If Shopping Is A Sport

If shopping is a sport, I will be in the Olympics. Probably one of the contender. Forget about the amount I spent compared to others, let's talk about quality and quantity rolled in one.

Sissy dropped by in my humble abode. Well, I have like 4 boxes of clean laundry (still to be pressed!) but still  my crib is a mess! I cleaned (or I tried!) all the rooms and changed all bedding's with crispy clean ones. Before I thought, why would I decorate my crib when its not really my house yet. Then Sissy said that she decorates her house well. She even claimed to be an Interior Decorator. She stated she has good taste splashed in her house. I told her, I have good taste too and in my defense, I don't have a job yet to splurge on all the good things I so aspire. Hahahaha!

Anyway, she likes my bedroom but I decided to redecorate it as well. I finished doing my living room and I have to continue doing the next and the kitchen too.

To top it all, I need to continue doing my Farm Wedding decorations and put them on boxes. I also need to look for end tables in the Antique shops. I am in love with Vintage designs. I realize that if you accent Vintage with a Modern twist it will be spectacular.

A Glimpse of my Life in Dubai

The reason why I squeezed these photos is that, I want to move on with my life. Dubai was FUN. I was way sexier and who knows, maybe I still will with the right diet (Hunger strike!) and exercise.

Ages ago, I had a chance to bag a job at Prime Hotel-Baguio City as a receptionist. After a few months I became a Supervisor. I realized then that the only job I wanted to pursue is in the Hospitality Industry. Then I went back to school with the help and assistance of Papa Vi & Mama Cit. A degree in Hotel & Restaurant Management helped me to work in Pafos, Cyprus & Dubai, UAE.


Dubai will always be a part of me. Next to Baguio City which I consider 2nd home. I think that a lot of good things transpired in here and my career just flourished. I am still waiting for my working permit (which is taking forever!) and right now, all I need to do is just to sit back, relax....and love my husband. The latter statement was his idea.

In 10 years, Beamer and I planned of going back to Dubai. I hope by that time someone I know is still working in the hotel so I could get a discount. Hahahaha!

2 years ago, I had a couple on their senior (guests) and they looked so happy. I asked them if they are planning to come back in Dubai and she said: "Much as I wanted to, we don't go back to the same place."

Apparently, they feel that the world is too big to explore. And I agree with them, personally I might not come back to Dubai because Beamer & I both explored the city but we are sentimental.

The world is my playground and I'm gonna tag my Hubster along.

The Lil' Bear (Tiverton, Rhode Island)

Its getting hotter and humid-er by the minute in The Riv. My hubster's favorite sleeping accessory is a Ralph Lauren comforter (mine too, but mostly his!) which is a wedding gift from Sissy, and I'm afraid he has to part with it already! We started using it 4 months ago and I don't think he wanted to wash it! Gross!

But it has to go to the laundry! It needs to be washed no matter how good his explanation: It gives warmth when your cold and soothes you when you feel hot! I still would recommend a beer for that sort of feeling. Though I'm not a beer drinker anymore. I sort of stopped when I arrived in Dubai. It just doesn't feel right. Frequent visits to the loo is annoying!

The Lil' Bear @ Tiverton, Rhode Island is a small watering hole. It is located near a Nursing Home so you probably might see a lot of Seniors. A bunch of them were singing "Sweet Caroline" when we arrived but I don't get bothered by that. I love the seniors! Most of my guests in the hotel before were Seniors and they are the easiest to please. They are more grateful and appreciative. Plus the fact that they are patient. I think when you reach a certain age everyone of us will be as well.

The previous day I had one of the finest conversations with my BFF, Knox. He referred to me as BFF but I used to refer to him as boyfriend. We were never that, but he is a boy and he is my friend. So technically, he is my boyfriend. He said: You have to spend money to get money. More of the Donald Trump mentality but it got me thinking. What if you don't have money to spend? He said, its like a cycle. You get money, you spend money and then you get money again...

I'm still working with that life concept because I used to splurge on everything. I used to do these things. It didn't get me anywhere but I think that's because I overdo it. Anyway, I spend money on shoes.

What I wanted to explain is that I am a wiser version of myself 10 years ago. I don't think I aged that much because I still feel young. Okay, I must admit that I get tired easily nowadays but hey! Nobody is getting any younger.

He also said its not knowledge which should be considered as power. "Wisdom is Power."

I'm also a wiser shopper now. I shop on whatever is needed more of what I wanted. My husband is a big influence on me. He was such a miser. I know that he changed a lot now and that his only aim is for us to have our own house. I love the guy! He has big dreams for us. Not high and mighty dreams but reachable dreams. We are both realists. He is also helping me with my "Vintage Business" which I have high hopes to prosper. I am just blessed with a wonderful man who supports me in everything and combat my idiosyncrasies. I love waking up beside him knowing that he will stand by me no matter what happens.

