Luxurious Must-Haves: U-Boat watches and the Adidas Porsche Design S

I remember the wise words of our tour guide, Joanna, in HK during one of our trips there.

"Buy something for yourself. Make yourself happy. You worked hard. You deserve it."

She was pertaining of course to shopping at the outlet stores she brought us to.

But then again, I loved what she said and thus, I have made it my mantra since then.

Work hard, buy more. Haha!

A lot of people are saying that I already own a lot of pairs of shoes.

But I believe that I can never have enough.

As I've said in my previous post, I will work hard for a pair shoes...

and more recently, even harder for a U-boat watch. :)

I got invited recently to view the latest collection of U-boat watches at its flagship store in Resorts World Manila.

When I was told about the store's location, I said to myself that this brand must be really high end.

And I wasn't wrong.

Prior to my scheduled visit, I did my own research by visiting U-boat's website: www.uboatwatch.it

Of course I needed to familiarize myself with the brand and arm myself with bits and pieces of information for more bibo mode. Haha!

I found out that it was created by Italo Fontana, an Italian who was inspired by the experiences of his grandfather, Ilvo Fontana, who used to design watches for the pilots of the Italian Navy.

At present, each and every U-boat watch carries its rich Italian history with its updated look, making it a timeless luxury for the privileged few.

So I'm one heck of a lucky guy, I told myself. Haha!

After doing my research, I quickly planned my outfit.

Another box. Another surprise. 

I opted for a Friday look with a twist: a checkered pink polo top,  gray pants and a pair of Adidas Porsche Design S.

Yup, I didn't have a hard time thinking about what to wear.

Maybe because I already knew what the brand was all about. All I needed was to come up with an ensemble that's just as classy.

The Adidas Porsche Design S was the best pick.

It boasts of a sleek design inspired by the luxury car bearing the same name.

Made of highly-durable leatherette that promises comfort at its finest.

A highly versatile pair that can go well with jeans as much as provide unparalleled elegance when paired with slacks.

And at P 4,695...it's one luxury that's really within reach.

The big day finally came and I headed off to Resorts World Manila for the store visit.

I was greeted by an elegant reception area and friendly staff members.

In fairness, VIP much. Haha!

I loved the modern minimalist interiors of the store. Sosyal.:)

And the watches....were to die for!

At present, U-boat carries the Classico Model and the Flight Deck Model in its flagship store.

The Classico model is the entry level. Elegantly basic. I love the fact that U-Boat watches have generally big faces. Helps me keep track of time easier, not to mention, makes the watch stand-out more. 

It looks good right? If I had the extra money to spare, I would have bought this on the spot. But I didn't have P 110,000 in my pocket so I gave it a pass. Haha! 

I loved this black flight deck model as well. Very sporty looking, perfect for those always on the go. Could use one. Must save. Haha!

U-Boat Watches have this unique lock that's both sophisticated and functional. I was quite amazed the first time I saw how it works. Haha! The dumb blonde strikes again. :)

U-boat also has the regular straps..some of which were made from rare elephant skin! Fierce! 

Oh, take a look at this limited edition.

What a beauty indeed! I was totally blown away when I saw it.

And when I heard how much it costs, I nearly fainted. Haha! 

Clue: Enough to pay the 30% downpayment of a brand new sedan. 

Whew.

But for watch lovers. I know it's totally worth it.

If I could only afford to buy all these. Haha! 

Given that each watch has a two-year international warranty, I guess investing in one wouldn't hurt.

But if I do decide to get one, perhaps the Classico model would do. I really loved its citrus color. 

But I'll worry about that later. 

Once U-Boat gives me a VERY, VERY GOOD discount.:)

Watch out for U-Boat's Latest Collection this coming July 2011!

Back to Shoot Basics: The Toms Bleached Denim Cordones

It's been a while since I handled my last photo shoot. I mean, advertising campaigns don't necessarily require shoots every now and then.

So guess how excited I was when I managed to book three...in a week's time. :) God is good.;)

My excitement even doubled because of the fact that I finally got my company shirt. :) On its 5th year, my advertising agency leveled up. Finally. Haha. Now I'm looking forward to getting a matching jacket as well. Haha!

