Beautiful 2011

As promised, here I am with my last blog entry for 2011.

“The thing about life is that everytime you learn a new lesson there’s just another one right around the corner. You know, you never know everything. I think , you know for me I just kinda giving up and I’m like I know nothing compared to what I’m going to know someday, and I stop thinking everything I knew awhile ago. I think, the last time I thought off of everything when I was um….FIFTEEN” - Taylor Swift

I would definitely describe this year as full of lessons. I realized that almost every day we learn something and sometimes we learn it the hard way. They are literally never ending and sometimes we get tired of it, but in my opinion its the building blocks that make us who we are and help us grow as a person. Taylor Swift said "everytime you learn a new lesson there’s just another one right around the corner. You know, you never know everything." I definitely agree with her 100% on that, I'd rather not know what lessons I'm about to learn because in reality we'll never ever know whats coming at us. I say this year was full of lessons because I realized that I really am getting older and reality really took its bite. I found out more about myself, my friendships, love and everything in between. I wouldn't call this year a roller coaster, I'd call it more of a Carousel. It goes round and round, but the thing with carousels is that every time it spins not everything is the same. I wouldn't generalize 2011 as a good or bad year because I don't think there ever is a good year. It will always have its ups and downs, whether we like it or not. We just have to get up and face life just like everyone does. This year was full of firsts, it was my first time to go on a beach trip with my friends, first time to help assist in an editorial, first time finding out... and a whole lot of other firsts. It was also this year I listened to a song that generally helped me and this song must have helped you too. I'm sure most of you know the song Who Says by Selena Gomez & The Scene. This song really captured my heart the first time it played which was back in March or late Feb. Its definitely one of my most favorite songs, and it will always be relevant in my life. Its just sooo positive and its that song wherein I could be 86 and listen to it and still feel good. There is one line in the song that I always tell/remind myself every day. When she says "You've got every right to a beautiful life," that line really struck me because I believe everyone deserves to live a life of their dreams. It could be owning a factory full of cookies, having your own clothing line or whatever, but we can't just sit around waiting for it to happen. WE HAVE TO MAKE IT HAPPEN. There you have it, my New Year's Resolution is to make things happen. Thank you to everyone who made 2011 for me such a beautiful year even with its ups and downs! I wish all of you have a good New Years Eve and a beautiful 2012! 


You tell 'em what you mean
But they keep whiting out the truth
It's like a work of art
That never gets to see the light
Keep you beneath the stars
Won't let you touch the sky

With that I leave you guys my favorite song and music video of 2011. I hope you dolls love it especially if you haven't heard or seen it, which I really doubt.

Despedida Soltera

Hola dolls/bellas! Few more hours to till we say goodbye to 2011 and greet the end of the err... 2012 with open arms. I've been trying to think about what to write for my new years post, but I decided to give you guys an outfit post while I try whip up an entry for tonight!

Last night was tita's despedida soltera since she's getting married next week! It was so much fun, met new people, ate a ton of food, got to see my beloved other tita aka shembot member Nicole and a lot more. Anyways I decided to wear something simple, so I decided to throw on this beautiful new Tuxedo Blazer I got from Lauren Conrad's line LC LAUREN CONRAD.

What I Wore: LC Lauren Conrad Tuxedo Blazer, Bench white button up polo, Forever 21 Skinny jeans, Mundo at The Ramp espadrille flatforms

I hope all of you guys are getting ready for a fabulous New Years Eve! Get those sparklers and sequins ready! 

bisou bisou 

AMEN†FASHION

Rafael

The Darmody

Hey dolls! Gonna keep this short! Pardon all the grammar punctuations, since I only got 20 minutes to write this entry. I got bored and searched for new hairstyles online to try out for 2012. You know that whole new look new year. Whatever you call it. Honestly, nothing gave me a wow factor upon searching for hair styles it all looked the same and some I like but would not look good on me. Then last night I stumbled onto Prada's S/S 2012 campaign featuring one of my favorite actors Michael Pitt(The Dreamers, Boardwalk Empire, etc). Plus I've always loved how dapper his hair and style was in Boardwalk Empire. He was sporting his usual undercut hair style and I felt so inspired I decided to try this new hair salon out near my house called Mane Events. Instead of calling it an undercut, I decided to call it "The Darmody." I got nervous at first cause I had no idea how it was gonna look, but you guys be the judge of that!