He is my Lil' Bear!

Pearls & Wedges

As we all know, I am loving the preppy fashion and though I was informed that "Preppy is a lifestyle, not a fashion style." I think that donning a costume is not a crime!

Though I feel that I should have worn my Cynthia Rowley bootie with this lace dress I think that I did great blending with my in-laws. I think my wedge did great too!


btw, I apologize for not blogging for a few days as I was quite busy. I had a 5 hour drive from The Riv to New Jersey to see my Mom. Then a 3 hour traffic from New Jersey to New York. When Beamer took a wrong turn because of the redirecting GPS:

Me: Where are you going?
Beamer: CRAZY! I am going crazy!
(Ladies & Gentlemen, his infamous road rage!)

I also picked up the newest addition to my roster of foster babies, Kylee. She is on the photo. Then we hang out at the Holiday Inn Saturday Night. Sunday morning we went to the church for the christening of Beamer's twin nephews. We are the Godparents! I'm just always confused which one is my Godson because they do look a lot like each other. Then, we we went to Mirabella, a very cute restaurant! The buffet was ginormous! I love the seafood and their chocolate fountain and a wide array of desserts but I still had the ice cream, as expected. Hahahaha!

Beamer's car had a problem and while the party was ongoing he decided to convince his Godfather/Uncle to help him with his car. The guy was wearing a suit for God's sake! But he was a trooper! Then by 2pm, we checked out from the hotel while Kylee decided to go swimming! I packed the luggage and Beamer stayed at the pool with Kylee and then when I was done packing I went to the pool and took over while he brought them to the car.

We dropped by at his parents and he tried to fix his father's computer while I played with the twins. They are adorable. Then we rode the Ferry which costs $68 but he decided he needed the break from driving. The ferry took 2 hours from our driving. When we docked, we still have to drive for 2 and a half hours.

Monday, I am so tired but we still have to go to the health center for my meds refill. And do some groceries! Kylee loves eating and I am sort of dieting so we need to feed her. We spent $180 for her food and drinks. Right now, she is having a blast with breakfast! In a few minutes, I bet she will again tell me "I'm hungry!" .


She is behaved though. She say "excuse me" & "Thank you." I went shopping and she insisted she get a dress and a handbag! Like Fatboy, she is not much of a burden. She and I clicked because she is like my Barbie.

I am still fatigued but I still have to finish all our costumes for the photo shoot with Phiay Abinal Carino on Friday. I need a Farmer attire for Beamer!

Farm Wedding Invitation

Unbeknownst to everyone, I have a secret blog solely for my FARM WEDDING. I had my City Hall wedding last year, December 28, 2010. This month will mark our 6th Month-sary. Which reminds me, I need to organize a celebratory date and it has to be kid-friendly because we have Kylee Sosa in the house. I was thinking early morning picnic in the beach. With the quilt and a cooler (with juice, mineral & vitamin water, fruits, ice cream) and snacks. Maybe we can grill some meat and veggies as well. I wonder what gift I can give my hubster?

Anyway, if you wish to read my secret blog please do not hesitate to send me your gmail address and I will be more than willing to invite you. I have to warn you though that the blog is a secret and will remain as such until after my Farm wedding is over, by then I can share it to the world.

The photo was taken at Glen Farm, Portsmouth, Rhode Island. My sister, Sugar was the photographer and we were all in a tight schedule and the weather was obviously not on our side. But we made it and we have been getting a lot of good feedback when we sent the postcards as an invitation.

I cant wait for the photo shoot with Phiay Abinal Carino. It will be awesome. Inshallah!

Life is Winning

The shoes I'm wearing is a Kenneth Cole. It is so comfortable. I bought it in Dubai for work and though I was forced to leave some shoes I decided that I must not part with this one. The other shoe brand I love is Naturalizer, not necessarily for style but for the comfort it brings. Aldo is one of my favorite in terms of trend but when its new it sort of gives my feet some beating! Oh, don't get me wrong. I am my mother's daughter. Here's why:

According to Mama Pacita (my mother's eldest sister) when my mother was single she loves high heels and even if her feet is cramped in a wrong size you will not catch her displaying agony. Its what I call "Faking Confidence." I know this because I used to do this when I was in Grade/High School while joining declamation contests. People think I am confident. Hell! Some would even think I am overflowing with confidence. What they don't realize was: I will never let my opponents know that deep inside, my heart was pounding and that if I lose (2nd place means you are the 1st loser!) that doesn't mean they are better than me. I want them to doubt their winning. I want them to realize that my being on 2nd place doesn't mean that the judges are right (those are their decision) but not entirely everyone elses. There should be the benefit of the doubt.

The photo was taken during Salvatore's 4th birthday. Beamer and I decided to have some fun. Though I dont really have much fun nowadays. I don't know why I just cant afford to get drunk anymore. The idea of having a massive hangover just makes me cringe. It sucks being old!

