the day, mga 9am na makakarating si Aly sa school.  Bumabawi na lang ako sa hapon pagsundo.  Hahaha!

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I envy those women who look really good so early in the morning.  How do they do it?  What time do they wake up?  Do they even have time to eat breakfast?  
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Naliligo naman ako sa gabi bago matulog.  Todo-spray pa ng cologne.  I spend like 15-30 minutes every night for my evening ritual: brush my teeth, floss, quick shower, moisturize, put on face cream, eye cream, spot-clearing serum for my zits, moisturize my hands and feet again...nakakapagod!  Naiinip madalas si Richard because he has to wait for me to finish before he can use the bathroom.  Kaya minsan inuunahan na nya ko to use the bathroom.  Haha!
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But I still look less stellar compared to those women.  Pero ok lang, sigurado naman na mas magaling akong magluto kesa sa kanila.  Haha!  Bitter Ocampo.  
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Seriously, those women have inspired me to try to look better.  Buti pa si lola, umaga pa lang fabulosa na.  If they can do it, then I -- we most certainly can!  We may not look as fabulous (mahirap tapatan ang mga Hermes), but we surely can look and feel fab in our own little way.  Konting tiis lang.  Mahirap talaga magpaganda :)

White

Summer's here!  Looks like my black clothes will have to take a backseat for now (which is like 80% of my wardrobe!).  Ang init na kasi.  I wanted to wear something light, breezy and comfy today.  Didn't feel like going out so I just stayed at home to watch dvd.

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Pocket tee: export overruns from the lunch market

Shorts: F&F Blue from Tesco Lotus

Watch: Technomarine

Flipflops: Armani Exchange

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I admire those people who can carry an all-white outfit.  They look so fresh, clean and mayaman.  Haha!  I think I look better in black, but I still try to wear white (feeling mayaman kasi).  
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Btw, I like to wear different textures if I'm going all-out on white.  Notice the pattern on my shirt?  That way, I don't feel the need to put on a necklace or any other accessories to break the monotony.  Also, if you're wearing white, wear nude underwear.  White underwear will show on white clothes.  Unless your intention is to highlight your undergarments, nude is best.

What Every Housewife Needs

It's not the latest state-of-the-art kitchen gadget and it's not a top-of-the-line household appliance either.  It's something that's real simple and super cheap (compared to those two mentioned).

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A manicure and a pedicure.

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Surprised?

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For me, a simple manicure can make my hands look fabulous with all the dishwashing, chopping, slicing, cleaning and cooking that I do at home.

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Same goes with a pedicure.  I don't have pretty feet to begin with, but my feet get abused too: walking to my daughter's school, grocery shopping, standing up in the kitchen for hours while preparing our meals, etc.  Plus, I'm usually too tired at the end of the day that I don't have time to properly moisturize my feet.  So they end up looking more, um, unattractive.

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So a mani/pedi really is a treat for hardworking mommies/housewives like me. Lalo na in my case because salon treatments here in Bangkok are more expensive than back home so I don't get them as often as I want.  Pinag-iipunan talaga so it's definitely worth it when I do get them.

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I really love how my hands and feet are instantly transformed with a mani/pedi!  They look so nice and clean, making me look fab so I feel fab as well :)  I feel like I can do anything in the kitchen with a nice manicure.  Feeling ko I'm a rich wife who cooks in designer clothes with designer heels.  Haha!  Pero feeling lang kasi ang totoo, I'm just a regular wife who cooks in non-designer clothes and chinelas.  But that's the power of a manicure for me.

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But really, I think we all need at least one day -- o, sige na nga, at least HALF a day for ourselves.  You know, to get a mani/pedi, a massage, a facial or anything that will make you relax and look beautiful so you will feel beautiful. So if you're a husband/son/daughter who's looking for a nice gift for your wife/mom, treat her to a day at the salon.  She deserves it and she will love it for sure!
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P.S no matter what the trend is, my go-to nail color is red -- the color of power, strength and love :)

The Husband Watch

Also known as the Boyfriend watch, but I don't have a boyfriend -- hello!?! -- so Husband watch it is!