My Peg: Michael Pitt

Prada S/S 2012

Boardwalk Empire

Then my take on "The Darmody!!!"

There you have it! I have got rid of the Bieber hair and replaced it with something more edgy! Perfect for 2012! Hope you guys like it! 

bisou bisou 

AMEN†FASHION
Rafael

Cheers to The Birthday Boy

Wishing you and your beautiful family a blessed Christmas!

Sequin at a Time

While writing this entry I am currently getting ready for the SoFA Christmas party. If you guys don't know every year SoFA has a Christmas party with a theme, and this year the chosen theme was 70s aka Disco. Upon reading/hearing about the theme, I immediately was trying to figure out what I wanted to wear. I didn't know if I wanted to be a hippie or a disco diva! haha I decided to mix both since I've always loved the style of hippies and being a diva. cheka. Just today I was able to find the main piece to my outfit, and of course it had to have sequins. Whats life with no glitter and sequins. Nicole and I decided to hit Forever 21 right after class and search for the perfect outfit, and we were definitely contented with our finds. I was able to snag this beautiful basic black blazer with electric blue sequin sleeves. I immediately grabbed it upon seeing it. There was also a powder pink one, but Nic told me to get the black one. It was such a good choice too since I could definitely use it more often than the pink one.

The blazer is actually from F21's Heritage 1981. I have always been a fan of H81, idk if its me but I like the fit of their clothes more than F21's. I also noticed the clothes from H81 has much more character.

Again, the sleeeeevessssssss.

The blazer is actually from their signature collection.

You can never have too many Party Headbands! Got this since, I'll be changing my gold knot headband to this when we head to Fiamma. 

Thats all for now! Now I gotta get ready since I have to be at SoFA before 6! Gotta get my groove on! cheka. 

bisou bisou 

AMEN†FASHION
Rafael

All I Want I Want for Christmas

Hey dolls/bellas! Its that time of the year again, in a few weeks we'll all be with our families enjoying the holidays. I just wanna share my wish list this Christmas, and don't worry I'm not asking you guys to purchase any of this. I just wanted to share it, and maybe you guys could share yours too! ;)

WISH LIST

1. Katy Perry Concert Tickets - I missed her last time and I won't miss her again! Wouldn't it be awesome to kick off 2012 with the California Gurl herself! I can't miss this!

2. Victorious Tote Bag - I usually treat myself to a Christmas gift every year, and its usually a celebrity or disney merchandise. Last year, I bought myself a Lady GaGa sweatshirt. This year I ordered something from Toys R' Us! I got myself the 18in tote Victorious tote bag since my Selena Gomez/ Wizards of Waverly Place messenger bag is super overused and I'm beginning to love Victoria Justice. Thanks to my friend Kristen! I ordered this item through my friend with no hesitation. Plus its the perfect size for my everyday use since I can fit my laptop, folders, magazines and etc. PERFECT SCHOOL BAG! Another bonus was it was on super sale and it had an awesome promo. From $19 to $14 and it comes with a free... Victoria Justice/Tori Doll! hahaha The inner kid in me. I can't wait for this to arrive this January! 

3. Forever 21 Gift Card - This would instantly make me the happiest person. Anything that helps me update my wardrobe for next year makes me super happy and I simply love Forever 21! Time to stock up on basics!

4. 3 Hole Doc Martens - If you guys haven't heard, Doc Martens recently opened in the Philippines. So happy hearing about this since the last time DMs were in the Philippines they closed down. I was just lucky enough to grab 2 pairs, both were on sale too. Now they're back and I'm eyeing myself a pair of simple black 3 hole docs!

5. Creepers - I have been coveting a pair non-stop since the day I saw Avril Lavigne wear a pair back then. I might add this to my gift to myself! 

6. Lady GaGa x Terry Richardson Book - Now all of you know how much of a Lady GaGa fan I am. This is definitely a must have for both GaGa fans and fashion enthusiasts. Making sure I get a copy of this. It would look so good next to my copy of Olsen Twins' Influence.