Now that we have opened that topic, I realized that my views in life has changed. 360 degrees as a matter of fact. Sissy and I used to have the need, the need for speed! And now, everything seems to be on slow pace with me.

I still have gazillion things to do. I need to pack (2) box of goodies to send to the Philippines. And the luggage to bring to New York. This Sunday is the christening of Beamer's nephews. I think we are Godparents! I have to prepare his wardrobe and mine too. The thing is, I usually don't have a problem dressing up but since I got married (and my OCD) I feel the urge to match my dress with his. And its very hard to convince him to wear my fashion. Well, you know guys!

Don't worry, I will be posting photos.

Party Forever

It seems like my life in Dubai was in a distant past. Sometimes, I don't remember places anymore. I remember wearing this dress only once. During our staff party at the hotel. It was a FUN party and I was one of the host. I usually host parties in Dubai and some function in the hotel. I somehow got disappointed the last time I did it because I was really not suppose to take that hosting job (btw, it was pro bono) but the lady stated she will make a script for me. I was sort of in shock when the script was not given prior but handed to me 5 minutes before it started and it was the messiest script I've ever laid eyes on. I screwed it up and I sort of cant forgive myself for accepting that offer.

The harm has been done. One thing I've learned in life is that, I cannot  bring back the past. The time machine concept is sick! It stagnates people. When we make a mistake we tend to linger on that specific moment of  lucid stupidity. We want to pull back the time but we cant. And the scene keeps playing on and on until you cannot bear it anymore and the only thing to do is to keep on surviving.

Where was I before I was transported to bitter territory?

Note: I have been receiving a lot of photos (shoes) for the Zara dress giveaway and some of them I would love to wear. Thank you. Keep it coming!

I would like to acknowledge my new followers whom I will refer to as my Fashion Roadies. You will all join me on this journey. And I am thankful. I just hope that somehow I can give something for all of you. 

A frown. A smirk. A smile. A glimpse of hope. A fashion sense. A shoe advice. A friendship.

Educating the Non-Preppy

I love Providence. I love the fact that people there are trendy. It has something to do with Brown University. Although I feel that I am yet to experience the sight of a preppy, I feel that Providence is more of my style.

I am in awe of how clean (in terms of fashion) a PREPPY is. They are not the American Eagle, Abercrombie + Fitch wearing teenagers as what others perceive them to be. I think those are called "hippie" but hey! I am not a fashion professional. I stand to be corrected by a REAL PREPPY only.


Here is the definition of a Preppy that an author named Lilly stated on Urban Dictionary:
Preppy as in boarding schools and summers on Nantucket. Preppy as in WASP and old money. As in LL Bean fur moccasins and ribbons in your hair, and flip-flops when it's 10 degrees outside. As in sailing and Topsiders and looking back on your house from your boat and being so, so happy. Preppy as in buying clothes not for the label but for what they look like. Preppy as in collars up and Nantucket Red shorts faded to pink. As in crew, tennis, squash, lacrosse. As in Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Maine. As in Ivy League and prep schools with the word "academy" in their names. 

(May I just quote that the only thing similar with me and a preppy is that right now I live in Massachusetts.)

Preppy (girls) essentials include:
ribbon belts,minimal makeup (or better, none), minimal hair styling, pearls, oxfords, polos, chinos, birkinstock clogs, sauconys, headbands, cableknit sweaters, brightly colored pants, cropped pants, jack rogers sandals, lilly pulitzer sundresses, longchamp/herve chapelier/vineyard vines/ll bean totes, patagonia fleeces, reef sandals, JCrew bathing suits, rainbow sandals,moccasins/topsiders, and many more.
preppy (boys) essentials include:
brightly colored baseball hats, rainbow sandals, Ralph Lauren polo shirts (in ALL colors- the brighter the better), nautical rope bracelets, nantucket red khakis, messy/unkempt hair (or minimal styling), other brightly colored khakis/shorts, crewneck sweaters, flannel/plaid oxfords, rope belts, striped ties, vineyard vines ties, LL bean boots, patagonia fleeces, navy blazers + khakis, topsiders, and much more.

So now I think that even if I am deeply awed by a preppy, I will never be one. I sort of realized that when there is NOTHING, absolutely no clothing of any sorts mentioned above. Even my hubster doesn't have one. However, I feel that one day Beamer and I will vacation in Cape Cod and don a preppy attire.

"Preppy is a lifestyle. Not a Fashion style." So there, I'm not a preppy. Never will and ever be. But no one can stop me from wearing a costume. Right?

One day. One Day.

Burj Al Arab

Beamer & I had our first date in Dubai in this world's 7 star hotel. We had Afternoon Tea at the Skyview Bar. He did not enjoy the Panoramic lift because of his fear of heights but it was worthwhile.

