Curbside Stories

I have found the perfect conversation piece inside any one's house.  This vase , Crokkis, is one of the many designs of Kenneth Cobonpue, an international furniture designer from Cebu, Philippines. The bent metal resembles bamboos cut at different lengths.  The holes are inserted with glass tubes that serves as the actual vase.   His designs are unique but does not sacrifice functionality.  His use of indigenous materials and mixing it with contemporary materials to form truly exceptional furniture are so brilliant, an art in itself, that his works are exported in the US, United Kingdom, Middle East and in Asian countries. To see more of his designs, click here .

Constantly rummaging in your closet to find what to wear on any occasion?  The LBD ( little black dress ) is your best friend to the rescue--all you have to do is change accessories.  Here are a few tips on how to add attitude to your LBD. BELT Add instant hour glass shape to your body by using a belt.  Just choose ones with striking details so that attention will be on your waist if you want to accentuate it.    This belt only sells for $59.99 at belts.com .       NECKLACE   Whether it is pearl, diamond, crystals or beads, necklaces will surely add sophistication to your LBD.  Try these Lauren by Ralph Lauren single strand metal bead necklace  at Bloomingdale's .  A statement necklace will draw attention to your neck and your face.     BRACELET A really nice bracelet can also add attitude to your LBD like this W/A Studios Always Alluring Bracelet  at Max & Chloe .  This bracelet sells for $94.   BROOCH A strategically placed brooch (i.e. chest and wai

Shoe trends never cease to amaze me but the recent runway shows were so over the top, no human being would want to walk the streets wearing these craziest shoes ever. 1. Stinky feet plus these fish slippers equals no appeal!  Imagine your feet touching slippery and stinky fish.  You will be the talk of the town with these.  Yikes! 2. This geisha inspired shoe is by Alexander McQueen from his Spring-Summer Collection 2008. 3. Victoria Beckham fell for the invisible heels by Antonio Berardi.  She was seen wearing the boots version, thank goodness David was there to assist. 4. From e-bay , this shoe's current bid is $0.99.  Would you buy these ? 5. Killer heels... literally!  This spikey shoe , I bet, was inspired by a porcupine. To get a glimpse of other craziest shoes ever made, click here .

I am crazy about layered necklaces because it can transform a dull shirt to instant glam.  Check out these three options: SPLURGE Studio Barse Layered Necklace, $269 at The Find . SAVE Pearl and Chain Layered Necklace , $79 at Harmony Lane . STEAL Silver Pearl Crystal Bead Flower Layered Necklace from Torrid that sells for $14.

Boyfriend shirts are the in thing right now in fashion for just a few simple reasons: 1. It is so comfortable and easy to wear. 2. You can borrow your boyfriend's shirt if you don't want to buy or don't have the money. 3. Nobody will know if you ate too much because it actually conceals the bulges. 4. You can wear with as it is (beware of flashing bulbs and peep shows) or wear it with leggings , shorts, skinny pants or a formal skirt (remember Sharon Stone's?). 5. You can jazz it up with accessories like Rihanna or Taylor Momsen.  If you want to exude rocker chic vibe-pile on different length necklaces , or be prim and proper in the board room-wear it with a jacket or belted sweater  and few strands of pearl necklace , be a country girl--wear it with boots and shorts... the possibilities are endless. 6. It will remind you of your night rendezvous with your boyfriend. Whether you want it plain or plaid, white or colored, the boyfriend shirt should have a

I am not a big fan of mascara but I would like to share this LashStash Mascara Deluxe Sampler at Sephora .  The set of 10 includes brands like Laura Mercier , Smashbox , Urban Decay , Sephora and others for only $39.  Use this together with Sephora Makeup Palette and you'll create tons of different looks.  This is real value for your money.