Well thats all for now actually. Now how about you guys? Whats on your Christmas Wish list this 2011?

bisou bisou,
AMEN†FASHION
Rafael

Calling All Male & Female Models

Image Source: HERE

Hola Dolls & Bellas! My classmates and I really need all your help with this since its for our Fashion Promotions finals. We're putting on our very own fashion show titled "FASHION, THE 13th," and for most of us its our very first time planning one! You can help by recommending someone you know, if you're a model yourself, you know an agency or if you think you've got what it takes!

Image Source: HERE

Looking for both male (5'8''- 6'1) and female (5'7-5'11) models. Go-see is on Friday, Dec. 9, 9-12), SoFA Design Institute, Enzo Bldg, Buendia Makati City. For a January 2012 Show - Fashion the 13th


For more questions, info and etc:


Email: rafaelayuyao@yahoo.com


Twitter: rafaelmaxxie


Thanks dolls!

bisou bisou,

AMEN†FASHION
Rafael

Bloggers United Haul

RETAIL THERAPY. If theres one thing that can calm me down its that. Yesterday, Bloggers United 2 took place at Treston College. Now if you guys haven't heard of it, which I'm sure most of you have. Its basically a bazaar wherein bloggers and a few others have a bazaar to sell stuff(clothes, accessories, shoes, etc). Its that one chance where you'll be able to shop your favorite blogger's wardrobe. Yup you head that right their wardrobe! Anyways straight to the point, I WENT CRAZY. Shopped with The Little Big Spender(Inna) herself and our friend Daniel Ymbong. Sadly wasn't able to take photos of the event itself. :(

Purchases

Patricia Prieto's Booth

Zipper Necklace: This was the first item I bought, since I decided to go Patricia and Kryz's booth first! When Pat showed me her box of accessories that were on sale I immediately noticed and actually remembered this zipper necklace she wore to school once! Super fell in love with this piece and bought with no hesitation since its such a statement. 

Sunnies & Scarf: Aside from the zipper necklace I saw this beautiful scarf also inside the box of accessories, again I grabbed with no hesitation. Perfect accessory to attach to your bag! After checking the box of accessories, my eyes all of a sudden shifted to another box of accessories. This time in that box were rings, earrings and sunnies! Then upon looking I saw this round framed sunnies, then again I grabbed it and bought it from PATTTTT! 

The only thing better than regular skulls are PINK SKULLS.

This has definitely become my new favorite cardigan!

Minnie Muse x Forever 21 Cardigan: ABSOLUTELY MY MOST FAVORITE FIND DURING THIS BAZAAR. I just adore this exclusive collaboration of F21 and Disney. They put Minnie Mouse on fashion steroids and made her look fashionable. I remember seeing this cardigan last year, when I visited Forever 21. I was actually gonna ask Pat if she was gonna sell this cardigan, but of course I forgot. Finding this was actually coincidence, I was just making chikka/making jokes with Pat about how I'd buy a skirt from her and I won't fit etc. Then she suddenly told me to buy her Minnie Muse cardigan. She grabbed it from a pile of clothes then again and again with no hesitation I PURCHASED IT! Super happy with this, and I can see the abuse this cardigan is gonna go through! 

Studded Bucket Bag: I've always wanted a bucket bag, but I couldn't seem to find one that suited my style. I found this when I was checking out the pile of bags Pat had at the side of her booth. When buying this It was actually a competition bet. this and another studded bag, but I felt the studded bucket bag could be my everyday bag. PLUS you'll never guess how much I got this bag for! ;)

THANKS BESH SOOOO MUCH FOR HELPING ME PICK OUT THESE ITEMS AND ADDING ME TO YOUR GUESTLIST! SOOO HAPPY! <3 YOU!

Gelo Arucan's Booth

FINALLY!

Fox Tail: After shopping at Pat's booth, I remembered I NEEDED to buy a foxtail at Gelo Arucan's booth. How did I know he was selling fox tails? Well he made an entry previewing what he'll be selling at the blogger's bazaar. I was just sooo excited to make this purchase, since I've been wanting a fox tail after seeing it on Nasty Gal and lookbook.nu!