I have been to Burj 4 times. The first time was with my gay guests and it was a surprise because I thought I will just accompany them at their brand new penthouse at Le Reve, Marina (which was awesome!) and then they said let's have coffee at the best place to have coffee in Dubai. At the back of my mind I was thinking...Starbucks? Hey, I'm not a coffee lover. I throw up having massive dose of coffee than alcohol.

Then, I organized a show around with A, G, BB & Wendy. Next, I had the "date" with my "Mahal Ko" (See, most Filipinas who are married to foreigners call their better half as such because they usually ask to translate LOVE in our language. I decided to place KO in the Mahal as I am possessive! lol) and the last visit was a dinner @ Al Iwan with BB, Wendy & the birthday girl, Glaizing.

Do I miss my life in Dubai? Of course! Do I have regrets moving to the glamorous USA? Absolutely NOT! I love Dubai and it will be close to my heart (next to Baguio City) but I don't see a future (my future) there. Dubai is for the singletons. Dubai is FUN and Fashion is a big element of life. Dubai means parties and beach and booze and shopping and FUN. But in the end, after all the partying, you wake up, with a terrible hangover and its like reality pulls you a little bit closer and you think to yourself, Is this what I want in life?

So the answer to that question is obviously NOT! I want more from life. I want to make money and spend it. I want all the beautiful things (not necessarily expensive) and I want to travel and see the world and I want to spend this lifetime with my one true love. Because, at the end of the day... We only live once.

*referral of USA as glamorous is only and solely inspired by JUICY!

The Bumming Babysitter

Let me just reiterate that I am not really a good babysitter. I was never like Beamer who genuinely loves kids. I think I can only love kids from afar. But kids loves me. And those kids who does, I feel the urge to reciprocate it.

I think the reason why kids love me is because I am fashionable. I love dressing up and they on the other hand love colors. It doesn't necessarily mean that I am an efficient sitter because I love doing sorts of things all at the same time. Like right now, I decided to clean the house and while I was doing it I suddenly thought to myself that I need to decide what dress to wear on Beamer's nephews christening. So, I decided to rummage on my closet and then I realized that some of my clothes don't fit me anymore. Of course, I was depressed and I ate an ice cream from the fridge and watched Real Housewives of OC (Season Finale) and shed a few tears (because I'm FAT, not because Vicki is having a divorce) and now...I'm blogging my frustration.

In conclusion, I think kids are adorable. They are! Especially the cute ones! But I have ADHD and that made me the not-so-perfect Nanny!

Now please excuse me as I have to finish the original plan of cleaning...but wait, I have to find a dress for the christening. Jeez!

Bienvenue Fashionistas

Somehow I feel the urge to introduce myself and warn you of my idiosyncrasies. If you by any chance abhor people who loves themselves then I suggest you move on to another blog now. If you think that life is to be taken seriously I would like to inform you kindly, this blog is NOT for you.


And here are some of the things I love in no specific order:

1.) FASHION: Right now I'm loving Tadashi Shoji and Jovani Gowns

2.) Shoes: I can never have enough.

3.) The Hubster: He will be referred to as BEAMER.

4.) The Family: Need I say more?

5.) The Friends: Only the tried and tested friendship will endure.

I actually love all things beautiful and creative. I love movies and music. I am a mood dresser. I do not believe on dress codes, they only apply to people who don't know how to dress themselves. I have gazillion shoes and my closet has room for more. I love to dress up and now that I'm married, I love dressing Beamer too. I have good feedback from his colleagues and friends about his fashion. Now that he is into golf, I am racking my brains for cool golf outfits and basically hang out with Beamer watching golf on TV just so I have an idea what these golfers actually wear. Hey! I'm a novice in golf fashion.

I am from the Philippines and lived in Dubai for 4 years. I moved to the glamorous USA since my one true love lured me with his deep blue eyes. Did I mention I love shoes?
I have been a blogger since 2009 but prior to that I have bajillion bookbinded journals dated back when I was 17. I started my diary when I was a kid but my mom was so nosy!

The sole purpose of this BLOG:

Sissy (my soul sister) has a lil' sister Phiay and she told me that there is this website where you can post your self-portraits (Did I tell you I am a camera whore?) and then in a period of 365 days you will know that you have improved to be a photographer.

This concept has inspired me. Of course, I cant be on that website because I do not own a hi-tech camera but I wanted to see if I improve my FASHION in a period of a year.

As I am a mood dresser ( I can wear ballet flats today and skyscraper stilettos the next) I feel that this will be more of a challenge. I also decided to sell a part of my wardrobe to truly fashionable people who respects and knows beauty when they see one. Okay, so I'm fat! What's your excuse? Pass me the ice cream please!

For Comments, Suggestions or Violent Reactions please contact me at shoepaholic.fashionista@gmail.com.