Strutting on Sunshine

Omakase’s American Dream and Boston Roll. #foodfavorites

Thu, 31 May 2012 15:03:13 +0800

Omakase’s American Dream and Boston Roll. #foodfavorites

Black and White

Tue, 29 May 2012 20:48:54 +0800

… and chic on the whole. Who says a black and white outfit equals boring? For one scorching summer day, I delved into good old fashioned black and white. It is a classic combination that one can never go wrong with. Another good thing about it is that by simply adding an interesting piece to your ensemble such as my zebra printed scarf, you’re all set to stylishly step out of the door.

What I wore: White graphic printed tank top, Black maxi skirt, Zebra printed scarf, Mustard yellow studded sandals and Alexander Wang inspired bag [Bangkok], Metallic hippie headband [Claire’s USA], Black round sunglasses and Stacked bangles [Random], Black bangle with gold details [Girlshoppe], Black stone ring [Forever 21 Singapore]

There is something truly breathtaking about weddings… I...

Tue, 29 May 2012 16:05:01 +0800

There is something truly breathtaking about weddings…

I am in awe how the romantic ceremony music seals the church filled with family and friends. How there is a steadfast sentiment of love in the air. How each guest gushes as the beautiful bride walks down the aisle and most specially how the groom smiles so genuinely when he sees his wife to be.

Life is a Party

Sun, 27 May 2012 20:19:15 +0800

I first adored sheer when it made waves through sheer tops. I loved how the see-through style was a perfect display of subtly sexy. As the trend went forward, it began to express transparency in a surprising way through the form of sheer overlay skirts.

With this leggy look, I fancied to have elegance as a feature by finishing off the whole ensemble with sparkles of silver and gems.

Hair and makeup capably done by my lovely little guru, Dana. <3

What I wore: Black sheer dress [Monday to Sunday], Gemstones bib necklace [Chick Flick], Dangling Chanel earrings [Mom’s gift], Charriol cable bracelet and ring [Gift], Silver ring and Silver pumps [Bangkok], Black monogram party clutch [Louis Vuitton]

Chic Communiqué Volume 2

Sun, 27 May 2012 09:43:06 +0800

Hello, sweethearts! Here’s another Chic Communiqué volume to keep you all well-run on what’s new around the Metro.

Putting her marvelous Meiday! Meiday! gigs in the past, Mei Bastes unquestionably knows how to come back with a blast. With her newest baby, DOPE MNL joining forces with legendary brand Dr. Martens, POPFEST is born. Showcasing the top talents of Manila’s music scene, join the festivity of pure, indie goodness by two daring DJs on top of ten brilliant bands. What’s more, free flowing food and drinks will be sponsored by Keg and StyleBible will be joining in the fun so dress up accordingly.

P.S. Coachella ang peg. ;)

POPFEST will be free-admission and will start on June 2nd, 2012 at 3 pm, The Fort Strip Plaza. See you!

Pocket friendly brand, Tomato recently started on promoting stylish Tomato Timepieces. Elegant, expensive looking and yes, you guessed it- within everyone’s means. With an unexpected price range of only P500 to P1,200 per piece, collecting watches will surely not cost you a fortune. Plus, Tomato Timepieces consist of Japan mechanisms and a one year warranty.

A watch sale is currently ongoing at Tomato Outlet Stores and Kiosks until June 17th, 2012. Buy 2 pieces of Tomato watches for only P700! What a steal!

Bloggers United Strikes Three! Third time truly is the charm for the most anticipated fashion bloggers event in the country! Bloggers United is staging their third bazaar this June 2nd to once again gather Manila’s top fashion bloggers in one single venue outside the World Wide Web. More than just a bazaar, Bloggers United also partners with charitable groups to use and channel their influence in a positive manner and has already lent a helping hand to KIDS Foundation and GMA Kapuso Foundation. This time around, the event will benefit Operation Smile Philippines.

The event gets better and better every time! To make Bloggers United 3 even more momentous, top Indonesian fashion blogger Anastasia Siantar of The Brown Platform will also be selling alongside Cebu fashion bloggers and our very own top celebrities Divine Lee & Sarah Meier.

So, if you love blog-reading and blog-hopping, Bloggers United is sure to be the perfect end-of-summer bazaar for you. Not only will you be able to bump elbows with your favorite bloggers but you will also be able to snag some of their own stylish statement pieces as they open their closets to sell to the public. See you!

Like Bloggers United on Facebook and follow them on Twitter.

P.S. Don’t forget to join my ongoing giveaways sponsored by Personalized Accessories, Pretty Little Thing and Chick Flick! ;)

What's in my Lunch Box?

