On the third day of Christmas, I wish I had these...

1. Jimmy Choo Biker Boot Fall/Winter 2009-2010, 2. Jimmy Choo Fall/Winter 2009-2010 Campaign, 3. Jane Aldridge for Sea of Shoes, 4. Rumi for Fashion Toast, 5. Emily for Cupcakes and Cashmere, 6. Jimmy Choo Fall/Winter 2009-2010 Campaign

 Leather, buckles and a whole lotta attitude; Harley Davidsons optional...the biker boot has got to be my favorite look for Fall/Winter '09.  From the runways of  Alexander Wang, Balmain, Gucci and the shoe god Jimmy Choo, they showed us that we need not be a greasy road-hogger to rock this look.

From dresses, shorts, jeans... these boots can actually go with almost anything in your closet. Take a clue from my favorite fashionistas Jane Aldridge, Emily and Rumi... Don't they just make you wanna go out and buy a pair?

Back to regular programming...

I'm still a little bit depressed over yesterday's drama, and a sure-fire way to get me to (slowly) move on are SHOES.

So what's for the Second Day of Christmas?

It's the YSL Cage Heels!

Introduced to us during the Yves Saint Laurent Spring-Summer '09 Collection, these futuristic heels received mixed reviews from the fashion world--others saw it as genius, while others cringed at it. Well, the YSL house is known for fashion innovation.

The term "shoes are made for walking" clearly does not include the Cage Heels, as they have 4.5 inch heels that will make you look like a Greecian goddess, but I can only imagine the punishment it will put your peds through. If you're the type to suffer for fashion, then I guess the torture is worth it.

In fact, Hollywood celebrities were all over the "Cage Rage" (sorry, can't help it)--from Kim Kardashian to Beyonce to Shoe Queen Jane Aldridge.

In my opinion, The Cage is just that--a rage, and it is unlikely that it will reach iconic status. Much like the jelly sandals fad of the early 2000's, it is just way too trendy to have the longevity of say, ballet flats. But knowing fashion, I'm sure it will be reincarnated and revamped 10 years from now.

But that doesn't mean it's not drool-worthy and I wouldn't love to have one (if I can afford the steep price tag). But as far as practicality goes, I think I'd settle for inspired by versions.

I never imagined this day would come...

In case some of you don't know, I'm a huge Apple loyalist. I have been working with Apple machines since I was 7, working on my Dad's ancient Macintosh Classic, so it's no surprise that Apple is my brand of choice because:

    1. It's very reliable. It won't crash or get viruses unlike PCs and PC-based gadgets.

    2. The design is superb, thanks to Apple's Golden Boy Johnny Ive.

    3. Let's face it, Steve Jobs just comes up with all these cool gadgets that you would have to have.

So for years, I've been pretty much happy with all the Apple products I've had my whole life--from my ancient Grape iMac to my 5th Gen U2 iPod...till now.

The U2 iPod was pretty much a dream come true for me--a collaboration between the two gods of my life--the rock gods of U2 and the geek god that is Steve Jobs. The ultimate dream team for I was a U2 and Apple fanatic.

Plus it didn't hurt that it also had the coolest design: black case front and back, with a red click wheel and U2's autographs laser etched at the back.

I was so excited for it that I actually went on leave the day it was released and dragged Biker Boi to the nearest Power Mac Center so I can buy myself one. I've been really happy with it for the past 2 (give or take) years I've had it, till I was about to update it the other day and saw this:

It was the iPod sad face, and from what I've heard, it was the Mac equivalent to the blue screen of death. Oh no! I panicked, since this was the first time I've encountered a problem with any of my Apple gadgets. But I was still hopeful and optimistic as I handed it over to the Apple Service Center technician for repair. It can still be fixed, right?

Turns out I was dead wrong. I just received a call from my Apple technician today, and apparently, my beloved U2 iPod had a busted dock connector, and for that, they would need to replace the whole motherboard. I was advised against having it repaired, since the cost for a new motherboard is almost the same price as a new iPod. I can hardly believe my ears because this never happens with an Apple product...this never happens! I felt my happy Apple bubble pop.

I was offered a trade-in where I would hand over my U2 iPod and be given the iPod Classic as a replacement, for 10% off the regular price. It would have been a good deal except this was the U2 iPod we're talking about. It has U2's-FREAKIN-BONO'S SIGNATURE at the back! No way I would hand it over... Besides, with the news of U2 leaving Apple, my iPod can actually be a collector's item (if you can even call a gadget that). So with tears welling up in my eyes, I grudgingly told them to just ship back the damn thing--broken motherboard and all.

I'm still in denial about the whole thing. I still can't believe that my beloved iPod is beyond repair. I still can't believe that for the first time in years, Apple failed me. Why oh why oh why oh why oh why?!?

Damn you Steve Jobs for making me so dependent on your technology!
Damn you Johnny Ive for making me drool over your designs!
Damn you Bono (and U2) for leaving Apple for Blackberry!

Now excuse me while I search eBay for a replacement U2 iPod...in the meantime, any ideas what I can do with a dead 'Pod?