Ok, haven't had it ironed yet. Haha!

With barely enough time to spare, I proceeded to plot my shoot outfit.

Shoot Style Basics:

1.) The company shirt
2.) The default jeans
3.) And a pair of comfortable shoes

Items number one and two almost instantaneously got checked. I got stumped on the third one.

Since it's the first time my team and I will be wearing our company shirts, then I might as well try something new with it, I told myself silently.

But of course, that something new must be edgy enough to compliment my shirt's simplicity (despite the presence of my colorful logo) and my jeans' plain cut.

I was drawn towards my drawer where I placed all the pairs which I haven't worn yet and carefully took out one box.

Last time I mentioned in my post some of the pairs I wanted to get from TOMS.

Well...I did. I think you should have known better. Haha!

Presenting the Toms Bleached Denim Cordones.

Dyaran!

I can't simply get over its artsy-fartsy look with the cute paint-like splatters all over it! Quirky and Fierce!

Made of durable lightweight denim for that rugged look. Can make any plain ensemble look scorching hot.

And if it's a pair of Toms shoes, it's definitely comfortable.:)

Perfect for a long day...of shooting.:)


Check out my dalmatian-inspired denim pair with my chosen look back stage.:)

Don't you just love it? :)

And the bonus? 

I managed to give another pair of shoes to a kid in need. :) Not bad for a pair that costs P3,795.:)

Indeed, wearing the Toms Bleached Denim Cordones can be so rewarding!

Independence Day Find: Diesel Slip Frogger at 70% off --Almost Free.

I just have to blog about this. :)

While I was waiting for the 5pm mass earlier this afternoon, I went around Gateway and found my way to Trod, the exclusive distributor of Diesel Shoes.

I've always loved visiting this store for the said brand. I mean, Diesel IS DIESEL afterall.

I was greeted by a huge signage: SALE.

And that was the cue.

I hurried inside and found myself focused on a pair of slippers.

It's been a while since I got a pair. Too focused on shoes.

But with my upcoming trip to Cebu for an event, I knew I had another excuse in tow. Plus my black dragon-inspired Havaianas have availed of early retirement benefits recently. Haha.

So I grabbed a pair that caught my fancy. The Diesel Slip Frogger.

It was a sleek black pair of sandals with cute tiny straps. The X-straps reminded me of the movie I recently watched. Timely.

Lightweight and easy to pair with any outfit. Quite comfy too.

Check out the quirky face. Love it. :)

After making my choice, I checked on the tag price and almost dropped my pair in disbelief.

Original Price: P 1,610.

Sale Price: P 483. No Joke. At 70% off.

Last pair of my size.

Now that's a done deal. :)

What a way to cap off a beautiful weekend break.

Oh happy independence day everyone.

Check out the pair I got, almost for free. :) The Diesel Slip Frogger.

Can't wait to wear it.:)



Check out the other Diesel items on sale at the Trod store, located at the 3rd Level of Gateway Mall.

A Fierce Gift: Tiger Onitsuka Mexico 66 Lauta

Age is but a number.

That is why I don't mind posting my upcoming 30th birthday celebration on Facebook. Can I just say, I love this cake? Sorry for the segue. Hehe.

As long as I don't look and feel the part, I'm good. Haha. Forever 24 at heart. :)

A lot of my close friends took notice and began asking me about how I plan to celebrate my 30th birthday.

Oh nothing special. Most probably I'll just take my usual 1 week leave from work, donate to charity and shop abroad.

What will make it special are your gifts for me, I jokingly said.

Ok, admittedly it's half-meant. So sue me.

Who doesn't like receiving presents? :)

I'm glad one of my close friends took it seriously. Haha!

Ivy and I have been good friends for several years now, since the day I started working for Adformatix: I was one of the creative heads, she was a senior account manager then.

Check out our pic, circa 2004 taken at our office then. Ivy is the one on the left, on the right is another good friend, Vianca. 

Blame it on the red pants I wore on the first day. That caught her attention, enough for her to befriend me, and enjoy each and every moment together amidst stress.

After several years and a couple of big advertising agencies later here and abroad, we still managed to remain as close as ever.