Sat, 26 May 2012 11:14:00 +0800

Yes, just like a little kindergarten kid, I bring a lunch box to school. Amidst all of the tempting restaurants present around Taft, it’s so easy to give in and gain (unwanted) weight. :| Due to this fact, I try my best to choose what I eat. Here are some of the foods that you will regularly find in my lunch box.

Clockwise L-R:

M&M’s Bite Size Cookies- Who doesn’t love the crunch of a good cookie with a bonus sweetness of chocolate M&M’s?
Peanut butter and jelly sandwich- Forever one of my favorites but I prefer my PB&J on wheat bread. Butter and jelly taste just as yummy!
Nature Valley Oats ’N Honey Granola Bars- Kapag feeling diet. :)) But seriously, one bar is enough to fill my hungry tummy.
Del Monte 50 Calorie Mixed Fruit- A bit bland but being low in calories, this snack is not bad.
Libby’s Vienna Sausage- Another favorite of mine. #randomfact, I like eating this straight from the can. :p

This is me on an average school day. Welcome to La Salle, ID 112! How was your first day high? :)

What I wore: Neon orange tank dress and Gold deer ring [Hong Kong], Purple blazer, Pink thread dangle earrings and Cream and purple studded sandals [Bangkok], Black Pacman ghost necklace [Adorable], Black cross necklace [Young Wild Free], Gold studs bangle [Random], Brattoo Parlour lunch box [Bratz], Gray Stamped Bag GM [Louis Vuitton]

Ayala Style Origin 2012

Fri, 25 May 2012 12:12:55 +0800

I played photographer for RSSI as gorgeous beings fully clad in Topman, Topshop and Warehouse garb graced the runway at the Ayala Style Origin fashion show held last April 20th at Greenbelt 5. Here are my runway photographs from the stylish scene.

A Summer to Remember

Thu, 24 May 2012 21:39:03 +0800

One (and actually my favorite) challenge for RSSI’s League of Fashion 2012 was a short fashion film with notable blogger David Guison as our director, who I am personally a follower of. The theme that he gave us was “Fun Outdoor Summer” and everyone unquestionably had fun despite the baking heat of mister sun!

I was tasked to pullout clothes from Dorothy Perkins and this ensemble was what I came up with. One can never go awry with a chill white polo and it was a plus that DP’s threads were truly comfortable.

Roughly a month has passed and I already miss the League, as well as our Mommy Inez! I can’t wait for our Miss Selfridge get-together, guys! <3 Meanwhile, here’s our fun and fashionable film to keep you company.

Press play!

Young and Playful

Wed, 23 May 2012 21:50:28 +0800

Vivid is an online store that aims to cater to the needs of the young and playful by offering an assortment of tops in special cuts and prints, sure to suit every girl’s mood and personality.

Vivid’s Spring/Summer 2012 Collection consists of trendy tank tops that are just the thing for days when you want to dress comfortably but still be in style.

Like Vivid on Facebook and grab a one of a kind sando for yourself!

Pageant Princess

Tue, 22 May 2012 20:11:48 +0800

Taking cue from Topshop’s Pageant Princess Trend, I created this outfit on conversational prints and all things girly. Deviating from the “good girl gone bad” vibe by chucking out boots, leather jackets and grunge whatnots, I expressed my version of Pageant Princess through this tickled pink ensemble.

What I wore: White graphic printed tank dress and Hot pink heart clutch [Hong Kong], Hot pink military blazer and Hot pink platform heels [Bangkok], Black and pink tassel necklace [Hux], Gold ballerina dress ring [Bought online]

Pretty Little Thing Giveaway!

Sun, 20 May 2012 18:44:00 +0800

Here’s how it goes:

1. Add Pretty Little Thing on Facebook. (+1)

2. Follow Pretty Little Thing and me on Twitter. (+4)

3. Follow Strutting on Sunshine on Tumblr. (+1)

3. Tweet this: “Join @cristinadecena’s blog giveaway and win pretty little earrings from @PLittleThing! http://struttingonsunshine.tumblr.com/post/23406682913/pretty-little-thing-giveaway“ Please make sure that your Twitter profile’s set on public so that we can see your tweet. (+1)

4. Post about this giveaway on Facebook publicly. (+2)

5. IMPORTANT: Leave your name, Facebook URL, Twitter and Tumblr usernames, Tweet link, Facebook post link, Reblog link (optional) and your total number of entries on the Disqus comment box below this post. Please do not bluff as we will verify each entry before approving it. :)

For extra entries:

1. Reblog this post. (+2)

Deadline for entries is on June 20, 2012 at 11:59 PM. Winners will be chosen via Random.org and will be announced here on my blog. Giveaway is open to Philippine residents only. Best of luck to you, lovelies! <3

Summer Sunshine

Sat, 19 May 2012 09:57:17 +0800

The heat of summer sunshine… is nothing but cray! In order to beat the heat, I dressed in a stress-free sheer shirt and complemented its sunny yellow hue with touches of turquoise. This ensemble was what I wore to a spontaneous Sunday out with Gabby and my sister, Dana.

