Thank God! I'm Not Cinderella

                                                                 

   by disneyclips.com

When I think about the story of Cinderella, the first thing that comes to my mind are her Glass Slippers, and how it accidentally slipped of her foot while running away from the Prince.

Sometimes I even think that her fairy godmother made a mistake by giving her a pair that was a size too big.

Honestly, It actually must have been very embarrassing for her to lose a shoe while running away from her prince charming (because it's not Romantic at all). It's a good thing that it has actually never happened to me (both losing a shoe and having to run away from my Prince).

So why did I suddenly think of Cinderella...Well, as I woke up today, I felt uneasy because my room was cluttered up with boxes and boxes of different shoes, so I decided to arrange them and sort them out. I discovered that this year alone, I have purchased so many shoes some of which I have never even worn yet...

I decided to write about my favorite shoes this 2011

I bought these in Robinson's Galleria last May during my Birthday. The colors and style really caught my attention as the perfect Summer shoes. They are comfortable and give you just the right amount of height. I honestly couldn't decide which one to buy, so I bought both pairs, which were luckily on SALE

      when it was brand new

  after 7 months of wearing it every day

Fitflops are really expensive but worth it. I'm very happy that a close friend gave me a pair during my birthday. It's comfortable and can be worn with almost anything (jeans, shorts, skirts, leggings etc). It's really good to invest in a pair since it's very durable. They say it gets you toned up, but after seven month of wearing it, I cannot fully promise that it will...

I got this pair of Aldo pumps in a Shoe addict sale which I went to with my sister and friends. You may visit their page on Facebook for updates on the next venue and date of the SALE. Shoe Addict sells branded shoes for half the price.  I was luckily invited by my friends and placed on the guest list last July, when they had their once a year Shoe Addict Buy 1 Take 1 Sale (2 pairs for the price of 1).

My first ever NUDE pumps... a must have in every closet came from BRASH in Payless. It's a bit pricey, but it's really worth it. It elongates your legs and gives you added height. It will fit any of your outfits, and looks great on anyone.
Brash also released pumps with animal prints, unfortunately, they were sold out quickly...

My hot pink Parisian heels. I got this pair for the Erzullie Fashion Show last November.It's affordable and comfortable. I wore this even during our practices for the Fashion Show, so I can guarantee its durability... It surely will catch your ATTENTION!

I got this pair of Knee Length boots in Schu during their closing sale in Robinson's Galleria. I got it for less than a thousand. As a plus size, it's usually very difficult to find boots that would fit my legs, but this one, fits perfectly...

My reliable, stylish and one of a kind, Baker boots... This came all the way from the United States. It was given by my best friend's mom! It goes perfectly with shorts or skinny jeans... I'll surely bring this beautiful pair of boots to Korea next year since  I rarely get to wear them because it's very hot here in the Philippines, but every time the weather gets a bit cooler, you'll surely see me in this.

When my good friend, Rina went to Korea last November, she brought me home a pair of pink pumps... I seriously love the color and style!

My sexy strappy heels from People are People. I got this at 80% off...Thank God for discounts!

and the best shoes ever...my mom and dad's Christmas gift for me this 2011...Brash Glitter Pumps! It's FIERCE, SEXY and COMFORTABLE...Thank you mom and dad for this FANTABULOUS GIFT! It's expensive, but it made me smile!



The next pairs are not new at all...but are all time favorites:

My Pink Nike SB ordered from abroad

For my outdoor activities...Since I love PINK, even my sneakers have to be pink!

My super sexy Marks and Spencer Boots

This is perfect for your knee length pencil cut skirt... I look very professional in this pair!

Tips on How To Get the Perfect Shoes

1. Don't just fit the shoes, walk around with both for at least 2 to 3 minutes. It's not enough to just see if it fits, you have to feel the shoes and make sure the height is just right!

2. Buys shoes late in the afternoon after your feet have expanded from all the standing and walking you have done throughout the day. 

3. If the shoes are tight when you buy it, don't expect it to fit better after some time. You will only hurt your feet in the process. You must not buy anything that's to loose either. It will be definitely difficult to walk in if they're big (I don't think you want to be the next Cinderella right?) When you buy it, it must fit perfectly.

4. Buy from trusted brands. Buying cheap shoes that won't last will only end up making you spend for more. When shoes come from trusted brands and cost a bit, you are guaranteed of Quality...

5. Buy classic pieces that will go with almost all your clothes in your closet so that you could maximize those shoes.

Just a few tips:

1. Before I wear really high shoes, I dab a bit of Sunflower Oil from Human Nature on my foot. This lessens the pain caused by the friction from your high heels.

2. When the back part of my pumps hurt the back of my ankles, I add a dab of petroleum jelly to the back of the shoes so that it would glide smoothly on my feet.

3. After a long day on your high heels, lie on your back with your feet raised (if possible resting on the wall) for about 15 minutes. This will prevent varicose veins and will help with your blood circulation : )

To end my blog, I'd just like to say, that wearing the perfect shoes can add the extra dazzle to your outfit and accentuate it, but wearing the wrong one, can actually break your best outfit, so be careful with your shoe choices.
But more than style, you must think of comfort. If you have the greatest shoes ever but can't walk in them then it's a waste. Remember, it's very obvious when one is having a hard time walking with the shoes she has on! It isn't sexy or flattering at all. Therefore if you can't wear it then don't : )

Unlike Cinderella, if I lose a shoe, I wouldn't have to worry because I have so many more to wear : ) I guess I consider myself lucky with shoes but not with Prince Charming : ) Well. Just like Cinderella, we can't have it all

Until next time, Fierce Ladies

XoXo

Andrea

Where Can Plus Size Women In The Philippines Shop?