Studded, reminiscent of Roman gladiator sandals, and sky high shoes are the in thing right now and the designs are not limited to designer labels.  Any of the three options that I chose will satisfy your craving for this really chic trend. SPLURGE For those who are brand conscious, this Gucci Babouska   studded sandal is worth $1,295 in Neiman Marcus . SAVE   INC International Concept Shoes Deasy Sandals sells for $79 at  Macys .   STEAL  Sorry for the blurred picture, I am too excited to show my latest purchase (a gift for myself). I bought this for Php800 or roughly $16 at  SM Shoe Mart in the Philippines  This is not available online. Worry not.  You can still own a pair for $16.49 at Charlotte Russe --just look at these studded woven platform.   See, being a fabulous chic doesn't mean spending a fortune, you just have to be patient in finding other options.  

Forbes  released their list of the Most Powerful Women in the World for 2009 and I was half surprised to see Pres. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo's name on number 44.  Her term as the president of the Philippines will end on 2010 (hoping and praying).  Many have speculated that she will not give up the presidency because of her support to Charter Change but the Filipinos were mixed emotions when the news broke that she will actually run for a different office--Congress.  Her plan to run for Congress in Pampanga--her family's native province--did not make much positive reactions and commentaries from other politics and economists.  I mean, why?  With all the unsettled issues linked to her and her family, from the Hello Garci scandal , the ZTE Broadband Deal to the recent Maguindanao massacre , aren't those issues enough for her to swallow?  Just asking.

Can I include the Sephora Makeup Palette  in my Christmas Wish List?  This palette is packed with 36 powder eyeshadows , 12 lip colors , 3 powder blushes , and a bronzer --you can create unlimited number of looks with this!  The set's actual value is $120 but Sephora only sells this for $24. If you want something to buy for your friend, your sister or your mom, this is it... but once you grab hold of this, you might just keep it for yourself.

One of my New Year's resolutions is to save (more), it is hard but this is something that I would definitely commit myself into.  I needed a little bit more motivation to do this and I discovered something that would add a little excitement about saving for the rainy days.  I was browsing Avon 's catalog (Philippines) for December and I stumbled upon this Digital Coin Counting Money Jar that sells for Php499.  This device actually counts coins from 0.25 cents, 1.00 peso and 5.00 pesos.  This coin jar operates on two AA batteries and it displays the amount inside on an LCD.  How nice! This jar is also available in avon.com and you may choose the cheaper version for $9.99 or the one with control buttons for $14.99. I searched on where else you can buy this amazing product and I have found these sites for you to compare prices: ebay.com  makemorecents.com  shopping.com  amazon.com sears.com  target.com If you want to teach your kids the importance of saving money,

Wow!  Less than three weeks left before we bid goodbye to 2009 and welcome 2010.  Everyone has done their wish list.  Who doesn't want to receive something that  you really like?!  When I was a child, my mom and dad used to ask me what I want for Christmas and although I have the most absurd wish, they give me the closest thing to it. Technology fascinates me--from cellphones to computer and to just about anything that technology has to offer.  Although I do not have the latest gadgets, I always try to update my knowledge of the latest innovations from time to time.  I also love to read.  My fascination for technology and reading brought me to Kindle Wireless Reading Device. This device is sleek (just over 1/3 of an inch), weighs just about a typical paper back (10.2 ounces).  This lean but mean device can hold up to 1,500 books--that's a lot for a bookworm to handle.  You may order books on-line and you don't even need a computer to do this because it operates via wir

It is nearly Christmas and I haven't done my gift shopping for my friends and family.  I wanted to make every gift special, practical and budget friendly.  For those who lack the time (and budget), here are some holiday gift ideas for everyone. For your BFF,  Terre d'Oc Indian Beauty Pouch  comes with a makeup remover, a mascara and natural lip gloss sells for only $49.50 in macys.com .  The pouch handmade by Thai families in Chiang Mai province is so cute, your BFF can use it for other purpose. For dad, the USB mini fridge and heater will surely melt his heart.  He can work on his computer and sip a cup of hot coffee or cold soda by just plugging the mini fridge in the USB port.  This brilliant invention costs only $32. For mom who always prepare delicious and healthy meals, Curtis Stone's cooking workbench  is perfect.  This chopping board has compartments for the chopped ingredients that actually measures to about 1 cup and a stainless steel drawer