What I wore: Turquoise tube bandeau and Gray strappy cork wedges [Hong Kong], Yellow Cotton On sheer shirt [Gift], Brown high waisted shorts, Turquoise bracelet and Leopard print envelope handbag [Bangkok], Pink round sunglasses and Blue and Gold beads bracelets [Random], Turquoise stones and chains bib necklace [Pink Pvssy], YSL inspired Arty oval ring [Fashion Trends Collections]

Bonjour, mes chéris

Tue, 15 May 2012 14:44:27 +0800

Hello, my darlings! Here is an up-to-the-minute photo of me taken just a few moments ago. I will be heading to my Boxercise Class shortly but before that, I decided to answer each and every bit of your sweet messages that have filled my inbox for quite some time now. :)

P.S. Follow me on Instagram! <3 @cristinadecena

arrajurado: Hello, Arra! Bandage skirts are very versatile that you can actually pair them with almost anything, regardless of what shoes you’ll be wearing. I recommend casual crop tops, sexy sheer tops and corsets. Here, I made a collage just for you! Happy to help! :)

airajose: Hi, Aira! None taken! :) With regards to blogging, it is best that you discover your own special style. With countless blogs nowadays, you should be able to showcase what sets you apart from the rest. With regards to your body, dress in flattering threads, accentuate your waist and flaunt what you’ve got! Thanks, dearie! <3

thesabrinablog: Aww. Thank you, Sabrina. :”)

nikkiissh: Thank you, Nikki! I love your blog as well! :)

morphinetheory: Thank you, Celinne! You’re a pretty girl as well! ;)

lessclicheword: Both of them are beautiful and I’m such a fan of Petra! Heehee thank you, lovely. <3

thestrawtoyourberry: Awwee, this means a lot to me. Thank you so much, lovely! <3

thefashionstatement: Aww, thank you! What’s your name on Facebook so that I could confirm your friend request? :)

carmisalcedo: Thank you, Carmi! I use a Canon Rebel XSi and a Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 II lens. ;)

giselpinkgirl: Thank you! <3

artandhearts: Hi, Ava! Bangkok is such a beautiful country that anyone would love to come back to time and again. <3

travelersplayground: Cambodia, Hong Kong, Japan, Malaysia, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand, United States and Vietnam. Hopefully, I could visit more in the near future. :)

banawe: Hi, Nawe! I’m glad I got you giddy with my posts. Thailand is definitely a must-see. <3

missgan: It’s from Bangkok. I’m opening an online shop soon so please watch out for that! ;)

ayahcapalungan: Hello! In Bangkok, Thailand of course. :)

a-n-g-e-l-i-c-a-a: Thank you so much! <3

fairytaleheroine: My sister used to have an online shop. Will let you know when it’s up and running again! ;)

lifeisachoice: Thank you, I guess. :)

azzedinesadsad: You’re welcome, Azzedine! So do you! I hope to meet you soon. :)

nikkiwillinspireyou: Aww. <3 Love you, Nikki! Date again real soon! ;)

theharleyquinn: Of course, Vee. Ikaw pa! You’re welcome. :-*

abracalara: Hello! Granville Road, Cotton On and H&M are my favorites. :)

gogogopeacelovehappiness: Hello! I had my hair permed last January. Thank you, lovely! <3

leighinfante: Hi, Leigh! I’m eighteen while Dana’s sixteen. ;)

loveshugs: Thank you! <3

thriftchic: Aww! Love you, Kayra! Date super soon! ;)

wishingandhopeful: Aww! This means a lot. Thank you, Trish! :)

ultim8-bree: Thank you, Bree! I hope all is well with you too! ;)

artandhearts: Thank you, Ava! I always love reading your blog and seeing you during events. :”)

dollifieddreams: Hi, Guen! Send me a link and I’ll let you know. God bless you too! :)

fbtlmanila: Thank you, Daphne! I’d love to do a collaboration with you soon! :)

Ask me anything. Tell me anything. http://struttingonsunshine.tumblr.com/ask

Bandage Baby

Sun, 13 May 2012 15:22:21 +0800

I love how a bandage skirt exudes sexiness in a subtle way. It is a very versatile piece of clothing that I can’t help hoarding it in all prints and colors! As my bandage baby already hugged my curves, I chose to balance and match it up with a conversely loose-fitting top. Sparkly silver accents were the finishing touches to this ensemble.