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I'm lucky to have a husband who collects timepieces.  I'm also lucky that I can "borrow" the husband's watch from time to time.  I remember when we were still dating, Richard would wear a different watch on our dinner dates.  I'm not sure if he did it on purpose but I have to say I was very impressed!  Still am, up to this day :)

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I took Richard's newest baby out for a spin the other day.  I wanted to wear something casual and I thought his sporty watch would be perfect.  I'm glad he chose not to wear it to work that day.  Heehee!

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Shirt: Bossini

Bag: Marc by Marc Jacobs

Jeans: Gap

Watch: Richard's Suunto Vector

Sandals: Fitflops

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Richard's Suunto was a Christmas gift from me, by the way.  He wanted a sporty watch added to his collection.

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I got gigil with it the moment we saw it at the shop and by gigil I mean I can't wait to wear it myself!  Haha!

Top 10 Essentials

Just want to share something that I read on the internet...
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According to ELLE fashion director/Project Runway judge, Nina Garcia,  the top 10 essential items in a woman's wardrobe are:
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• The Little Black Dress (LBD)
• A classic men's white shirt
• Cashmere cardigan or turtleneck
• Trench coat
• Denim
• A man's classic watch
• Diamonds
• Ballet flats
• A classic high heel pump
• A great bag
• Bonus: a dramatic piece, like a cocktail ring

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Even if it's a short list, ordinary mortals like me do not have all ten.  Either we cannot afford it (diamonds + cashmere) or we cannot wear it here in the tropics (trench coat).  So, here's my more realistic and more affordable approach on the top 10 essentials list.

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LBD + cardigan:

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LBD: export overruns shop at the lunch market @ Thb100 only! (Php140).  Cardigan: Zara (not cashmere, but I always choose ones that have a nice luxurious finish).

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LBD + classic high heel pump:

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LBD: Platinum Mall

Nude pumps: Central Department store (got it on sale @ Thb399 from original price Thb1,500)

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LBD: same one from the lunch market

Cardigan: Kashieca

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Classic men's white shirt:

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Richard's Calvin Klein.

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Trench coat - you can't really wear a trench coat here in the tropics!  But I think a black jacket or blazer will do just fine.

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Black jacket: AIIZ 

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Denim:

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Jeans: Gap

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Man's classic watch + cocktail ring:

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Watch: Baume & Mercier

Cocktail ring: Diva

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Diamonds -- I don't have diamonds, but I have pearls.  They're more affordable, yet a classic piece of jewelry.

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A great bag -- oh, boy!  That's a tough decision because it's like choosing which among your children is your favorite.  I love them all!  But, I have to choose only one for photo purposes so I'm not playing favorites.  Heehee!

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My Louis Vuitton Damier Ebene Speedy 30 because I can wear it with jeans, shorts and dresses.  It can go from casual to dressy.

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Bonus: a dramatic piece, like a cocktail ring:

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Ring: Diva

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Even if I can't afford jewelry just yet, I'm very lucky that I can borrow my lola Nene's or my mom's like my lola's big-a** ring, which I can only wear on special occasions + mom's pearl necklace.

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Lola's other ring, which also my favorite.  It's an oval ring filled with small diamonds set on gold.  Sorry I don't have a bigger photo of the ring but it looks a bit like Bella Swan's engagement ring.  Just google Bella twilight engagement ring :)

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Another dramatic piece that you can have in your wardrobe is a statement necklace.  It's not exactly jewelry, but it's dramatic nonetheless.  And cheaper too!

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All necklaces were made by KIMV :)

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If you notice, there's only one item on the list that I failed to mention: a pair of ballet flats.  That's because I don't have one :(  Sure I have flats but not ballet.  I don't really have "normal" shoes, because I try to be more adventurous when it comes to footwear.  Since I usually wear plain white or black or gray, I want my shoes to be more interesting in terms of color, design...but this year, I want to include more classic pieces in my shoe closet and a pair of ballet flats will be top of the list!