On the first day of Christmas, what I'm craving for...

... Dr. Martens Vintage Floral Boots!

1. Dr. Martens Vintage Floral boots, 2. The Cherry Blossom Girl, 3. Sienna Miller for Nylon Magazine, 4. The Sartorialist

Dr. Martens was the "it" shoe during the grunge era of the 90's. Back when Nirvana, Hole and Pearl Jam ruled the airwaves,  it  was rare to see anyone on the street not wearing a pair. It gave a whole new meaning for bang for your buck, since these babies are really durable (my old pair is actually still alive in my shoe closet).

When the new millennium rolled in and pointed toe shoes came in, Dr. Martens suddenly lost is popularity till it (almost) disappeared. Till now.


Nylon Magazine did a fashion spread with Sienna Miller for their July 2009 issue, where she sported revamped versions of the Dr. Martens boots of the 90's. Candy-colored, vintage floral prints...it was Dr. Martens like you've never seen before.


A sure attention-grabber, it was a hit among the fashionistas from Milan to Paris--the Vintage Floral Boots quickly became one of Spring/Summer '09's most coveted boots, as these funky D.M.'s were limited editions.
All that clamor for an almost-dead boot? Now that's what I call resurrection.

Instead of a partridge in a pear tree...

12 Shoes of Christmas by qtea.angel featuring Burberry shoes

I prefer shoes!!!

Let's countdown the days till Christmas by looking back at the best shoes of 2009.

 That's starting tomorrow!

How the Grinch turned into an Elf

Endless deadlines, stress and drama turned me into a Scrooge this year.  Despite the nippy weather, this year didn't feel like Christmas to me. I assumed that as I got older, the magic of Christmas will fade, since Christmas is for kids. Plus I am already imagining the credit card bill that will come along with this holiday, which will probably make me faint and hyperventilate. Till I saw this on my desk this morning:

My first Christmas gift for this year!

 

Dark Chocolate! My favorite!

 

Now it feels like Christmas!

Have a chocolate-y Christmas everyone!

Who's crazy enough?

"Because the people who are crazy enough to think they can change the world, are the ones who do."

- Apple Computer 1997 Think Different Campaign

My younger brother's running for Quezon City District 4 Councilor in next year's elections.

I tell him he's out of his mind.

He tells me he's gonna make a difference.

I tell him he's crazy.

He tells me I'm empathic.

Idealistic little him.

Jaded little me.

And then I read this.

And I went out and registered.

To bag or not to bag?

Unlike most women my age, I was never really obsessed with bags. Primarily because in the line of work that I'm in, practicality and function always comes first before fashion (since I can't really fit my 12-inch iBook, dozens of DV tapes and lots and lots of scripts in a purse). Plus the fact that I tend to literally forget EVERYTHING when I'm in a shoot, so the only option for me really is this:

My trusty Camelbak H.A.W.G. (that's short for Holds A lot of Water and Gear)

I really love my Camelbak, since it can hold everything (plus it comes with a hydration pack in case I get thirsty). Never mind that I look like a dork and it usually clashes with my outfits, at least I don't have to worry about losing my stuff whenever I'm out since it's strapped to my back all the time. I'm actually pretty content with it. That is until I saw this:

The Balenciaga Giant Work bag in Baby Blue

 I think that was the only time that I really fell in love with a bag. For me it has everything: gorgeous color and material,  spacious enough to haul all my stuff and so fashionable that A-listers are huge fans:

 Never leave home without it: La Lohan and Nicole Richie

 As to be expected, the Giant Work bag costs an arm and a leg. Last time I checked, it was going for 1,825 USD (roughly Php 98,550). Seriously. That's like the price of a second-hand car. So I already accepted the fact that I will never be able to own one (unless I become a millionaire or something). Or settle for knock-offs. But I really don't want to do that.

So imagine my surprise when me and The Biker Boi went to the mall the other day and saw this at G-Force:

The Oakley Hotness Bag

I was never really an Oakley fan (though The Biker Boi is obsessed with it) but the Hotness made my heart skip a beat. Who knew Oakley was capable of producing a fashionable bag (since they're a sportswear brand)?! It looks like the Balenciaga Giant Work, but it's not really a knock-off--more like inspired by it. And the price almost made me wanna cry. It retails for 75 USD (around Php 3,375), that's 1,750 USD difference!

Just when I was about to get it, The Biker Boi  stopped me and pointed out 3 reasons why I should hold off my purchase:

1. He thinks it still costs too much for a handbag.

2. It might be the "it" look now, but that might not be the case next year.

3. He wants me to wait for the Oakley sale next year coz I might be able to get it at half the price.

He did have a point, so I (reluctantly) returned the bag. I am after all, a reformed shop-a-holic. :D

But it's been days and I can't stop thinking about it, and staring at it at the Oakley website. Part of me wants to get it right now, but the other half is telling me to wait. So which part of me will win?  Let's wait and see.

P.S. Christmas is around the corner and I've been good this year... Hopefully Santa will read my post and send me one? :D