What I wore: Black cropped top, Silver rhinestones over sized ring and Silver pumps [Bangkok], Peach leopard printed bandage skirt [Hong Kong], Prada Minimal Baroque inspired sunglasses [Nava], Gemstones bib necklace [Chick Flick], Silver Charriol cable bracelet and ring [Gift], Silver charm bracelets [Juicy Couture], Black Balenciaga Giant Work Bag [Milan Station HK]

Get your Brights On

Thu, 10 May 2012 19:43:21 +0800

“Girls have different sides to them, and I want this line to cater to all different styles and looks.”

As told by a fellow fashion blogger, beautiful Bea Benedicto who recently launched her very own clothing line, Alter/Ego. Go and get your brights on with her opening collection, Neon Invasion!

Like Alter/Ego on Facebook and follow on Twitter.

Hippie Vamp

Mon, 07 May 2012 17:09:00 +0800

Be prepared for a set of snapshots wherein I could pass as a legit vampire. A hippie vamp, that is. By now, you may have already noticed that the bohemian trend is something that I get stuck on customarily. Since it is all about looking like you just threw on threads in the blink of an eye, I definitely enjoy the free spirited vibe that comes with each ensemble along with the exceptional comfort it gives.

What I wore: Wolf graphic printed shirt, Multicolored braided belt, Rainbow tinted round sunglasses, Peacock necklace and Multicolored native bracelet [Bangkok], Royal blue maxi skirt [Local department store], Wooden bangle with silver studs [Claire’s USA], Stacked bangles [Random], Gold deer ring and Brown fringe bag [Hong Kong], Brown clogs [Local department store]

Good News

Thu, 03 May 2012 20:35:36 +0800

Remember my post about being interviewed for this year’s RSSI League of Fashion? For countless days, I was only hoping for the best but expecting the worst. Hence, imagine my happiness when I received this in my email!

April 10th arrived and my day was spent at Crowne Plaza’s Opal Room. There, I got to know my fellow league members and we were schooled on RSSI’s exclusive brands such as Warehouse, Ben Sherman, Dorothy Perkins, Topman and my favorite, Topshop. My fascinating learning for the day? Dorothy Perkins was named after a flower!

Personalized Accessories Giveaway!

Tue, 01 May 2012 23:27:00 +0800

Here’s how it goes:

1. Like Personalized Accessories on Facebook. (+1)

2. Follow Personalized Accessories and me on Twitter. (+4)

3. Follow Strutting on Sunshine on Tumblr. (+1)

3. Tweet this: “Join @cristinadecena’s blog giveaway and win trendy triangle necklaces from @itsPAofficial! http://struttingonsunshine.tumblr.com/post/22195099000/personalized-accessories-giveaway“ Please make sure that your Twitter profile’s set on public so that we can see your tweet. (+1)

4. IMPORTANT: Leave your name, Facebook URL, Twitter and Tumblr usernames, Tweet link, Reblog link (optional), Facebook post link (optional) and your total number of entries on the Disqus comment box below this post. Please do not bluff as we will verify each entry before approving it. :)

For extra entries:

1. Reblog this post. (+2)

2. Post about this giveaway on Facebook publicly. (+2)

Deadline for entries is on June 1, 2012 at 11:59 PM. Winners will be chosen via Random.org and will be announced here on my blog. Giveaway is open to Philippine residents only. Best of luck to you, lovelies! <3

Extra Leg Room

Tue, 01 May 2012 21:03:20 +0800

Bid adieu to your skinny jeans and say hello to the trendiest trouser in town. Palazzo pants are a fresh and fashionable alteration to the maxi skirt’s stress-free style. And in this case, the bigger the better! I paired mine with a crisp white shirt along with a polished belt to accentuate my waist. In addition, I went for a graceful and grown up look by putting my hair up in an effortless bun.

I got this Topshop canvas bag from the League of Fashion orientation. Cute, isn’t it? Say T for Tina! ;)

What I wore: White collared button down top [Thrifted], Khaki palazzo pants and H belt [Mom’s closet], Prada Minimal Baroque inspired sunglasses and Gold pumps [Bangkok], Rhinestone studded dangling earrings [Borrowed from my sister], Gold stacked bangles [Random], Lightning bolt ring [Chatuchak Weekend Market Bkk], White chain bag with gold studs [Malaysia]

Of party poppers, superhero friends and silly hats....

Tue, 01 May 2012 15:03:14 +0800

Of party poppers, superhero friends and silly hats. ♥xx

Spontaneous snapshots from Bea’s superhero surprise birthday bash. I miss you, crazy lady!