I won't lie and tell you that it has been easy to find FIERCE and FLATTERING clothes here in the Philippines, where most people are a size 0 to a size 10.

Yes! Unfortunately, most Filipinos are very thin, which makes it more difficult for Plus Size women like me to find trendy outfits.

I can still remember how my father hated accompanying me to malls to buy clothes because when I was young nothing would fit.

Aside from that, I honestly have to admit that a lot of Plus Size Brands have disappointed me since the clothes they sell show that they don't really know the BODY of a Plus Size Woman...

Most clothes I have seen/ bought are either ill-fitting or make me look heavier, which is something I don't really need.

I have tried having my own clothes sewn personally for me, but the seamstress never gets it right. They never get the look I want to achieve, and I end up wasting a lot of money for clothes I'll never wear.

I am not the typical Plus Size woman who settles for whatever is there! I search, and I don't stop until I look like The Most Fashionable Confident Woman in the room.

Outfit searching is very difficult during the Christmas Season when there are  a lot of parties to attend, and during the Summer Season when everyone is excited to come out in their sexiest swimwear, but times have changed and the Plus Size of today are more fortunate.

To all Plus Size women who have the same dilemma, I have decided to come up with a list of stores I admire so that just like me, you could look FIERCE as ever.

My Top Plus Size favorites

Marks and Spencer

Yes! They definitely are expensive, but believe me when I say that it is WORTH IT!. Slacks I have purchased 3 or 4 years ago still looks as good as when I bought it.

In Marks and Spencer, you pay for Quality and Classic Styles. You'll never go wrong with your purchases here.

Most of my office attire like slacks and blouses come from Marks and Spencer because of the very classic designs that never go out of style.

For those who are on a budget, I suggest that you stay up to date on their GREAT ANNUAL SALE. This is the time when clothes go from 50 to 70% off.

Dorothy Perkins

It's a bit cheaper than Marks and Spencer, and styles are FIERCE and HIP, but choices are fewer. Just like Marks and Spencer, don't forget to watch out for their SALE. I was able to purchase jeans, which originally was marked as 1,200 pesos, for 350 pesos. It was surely a great buy!  

Robinson's Galleria Department Store

I have found great buys inside Robinson's Galleria. I really enjoy Dresses from Margaux (I hope I got it right haha). Dresses range from 1,00-1,500, but are very stylish. They also fit perfectly though there aren't so many choices.  I used to like Julia, but they haven't been updating their styles.

Honestly, there is a wide plus size section in Robinson's Galleria, but some styles are very old, and make me look fatter than what I already am. 

SM Department Store

I really love the clothes in SM Department Store, but this year their clothes have been more expensive than usual. 

If you're on a budget and in a hurry to find a perfect outfit, you'll never go wrong by visiting SM, where literally "They've  Got It All For You", which is the brands motto.
Well, not all SM Department stores are the same. I prefer SM Cubao, Megamall or MOA since the latest clothes come out there first.

Brands I like inside SM:

Ladies' Cirlce

Maldita X

Tubby

They use to carry a brand called SHE, which is by Plains and Prints. They had amazing clothes, but closed a year or two ago.

Forever 21

This is the Fashion Haven of plus Size Women. Because of Forever 21, Plus Size Women were given a chance to dress as sexy as everyone else.

My very first tube dress came from Forever 21. After my first purchase, I make sure to visit their store in SM Megamall at least once every month.

They have a wide variety of clothes, and styles are very up to date!

Forever 21 is a dream come true for the Plus Size Fashionistas.

Greenhills Shopping Center

Greenhills Shopping Center is my favorite for Export Overruns! No other bazaar has come close to offering such a wide variety of Plus Size Clothes.

I have bought skirts, slacks, summer dresses, swimsuits and even FORMAL dresses in this place. Some stores can be quite expensive so don't forget to haggle!

I have purchased a dress which originally cost 1,200 pesos, for only 600. (ALWAYS GIVE YOUR PRICE, and DON"T IMMEDIATELY JUST SETTLE) haha

TOP 1 PLUS SIZE CLOTHING

ERZULLIE

The name speaks for itself (SELF-LOVE)

If you're CONFIDENT and FIERCE, this is the brand for you.

Their clothes are like no other, and the designers are the best people I have ever met. They truly care for every Plus Size Woman out there, and they want each and everyone to know that you are SPECIAL and BEAUTIFUL no matter what.

For the designers, Aries and Berna, it's not about the money, but about reaching out to all the FIERCE PLUS SIZE WOMEN out there.

I was given the rare opportunity to represent this brand in Empressario Manila's Runway Show. It was a dream come true, which was made possible by the AWESOME ERZULLIE FAMILY. Not only do they have the most stylish clothes, but I discovered and became part of Plus Size Family who knows what it is to be a Plus Size Woman.

Their clothes are WORTH IT, priced reasonably and their styles are ONE of a KIND!

I can see a great promising future ahead for this Brand... 

Please wait for their RESORTS 2012 Collection!

My life will never be the same again...Thanks to ERZULLIE!

Please visit their website erzullie.multiply.com

Remember ladies, beauty comes from within. It doesn't matter what size, shape, color you are. If you believe in yourself then everything else will follow! Don't ever doubt yourself just because you look different. Beauty comes from DIVERSITY!

Until next time Fierce Ladies!

XoXo

Andrea