Mike Magallanes' Booth

From Minnie Mouse to Hello Kitty! 

D-Mop x Hello Kitty Sweatshirt: After buying my fox tail, I decided to pay Toxic Dico Boy aka Mike Magallanes' booth a visit. I also saw a preview of the clothes he was gonna be selling. As I was sorting through his rack of clothes, he was nice enough to show me some pieces I might be interested in. One of the pieces first showed me was this very very very intriguing Hello Kitty piece. 

Cape Top: After showing me the Hello Kitty sweatshirt, I asked if he had more capes then he showed me this divine cape looking top. 

Daryl Chang's Booth

Folded & Hung Oversized Top: Found this top when sorting through Daryl's rack of clothes. I actually didn't notice this till I actually looked through the rack again. When I saw it I immediately fell in love with the print and the size. I just love oversized shirts, and this one was a winner! Perfect for a lazy day, definitely pairing this up with denim shorts and black converse. 

Andre Chang's Booth

It took me a while to figure out how to wear this vest!

Studded X Back Vest: I was sooo excited to shop Andre's booth, since I've been following him on lookbook ever since! I just felt sooo bad since I saw sooo many nice jackets at his booth, but sadly some were too small. I didn't give up though, I just needed to buy a piece from Andre's booth! After minutes of looking and sorting I found this very interesting vest. 

Paul Jatayna's Booth

Heather Miss Grey Shirt: I think this was the last item I bought at the bazaar. Found this while making chikka with Paul and looking at the clothes he was selling. I actually wasn't gonna get this at first, I was suppose to get another top from him but for some reason and with the convincing of Inna that Heather Miss Grey shirt haunted me! I decided to change that top and get the HMG shirt instead! Another very interesting piece! One of my favorite finds from the bazaar too! 

Thats basically all of the stuff I got and came home with from the bazaar! I'm actually happier with my finds from this bazaar compared to the St. James Bazaar, plus everything fits perfectly! I was able to buy all the things I wanted without that shopping guilt! 

Congrats to everyone behing Bloggers United 2! Judging from all the pictures I've been seeing, the event was super successful! To the ones that weren't able to attend this shopping experience, hate to say it but you missed out! Can't wait for the next one!

bisou bisou,

AMEN†FASHION
Rafael

Marni X H&M

HOLA DOLLS/BELLAS! I'm so happy, to see that my view counts really went up after my Greyson Chance entry. Now I know the key to all of your hearts! More Greyson! What if I turn my blog into a fansite! cheka.

The real topic... Recently, H&M released their collaboration with Versace a few weeks ago. Like I said I wasn't really a fan of the collection cause some pieces were leaning towards a hoochie look. It's not that I hated it, it just wasn't my cup of tea. Anyways, for the people who weren't feeling the Versace collaboration, weren't able to get a piece or whatever. DON'T FRET. H&M has already a new designer collaboration on the way this SPRING 2012. This label is actually a personal favorite of mine... MARNI. Yes the Italian fashion label started by Consuelo Castiglioni is collaborating with the fast fashion brand! When I read about this, oh the music in my ears. Upon seeing the news on my twitter feed, I could already imagine all the beautiful prints, fabric, texture, silhouettes of the designs and of course their MENSWEAR. I just love that they stuck to their their style since then and brand aesthetic of "European-inflicted bohemianism." Just like what Tim Blanks of style.com said that Consuela doesn't aim for the graphic kind of sexuality, but the "sensuality of the mind." 

PRINTS PRINTS PRINTS

MENSWEAR!!! I can't wait till they show the lookbook! 

Menswear Spring 2012(image source: HERE)

If you noticed or google their menswear designs aka Marni Man, they stick to a cleaner, polished, colorful, bold, younger look. Its also very easy to incorporate with your own closet. A lot of it can also be a staple/essential piece for your wardrobe/everyday wear which is always a great thing. Now hopefully this entry helped and get you guys excited for MARCH 8, 2012. Yes, there is a date for this collection already. Thankfully its on my birthday month, so I'll definitely be saving for this collection!

bisou bisou,

AMEN†FASHION
Rafael