Fast forward to last year, 2010. At my office. With my two beloved muses.:)

Ah the true gift of friendship. Priceless. :)

As priceless as the gift Ivy bought me from Vietnam recently when she came for a visit.

It was such a pleasant surprise.

Despite the fact that she did away with the usual gift wrapping, her writing skills never did fail to amuse me.

Ok. Pardon my ignorance in flipping pics. Haha. But am sure you got her point. :)

But I was totally speechless when I saw her gift. 

A pair of Tiger Onitsuka Mexico 66 Lauta. A popular shoe brand from Japan. 

It was love at first sight. I already saw this brand in HK and a couple of weeks back at Greenbelt 3.

In fairness, sosyal na ang friend ko, I told myself while laughing.

I love the striking color combination. As fierce as its namesake. Rawr!

Size 9.5. My size. Perfect.

Trying it on was indeed an orgasmic experience. Comfort at its finest.:)

Aylovet!

Since Ivy will only be staying here for a week, I decided to wear it the following day when we were scheduled to meet up with other friends for a night out. 

Here was my chosen look while having coffee...

...and enjoying with friends. 

Less pounds for ivy, less hair for me. Haha!

But one thing is for sure though: our love for each other grew more. :)

Thank you for the gift of true friendship Ivy. 

And for the fabulous Tiger Onitsuka Mexico 66 Lauta pair.:) 

Pay Day Treat: Toms Grey Chambray Cordones

After so many years of working as an advertising junkie, I have mastered the art of dealing with stress.

First, breathe. A must. Failure to do so will lead to disaster obviously. Haha!

Next, turn away from your monitor and take a sip of your favorite coffee. Savor the moment. The effect won't last long...just long enough to calm your nerves and have the next job order sent to your email.

And lastly, pack-up, leave and head to the mall and engage in retail therapy.

I am a firm believer of all three steps, most especially the last one.

Based on experience, I feel most recharged after getting myself anything from the mall.

As in anything. From a cute shirt to a new pair of shoes. I can even settle for a gourmet cup of yogurt or a basic cheeseburger. Anything to keep my mind off work.

Last weekend was no exception.

You see, I've been bombarded with overwhelming work load since early this year, which basically means business is doing well (thank God!). Don't get me wrong, I am not complaining.

But I am only human.

Handling multiple projects all at the same time can be quite a tedious task. And that is an understatement.

So when I finally found the opportunity to just take a breather last weekend, I was quick to accept an invitation to head to Makati for a shopping spree.

Hmmm...since I have an out of town event coming up, might as well get myself a pair of comfortable walkers.

Without thinking twice, I asked my companion to accompany me to Nothing But H20. Apart from being the exclusive distributor of Toms Shoes, Nothing But H20 has the cutest eco bag.:)

Yup, you already know the drill: Canvass, canvass, fit, buy, work hard. The life of a SHOEpaholic.

I already went to several branches of Nothing But H20 in search of my most coveted pair: the Grey Chambray Cordones.

Always out of stock. :(

With no intention of getting anything in particular, I went in the store and scanned the merchandise.

My goodness, I nearly lost my consciousness when I saw my dream pair available.

"Miss, you have a size 9.5 for this one?", I asked almost breathlessly.

Yes Sir, kakarating lang po niyan ngayon! Excited much siya, I swear.

I know right. I waited for like three months di ba? , I said to myself.

But I was just too happy (and excited) to retort back.

Yes, you guessed it right.

Another serendipitous pair.

I liked everything about it:

The light gray colored body with cream laces made it a versatile pair perfect for both casual strolls and semi-formal occasions. Can't wait to try this on with my suit!

The comfortable insoles were simply divine. Walking on sunshine. Haha!

And the price? Well P 3,795 is nothing when you are able to give another pair to a child in need.:)

And I was just too generous since it was pay day. Haha!

See, purchase justified. :)

Oh and the bonus: the cute shoe bag and the sticker that comes with each pair.:)

So here's my chosen weekend look to go with my new pair:

So whatever happened after my retail therapy?

Let's just say that despite my full schedule, I'm having a great week.

Since I got my Toms Grey Chambray Cordones. :)